Philadelphia, June 17, 1776
Sir
An application has been made to this Board by a number of persons, prisoners on board the Liverpool, to negotiate their exchange for the seamen belonging to the King's ships, and are now prisoners in this city. The persons who apply for this exchange are either such as have been taken on board merchant ships, or boats that ply in the river and bay. This Committee think that able seamen, taken on board the King's ships, are very improper to be exchanged for such persons as make this application; and as the enemy are at this time great distressed for seamen, an exchange would be prejudicial to the general service. This Committee would be glad to have the sentiments of Congress upon this matter as soon as possible.
By order of the Committee
John Nixon, Chairman
1. John Hancock Papers, LC.