In Council of Safety
Philadelphia December 21 1776 —
Mr Davis Bevan having informed the board that Captain Hamond commander of His Majestys Ship the Roebuck had a number of Prisoners on board His Ship that were taken out of Trading Vessels belonging to the United States of America, and that he was desirous of Exchanging them for an equal number of like prisoners, subjects of Great Britain. But it having been the uniform practice of this State to release all such prisoners immediately on their arrival in this City, leaving them to their Liberty to enter the Me11chant service if they chose or otherwise dispose of themselves; this board therefore have it not in their power to make any such exchange, But it is Resolved.
That this Council will deliver over to the Order of Captain Hamond or any other officer of the King of Great Britain an equal number of such prisoners as he may release of the Subjects of these States whenever this Council shall have it in their power.
Extract from the Minutes
Jacob Howell Secretary
Mr Davis Bevan
1. Hamond, Orders issued, 1776-1777, UVL. This extract was supplied to Bevan to be delivered to Captain Hamond at the Delaware Capes.
