December 1, 1812.
Sir: Since the sailing of the last cartels, in which you were pleased to send home several Americans, who had been in His Britannic Majesty's service, others who are now on board of the Centurion and Statira have requested of me to procure their discharge, and to be sent home.
Will you, sir, have the goodness to direct an inquiry, and order the release of such as are citizens of the United States?
Besides the enclosed list, I am told there are others whose names I have not.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
JOHN MITCHELL, Agent.
Copy of a letter from Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, to John Mitchell, Esq., Agent for American Prisoners of War at Halifax, dated
December 1, 1812.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date, respecting some men, therein mentioned, on board His Majesty's ships under my command, said to be citizens of the United States, and in reply, beg to acquaint you, that whenever I have received representations from the captains of His Majesty's ships of any part of their crews being citizens of America, with sufficient proof of their nativity, I have directed their discharge from the service.
I must observe to you that I cannot permit the interference of any applications from men belonging to His Majesty's ships, but through their commanding officers: and in your department, of prisoners of war only, I shall at all times be most happy to receive your communications.