University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

8967. WAR (Prisoners of), Exchange of.—

I am sorry to learn that the negotiations
for the exchange of prisoners have proved abortive,
as well from a desire to see the necessary
distresses of war alleviated in every possible
instance, as that I am sensible how far yourself
and family are interested in it. Against this,
however, is to be weighed the possibility that we
may again have a pleasure we should otherwise,
perhaps, never have had—that of seeing you
again. [511]
To General de Riedesel. Washington ed. i, 241. Ford ed., ii, 303.
(R. 1780)

 
[511]

General Riedesel, commander of the Hessian
troops, captured at Saratoga, was among the prisoners
sent to Albemarle, in 1779, and, with many of
his fellow officers, was a frequent guest at Monticello.
They all expressed their deep obligations to
Jefferson for the courtesies extended to them and
the efforts made by him to lighten the hardships of
their captivity.—Editor.