ong was pleased to detain his mare at Halifax when sent
prisoner from thence to here. Sorry to dwell so long upon so
disagreeable a subject."[62]

This letter was submitted to the Continental Congress on September 7th,
when it "Resolved, That he be allowed four days to prepare for his
journey; That a copy of that part of his Letter respecting his treatment
in North Carolina, be sent to the Convention of that State."[63]

Notwithstanding General Sir William Howe had agreed to make the
specified exchange of prisoners, yet in a letter addressed to
Washington, September 21, 1776, he states:

"The exchange you propose of Brigadier-General Alexander, commonly
called Lord Stirling, for Mr. McDonald, cannot take place, as he has
only the rank of Major by my commission; but I shall readily send any
Major in the enclosed list of prisoners that you will be pleased to
name in exchange for him."[64]

As Sir William Howe refused to recognize the rank conferred on General
McDonald, by the governor of North Carolina, Washington was forced,
September 23, to order his return, with the escort, to Philadelphia.[65]
But on the same day addressed Sir William Howe, in which he said:

"I had no doubt but Mr. McDonald's title would have been
acknowledged, having understood that he received his commission from
the hands of Governor Martin; nor can I consent to rank him as a
Major till I have proper authority from Congress, to whom I shall
state the matter upon your representation."[65] That body, on
September 30th, declared "That Mr. McDonald, having a commission of
Brigadier-General from Governor Martin, be not exchanged for any
officer under the rank of Brigadier-General in the service either of
the United States or any of them."[66]

On the way from North Carolina to Philadelphia, while resting at
Petersburg, May 2, 1776, Kingsborough indited the following letter:

"Sir: Your kind favor I had by Mr. Ugin (?) with the Virginia money
enclosed, which shall be paid if ever I retourn with thanks, if not I
shall take to order payment. Colonel Eliot who came here to receive
the prisoners Confined the General and me under a guard and sentries
to a Roome; this he imputes to the Congress of North Carolina not
getting Brigadier Lewes (who commands at Williamsburg) know of our
being on parole by your permission when at Halifax. If any
opportunity afford, it would add to our ha