ppiness to write something
to the above purpose to some of the Congress here with directions (if
such can be done) to forward said orders after us. I have also been
depressed of the horse I held, and hath little chance of getting
another. To walk on foot is what I never can do the length of
Philadelphia. What you can do in the above different affairs will be
adding to your former favors. Hoping you will pardon freedom wrote in
a hurry. I am with real Esteem and respect

Honble Sir,
Your very obedt. Servt.
Allen MacDonald."[67]

June 28, 1776, Allen MacDonald of Kingsborough, was permitted, after
signing a parole and word of honor to go to Reading, in Berks
county.[68] At the same time the Committee of Safety

"Resolved, That such Prisoners from North Carolina as choose, may be
permitted to write to their friends there; such letters to be
inspected by this Committee; and the Jailer is to take care that all
the paper delivered in to the Prisoners, be used in such Letters, or
returned him."[68]

The action of the Committee of Safety was approved by the Continental
Congress on July 9th, by directing Kingsborough to be released on
parole;[69] and on the 15th, his son Alexander was released on parole
and allowed to reside with him.

Every attempt to exchange the prisoners was made on the part of the
Americans, and as they appear to have been so unfortunate as to have no
one to intercede for them among British officers, Kingsborough was
permitted to go to New York and effect his own exchange, which he
succeeded in doing during the month of November, 1777, and then
proceeded to Halifax, Nova Scotia.[70]

The Highland officers confined in prison became restive, and on October
31, 1776, presented a memorial, addressed to the North Carolina members
of the Continental Congress, which at once met with the approval of
William Hooper:

"Gentlemen: After a long separation of eight months from our Families
& Friends, We the undersubscribers, Prisoners of war from North
Carolina now in Philadelphia Prison, think ourselves justifiable at
this period in applying to your Honours for permission to return to
our Families; which indulgence we will promise on the Faith & honour
of gentlemen not to abuse, by interfering in the present disputes, or
aiding or assisting your enemies by word, writing, or action.

This request we have already laid before Congress wh