Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 [Warrant for release of Abraham Bell]

The first part of this note, on the first page, is written on behalf of Knox in the secretarial hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. The note describes the circumstances of Abraham Bell, formerly of New York State, who has been captured as a prisoner of war by a militia group (Knox mentions that Bell has "been indicative of his intention of leaving the enemy," suggesting he was a loyalist). After being captured, Bell was taken ill and sent to the hospital. While largely recovered, Bell fears he would get worse if sent back to prison, so has applied to Knox to be given to the custody of Moses Deusinberé, Esq. (presumably a lawyer), who has "represented many favorable circumstances concerning the prisoner." Deusinberé will retain custody of Bell for fourteen days, at which point he must make a presentation to the state Governor; "At the expiration of the said fourteen days the said Moses Deusinberé Esq. is to render the said Bell to me at this garrison or produce his discharge from the governor." On the verso are two notes. The first, dated 26 October 1782, an autograph note signed, by Governor George Clinton, declares that the board to which Knox should apply about Bell is the Commission of Conspiracies for West Chester County. The second, dated 29 October 1782, an autograph note signed, by Israel Honeywell, one of the Commissioners, also discusses how Bell will be delivered to the custody of Deusinberé.