Arbuthnot, Marriot (1711?-1794) to George Washington
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04758 Author/Creator: Arbuthnot, Marriot (1711?-1794) Place Written: HMS Royal Oak off New York, New York Type: Letter signed Date: 21 April 1781 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32.7 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Admiral Arbuthnot as commander of British naval forces in America to Washington as commander of the Continental Army. References Washington's letter of 25 January 1781 where he expressed anger over the treatment of American naval prisoners of war. Arbuthnot claims an inquiry was held that vindicated their treatment and feeding, which he validates on "my honor." Claims Washington "must have seen" the testimonies of the inquiry. Retorts with accusations against British naval prisoners in Philadelphia by Commissary General of Prisoners Thomas Bradford. Claims prisoners are experiencing "inhumanity" under Bradford. Will not burden Washington with a list of grievances, but asks that the sailors be fed more than salted clams. One of the long edges has tape about three-fourths of the way down.
Royal Oak, Off New York,
21st: April 1781.
Sir,
If I had not been very busy when I Received your Letter dated the 25th. of January last, complaining of the treatment of the Naval Prisoners at this place, I certainly should have Answered it before this time; And Notwithstanding I then thought, as I now do, that my own Testimony would have been sufficient to have put the truth past a doubt, I ordered the strictest Scrutiny to be made into the Conduct of all parties concerned in the Victualling and treatment of those unfortunate people. - Their several testimonies you must have seen, And I give you my honor, the transaction was conducted with such strict care and impartiality that you may rely on it's Validity. -
[2] Permit me now Sir, to request that you will take the proper Steps, to cause Mr. Bradford your Commissary, and the Jailor of Philadelphia, to abate of that inhuman<ity> which they have, and do exercise indiscrimina<te>ly upon all people, who are so unfortuna<te> as to be carried into that place. -
I will not trouble you Sir, with a Catalogue of grievances further than to request that the unfortunate may feel as little of the Severities of War, as the Circumstances of the time will permit, that in future they may not be fed in the Winter with salted Clams, and that they may be afforded a Sufficiency of Food. -
I am
Sir,
Your most obedient
& humble Servant
Mt. Arbuthnot
General Washington
& c. & c. & c.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.