Revolutionary War-dated ALS signed “Cornwallis,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, May 31, 1782. Handwritten letter to Henry Laurens, the former president of the Continental Congress, regarding his release from parole as a prisoner of war. In full: "My friend Major Ross having proposed to take a trip to Paris, I have desired him to wait upon you about a business, which you will easily believe I am very anxious to have accomplished, I mean my release. If you should have met with some difficulties, in your conversation with Dr. Franklyn, than you expected, he may perhaps propose some expedient that may remove them. Your endeavouring to facilitate this affair, with be considered by me as the strongest personal obligation." Docketed on the reverse in Laurens's hand: "Earl Cornwallis, 31st May 1782, delivered to me at Hotel York in Paris by Mr. Oswald 9th Decemb. 1782, Answ'd immediately." In fine condition.
Henry Laurens had been captured by the British during a diplomatic mission in 1780, charged with treason, and imprisoned in the Tower of London. With the assistance of Benjamin Franklin and his business partner, Richard Oswald, Laurens was released from the Tower of London on December 31, 1781, in anticipation of the release of Cornwallis. Although Cornwallis was returned to London as a prisoner of war on parole, he would not secure his complete freedom until the articles of peace were signed. A remarkable letter related to one of the most high-profile prisoner exchanges of the American Revolution.
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