"I own," he says,
"that after I had entered on my department, the applications of the
Prisoners were so numerous, and their distress so urgent, that I
exerted every nerve to obtain supplies, but in vain--Excepting L600 I
had received from the Secret Committee in Bills of exchange, at my
first entrance into the Office--I could not by any means get a
farthing more, except in Continental Money, which was of no avail in
New York. I applied to the General describing my delicate Situation
and the continual application of the Officers, painting their extreme
distress and urging the assurance they had received that on my
appointment I was to be furnished with adequate means for their full
relief. The General appeared greatly distressed and assured me that it
was out of his power to afford me any supplies. I proposed draining
Clothing from the public stores, but to this he objected as not having
anything like a sufficient supply for the Army. He urged my
considering and adopting the best means in my power to satisfy the
necessities of the Prisoners, and he would confirm them. I told him I
knew of no means in my Power but to take what Monies I had of my own,
and to borrow from my friends in New York, to accomplish the desirable
purpose. He greatly encouraged me to the attempt, promising me that
if I finally met with any loss, he would divide it with me.
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