Resolution Warning British of Retaliation Measures against Prisoners-of-War (January 13, 1778)

[13 January 1778]

Resolved, therefore, nemine contra dicente, That the Speaker of both Houses of Assembly, be empowered and desired to recommend this subject to the immediate attention of the honorable the American Congress, and submit it to their wisdom, whether it is not now become necessary to set apart and reserve a proper number of British prisoners, and to give the enemy due notice that they shall share the same treatment, and suffer whatever punishment shall be inflicted upon the American prisoners in Great Britain; and that in the mean time they will be pleased to direct their agents in Europe to make proper provision for the support of the said Capt. Harris and Capt. Dick, or any other officers, soldiers or sailors, citizens of this Commonwealth, who now are, or hereafter may be, prisoners in Great Britain or Ireland, the charge of which this Commonwealth will make good.