Summarize General Washington’s message in your own words in at least five sentences.

General George Washington, reporting to the Continental Congress, December 25, 1779:

"I have the honor to the day before your Excellency the representation of a certain Elizabeth Burgin late an inhabitant of New York. From the testimony of different persons and particularly many of our officers, who have returned from captivity, it would appear that she has been indefatigable for the relief of the Prisoners, and in measures for the facilitation of their escape. As a consequence of this conduct, she incurred the suspicions of the enemy and was finally compelled to make her escape, under the distressing circumstances that she describes. I could not forbear recommending to consideration, a person who has risked so much and been so friendly to our officers and privates, especially, as to this we must attribute her present situation.


From the sense I entertained of her services and sufferings, I have ventured to take the liberty of directing the Commissary at Philadelphia to furnish her and her children with rations, 'till the pleasure of Congress could be known. Congress will judge of its propriety and justice, and how much she may be instilled to further notice."

G Washington