To James Monroe November 2, 1794

From the original letter at the Library of Congress.

4th —

Dear Sir

I need not mention to you the happiness I received from the information you sent me by Mr. Beresford. I easily guess the persons you have conversed with on the subject of my liberation - but matters and even promises that pass in conversation are not quite so strictly attended to here as in the country you come from -

I am not, my Dear Sir, impatient from any thing in my disposition - but the state of my health requires liberty and a better air, and besides this, the rules of the prison do not permit me, tho I have all the indulgences the concierge can give, to procure the things necessary to my recovery which is slow, as to strength. (I have a tolerable appetite but the allowance of provision is scanty - We are not allowed a knife to cut our victuals with, nor a razor to shave, but they have lately allowed some barbers that are here to shave.) The room where I am lodged is a ground floor level with the earth in the garden and floored with brick, and is so wet after every rain that I cannot guard against taking colds that continually cheat my recovery.

If you could without interfering with, or deranging the mode proposed for my liberation, inform the Committee that the State of my health requires liberty and Air, it would be good ground to hasten my liberation -

(The length of my imprisonment is also a reason, for I am now almost the oldest inhabitant of this uncomfortable mansion - and I see twenty, thirty and sometimes forty persons a day put in liberty who have not been so long confined as myself - Their liberation is a happiness to me, but I feel sometimes, a little mortification that I am thus left behind.) I leave it entirely to you to arrange this matter - The messenger wait

Yours affectionately

T. P -

I hope and wish much to see you - I have much to say. - I have had the attendance of Dr. Graham (Physician to Genl O’Hara (who is prisoner here) and of Dr. Makouski; house Physician, who has been most exceedingly kind to me - After I am at liberty I shall be glad to introduce him to you.