November 1, 1776

"Use your officers and men well, and do the same by your prisoners."

--The Marine Committee of the Continental Congress, to Captain Elisha Warner of the sloop Fly, Nov. 1, 1776

In their orders to captains, the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress frequently emphasized the kind treatment of prisoners. On August 6, 1776, for instance, the Marine Committee instructed John Paul Jones to "use your People well thereby recommending the American Naval service to all who engage in it," adding, "we also recommend Humane kind Treatment of your Prisoners."