Browsing: Papers of John Adams, Volume 12

6. On 14 June 1781, Congress authorized Benjamin Franklin to exchange Burgoyne for Henry Laurens (from Franklin, 5 Oct. 1781, and note 5, above), but on 21 Aug. resolved to authorize George Washington to exchange Burgoyne and the remaining officers subject to the Saratoga Convention as he should judge “most conducive to the general interests of the United States” ( JCC , 21:889). Since Burgoyne might no longer be available, Congress resolved on 23 Feb. 1782 that Cornwallis could be exchanged for Laurens. See also “Notes of Debates” for 22 Nov. 1782 (same, 22:95; 23:852–853).