After the prisoners had been conducted into Montreal, General Prescott gave orders to a sergeant and file of men, to put to death some Canadians who had been taken in arms with Colonel Allen. They forthwith went, with bayonets fixed, to execute their commission. Allen, understanding their purpose, stepped between them and the Canadians, and told the guard to thrust him with their bayonets if they must shed human blood, but to spare the Canadians who deserved no censure, as what they had done was in obedience to his orders. The guards hesitated, and Prescott being consulted, that officer revoked the order.[E] During Allen’s imprisonment he was confined on board a man-of-war, commanded by Captain Littlejohn, who exercised much clemency towards his prisoner, and removed his irons except when military officers came on board. A dispute arose between the Captain and an officer, resulting in arrangements for a duel. The Captain requested Allen to serve as his friend. The latter replied “if it was consistent with his situation he would do himself the honor.” The Captain answered that “he could change his dress, and go on shore in disguise, and no questions would be asked.” The parties went ashore, but by the interposition of friends the dispute was settled. At a later period, Colonel Allen was put on board a ship under command of Captain Smith. He was heavily ironed, and confined in the most dreary part of the vessel. When fairly out to sea, Captain Smith ordered Allen’s irons taken off, and requested him to eat at his own table while he remained on shipboard. The Colonel came from his dark abode and thanked the Captain for his generous conduct, remarking “he did not know it would ever be in his power to return the compliment.” That officer replied--“gentlemen did not know when they might render essential services to one another.” On board was a great number of prisoners, who laid a plan to kill Captain Smith, and run off with the ship. When the project was ripe for execution, Allen was led into the secret. He firmly told them if they murdered Captain Smith they must also murder him, at which they were greatly alarmed. He quieted their fears by saying, “drop your plans, and I will be as faithful to you as I have been to Captain Smith.” Here the matter ended, and the Captain never knew of his danger, nor of the service of his grateful friend. Information had been received by Gen. Washington of the indignities heaped upon Colonel Allen, captured by Prescott when Commandant at Montreal, and who was now, himself, a prisoner in the hands of the Americans. Washington wrote to General Howe to the following import: