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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC00498.01 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1813 |
| Title | Journal of a privateer and of prisoner of war during the War of 1812 |
| Date | 7 December 1813 - 2 May 1815 |
| Author | Green, Joseph W. (fl. 1812-1815) |
| Document Type | Diary |
| Content Description | Diary written while aboard the privateer Alfred and as a prisoner of war in Melville Island Prison, Halifax, and Dartmoor Prison. Records many sightings and occasional capturing of ships. Entry on 22 February 1814 records the capture of Green's privateer by the British and being brought to Melville Island Prison at Halifax. Records writing to family and the arrival of new prisoners. Notable entries include mention of a prisoners' petition to General John Mason on 28 April 1814, the reduction of rations on 1 May 1814, the release of 90 prisoners on 23 July 1814. There are also undated verse and aphorisms, much of it dealing with religion, war, and women. Filling 16 pages is "A Comic Poem" by Thomas Sturtevant and written down by Green on 1 March 1814, along with numerous other patriotic poems. An entry from 22 February 1815 notes the passing of his brother's birthday. A long entry on 18 August 1814 records the grueling transport to Dartmoor Prison, at the end of which he discloses learning of his Uncle's death. An entry from Dartmoor on 26 February 1815 indicates his expectations of "the Peace arriving from the States. He recorded his final entry on the day he was to leave Dartmoor: "...the happiest day to me that I ever experienced. my heart is alive when I think I am to leave the place that so many of my unfortunate countryman has breathed there [sic] last in." |
| Subjects | Religion War of 1812 Military History Prison Camp Prisoner of War Privateering Navy Maritime Soldier's Diary Global History and Civics Soldier's Diary Petition Military Provisions Women's History Poetry Humor and Satire Patriotism Death Diet and Nutrition |
| People | Green, Joseph W. (fl. 1812-1815) |
| Theme | Naval & Maritime; Foreign Affairs; Women in American History; Children & Family; War of 1812 |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |