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Field name | Value |
---|---|
Collection Reference Number | GLC00496.075.08 |
From Archive Folder | Items concerning the Revolutionary War in New York |
Title | Samuel Holden Parsons to Thomas Mumford describing the escape of his son from a prison ship |
Date | 25 April 1780 |
Author | Parsons, Samuel Holden (1737-1789) |
Recipient | Mumford, Thomas |
Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
Content Description | Written by Parsons as a Major General in Continental Army to Thomas Mumford, a merchant from Groton, Connecticut. Mumford was also the brother-in-law of Parsons's staff officer Silas Deane. Tells Mumford his son was waiting at home after having escaped from a prison ship in New York Harbor. Mentions that he was grossly abused and "closely confined" on board. After 14 days of confinement he was liberated to the city by a Mr. Walter and just as he was about to board Joseph Chew's ship, which was to take him to New London, Connecticut, for a prisoner exchange, he was taken away and carried to another prisoner ship, the Russell. There the Commodore told him that Americans treated British prisoners harshly and that he planned to show no leniency. Parsons's son then told the Commodore that "all the Irons he or his Master could load him with should not deter him from doing his Duty & defending his Country." He was allowed on shore with Mr. Walter who vouched for him, but he had to report to the ship occasionally. Security was lax on shore and he was able to escape with the help of Whigs in New York and his Tory friends. After talking to his son Parsons says, "The Prisoners are treated in the most barbarous Manner four Hundred confind in a Ship not more than 200 Tons." Mentions that a Captain Bell was paroled and hopes Mumford can provide employment for him on one of his ships. Sends along speculation about troop and fleet movements. |
Subjects | Revolutionary War Continental Army Military History Prisoner of War Children and Family Navy Prison Camp Loyalist Whigs Atrocity Office Seeker Maritime |
People | Parsons, Samuel Holden (1737-1789) Mumford, Thomas (1728-1799) |
Place written | Redding, Connecticut |
Theme | The American Revolution; Children & Family; Naval & Maritime |
Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
Transcript | Show/hide |