The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC06493 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1781 |
| Title | William Phillips to George Weedon discussing flags of truce and prisoner exchanges |
| Date | 12 April 1781 |
| Author | Phillips, William (1731-1781) |
| Recipient | Weedon, George |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Phillips, a British Lieutenant-General, discusses flags of truce and prisoner exchanges with American General Weedon. Writes "the usual and necessary forms must be preserved especially respecting Flags of Truce which are Object of a chaste nature and the rules belonging to them ought never to be violated..." Refers to Moss Armstead, an American soldier sent to negotiate prisoner exchange. Discusses penalties for Americans venturing within British lines. States that all flag vessels must stop at British commodores' ships stationed at Hampton Roads, Virginia, to gain authorization to proceed. States that if British prisoners are taken to Williamsburg, Virginia, or to General John Peter Muhlenberg's post, an equal number of American prisoners will be released. Mentions prisoners paroled by General Benedict Arnold. States "I can not enter upon the matter of Negroes but in the manner admitted and proposed previous to my arrival by Brigadier General Arnold." Relates that General Henry Clinton will make final decisions regarding African American prisoners. Reports that Weedon's if German and British prisoners are not taken to Williamsburg within fourteen days, he will send the American prisoners at his station to New York; he can not hold them longer due to a lack of provisions. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs Parole Prisoner of War Truce Military Provisions Hessians African American Troops Slavery African American History |
| People | Phillips, William (1731-1781) Weedon, George (1734-1793) Muhlenberg, John Peter Gabriel (1746-1807) Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801) Clinton, Henry, Sir (1730-1795) |
| Place written | Portsmouth, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Government & Politics; Foreign Affairs; African Americans; Slavery & Abolition |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |