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- GLC#
- GLC01412.01-View header record
- Type
- Letters
- Date
- March 14, 1783
- Author/Creator
- Metcalf, John, fl. 1783
- Title
- to Jonathan Metcalf
- Place Written
- New York, New York
- Pagination
- 1 p. : address : docket Height: 23 cm, Width: 18.5 cm
- Language
- English
- Primary time period
- American Revolution, 1763-1783
- Sub-Era
- The War for Independence
Letter written by John Metcalf, a captured Continental soldier on the prison ship Jersey in New York Harbor, to his father in Dedham, Massachusetts. Says he enjoys "tollerable good health" and was assisted by a Dr. Bacon of Salem, Massachusetts. Tells his father he has been there a month and sees no prospect for a quick release. Says conditions on the ship are "horrid beyond Description." During the first part of the winter he claimed 10, 15, or 20 prisoners died a day. Says health is better on the ship since there are fewer people on board.
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