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Lovell, James, 1737-1814 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03660 Author/Creator: Lovell, James, 1737-1814 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 September 1787 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 21.5 cm, Width: 16.8 cm Order a Copy

Discusses the friendship he established with the Chevalier de Longchamps when they were both prisoners of war in 1775. Also refers to his intent to defend Longchamps character in relation to the Chevalier's involvement in the Longchamps-Marbois affair: "You will receive this from the hand of the Chevalier Longchaps [sic]. He was my Prison Mate here 12 years ago, and was treated, for a Time, worse by the British than I have been; afterwards he was for Months in the same Chamber. He was suspected if not known to have been serviceable to the Army at Prospect Hill. I was exceedingly surprised at seeing him lately, and finding that my Comerade Bleutiere was the individual who had undergone the notable Tryal at Philadelphia in the year -84 for Indignities against the Consulate of France there. I most sincerely approve and aim to defend that Institution of which I have given Proofs to Monsr. Marbois as well as to the consul here..." Calls Longchamps his "Comerade Bleutiere." Refers to Provost Marshal [William] Cunningham, who was notorious for his harsh treatment of prisoners.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Lovell, James, 1737-1814
Barbé-Marbois, François, marquis de, 1745-1837

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