Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789 to Thomas Mumford
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.075.08 Author/Creator: Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789 Place Written: Redding, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: April 25, 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 18 cm Order a Copy
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.
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