McMichael, Edward, fl. 1781 to [Thomas] Ward
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.089 Author/Creator: McMichael, Edward, fl. 1781 Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 April 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32.5 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Written by McMichael as a Loyalist Captain in the British Army. As a lieutenant in the Continental Army he deserted from his post at Fort Schuyler in August 1776 to join the British. McMichael was taken prisoner out of a flag of truce at Elizabethtown, probably on 9 April 1781. Lieutenant Samuel Seely of the New Jersey militia was then sent behind British lines, probably to work out a prisoner exchange. McMichael then received the "disagreeable news" that Seely was detained by Ward on the armed sloop the "Neptune," which was in New York Harbor. Says Seely was doing work for him and that he had vouched for him personally. Claims Ward is dishonoring him and the 4th Corps he served with. References a previous letter he wrote from Chatham, New Jersey, that delineated Seely's business. Requests that he be released immediately since Ward was already notified about Seely's business. Asks him to abide by the laws of humanity and not retaliate in any way. Requests that Ward does "not neglect sending ... Money, Clothes &c." McMichael was released soon after this letter. Seely is the brother of Colonel Silvanus Seely, the well known diarist.
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