The Prisoners of 1776; a Relic of the Revolution. Containing a full and particular account of the sufferings and privations of all the American prisoners captured on the high seas, and carried into Plymouth, England, during the Revolution of 1776. Also, an account of the several cruises of the squadron under the command of Commodore John Paul Jones, prizes taken, etc., etc.
Boston: Geo. C. Rand, 1854. Frontispiece engraving and preliminary engraved title page. Original cloth over boards. Duodecimo. 264 pages.
Harrowing account of American naval prisoners in England during the Revolutionary War. Compiled from the journal of Charles Herbert of Newburyport, Massachusetts, who was taken prisoner in December, 1776 on board the Dolton and confined in Plymouth, England's Old Mill Prison.
Truly a remarkable document that was written and maintained in secret during Herbert's two year imprisonment which began when he was just 19 years old. It includes a comprehensive list of the vessels taken, the names and residences of the crew members, the duration of their imprisonment, and the fates of those who died in captivity or managed to escape.
After his exchange, Herbert entered the service of the United States under command of John Paul Jones, and that part of this volume offers insights into the naval operations of the period.
A handsome volume in excellent condition, with additional illustrated title page.
Fine condition. Bound in dark green embossed cloth over boards with gilt-stamped ship on upper board, gilt-stamped title and ornamentation on spine, pale yellow endpapers. Slight extremity rubs. Clean and sound overall.
Item #1593
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