Saratoga Prisoners of War collection, 1778

Summary

Creator:

William L. Clements Library

Abstract:

This collection is made up of correspondence regarding prisoners of war during the American Revolution, particularly members of the Convention Army. The letters address topics such as prisoners' injuries, parole, and labor.

Extent:

6 items

Language:

English

Sponsor:

James S. Schoff Revolutionary War Collection

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Hixon, October 2013

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection (6 items) is made up of correspondence regarding prisoners of war during the American Revolution, particularly members of the "Convention Army," made up of prisoners from the Battle of Saratoga. Several items refer to Major General William Heath and British Major General William Phillips. The letters pertain to passes, prisoners' treatment, parole, and a road-building project in Pennsylvania. See the Detailed Box and Folder Listing for more information on each item.

Biographical / Historical:

After the surrender of John Burgoyne's army at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777, the Continental Army held approximately 5,000 British, Canadian, and German soldiers as prisoners of war. These troops, which became collectively known as the Convention Army, were held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, until being relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1779, and then to Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Acquisition Information:

1993. M-2947.3, M-2947.4, M-2947.13-16 .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically, with undated items placed at the end.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Related

Additional Descriptive Data:

Related Materials

The Clements Library holds many additional materials regarding the Battle of Saratoga and prisoners of war. Search the library's online catalog for more information.

Bibliography

Boatner, Mark Mayo. Encyclopedia of the American Revolution. New York: David McKay Company, Inc., 1966.

Subjects

Click on terms below to find any related finding aids on this site.

Subjects:

Roads--Design and construction.

Formats:

Letters (correspondence)

Names:

Edmonstone, A.
Hervey, George.
Huse, Samuel.
Sutherland, Nicholas.
Swazey, J. O.

Places:

United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Prisoners and prisons.