It ought also to be considered
that few or none of the Continental naval prisoners in New York or
elsewhere belong to the Continental service. I, however, feel for the
situation of these unfortunate people, and wish to see them relieved
by any mode, which will not materially affect the public good. In some
former letters upon this subject I have mentioned a plan, by which I
am certain they might be liberated nearly as fast as they are
captured. It is by obliging the Captains of all armed vessels, both
public and private, to throw their prisoners into common stock, under
the direction of the Commissary-general of prisoners. By this means
they would be taken care of, and regularly applied to the exchange of
those in the hands of the enemy. Now the greater part are dissipated,
and the few that remain are applied partially. * * *"
James Rivington edited a paper in New York during the Revolution, and,
in 1782, the American prisoners on board the Jersey addressed a letter
to him for publication, which is given below.
"On Board the Prison-ship Jersey, June 11, 1782.
"Sir:
Enclosed are five letters, which if you will give a place in your
newspaper will greatly oblige a number of poor prisoners who seem to
be deserted by our own countrymen, who has it in their power, and will
not exchange us. In behalf of the whole we beg leave to subscribe
ourselves, Sir, yr much obliged srvts,
"John Cooper
"John Sheffield
"William Chad
"Richard Eccleston
"John Baas"
ENCLOSURES OF THE FOREGOING LETTER
David Sproat, Commissary of Prisoners, to the prisoners on board the
Jersey, New York.
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