American Prisoners of the Revolution

Drawing from a wealth of scattered contemporary accounts, this volume assembles the often‑overlooked stories of American sailors and soldiers who fell into British hands during the Revolutionary War. The author meticulously abridges original narratives—many now out of print—to present a coherent picture of their ordeal. By preserving the raw language of the captives, the book lets listeners hear the desperation and resolve that marked their captivity. It serves as a rare portal into a fragment of history that has long been buried beneath archives.

The work shines a stark light on the grim reality of makeshift prisons, church basements, and the infamous prison ships that churned in New York’s harbor. Readers encounter vivid descriptions of starvation, disease, and brutal treatment, alongside the quiet heroism of men who endured it for the cause of liberty. Though written over a century ago, the compilation resonates with a timeless reminder of sacrifice and forgotten valor. It invites modern audiences to reflect on the human cost behind the birth of the nation.