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University of Michigan William L. Clements Library

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1830 December 11 . David E[llicott] Evans ALS to Charles E[dward] Dudley; Batavia, [New York].

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Containers:
Box 3
Abstract:
Enclosing a paper [included] "at the request of the family of a revolutionary soldier and I believe a very worthy man." The enclosure describes Captain John Burnham's (1758-1837) service in the military, including his capture in 1777 and imprisonment aboard the British prison ship Good Intent. Following the American Revolution, Burnham worked on commercial vessels before being taken prisoner by Algerians in 1793 near the Straits of Gibraltar. He was held as a slave in Algiers and was rescued in 1794 through the combined efforts of British and Swedish Consuls. Notes his efforts to recover amounts lost to the pirates and the cost of his ransom. Met with George Washington who reportedly promised, "Our Americans must be ransomed, and your losses must and without doubt will be made up to you." Details amounts procured and amounts still owed on Burnham's account. Burnham suffered a "most severe paralysis" following his captivity, preventing him from supporting his family.
Extent:
3 pages

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Collection

Schoff Revolutionary War collection, 1766-1896
Total components 293
Last indexed 2024-08-05