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Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger
Norfolk, Virginia
What is this article about?
Extract of letter from prisoner in Rochelle, France, dated Dec. 27, 1808, detailing capture at Isle of Ré, three months imprisonment with illness, and urgent request for 120-dollar ransom amid US-France tensions.
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" Dear Brother,
The -= was bound to Charante; we arrived at the Isle of Rhea, was brought to by the pilot, and the captain went on shore with four hands in the boat -On our arrival we were separated from the captain, and ordered to speak to no person--I remained there 36 days without a shift of clothes, and nothing to sleep on but a little loose straw. From thence I was brought to this prison, and from the city prison to the hospital prison, where I now remain, and thank God, as well as could be expected, after having the fever three times.
" I have been a prisoner upwards of three months, and shall remain so until the captain pays 120 dollars for me;* he has wrote to England for money, but God knows when he will get it, or whether his letter will reach England.
" If you have a good opportunity I beg you would send me some money to liberate me before a war breaks out."
* More than the ransom of a slave to the Algerines; and yet senator Giles can dwell with rapture on the conduct of France towards this country.
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Rochelle
Event Date
Upwards Of Three Months Prior To Dec. 27, 1808
Key Persons
Outcome
imprisoned for upwards of three months; ransom of 120 dollars required
Event Details
Ship bound to Charante arrived at Isle of Rhea, brought to by pilot; captain went ashore with four hands; crew separated from captain and ordered not to speak to anyone; writer detained 36 days without clothes change or proper bedding, then moved to prison in Rochelle and later to hospital prison; suffered fever three times; captain wrote to England for money to pay ransom