John Mitchell correspondence regarding American prisoners of war at Melville Island, 1814
Permanent ID:
14198Dates:
May 6 1814May 14 1814
June 24 1814
July 1 1814
July 3 1814
July 12 1814
September 6 1814
Image Description:
This digital record contains images the depict 10 letters, the entire contents of box 1, folder 3 of the John Mitchell papers [426].John Mitchell was an agent for American Prisoners of War held at Melville Isalnd near Halifax in Nova Scotia during the War of 1812. Over the course of the war more than 8,000 American prisoners were held there. Approximately 100 American prisoners died there and were buried near the prison. While many of the prisoners were from naval vessels, prisoners from American land troops were also held at the prison. It appears that Mitchell acted as the agent for all prisoners held there and there was no distinction between naval prisoners and the prisoners from the army. Mitchell previously served as the Consul of the United States to St. Jago [Santiago], Cuba.
Individuals named in letters: Admiral Griffith; George Holms; James Holly; John Bracon; John Walkfield; Nathaniel M. Lewis; Richard Waters; Bartholomew Martin; James Prince.
Address:
Melville Island Prison, HalifaxBoston