American Prisoners of the Revolution

"American Prisoners of the Revolution" by Danske Dandridge is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work details the suffering of American prisoners during the Revolutionary War, focusing particularly on their experiences in British prisons, notably in New York. Dandridge aims to honor these forgotten heroes by documenting their trials, providing a compelling narrative of their hardship and resilience in the face of brutal treatment. At the start of the book, the author dedicates the work to her grandfather, setting a tone of reverence for the sacrifices made by Revolutionary War prisoners. The preface outlines her motivation to gather scattered information about these individuals and their experiences, emphasizing the scarcity of firsthand accounts and the importance of retelling their stories. She highlights the dreadful conditions faced by prisoners, including starvation and disease, as well as the authoritaritative cruelty inflicted by figures like Provost Marshal William Cunningham. The opening chapters offer glimpses into the harsh reality of imprisonment, introducing readers to specific cases of prisoners and their struggles, including descriptions of the inhumane treatment they endured and the desperate circumstances that led to their suffering.