VERMONT AIDS ENEMY PRISONERS

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008

CAPT. DANIEL CLAP, ALS, 3pp, 8¼"x12¾", Rutland, Aug 4, 1781, darkly penned and signed, moderate general toning, considerable show-through, fold separations, some repaired with archival tape, edge chipping with small paper loss, generally fair. Most unusual Revolutionary War-date letter to Governor Hancock from Clap, commander of the guards at a Continental prison stockade, regarding problems at the camp that hints of neighboring Vermont's possible disaffection during the American Revolution. Good historical content. Complaining of the problems he is encountering in recruiting guards, some of then leaving to rejoin the Army and in particular the clandestine assistance his prisoners are receiving from an unnamed Vermont organization undermining his efforts. Capt. Clap writes in small part: "...What renders it [guard duty] much more difficult is a secret connection and communication betwixt our prisoners and certain persons belonging to the State of Vermont, so called, who it seems have undertaken to negotiate their exchange or redemption...nine have made their escape from us and arrived safe at their place of refuge, among whom was the noted Simon Baxter (whose conduct and character I doubt not your excellency may remember while at Boston), but by the vigilance & good conduct of Genl. Bellows & others, the said Baxter was taken at Rockingham on the 30th..." Clap relates how the escaped prisoner had then produced a pass giving him safe conduct, "which reads as follows: 'Arlington, 18th of July 1781. To Whom It May Concern, the bearer Simon Baxter is permitted to remain within this state unmolested, he behaving well, until it can be known whether he can be exchanged, as he is a prisoner and offers himself for exchange. Thomas Chittenden, Capt. Grds.'..." He then states, "...as General Bellows does not yield obedience to the jurisdiction of Vermont, he immediately sent said Baxter under Guard to this place, who is this day sent off to Worcester Goal, the only secure place we have at present for prisoners who are determined to escape...Both the officers of the guard as well as myself have for a long time been both tired and ashamed for our situations, and conceiving it to be consistent with good economy & the public safety, to have the small number of prisoners at this place removed to the guard ships and the post broken up..." Vermont's government, unhappy with their treatment by NY, NH and other states, flirted with defection to the British, these negotiations over which actually helped stall British plans for another invasion from Quebec after Burgoyne's defeat in 1777.

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