American Prisoners of the Revolution

"American Prisoners of the Revolution" by Danske Dandridge is a historical work that shines a light on the ordeals of American prisoners during the Revolutionary War, with special attention to British prisons in New York. Dandridge seeks to commemorate the courage of these often overlooked figures by recounting their difficulties, presenting an engaging story of their suffering and strength amidst harsh conditions. The book opens with a dedication to the author's grandfather, establishing a respectful tone for the sacrifices of Revolutionary War prisoners. The preface explains her purpose: to gather scattered details about these people and their experiences, stressing the shortage of personal stories and the need to share their narratives. She emphasizes the terrible circumstances faced by prisoners, like starvation and sickness, and the authoritative cruelty of people such as Provost Marshal William Cunningham. The early chapters reveal the grim reality of imprisonment, introducing specific prisoners, describing the inhumanity they suffered, and the desperate situations that caused their suffering.