Ghost Ship of Brooklyn: Revolutionary War Story Worth Remembering
Summary
The HMS Jersey was a British warship turned into a prison ship during the American Revolutionary War. Thousands of American prisoners were held on the ship under brutal conditions, leading to many deaths from disease, cold, and poor sanitation.Key Facts
- The HMS Jersey was built in 1776 and served as a British warship before becoming a prison ship.
- After British forces took New York City, they used the Jersey to hold American prisoners of war.
- Around 1,000 prisoners were locked inside the ship at once, with hatches and windows sealed.
- Prisoners suffered from disease, cold weather, overcrowding, and contaminated water.
- The ship gained a reputation as "the Ghost Ship" because of the many deaths on board.
- British authorities used the ship’s horror as propaganda to warn others not to fight against them.
- David Sprout, known for cruelty, was put in charge of the prison ship.
- It is estimated that more Americans died on the Jersey than in combat during the Revolutionary War.
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