[NonValueAdded]

Were these captured soldiers the remnants of Gentleman Johnny’s force at Saratoga? IIRC, elements of the 1st NH regiment had escort duty. Thought some prisoners came from Rhode Island too.

[Pharmboy]

I do not believe so...here’s the story from US-History web site:

The following provisions were made under the Saratoga Articles of Convention:

* All forces fighting with the British were to be treated as British, sparing the German mercenaries in particular from harsher treatment.

* The surrendering troops were to be allowed to depart with “honors of war,” allowing the units to retain their colors, but not their arms.

* In exchange for a promise not to return to action in the American war, the surrendering troops were to be transported to England and freedom.

At the appointed hour, the British troops turned over their arms to American soldiers who stacked them neatly in a field. The defeated army numbered more than 6,000 men, plus several hundred camp-following women. They marched before the assembled victors to the tent of General Gates. Burgoyne handed over his sword in the prescribed gesture of surrender; Gates held it briefly, then returned it in recognition of his respect for his opponent.

The British forces were marched to Albany and later to Boston. The Americans, to their discredit, did not abide strictly by the terms of the Convention; they kept their charges in detainment camps for months before repatriating them.

[Pharmboy]

Thanks for the post, Palter, and the ping, NonValueAdded. Great article.

Hessian Soldier of the RevWar period

The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list.