Danbury Library presents: The Christmas Cartel of 1776 - virtual program
*The event has already taken place on this date: Thu, 01/05/2023
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This is a virtual program via Zoom. Registrants will receive a link to join the program upon completing registration.
In 1776, on Christmas Eve, 225 sickly American prisoners of war were marched from British military jails in New York City to the docks along the East River. There, they boarded a former merchant ship called the Glasgow. Most of the men were enlisted soldiers from Connecticut who had been captured during the recent battles on Long Island and Manhattan. They had been released by their captors and were being sent to the Patriot-held port of Milford. As a flag-of-truce ship, or “cartel”, the Glasgow could not be attacked as it passed through the contested waters of Long Island Sound. But a white flag could not protect the ship’s haggard passengers from the weather, the lingering effects of imprisonment, or the smallpox virus. For many, their newfound freedom would be short-lived.
This presentation will describe the men’s harrowing journey and what became of them. It will also include recently discovered details about two of the returning soldiers who died in East Hartford. Presenter Tom Hogan is a retired Connecticut probation supervisor and former officer in the Connecticut Army National Guard. He has co-authored several articles for professional publications. His passion for American history has led him to research a number of military and civil topics. Tom is a great story teller.
Free, registration is required.
Register for our ZOOM link here: https://danburylibrary.evanced...
Please be advised that the Library makes no warranties and/or representations concerning virtual programs. Your decision to participate in the programs is an express consent on your part to waive any and all claims against the Library which may result from said participation and hereby release and discharge the City of Danbury /Danbury Public Library from any and all liabilities.
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