The Prison Ships of the American Revolution

The HMS Jersey was a notorious British prison ship during the American Revolution, infamous for its horrific conditions. Overcrowded British prisons led to the use of old ships, or hulks, as makeshift prisons. The Jersey housed a mix of American privateers, soldiers, and civilians. Life on board was brutal, with inadequate food, rampant disease, and high mortality rates. Despite the British intent to instill fear, the Jersey became a symbol of British cruelty, galvanizing American resistance. Acts of rebellion and eventual liberation highlighted the prisoners' resilience. The ship's legacy remains a dark chapter in history.

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