Description:

Revolutionary War

Scottish Highlander Describes American Captivity and Longs for Glory. Young Lieutenant Charles Campbell was taken prisoner before his ship even docked in America, and he spent eighteen months a prisoner in Boston before being paroled and sent to New York.


1) CHARLES CAMPBELL, Autograph Letter Signed, to his father Patrick Campbell, December 15, 1777, New York. 3 pp., 7.5" x 9". 


“During my captivity in the Massachusetts-Bay, but two opportunities of writing you offered, and I embraced them…  When the fortunes of war placed the Light Infantry in the hands of the Rebels the Officers were admitted upon parole the men continued in the country.”


“We ?ed away a twelvemonth of our time in the same house and considering our situation, and the rage of the times, tolerably comfortable; but the latter part of my captivity exhibits a different picture. Under the slightest and most frivolous pretences, I was dragged from my house by an armed banditti and cast into the common County goal; there I lay six long dreary months and might have layne till the end of the rebellion, had not the controuling power in Boston, after reiterated solicitations, promised me to come here upon my parole of sending an American Officer in exchange for me, or returning myself: this I have not as yet been able to effect, but persuad myself that the Commander in chief will never allow me to return.”


“When I left Boston the best broadcloth sold at 10 guineas a yard; wine 15 shillings a bottle; rum the same; and every thing else at the like extravagant rates….” 


“As you presented me upon our parting to purchase the first Company that offer’d; as the promotion in our Regiment is exceedingly slow; and as I am perfectly tired of being a subaltern, I am just now making every interest? to git one, and may probably in the opening of the campaign effect my purpose.” 


2) CHARLES CAMPBELL, Autograph Letter Signed, to his father Patrick Campbell, January 29, 1778, New York. 2 pp., 7" x 8.75". 


“A few weeks after my arrival here, the 71st was detached from the grand army at Philadelphia to be quartered upon long and Staten Island; this is very unlucky for me, as it prevents my going to head quarters during the winter, and thereby deprives me of a fair opportunity of promotion. A highland regiment is not the place to get on in; I have been now upwards of two years in the 71st and during that period have got but one step. I could have purchased a company t’other day for two thousand pounds, but the price frightened me, and I now blame myself for being so timorous. There is no going up, in this army, without giving extravagant prices, and I believe before the commencement of the campaign I will be forced to give one.”

3) CHARLES CAMPBELL, Autograph letter Signed, to his uncle, January 29, 1778, New York. 4 pp., 7.25" x 8.75". 


“During a period of my captivity, I was admitted upon parole, experienced many indulgences, and even hospitality; but the last six months of my bondage exhibits a picture, which no honest man will approve of. Under the slightest and most frivolous pretences, I was dragged from my quarters, by an armed banditti, and cast into the common County goal; I there underwent all the hardships incident to such a situation. I find since my arrival here that I have suffered more, from my detention with the Rebels, than I was well aware off. I am assured, and from good authority, that had I been with the army, I might have had a Company six months ago. What a loss to a young man, who is determined to breathe his last, a soldier!”


“You will be surprised, when I inform you that Companys, Majoritys, and Lieut Colonelcys sell higher now, than ever: four thousand pounds sterling has been given for a Majority. I myself could have had a Company for two, but the smallness of my Father’s fortune, and the number who have, as natural a claim upon it as myself dissuaded me from being the purchaser…. Promotion in this Country depends entirely upon the weight of a man’s purse, which will force me, either to give an extravagant price, or remain a humble Lieut during the war….” 

“I am no politician, but tho’ I were, should not be fond of touching upon the present state of affairs.”

Charles Campbell (1756-1780) was born in Ardhattan, Argyllshire, Scotland, as the oldest son of Lt. Patrick Campbell. Charles Campbell joined the 21st Regiment in March 1775 and obtained a commission as a lieutenant in the 71st Regiment of Highlanders in November 1775. He accompanied his regiment from Scotland to Boston on a voyage of seven weeks that ended in mid-June 1776. Not knowing that Boston had fallen to the Americans, four transports with nearly four hundred men of the 71st Highlanders were captured. After remaining as a prisoner for eighteen months, Campbell was released on parole on November 7, 1777, in exchange for a promise to obtain the release of an American officer in return. Campbell rejoined his regiment at New York and was promoted to captain at Savannah in December 1778. At the Battle of Camden in August 1780, Campbell ordered his men forward against the Americans, shouting “Remember you are Light Infantry; Remember you are Highlanders, Charge.” The British under General Cornwallis won a major victory, but two days later, at the Battle of Fishing Creek, Captain Campbell was killed in a successful surprise attack on an American camp. One who knew him described Campbell as “a young man of promptitude and decision, and gave promise he would be an honour to his profession and to his country.


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