Articles in regional publications that pertain to a wide range of North Carolina-related topics.
The Great Escape from Forten Gaol: An Incident of the Revolution
Record #:
21169
Author(s):
Abstract:
From its home port of Edenton, North Carolina the brig 'Fair American' was to make war on British shipping during the American Revolution as a privateer. During its maiden voyage, it was taken by a British frigate and its crew imprisoned at Forten Gaol near Gosport, England. While in Forten Gaol, the crew of 'Fair American' participated in one of the largest prisoner escapes of the American Revolution. About 60 sailors escaped the prison in a tunnel dug into a nearby house, while most were recaptured within days, the captain and lieutenant of 'Fair American' made it back to Boston and back into military service for the war.
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