US Prisoner of War Passport 1815

The late 18th and early 19th centuries were marked by widespread conflict. Between 1793 and 1815, Britain and France were locked in near-constant warfare. As part of the British Empire, Upper Canada was inevitably drawn into this global struggle, and when the United States declared war on Britain on June 18, 1812, Canada found itself on the front lines of what had become a worldwide conflict. Like any war, the War of 1812 profoundly impacted the local population. US Prisoner War Passport 

Prisoners of War

Both sides, at various times, captured large numbers of enemy troops, burdening them with the responsibility of housing, feeding, and maintaining their prisoners—an expense neither was eager to bear. Parole was a common practice, especially for militiamen captured in battles such as Detroit (Ohio militia) and York (Upper Canada militia). By signing a pledge to refrain from further participation in the war, these men secured their release. Many militiamen from both nations sought parole when it was offered, as it legally exempted them from further military duty.

However, militia officers and regular soldiers faced different fates. American soldiers captured by the British were often sent to Quebec, where they remained imprisoned until exchanged. Meanwhile, British soldiers captured by the Americans were frequently transported far into the United States. US Prisoner War Passport

Enlisted men typically endured unhealthy conditions during their confinement, while officers, regarded as gentlemen, were afforded better treatment. The document referenced outlines the conditions imposed on Henry Nelles during his captivity in the United States. After pledging not to escape or violate local laws, he was granted a degree of freedom.

Henry Nelles US Prisoner War Passport

Henry Nelles, a Captain in the Upper Canadian embodied militia from the Niagara District, served for two years during the War of 1812. After being captured at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, he spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner in the United States.

“I wrote you yesterday from [Fort] Schloser, mentioning that I have fallen into the hands of the Enemy and requesting you to forward to me my baggage. But as we are to be removed from this place, and as it is very uncertain that the baggage will reach me safe, I beg you will not send any of it, as I can procure both money and clothes when I arrive at Albany. Give my love to Sally and tell her I hope she will not make herself unhappy, in consequence of my misfortune.”

Extract from an original letter from Captain Henry Nelles (Buffalo) to his father Robert Nelles (Upper Canada), July 27, 1814

Nelles Prisoner of War Passport

The terms of parole for an officer were relatively lenient. In the case of Henry Nelles, he was instructed: “Upon your arrival in Berkshire, you will report to Capt. D. Brown, who will assist in securing your quarters. You are then permitted to walk within the boundaries of the town, which will be indicated to you by Capt. D. Brown. You must report to him in person at his residence every Saturday… Additionally, all letters written or received by you must be submitted to this office for inspection, and discussions of public matters with citizens are strictly prohibited.”

Officers and enlisted men could be exchanged for prisoners of equal rank. Once exchanged, their parole terms were nullified, allowing them to resume service in either regular or militia forces.

A fantastic document of the war of 1812, which is in the Archives of Ontario, the largest provincial archives in Canada, and the premier source of information about the history of the land we now call Ontario and its people. Since 1903, they have been collecting, preserving, and making available the documentary heritage of the province. US Prisoner War Passport

 

Tom Topol | Passport History Expert & Author.
Featured in media incl. CNN, BBC, Newsweek. Awarded by the U.S. Department of State.
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