Autographs
War of 1812 Official Exchange/Parole Document for a Captured American Ship's Master Made a British Prisoner
THOMAS BARCLAY (1753-1830). American British Loyalist in the Revolution War era who fled to Nova Scotia, was appointed British Consul-General for the Eastern States of America in 1799, and served as Agent for British Prisoners of war in the War of 1812.
November 9, 1813-Dated, War of 1812 Period, British Partly-Printed Document, Official Signed Exchange/Parole Document for a Captured American Ship's Master, Made a British Prisoner, at New York, Extremely Fine.
Note: The Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, Between Great Britain, and the United States of America: The Provisional Agreement for the Exchange of Naval Prisoners of War, Made and Concluded at Halifax, in the Province of Nova Scotia, on the 28th Day of November, 1812 ... John Mason, Esq. Commissary General for Prisoners of the United States, Having Been Duly Authorised to Meet Thomas Barclay, Esq. His Britannic Majesty's Agent for Prisoners of War. While the November 1812, Provisional Agreement on Exchange of Prisoners did not pass through the U.S. Government, this agreement did hold, and Prisoners were exchanged in Nova Scotia.
This is an exceptional content and quality, exteremely rare original Partly-Printed Document with its embossed paper and wax official Britanic Seal fully intact, measuring about 8" x 9.75" on clean boldly printed laid period paper. Written under official British Letterhead and signed by "Tho Barclay". This "Parole" document reads, in full:
"I, Thomas Barclay, his Britannic Majesty's Agent for the Relief of British Subjects detained in the United States of America, and for carrying on Exchanges of Prisoners of War, do certify, That J Longy late Master of an American Vessel --- at present a Prisoner on Parole to his Britannic Majesty, is duly exchanged, and is hereby released from each and every of the Conditions prescribed in and by his Parole. --- In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed my Seal of Office, at New-York, this ninth Day of November in the year our Lord one thousand eigth hundred and thirteen. - (Signed) Tho Barclay".
Enbossed Paper and Wax Seal at lower left fully intact and sharply defined; minor achival tape reinfocements on the blank reverse back on small fold edge splits. Highly impressive and a rarity, especially being the release of a Captured American Ship's Master during wartime.
For further historical context information:
See: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/cartel-exchange-prisoners-war