Moses Young's account of himself : since the time he was separated from Colonel Laurens at Newfoundland, 17th Sept. 1780, Amsterdam, 1782 May 31.

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Moses Young's account of himself : since the time he was separated from Colonel Laurens at Newfoundland, 17th Sept. 1780, Amsterdam, 1782 May 31.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/702179689

Manuscript, signed, of a narrative by Moses Young concerning events from the time of his capture by the British in 1780 to his reunion with Henry Laurens in the spring of 1782. Young recounts his initial separation from Laurens, his escape from prison and unsuccessful attempts to free his employer, and his desire to "wait in Europe" until Laurens could be included in a prisoner exchange, perhaps for General Burgoyne. The remainder of Young's account concerns his contacts in France with American officials and supporters of the Revolution, primarily Adams, Franklin, and the marquis de Lafayette. Young describes his initial dissatisfaction with the American ministers, charging that the "persons employed to manage our foreign affairs did not do their duty," and details their reluctance to advance him money or to approve of his return to England, which Adams feared would lead to Young's execution. Franklin, who took Young into his home in Passy for several weeks, ultimately consented to Young's plan, and sent him to Lafayette, with whom Young discussed the likelihood of French support for a Roman Catholic Irish revolution against "the tyranny of the British Government." Young reports Lafayette's far greater interest in a possible revolt by Irish Presbyterians. The account concludes with his successful return to London and formal declaration that he "considered myself in the service of the public" throughout his European stay.

1 item (12 p.) ; 23 x 19 cm.

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 8025820

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

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