History Happy Hour: The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn by Dr. Robert P. Watson

National Archives at Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

This inaugural event will feature Dr. Robert Watson who will discuss his book The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn: An Untold Story of the American Revolution. Moored off the coast of Brooklyn until the end of the war, the derelict ship, the HMS Jersey, was a living hell for thousands of Americans either captured by the British or accused of disloyalty. Crammed below deck, a shocking one thousand at a time, without light or fresh air, the prisoners were scarcely given food and water. Disease ran rampant and human waste fouled the air as prisoners suffered mightily at the hands of brutal British and Hessian guards. Throughout the colonies, the mere mention of the ship sparked fear and loathing of British troops. It also sparked a backlash of outrage as newspapers everywhere described the horrors onboard the ghostly ship. This shocking event, much like the better-known Boston Massacre before it, ended up rallying public support for the war.

This program is offered in partnership with the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. Admission is free for members, paid for non-members; space is limited. Reservations are required.

 

Book cover of The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn