Conditions Governing Access

This collection is minimally processed and open for research.

Preferred Citation

MSS 16548, U.S. Office of Commissary General of Prisoners circular, Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased from Howard S. Mott, Inc. by the Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia on July 21, 2021.

Biographical / Historical

John Mason (1766-1849) was an American merchant, banker, soldier, planter, scion of the Mason family of Virginia, son of Founder George Mason. MAson was appointed by Thomas Jefferson as the first commanding general of the District of Columbia militia in 1802. He held that position until 1811., and through that role he became Commissioner General of Prisoners during the War of 1812. When the British invaded and burned Washngton D.C., Mason helped President Madison and other officials escape to Virginia. Mason wrote to President Madison on March 23, 1816, resigning his post as Superintendent of Indian Trade,and offering to wind up the Office of Commissary General of Prisoners

Content Description

This collection contains a circular manuscript, single sheet - two pages, signed by John Mason, Commissioner General of Prisoners during the War of 1812, regarding returned American prisoners of war. The circular is written to to Joseph Whipple Esqr., Collector of the Customs, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Written from Washington D.C. on May 27, 1813.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Prisoners of war -- United States
• United States -- History -- War of 1812
• Whipple, Joseph, 1738-1816