Andrews, C. (Charles)

Books

The prisoners' memoirs, or, Dartmoor prison : containing a complete and impartial history of the entire captivity of the Americans in England, from the commencement of the last war between the United States and Great Britain, until all prisoners were released by the treaty of Ghent. Also a particular detail of all occurrences relative to the horrid massacre at Dartmoor, on the fatal evening of the 6th of April, 1815.

About the author

Charles Andrews was an American sailor and prisoner of war whose personal experiences during the War of 1812 shaped one of the most vivid firsthand accounts of captivity in Dartmoor Prison. His memoir, commonly referenced as The prisoners' memoirs, or, Dartmoor prison, recounts the hardships faced by American prisoners detained by the British from 1812 to 1815. While the War of 1812 itself often garners less widespread attention compared to other North American conflicts, Andrews’ narrative fills a critical gap in understanding the day-to-day trials of imprisoned sailors and soldiers, culminating in the tragic Dartmoor Massacre on April 6, 1815.

In this memoir, Andrews provides a detailed chronology of how he and his fellow Americans fell into British hands, painting a stark picture of Dartmoor’s imposing stone walls and regimented routines. Despite Britain’s general compliance with naval prisoner guidelines, Andrews describes deteriorating conditions—insufficient rations, cramped quarters, and the psychological toll of uncertain release prospects. Through anecdotes of improvised communal activities, secret trades, and occasional defiance, he illustrates how inmates strove to maintain morale and a semblance of order under confining circumstances.

A turning point in Andrews’ account is the Dartmoor Massacre, when British guards opened fire on unarmed prisoners protesting living conditions. Andrews depicts this sudden outbreak of violence, capturing the shock and anger that rippled through the prison community. Though various official inquiries attempted to parse blame, Andrews’ personal testimony underscores both the tragedy’s preventability and the swirling chaos as guards resorted to lethal force. The resulting injuries and fatalities, right before news of war’s end fully took effect, accentuated the conflict’s lingering humanitarian toll.

Stylistically, Andrews’ memoir relies on plain, direct language, often interspersed with short reflections on camaraderie or moral fortitude. He leans into an almost journalistic tone, chronicling dates, conditions, and personal stories to add credence to his testimony. This personal immediacy has made the work a key primary source for historians of the War of 1812, offering unfiltered insight into the neglected dimension of POW experiences. While older official documents typically underscored diplomatic and military strategies, Andrews and other first-person chroniclers illuminate individual plights—reminding future readers that macro-level wars carry persistent individual suffering and resilience narratives.

Ultimately, The prisoners' memoirs, or, Dartmoor prison stands as a reminder of how personal accounts can correct or enrich official versions of conflicts. Andrews’ perspective challenges attempts to gloss over prisoner treatment or frame the Dartmoor incident as an unfortunate anomaly. Instead, it highlights the inherent vulnerability of captured sailors, the volatility of prison administration, and the complex moral entanglements nations confront when waging war. This text endures, then, as a clarion call for the human stories behind political struggles—and a testament to the enduring power of personal testimony in shaping historical memory.