dec 31, 1781 - Henry Laurens released in prisoner exchange for Lord Cornwallis

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Henry Laurens was named Minister to the Netherlands and on his second voyage to Amsterdam in 1780 when the continental packet Mercury was intercepted by the British Frigate Vestal. Laurens was imprisoned in the Tower of London for treason because of treaty papers wtih the Netherlands in his possesion. Richard Oswald of /Britian, a former partner argued on Laurens' behalf to the British government and Laurens was finaly released on December 31, 1781. He was released in prisoner exchange for General Lord Cornwallis and completed his voyage to Amsterdam. Henry Laurens was the only Patriot held in the Tower of London during the Revolutionary War. Exact location unknown provides general location off the coast of New Foundland.

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