One Matthew GOTHAM fought (and lost his life) in the American War of Independence. For most of 1777 he was on board HMS Chatham, appearing amongst a number in the muster rolls with an entry date of 2 Feb 1777, in the 'Whence ...' column is the comment 'from the Cartels'. The men 'from the Cartels' and some others appear under a heading 'Supernumeraries borne for Wages & VictualsOrder of Percival Shuldham, The Viscount Howe & Rear Admiral Sir Peter Parker'. I wasn't familar with the term cartels (in this context), but gather from the OED it refers to ships with prisoners to swap with the enemies priosoners. What I am interested in, does anyone know if there are American documents which would mention Matthew as one of their prisoners? (I know that American prisoners were held on board HMS Chatham and are listed by name in the muster rolls). Thanks, Teresa