On July 20, 1776, Jonathan Odell, Princeton Class of 1754, was captured by Continental forces. A Loyalist, he had to sign this promise not to break parole before being set free. Odell wrote, “I will not carry on any political Correspondence Whatever on the Subject of the Dispute Between Great Britain and the United States of North America, neither will I furnish any Provision or give Any Intelligence to the Enemies of the State.”
For context, there were only 13 self-identified Loyalists among the 673 Princetonians in the Classes of 1748-1783.
Odell fled to New York that December, where he wrote poetry to support his views, often satirical. "A Birthday Song" (June 14, 1777) includes an allusion to his experience with the Continental forces: Though faction by falsehood awhile may prevail, And loyalty suffers a captive in jail, Britain is rouz'd, rebellion is falling: God save the King!
The pledge is found in the Jonathan Odell Collection (C1151), Box 1, Folder 3.
