The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Relic of the Revolution, by Charles Herbert

In presenting the following pages to the reader, the publisher has no ambition to aspire to the character of an author, and what is perhaps more rare, he has no private interest to serve; he does not seek to gratify the fastidious part of the community, who would have more respect for the dress, or appearance, than for the subject matter. He is perfectly aware that the Journal is not without some imperfections; but it must be kept in mind that it was not written for the public, with an eye to publication, or to make a book—but simply as a memorandum of the events of each day. Yet when we take into consideration all the circumstances, it is little less than a miracle; consider the author: a youth of scarcely nineteen summers—then the places where the records were made—the cable tier of a man-of-war, the gloomy recesses of a prison, or on board the battle ship, where three or four hundred men were crowded together for the purposes of strife and blood; then take into consideration the prohibition of all materials for writing in prison, the vigilance of the guards, and the frequent 8 search made among the prisoners, and it becomes a matter of surprise, not that it has some imperfections, but that it exists at all, and especially that it was never interrupted. For the long imprisonment of more than two years , it seems to have been providentially preserved, for the purposes of bringing to light the hidden things of darkness, that those who should come after may be admonished and instructed.

The reader will find the Journal free from all appearance of design or effort; it is perfectly natural; what is seen or heard is recorded with hardly a note or comment, from first to last; through their medium we are conducted through the hold of the prison-ship, and witness the privations and sufferings of the hapless victims; the prison hospital is thrown open to our inspection, not as transient visitors, but as witnesses of the daily occurrences; here we see justice and mercy meeting together; the walls, the bars, the guards, tell that here stern justice holds its victims, while the attendant physician, and gentle patience of the nurse, speak of Mercy’s visits, and pity. Then the prison doors grate on their hinges, and we enter; the vacant stare of the sons of Sorrow meet us, while their meager forms, sallow countenances and ragged habiliments, speak of their privations and misery; we seem to listen to their tale of woe, and hear them tell of happy homes and kind friends in their native land; we can almost taste their scanty and uninviting portions, and our sympathies become deeply interested, until we share in all their anxieties to obtain deliverance; we are sometimes almost suffocated while following the 9 diggers in their excavations, to force a subterranean passage to the light of day and air of freedom; anon we are bounding over the fields as the minions of tyranny pursue us, until, weary and exhausted, we feel their ruthless hands upon us to drag us back to our gloomy habitations; then we feel the cold chill run over us, as we look forward to forty days and nights in darkness and solitude in the “Black hole,” on half the usual allowance of ordinary prisoners; we become acquainted with the “Two Fathers,” the messengers of Love and Pity—and while the donations continue we seem to enjoy a respite; hope and fear alternately rise and sink, until the donation closes, and transient joy gives way to deeper gloom, until some of the less determined seek relief on board the enemy’s ships of war, where they will be compelled to meet their friends and countrymen in the bloody strife—a destiny more horrible to the mind capable of reflection, than the protracted miseries of the prison cell.

At length the star of hope rises, and the news of a cartel is received; now it arrives, and we are straining our eyes through the dim light of the grated window to look on the ship, as she lays in the creek. Post after post is anxiously looked for until the agent musters his wretched charge and reads as follows: “His Majesty has been graciously pleased to pardon one hundred of you, in order to an exchange.” The names of the hundred are read, while tears of joy point out the happy ones. Once more the prison doors give way—and with what rapture they hail the breath of freedom!

From the time that Mr. Herbert entered the service 10 of the United States under the command of Commodore Jones, the entries in his journal are less frequent and less full; still, if it had not been for the unfortunate loss of several pages of the Journal, it would have been sufficiently full, to have conducted the reader through their several cruizes, to their arrival home; as it is, we have endeavored to fill up the vacuum by extracts from the official reports of Commodore Paul Jones .

It is believed that the reader will receive profit and pleasure from the numerous and various incidents here related, and from the information imparted on a variety of subjects, especially as it shows the views and feelings of the people of England on the subject of the war then raging between this and the mother country; and that the strong sympathy manifested towards the prisoners, in the collection of upwards of thirty thousand dollars for their relief, together with all the private donations, not included in the above, will be an everlasting monument to the benevolence of British Christians, and may tend to soften our prejudices and lead to stronger sympathies for each other, and greater efforts to promote each other’s welfare, and mutual feelings of peace and good will.

A list of the prisoners, with the places to which they belonged, and vessels in which they were taken, also a notice of such as had made their escape, had died, or entered the service of Great Britain, will no doubt be acceptable to such as had friends in the service of their country, and of whom, perhaps, they have never since heard. The list was taken, as will be seen, a short time before Mr. Herbert left prison.

11 The indulgence of the critic is hoped for, under the assurance that the task of preparing the Journal for the press has been arduous, as much of it was originally written in figures to secure secrecy, and had to be spelled out by reference to the key; that the task was performed amidst a press of more important duties, and with a fixed purpose of devoting all the avails of the sales of the work to the widow of the author, after paying the expense of publication.

It is perfectly natural to expect, in presenting any work to the public, and more especially of the nature of a journal, that the reader will desire to know something of the character of its author, in order to determine what degree of confidence the writer is entitled to,—whether the statements made are to be depended upon or not. In compliance with this reasonable demand, we will endeavor to impart such information as we possess, believing that it will be perfectly satisfactory.

Charles Herbert was the son of John Herbert, of Newburyport, Mass. His mother’s name was Jane, daughter of Colonel Pierce of that town. Mr. Charles Herbert was born November 17th, in the year of our Lord 1757, but, being deprived of his mother by death, at the early age of two months, he was committed to the care of a maiden aunt—Miss Lydia Pierce, sister of his mother. The influence of early training, as developed in the life of Mr. Herbert, is very creditable to his early tutoress. Moral and religious principle must 13 have taken a deep root in his young heart, to have preserved that heart from the gross and corrupting influence of the society into which he was afterwards thrown. The fruit appears in lovely contrast with the abandoned profligacy of many of his companions, and no doubt afforded him abundant consolation in the hours of suffering and solitude. His character gave to him a sort of pre-eminence among his fellows, and an influence with his captors and keepers, which his companions did not share. He was a true patriot; neither frowns nor flatteries could move him to abandon his country’s interest. If good tidings reach him, his heart exults with joy; if dark clouds hang over the prospects of the patriot band, he is sorrowful, and will not be comforted; he can endure hunger, confinement, or reproach—any thing but the extinguishing of his country’s hope. Others, for the sake of personal liberty, can join the standard of the enemy: but not so with him; he cannot betray the cause of his country, or go to battle against his brother .

From the Journal the reader will learn that Mr. Herbert entered on board the Dolton, Nov. 15, 1776, being less than nineteen years of age, and returned to Newburyport Aug. 23, 1780, having been absent nearly four years, two of which he spent as a prisoner, in a foreign land. The sufferings of this period were of the most distressing kind—hunger, cold, sickness, and privation. After his release, by an exchange of prisoners, brought about by the efforts of Dr. Franklin, then Minister to France, Mr. Herbert joined the Alliance frigate, commanded by Captain Landais, forming part of the squadron 14 of Commodore J. Paul Jones. He was one of those sent to Bergen, in Norway, then a part of the kingdom of Denmark, with prizes—which prizes were seized by the Danish government and delivered to the English Consul, which forms the basis of the “Denmark Claims,” so called; and which amounted then, according to Dr. Franklin, to at least fifty thousand pounds sterling. The crews of these vessels, on their return from Denmark, were kindly entertained by Dr. Franklin, at his house; and on leaving, he paid their expenses and gave each person a crown. Mr. Herbert preserved his, as a sacred treasure, as long as he lived, but it has since his death been lost. It is to be hoped that those claims against Denmark will be brought to a speedy settlement, and the few survivors of the eventful scenes of Paul Jones’ career be rewarded for their sufferings. Mr. Herbert possessed a remarkably active mind, prompt and ready on all occasions; he met every emergency with the utmost self-possession. This is seen in his conduct when the brig was taken, and after he became a prisoner. He could be carpenter, carver, shoe-maker, merchant, could make boxes, sell tobacco, or labor in any way to make a shift, to prevent starvation. Nor did he neglect his mind; he bought several books at extravagant prices, which he read, and loaned to his fellow prisoners. Among other studies perused in prison he became master of navigation . His journal, which is a standing monument of his genius and industry, was concealed, while writing, in his boots, and as each page became full, it was conveyed to a chest with a double bottom, and there secreted until he left prison 15 It is probable the existence of the journal was known to very few, if any, in prison, as the most serious consequences must have followed its discovery. How often in the silent hours of midnight, by the light made from the marrow of a bone, did he trace the record of each eventful day? It has never been known that any journal of any length of time was kept by any other person: it is believed none exists; and to the friends of those who were taken by the enemy and died in prison, or escaped but have not been heard from, or who went on board English men-of-war, “to serve, and continue to serve in his Majesty’s service,” the journal of Mr. Herbert must be of great interest and satisfaction. After Mr. Herbert’s return to Newburyport, Aug. 23, 1780, we have no account of his being employed in the service of his country, other than as a private citizen; indeed, his constitution had received so severe a shock by his long imprisonment and great exposure, that his health was much enfeebled. He soon entered into business as a block-maker, and on the 8th of November, 1783, was united in marriage to Miss Molly Butler , by Rev. John Murray, of Newburyport. He continued in the business of block-maker until his death, which occurred on the 4th of September, A. D. 1808. Mr. Herbert had one brother, who died in the morning of life, by a fall occasioned by moving some freight belonging to him on board a vessel. Mrs. Herbert became the mother of fourteen children, six of whom are still living. She is still, at the advanced age of eighty-four, lingering among us as a relic of a people precious in our memory; and should there be a surplus after paying 16 the expenses of publishing this work, if still living, she will enjoy a liberal share thereof.

It is to be regretted that Mrs. Herbert has not been able to obtain either the pension allowed by the law of our land to widows of Revolutionary soldiers and sailors, or the prize money due to her husband from government. How slow are we to reward those who struggled hard for our liberties.

The above facts might be confirmed by the testimony of some of our most distinguished citizens, if necessary.

Hoping that liberal sales will enable the publisher to render to the widow of Charles Herbert a liberal donation, it is submitted to a generous public, by the publisher.

The Dolton sailed—Was taken—Breach of Honor—Treatment, &c.—Disagreeable Lodgings—Advantage of being small—A Report—English Women—Royal Salute—Removed—A Prize brought in—Daily Allowance on board His Majesty’s Ships—The Charming Sally—Orders.

The brig Dolton sailed from Newburyport, November 15th, 1776, and from Portsmouth, on the 26th of the same month, and on the 24th of December following, about nine o’clock in the evening, we were taken by the Reasonable , man-of-war, of sixty-four guns. As her cruise was over, she was bound to Plymouth, England. The first lieutenant of the ship was the first man that boarded us, and he ordered us all on board the ship as fast as the boats could carry us, and would give us no time to collect our clothes, promising us, however, upon his word and honor, that we 18 should have them all sent on board the next day. Some of our company trusted to this assurance, but I thought it not best to do the like. I was stationed upon the main-top when we were taken, and had not so good an opportunity to save my clothes, as those below; yet I saved more than any of the foremast hands; for as soon as I found that we were taken, I made all speed from the top down to my chest. I broke it open and shifted myself from head to foot—putting on two shirts, a pair of drawers and breeches, and trowsers over them; two or three jackets, and a pair of new shoes, and then filled my bosom and pockets as full as I could well carry. Afterwards, I found it was well for me that I did so; for when the clothes were brought on board, we found that all the best of them had been culled out, and nothing but a few rags and a dozen old blankets were sent to us.

After we came on board, we were ordered upon the quarter-deck, and from there down into the cable-tier, where we found very disagreeable lodgings, having nothing but the bare cable to lay upon, and that very uneven. Besides this, we were almost suffocated with heat. Being, however, very much fatigued, I slept about two hours, as soundly as if I had been upon a bed of down. When I awoke I crawled aft upon the cable, where was 19 the sentinel, and spent the remainder of the night in conversation with him.

In the morning the boys were called by the officers of the ship to come upon deck. Now, thinks I to myself, there is an advantage in being small. I’ll embrace this opportunity, and try for my liberty upon deck, too. Accordingly, I went up, and no sooner were we on deck than we were thronged about by the seamen. They told us that a few hours after they took us, they spoke twelve or fourteen sail of transports, bound to New York, under convoy of a frigate, and she had thrown her guns overboard in a storm. I learned that the name of the Captain of the ship which had taken us, was Thomas Fitzherbert.

[The journal of the remainder of the passage to Plymouth, England, has been lost, and the next record commences some day or two after their arrival in this port.]

1777. January 15th. This morning our officers were brought on board again. We hear that the British troops have taken “Fort Washington,” with the loss of eight hundred men .

16. A number of seamen’s wives came on board to-day, and upon being told that they had American prisoners on board, “Have you?” said one to the other; “What sort of people are they?” “Are they white?” “Can they talk?” 20 Upon being pointed to where some of them stood, “Why!” exclaimed they, “they look like our people, and they talk English.”

18. To-day is the Queen’s birth-day, and every ship in the harbor that is in commission, fired twenty-one guns, as a royal salute.

19. Sunday. To-day we were removed from the Reasonable to the Bellisle, a ship of sixty-four guns, after having been on board the Reasonable twenty-seven days. Here we lodged in the cable-tier, on boards laid over the cable, which is better than we had on board the Reasonable.

22. Last Sunday, “a prize” was brought in here, which proved to be the brig Triton, from Newburg, Captain Tileston, master. The captain was sent on shore and made his escape.

24. To-day, two ships-of-war sailed from the sound. The Southampton, of thirty-six guns, and the Thetis, of thirty-two guns.

27. The daily allowance on board His Majesty’s ships, is: Sunday, pork and peas; Monday, birgu, 21 butter and cheese; Tuesday, beef and pudding; Wednesday, birgu and peas, butter and cheese; Thursday, pork and peas; Friday, birgu and peas, butter and cheese; Saturday, beef and pudding; a pint of wine, or half a pint of rum, when at sea; and when in port, beer in abundance, and fresh meat twice in a week.

30. This morning, the captain, doctor and servant, of the privateer sloop Charming Sally, from America, came on board this ship. They inform us that they were taken the 16th of January, by the None-Such, man-of-war, sixty-four guns, and have been well used; having been on full allowance, till they came on board this ship; and the captain that took them allowed them all their clothes and bedding.

31. It is a time of general colds with us, and about eighteen of our number are sick.

4. We are told that orders have been received from London, to repair all the prisons along shore.

Disease and Vermin—Reports—Pressed Men—Removal to the Tarbay—Cold Berth—Sickness prevails—General Lee—A Friend—An Act of Parliament—Removal for better—Better Quarters—Special Favors—Liberal Distribution—Great Contrast—A good Friend—Sickness increases.

February 5. It is a pay-day for bounty, on board this ship, (the Bellisle,) which occasions a great market on board.

6. We begin to grow very sickly, and twenty or thirty of us are suffering with the itch, and we are all dreadfully infested with vermin. I make a constant practice of examining my clothes every day, when we are permitted to go upon deck. I often find them swarming with these.

We are informed that the Admiral was heard to say, that no favor was to be shown to us, on account of our orders. We are also told by some, that we are to be removed, soon, on board the Ocean, which is the Admiral’s ship; by others, that we shall be removed to prison.

This afternoon, about one hundred pressed men were brought on board this ship.

23 7. We were removed from the Bellisle, after having been on board nineteen days, and were carried up to Ammores, and put on board the “Tarbay,” a ship of seventy-four guns, and confined in the bay, between decks, where there was not room for all of us to lay down; it is parted off, like a sheep-pen, and takes in two side-ports only.

8. Pleasant weather, but very cold for persons in our condition, as we are obliged to lay upon a wet deck, without either bedding or clothes, more than what we have on our backs—except a very few who have an old blanket apiece. As there is not room enough within our narrow quarters for every one to lay down at night, some are obliged to sit up all night.

9. There are now sixteen of our number on the doctor’s list, and there are but very few of us but what are either complaining with bad colds or rheumatic pains; and if there are ten sick with as many different complaints, they give them all alike the same medicine.

10. Rough, cold, and some snow; all the way we have to keep ourselves warm, in the day time, is by play, and making ourselves merry.

11. We hear that General Lee is taken. I had to-day a handful of bread given to me by a woman, which I joyfully received.

24 12. We are informed that Parliament has passed an act that all Americans taken in arms against the King, shall be deemed rebels; and those taken in armed vessels, upon the high seas, as pirates.

13. Our company is in a very poor state of health. Last night I sat up with one at the point of death. We were removed to-day from the Tarbay, after being on board six days, and carried on board the Burford, a ship of seventy-four guns. Thanks be to God for this removal, for here we have more room, and there are but few men belonging to the ship besides the officers.

14. We are now on board the Burford, where we find better usage than we have received since we have been taken, and our sick have good care taken of them. We are also allowed to go upon deck, twenty at a time.

15. This morning sailed from Ammores three ships of the line, of seventy-four guns—the Albion, the Boyne and the Tarbay. To-day nine of our sick were carried on shore to the Royal Hospital. We were informed by one of the lieutenants of the ship, that, although their orders were to strip and plunder us, yet we should be allowed a bed and bedding, and such of us as had not clothes to change ourselves, should have them; which we may account as a favor.

16. Clear and pleasant, (Sunday,) and as we 25 are now between-decks, and have more room and the light of the sun, and not confined to the cable-tier, we have an opportunity for reading.

17. Very stormy. To-day we had delivered to us, by the purser of the ship, bedding and clothes. I received a shirt, and bedding, consisting of a flock bed and pillows , a rug , and blankets . Some, who were almost naked, had nearly a whole suit given them. When they gave us the shirts, they told us to take off our old ones and throw them overboard, “lice and all.”

18. Those of us who did not receive clothes yesterday, have received them to-day, and those who did not receive beds, are to receive them in a few days. Our beds are a great comfort to our sore bodies, after laying fifty-five nights without any—all the time since we were taken—sometimes upon hard cables, sometimes upon boards laid over the cables, and at other times on a wet deck, with nothing to cover us but the clothes on our backs. Now we have good bedding for our comfort, thanks be to God! and a good friend ; for we are told that the captain of the ship, whose name is Boyer, gave us these clothes and beds, out of his own pocket.

19. This evening the remainder of our company received beds. We never know the true state of our condition till it is illustrated by its 26 contraries; neither do we know how to value what we have but by the want of it.

21. The Reasonable came out of dock and dropped to her moorings. The Ocean is stripped and going into dock. The Lizard, frigate, has lately arrived from America, and to-day was towed up from the Sound, having cut away her masts yesterday in a gale of wind.

Death of E. Hunt—Gets the privilege to Work—Good Pay—Act of Parliament—Poetry—A Captain’s Compliments—Wish granted—A Report—Paper—A Prize—Prayers on board—A Privilege—Reckoning—Critical Situation—Small-Pox—Visitors—Report from America—Small-Pox prevails—Captain Rowe—Ship Nancy taken—Terrible Punishment—Carried to the Hospital—Treatment for Itch.

24. Mr. Holland, the master-at-arms of the ship, has been on shore; he informs us of the death of one of our company— Ebenezer Hunt . He died on the 20th of this month, in the Royal Hospital; he was one of the nine that were sent on shore the 15th inst.

25. This morning Mr. Holland came into our apartment inquiring for a joiner. I offered myself, and went upon deck to work for him. He obtained the liberty of the carpenter’s bench and tools, and I went to work, getting, also, permission for one of my acquaintances to come upon deck and work with me. We made him a table, for which 28 he gave us a bag to put our clothes in, half of a salt fish, a quart of potatoes, six biscuits, and butter to eat with our fish, besides a good hot supper.

26. I had an opportunity of reading a newspaper wherein was a confirmation, in several different places, of General Lee’s being taken. I saw, also, an Act that was moved in Parliament and passed in the affirmative, 112 to 35; according to which we are guilty of high treason, and are sentenced to prison, there to lay, without bail, until the first of January, 1778, and then to have a trial.

27. Last night the Boyne came up to her mooring, having sprung a leak and carried away her fore-topmast. She is the second, out of the three which sailed on the 15th inst., that has returned in distress. This ship’s guns and carriages were brought alongside, and there were not men enough to hoist them in; so the captain sent his compliments to us, to see if we would assist in getting them on board, which we willingly did, because 29 he appears to be the best friend to us that we have met with since we have been taken.

28. We had a paper wherein is an account of the march and defeat of the King’s troops towards Philadelphia, with the loss of fourteen or fifteen hundred men.

March 1. Myself and one of my shipmates have again been upon deck to work. We made a chest for the master-at-arms, for which he gave us some biscuit. We mended, also, a table for the ship’s cook, for which he gave us a supper and some spare bread and meat. It is in the paper that the ship which brought Dr. Franklin from Philadelphia to France, as she was returning, took a brig laden with fish, three days out of port, belonging to the same gentleman that bought the Dolton.

2. Prayers were read on board this ship to-day, and we were allowed to go on deck to hear them. A frigate arrived, after a six months’ cruise, as we know by her firing a salute—which they are not allowed to do unless they have been six months absent. Myself and another have the liberty from the carpenter of the ship to work every day when we can get work to do.

26. It is four months since we sailed from Portsmouth, having been in that time twenty-eight days on board the Dolton, twenty-seven days on board 30 the Reasonable, nineteen on board the Bellisle, six on board the Tarbay, and forty-one on board the Burford, which is our present place of abode.

27. We are told that we are to go on shore to-morrow to prison. Our company, one after another, are daily dropping sick, and about forty of us have the itch; but our sick have as good care taken of them on board this ship as we could expect, and we are visited morning and evening by the doctor.

28. I have been poorly some days past, and having no appetite for my food I bought a quarter of a pound of sugar to sweeten some water gruel, which is the best that I can get here.

30. Sunday. But the time is badly spent for persons in our situation, who do not know how soon the gallows may be our doom.

31. I had sent to me, by the surgeon of the ship, about a pound of sugar and two ounces of tea, for some work which I did for him some time ago, and this morning I made some tea for my breakfast, which I drank with a good relish.

April 1. To-day I took an emetic of the doctor. There is another one of our company attacked with the small-pox , and to all human appearances, it will go through the company. I 31 do not know that I ever can have it better than now, as I am well dieted, and therefore do not try to escape it.

2. To-day the Admiral and his lady, with several other ladies, came on board this ship to dine. This afternoon the man with small-pox was sent on shore, to the hospital.

3. Windy, cold weather. We hear that three American privateers went into Ireland, victualed and watered, and went out again, before it was known who they were.

4. This ship is bending her sails; it is reported that she is bound to sea soon. I suppose she is bound to Spithead, where a number from this place have gone.

5. Last evening the master-at-arms told us that we were to go on shore to-day at ten o’clock, but we are not there yet. To-day we had an opportunity of reading a newspaper, wherein is an account of the Americans taking nine hundred Hessian troops, on Christmas evening. As we are not allowed a paper, when we get one we are obliged to be very cautious how and when we read it.

6. Sunday. Again there has been prayers on board this ship, and a sermon preached. Another one of our company has broken out with the small-pox.

8. There is another broken out with small-pox, and I expect every day to be attacked myself.

9. Two more of our company are quite unwell, and we expect it is small-pox. A lad who stole, and was obliged to run the gauntlet twice before, stole again, and to-day was punished in the same manner.

10. To-day three more were sent on shore with the small-pox, and three returned from the Hospital well, who were carried on shore the 15th of February. They tell us that they were used well. We hear that Captain Joseph Rowe has been taken in the ship “ Nancy ,” from Newbury, and has been brought in here. He has now his liberty on shore, but his men are on board the Ocean, which is the Admiral’s ship.

11. To-day the same lad who has stolen and run the gauntlet three times before, stole again; and we took another method with him. We tied him up, and our boatswain’s mate gave him two dozen with the cat, on his bare back. At the least computation, in the three times which he run the gauntlet, exclusive of the punishment he received to-day, he must have had seven or eight hundred lashes, with hard nettles, on a bare back.

12. Pleasant weather. To-day eight more of 33 our company were carried on shore to the Royal Hospital, with the itch , and myself amongst the number. Alas! little did I think, six months ago, that I should ever set my foot on this island. It is four months and seventeen days since I left Portsmouth, all of which time I have been on the water. There are now twenty-four of our company in these hospitals, some with the small-pox, and the rest with the itch .

14. The first day I came here I was put upon diet; I had only half a pound of bread and a quart of milk, but now I am put on full allowance, which is a pound of beef, a pound of potatoes, and three pints of beer, per day.

15. We take a large spoonful of sulphur mixed with honey and cream tartar, morning and evening, and in the evening also use the ointment.

Royal Hospital Buildings—An Adventure—Taken down with Small-pox—Three Prisoners escape—Re-taken—Severe Sickness—Second Death—Joseph Hatch—Recovery—Kind attention of the Nurses—Samuel Shriggings, the third of the company, died—Attempt to escape.

April 16. Within these hospital wards there are ten grand buildings , three stories high. Each building contains six wards, each ward can accommodate twenty-five patients—so that there is room for fifteen hundred patients, besides attendants.

To-day our food, with our names entered in a book, was sent, which was headed, “Upon such a day a ward was opened for the rebel prisoners ;” I scratched out the word rebel and wrote American. When the book was returned, a messenger was sent with sixpence reward for any one who would tell who did it, but he returned no wiser than he came.

17. There are now fifteen of us in this ward, 35 and seven are upon what they call half-diet, (on account of their drawing coals and candles;) so that every other day we draw a half a pound of mutton, a pound of bread, a pound of potatoes, and a pound of greens.

19. I am very unwell; I have a bad pain in my head and back—the symptoms of small-pox—and the doctor ordered me something to take, immediately.

20. I have had six applications for the itch, but am not half cured; and to-day when the doctor came in to see me, he told me I had the small-pox, and ordered the nurse to remove me immediately, into the small-pox ward, which she did. After I got there, I was ordered to strip off all the dirty clothes that I had upon me. I washed myself in warm water, and put on a clean linen shirt, a woollen gown, waistcoat and drawers, and turned into bed with clean sheets.

21. I feel something better, and my pock comes out very fast; but it is the small sort, which is the worst.

Also, last evening three prisoners made their escape from the fifty-sixth ward, which is the same I left yesterday.

24. I am broken out so very thick, and the ointment for the itch inflamed my blood so much, that my flesh feels as if I was raked up in a bed of embers; and I am so sick at my stomach that I vomit up every thing I eat, and am unable to write.

26. My head was swollen very much, and I was so blind that I could scarcely see daylight.

30. I was very easy as to pain, but so very sore that I could scarcely lay in bed.

4. I am some better, and got up again, but was unable to sit up long; my pock begins to dry very well, and my swelling to go down.

5. This morning Joseph Hatch, one of our company, died with small-pox. He is the second of our company that has died in these hospitals.

37 6. I begin to grow bravely, and have a very good appetite for my victuals. I remain very sore, yet not so sore as I was two or three days ago; as my pock ran all together then, when I used to rise up in bed to receive any thing, and stuck to my linen and the sheets, so that it would tear off the scab from the whole length of my back, when I arose.

7. I am very sore yet, but am doing finely, considering that it is with some difficulty that I can get to the table to write; and I have a good appetite to eat. I asked the doctor for mutton, which he granted, so that I now have a pound of bread, half a pound of mutton, and a quart of beer.

8. There are two of our company now in this ward, very sick with the small-pox; but they have faithful care taken of them by the nurses, and the doctor is very kind. He allows them near half a pint of wine, or a small bottle of cordial, almost every day. The nurses, also, have been, and still are, very kind to me . When I first came into this ward, I brought a little tea and sugar with me, which I obtained on board the ships, and after it was all expended, the nurses gave me out of their own stores, tea twice a day, or as often as they make it for themselves.

[Mr. Herbert often in after life spoke in the highest terms of the kindness and attention of the nurses.]

38 9. Near half the scab has come off my body, and every morning when I get up, there is near a handful of scab left in the sheet, which comes off in the night.

11. My legs are very sore, so that I am obliged to have them bound up from my ancles to my hips.

12. I am indifferently well, except my legs and thighs, where I have nearly a dozen biles, with which I am so lame I can scarcely walk.

14. There are now twenty-six Americans here. Some are almost well of the small-pox, and have gone below into the recovering ward.

15. It is six months to-day since I left Newbury, and I fear it will be six more before I return.

17. This morning, died here, one Ebenezer Willis. He was a young man taken with Captain Brown, in the sloop Charming Sally. Also, this afternoon, of small-pox, Samuel Shriggings, he being the third of our company that has died in these hospitals, and the second in this ward, since I have been in it.

39 18. Last evening three of our company in the fifty-sixth ward, attempted to make their escape, but were discovered and taken before they got over the wall.

Fourth Death—Captain Brown’s Escape—His Men sent to Prison—Discharge from the Hospital—Yellow Fever—Fifth Death—Cruelty to the Dead—Examination—Commitment to Prison—Prison Allowance—Hunger—Prison Employments—Charity Box—Hard Fare—Guard Alarmed—Friendly Visitors—A Mean Trick.

May 20. There is a great frolic near by, called a bull-bating. We have a view of the people, but not of their sport.

We hear that the prisons are ready for the reception of the rebel prisoners, as we are called, and I daily expect our company to come on shore to them.

21. I gather strength, but as yet I am so weak as to be able to walk but very little. My chief employment is reading, but my eyes are weak, caused by rubbing them when I was almost blind.

22. There are two other Americans now in this ward, very sick with the small-pox; and one or two of our company, who are very sick.

41 24. It is six weeks to-day since I came on shore, and five weeks to-morrow since I was brought into this building with small-pox. To-day I asked the doctor for some beef, which he granted; he also ordered me to go below into the recovering ward.

25. To-day I was upon full allowance, and drew a pound of beef, a pound of bread, a pound of potatoes, and three pints of beer.

26. This morning about seven o’clock, died James Jutson, an old man, prisoner from the Queen, taken with Captain Brown in the privateer sloop Charming Sally.

27. To-day we were forbidden the liberty of going up stairs to speak to our sick shipmates.

28. Yesterday, seven of Captain Brown’s crew were sent to prison, from the ship, and Captain Brown made his escape from the “Fountain Tavern,” in Plymouth Dock, where they were sent to be tried. Also, to-day took my tenth portion of physic.

29. To-day twelve of us were discharged from the hospital, but the boat did not come for us. We hear that the Bellisle has arrived in the Sound, has the yellow fever on board, and has been laid under quarantine, in the Sound, some time.

30. As we were discharged yesterday, and the boat did not come for us, to-day we were put upon 42 what they call cazzelteer, and only draw half a pound of bread and a quart of milk. A prisoner in the middle story, last night, being very sick with the small-pox got out of his bed, threw up the window and jumped out. He fell head first, about twenty feet, upon the hard ground, bruising himself sadly.

31. It is now seven weeks since I came on shore, and six weeks to-day since I was brought here with small-pox.

June 1. It being pleasant weather, the nurse permitted me to walk in the garden.

2. We expected to have been removed, either to the ships or to prison, but were not.

3. To-day we were again discharged, but the boat did not come for us. Last night, one William Woodward, a prisoner, taken in the sloop Charming Sally, made his escape from this ward.

4. As we were discharged yesterday, and the boat did not come for us, we were again put upon cazzelteers and draw only a quart of milk, and a half pound of bread.

To-day is the King’s birth-day, and there is great firing of cannon, and chiming of bells, in Dock and Plymouth.

This morning about three o’clock, another prisoner died of small-pox—the same person who jumped from the window, as before mentioned. 43 He was taken in the privateer sloop Charming Sally. After he was dead, his coffin was brought, which proved to be near six inches too short. But rather than have another made, they jammed him into that, in a most shocking manner.

5. This morning early, the boat came for us and twelve of us went on board and were carried along side the Blenheim, to which ship our company, and that of Captain Brown, had been removed since we went on shore. Four of the twelve that were in the boat belonged to the captain’s crew. They were put on board the Blenheim, but the rest of us were carried on shore again, and guarded to the Fountain Tavern, to be tried by the judges; for that is the place where they sit. We were put into a small room, surrounded by a guard, and having eat nothing through the day, were very weak; so we got the soldiers to boil us a little meat, which we had obtained at the hospital. After this, we were all called up before the judges and examined. They asked each of us in what province we had been born, and whether or not we had a commission from Congress? At what time we entered on board the Dolton? Whether we were taken by the Reasonable? To each of their questions we answered. We were then sent below into the little room again; then we were called up the second time, one at a time, and asked 44 the same questions, to which we answered. They then read them over to us, and asked us if it was true, to which we replied it was. We told them we were out to fight the enemies of the thirteen United States. After we were examined one by one, the third time, we were all called up together, as at the first, and our commitments were read to us and delivered to the constable. My commitment read as follows:

“Charles Herbert, you are supposed to be guilty of the crime of high treason, and committed to prison for the same until the time of trial.”

We were then delivered to the constable, and guarded to Old Mill Prison, Plymouth.

Alas! I have entered the gates but the Lord only knows when I shall go out of them again.

June 6. Our allowance here in prison is a pound of bread, a quarter of a pound of beef, a pound of greens, a quart of beer and a little pot-liquor that the beef and greens are boiled in, without any thickening,—per day.

7. Pleasant weather, but we are kept in all day as a punishment for a misbeholden word spoken to the sentry on guard.

8. Sunday; and there has been a great number of persons at the gate to see us, who gave in, for our relief, several shillings.

9. Rainy weather, so that we keep house all 45 day, except when we go out to draw our provisions.

10. There have about ten or twelve prisoners come from the ships to prison to-day. Having so lately had the small-pox, and being so long physiced afterwards, I require more victuals now, than I ever did before; and our allowance is so very small, and having only sevenpence left of what little money I had when I came to prison, I had a continual gnawing at my stomach; and I find that unless I take some method to obtain something more than my bare allowance, I must certainly suffer, if not die, and that soon. As necessity is the mother of invention, I am resolved to try to get something, and to-day when a carpenter came to put in a window at the end of the prison, I entreated him to bring me some deal, and I would make him a box, which he did.

11. To-day we have made a charity-box, and put it up at the gate. There is written upon it, “Health, Plenty, and Competence to the donors.” I have finished the box for the carpenter, and he likes it so well that he wants more made, and he brought me some more wood for that purpose,—some for him, and some for myself.

12. I have been busy all day making boxes, and some of the prisoners are making punch ladles, spoons, chairs, and the like; for which they, now and then, get a shilling.

46 13. We have chosen a purser amongst ourselves to take charge of the avails of the charity-box. Some days we get four or five shillings, and upon others, not more than four or five pence.

14. To-day we drew only half a pound of greens. They tell us it is by the order of the board; our meat is very short, and our broth only the pot-liquor with the fat skimmed off.

15. Last night the guard was alarmed. They supposed that they heard noises as if we were breaking out of prison; this is the second time this guard has been alarmed when we were all silent.

17. I have been employed for several days past, making boxes, and carving them. To-day I sold two, one for a shilling, the other for ninepence.

18. To-day there have been several gentlemen and ladies to see us, and they gave us several small books; I sold, also, another box for a shilling.

19. There is one of the prisoners who has been unwell for several days, and is now broke out with the small-pox.

20. There are about ten prisoners brought to prison nearly every day; but there are only a few more to come.

21. I have now got into such a way of making boxes and selling them, that I can afford to buy myself a breakfast every morning; commonly 47 bread and milk, which is brought to prison every morning for sale.

22. Sunday; there have been great numbers of people to see us, and the prison guard, confederating with the turnkey, have got a box put up at the gate, and they will let no one look in to see us, without paying in a certain amount. To-day we are told that they got fifteen shillings in their box, which they divided among themselves; but the people who put it in thought it was for the prisoners. We, therefore, took in our box, and are resolved to put it out no more.

More Prisoners—A Present—Visit from American Gentlemen—Black-hole—Fleet of Transports for America—Prisoners escape—Death—Prospect of War with France—First breach in the Prison wall—Fox frigate taken by the Hancock—A Newspaper—Number of Prisoners—Escape of thirty-two Prisoners—Bounty—Punishment—Cruelty to the Old—Captain Lee taken in the Fancy—Hears from Home—Bad News—False Reports—Daniel Cottle died.

June 23. To-day we divided the money which we had got in our charity-box, and it was only five farthings per man.

24. To-day there were two more prisoners brought in; they were taken in France. Having been invited on board an English vessel, and not knowing who they were, went on board, and were immediately seized and confined. The vessel then weighed anchor and came out of the harbor. The prisoners proved to be the captain and lieutenant of a Virginia pilot boat. The captain is now confined in the yard, in a prison by himself, 49 and is not allowed to speak to us, but the lieutenant is in prison with us.

28. To-day Captain Ross, one of our prize-masters, had a present of some bread and cheese.

29. Sunday. To-day there have been great numbers to see us, but they were disappointed; for they kept the outer gate shut, and would not let the people look at us.

30. We are so confined here that we are out of the way of all news; we are not allowed a newspaper, and at present no one is allowed to come to the gate to speak to us. The week past, I have received three shillings and two pence, for boxes.

4. Fair weather. This is the only fair day we have had for nearly a week; and to-day a fleet of transports with troops, bound to America, put in here for a harbor.

5. To-day several American gentlemen came to see us. They came to England before the war began; they gave considerable money to some with whom they were acquainted; to one they gave two guineas, to another one , to another half 50 a guinea, and to three more five shillings apiece. The week past I have received one shilling and two pence for boxes.

6. Sunday. A great number of persons came to see us, but the gate was kept shut, so they could not speak to us, or give us any thing; but some that were in prison took a small bag and tied a string to it and let it down at a window at the back side of the prison. About a sixpence was put into it, but the guard came in and forbid it.

7. They have placed lanterns all round the prison yard, for fear that some of us should make our escape in the night.

8. Last night the guard became alarmed by our people laughing and singing, and they came in and took one of the prisoners to the Black-hole , a place of punishment so called, where he is to lay forty days , on half allowance, and nothing to sleep on but the ground. We were all threatened to be put on half allowance. This afternoon there sailed from the Sound a fleet of transports of about thirty sail, and three convoys, bound to America. According to the best accounts, there are about four thousand troops on board.

12. Last night, four of the prisoners that were 51 in the hospital, one that was in the Black-hole, and one from a prison where there are a number using applications for the itch, made their escape through a drain that leads to the river edge. For this week past I have received three shillings and sixpence for boxes and ladles.

13. Sunday. Those who remain in the itch apartment are all put on half allowance, to make them tell which way the man got out who made his escape from that building; and a sentinel is set before the prison to keep us from giving them any thing, or speaking to them.

14. The Yarmouth, a ship of seventy-four guns, dropped down into the Sound, in order for sailing.

15. The prisoners in the itch apartment told the agent which way the man got out of prison, and were put upon their usual allowance.

16. We hear of the death of Thomas Rines, one of our company, whom I left sick at the Royal Hospital; he died of the small-pox, and is the fourth of our company who has died since we were taken.

17. Several in prison have broken out with the small-pox, all of whom inoculated themselves from the first that were attacked with it.

18. There has been a great deal of talk of a French war ever since we have been taken, and it appears now to be very near, for the English vessels 52 are often receiving insults at sea from the French. Three years ago they would have resented this, but now they appear to be afraid.

19. The remainder of the prisoners who have not had the small pox have had an offer from the doctor to be inoculated.

20. Last night we made a breech in the prison wall, and began to dig out, which we expect will take near a fortnight to accomplish, as we have near eighteen feet to dig under ground to get into a field on the other side of the wall.

21. For the week past I have received, for boxes and ladles, two shillings and sixpence.

22. The hole that is now in hand is to be only just large enough for a man to crowd himself out. The men that dig it have made great progress since they have been at work; we put all the dirt into our chests, as we have several of them in prison, and when they leave work they stop up the hole with the same stones that came out, and daub it over with lime, so that it appears like the other wall.

23. Last evening transports arrived here from America, with six hundred wounded marines on board.

25. To-day three of the number who broke out 53 of the sick ward, on the 12th of this month, were brought back again, and put in the Black-hole, there to lay forty days, on half allowance.

20. We hear that Captain Manley, of the Hancock frigate, has taken the Fox frigate, of twenty-eight guns.

29. The remainder of the prisoners who have not had the small-pox, removed into a seperate building, in order for inoculation.

30. Although we are not allowed newspapers, yet we have them almost weekly, and we now have one that gives an account of the before mentioned frigate being taken; also of Captain Giddson, in the “Civil Usage,” being seen off the Lizzard.

August 1. To-day six more of our people came on shore from the ship; the occasion of their not being brought to prison sooner was, that they were detained with small-pox in the Royal Hospital. One of these is yet very unwell, and has been put in the prison hospital.

2. We learn, by those who came in yesterday, that Captain Adams, who was taken in a merchantman, was set at liberty last Sunday. The week past I have received two shillings for boxes.

54 3. Sunday. The number of prisoners now in these wards, is one hundred and seventy-three.

4. Some of our people who first broke out with small-pox in prison, are so far recovered as to be able to come up from the hospital.

5. Pleasant to-day, but stormy last night; during the storm, some of our people made their escape through the hole which they began to dig on the nineteenth of last month. This hole is dug eighteen feet under ground, and comes up in a field the other side of the wall. Thirty-two in number went out, three of whom have been brought back. We are told that they have five pounds bounty for taking up any rebel prisoner that attempts an escape; and when taken, the prisoners are to be put on half allowance, and placed in the Black-hole for forty days.

7. Four more were brought in to-day, so that there are eight out of the thirty-two taken already. The four who were brought back to-day are put in with us, as the Black-hole is full, but they will be put on half allowance, the same as if in the Black-hole.

8. The guards are now so very suspicious of us, that they number us two or three times a day, 55 and visit us as often by night; and once or twice they will overhaul all our chests to see that there is no dirt in them, or any tools secreted that we can dig out with. To-day an old man was put into the Black-hole for only complaining that our meat was not good.

9. To-day there was one more brought back that passed under the wall. For the week past I have received three shillings for boxes.

11. To-day nine more prisoners came on shore to the prison from the Blenheim. Eight of the number were taken in one of Captain Weeks’ prizes, bound to France; the other was one of our company, who has been sick at the Royal Hospital. They inform us that Captain John Lee is taken in the brig Fancy, twelve guns, fitted out at Newbury, belonging to the Traceys, and forty-two of his hands came on board the Blenheim before they left her. To-day two more were brought back who went out at the hole.

12. To-day eight more prisoners came to the prison from the Blenheim; three of the number were taken in the Fancy with Captain Lee. They inform us that they were chased on shore at Mount Bay, near Land’s-end, by the Fieutryant, a ship of eighty-four guns. They are only about 56 eight weeks from America, and had taken four prizes.

15. To-day Captain Lee and his first and second lieutenants came to prison. From Captain Lee I hear of the health of my friends.

17. Sunday. For the week past I have received six shillings and three pence for boxes and ladles.

18. Warm and pleasant, so that we carried our hammocks out into the yard to air. The remainder of Captain Lee’s men were brought to prison. Those who came to-day were the last who were taken after they got on shore. They inform us that they are all here now except their doctor, who, in all probability, has made his escape.

19. To-day three more were brought to prison who belonged to the Literal Mark, fitted out of Philadelphia.

20. Warm and pleasant weather, so that we can comfortably go barefoot; but many of us would be obliged to do so if it were in the middle of winter, for want of stockings and shoes.

21. To-day fourteen of Captain Lee’s men, 57 who have not had the small-pox, were inoculated. The prisoners who are on half allowance have had a meal of victuals sent them by some friend.

22. We hear that Ticonderoga is taken by the King’s troops, and also Philadelphia; that the Hancock, Captain Manley, is taken, and the Fox retaken; but we cannot tell what to believe by what we hear; for since we have been taken we have heard, nearly twenty times, that Philadelphia was taken, and as many times that Washington was killed; that Congress was divided, that continental money was disgraced, that the Americans had laid down their arms, and that they were starving to death for want of provisions, and naked for want of clothing; all these things have been published in the newspapers, times without number, since we have been taken.

24. Sunday. This is the greatest market day for our wooden ware, as most people come on this day to see us.

25. Yesterday Daniel Cottle died in the prison hospital of the small-pox; he is the sixth of our company that has died since we have been in England.

Attempt to Escape discovered—Awful description of Suffering—Dreadful Starvation—Gloomy Prospects—Death of Gideon Warren—Detection—Close Examination—Commissioner—A Newspaper—Relief Prohibited—Attempt to Escape—Oath of Secrecy—Another attempt to Escape—Captain Johnston and the Lexington—Sea Fight—The Press continued—Love of Liberty—Meeting after long absence—A Privilege granted—Agent in a good humor—A Purchase—More Prisoners—Running the Gauntlet.

August 27. Last night, as our people who are on half allowance in a separate prison, were trying to dig out, the guard went in and caught them. Two of these are now confined in the Black-hole. To-day a prize was brought in here; she appears to be a small brig.

31. Sunday. To-day we had a newspaper, wherein was a confirmation of Ticonderoga and Philadelphia being taken; also, of the Hancock frigate and Fox being retaken; this news is very disagreeable to us, for we are sorry to hear of the enemy 59 being in any way victorious; for should they conquer the country, or even get the upper hands of it, we are positive that the gallows or the East Indies will be our destiny. But as to conquering the country, it never disturbed, for me, an hour’s rest, though it appears that they are in a fairer way for doing it now, than ever before. We have trouble enough here, without hearing bad news; for it is enough to break the heart of a stone to see so many strong, hearty men, almost starved to death through want of provisions. A great part of those in prison, eat at one meal what they draw for twenty long hours, and then go without until the next day. Many are strongly tempted to pick up the grass in the yard, and eat it, and some pick up old bones in the yard, that have been laying in the dirt a week or ten days, and pound them to pieces and suck them. Some will pick up snails out of the holes in the wall, and from among the grass and weeds in the yard, boil them and eat them, and drink the broth. Often the cooks, after they have picked over our cabbage, will cut off some of the but-ends of the stalks and throw them over the gate into the yard, and I have often seen, after a rain, when the mud would be over shoes, as these stumps were thrown over the gate, the men running from all parts of the yard, regardless of the mud, to catch at them, and nearly trample 60 one another under feet to get a piece. These same cabbage stumps, hogs in America would scarcely eat if they had them; and as to our broth, I know very well hogs in America would scarcely put their noses into it. Our meat is very poor in general; we scarcely see a good piece once in a month. Many are driven to such necessity by want of provisions, that they have sold most of the clothes off their backs for the sake of getting a little money to buy them some bread. I find it very hard, myself, but it is not so hard with me and a few others, who have got into a way of making boxes and punch ladles, for which we get a trifle, as it is with the prisoners, in general, who are obliged to live upon their allowance; but I expect that boxes and punch ladles will soon become an old thing, for many who buy them now, buy them more out of charity than any thing else.

September 1. Nothing remarkable, but repeated confirmation of the before-mentioned sad news.

2. We are informed by a friend, that he is fearful that we shall be distributed on board of His Majesty’s ships.

3. There is one of our company who lays very ill with small-pox, but all Captain Lee’s men, who were inoculated, are better.

4. Last night Gideon Warren, one of our company, 61 died of small-pox, in the prison hospital. He is the sixth of our company who has died since we were taken—five of the number died of small-pox.

5. To-day the carpenters have been at work, altering the hanging of our hammocks, to make them hang on the middle rail, for fear that we should make a breach in the wall and conceal the same by our hammocks hanging against it until we make our escape.

7. Sunday. We were threatened to be put on half allowance, on account of the orders being torn, which are put up in the prison.

10. This morning, early, while some of our people were digging out, the guard came upon them, and we were all immediately turned out and searched, and all our knives taken from us, that they could find; some other tools, and some paper which they found in prison, as we are not allowed paper, pens or ink; but I passed the search with two knives and my journal about me. Captain Bird, captain of a packet bound to America, 62 came to see us, and offered to carry letters for us.

11. Eleven of Captain Lee’s men came up from the hospital, recovered from the small-pox, after being inoculated.

12. To-day a commissioner came here from London. He told us, with other business, he came to see us righted about our provisions; he said that he lodged twenty-five miles distant last night, on purpose to be here at the time of our drawing our provisions. He also gave us liberty, whenever we wished to make our grievances known, to write to the Board, without inspection by the agent.

13. To-day we wrote our petition to the Board, for redress of grievances, and it was read before the prisoners. Also, we had a paper, wherein was a melancholy account of the barbarous treatment of American prisoners, taken at Ticonderoga, and an account of the Indians in Burgoyne’s army proving treacherous.

15. For nearly a month past, the carpenter, of whom I have had my wood, has not been here, so that I have been working a chest up into boxes, on shares. When finished and sold, it brought nearly thirty-two shillings; but I have had a partner to work with me, and one third of the avails 63 we paid for the chest, so that only one third belonged to myself.

16. Mr. Bell, the commissioner, has been here again, and measured our cans, in which we draw our beer, and he says he shall come again and try the weights and measures by which we draw our provisions. To-day about twenty old countrymen petitioned the Board for permission to go on board His Majesty’s ships.

17. To-day the bells have been chiming in Plymouth and Dock, on the election of a new Lord Mayor.

18. Yesterday some friends, from without, sent victuals to those men who are on short allowance, but the agent would not let them come in.

19. The commissioner has again been here; he came precisely at the time of drawing our meat. We complained to him about the market, and he told us that no one should be allowed to retail any thing out to us, but that there should be an open market at the gate, three hours in a day. Also, those knives that were taken away a few days ago, were handed in again.

21. Sunday. Last evening about nine o’clock, it being very dark, a number attempted to get over the wall by the help of a line, but as the sixth man 64 was getting over, they were discovered, and three of the number immediately taken.

22. To-day is the King’s coronation day, and each ship in commission, in the harbor, fired a salute.

23. To-day the masons have been at work, building the wall higher where the men got over.

25. We are informed that the Lexington, privateer, Captain Henry Johnston, of sixteen guns, is taken by a cutter of ten guns.

26. Last evening one of our company made an attempt to get over the wall, but no sooner was he over than he was discovered and taken. The commissioner again visited us, and spoke in particular to each of our requests. He informed us that a newspaper could not be allowed us, and that persons on half allowance must not be helped by any donations; he told us that he had written to the Board for an addition of a quarter of a pound of beef to a man; and as cold weather was coming on, for shoes and stockings for such as are destitute. Since this gentleman has been in town, our provisions have been much better than they were before. This afternoon, Captain Johnston, of the Lexington privateer, and six of his officers, were brought to prison in a coach.

27. Ten more of Captain Johnston’s men came 65 to prison to-day. They inform us that they were taken by a ten gun cutter after almost four hours’ engagement, and having expended all their shot; they were so disabled by having their shrouds, stays, and braces shot away, and so nearly wrecked, that they were obliged to strike to their inferiors. They had six men killed and a number wounded; their first lieutenant had an arm shot off, and after they were taken they were not stripped as our company had been, but were allowed all their clothes; and Captain Johnston was allowed even to wear his hanger, which he brought to prison with him, and delivered to the agent. He had considerable money with him, which the agent took, and he is to have it in small quantities as he wants it, for immediate use.

28. Sunday. Two large men-of-war came up from the Sound to Ammoors; also, a frigate arrived in the Sound, dismasted.

30. Within a few days, three East Indiamen arrived here, and we are told that a great part of their men are pressed on board of the men-of-war. This afternoon a number more of Captain Johnston’s men were brought to prison.

October 1. A number more of Captain Johnston’s men came to prison; they inform us that 66 the Frenchmen which they had on board, are not likely to come to prison. There were about twenty of them.

4. To-day the remainder of Captain Johnston’s men came to prison, except the Frenchmen.

6. To-day one of our company was brought back, who made his escape over the wall on the 20th of last month. This is the fourth time that this man has tried to escape without success.

7. The father and mother of one of Captain Lee’s men came to see him; they had not seen each other before, for nearly fifteen years.

8. One of the officers of the Fieutryant came to prison to see Captain Lee. He informed us that they have been cruising two hundred and fifty leagues to the westward, and have taken one of the schooner Hawk’s prizes.

9. When the commissioner was here, we requested of him the privilege of two men per day, to go into the cook-room and cut up our meat, and see it put into the copper, which he granted.

67 12. Sunday. Of late, there have not been so many people to see us as formerly.

13. To-day our agent has been in a very good humor, and he informed us that there is great expectation of a French war, and within a few days there have been four ships of the first class put in commission, and orders have come from London to man them as quickly as possible. He also tells us that he has had a letter from the commissioner, which says that Mr. Knapp, and another Newbury man, who made their escape from this place on the 5th of August last, are taken up.

14. To-day a mess of us bought a bag of potatoes, containing seventeen gallons, for three shillings, which is much cheaper than to buy them at the gate for fourpence a gallon.

16. To-day a Marblehead man came to see us, who has been on board the men-of-war ever since the disturbance. He informs us that there are a few Marblehead men on board the Blenheim.

17. This afternoon there were seven more prisoners brought on shore to prison; some of whom belong to the schooner Hawk’s prize, that was taken by the Fieutryant, and the rest belong to the Oliver Cromwell privateer, that was taken by the Beaver sloop-of-war.

68 18. We learn by those who came to prison last, that Dr. Franklin has written to the English ambassador, concerning an exchange of prisoners.

19. Sunday. This morning we found out that one of our company, confederate with a black man, had stolen, last night, an allowance of bread and cheese from those who came last to prison,—for which they made him run the gantlet up one side of the prison and down the other, one hundred and thirty feet, through a double file of men armed each with a nettle.

More Prisoners—Hears from Home—Suspicion—A hot Press—1500 Seamen wanted—News from America—Disagreeable Company—Destitution of the Prisoners—Digging, and Detection—A Pious Wish—Twenty years of age—Mournful Reflection—Letter from Bilboa—Bad Bread—Unpleasant Reflections—King’s Speech—Bold Project—Failure—Reports—Strictness of the Guard—Suspicion—Privation from the Gospel—Prisoners Threatened—Voluntary Sacrifice—Good News reported—Detail of General Burgoyne’s Defeat—Washington and Howe.

October 20. There has been a prospect of a French war ever since we have been taken, but now I believe it is inevitable.

21. To-day we have drawn new hammocks, which are nearly a foot shorter than those we had before, on account of the hanging of them being altered.

22. To-day the remainder of the prisoners came on shore to the prison, and among them is a young man belonging to one of the schooner Hawk’s prizes. This young man formerly lived 70 with Thomas Tennant, of Newbury. From him I obtained intelligence of the health of my father and brother, and many other friends. It is a great satisfaction to me to hear from home, though it is very uncertain whether or not I ever see it.

25. King Charles’ restoration day. The garrison, fort, and each ship in the harbor, in commission, fired a salute. We are told that twelve sail of the line have been put in commission within a few days. We learn that there are suspicions that a French fleet has gone to the West Indies. To-day a large ship came in here in distress, having carried away her main-mast and mizen-topmast.

27. Last night two prisoners, Cutter and Morris, made their escape from the prison hospital; also to-day another prisoner ran the gantlet for stealing a penny loaf from one of the prisoners.

28. We are informed that two sentries, who were knowing to those two prisoners making their escape, are confined upon suspicion, and one of them has turned King’s evidence, and informed of the other.

71 30. A bad storm, so that we keep house all day, except when we get out to draw our provisions.

November 1. We are informed that a few days ago, in a storm, a ship appeared, at a small distance from land, and gave a signal of distress, and in about ten hours was not to be seen; it is supposed she foundered.

2. We are informed that there is as hot a press now going on as ever was known in England; and that fifteen hundred seamen are wanted immediately, to fit out a fleet.

3. We have a paper, dated the 21st of last month, wherein is an account of General Burgoyne’s losing two thousand men, besides a number taken prisoners.

5. To-day is Gunpowder Treason, and they make but little account of it compared with what I expected. To-day a boy ran the gantlet, for stealing.

6. To-day some prisoners, in a separate prison, who have been trying for some time to make their escape by digging out, were discovered by the guard.

7. We have a paper wherein are several fine pieces in behalf of America, which I hope will prove of advantage, as the Parliament is to set about the 15th or 20th of this month; I am persuaded 72 that the American affairs will be called up as the first question, and the subject of the most importance.

9. Sunday. Somewhat cold, and there are a great many in prison who have neither shoes nor stockings for their feet, and scarcely a jacket or shirt for their back: these must inevitably suffer, if not perish, this winter, with cold, if not supplied with clothing. As to myself, I have enough to keep me comfortable as to clothes, which is more than two-thirds in prison have; for many have been obliged to sell their clothes to buy provisions.

10. To-day six persons, in a separate prison, as they were at work in a drain under ground, digging out, were discovered by the guard, and caught in the drain, and carried to the Black-hole.

11. Two of the turnkeys, who used to tend the doors and gates, have been discharged; I suppose on suspicion of their being too good friends to us.

12. To-day an American captain, belonging to Manchester, who was taken in a merchantman, came to see us. He is set at liberty, and is bound home. Several in prison sent letters by him, but 73 we could not write a true account, because our letters were examined.

13. Wet weather. Our yard, which was a pleasant spot when we came into it, is now nearly a mud pond in wet weather, and in dry a dust heap.

14. This morning, as some in prison were at work, trying to dig out, the guard came in and found the hole; and when they came to turn us out, there were one or two who did not move so soon as they wanted them to do, and they struck and abused them; afterwards, when one of the prisoners went to one of the prison windows to look for something, the sentry in the prison yard saw him and struck him over the back, and broke his bayonet.

15. It is twelve months to-day since we sailed from Newburyport. I hope the Lord in whom we ought to trust, will, in his own good time, deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, and return us to a free country,—which would be a day of good fortune, a day of agreeable surprise and great joy. Then would I say—

17. This day I am twenty years of age. I have often read in authors of some great transaction to be laid open to the world in the year 1777, and I have been looking for it, in hope of seeing the event; but, alas! little did I think that at the age of twenty years I should have spent almost a twelvemonth of my time a prisoner.

19. It has been reported for several days past, that Philadelphia is taken. I believe I may assert with truth, that since we have been taken, we have heard fifty times that Philadelphia was taken, and often I have seen it in the papers, and many people believe it. It is in this manner that the poor and common people in England are blinded, by false reports; and some of the gentlemen of Plymouth hired the sexton to ring the bells, for rejoicing.

19. Captain Lee received a letter from Bilboa, and had an offer of being supplied with money. This letter informs us that Mr. Stevanson, Captain Lee’s lieutenant, who made his escape from prison on the 21st of September, has arrived safe in Bilboa.

20. This morning William Moody, a Newbury man, taken with Captain Tileston about nine months ago, came to see us. He has got invalided, 75 and intends to make the best of his way home.

22. Our bread to-day is intolerably bad; it appears to us as though it was made of the grain of malt, or chopped straw: there are straws in it an inch long, and it is so hully and tough, that it is scarcely fit for a beast to eat. We complained of it, and were told if we would put up with it to-day we should have no more such.

23. Sunday. There are so many men in the prison, and so few books, that, in general, we are but poorly employed.

24. We hear that there has a packet arrived from America, but we shall not learn what news she brings, until their contents have been to London and refined.

26. It is twelve months to-day since we sailed from Portsmouth. It is enough to vex the spirit of any man, to think that such a number of men should be thrown away, and brought into trouble through the misconduct of one man. If there had been good conduct on board of our vessel, we should have made up our cruise in twenty-four hours from the time we were taken; for, that 76 same night, in a few hours after we were taken, the Reasonable spoke twelve or fifteen sail of transports bound to America, and their convoy had thrown their guns overboard in a storm.

27. We are informed that the King’s Speech is in the papers, and that he is resolved to carry on the war with America, at all hazards.

28. For the two months past I have received ten shillings for boxes. Ever since about ten days after I came to prison, I have bought myself a breakfast of bread and milk, every morning it was to be had; and of late I have had potatoes to eat with my meat almost every day, which, I am sorry to say, is more than two thirds in prison can get.

29. To-day I had an opportunity of reading the King’s Speech to the House of Lords, on the 20th of this month, in which he acknowledges that he is much grieved at the great expense the nation is at in this war; but he hopes that the Parliament will assist him still in carrying it on with vigor.

30. Sunday. Last evening, it being very dark and stormy, we were in general resolved to put in execution a plan proposed—to dig out at the back side of the prison, seize the sentry, confine him, and carry him out of call, but not to hurt him. Upon breaking ground, they unexpectedly saw a lamp placed near the hole, which gave light all round, so that they thought it impracticable to 77 put their design into execution. I think if it had been otherwise, nearly two thirds in prison would have gone out. I got myself dressed and ready, and was in hopes of getting out, but to my sorrow, I find myself still in Mill Prison.

December 1. I had an opportunity of hearing the paper read, which gives an account of General Lee being exchanged; but for my own part, I do not expect we shall be exchanged before the conclusion of the war, unless France and Spain declare war, which to appearance, cannot be avoided.

2. We are informed that two packets have lately arrived, and confirm the reports that Philadelphia is taken. Also, they have reported that the Americans have blown up an English seventy-four, which was attempting to go up to Philadelphia.

3. This morning the guard discovered another hole which we begun to dig yesterday. I think we have been very diligent and careful to improve every opportunity to make our escape, but the guard is so very strict with us, that I think it almost impossible to succeed, and we have reason to think that there are some traitors amongst us, who give information of every thing of the kind which we undertake.

78 5. This day twelvemonth I was at sea in a storm; the same day, by what I can learn, was a day of thanksgiving in America.

6. Last evening, a man in prison received a letter from a friend in London, which desired him to make himself easy, for we should be delivered before we were aware of it; but we have been told such stories ever since we have been in England; so we place very little confidence in it.

7. Sunday. It is a great grievance to be shut up in prison, and debarred from hearing the gospel preached on the Lord’s day, though I did not make much improvement of it when I had the opportunity.

8. To-day we were all mustered, and after this was over, the agent informed us that he had received a letter from the Board, to put all in this prison on half allowance, for breaking orders and attempting to make our escape, until the transgressor should be found out. But as we all, with one voice joined in one cause, we thought it inhuman to pitch upon any one man; therefore, by way of contribution, we raised money enough to hire one man to own the same and suffer for all, so that we are obliged to support him while on half allowance and make him amends for his sufferings.

9. To-day the man delivered himself up, to go to the Black-hole, and the agent allows him every 79 indulgence consistent with his orders, which is a very uncommon thing for him.

11. There have been various reports for several days past, but I thought them not worthy of observation, because they did not come from so good authority as I could wish they might; but to-day we have a very authentic account from Captain Henry Johnston’s brother, who is lately from London, that General Burgoyne and his army are totally routed, many killed, and taken to a man; and as I do not doubt the truth of it, it gives me more satisfaction than any news I have beard since I have been a prisoner. Also, we have good reason to believe that Howe is in possession of Philadelphia; but Washington, of choice, without any molestation, let him march in, for we hear that the Americans have possession of all the forts on the river.

12. I purchased a book called the “American Crisis,” on purpose to lend it to a friend without. We are told that the generality of the people in England are very much disaffected at the proceedings of the ministry.

13. To-day we all carried our clothing out into the yard, and were examined to know who wanted clothes, and who did not. But for my part, I am not in need of any thing, for with what little 80 money I have got in time past, by making boxes, I have clothed myself tolerably well. We were told, by a gentleman who came to see us, that our countrymen at home have something to be proud of, though we are a little humbled by our imprisonment.

14. To-day Captain Lee received a letter from Captain Trott, who was taken in one of the Civil Usage’s prizes. He informs us of their taking ten valuable prizes, and six of the number were arrived safely at the place of destination.

16, 17. We have a paper wherein is a confirmation and the particulars of General Burgoyne’s being taken, with six thousand men, seven thousand stand of arms, seven thousand suits of clothes, seventy thousand guineas, sixty batteaux, with a thousand barrels of provisions, and a great many pieces of artillery, which in England they acknowledge to be the best ever sent out of the country, against any nation. We have, also, a melancholy account of the cruelty of the Indians in the back settlements, set on by the inhuman Burgoyne, and an account of General Lincoln’s taking two forts, up North River, and putting the people to the sword. We hear, besides, of General Washington’s giving Howe battle, and after the battle 81 was over, there were six hundred wagon loads of dead and wounded seen to go into Philadelphia. After hearing this news, joy is plainly seen in the countenance of every American here.

18. We hear that Lord North has made a motion for peace, in the House, but they thought as he was one of the chief instigators of war, that he had no right to have any hand in making peace.

19. We hear that General Putnam had intercepted several letters sent by Howe to Burgoyne, which showed their determination, and proved of happy consequences to the Americans. According to the last accounts, the American loss in the late engagements is very inconsiderable.

20. To-day six men came up from the Black-hole, who were sent there on the tenth of last month—their forty days having expired.

21. Nothing remarkable, except repeated confirmations of what we have heard before.

22. We are informed that Parliament has adjourned till the twentieth of next month; I suppose, to hear further intelligence from Lord Howe, and to know whether he has made any progress in the country.

Christmas Pudding—Christmas Presents—Clothes served—Happy New Year—Friends appear—Presents—Friends increase—Large Donations reported—Donation from British Recruiting Parties—Private Donations—Exhortations to a civil, sober life—Large distribution of Clothing—Royal Salute—Regular Allowance from Donation Fund—Increasing Privilege.

December 23. To-day we have new printed orders put up in prison, which are from the commissioners, to be strictly observed by us.

24. It is twelve months since I was taken, and as to-morrow is Christmas, and we have a little money, we are resolved to have something more than we had last Christmas; accordingly we sent out for five pounds of flour, one pound of suet, one pound of plums, half a pound of sugar, half an ounce of spice, and two quarts of milk, to mix the same for a pudding.

83 25. Christmas. To-day had our intended pudding, and as there was so much of it that we could not conveniently boil it all in one bag, we made two of it, and the largest was as much as seven of us wanted to eat at one meal, with our other provisions; these seven were of our own mess, and three of our neighbors, whom we invited. To-day our baker, who supplies us with bread, instead of brown bread, sent us white, and our butcher, instead of beef, gave us mutton, and instead of cabbage we had turnips; and the butcher’s wife gave us oatmeal to thicken our broth, and salt to salt it; so that on the whole, we had not so hungry a Christmas as the last. I must confess I have a very agreeable expectation, if my life is spared and the Lord pleases to permit me, to sit down at my father’s table next Christmas.

26. To-day considerable bread was given in the yard, by gentlemen who visited us, besides a penny loaf to each mess, sent in by our friends outside.

27. For some days I have been unwell, and this morning I took a portion of salts.

28. Sunday. Warm weather, as it is natural in this country and different from what it is in America, at this season of the year.

29. For a month past, I send out every few days and buy half a pound of tobacco, and retail it 84 out, so that I can afford to sell better measure than can be bought at public market at the gate, and thus oblige myself and my neighbors.

30. To-day we had clothes served out to us, and some who were almost naked received a jacket, breeches, and two shirts, two pairs of stockings, a pair of shoes, and a cap. I received only a pair of shoes. Although I have been a prisoner more than twelve months, I have received only a pair of shoes from government; for we have reason to think that the clothes and bedding which were served to our company on board the Burford, were given us by the captain of the ship.

31. Those who did not receive clothes yesterday, had them to-day, except shoes, which they are to have in a few days; and those who petitioned the Board to go on board His Majesty’s ships, received an answer from the Lord of the Admiralty, that all those who are legally committed to prison could not be bailed. However, our long-wished-for day draws near, for to-morrow the Act will expire, by which we were committed to prison. But we hear that it is likely to be renewed again; God forbid it should be so.

1778. January 1. I wish myself and all my brother fellow-sufferers a very happy new year. I do not know how to express my joy for so good a beginning, but by hoping that it will end better. 85 No sooner is this very impolitic Act out, than our friends make themselves known to us, which before they dared not do. To-day we had sent to us a plum pudding, and a sixpenny white loaf, to each mess, as a new year’s gift, which, with our allowance, was sufficient for one day. Some gentlemen, also, who are friends, came to see us, and among the number was one Mr. Hancock, cousin of John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress. They inform us that upwards of £800 sterling have been raised in London for the relief of the prisoners here, and that they are daily raising more. They further told us, that we should not want for any thing, so long as we are prisoners in England. Transporting words! We have found friends in adversity. “Friends in need, are friends indeed.”

4. Sunday. We had sent to us a four pound loaf, and about six ounces of shag tobacco, to each mess, which we are told was given us by private gentlemen.

5. We had sent us a gallon of potatoes, to each mess, and oatmeal to thicken our broth.

6. To-day we had half a pint of peas instead of 86 greens, to each mess; by order from the Board, we are to have peas four times a week, which we like very much. Again, also, we had a white loaf sent us to each mess, and a small number of books. To-day two boys, in prison, were tied up and whipped, a dozen each, for making game of the provision, because it was not cooked well.

7. To-day one hundred and fifty blankets were sent us, to be given to those who need them most; and as there are two hundred and eighty-nine prisoners here, there is not one to each man; so those who have the best bedding receive none, and as I have sufficient, I want none.

8. We had a threepenny loaf to each mess, sent us to-day, and as four of our number, who came last to prison, have not had the small-pox, they went to the hospital to be inoculated.

9. This afternoon a number of gentlemen came, and read a letter to us, which gives an account of upwards of £200 sterling having been raised in Bristol, for the relief of the prisoners here; also, an account of £2,276 raised in London, for the same purpose. In Portsmouth, we hear that there are about one hundred and forty prisoners, so that the number here and there, amounts to four hundred and twenty-nine. What we have received hitherto, has no connection with these donations, but was given by private gentlemen.

87 10. We had sent us a threepenny loaf to each mess, and three hundred herring, to be divided amongst us. Also, it being a pleasant day, the prison was smoked with charcoal and brimstone, as is customary once in a few days.

11. We hear that Parliament is warned to meet six days sooner than it adjourned for.

12. To-day is the first that we have received any thing from the donation raised for us, and now we have a stated rule, which is a fourpenny loaf each day, out of the money raised in Bristol, except a few officers, who of choice, receive the money instead of bread. We hear no more as yet, of the money raised in London, but we suppose it is not come down.

13. We are told that ten recruiting parties are gone out into the country, from the regiment which guards us. Also, Captain Henry Johnston received a letter from his brother in London, wherein he desires him to make himself easy, for we shall all be exchanged in the spring.

14. To-day two ministers came to see us, and informed us of many good things preparing for us, which are too numerous to mention here; but if we receive them, I shall give an account of them hereafter.

15. It is fourteen months to-day, since we sailed from Newbury. Also, we had sent us to-day, a 88 yard of tobacco to each mess, and we are told that we are to have a yard every other day, which is four inches and a half to each man, per day.

16. Those who did not receive shoes on the 30th or 31st of last month, received them to-day. Also, we hear that all the wearing apparel that we have received as yet, was given us by government, but we are told that each of us is to have a great coat and a suit of clothes out of the money raised for us. Also, to-day we have another fourpenny loaf to each mess, which makes eight pennyworth of bread to each mess, per day, besides our allowance by government. We are advised by all our friends without, to make ourselves contented for a little while, for they tell us that they have all the reason in the world to believe that we shall be out of prison in three months. We had sent us a number of printed exhortations, urging us to lead a civil, sober life, and to leave off swearing and profaning the name of the Lord, for that is the last thing that many do before they sleep, and the first after they awake.

17. To-day we had clothes served out to us, out of the money raised for us; such as two shirts, two pairs of stockings, a pair of shoes, jacket and breeches, to those who needed them, and caps. The officers received white linen shirts instead of check, and hats instead of caps. They tell us we 89 are all to have great coats in a few days; the clothes have not all come, so we are not all served. I was served to-day. I received two shirts, two pairs of stockings, a pair of shoes, a jacket and cap. We had also, a pound of pork to each mess, to eat with our peas; and we are told that we are to have it every Saturday. We had tobacco served again, and are told it is to be continued.

Lord Cornwallis arrived yesterday in the Sound, from America. We hear that Howe has taken all the forts which command the Delaware.

19. Last night there was a heavy thunder-squall, and if I mistake not, there has been but one thunder-shower since I have been in England. Yesterday was the Queen’s birth-day, but on account of its being Sunday they did not fire; but to-day each ship in commission, the fort and garrison, fired twenty-one guns as a royal salute.

21. The remainder in prison had clothes served to them, so that each man in prison has received a great coat, and a suit, or nearly a suit, of clothes, out of the donation fund. We have, also, had our broth thickened, and it is to be continued; besides 90 a pound of beef to each mess more than our allowance by government.

22. We have now got into a settled rule of receiving our donation. The officers, such as captains and lieutenants, are allowed five shillings a week; sailing masters and prize masters, four shillings a week; boatswains, carpenters, and such like, three shillings per week, and privateers-men, two shillings per week, which is laid out in such provisions as we think proper. What we receive in provisions, besides the government allowance, is as follows: one pound and a quarter of bread to each mess, and a quarter of a pound of beef per day, except Saturday; we then receive a quarter of a pound of pork. We have thickening and leeks in our broth; tobacco we receive every other day; soap we receive as we want it; but the officers, what they do not receive in provisions receive in money. We have now every thing that we want as to provisions and clothing; but there is one thing yet lacking—a thankful heart.

23. As keeping ourselves clean is conducive to health, the agent has indulged us, for a few days past, with liberty for six of us per day, to go down into a separate yard to wash, where there is a pump and convenience for washing.

24. I have heard little or no news, for this week 91 past, and indeed no news is the best news for us; for if there is any thing against us, they are ready enough to tell us.

26. It is fourteen months to-day, since we sailed from Portsmouth. To-day I went down into the hospital yard to see one of my sick acquaintances, who is down with the small-pox, under an excuse to go to wash.

Price of Tobacco—Cleanliness—Not to be discouraged—Blankets—Distribution—Letter from America—Officers Escape—Arrival of a Fleet—Paper—Dr. Franklin to the Council—State of Troops—Deserters Taken—Visit from the Governor and Lady—Removal of Officers—General wish for Peace—A Newspaper—Commissioners—Public Fast—Allowance withdrawn—Liberality—Petition Refused—A Newspaper—Reward of Bravery—Lights continued.

January 27. We are informed by the man who contracts for our tobacco, that it is very scarce, and hard to be got for the money; it is three shillings and sixpence per pound, which is one shilling and twopence dearer than it was at Christmas. The officers, in a separate prison, are allowed to burn candles in the evening until gun-fire, which is eight o’clock.

23. To-day some new washing troughs were brought to prison for us to wash our clothes in, and now we have plenty of clothes, soap, water 93 and tubs to wash in. In general, we are tolerably clean.

29. It being a pleasant day, the prison was again smoked. Concerning being released, we have no reason to think that those gentlemen who gave us encouragement intend to flatter us, as often the darkest hour of the night is just before day. It may be so with, us, as those things which we have received since new year, came entirely unexpected to us; who knows but our redemption may come as suddenly and unexpectedly; so that I think it becomes us to put things on a medium, and make the best of a bad bargain; not to let our fears exceed our hopes, nor to put so much dependence on getting out, as to be disappointed of it; but as we are committed to prison by a civil magistrate for high treason, it is the opinion of some, that it is not in the power of the King or council to release us without some sort of a trial.

30. Yesterday afternoon, about sixty pairs of blankets were sent for those who had none. We also have the paper, wherein is an extract of a letter from a nobleman in the British service in America. He writes, that Cornwallis embarked on such a day, for home, to lay before the King and council the true state of America; he writes that the Americans want for nothing that is necessary, while they are in want of every thing. 94 Beef is four shillings per pound in Philadelphia, and other fresh provisions in proportion; and flour is not to be had. He states that it is wholly owing to Howe’s good conduct that they are not totally cut off to a man, but if the Schuylkill freezes over, it is not too late to do it yet. We also have a paper, wherein is Lord North’s proposition for reconciliation with America.

February 1. Sunday. Last evening, between seven and nine o’clock, five of the officers in a separate prison, who had agreed with the sentry to let them go, made their escape and took two sentries with them. The five officers were Captain Henry Johnston, Captain Eleazer Johnston, Offin Boardman, Samuel Treadwell and one Mr. Deal. Captain Henry Johnston having several suits of good clothes, he gave each sentry one, which they put on, and left their regimentals at their posts, with their firelocks, and made off; they were soon discovered by the guard, and pursued, but not taken.

4. This afternoon a fleet of about twelve or fifteen sail, with a convoy, arrived in the Sound, and saluted the admiral. It is thought they are part of Burgoyne’s fleet, as we have heard that they were expected home.

95 5. To-day two large ships went from the Sound up to Ammoors, one of which had lost her main-top-mast. We are told that the three parties that went in pursuit of those who made their escape a few evenings ago, returned unsuccessful.

6. For two or three days I have been out of wood, so that I have done very little work, but to-day I had enough brought to last me a month.

7. To-day we had half a pound of pork more than usual, to each mess, which makes a pound and a half to each mess.

8. Sunday. We have the paper wherein is an extract of a letter from Dr. Franklin, Dean and Lee, to Lord North, and to the ministry, putting them in mind of the abuse which the prisoners have received from time to time, and giving them to know that it is in the power of the Americans to make ample retaliation, but they hoped that there was more humanity left in their hearts. They also wrote concerning an exchange of prisoners, and that if they would not exchange, they hoped that Congress would be permitted to appoint an agent to supply the prisoners in England with such things as were necessary, at their own expense. We learn that their answer was, that in America there was an exchange.

96 12. We have a paper wherein is an account of the House of Parliament being very full, and that there is upwards of two hundred and fifty for carrying on the war, and upwards of one hundred and fifty for settling it. I am glad to find that the minority increases fast; the same paper informs us that there is nearly one half against the method they take in raising money to carry on the war, and there is a disturbance about the method they take for raising troops. The same paper also informs us, that their troops at home are five thousand six hundred and seventy-three short of the peace establishment, and that there is only about ten thousand troops in England, Ireland, Scotland, Gibraltar and Mahon.

13. Many people in England, besides us prisoners, thought that Burgoyne’s troops were to be sent home, as we have heard, agreeably to their capitulation, but by this time we are persuaded to the contrary.

14. For two or three days I have been out of wood, so that I have done but little work; till within a few days I have received three shillings for boxes.

16. To-day it snowed about three hours, just so 97 as to cover the ground. It is the first time the ground has been covered this winter.

17. Clear and cold. It is now we find the benefit of our great coats. We hear that the two soldiers that deserted and went off with the before-mentioned officers, from the prison, have been taken; which I am sorry to hear, for they will undoubtedly both be shot; and not only so, but I am afraid that their being taken will be followed with other bad consequences.

18. The chimney, in a separate prison, is so far completed, that we have a fire in it. To-day about twelve o’clock, the Governor of Plymouth and his lady, came to see us, and bought some of our wooden ware, and tasted of our broth; he said it was very fine, as indeed it has been, ever since we have had it thickened, and leeks put into it.

19. We are told by almost every one that comes to the gate, that a French war is near at hand, and cannot be avoided.

20. To-day each man in prison had a check linen handkerchief sent to him, which was given us by the donation. Also, to-day the officers in this prison moved into another, which has been preparing for them, so that all the officers who were committed to prison, as such, are in a prison by themselves.

21. Some time ago we had two fourpenny loaves 98 to each mess, per day, but one of them was soon taken off; and as they told us we should have as much provision as we wanted, we made it known to them, that we were desirous of having a sixpenny loaf instead of the fourpenny one, which they granted, and to-day we received a sixpenny loaf to each mess.

22. Sunday. We hear that General Gates sent a letter to one of the Parliament, in which he deplores the state of Great Britain, and advises them to make peace, before the Americans form alliance with any other nation. But he states that they will accept of nothing short of independence.

23. We have been informed several times, lately, that all the Acts since the year 1763, are likely to be repealed. “Peace with America and war with France,” is the cry of almost every Briton. We have a paper in prison wherein is Lord North’s speech in the House. He confesses that the English troops in America, have been beaten by inferior numbers. For several evenings past, we have had candles burning in prison, unknown to the agent, turnkey or guard; but I expect it will not be long before we shall be allowed to burn them, as we have written to the Board concerning it. We hear that a proclamation is issued for public fast throughout England, Ireland and Scotland.

99 25. We hear that commissioners are appointed to go to America to treat with Congress; and they are to be considered a legal body while in treaty with them.

26. Last night the snow fell about two inches deep, on a level, which is more than it has snowed, put it all together, during the winter.

27. This day is kept as a public fast, throughout the united kingdom. I suppose they did not think it worth while to proclaim a fast before, as I do not remember that there has been one since I have been a prisoner, except a yearly fast. It is the opinion of many in prison, that if the proposals have not already gone to America, that we shall be sent with them, to give an assurance that they are real.

28. We are credibly informed that America has formed an alliance with France, for the space of twenty-one years; but whether it is any thing more than an alliance for trade, we have not yet learned. We hear that it took place the 26th of this month. We also hear that the money raised in England for the Americans here, amounted to £7000 sterling.

March 1. Wet, dirty weather, which obliges us to keep house most of the time. To-day is the first day of spring, and I have some secret expectations of being liberated before the season is expired, 100 as there is a fleet of transports, with provision, bound to America, which will be ready to sail by the last of this month, or the first of April. Some think it probable that we may be sent with them.

2. Warm and pleasant for the season. We received an answer to the petition we wrote for the liberty to burn candles in the evening, but the answer was that we could not be allowed the privilege.

3. We have a paper in prison, from which we learn that Congress has made a present of a gold medal to General Gates, and a sword to the commander at Mud Island, for their bravery. There is also a slur upon Howe, in the paper, which is, that he has got three miles in length, and two in breadth, in the late campaign.

4. To-day, every man’s clothing was examined to see if we keep ourselves clean. Last evening one of the prisoners was sent to the Black-hole, for abusive words spoken to the agent, and another to-day, for selling his clothes, which were given him, to get money to gamble with.

5. Remarkably pleasant weather for the season. It is so warm, and the yard is so dry, that we all carried our hammocks and bedding out to air. Yesterday, Captain Lee received a letter, by the way of Bilboa, from Newbury, from Mr. Tracy, 101 by which we learn that he is daily striving for our exchange.

6. Although we are not allowed lights in prison, yet we have them every evening, and intend to till we are found out; and then they can do no more than deny us of them, for when we cannot get candles, we burn marrow-bones, which give a very good light, and a good bone will last as long as half a candle.

Awful Penalty for Desertion—Public Indignation—Remarkable Health of the Prisoners—Recruiting Party in Cornwall—Howe in trouble—Two Fathers—Scarcity of Provisions in the West Indies—Black-hole—American Privateer—Hot Press—Detection—French Brig run down—Prisoners sell their clothes to gamble—"Preceptor"—Extreme Punishment—Sports—Examination—Use of Poverty—English Ambassador returns from France—Captain Boardman—Titcomb—Hope of Return—Commissioners to America—Newspapers.

March 7. We are told that the two soldiers who deserted and carried five of the officers from prison, on the evening of the 31st of January, have had their trial. One of them is condemned to be shot, the other to receive seven hundred stripes. After their trial some handbills were sent to the barrack, to the dock, and to Plymouth, to set forth the heinousness of their crime in deserting their colors and carrying off rebels with them; but the people in the King’s dock-yard, and some sailors who were on shore from the men-of-war, 103 gathered in a mob; got all the bills together that they could find, and burnt them.

8. Sunday. We hear that there has been several commissioners chosen to go to America, but they all refuse to go.

9. For the week past I have been something poorly, but the prisoners in general are remarkably healthy; never did I hear of such a number of men confined together who enjoyed such perfect health, and had so little sickness as we have. Even upon short allowance we enjoyed our health, though every man pined away to merely skin and bone. Those who had no money to help themselves, and looked pale and ghastly, and were so weak as scarcely to be able to walk, now look brisk, lively, and we all are strong, fat, and hearty.

10. We are informed that about three hundred merchants in London, Bristol and other places, have petitioned for peace with America, otherwise they will be entirely ruined. We hear that a great part of the merchants in Bristol are broken, and worth nothing.

11. We learn that some recruiting parties that went into Cornwall to obtain recruits, met with a very severe reception; the people gathered together and disarmed them, and drove them out of their territory. Indeed, all England seems to be 104 in commotion: it is the opinion of some, that should the American war continue another year, there would be civil war in England; it seems to be but little short of it now.

12. We are informed that General Howe has written home for a reinforcement immediately, or he must inevitably share the fate of Burgoyne; this inspires us with fresh courage. To-day our two fathers came to see us, as they commonly do once or twice a week. They are Mr. Heath and Mr. Sorry, the former is a Presbyterian minister, in Dock; the latter a merchant in Plymouth. These are the two agents appointed by the committee in London to supply us with necessaries. A smile from them seems like a smile from a father; they tell us that every thing goes on well on our side, so that I hope our long wished for prize is just at hand—a prize that is preferable to any other earthly enjoyment. I hope our days of trouble are nearly at an end, and after we have borne them with a spirit of manly fortitude, we shall be returned to a free country to enjoy our just rights and privileges, for which we have been so long contending. This will make ample satisfaction for all our sufferings. To-day we received two shillings per mess, which is sixpence per man; this is back money that we had not received, as we receive two shillings per man a week; what 105 we do not receive in provisions we have in money.

13. Three Marblehead men came to see us, who were lately taken in a merchantman bound to France. They are about two months from America. They had the liberty to talk with us for nearly an hour. To-day three men were brought to prison, they being officers of a privateer that was taken and carried to the West Indies. They inform us that provisions are so scarce in the English islands that the inhabitants move from one island to another on that account, and are almost starved; they also inform us that Mr. Samuel Treadwell is taken, and is now on board the Blenheim; he is one of the five who went out on the 31st of June.

14. To-day Mr. Treadwell was brought back to prison and put immediately in the Black-hole, where he is to lay forty days on half allowance. This afternoon, for the misbehavior of three or four persons, we were all confined in prison; and it being a very pleasant afternoon, it aggravated many so that they ran fore and aft the prison screaming, and some cried murder, which alarmed the guard, and we were turned out, and the offenders delivered up and sent to the Black-hole, where they must lay until orders come from the Board to take them out.

15. Sunday. For some days past I have spent 106 most of my time in reading, and I can better compose myself to it now than I could six months ago.

16. We are informed that on Saturday an American privateer chased a merchantman into the mouth of this harbor, and then hoisted her colors and made the best of her way from land; and that a frigate, that lay in the Sound, slipped her cable and went after her.

17. St. Patrick’s Day. By what we can learn, a French and Spanish war is very near at hand. The French are making all preparation for the contest, so also are the English, for we are told that all the ships belonging to the navy, that with repairing will be fit for sea, are to be put in commission immediately; and such a hot press as there is now in England was never known—they press against all protections.

18. To-day another was sent to the Black-hole, for selling the clothes which were given to him; which is no more than right. We are informed that we are to be removed very soon and carried to Chester castle, but we pay no regard to it; for I believe two-thirds in prison expect to be sent to America within three months.

19. We hear again that we are to be carried to Chester, but pay no regard to it, as I said before.

20. We are informed that last night two or three hundred men were pressed in Plymouth, and 107 Dock; even the lamp-lighter who tends the lamps about the prison, was pressed; but as he was in the King’s service he was released. A lieutenant of one of the King’s ships came to prison and advised those who had a mind to go on board the men-of-war to petition immediately. Accordingly a petition was written and signed by six old countrymen, and sent to the commissioners.

22. Sunday. Some time ago we heard that some troops were to be sent to America this spring, but to-day we hear that their orders are countermanded.

23. To-day four or five large ships sailed from the Sound, bound to Spithead to join a fleet. We were found out to-day in conveying bread to the half allowance men in the Black-hole; so there is now a stop put to it.

24. Pleasant, for the season of the year. We received a letter from two of the officers that made their escape from prison on the 31st of January last; they inform us that they were taken up in London, and are now on board a guard ship in Portsmouth, waiting to come round.

25. We were informed that a few days ago a large ship accidentally ran down a French brig 108 in the Sound; eleven men were drowned, and her mainmast carried away.

26. Last evening the guards discovered our lights in the prison, so that I am afraid there will be a stop put to it.

27. There are many in prison who have sold all their clothes that were given them by subscription, to get a little money to gamble with, and buy strong beer; some of these have been found out, and justice is likely to be done them.

28. We hear that an American Captain, who has long been confined in prison, in London, petitioned for a trial, and was cleared and set at liberty. He then sued them for false imprisonment, but he was immediately apprehended and sent to Newgate. He again petitioned for a trial, was again tried, acquitted, and set at liberty, and went off.

29. Sunday. Stormy, so that we keep house, except when we go to draw our provisions.

30. We are informed that tobacco is 5s. a pound; at Christmas it was only 2s. 4d.

31. To-day I received the books which myself and another sent out to buy. These are the “Preceptor,” in two volumes; the price of them was twelve shillings. The reason of its being so long after we sent out for them before we received them, was, they could not be bought in Plymouth, and the bookseller had to send to London for them.

109 April 1. To-day the two soldiers who went off with five officers, on the evening of the 31st of January last, received their punishment; one was shot, the other whipped; they belonged to the Light Infantry in the regiment.

2. Warm, and something pleasant, and the yard begins to be dry again, so that we can return to our former sports; these are ball and quoits, which exercise we make use of to circulate our blood and keep us from things that are worse.

3. This afternoon the agent and his clerk, the steward and doctor, seated themselves opposite the prison door and called over the roll, and ordered us one by one to pass out, and we were examined to see if we had our full compliment of clothing that was given us, and that they were clean and in order.

4. To-day each of us again received sixpence, which was back money, as before mentioned. Also, three of his Majesty’s ships sailed—the Queen, of ninety guns, the Ocean, of ninety guns, both three-deckers, and the Fieutryant, a two-decker of eighty-four guns, which was taken from the French, the last war; we are told that she is the longest ship in the navy.

5. Sunday. It is ten months to-day since I came to prison. One Sunday passes away after another, seemingly disregarded by us, to our shame.

110 6. We keep house to-day on account of it being wet weather, and the prison yard is very muddy.

7. Mr. Heath, one of our fathers, has been in London, for near a month, and Mr. Sorry is to set out in a few days. To-day the latter came to see us, and we desired him, for the future, to send us a fourpenny white loaf to each mess, per day, in place of a sixpenny one, for we have more provisions than many of us want to eat; and any person can easily conjecture that prisoners in our situation, who have suffered so much for the want of provisions, would abhor such an act as to waste what we have suffered so much the want of.

8. We are informed that the English ambassador has returned from France, and upon his return he informed His Majesty that the King of France had recognized the independence of America.

9. Very warm and pleasant, so that all the prisoners in this prison carried their bedding out into the yard to air, and the prison was smoked with charcoal and sulphur, as is customary every few days. To-day we received a fourpenny loaf according to our request.

10. To-day Captain Boardman and Mr. Deal were brought back to prison, which makes three of the number brought back who went out on the 31st of January last. The other two were Captain Henry Johnston, of the Lexington, and Captain 111 Eleazer Johnston, of the Dolton. These, we suppose, have got clear. Also, this afternoon William Titcomb, a Newbury man, came to see us, about half an hour, and very glad was I to see him. He was taken in the Yankee Hero, by the Milford. He informs us that he has belonged to the Milford ever since he was taken, and he has been present at the capture of four American privateers. Upon their passage home, they took a vessel, which was one of the Civil Usage’s prizes. The Milford arrived about three weeks ago. Titcomb has been unwell, and has been in the royal hospital most of the time since he arrived. He told us that he had rather be in our situation than his.

11. Very warm and pleasant; it is as warm as it was any time last summer. The spring is very forward, much more so than the last; but we were told that last spring was uncommonly backward.

12. Sunday. It is twelve months to-day since I set my foot upon this island, but now I think the auspicious day is about to dawn, when, if it is the Lord’s will, we shall bid it farewell. To-day, by an order from the Board, we drew cabbage instead of broth, and we are to have cabbage two days in a week, peas two, and broth three, which we like much better; for when a person is confined to one steady diet, and has enough, he soon gets tired of it.

112 13. We are informed by Captain Boardman, that while he was out, he saw one Mr. Bapson, lately from America, who belonged to Cape Ann. He informed him that a new ship of twenty-six guns, which was built by the Marine Society of Newbury, Captain William Friend, master, just after she got over the Bar, filled and sunk, and a number of men were drowned. He also informs us that Captain James Tracy in the new ship Hero, has not been heard of since he sailed; and that the schooner Washington has been absent some months, and they are afraid she is lost. William Titcomb, who was here a few days ago, told us that Tracy, in company with another frigate, was cruising off the Cape of Good Hope.

14. We are informed that Governor Johnston and two others, have kissed His Majesty’s hand, and are appointed commissioners to go to America.

15. What money I have received for boxes since I have been in prison, amounts to over three guineas. Had it not been for this money, I must inevitably have suffered more than I did.

16. Very warm and pleasant; the grass and herbs in the fields appear to us as forward, from what we can see from the prison, as they do the first of June in America.

Letter from Portsmouth—Debate in Parliament—Cost of the War—Petition for a Trial—Traitors Detected—Traitors Punished—Attempt to Escape—Sickness in Prison—Paul Jones at Whitehaven—Letter from Portsmouth—Death of John Foster—Prison Wrangle—Commissioners Sailed—Another Hole—It Founders—Joseph Kensington Died—Sick Prisoners Neglected.

April 17. To-day one of the prisoners received a letter from Captain Harris, of Portsmouth. He writes that we may rely upon it, that he had it from good authority, that the vessels were taken up, and were under repairs, to carry us home; and according to his letter, he expects to be on his passage in a month’s time. There are many in prison who gather some encouragement from this.

18. According to the best accounts, there has been a great debate in the House of Commons.—The Duke of Richmond is for giving the Commissioners 114 full power, before they return, even to declare the States independent, if nothing short will answer; Mr. Fox and Mr. Burke are of the same mind. But Lord Chatham declares that he had rather be in his grave than see the day that America is declared to be independent. According to their own account, this American war has cost Great Britain, £30,000,000, and thirty thousand of their best disciplined troops—eleven thousand eight hundred the last campaign.

19. We are informed that a packet has lately arrived from America, but as yet we know not what news she has brought.

20. We have a paper in which is an account of twenty-eight sail of vessels, laden with English goods, laying in some port of England, bound to America.

21. We have accounts in the paper of the Boston frigate, and another frigate out of Boston, having taken a number of valuable prizes.

22. There was one man came from the Black-hole, his time being up. There are four more left therein, but we find means to help them, as we have others before them; we having a plenty of provisions, can help them, and not injure ourselves. To-day I went out to buy a small pocket Bible, the price of which was three shillings and sixpence.

115 24. Three more came out of the Black-hole; there is but one left, and he will be out in a few days.

25. Captain Lee received a letter from Captain Trott, a prisoner in Bristol. He wrote that those of us who have a mind to write to America, can do so, by immediately sending the letters to him. He will send them to France by a man bound there. Several, therefore, wrote, and sent them to him. He also informed us, that by his own desire, he is going to London to receive his trial, which put us in mind of petitioning for a trial, also. Accordingly, a petition was drawn up, and about one half in prison signed it. The contents of the petition were as follows:

“To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty: the petition of sundry of the subjects of the United States of America, showeth, that your petitioners were at several respective periods, in the year of our Lord 1777, committed to Old Mill Prison, in the County of Devonshire, for the suspected crime of high treason; your petitioners are unable to be exactly positive as to the particular style or wording of the crime represented, in whole or either of their commitments, but as their bodily health is at present much impaired, and they fear it will be more so, so that their lives may be endangered by a longer confinement in prison, they humbly request 116 that your Majesty will be pleased to order them to be brought to trial with all possible speed, for the crime or crimes of which they may be supposed guilty. And your petitioners,” &c.

26. For some months past we have thought it presumption to try to make our escape from prison by digging out, on account of there being traitors amongst us. An innocent man has borne the scandal of this a good while, but upon being told of it by a friend, he took no rest day or night until he had found the traitors, and upon examination we discovered them to be two negroes, a man and a boy. Accordingly, they were tied up and whipped—the boy was whipped by a boy, two dozen and a half lashes, on his bare back; and we thought it the man’s prerogative who had borne the blame of being a traitor and was innocent, to lay the stripes upon the negro man. Accordingly, he gave him three dozen upon his bare back, and spared not; had the negro stayed till night he would have left his ears; but I suppose that he was suspicious of that, so he went and jumped over the gate and delivered himself up to the guard and told his story. The negro boy was sent for so now they are both separated from us in another yard, and it is well for them that they are so.

27. A man came out of the Black-hole, his time being up, and Mr. Boardman and Deal, who have 117 been only seventeen days on half allowance in the prison hospital, were sent into this yard. They are the only persons who have broke out and been taken, who have not suffered forty days on half allowance in the Black-hole.

28. Last evening being somewhat dark, two young men had a mind to try to make their escape; one of whom cut his hammock and blanket into strips and tied them together; got over the wall at the end of the prison into the yard, and was there caught and sent to the Black-hole. Today all the negroes were taken out of this prison, and put into a separate building, called the itchy yard.

29. To-day is Wednesday, which is our pay day, and each man received sixpence; and as we have received it regularly for some weeks past, we are told that we are to have it weekly; so in future, I shall only mention when we do not have it.

30. There is a number sick now, more than has been since we came to prison, except in time of small-pox. There are three or four in the prison hospital who are very sick with fever, and several more in this prison who are very ill. For a few weeks past, the agent has indulged us with the liberty of pens, ink and paper, so that we have an opportunity for writing and cyphering.

May 1. To-day the Tarbay, a ship of seventy-four 118 guns, as she lay at her moorings, accidentally took fire, and we are told that her upper works are burned to a coal, and being old, she is not worth repairing; she has been but a few days out of dock.

3. We have a newspaper, from which we learn that an American privateer, commanded by Captain John Paul Jones, from Portsmouth, went into Whitehaven, sent her boat on shore, and spiked up the cannon, and set fire to a ship, and had it not been for a man that deserted the boat and alarmed the town, the boat’s crew would have set fire to all the shipping in the harbor. They then set off and went to Scotland, where they went on shore and plundered Lord Selkirk’s house of £5000 worth of plate, and took several cattle. To-day a large ship arrived in the Sound, which we took to be an East Indiaman, but have since heard that she is a transport from New York.

3. Sunday. To-day we received two letters from the prisoners in Portsmouth. They inform us that there are one hundred and eighty prisoners there. They also inform us that Captain Weeks, in a privateer of sixteen guns, bound from France to America, foundered upon the Banks of Newfoundland, and all were lost but one.

4. To-day, Captain Lee, taken in a merchantman belonging to Manchester, came to see us. He 119 informed us of Captain Tracy’s arrival, and that he had taken an East Indiaman; but we do not hear of any homeward bound East Indiamen missing.

5. To-day several of us had an opportunity of writing letters to send by Captain Lee, who came to see us yesterday, as he is bound directly home.

6. This morning about eight o’clock, Mr. John Fowler, a prisoner, died in the prison hospital, with a pleurisy fever. He was only a few days sick, and in the afternoon there was a jury over him. They will not tell us the occasion of a jury’s being called, but it appears that the public were jealous that there had been bad usage. This man is the fourth that has died since I came to prison. He is the first of Captain Lee’s men that has died since they were imprisoned.

7. To-day there have been several men drunk in prison, as there often is when they can get money to buy beer; and there has been a wrangle between the old countrymen and the Americans. The Americans unanimously hang together, and endeavor to keep peace in prison, but if the former party were stronger than the latter, we should have a hell upon earth.

8. This afternoon there were three prisoners brought to prison, who were taken in a prize upon the Grand Bank, bound to America, by a large old 120 East Indiaman, which has been made a transport. She was bound from New York to England, with a few of Burgoyne’s officers on board, wounded and exchanged. The three who came to prison tell us that they had the offer of entering the English service, yet they chose to come to prison. The prize-master’s mate entered the service; of those who came to prison, there was one Newbury man, one Casco Bay man, and one Philadelphia man.

9. To-day three large two deckers dropped down into the Sound, from Ammoors, bound to Spithead, to join the fleet that is bound to sea, for the purpose of watching the motions of the French.

10. The commissioners sailed from Portsmouth in the Trydant man-of-war, of sixty-four guns, bound for America, April 22d.

11. We have a hole now in hand, and as we have not convenient places in prison to conceal all the dirt, for many days past many of us have been employed in the smuggling way, by carrying it out in our pockets and under our great coats, and emptying it into the vaults; but this afternoon we met with a misfortune, for a hole which we had been digging for ten days past, by times, foundered.

12. This morning after we were turned out, we so contrived it that the officer should enter into conversation with the turnkey and sentry on guard, 121 and draw their attention, and in the meantime we stopped the hole, so that it was not discovered.

13. We are resolved to be in the way of our duty, by embracing every opportunity to make our escape.

14. To-day about one o’clock, another prisoner died in the prison hospital. It is thought that he died of consumption. His name was Joseph Kensington; he was taken in the Lexington privateer, with Captain Henry Johnson. He is the fifth man that has died since we came to prison. If a man is ever so sick in prison, he has nothing allowed him by the doctor that is nourishing, but a little barley-water and milk broth; but we have reason to think that all necessary things are allowed by government, but it is left to the doctor’s option; so the sick do not have them at all.

15. It is eighteen months to-day since we sailed from Newbury, but I hope in a few months to be exchanged; and I expect that matters will be settled amicably, for it is the opinion of many people that come to the gate to see us, and of a great part in prison, that the commissioners are invested with full power to settle the difficulties before they return, upon the best terms; even to declare the States independent, if necessary.

French Privateer—French Fleet—Patience scarce—Escape—One missing—Man with Red Hair—Blockade—Ball Play—Severity of the Guard—Admiral Biron’s Fleet—Effects of Drink—A Widow—A Surprise—Press of Fishermen—Another Detection—Voluntary Suffering—Captain Pulford—Attempt to Escape—Taken—Cruel Treatment—Just Retaliation—King’s Birthday—Contribution for the Sick—Twelve months in Prison—Reflections.

May 16. We are informed that a French privateer was taken by a Guernsey privateer, a few days ago, and brought in here. She had eighty men on board, a number of whom were officers bound to America. We are informed that she had a commission to sink, burn and destroy all that she met belonging to Great Britain. We have also a newspaper, by which we learn that a French fleet, consisting of twelve sail of the line, and six frigates, sailed from Toulon on the 13th of April, and passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on the 123 24th, commanded by Count D’Estaing, supposed to be bound to America.

17. Sunday. We are informed by the paper, that on the 10th of this month, William Pitt died. I think that all England has reason to mourn the loss of so great a man, at this critical juncture, and the house of Bourbon to rejoice.

18. Mr. Sorrey, one of our “fathers,” has returned from London. He informs us that General Burgoyne had arrived in London before he left, but whether he is exchanged, or come home on parole, we have not yet learned. Mr. Sorrey tells us that we must exercise a little more patience. We cannot, however, gather much patience in the yard, it is rather inclined to nettles.

19. We hear that General Burgoyne came home on parole of honor, and is to return as soon as he has dispatched his business.

20. To-day Mr. Walch, one of the lieutenants of the Lexington, about two o’clock in the afternoon, had an invitation from a sentry that stood without the wall at one corner of the yard, to go out. Accordingly he dressed himself, and went as directed. At night, when the guard came to turn them into the prison, it was so contrived that a small boy should go in first, and then slip out of a window and be counted in twice; so that they had their number and did not miss him.

124 21. This morning when they were turned out they did the same, and by that means it was not found out. This contrivance was to screen the guard that was on duty, when he went out, fearing lest if it was found out, they would mistrust which way he escaped, and thus the sentry be exposed.

22. Last night, the second time the guard went into the officers’ ward, they found that one of them was missing; but it was about thirty hours after he went away, before they had the least suspicion of it. This morning, after we were turned out, we were mustered to see if there were any more gone, and while they were mustering us, one of the prisoners, with red hair, said something to the officer that he did not like, for which he threatened to put him in the Black-hole. After muster, accordingly, they made search for him, but could not find him, as they had no other mark for him but his hair. They then sent us into prison, and took aside each one that had red hair, but they could not find him among the number, so they let the matter pass. This afternoon, another man got over the wall at the corner of the yard, by the vault, and, by his own folly, was taken and sent to the Black-hole. On account of this futile attempt, we were sent into the prison in the midst of a pleasant afternoon; and as they were turning us in, there was one man a little obstinate, who would 125 not voluntarily go in; they therefore took him to the Black-hole also.

23. This forenoon, as some of the prisoners were playing at ball in the prison yard, the ball happened to lodge in a spout that is placed under the eves of the prison to convey the water, when it rains, into the well in the yard. They sent a boy up after it, and one of the sentries without the wall saw him, levelled his gun at him and fired, but the ball happened not to touch him. To-day Admiral Biron and his fleet arrived in Plymouth Sound, from Spithead. The fleet consists of thirteen sail of the line, and one frigate. They are bound to America, in search of the French fleet that sailed from Toulon.

24. Sunday. For two days past, the guard has been so strict with us that they have placed a sentry at the gate, and do not allow a prisoner to go near it upon any occasion whatever; and this afternoon after we were turned into prison, one of the prisoners got up to a window to look out, and a sentry without, saw him and bade him get down; as he did not get down as soon as asked, he fired at him, but did not hurt him. We think the occasion of the guard’s being so strict with us lately, is the conduct of a few evil-minded men in prison, who, as regularly as they receive their sixpence per week, lay it out at the gate for strong beer—drink 126 it all at once, and so get drunk. Then they abuse any one who comes across them.

25. We hear that the King has granted all the men in the fleet, that now lay in the Sound, eight days to frolic and make themselves merry.

26. To-day a poor American widow came to see us; she is daughter to Dr. Murray, in Newtown Chester, Maryland. She told us that she was lately from America, that her husband is dead, and she is left with three small children in a strange land, and with nothing to help herself. I do not know what business she had here, but as there were some who knew her in America, and as she seemed to be an object of charity, we contributed among us about a guinea, and gave it to her.

27. This morning, very early, the guard came in and surprised some of us, while we had a piece of the wall down, and were digging. Some one must go to the Black-hole for it, but as yet there is nothing done about it.

28. We hear that night before last, all the Fishermen in the harbor were pressed out of their fishing boats, on board of the fleet which now lays in the Sound.

29. To-day is what they call Royal Oak, or King Charles’ restoration day, and each ship, fort, and garrison, fires a salute.

127 31. This forenoon we were all turned out into the yard, but a few who stayed in to dig; and while they were at work, the guard happened to come in to drive a prisoner down from an end window; so they went directly up stairs, which gave those who were at work an opportunity of making off into the yard. But the guard, before they went out, found out the hole, and the agent declared that he would have four men go to the Black-hole, or the whole should be put on half allowance. He gave us until four o’clock in the afternoon to consider of it, and at the time four men delivered themselves up of their own accord, to go to the Black-hole, rather than that all should suffer. But as we are all equally concerned in every such scheme, satisfaction will be made to them by us.

This afternoon, one Captain Pulford, came to see us. He is only about forty days from North Carolina, and was taken in a merchantman bound to France. He informed us that General Lee has been exchanged.

June 1. Two gentlemen who came to see us to-day, informed us that the French Admiral, now laying in Brest with thirty-six sail of the line, besides frigates, sent a challenge to the English Admiral to meet him off Brest. We are also informed that there are orders from London for a larger 128 prison, three stories high, separate, and in another yard, to be repaired for the reception of the French prisoners.

2. In expectation of some making their escape, a difficult piece of work was undertaken, which I hope we shall prosper in.

3. Ever since I have been in prison there have been vaults dug in the yard, for the prison offal, until within a fortnight. The vaults having since then been full, each man has taken his turn to empty the tubs, twice a day, into the river. This morning two in the Black-hole went to empty their tubs at the river’s edge, about twenty-rods distant, and having a mind to try to make their escape, although part of the guard was with them, they left their tubs and ran. They were immediately pursued by the guard, and overtaken about a quarter of a mile distant; and after they were secured, they used them shamefully, knocking them down two or three times, and very badly injuring them. As our cook, who prepares our victuals, gave chase and caught one of them, we determined that he should suffer for it. This same cook has lately got a license to sell strong beer, and his wife tends daily at the gate, and there are many in prison who have bought of her a great deal. But we are unanimously agreed to buy no more of him. A man who has been only two days out of the 129 Black-hole, was carried there again to-day, for abusing the sentry in the yard.

4. To-day is the King’s birth-day, and each ship, fort, and garrison, fired twenty-one guns as a royal salute. I think that his subjects would have more reason to rejoice at his death than at his birth-day; for according to the best accounts, the national debt is more than one hundred and forty-six millions. A commissioner has been here to-day, reviewing the prisons; I suppose to give orders in what manner they shall be repaired for the accommodation of the French. There are two of our ship’s company that have been very ill for some months past, and as the doctor will not let them have things necessary for their comfort, we think it our duty to contribute to their relief, as Providence has put something in our hands. Accordingly, to-day we raised among us a trifle of money to buy them such things as they want, and we shall raise more as they need it. This afternoon, there were thirteen prisoners brought to prison from the Blenheim. They were lately brought from Liverpool, and have been taken nearly five months; they were captured in a privateer, fitted out of Salem, The captain’s name is Ravel. Today a fleet of fishermen, consisting of about thirty sail, went out of the Sound, bound to Newfoundland.

130 5. The fleet that sailed yesterday for Newfoundland, meeting with contrary winds, and the weather looking likely for a storm, put about and came in again. It is twelve months to-day since I came to prison. I believe four months ago it was the opinion, of every one within these walls, that we should be out before this day, but I believe now, most of us despair of being exchanged this summer, unless General Burgoyne’s coming home should be of advantage to us. He is able to represent the case as it is, for we hear that the Congress told him, before he left America, to go home and take his seat in Parliament, and speak the truth, for the truth could not hurt them.

6. There are now four prisoners, who are sail-makers, at work in this prison, making hammocks for more prisoners. They are employed by a sail-maker without, and are allowed a trifle for their labor.

Death of the Doctor—Men in the Drain—Sailing of Admiral Biron’s Fleet—Discouragements—Prison in an Uproar—Punishment—Revenge—Men in Irons—Rev. Mr. Heath—Cold reception of Proposition of Peace in America—Number of Prisoners—Rigor of Prison Discipline abated—A Letter from the Committee of Appropriation—Gratitude for Friends—Effort to Escape—Scheme continued—Discovered—Black-hole—Gen. Burgoyne’s Compliment to American Troops—Unsuccessful attempt to Escape—French Frigate taken—Bad Meat refused—Unsuccessful attempt to Escape—Preparation for the Fourth of July—Fourth of July—Continued—Amputation—Another Hole—John Dam—Allowance to French Prisoners—Admiral Keppel’s Fleet sail—Boys attempt to Escape.

June 7. Sunday. This morning we are informed that our chief doctor is dead. He died very suddenly; I believe there are not many in prison who will mourn, as we have no reason to expect that we can get a worse one. This forenoon, after we were turned out, two men of this prison got into a drain at one corner of the yard, and were digging, when one of the turnkeys present found out that they were at work, and alarmed the guard. They were taken and carried 132 to the Black-hole, but we shall find means to help them, as we have done others before. The hole in which they were at work was commenced five days ago. They had nearly finished the work before it was found out. Thus every method we take to make our escape is found out before it is accomplished, and our unhappy efforts are not blest.

8. We hear that the fleet of men-of-war, now lying in the Sound, have received orders for sailing; also, that the convoy of the Newfoundland fleet, while they were out, took a sloop from North Carolina, loaded with indigo, bound to France.

9. This morning the fleet sailed, under the command of Admiral Biron; it consists of eleven sail of the line, and two frigates. They are bound in search of the French fleet, commanded by Count de Estaing, which sailed from Toulon, bound to America. To-day Captain Dennis, from Cape Ann, came to see us; he was taken in a brig out of Newbury. He informs us that Captain Tracy is wholly given over, which I am very sorry to hear. Captain Dennis has got his clearance, and is bound directly home, and will carry letters for those who desire to send. This afternoon thirteen more prisoners came to prison from the ships; they belonged to the same privateer with those who came last Thursday. For my own part, I think it very poor encouragement for 133 us to see the number of prisoners increase; I think it looks very melancholy within these walls, and more and more so every day. I am so uneasy that I cannot content myself to do any thing; let me seem to be ever so busy, my mind is not fixed upon what I am about. It is dwelling upon my situation and condition.

10. To-day several of us wrote letters to send to America by Captain Dennis, but he has not yet come after them. When Mr. Sorrey came to bring us our money, he told us that orders were come for us to be exchanged for the prisoners in France. We put more confidence in what he says, because he has been very cautious hitherto of telling us news. To-day the whole prison has been in an uproar, occasioned by one or two drunken fellows, who, as regularly as they get any money, get drunk with the beer which is bought at the gate. One of these was so outrageous that he drew his knife, and walked fore and aft the prison, striking and abusing those he met. When we were turned out in the afternoon we complained to the agent, and he, by a desire of most of the men in prison, was sent to the Black-hole. After we delivered him up, he, out of spite, told of a window where some one in prison had sawed off a bar.

12. To-day the fleet of Newfoundland fishermen sailed again, and I am afraid Captain Dennis has gone and left our letters.

13. There are now several masons and carpenters at work on an old three story prison, in another yard, repairing it for the reception of French prisoners. The man who was delivered up to the agent, a few days ago, is put in irons. He is the only one that has been put in irons since we came to prison.

14. The Rev. Mr. Heath has returned home from London, having been gone nearly three months; and yesterday afternoon he came to see us. He tells us that he has been informed that many of us pay no regard for the Sabbath, which is too true; for it is equally the same with many in this prison, whether it be the Sabbath or any other day. They will run about the yard, and play, and curse, and swear, and blaspheme, the greater part of the time. Many of them are the most wicked and profane men that I ever saw or heard of; but there are a great number of steady men. Mr. Heath gave us a few books, and he says that he has a number more to give to such as will make good use of them.

135 15. We hear that the reconciliation bill, which was sent to America from England, last February, met with a very cool reception, both by the American and Howe’s troops, and was even treated with the greatest indignation by both. General Howe, we hear, is expected home soon, and General Clinton is to take the command at Philadelphia. We hear that there is now a Spanish fleet of twenty-one sail of the line riding at anchor in Cadez, ready for sea. We have also heard it reported of late, that the American army is so destitute of clothing that they are obliged to strip the women of their petticoats to cover them. These things are put in the papers to amuse the public; but we know better; it is inconsistent with reason, and utterly false.

16. To-day we received a letter from one Captain Harris in Portsmouth prison; he writes to us that there are two hundred and fifty prisoners in France, and that we may depend upon it, that he had it from good authority, that we are to be exchanged for them, as far as they will go. But in this prison we are very faithless; we have been flattered too long for our profit. I heard some days ago that there were six hundred prisoners in France. There are now in these prisons three hundred and sixteen American prisoners.

17. We hear that Parliament is prorogued until 136 the middle of July. I suppose by that time they expect to hear from the commissioners.

18. Yesterday, after we were turned out and the doors shut, three small boys entered through the grates into the prison and damaged several hammocks, for which, this morning, their ship’s company tied them up and whipped them. Today four men came out of the Black-hole, who went in on the 31st of May; they have been in only eighteen days; the reason of their not tarrying longer is, a commissioner being here from London, they petitioned him for pardon, and he granted it. There are only three left in the Black-hole now.

19. I hear, privately, that the soldiers have orders not to fire on the prisoners if they see any making their escape; to fire only clear powder to alarm the guard; and they are not to strike any of us, nor offer a bayonet to us: thus their rigor has been abated since Burgoyne has been taken.

20. This forenoon, Rev. Mr. Heath came and delivered us a letter, which we found to be from a gentleman who is one of the committee of appropriation for the money raised by subscription for the relief of American prisoners in this country. He desired that we should send him the name, former residence, and occupation, of all the prisoners; he assures us that there is a prospect of an exchange 137 for some, if not all of us; he also desired that we should keep good order, and by no means attempt to elope. I lack words to express my gratitude to these gentlemen; for had it not been for our numerous friends, doubtless many of us had now been in our graves.

21. Sunday. Notwithstanding our friend’s advice, we have a plan in agitation for making our escape, and are resolved to go on with it. Our design is to get into a drain at the corner of the yard, where the last hole was found out, and dig up on the other side of the wall. For this purpose, yesterday afternoon three men took down a piece of wall under a window, in an old prison adjoining this drain. These men got into the prison and the wall was put up again, and plastered up with dirt. They dug into the drain and tarried there all night and till after we were let out in the morning, when we let them out. Last night, when we were counted into prison, three boys went in first and got out at the window, and were counted twice, to make up the number.

22. Last night and to-day this scheme was carried on as before. This afternoon Captain Dennis and Captain Talford came and took our letters. They have got their clearance and are bound directly to France. I sent a letter by Captain D. to my father. Captain Dennis’ hands consisted 138 of nine Beverly men; they are all kept on board the men-of-war, as they have served all others during the war taken in merchantmen, except the captains, and them they clear.

23. Last night the scheme was carried on the same as before, till about 8 o’clock in the evening, when they were discovered by the guard and sent to the Black-hole; after which they went into the officers’ prison, where were Captain Bunten and Captain Boardman walking; they were ordered to bed, and they refused to go, for which they carried them to the Black-hole. This afternoon one of the prisoners was sent down to the prison hospital; he had been so sick and weak for some days past, that when we were turned out into the yard, and the door locked, (they having driven him out,) as he could not walk, we were obliged to lead him. When out, he could not stand, but was forced to lay down on the ground; and when down, could not rise up without help.

24. Last night, there were two more carried to the Black-hole from the officers’ prison, for not being in bed when the guard came in, which was between nine and ten o’clock. The officers in prison have drawn up a petition to send to the board, to know if Mr. Coudry, the prison keeper has orders to confine any one for not being in hammock at nine or ten o’clock in the evening.

139 25. According to the newspapers, General Burgoyne gives the American troops a brave name; he says that the troops he had at his command were as good as double the number of any other troops the King has, and that the American troops were as good as his, and would fight as well.

26. Yesterday afternoon, while the guard was turning us into prison, four that were in the Black-hole, and one that was in the hospital, broke out through the drain, and got a boat a quarter of a mile off, but they were soon discovered, and pursued by the guard. The militia were raised, and they were all taken in about half an hour and brought back. This afternoon, those five, with all the rest, were sent up into this yard. Those who came to prison last had clothes given them, which were allowed by government. I received a pair of breeches, as I had not received any before since I came to prison. This morning a French cutter was brought in here, taken by an English cutter; and at the same time two French frigates were taken, which, I hear, have arrived in Portsmouth. Six of the wounded Frenchmen were brought from the cutter to prison, and put in the hospital.

27. This afternoon two of the officers in prison had an invitation by a sentry to go over the wall, 140 which they did, but were discovered, taken, and sent to the Black-hole.

28. We hear that the Arathusa frigate was dismasted in the engagement with the two French frigates above mentioned.

29. Joseph Barnum, one of our company, who has been unwell ever since he had the small-pox, more than twelve months ago, has now got the white swelling in his knee, which the doctor thinks will occasion his death, if not cut off; and he is so weak that I fear he is not able to undergo the operation.

30. For a long time we have been imposed upon by the agent and butcher, by sending us bad meat. Yesterday there were maggots found in our beef, and we told the two butchers who go into the cook-room to inspect our meat—that if it was the same to-day as yesterday, not to cut it up. Accordingly, they went out this morning, and as the meat proved to be very poor, our butchers refused to cut it up. Upon this, the agent ordered the cook to cut it up, which he did, and cooked it. At twelve o’clock the meat was brought in, in a tub; but we had all agreed not to take any of it. The agent told us if we would accept of it to-day, as it was cooked, we should have no more like it, but have better in future. He has, however, told us these stories too often, and we thought if we 141 took it to-day, we should have the same another day; therefore we positively refused it; for we can live as well upon the fat that we have gathered from the donation, two days, as we could seven months ago upon all our allowance.

July 1. Last night six men in this prison attempted to make their escape; they got out at a window into the yard, but as they were trying to get over the wall, they were discovered by a sentry, so they returned and got in at the window where they got out.

2. To-day forty-seven more French prisoners were brought to prison, but they were all foremast hands; for all the French officers are allowed to go on parole. To-day the New Duke, a ship of ninety guns, dropped down in the Sound, in order for sailing. She is a new ship, and has been launched since I came to prison.

3. As it is two years to-morrow since the Declaration of Independence in America, we are resolved, although we are prisoners, to bear it in remembrance: and for that end, several of us have employed ourselves to-day in making cockades. They were drawn on a piece of paper, cut in the form of a half-moon, with the thirteen stripes, a Union, and thirteen stars, painted out, and upon the top is printed in large capital letters, 142 “Independence,” and at the bottom “Liberty or Death,” or some appeal to Heaven.

4. This morning when we were let out, we all hoisted the American flag upon our hats, except about five or six, who did not choose to wear them. The agent, seeing us all with those papers on our hats, asked for one to look at, which was sent him, and it happened to be one which had “Independence” written upon the top, and at the bottom, “Liberty or Death.” He, not knowing the meaning of it, and thinking we were going to force the guard, directly ordered a double sentry at the gate. Nothing happened till one o’clock; we then drew up in thirteen divisions, and each division gave three cheers, till it came to the last, when we all cheered together, all of which was conducted with the greatest regularity. We kept our colors hoisted till sunset, and then took them down.

5. The carpenters and masons have been at work for some days past, repairing an old prison in the yard.

8. This afternoon, Rev. Mr. Heath came to see us, and gave us several books; he informs us that General Howe has arrived home, and that the King’s troops have left Philadelphia.

9. We are told that Captain Dennis and Captain Talford, with five or six other American captains, 143 bought a small vessel to carry them to France, and yesterday morning set sail.

10. To-day Joseph Barnum, one of our company, and one of the French prisoners that was wounded, had their thighs cut off. Barnum has been unwell more than a year; he has had a white swelling in his knee.

11. We have a hole now in hand, which we thought this afternoon was found out, but it happened to be one within a few feet of it, which was discovered some time ago, and was of no great consequence.

12. Sunday. To-day Captain Lee received a letter from Portsmouth prison, from Jonn Dame, a Newbury man. He informs us that he was taken with Captain Dennis in a new privateer brig, of sixteen guns, that sailed from Boston on the 25th of May. On the 30th of the same month he was taken by the same frigate that General Howe came home in.

13. Since the Frenchmen came to prison we have been of considerable help to them, as we have now plenty of provisions, and many of us more than we want to eat. What we have to spare we give to them, and we daily give them more or less. Their allowance of bread is six pounds to four of them per day, which is one and a half pounds per man; but we rebels are allowed 144 only one pound of bread a man, per day, from government. The other allowances of the French is the same as ours.

14. Admiral Keppel has lately sailed from St. Helena with about twenty-eight sail of the line and six frigates; and a French fleet has sailed from Brest; but I cannot learn the exact number of ships of which the fleet consists. It is expected, whenever these two fleets meet, there will be a bloody engagement, for England’s chief dependence is in her fleet.

15. It is twenty months to-day since I left Newbury. To-day Admiral Keppel’s fleet was seen from the prison to pass by this harbor, and it is expected that two or three ships from this port will join them. This afternoon four boys tried to make their escape; they got over the wall into the Frenchmen’s yard, and hid in their hammocks, but were soon discovered, and taken.

16. We hear that Parliament is prorogued until some time in September next. To-day the Sudbury, a ship of seventy-four guns, sailed to join Admiral Keppel’s fleet, which now appears off this port. The guard now consists partly of the Cornish, partly of the Somersetshire, and partly of the Devonshire militia, and some of the thirteenth regiment, which is the regiment that has guarded us ever since we came to prison.

Bad Conduct in Prison—Its Consequences—Rules—Prison Quiet—Digging Out—Four Escape—General alarm—Fire, and Officers Escape—Discovery—Prison in an Uproar—Its Cause and Cure—Sad news from Portsmouth—Pay-day—Drink—Trouble—Invitation to go over the Wall—Admiral Keppel returns—England’s pride humbled—False Reports—Studies Navigation—A good turn—A curious plan for Escape—Detection—Battle Report—Wounded in the Hospital—Effort to Escape by Swimming—Disturbance in Prison—Prisoners Return—Difficulty of Escape—Invitation to join the Fleet—Thirty join—Brave Americans pressed to the Ships of War.

July 17. There are a number of very quarrelsome, lawless men in prison, who have been the occasion of a great deal of mutiny and disturbance amongst us, which has obtained for us the ill-will of our friends; and we have been informed that unless there is an alteration among us, our donations will be stopped; so that we thought it proper to have Articles among ourselves. These were drawn up to-day; they forbid all gambling, and blackguarding, which have caused great disturbance 146 in the yard, and occasioned much fighting. They also forbid any improper language to any officer or soldier, who are now, or may hereafter be, appointed to preside over us. These articles were read in the yard before all the prisoners, and then stuck up in prison, and two men out of each ship’s company were appointed to see them put into execution.

18. We hear that Count D’Estaing’s fleet has arrived in Boston. I learn, also, by the papers, that twenty-five sail of the line are now laying at single anchor in Cadiz, ready for sea. Their place of destination is not known.

19. Sunday. As there have been many books given in lately, the prison is much stiller of Sunday than formerly, and the people are much better employed. This forenoon, as some were in a drain digging, they were heard by the guard, but they got out before the guard reached the hole.

20. Wet, rainy weather, so that we kept house most of the day. There has been little or no rain, for two months, until last night and to-day. The ground has been so parched for want of rain, that the fields look like the fall of the year.

21. Last night about nine o’clock, it being very dark and rainy, we opened a hole at the back side of the prison, large enough for two men to go out abreast. This hole has been ready for some time 147 past—they have only been waiting for a dark, stormy night; when they broke ground, the pavement fell in, and four men jumped out and got off. A sentry within ten feet of the hole, saw them, and immediately alarmed the guard; so that no more could escape. The guard came in, and while they were in prison the guard-house chimney took fire; upon which the drum beat to arms, and fire was cried. The cry was that the prisons were on fire, and the prisoners were breaking out. After this was over, the guard came in again and took nine of the prisoners and put them in the Black-hole, because they were up and had their clothes on. To-day, about one o’clock, four of the officers from the officers’ prison got over the wall into the hospital yard; two of whom got out, but were soon discovered and taken. The other two were taken in the yard, and all put into the Black-hole last night, but came out to-day.

22. Yesterday noon, another hole was begun in this prison, and at night when we were turned in again, they went to work until nine or ten o’clock; but were then discovered by the guard, who immediately came in and carried two to the Black-hole. In the afternoon, they took two boys at work in the drain before mentioned; and to-day two of those who went out night before last, were brought 148 back, and another came back of his own accord.

23. Most of this day the prison has been in an uproar, occasioned by a few men that will not be conformable to the rules and articles that we have amongst ourselves, but threaten to take them down and destroy them.

24. This morning we found that our articles were abused, and we took three of the before-mentioned men and tied them up to a post in the prison, and poured cold water down their arms and neck, for the space of half an hour. One of the three was afterwards complained of to the agent, who ordered him to be put in irons, and separated from us.

25. Yesterday a ship of seventy-four guns, and a frigate, arrived in the Sound, from Admiral Biron’s fleet, with two hundred and forty-six sick men on board. The occasion of this ship’s coming home was that she had sprung a leak, and the frigate came with her for fear that she might founder at sea.

26. Sunday. I daily expect to hear of an engagement between the English and French fleets as we have heard several accounts of their being seen in sight of each other.

149 27. Cool weather for some days past, which is much better for us, as so many of us are confined together.

28. This afternoon we received two letters from Portsmouth prison—one from John Dame, the other from Benjamin Tappan. They give us a very disagreeable account of thirty-nine young men belonging to Newbury, who were lost with Capt. Tracy. Many of their names were mentioned in the latter; some of them I was intimately acquainted with. I could rather wish them in prison with us, than entirely lost.

29. This morning a large three-decker dropped down into the Sound, in order for sailing. Also, we have the London Evening Post, which informs us of the Lively, twenty gun ship, and a frigate, being taken. The last paper before this gives an account of two cutters being taken. They were captured by the French and carried to France.

30. Yesterday was pay-day, and there are a number of men who make it a practice to get drunk every opportunity, and two men last night, who were in liquor, struck and abused two Frenchmen, who were taken in the American service, and the majority of those in prison who were Americans, took their part, and complained to the officer of the guard. The offenders were sent to the Black-hole, and this morning we took the 150 Frenchmen up stairs with us, where they will not be abused any more.

31. Yesterday, some in this prison had an invitation by a sentry to go over the wall, but as it was in the day time, they thought it not proper; but at twelve o’clock at night, the same sentry came to the same place and gave a signal, upon which seven men went out at a window where one of the iron bars were loosened, ready to be pulled out. After these seven men got out, the sentry alarmed the guard, and four of the number were soon taken. If they had waited a few moments longer, we should have had a hole in the back side of the prison, for a number more to have got out. The guard tell us that they have orders to fire at any one they see getting over the wall, and also, that the soldier who let these men go is now under confinement, and will be either whipped or shot.

This forenoon, Admiral Keppel’s fleet arrived in the Sound. The greatest part of this fleet now lay where we can see them from this prison. We hear that they have had an engagement with the French fleet, but have not learned the particulars. To-day, also, a dozen more Frenchmen were brought to prison. Six came out of the Black-hole; among whom was Captain Lee. While he was there, he received a letter from General Burgoyne. There are six remaining there still.

151 August 1. All that I can say to-day concerning the fleet, is, that several of the ships are very much shattered. Two or three are now lying on their beam-ends, in the Sound, and the boats have been passing and re-passing from them ever since they came in. We have seen a vast number of men come from the ships, in boats, whom we suppose to be wounded, as we are informed that there are between seven and eight hundred wounded men in the royal hospital, who were taken out of the fleet. This is the fleet which they have been raising for the two years past, concerning which they have boasted so much, and which they have called the terror of France. This was England’s pride—the fleet that was to sweep the seas, and accomplish such wonders. Alas! many of them are disappointed of their expectations, for in their first engagement they were worsted.

2. A man in prison received a letter from his brother, who is in the fleet. He informed him that he was in the engagement, and there was only twelve sail of the English fleet that engaged the French fleet; but I suppose that he was not allowed to write the particulars.

3. For these two months past, since we have been allowed pens, ink and paper, I have employed them to as much advantage as possible. Most of the time, I have busied myself in writing and cyphering. 152 I have had as much writing to do as I could accomplish; and to-day I sent out to buy books and instruments to learn navigation. To-day a number more Frenchmen were brought to prison.

4. To-day one of the two shattered ships that lay in the Sound warped up, went to Ammoors, and the other lays opposite to our prison. To-day I began to study navigation.

5. A gentleman, who came to see us to-day, gave in half a guinea, to be drank by the prisoners; but we thought it better to divide it among the sick of the respective crews.

6. The masons and carpenters have been at work repairing an old prison in the yard; and this afternoon, as one of the laborers was at work, he pulled off his coat and hung it up against the prison, in the yard, and left the basket, that he had to bring slate in, with it. One of the prisoners went and put on the coat, and put the basket over his head, and went to the gate; and the turnkey, thinking it to be the laborer, let him out. As he was walking through the street, the laborer met him, knew his coat, and ran and alarmed the guard, who went in pursuit of him and soon took him.

7. We have been waiting impatiently to hear from the commissioners, for some time past, hoping 153 that they would settle affairs; but we have had a flying report for some weeks, that they are likely to return as they went, without doing any thing. When they first sailed, it was the opinion of many in prison, that they were invested with full power to settle it; but soon after, we were convinced to the contrary.

8. From the Exeter paper we learn that there was only twenty-five sail of the line of battle-ships that engaged the French fleet, and that they had but five hundred and six men killed and wounded; but the royal hospital, where the wounded are, is but a small-arms’ shot from this prison, and we have been repeatedly and credibly informed by those who reside in the neighborhood, that there is upwards of a thousand wounded men in the hospital, and a cart is seen to carry away the dead every day. The engagement took place on the 27th of July.

9. Sunday. Last evening, as four men went to empty their tubs, two of them took to the water to swim away, but were soon taken up. The commissioner who was here a few weeks ago, came again to-day, to regulate affairs.

10. This afternoon the guard came in and turned us all out, and locked the doors, which aggravated many, who wanted to be in prison—some reading, some writing, some cyphering, and 154 some studying navigation. Some went and picked the locks, opened the doors, and went in; upon this the guard came in again, and turned us all out and placed a sentry at the prison doors. Two men, out of spite, went to fighting, and it took most of the guard to separate them. Soon after, another fight happened, and about the same time the commissioner came into the yard, and ordered one of them to be sent to the Black-hole. In all this disturbance, the officers of the guard appeared very mild and calm; they are officers in the militia. Most of those that have been on guard since we have been guarded by the militia, have behaved very well towards us, and very much like gentlemen, as they are chiefly gentlemen of fortune. To-day the other three men were brought back that made their escape from prison on the 30th of July, in the evening.

11. Those who were brought back yesterday, were sent up out of the Black-hole to-day. They tell us that they would not go out again if the gates were set open; for they said it is a thing impossible, to get off the island. While they were out, they saw a number of ships belonging to Admiral Keppel’s fleet, which lay where we cannot see them from the prison, that were very much shattered and disabled in the engagement.

12. To-day we were all examined, as of late has 155 been customary once a month, to see who need clothes, and who do not.

13. Those who wanted shoes, were served to-day. These are allowed by government.

14. This morning, three French prizes were brought into this port—a ship, a brig, and a sloop.

15. This forenoon some officers from the ships, who were sent by Admiral Keppel, came here to take a list of the names of those who have a mind to go on board the men-of-war, and thirty in number gave in their names. Among the number were some Americans, but they were chiefly old countrymen. The officers brought with them an American who was taken with Captain Martingale in the first of the disturbance. His officers gave him a guinea to treat his countrymen.

18. This afternoon there were five Americans brought to prison. They were all taken in different vessels. Some of them belonged to armed ships, others to merchantmen. Some of them have been taken this six months, and have been hurried about from ship to ship, and used scandalously. They had a bounty offered them to go on 156 board this fleet, now lying in the Sound, but they, like brave Americans, refused, and chose rather to come to prison. They were sent here without being examined, or committed by any justice of the peace.

French Prisoners—Admiral Keppel sails—Another attempt to Escape—Americans brought back—Another Hole—Admiral Biron’s Fleet—A Gale—Number of French Prisoners—General Clinton’s retreat from Philadelphia—Elias Hart died—Fever and Ague prevails—A Discharge—Captain Burnel and Wife—Escape from Portsmouth—French Privateer—Letter from Portsmouth—Distribution of Clothing—Hot Press—Letter to Captain Lee—French Prisoners increase—Thomas Pillar—Fever and Ague prevails—A Vote for Money—Poor Beer—Drunkenness and Fighting.

August 19. This afternoon an officer from the ships came for those five men who were brought here yesterday. When they found out that they were to be carried on board the ships, as they were advised by the people in the yard not to go out at the gate, without they were dragged out, like brave men, they resisted, and swore that they would never lift a hand to do any thing on board of King George’s ships—neither would they go out of the yard. As the key was turned upon them, the guard was called in, and the officer of the guard and agent plead with them, telling them that they were put in here through mistake; and being over-persuaded by them, they went out.

21. It seems that some of the sick and wounded men that came out of Admiral Keppel’s fleet, are recovered. They have made several attempts to escape, and they are obliged to keep a guard here to prevent them from running away.

22. Early this morning, part of Admiral Keppel’s fleet sailed. Last night, and this morning, a number of Frenchmen were brought to this prison. This afternoon, Captain Lee received a letter from General Burgoyne; he wrote him that he would do all he could to get bail for him.

23. Sunday. Early this morning, the remainder of Admiral Keppel’s fleet sailed, except a few ships that are not ready. The squadron that sailed yesterday morning, appeared this morning in sight, off the harbor. I suppose they are all bound on a cruise together.

24. The men that gave in their names, to go on board the men-of-war, are apprehensive that they will not be allowed to do so, and last evening some of them went to work to try to dig out, but upon breaking ground they were discovered, and the sentry discharged two guns into the hole, but they injured no one.

25. To-day, four of the five men who were brought to this prison on the 18th of this month, 159 and carried away again the next day, were brought back because they would not enter. One of the number was an Italian. He was put in a separate yard, with the Frenchmen. Also, to-day a captain of an armed vessel, that was captured by an American privateer in the North Channel, came here to see Captain Lee. He informed him that he gave bonds, for a large sum of money, to return to America as a prisoner, unless he could get Captain Lee exchanged for him. This man is bound for London.

26. This afternoon a prize was brought in here, which proved to be a large French West Indiaman, a ship of about four hundred tons. Also, a number of French prisoners were brought to prison.

27. We learn from the papers, that the Parliament is prorogued until Thursday the first of October. We also learn from the same source, that the damage to the French fleet, in the late engagement, was very inconsiderable.

28. This morning the guard discovered another hole in the prison, which was begun a few days ago; but as yet there has been but little said about it.

29. We have a paper, from which we learn that Admiral Biron’s fleet that sailed from this 160 port on the 9th of June last, bound to America, upon their passage, met with a gale of wind which separated the fleet and dismasted several of their ships. The Albion has arrived in Lisbon, dismasted. She was one of the fleet.

31. Some carpenters are now at work building a new Black-hole, in an old prison in this yard, that has lately been repaired.

September 1. It is the opinion of some in this prison, that all the American prisoners in this yard will be removed to some other prison, to make room for the French prisoners, as there are now about four hundred Frenchmen in another yard; and there are a great number of French officers gone into the country, on parole.

2. This afternoon, Mr. Heath and Mr. Sorrey came to see us, and brought bad news for our officers, in a letter from the committee in London. The contents read nearly as follows:—

“Not from any prejudice or alteration in our affection for you, but fearing that you will remain in prison another winter, and the money raised for your support be expended, we thought proper to deduct two shillings per week from those officers who have hitherto been allowed five shillings; the other officers and privates, to remain as before.”

161 4. To-day four American gentlemen came to see us; one of whom belonged to Baltimore. He is a young man, and was bound to France to finish his education, when he was taken. He left America since General Clinton retreated from Philadelphia to New York, and he gave us a very satisfactory account of the battle—different from what was reported to us before. This young man had liberty to converse with us nearly two hours.

5. This morning, Elias Hart, one of Captain Lee’s company, died of consumption in the prison hospital. He is the sixth man that has died since I came to prison. Of late, our sick have fared much better than formerly. As we all draw money once a week, each respective crew contributes, weekly, for their sick, which supplies them with every necessary; so, that of late, there is always some money in the bank for the use of the sick. Since two shillings per week has been deducted from the officers, who formerly received five, most of them, from choice, receive what they are allowed from subscription, in money, and draw no other allowance than what is afforded by government. They can buy provisions as often as they want them, in public market, at the gate.

6. Sunday. This afternoon, three American captains came to see us. They have been taken some months, and are bound directly home.—Among 162 the number, there is one Captain Potter, belonging to Boston.

7. Several of our men have been taken sick with fever and ague, within a few days, and a great number in prison are unwell.

8. This afternoon, thirteen American prisoners were brought to prison. They were lately brought round from Liverpool, and are the remainder of Captain Ravel’s crew.

9. To-day, one Thomas Pillar, of Portsmouth, visited us. He was one of the five who were brought here on the 18th of August; he was carried on board the men-of-war the next day, having been taken in a merchantman. They kept him for a time, but he has since received his discharge, and intends to return home. Several letters were delivered to him to carry, and he is to call and get more.

10. This afternoon, Rev. Mr. Heath came to see us, in company with a young American gentleman, who has been taken, lately, on his passage to France. Our agent, or prison-keeper, being sick and absent, Mr. Heath came into prison and discoursed nearly two hours with the officers.

11. We have accounts in the papers, that Winchester castle is to be repaired for the reception of one hundred American prisoners—a larger number than they now have in England.

163 12. Captain Burnel, who is a prisoner here, taken in the American service, and has a wife and family in England, has received a letter from his wife, informing him that she has been turned out of doors, wholly on account of his being in the American service. The prisoners are about raising money for her relief.

13. Sunday. This afternoon, Captain Rols received a letter from Captain Harris, in Portsmouth prison. He informs him that forty-five officers and eleven privates, had made their escape lately, out of that prison, twenty-five of whom were brought back—the other thirty-one had got off.

14. We are informed, that last evening, a French privateer was brought in here, with eighty prisoners on board, and the sailors having got a number of prostitutes, and gone below, drinking, the Frenchmen rose, closed the hatches on them, cut the cable and went off with the vessel.

15. To-day, several letters were received here, from the prisoners at Portsmouth. They inform us that they have received a letter from Captain Cowes, in France, who made his escape from that prison. He writes that he has been at Paris, and conversed with Dr. Franklin, and told him our situation. His answer was, that he expected orders from America for the release of all of us.—This agrees with a letter which was received by 164 the prisoners in Portsmouth, from a gentleman in London. In conversation with Mr. Heartley, who is a great speaker in the House of Commons, he informed him, that it lay in Dr. Franklin’s power to exchange us when he pleases. It seems by their writing, that they give credit to the report; but our faith has been so long tried, and we have been flattered so often, many in prison will not believe that they are going, until they see the prison gates open.

16. Considerable rain in the first part of the day. I believe there has not been two hours steady rain, before to-day, for nearly three months. To-day some jackets, shirts and stockings were given us by the agent, by order of the Board. I received one shirt, which is the only one I have received from Government, since I have been a prisoner.

17. The West India fleet that put in here a few days ago, sailed to-day, bound up channel. We heard that most of their hands were pressed, and that they were manned by men-of-wars-men. To-day I finished my studies in navigation.

18. To-day Captain Lee received a letter from a man that was here a few weeks ago, and who informed him that he was taken by an American privateer, and came home upon condition that he was to return to America, if he could not get Captain Lee exchanged for him. He now writes that 165 he has done his utmost, but it is impossible for any man to get out, so long as this Act is in force.

19. To-day about forty French prisoners were brought to prison, who were captured in a privateer. There are now about five hundred French prisoners here.

20. To-day Thomas Pillar came again to see us. He informed us that he expects to sail this afternoon. They are first bound to Ireland, to join a fleet; from thence, to New York. A number in prison sent letters by him. I sent one to my father. He also informs us that he is to work for his passage, and that he has no money to purchase his sea stores. We collected about sixteen shillings, and gave it to him.

21. I expected that Admiral Keppel’s fleet would have come in before this time, on account of the sun’s crossing the line; but they are not yet in, so that I am in daily expectation of hearing that there has been an engagement between the two fleets.

To-day, eight more of our sick were carried into the prison hospital. They are attacked with fever and ague, and a number more are very unwell with the same complaint; and I am afraid it will be very sickly among us, unless cold weather sets in very soon.

166 22. To-day is King George’s coronation day, and between twelve and one o’clock the fort and garrison fired a salute. There was but very little firing to what there was last year, on account of there being but few ships in the port. To-day, also, one Captain Smith came to see us. He belongs to Portsmouth. He was taken in a merchantman bound to the West Indies, and brought in here. His men are all put on board the men-of-war; but he has got his liberty, and is bound home. A great number in prison will send letters by him.

23. There are a great many in prison, who contemplate having the beef which we receive from subscription, and the soap, tobacco, and oatmeal, and the herbs which we have in our broth, all taken off, and receive a white loaf and some money instead of them. In order to ascertain the mind of the majority, we all drew up in the yard and passed a vote, which was in favor of the change; but whether the gentlemen, Mr. Heath and Mr. Sorrey, will agree to it or not, we do not know; or whether the agent will allow the money to come into the yard, is not yet determined. I was for receiving the provisions, fearing that if the money was allowed to come into the yard, it would be attended with many bad consequences—too many to enumerate here.

167 24. This afternoon, Captain Smith came to see us again, and took our letters. I sent one by him to my father. To-day our small beer was very bad, and we refused to take it; they afterwards got some that was a very little better; but a great part in prison carried theirs and turned it over the gate, before the eyes of the prison officers, chosing rather, to drink water. The prison has been in an uproar all day, it being donation day. Several in prison became intoxicated, and went to fighting; but after a few battles the prison was again quiet.

Rols’ Escape—Very Sickly—Another Escape—Unfaithful Doctor—Frenchmen Escape and Return—Captain Ravel’s Escape—Mr. Kirk’s Escape—A Pardon—Thirty-two released, to go on board Men-of-war—Fourteen more petition for the same—An Indian Pow-wow—Cartel—Letters from Portsmouth—Beer Troubles—The Man that was punished unjustly rescued—Cartel encouragement—Captain Lee’s Escape—Commemoration—New Arrangement—Spotted Fever among the French—Second Draft for the Ships—The Albion taken by the French—Twenty-two months a Prisoner—101 Sabbath privileges lost.

September 25. To-day Captain Ellenwood, belonging to Beverly, came to see us; he was taken, but has since been discharged, and is now bound home. A great number of letters were sent by him; I sent one to my brother. Last night, one Captain Rols made his escape from a separate prison, incognito, and it was not discovered till eleven o’clock to-day; and would not then have been, had it not been for his messmates, who, when they drew provisions, told of it; fearing that if they drew for him, they would be brought into trouble, as there are express orders against it.

27. Sunday. Last night, a young man in this prison, having a mind to go on board the men-of-war, made his escape over the wall in a shower of rain, and was not discovered. He was one of the number that lately petitioned to go on board the ships. To-day several more of the sick were carried down to the prison hospital. I think there is more than double the number sick now than has been at any time since I have been in prison, except when the small-pox went through the prison. If a man is sick, and very bad, the doctor will take him to the hospital a few days, as a matter of form. He has served several thus, and sent them up again before they were half recovered, and oftentimes when they were scarcely able to walk.

28. To-day our clothing was examined, as of late has been customary once a month, and as they called the roll they missed the man that made his escape the night before last; but they know when, where, or how he went.

29. We learn, by the paper, that General Carlton has arrived home; and also that Parliament is prorogued till the 26th of November.

30. Wet, stormy weather, which renders our confinement very tedious. We are informed that 170 a few French prisoners, who made their escape a few nights ago, out of a prison in a separate yard, got a boat and set out for France, but meeting with the storm, put about and came back again, and delivered themselves up.

October 1. The first part of last night was very dark, and stormy, and had it not cleared away just as it did before the moon set, immediately after she set there would have been an elopement from this and the officers’ prison; but as it was, one Captain Ravel made his escape from the officers’ prison, incognito, which I hope hereafter fully to describe. Our new Black-hole is finished to punish Yankees in, and to-day a man was put in for little or nothing—for what they call abusing the turnkey—and ever since he has been in, he has been cutting with a small penknife, and has got a hole through the door near six inches square. To-day nearly one hundred Frenchmen were brought to prison; they were taken in a French East Indiaman.

2. Last night one Mr. Kirk made his escape from the officers’ prison; he took the same method that Captains Rols and Ravel did before him.

3. This morning, when the guard came to let the officers out, they missed Captain Ravel and Mr. Kirk, but they knew not when, where, or 171 how they went, so they made no great stir about them.

4. Sunday. This forenoon a gentleman came with a pardon for thirty-three men that petitioned to go on board the men-of-war, which was nearly as follows:

“His Majesty has been graciously pleased to grant a free pardon to thirty-three men, by name ——, resident in this prison, upon condition that they will serve, and continue to serve in His Majesty’s Navy.” This gentleman said that these men are to be taken out of prison to-morrow, but one of the thirty-three has lately made his escape, and we have heard since that he is on board a man-of-war. He also said that those whose names are not on the list, but wish to enter on board the men-of-war, if they would petition, the same course would be taken, and he had no doubt it would be answered to their satisfaction. Accordingly, this afternoon a petition was written, and about fourteen signed it.

6. Last night there was but very little sleep in this prison, for the men who went on board the men-of-war this morning, were so overjoyed at the thought of being released from prison, that they could not, or would not, sleep the fore part of the night, but ran about the prison, hallooing, and 172 stamping, and singing, like mad-men, till they were tired out, and then went to bed; but the rest in prison were resolved, as they would not let us sleep the first part of the night, we would not let them sleep the latter; accordingly, we all turned out, and had an Indian Pow-wow, and as solid as the prison is, we made it shake. In this manner we spent the night, and in the morning early the men were called out, twenty of whom were immediately carried on board the Russel ship-of-war, now lying in the Sound. The other twelve were taken out about eleven o’clock, and sent on board the Royal George, now lying in Plymouth dock. As they went out, they gave us three cheers; we returned it, for in joy we parted. Among those who went to-day were about a dozen Americans, but they were chiefly inconsiderate youths. This is a move that I have long wished to see, but it came now very unexpectedly. For my own part, to enter on board a ship of war is the last thing I would do. I would undergo every thing but death before I would think of such a thing. This prison has been a little hell upon earth, but I prefer it as much before a man-of-war, as I would a palace before a dungeon. Ten days ago there were 330 prisoners here, now there are only 294.

6. There is a great alteration to be seen in this prison since those men went away, and I make 173 no doubt that after another draft, we shall have peace and tranquillity, and live in harmony, and make ourselves happy, considering our situation, to what we have been for months past.

7. This morning, when Mr. Sorrey came to bring us our money, he desired the butcher to tell us that we might depend upon it that a cartel was settled, and that we are very soon to be exchanged for prisoners in France. The strongest circumstance that induces us to believe it is, that those men were admitted on board the men-of-war. This news also agrees with a letter which we received clandestinely from Captain Harris, in Portsmouth prison; he writes that a Rev. gentleman, who has been a friend from the beginning, told him that there was actually a cartel negotiating.

9. It is four months to-day since Admiral Biron’s fleet sailed from the Sound, and as yet we have heard of no arrival, except one ship. Also, this afternoon the brewer that supplies us with beer, through a mistake brought a cask of strong beer instead of malt, and he did not find out his mistake until he got here, and so was obliged to carry it back again. Afterwards, he brought us some that was small enough, and was not according to contract; we received it, but several took 174 theirs and turned it over the gate. The man that was put in the Black-hole, nine days ago, has ever since been punished unjustly, and to-day he was resolved to get out, and we were resolved to get him out. After tearing the Black-hole yard down, which is about twenty feet long and eight wide, he got out and came into this prison, and in the afternoon the whole guard came in with their arms, and demanded the man. But, with one accord, we all said that he should not be punished unjustly, and if they put him in the Black-hole it should not stand an hour. All this time the man had posted himself advantageously upon a beam over head in this prison, with a large stone in each hand, and a stocking full besides, swearing, in a most determined manner, that he would crack the first man’s skull that offered to touch him. The guard went in to persuade him to go peaceably, but he would not, and they dared not, or did not touch him; and after a long controversy, they went out without him.

10. We learn, by the papers, that the Fox frigate, and a ship of eighteen guns, and one of sixteen guns, are taken by the French and carried into France.

11. Sunday. To-day we received a pound of potatoes per man, instead of cabbage, which the late draught has rendered very scarce.

175 12. To-day three letters were received in this prison, from prisoners in Portsmouth. They agree concerning the cartel which is expected to take place. They write that passports are signed and passed from Dr. Franklin to the ministry. They write, also, that they had it from the American agent in Paris.

13. To-day, a fleet consisting of fifty sail, with convoy, passed this harbor. We suppose them to be an outward bound West India fleet.

14. Last night Captain Lee made his escape from the officers’ prison, in the same manner that Captain Rols and others did, before him; and there are several others who are fixed, and only waiting for an opportunity to go the same way.

15. It is twenty-three months to-day since I left Newbury. This morning when the guard counted the officers out, they missed one; and after a long search, they found it to be Captain Lee. But all they know about it, is that he is gone.

16. As it is twelve months to-day since General Burgoyne was taken, in commemoration thereof, at one o’clock, we all drew up in the yard, and gave three cheers: and at night, before we were turned in, we did the same. This afternoon, seven more American prisoners were brought to prison. They were lately brought from Liverpool, and were captured in different vessels.

176 17. For two days past, there have been no doctors here to attend to our sick, and I hear that the chief physician at the royal hospital has the charge of them. To-day a number were removed into this prison, from a separate prison, called the itchy ward, to make room for the sick. The masons are now at work, building a chimney in an old prison, in this yard, that has lately been repaired. This prison is to be made an hospital for the sick, as the other hospital is wanted for the French prisoners; for there is between five and six hundred of them in one large prison, in a separate yard, and they are very sickly. They have the spotted fever among them, which was brought by those taken in the French East Indiaman.

18. Sunday. Yesterday the officers in the other prisons received a private letter from without, which confirms the news concerning a cartel, giving the particulars, which causes great satisfaction in the yard.

19. A man in prison received a letter from the Russell, ship-of-war, which is now lying in the Sound, from those who went on board from this prison. They write that they are bound to a station in the East Indies.

20. This morning a pardon arrived from the King, for the fourteen men who petitioned to go on board the King’s ships.

177 21. This morning, the same man that brought the first draft, came, and called over the names of those fourteen men, and asked them of what country they were, and how long they had been to sea. Two of them being sick of their bargain, denied that their names were there.

I am in hopes of soon hearing that Rhode Island is taken, for I hear that the British troops there, have burnt five frigates and two sloops-of-war, fearing that they would fall into the hands of the Americans. From the same source we learn that the Albion, a ship of sixty-four guns, is taken by the French, and carried into France.—Also, that four sail of the line have lately sailed from France, bound to America, to join Count D’Estaing; and also, that the English have taken another East Indiaman from the French, besides that which was brought in here.

22. To-day some officers from the ships came after those men, and the two before mentioned denied that they signed their names. They did not ask them to go, but one man went that did not sign, so that on the whole they got thirteen, which, with the first draft, makes forty-five men that have gone on board the men-of-war. But those who remain, I believe, are true sons of America.

23. Notwithstanding the encouragement we have about being exchanged, last evening a man 178 made his escape by getting over the wall. It being very dark and rainy, more would have gone the same way, but they were discovered by the guard.

24. It is twenty-two months to-day, that I have been a prisoner; but now I think the auspicious day is at hand, when, with God’s blessing, we shall all take our departure from this place. If I mistake not, this is the only day since I have been a prisoner, that we have not been counted. But this morning we were let out, and at night turned in, without any such thing; so that it appears they grow very careless about us to what they have been, which I consider a good omen.

25. Sunday. One hundred and one Sundays have passed since I have enjoyed a Sabbath day’s privilege. To-day being King Charles’ restoration day, the garrison and fort fired a salute.

Oil of tar for Prison—Frenchmen break out—One Shot—Reduction of Donation—Two Americans in Irons—Various opinions about the Cartel—Several Holes in hand—Fearful Apprehensions—Dominica taken by the French and Americans—King’s Troops on Martha’s Vineyard—Drunken Prisoners delivered up—Forbearance of the Guard—Fire in the Black-hole—Four American Boys—Dolton as Fortune Privateer—Base Treachery—Plans Discovered—Mitchell the Villain—Letter of Thanks—Two Years from Home—Unsuccessful Attempts.

October 26. It is twenty-three months to-day, since we sailed in the brig Dolton from Portsmouth. It is a long time since this prison was smoked, so that it is exceedingly foul, and smells very offensive. To-day, by order of Dr. Far, the principal physician of the royal hospital, who has now the care of our sick, some stuff was procured, which they tell us is the oil of tar, which was put on the posts fore and aft the prison, above and below. They inform us that it is better than smoking. Be it as it may, it gives the prison a very disagreeable smell.

180 27. As the evenings are now of considerable length, although we are not allowed candles, yet we have them every night, and have had them for several weeks past.

28. Last night the French prisoners broke out of their prison, through a hole which they had dug several yards under ground. I cannot learn the exact number that got out. However, they were discovered by the guard and pursued, and one of them was shot through the breast. After which, a turnkey struck him on the head with an iron poker, but he is yet alive. The Frenchmen are very sickly; they have the spotted fever amongst them, which carries off great numbers.

This morning, Mr. Heath and Mr. Sorrey came to see us, and informed us that they had received a letter from the committee, in London, with orders to deduct sixpence per week from each officer, and ninepence from each private; so that for the future, the officers are to receive two shillings and sixpence each, per week, and privates one shilling and threepence each, per week. All the reason I can assign for this change, is, that the donation grows short.

29. The camp at Coxheath is now broken up, and the Somersetshire militia, with the 13th regiment, have removed to the barracks at Plymouth dock; so that one day we are guarded by 181 the militia, and the other by the 13th regiment.—To-day, about fifty Frenchmen were removed from a separate prison, in another yard, to the prison-ship, for want of room in that prison.

30. To-day Mr. Sorrey came and answered a petition which we sent out, to receive what we are allowed in money, as it is so trifling. Mr. Sorrey says that Mr. Heath is absent, so that he will continue the provisions until he returns, and then he will consult him.

31. We learn, from the papers, that Lord Howe and Sir George Johnston, have arrived home in the Eagle man-of-war, of sixty-four guns.

November 1. This afternoon two Americans were brought to the gate, in irons, having four or five men, with pistols, guarding them; but who they were, or where they were taken, I cannot tell. I suppose, however, that they were not committed, by their being carried away again.

2. It is almost four weeks since Mr. Sorrey told us that we were to be exchanged; and some in prison, who believed it at first, begin to think it very doubtful; some did not believe it at first. For my own part, I am persuaded it is true, and believe it will be soon—how soon I cannot tell; but every day since I heard of it, seems as long as a week before.

3. At this time we have several holes in hand, 182 one of which was discovered this morning, by some dirt that was carried out in the tubs to the edge of the river, to empty. To-day two large two-deckers came in, which, I suppose, belong to Admiral Keppel’s fleet; and hear that they are all in Portsmouth, and other ports. I also hear that the Ocean, a three-decker, a ship of ninety guns, which came in a few days ago in a storm which she experienced, sprung a leak, and threw overboard most of her guns.

4. To-day Mr. Sorrey came, and brought some money for the officers, but none for us, as our provisions for the week past amounts to what we are allowed. Mr. Sorrey says that he expects the cartel very soon. The Lord have mercy upon us, if it does not arrive before the donation is all expended, for the second death will be worse than the first.

5. To-day, being gunpowder treason, at one o’clock the garrison and fort fired a salute, and the bells in Plymouth have been chiming most of the day.

6. To-day about one hundred more of the French prisoners in another yard, were removed on board the Cambridge, a prison ship. For several days past, a number of men have been at work laying the foundation of a large prison hospital, which is to be built.

183 It has been strongly reported this week, that Dominica has been taken by the French and Americans, and this evening I had the pleasure of seeing it confirmed, in the paper, by authority. The Lieutenant Governor of that Island is now a prisoner in France.

7. We learn, by the paper, that the King’s troops in America, have been to Martha’s Vineyard, disarmed the inhabitants, and demanded ten thousand sheep and five hundred oxen.

8. Sunday. Nothing very remarkable. Various conjectures concerning a cartel. Some imagine it is to come from France; others think it will be fitted out in England, and others are doubtful if it will come at all.

9. I thought that all who had any idea of going on board the men-of-war, had gone; but I understand that a number have sent their names out, to go; how many I cannot tell, as they did it very slyly. We shall know who they are, and how many, when an order comes to take them out.

10. This morning two of our men got some liquor, clandestinely, and made themselves drunk. One of these, about twelve o’clock, went to the gate to buy some strong beer, which was denied him, and being in a passion, without any provocation, he swore that he would break the agent’s windows, and took up some old shoes, bones and 184 stones, and threw them till he had broken seven squares in one window, and one in another, in the front of the agent’s office. There being three of them intoxicated, one of them took hold of the sentry at the gate, and would have taken his gun from him, but the guard came in, and the captain of the guard took hold of one of them, and being a militia man, and a very great gentleman, he said that he was lothe to bring his men who were armed, against us who were unarmed, and so went out. Upon which, we took one of them ourselves and pitched him out of the gate by the nape of the neck, and so delivered him up. In the afternoon, after we were turned out, we took the other two and delivered them up. All of which were sent to the Black-hole. So, that if any man misbehaves and deserves punishment, we will deliver him up, or punish him ourselves, rather than he should go unpunished; but rather than see a man chastised unjustly, we will do our utmost for his rescue. As for instance, on the 19th of October, when we released one of these same men from the Black-hole.

11. Those three men who were put in the Black-hole yesterday, employed themselves last night, in cutting through the bulkhead that separates the Black-hole from the hospital, and piled up the chips and set them on fire. Where they 185 obtained the fire we cannot tell, but they were soon glad enough to put it out, as the smoke increased. This afternoon four American boys came to see us, that were taken with Captain Claston, in the Freedom, above twelve months ago. Those boys were detained, and now belong to the Apollo frigate.

12. As a fortnight has passed, and we have received no money, we begin to fear that we shall receive no more; but what is left of the donation, I expect we shall receive in clothes and provision; and for that reason, and the want of employment, I to-day began to make boxes.

13. We learn, from the paper, that the Fortune privateer, Captain George Tarton, which was formerly the Dolton, has made more money by privateering, than any other privateer out of England, since the commencement of hostilities between the English and French.

14. Last evening, it being dark and rainy, two holes were opened at the back part of the prison, and five men went out. They had agreed with a soldier to let them pass for so much money. This soldier’s name was Mitchell; he was once a stage-driver in America. He let them out, and they gave him two pounds nineteen shillings; but after they delivered him the money, he let them out where the guard stood ready to receive them and 186 carry them to the Black-hole. This morning, the guard went into the officers’ prison and discovered a hole under the stairs, where they had dug down about six feet, and then proceeded through the guard-house and came up under the guard bed.—They then went up stairs and demanded the keys of the officers’ chests, which they opened, and found a suit of uniform which one of the officers had purchased to make his escape in. This was the method Captains Rols, Ravel, Lee, and Mr. Kirk took to make their escape,—following the guard out when they used to come at night; but this scheme is blasted. The hole in the officers’ prison had been finished near a month, and they had been only waiting for an opportunity to put their plans into execution; but as this Mitchell has appeared to be a friend, I suppose that some one of the officers communicated it to him, and he informed his officer; so by that means it was discovered.

This afternoon Mr. Sorrey and Mr. Heath came to see us, and we presented them with a letter of thanks for the many favors we have received at their hands, and requested them to let us have part of what we are to receive, in money. This favor we probably shall obtain. We have not received any coals from government, for the comfort of our sick in the hospital, for nearly six weeks, 187 but have been obliged to use the donation coals. We informed Mr. Heath and Mr. Sorrey of this, and we find that we have been cheated, by the agent and doctor, out of nearly forty bushels of coals.

15. Sunday. It is two years to-day since I left Newbury. Alas! little did I think that I should be here now. Last night, a hole that we have had in hand nearly a fortnight, unfortunately foundered in the street. This hole was dug down by the side of the prison, about ten feet, and our intention was to dig across the street under ground, into a garden on the opposite side of the way; but, by the time it was half across, it foundered.

16. Night before last, we heard a firing which we could not account for. We have since heard that the Royal George ran ashore from her moorings, but was got of again with but little trouble.

Twenty-one—A Sorrowful Freedom—Fort on Drake’s Island—A Report—A Request granted—London Evening Post—Breach in Black-hole—Disagreeable Confinement—William Moody—Evening Post—John Howe—Escape prevented—King’s Speech—Anthony Shomaker’s Escape—Thoughts about the Cartel—Roll of Prisoners called by the Board—English Prisoners at Brest—Bad Money—Sorrowful Day—Donation Money closes—Hyfield’s Escape—Unsuccessful Attempt—Exposure of the Sick—John Lott died—Public Prayer—Insolent Captain rebuked—Letter of Thanks to the Hon. Committee—Escape of Captain Ross.

November 17. Tuesday. I am twenty-one years of age. Alas! little did I think, three years ago, that at this age I should have spent so much of my time immersed in prison. A sorrowful freedom this; or rather no freedom at all. There has been nothing to be purchased within these walls to-day, to drink, but cold water, and we came near having nothing to eat; for, it being rainy last night, some in prison broke a hole through the wall, with the intent to go out, but were discovered, and this morning our butcher 189 went out to cut the meat up, but the agent put all in prison on half allowance, and then went off. When the butcher came in, we told the cooks not to cut the meat up, for we would not receive half allowance. About 4 o’clock in the afternoon the agent came back, in a great passion, swearing by all that was good or bad, that all in this prison should go on half allowance. The men that dug the hole offered to go to the Black-hole, but he refused their offer; but after a long controversy, he became a little more calm, and took the men and gave us our allowance, which we received about dark.

18. For several days past, a large number of men have been at work upon an island, called Drake’s Island. It seems that they have been building new works; I suppose for fear that a landing may be attempted by the French; and another fort is building further up the river.

19. To-day Joseph Burnham, one of our company, who had his leg cut off some months ago, has so far recovered as to come up into this yard.

20. We learn, by the papers, that 10,000 troops are to be sent to America in the spring, and the war is to be pushed with the utmost vigor, both by sea and land.

21. To-day we received a letter from Mr. Sorrey and Mr. Heath, which informs us that the beef 190 shall be deducted, which we have received by subscription, and the other articles continued as before, and that we shall receive sixpence per week in money, according to our request.

22. Sunday. Wet, dirty weather, as it has been for three or four weeks past, in which time there has scarcely been a day in which it has not rained more or less.

23. This evening I had the privilege of hearing the London Evening Post read, which is a paper we seldom see, and in which is a burlesque on the Ministry, very severe.

25. To-day we received sixpence per man, and the beef was deducted; the rest of the provisions continue, which, with sixpence per week, amounts to what we are allowed—fifteen pence, as before mentioned. This afternoon, the men in the Black-hole, being vexed by ill usage, and not being allowed to come out and take the air, broke down the Black-hole door, which alarmed the guard, and the agent ordered five of them to be put in irons; but the militia being on guard, and the officer being a great gentleman, he put only one of them in irons.

26. It is two years to-day since we sailed in the 191 brig Dolton from Portsmouth. To-day the Parliament is to set, according to adjournment.

27. Wet, rainy, blustering, unsteady weather, which renders our confinement more tedious than in good weather, on account of our being obliged to keep house a great part of the time. At present, many in prison are destitute of shoes, and of late our prison has become very leaky. Along through the last of summer and the first of fall, for nearly three months, there was scarcely rain enough to wet the dust; but now, for a month past, there has been scarcely a day but there has been more or less rain; so that the grass in the fields looks much better now than it did in the month of August, when the fields were parched up for want of rain.

29. Sunday. To-day William Moody came to see us; I had not the least expectation of ever seeing him again in these parts, for I expected that he had got home before this, as he was cleared a long time ago. Where he has been ever since I cannot tell, but he tells us that he is now a carpenter of a privateer of eight guns, belonging to this port, in which he has been one cruise, and taken one French St. Domingo vessel.

December 1. This evening I had the privilege 192 of reading the London Evening Post, in which is an account of the capture of three English frigates, by name the Minerva and the Acton, carried into the West Indies, and the Thundering Unicorn, into Boston.

2. This afternoon, one John Howe came to see us. He made his escape out of this prison a few months ago, and went on board the Blenheim, a guard ship in this port; and as he was one that petitioned to go on board the men-of-war, after he made his escape his pardon came down for him with the rest; so that he may come on shore, as often as he can get liberty, with safety. He induced two of the number who petitioned last to run away, at night, when they went out with their tubs, which they did, and a boy with them, but they were pursued by the guard, taken, and lodged in the Black-hole.

3. The three that were put in the Black-hole last night were taken out to-day. To-day I had the opportunity of seeing and reading the King’s speech on the 26th of last month, in which he seems very cool and moderate to what he was at the opening of the session last year. His speech was not long, but too long to be comprehended here; but he confesses that his arms have not met with the success that the justness of the cause and their exertions promised; and I think that he 193 seems rather inclined to peace, as he says, if it can be attained consistently with the honor and dignity of the crown.

4. This evening we had two papers in prison, the Exeter paper and the London Evening Post; in the latter were the proceedings of Parliament. This paper says that the King was never seen to look so melancholy, and to speak so sorrowful, as on the 26th of Nov. last; and he was never seen to exert himself, except when he addressed the House of Commons for support. In the same paper are several fine speeches in favor of America; they lament the loss of Dominica, and deplore the situation of Great Britain and all her foreign territories.

5. Last evening Mr. Anthony Shomaker privately made his escape from the officers’ prison, and but very few in this yard knew any thing of it until this evening; and neither the agent nor the guard know it yet, which makes it well for the mess he left, as they draw his provisions. But this is not the only thing; the reason we keep it from them is that he may have a better chance to get off, and to screen the militia on guard at the time.

6. Sunday. By this time I begin to feel very sad about our cartel, for I expected that it would have been here before this time, but I entertain the same opinion, about its being agreed 194 upon, now, as I did at first; I am fearful, however, that something has turned up to prevent its being put in execution.

7. We were all called to muster just before night. We thought it was on account of Mr. Shomaker being gone, but we were soon convinced to the contrary, as they did not find it out till his name was called; and I have heard since that the Board sent down for an immediate list of all the prisoners here. There are various conjectures concerning this uncommon affair; some are encouraged by it, others not.

8. We learn, from the papers, that there are 7000 English prisoners in and about Brest.

9. To-day Mr. Coudry, the agent, and Mr. Turner, his clerk, told us that we should be exchanged very soon; it was but a few days ago that they contradicted the story concerning a cartel, and wanted to entice us to enter on board the men-of-war, so that I pay no regard to what they say, whether it be for us, or against us.

10. To-day the story concerning a cartel is rumored again; we are told that the transports are engaged for that purpose; and some say that we shall be gone in a fortnight, others in a month.

11. At this time, there is considerable bad money in prison, which was brought and handed in as change for good money, by some of the turnkeys 195 or market people, and now that they begin to be suspicious of our going away soon, they will take no more of it, though it has passed in and out for several months, so that there is considerable laying on our hands, which we are obliged to lose. Some in prison have several shillings in bad half pence.

12. I fear that I shall forever have cause to remember this day, to my sorrow; for this morning, when we were turned out, it was reported from the officers’ prison that the Act by which we were committed was again renewed, but upon further inquiry, and upon searching the paper, we found it to be nearly as follows: Sir Gray Cooper made a motion in the House for leave to bring in a bill to renew this act, for a certain limited time, which passed without a debate. But the worst is yet to come; Mr. Heath and Mr. Sorrey, who hitherto have been messengers of good news, came this afternoon with tidings of bad news, in a letter from the committee in London, which gives an account of all the donation being expended. This occasions many long faces in prison; but in this letter there is a word of comfort, for they write that the time is so short which we have to stay in prison, that they thought it not worth while to open a new subscription, though they have the same feelings for us that they ever had; which 196 seems to imply, that if it was necessary, or if we were to stay here long, they would do it again.

13. Sunday. The sudden, disagreeable, and unexpected news that we received yesterday, has greatly added to our affliction, and this is the last day that we may expect any thing from the donation. To-day we received a fourpenny white loaf per mess, which came last night; so that from this time we may bid it adieu. This donation has lasted exactly eleven months and one day; so that it was eleven months yesterday since we received the first of it. Doubtless many of us would have been in our graves before this day, had it not been for this; and heaven, I hope, will reward the donors.

14. To-day we received another fourpenny loaf per mess; the occasion of it I cannot tell. Last evening, about eight o’clock, Mr. Hyfield made his escape from the officers’ prison, in disguise; and about ten o’clock another attempted it in the same way, but was discovered, and sent to the Black-hole. There are a number sick in another prison in this yard, which is called a hospital; but it is not worth the name, as there is no fire-place in it, neither is it water tight, but whenever it rains, as it has done most of the time of late, it beats in upon the sick as they lay in their beds. At this time there are several sick with the fever, 197 three, of whom now appear to be at the point of death.

15. Last evening John Lott died with fever; he was an Indian that was taken with Captain Brown, in the sloop Charming Sally. He is the seventh man that has died in prison since I came here, and he is the seventh that Captain Brown has lost of his men since he was taken. Six of our crew have died since we were taken, two of Captain Lee’s, and one of Captain Henry Johnson’s. There are two men in prison who lay dangerously sick, and to-day we got leave for Mr. Heath to come and pray with them, which is the only public prayer that has been made in this yard since we came to prison. I think it not amiss to mention a few words that this Rev. gentleman said concerning the sick. He said that they should be supplied with such necessaries as they wanted for their comfort, if he had to go about the country with a bag and beg them. To-day we came upon our old government allowance, which, I must confess, is better than it was in 1777; the quantity is the same, except half a pint of peas on Saturday, which we were then cheated out of; our beef and bread are the same in quantity, but better in quality. To-day the agent served out a few clothes to such as were in immediate need, but poor Charles gets none.

198 16. To-day the sick were removed from one prison, in this yard, to another that has been some time preparing for them.

17. Yesterday the captain of the grenadiers in the 13th regiment was on guard; last evening he came into this prison and used two or three men very ill. As this man has lately boasted that no man could make his escape while he was on guard, and as they had not found out that Mr. Hyfield was gone, who made his escape several evenings ago, and on account of the captain’s insolence and abuse last evening, we let them know it this morning, so that they think he went away on this captain’s guard, and the blame, if there is any, will fall upon his head. To-day, by the request of the whole prison, a letter of thanks was written, and sent to the honorable committee in London, and we desired that it might be made public, by putting it in the paper. As there was something in it which we did not wish the agent to see, we sent it out by the officer of the guard, who, being a gentleman in the militia, and approving mightily of it, promised to forward it on its way.

18. A report has prevailed in prison, to-day, that information has been received that two ships have been engaged, in Portsmouth, to carry us to Boston.

199 19. Last night Captain Alexander Ross made his escape from the officers’ prison. Our officers that have made their escape so many times lately, may thank good friends and their money for getting off; but a poor foremast hand, with no friends, and no money in his pocket, would stand but a poor chance to get off, if he was without the walls.

Cruel purposes of the Ministry—Petition for Pardon—Mr. Salter’s Escape—Cruel Act renewed—Last of the Donation—Solemn Covenant—Sorrowful Christmas—Court Martial—Another Hole—Great plan for a general Elopement—Arrangement of Escape—Plan put in execution—Wandering in the Fields—Lost—Limb out of joint—Surprise—Carried to Plymouth—Number escaped, 109—How discovered—Punishment—A sorrowful New Year—Extreme Suffering—Good Friends—New Year’s Gift—Not discouraged digging—Large Fleets—Captain Boardman escapes—A Reprieve for a Dog—Heavy Bounty for Prisoners.

December 20. We learn, by the papers, that the ministry are resolved to carry on another campaign in America; and, if they can do nothing else, spread horror and depredation from one end of the continent to the other. They have a new mode for carrying on the war; as I believe they have given up all idea of conquering the country. They mean now, to destroy their seaports, and render the country of as little use to France as possible; but poor old England is in a deplorable situation, and this, I believe, will be her last dying struggle.

201 Thirty-one lords have drawn up a protest against this new system of war, to warn the public and to screen themselves from the evil that may fall upon those who persist in this inhuman and bloody conflict.

21. There has been no answer to the last petition that was sent to the Board; and to-day another petition was written and signed by a considerable number. This short allowance strikes such a dread upon a great number in this prison, that I am afraid it will frighten many, and induce them to go on board the men-of-war, who otherwise would have no thoughts of going. For my own part, I have received about a half a guinea for boxes, of late, but if I had not a farthing it would be equally the same, for as long as I can get provision enough to keep body and soul together, I shall prefer this prison to a man-of-war.

22. Last evening Mr. Salter made his escape from the officers’ prison. Captain Boardman attempted it, but was discovered, and put in the Black-hole.

We learn, by the papers, that the high treason Act is again renewed; for how long a time, is uncertain.

23. To-day Mr. Heath came and served out the remainder of the clothes, that were left of the donation. I received only a pair of shoes. This is 202 the last that we may expect from the donation, either in provisions or clothes, though we are allowed oatmeal to thicken our broth, and coals to burn; which are given, as I suppose, by private gentlemen.

24. It is two years to-day since we were taken. To-day a paper was drawn up in prison, to discover who and how many were of a side, and to hasten those who have a desire to petition, and to prevent petitioning hereafter; for we have reason to think it has already been of great damage to us. The contents of the paper were as follows:

“We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do, of our own free and voluntary consent, agree firmly with each other, and hereby solemnly swear, that we are fully determined to stand, and so remain as long as we live, true and loyal to our Congress, our country, our wives, children and friends, and never to petition to enter on board any of His Britannic Majesty’s ships or vessels, or into any of his services whatsoever.”

The above was signed by upwards of a hundred. I was one of the number. Some of the number that did not sign this, would not go on board of a man-of-war any sooner than those that did sign it.

25. This is Christmas, and a sorrowful one it is, though we had sent us, by our friends without, 203 a fourpenny white loaf per mess, and a little cabbage. Little did I think, last Christmas, of being here now; neither did I expect, three months ago, to be here to-day. But all signs seem to fail; and it seems as though we were enchanted here. A third year of our imprisonment has begun.

26. We learn, by the papers, that Admiral Keppel is to receive a trial by court martial, for his behavior on the 27th of July last, in an engagement with the French fleet, off Brest. He is confined to his house, with two sentries at his door.

27. Sunday. At this time, we have a hole in hand, which we began near a month ago. This hole is dug down by the side of the prison, about nine feet perpendicular, and from thence it is dug about fifteen feet under ground, across a road; and our intention is to dig up into a garden on the other side of the way. A great quantity of dirt has already come out of this hole, and we have much trouble in concealing it. We have filled every hole and corner in the prison where we can with safety hide it, and a great many large stones are laid fore and aft the prison, in piles, under our hammocks, with old garments laid over them.—There has been so many holes discovered of late, in this prison, that we are very cautious how we proceed with this. We work only when the militia 204 are on guard, which is every other day, because they are not so suspicious and exact in searching, as the 13th regiment.

28. We have now got the hole almost completed, and mean to put our plan into execution to-night, and I hope God will be with us. Never did I know the true value of money until now; if I had four or five guineas, I could scarcely have a doubt of my liberty; but from the want of this I expect to be brought back again if I should have the good fortune to get out. While I now write, we are dividing ourselves into companies, to cast lots who shall go out first, so as to give every one an equal chance that intends to go; except three that dug the hole—they are to go first. I believe that nearly one half in prison intend to go, if possible; but I fear that but very few will get out before we shall be discovered, on account of their being four walls to get over, about eight feet high, each, after we get into the garden, and before we get into the road.

29. Last night we opened the hole and shut it up again, until about twelve o’clock. We then opened it again, and a man went out and opened a window in the first wall. We likewise chose two of the principal men in prison, that did not intend to go, to take the list of each company, and stand one upon each side the hole, to see that every 205 man went out in his turn. It fell to my lot to go out in the first company, after those who dug the hole. I went through, and came to the first wall, where the window was open. Three more walls I had to get over, which were so high that I could just jump and catch the tops of them; all of which, we went over like greyhounds. Then six of us met and concluded to go together. We then ran back into the country until we judged we were two or three miles out of Plymouth, and in this manner we rambled about the fields, up hill and down dale, over hedges and through ditches, till we were lost and could not find the right road to Tinemouth, which was the town we meant to aim for, about thirty-six miles from Plymouth. Before we were lost, we walked about twenty miles, as we judged, backwards and forwards, through the fields. We then sat down by the side of a hill, till we were almost chilled to death. We then proceeded to a haystack, under the lee of which we lay until the day began to break, and it being cloudy, we could not discover the east from the west; so we wandered about till daylight, when we found the road to Tinemouth, and pressed forward till we came to a bridge, where, by the help of a milestone, we found, to our great surprise, that we were only three miles from Plymouth. At this bridge I pulled off a pair of trowsers, which I wore 206 to keep my breeches and stockings clean, and threw them into the stream. We then pushed on two miles farther, in the road. By this time, the people began to stir about, and we concluded it was no longer safe to walk by daylight. We then took a cross road that led into the country, and travelled about a mile, and then cut across some fields, and went into a hedge, where we determined to lay till night, and then proceed on our journey. It was almost seven o’clock in the morning when we went into the hedge, and we lay there undiscovered, as we supposed, until an hour before sunset. All this time, we lay on the wet grass, and had nothing to eat or drink. We had only a penny loaf apiece, and that we meant to save to eat in the night following, and so travel all night; the next morning we expected to reach Tinemouth. About nine hours we lay in the hedge, wet, hungry, and almost chilled to death with the cold; lying all the time in one position, longing for the night to come. I went to stir one of my legs and a bone snapped and went out of joint, and as one of the company was setting it, about ten farmers, with a soldier, came upon us. One of them had a pistol, one a bayonet, one a flail, and all the rest had clubs; we told them that we came into Plymouth in a prize, and were bound to Tinemouth. The country was 207 alarmed, and we were taken. They carried us to a little village and gave us a good glass of brandy, and a halfpenny cake, apiece. We were then guarded by a sergeant of the militia, and about a dozen farmers, to Plymouth. We stopped on the road to get something to drink, but they would not let us stop to eat. We came to Plymouth in the evening, and some hundred men gathered round us and caused great confusion and excited a tumultuous broil. In this fray I lost my penny loaf. From thence we were brought to prison again, where we found that about thirty were taken before us, and the Black-hole was full; so that we were put in the long prison again. I was here informed that one hundred and nine men got out at this hole, and that it was carried on with the greatest regularity, till a boy went out who was unable to get over the wall, and he called for help, which alarmed the guard; otherwise, every man in prison might have got out, that had any inclination to do so.

30. Last night and to-day, about forty more were brought back, and those in the Black-hole taken out, and all put on half allowance.

31. To-day a number more were brought back, and those of us who are on short allowance, are divided into messes, eight men in a mess, all to sit down to a four pound loaf, and three pounds of beef, before it is cooked, a bowl of broth, and a 208 little cabbage, which we have only every other day. To-day a mess of us joined together and bought a bag of potatoes, of fifteen gallons, for two shillings and ninepence, which will be of great service to us, on our forty days’ half allowance.

January 1, 1779. This is a new year, and a sorrowful one it is, though our friends sent us a white loaf to every mess on full allowance, and would have sent one to those on half allowance, but our cruel agent would not let it come in. This so vexed us that we went and reasoned the case with him, and he at last consented to let it come in, if it was intended only as a new year’s gift. We have also received greens, for four days past, instead of cabbage or peas, which is not half so good as either. We have to-day written a petition to the Board to see if they will grant us peas, and another, to see if they will favor us in regard to provision or time, while on half allowance. Two more men were brought back this afternoon. As yet, I have not got over my frolic. My knee is stiff where I put it out of joint. My hands are sore, being torn with burs. In short, I have not got a place about me the size of a halfpenny, but what is stiff and sore.

2. To-day we wrote a note to Mr. Heath, to let him know that Mr. Coudry had consented to let a loaf come in to each mess on half allowance, as a new year’s gift. Also, to-day the agent served out 209 shoes to almost every man in prison, except those on half allowance. We have received a letter from Portsmouth, which informs us that fifteen men had gone from that prison on board the men-of-war, last week, and that there are two hundred and thirty American prisoners there.

3. Sunday. In answer to the note we sent yesterday, to Mr. Heath, we received a white loaf to each mess on half allowance, and the generosity of our friends led them to send us a sixpenny loaf, which make our hearts glad.

4. Notwithstanding there are so many of us on half allowance, it does not discourage us from digging, for yesterday we began another hole, and last night it was unfortunately discovered.

This afternoon another man was brought back, who had got as far as Torbay, where he saw three hundred sail of vessels, in three fleets, one of which was bound to New York, one to Halifax, and the other to the West Indies, most of them with provisions, and some troops.

5. Last night, Captain Boardman made his escape from the officers’ prison, and as there has been none brought back to-day, it gives us reason to hope, that those who are now out, will escape from this detested place. The number not yet returned is twenty-four, as eighty-five out of one hundred and nine have been brought back again.

210 6. This morning, I began to set myself up to sell bread, to enlarge the little amount of money I have, while on half allowance. I send out to the baker’s and purchase by the dozen, and retail it out; by which means I realize twopence on a dozen. As necessity is the mother of invention, so necessity obliges me to take every honest method to get a penny, especially at this time, when we have greens, or cabbage as they are called, instead of peas, but unworthy of the name of either, for it is more like kelp than cabbage, and it is not fit for any human being to eat.

7. To-day a gentleman came to the gate and gave in a crown, to be divided among ninety of us in prison, who are on half allowance. This crown gains a reprieve for a dog, which keeps in the yard and belongs to some of the officers on guard. This dog we are resolved to kill and eat, in a few days, as necessity will oblige us to do so. This evening two more men were brought back, who went out on the 28th of December. They were taken about forty miles distant, at a place called Exmouth. There are now only twenty-two out, as eighty-seven have been brought back. We are told that five pounds a head is given for every one that is taken up; if so, it has cost government four hundred and thirty-five pounds for the eighty-seven that are brought back.

A Hurricane—Great Distress—Kills a Dog—Dog divided—Cooked and eat—Rats eat in Prison—Voluntary Surrender—Good News—Cartel arrived—Pardon—Great Joy—A small Donation—Spanish Fleet—Another Pardon—A Wonder—Number of Prisoners left—Wait impatiently—Another Hole in hand—Eleven Frenchmen escape—Good News from Bilboa—Happy Event—Twenty-six months a Prisoner—Incendiary—Penitent sick Prisoners—King’s Pardon.

January 8. It is two years, to-day, since we arrived in this Sound. One of those that were brought back yesterday, brought a paper in with him, in which is an account of an hurricane that happened about ten days ago, at London, in which a great number of houses were blown down; and by the same tornado, a great many vessels were cast away, at Margate Roads, and a number of lives lost. Among the rest was an East Indiaman. By the paper, we also learn, that a great part of Greenwich Hospital was consumed by a fire that took place there.

212 This is a much worse time to be on short allowance than any time since we have been in prison. As there are so many on half allowance, those who are on full allowance, and are willing to help us, are unable, for their own allowance is not sufficient to support nature; and the half of that is intolerable. There are numbers in prison on half allowance who have not a penny to help themselves with. New shoes have been sold for a shilling, and new shirts for the same price, by persons who, perhaps, had no others to wear; in short, there are a great many long faces in prison, for nothing but hunger rages throughout. To such a degree is this the case, that we killed a dog this afternoon, in order to let him cool by to-morrow, and his in-sides were scarcely out, before his liver was on coals broiling.

9. This morning we divided the dog into quarters, and he was dressed so neat, and being so fat withall, that if I had seen him in a butcher’s shop I should have thought it to be a young lamb, and good meat. We had a bag of potatoes given us, to eat with our venison. Some stewed theirs; others roasted it; and I must confess, I made a tolerable meal out of some of this roasted dog, with potatoes dipped in its drippings. Rats have been eat in this prison often before. To-day the agent told us that he had received an answer to our petition, 213 and that we are to be allowed peas instead of greens, which is much better. He had received an order, that if we would deliver up those who were most active in digging the hole, the rest should be restored to full allowance. But the majority in prison were inclined to give them no satisfaction. This afternoon, however, two young men, of their own accord, went and delivered themselves up, and were sent to the Black-hole, thinking to live well, I suppose, while there, as doubtless they will.

10. To-day we were all restored to full allowance, and received peas. We had, also, white bread sent in by our friends. Thus, it is either a feast or a famine with us. I have been only eleven days on half allowance. To-day, about twelve o’clock, Mr. Heath sent a man to inform us that a cartel had arrived in Plymouth, for us. Soon after, Mr. Sorrey came with a letter which he had received from the committee in London, and read it to us, which informed us that one of the committee had waited on Lord Savage, the head lord of the Admiralty, to know the truth concerning this cartel, and he informed him that the Milford transport was engaged for that purpose, as a flag ship, and that we should be exchanged, one hundred at a time, and the first draft is to be from this prison, as we were committed first; so we 214 shall embark and proceed to Nantz, where they will take an equal number, and so go on till all the American prisoners in England are exchanged, if there be enough English prisoners in France that were taken by the Americans. There were only about forty or fifty committed before me, but as there have been upwards of one hundred who have lately attempted to escape from here, and most of them brought back, myself among the number; and as it is customary in time of war for such to forfeit their turn, I began to despair of going in the first draft. In the mean time, all hands were called to hear a letter read, which the agent had received from the Lords of the Admiralty, who desired him to inform us that we were to be exchanged for the English prisoners in France, taken by the Americans; and that, notwithstanding a number of us had attempted our escape, and by this means had forfeited our turn, yet, in this instance we should be forgiven upon condition that we discovered through what corruption, or negligence, we effected our escape. This being read, he ordered the Black-hole doors to be opened. This is joyful news to us. Joy is to be seen on every man’s countenance. This is a blessed day!

11. This afternoon Mr. Heath came to congratulate us on our prospect of deliverance, and 215 brought a letter with him, which informed us that the cartel is now in Plymouth, waiting only for a man to come from France to take charge of us.

12. To-day Mr. Sorrey came, and brought every man a sixpence, which is part of twenty pounds that has lately been sent down from London, and which was left of the old stock; but we hear that they are about opening a new subscription.

13. We learn, from the papers, that the Spaniards have now seventy sail of the line, besides frigates and sloops, in different parts of Spain, mounting in all, seven thousand and three cannons, of different bores.

14. The sick, in the hospital, are most of them on the recovering order now, except three that moved down yesterday; and to-night I am to go down and watch with them, as of late, since there has been so many sick, we have been allowed, two of a night, to go down and watch with them.

15. This afternoon a pardon came down from the King, for fifteen men in this prison, that petitioned last to go on board the men-of-war; three of the number are already on board. They went out at the last hole, for that purpose. After the officers came to receive them, out of the twelve that remained in prison only four went, which makes forty-nine, in all, that have gone on board 216 the men-of-war from this prison; besides numbers who have broke out and gone. It is astonishing to me, that men who have been used by the English as we have been, with all the severity that they have been masters of, should afterwards voluntarily enter their service.

18. This forenoon, some officers from the ships came for some Frenchmen in the other yard, to carry them on board the men-of-war, and five out of the eight who would not go last Friday, altered their minds, and went, which makes fifty-four that have gone out of this yard, on board the men-of-war.

There are exactly two hundred and fifty American prisoners left here. This being the Queen’s birth-day, the garrison and fort, and each ship in the harbor, in commission, fired twenty-one guns, as a royal salute.

19. We wait very impatiently for the man which we hear is to come from France to take charge of us. Though I am sensible he will make no unnecessary delays, yet he seems a long time coming; so long, that some in prison begin to be doubtful whether he will come at all.

20. Some in prison, so far despair of a cartel, 217 that they have begun another hole. There was brought again, to-day, sixpence apiece for each man in prison.

21. Last night eleven Frenchmen made their escape from a separate prison, in another yard, and five soldiers are confined on the same account.

22. This forenoon Mr. Sorrey came again, and brought a couple of letters which he received from Bilboa, one of which was from Mr. Emery, of Bilboa, to Captain Lee’s crew, which informed them that Captain Lee had arrived in Bilboa, and that his whole crew, if they would write, might be supplied with fifty shillings a share, and Captain Bradbury, in this prison, with six guineas.

This afternoon, all hands were called, and the agent called over the names of the hundred that were to go in the first draft, and desired that we should hold ourselves in readiness to be exchanged. Never was I so rejoiced to hear my name called, upon any occasion, as upon this. I am about the fortieth upon the agent’s list. It appears that we are not to be exchanged as we were captured, but according to the date of our commitment, so that all our crew will not be included in the first draft. Out of one hundred and twenty which arrived in England, belonging to the Dolton, 218 only eighty-six are left in prison to be exchanged.

23. We are so well assured of a cartel, now, that we lay aside all schemes for effecting our escape, and look out daily for orders to embark. An officer that belonged to the Mermaid frigate, that was chased ashore in America, who has been a prisoner in Philadelphia about a month, and has since been exchanged, and now arrived home, came to see us this afternoon, and talked with us. He gave us a very sad account of the price of provisions in America.

24. It is twenty-five months this night, that I have been a prisoner. We have been informed that last night, some men were discovered, in attempting to set fire to the King’s dock-yard, in this port.

25. There are seven or eight now in the hospital, sick with fevers, but most of them are upon the recovering order, except those who were lately taken sick, two of which number labor under great concern of mind, relating to their future state, and to-day we obtained liberty of Mr. Coudry, to send for a minister.

26. It is two years and two months, to-day, since I sailed from Portsmouth, in the brig Dolton.

219 28. As to-morrow is port day, we put great dependence on it, expecting an order from London concerning our exchange.

29. This morning Mr. Sorrey brought each of us another sixpence, which balances the twenty pounds before mentioned; and two of our officers, as usual, went up into the agent’s office, to receive the money. The agent showed them a letter which he had received from London, with a pardon from the King for the first hundred that is to be exchanged.

31. Sunday. This is port day again, and there is no news for us to-day. It was a week last Friday since we were told to hold ourselves in readiness to be exchanged, and no signs of a cartel appears. If Job himself was here, his patience would be worn out.

John Foster, Elias Vickey, and Asa Witham died—Mr. Deal’s Escape—Effect of long Imprisonment—New Subscription—Milford Transport—Joyful News—Hole Discovered—Keppel Acquitted—Bonfires—Escape—No Coals in Plymouth—Excitement about the Dog—Love to Friends—James Valentine died—Bills of Exchange from Bilboa—Cartel Arrives—Lieutenant Knox Arrives—Leaves the Prison—Kind Usage on Cartel—Bonner Darling died.

February 1. This morning about three o’clock, Mr. John Foster died in the prison hospital, of a nervous fever. Some of Mr. Foster’s townsmen were of a mind that he should be buried in a white linen shirt, but they received for an answer, that no person in this country was allowed to be buried in any thing but sheep’s clothing. The American prisoners, who died in the royal hospitals, were buried in black, but very rough coffins; but those who die in prison are buried in a rough white coffin. This Mr. Foster is the eighth man that has died since I came to prison—the seventh man 221 of our crew that has died since we have been taken, and the seventeenth American prisoner that has died in prison and in the royal hospital, since we were captured.

2. To-day a gentleman came here, whom we are informed is but fourteen days from Dunkirk, but last from London, and he brought a letter from the Board, which ordered the agent to let him inspect every thing which he had a mind to. He looked at our meat, weighed our bread, and tasted our beef, and we are told that he has been in every prison in France.

3. This morning about five o’clock, Elias Vickery died. He was a Marblehead man. He was taken in one of the Freedom’s prizes; and about six o’clock, Asa Witham died. He belongs to New Gloucester, and was taken in the Dolton. They have both been sick upwards of twelve months.—They make ten in number that have died since I have been in prison, and eight of our crew since we have been taken, and nineteen in all that have died of different crews since we have been taken. Last evening Mr. Deal made his escape from the officers’ prison.

4. Three men have died this week, and there are sixteen or eighteen now sick. Of late, every day more or less are taken sick, and most of them with fever. Yesterday a French frigate, of twenty-six 222 guns, was brought in here, which was taken by an English frigate.

5. This is another port day, and no news for us, concerning a cartel. It is unaccountable to me that it is so long coming. It is twenty months to-day, since I entered this prison.

6. It is so long since we heard of a cartel that the greater part in prison begin to despair of its coming. Many of those in prison are like so many children; as long as a rattle is ringing in their ears, they are quiet and easy, but as soon as the rattle stops, they are faithless and impatient.

We have another hole in hand, which will take us nearly a month to complete; so that if this news proves abortive, we may have recourse to another way.

Last evening a man made his escape over the wall, but before any one could get out, it was discovered.

9. This afternoon Mr. Sorrey sent us sixpence apiece to each man in prison, which we are informed, is part of a new subscription which is opened.

10. Yesterday was port day, and this morning the agent informed us that His Majesty had been 223 graciously pleased to pardon one hundred of us, in order for an exchange; and that he had received an order from the Board of Commissioners of sick and wounded seamen, to deliver one hundred of us to Lieutenant Knox, whenever he should call for us. This Lieutenant Knox is to command the Milford transport, which is the cartel.

11. We have been informed that the cartel is in Portsmouth, and never heard to the contrary, until to-day, when the agent informed us that she is in Dartmouth, waiting only for a fair wind to come down the channel.

14. Through some dirt that was laid about the prison, and discovered by the turnkeys, which gave them cause to suspect we had another hole in hand, the guard came in, and after a long search, found it.

15. It is two years and three months since I sailed in the brig Dolton, from Newbury.

17. Last night two men made their escape from 224 the officers prison, but were taken up and brought back to-day. Last night, Plymouth was illuminated on account of Admiral Keppel being acquitted with honor.

19. Upon a large hill, a little distance from the prison, we see a couple of flag-staffs erected, but we know not the occasion of it.

20. Upon the same hill where the flag-staffs were erected yesterday, there were two large bonfires last night, and the houses all around illuminated, which, we are told, was on account of the plot being discovered against the King’s dock-yard, and last night was the time it was to be put into execution.

24. Last night a man made his escape out of this prison, by getting over the wall. This morning Mr. Sorrey came, and brought each of us another sixpence. For a few days past, we have had no coals to burn. Mr. Sorrey informed us that a bushel of coal is not to be purchased in Plymouth, at any price. He also informed us that fourteen sail of vessels, laden with coal, had lately been taken, bound from Newcastle. This afternoon, also, Mr. Heath came to see us; he has lately returned from London. He read a letter to us, 225 which informed us that the cartel is in the Downs, detained only by contrary winds; also, that there has been a great talk in London, concerning our eating a dog, and that it had been published in the papers, and he desired that we would let him know the truth of it, whether we eat it from actual necessity or not. Mr. Heath sent us some soap and tobacco.

25. This forenoon, a gentleman came to see us, who is lately from London. He told us that when he sailed, the cartel absolutely lay in the Downs. By this time I hope we have got the truth of it.

26. Yesterday three gentlemen, who are our friends, came with Mr. Heath to see us. We have been so long confined, that when a friend comes into the yard to see us, we flock around him like children, and love the ground he treads upon. Also, to-day, we wrote them out the facts relating to the dog, agreeably to their request.

28. Sunday. The wind hauls round to the northward and eastward, which gives us now to hope that our cartel will be here in a few days.

3. We understand that there is a fleet bound to the East Indies, and another to the West Indies, 226 that lay wind-bound, up channel, as well as our cartel.

4. This morning, James Valentine died with a fever. He was a Marblehead man, and belonged to Captain Lee’s crew. He is the twentieth man that has died since I have been taken, and the eleventh since I have been in prison. This has been a fast day with us; for the beef that came in this morning was so bad, and so far from being according to contract, that we sent it back again.—The second that came, was worse than the first, and we refused it, also. Our peas are also bad, so that we could not eat them, and by applying to the officer of the guard, who spoke in our behalf, we received cheese instead of beef, but not until evening.

5. This morning we received the joyful tidings that our cartel had arrived. Some of the Marblehead men received letters from home, by way of a vessel that was taken. The bills of exchange for one hundred and nine pounds sterling, have arrived from Bilboa, for Captain Lee’s crew, and are sent to London to be answered.

6. Notwithstanding our cartel has arrived, we understand that she is to wait for orders from London, before she can embark us.

227 8. This forenoon the outward bound East India fleet, with their convoys, passed by this port.

10. This morning Lieutenant Knox, who is to transact the business of our exchange, came to see us, and informed us that he expects to embark us the beginning of next week. The cartel has come up to Stonehouse creek, where we can see her from the prison.

12. The wind has now veered round to the southward, and blows up rain, which I fear will delay our going.

13. This afternoon the agent, Mr. Coudry, informed us that on Monday, at ten o’clock, we are to embark.

14. Sunday. We are so impatient to be gone, that every moment of this day seems an hour long.

15. It is two years and four months to-day, since I left Newbury. This forenoon, about eleven o’clock, ninety-seven of us in number, were guarded down, and embarked on board the cartel—two of our number having died since we received the King’s pardon, and one being dangerously ill.

16. We are now on board the cartel, and waiting only for a fair wind to sail. We are allowed the liberty of the deck, by day and night, and we 228 have tolerable good accommodations. We lodge in cabins; most of us have beds of our own, and those who have not, have King’s bedding. There are three or four sick amongst us, and they have single cabins by themselves. To-day we had salt beef and pudding, which is a great rarity.

17. The wind is still against us, but I feel much easier here than I should be in prison. Here we have a change of diet, though it is no more than prisoners’ allowance, and both officers and men behave very civil to us.

18. To-day Mr. Heath came on board, and another of our friends, and brought some wine, tea, and sugar, and other necessaries, for those who are sick.

19. To-day the prison doctor came on board, and informed us that Bonner Darling is dead—a negro man that belonged to Marblehead, and one of our crew. He makes twenty-one that have died since I have been taken; and nine of the number were of the Dolton’s company.

Journal Lost—Thirty enter with Jones—Joins the Alliance—Arrive at L’Orient with Prize—Second Cruise—Journal Lost—Extracts from Paul Jones’ Life—At Dr. Franklin’s House—Joins again the Alliance—Sails Home.

[The journal of their passage to France is lost. The next record that is preserved, presents Mr. Herbert to us at Nantes, situated on the river Loire, in the south-western part of France.]

April 12. We lay here under pay, from the 5th of this month; have our board paid, and have nothing to do but walk about town. I have tried, but can get no labor, as business is very much stagnated here. Nearly forty sail of merchantmen are hauled up, and lay idle in this port.

14. About forty of our men have entered with Captain Jones, for twelve months, and this morning they set out for L’Orient, about seventy-five miles distant, by land.

230 17. Yesterday and to-day, I have been at work on board the Pallas, a French ship. To-day, the Alliance arrived here, with prisoners to be exchanged for us.

28. This day I received from Mr. Odaire, sixteen livres, which, including the four crowns before received, amounts to forty livres, which is a month’s pay.

231 June 19. This day we sailed from L’Orient, on a cruize in company with Captain Jones, a French frigate, a brig and a cutter. ^[3]

232 June 20. Last night, precisely at 12 o’clock, just as the starboard watch was going on deck, it was very pleasant weather, and we were lying to, with our topsails back to the masts. Captain Jones came down before the wind and run us down upon our starboard quarter, carrying away our mizen-mast, and doing us much damage, and himself more, by springing his bowsprit, carrying away his head and cut-water, but fortunately no one was killed on board either of the ships.

234 July 2. We arrived at L’Orient, after a cruize of thirteen days; likewise, the prize brig, which we took on the 28th of June, from Bordeaux bound to Dublin, with five hundred and sixty casks of wine and brandy on board. ^[4]

August 14. Having repaired our ships, and got a clean bottom, we sailed this day for L’Orient on a cruise with Captain Jones, two French frigates, two brigs, and a cutter. With this fleet we made the best of our way to Ireland. On our passage, we took in company a ship; soon after, Captain Jones took a brig laden with provisions. A few days after, we made Ireland. Upon making land, Captain Jones took a brig from Newfoundland, laden with oil and blubber, and after cruizing a few days along shore, we parted from the fleet in a gale of wind.

235 [Here some pages of the journal are lost, but the journal of Captain Jones will supply its place.]

When I had the honor of writing to you on the 11th of August, previous to my departure from the Road of Groaix, I had before me the most flattering prospect of rendering essential service to the common cause of France and America. I had a full confidence in the voluntary inclination and ability of every captain under my command to assist and support me in my duty with cheerful emulation; and I was pursuaded that every one of them would pursue glory in preference to interest.

Whether I was, or was not deceived, will best appear by a relation of circumstances.

The little squadron under my orders, consisting of the Bon homme Richard, of 40 guns, the Alliance, of 36 guns, the Pallas, of 32 guns, the Cerf, of 18 guns, and the Vengeance, of 12 guns, joined by two privateers, the Monsieur and the Granville, sailed from the Road of Groaix at day-break on the 14th of August.

The evening of the 26th brought with it stormy weather, with the appearance of a severe gale from the S. W. The gale continued to increase in the night, with thick weather. To prevent separation, I carried a top-light, and fired a gun every quarter of an hour. I carried, also, 236 very moderate sail, and the course had already been clearly pointed out before night, yet with all this precaution, I found myself accompanied only by the brigantine Vengeance in the morning, the Granville having remained astern with a prize. As I have since understood, the tiller of the Pallas broke, after midnight, which disabled her from keeping up, but no apology has yet been made on behalf of the Alliance.

On the 31st, we saw the Flamie Islands situated near the Lewis, on the N. W. coast of Scotland; and the next morning, off Cape Wrath, we gave chase to a ship to windward; at the same time two ships appeared in the N. W. quarter which proved to be the Alliance and a prize ship which she had taken, bound, as I understand, from Liverpool to Jamaica. The ship which I chased brought too at noon; she proved to be the Union letter of marque, bound from London to Quebec, with a cargo of naval stores on account of government, adapted for the service of the British armed vessels on the lakes. The public despatches were lost, as the Alliance very imprudently hoisted American colors, though English colors were then flying on board the Bon homme Richard. Captain Landais sent a small boat to ask whether I would man the ship or he should, as in the latter case he would suffer no boat nor person from the Bon homme Richard to go near the prize. Ridiculous as this appeared to me, I yielded to it for the sake of peace, and received the prisoners on board the Bon homme Richard, while the prize was manned from the Alliance.

On the morning of the 4th, the Alliance appeared again, and had brought too two very small coasting 237 sloops, in ballast, but without having attended properly to my orders of yesterday. The Vengeance joined me soon after, and informed me that in consequence of Captain Landais’ orders to the commanders of the two prize ships, they had refused to follow him to the rendezvous. I am at this moment ignorant of what orders these men received from Captain Landais, nor know I by virtue of what authority he ventured to give his orders to prizes in my presence, and without either my orders or approbation.

Two rich Letters of Marque were taken off the coast of Scotland, and Captain Landais took upon himself, even under my very nose, and without my knowledge, to order them to Bergen, in Norway, where they were given up to the English.— Paul Jones to the Board of Admiralty.

Three of their prizes sent into Bergen, in Norway, were, at the instance of the British minister, seized by order of the court of Denmark, and delivered up to him.— Letter from Dr. Franklin to Samuel Huntington, Esq. President of Congress.

The following letter from Dr. Franklin to Paul Jones, shows the value of those prizes, taken and delivered up as above. There can be no doubt that Mr. Herbert 238 was sent in one of the above prizes, as the next entry in his journal is from Bergen, in Norway.

Dear Sir ,—The offer of which you desire I would give you the particulars, was made to me by M. le Baron de Waltersdorff, in behalf of His Majesty the King of Denmark, by whose ministers he said he was authorised to make it. It was to give the sum of ten thousand pounds sterling, as a compensation for having delivered up the prizes to the English. I did not accept it, conceiving it much too small a sum, they having been valued to me at sixty thousand pounds. I wrote to Mr. Hodgson, an insurer in London, requesting he would procure information of the sums insured on those Canada ships. His answer was, that he could find no traces of such insurance, and he believed none was made, for the government, on whose account they were said to be loaded with military stores, never insured.—But, by the best judgment he could make, he thought they might be worth about sixteen or eighteen thousand pounds each.

By the following letter it will be seen that Bergen was one of the places designated by Dr. Franklin, for sending prizes to.

Dear Sir ,—The prizes you may make, send to Dunkirk, Ostend, or Bergen, in Norway, according to your proximity to either of those ports.

239 February 5th, 1780. This day our officers received a letter from France, from a gentleman in Paris, which informs us that the King of Denmark is to pay for the prizes we brought in here, fifty thousand pounds Stirling, which is two hundred and fifty thousand Rix dollars. He is likewise to pay all our expenses while here. We likewise received orders to repair to Dunkirk as quick as possible, but we are to have a pass from the King of Denmark, which is what we wait for.

8. This day I received a pair of shoes, in balance of four shillings due me as wages.

25. This day I received half a guinea of a Scotchman, for which I gave him eleven shillings.

March 4. This morning arrived here from Virginia, a ship laden with tobacco, under French colors.

18. Fortunately I have got another guinea for which I paid only twenty-one shillings.

5. This day I received of Captain Thomas White, in behalf of wages due, four Rix dollars, each valued at four shillings stirling.

I have worked several days on board the before-mentioned 240 tobacco ship, and have likewise made some chests for the seamen, for all of which I received four dollars.

10. This day I received of Captain Thomas White, two pounds six shillings and sevenpence halfpenny, stirling, which was the ballance due me for clothing which I was charged with, but did not receive—all of which was given by the King of Denmark. The occasion of this was, that when we were turned on shore, many of our men were in want of clothing. Our officers interceded for them, and procured the amount of four pounds four shillings sterling each; and as I received only a trifle in clothing, I received the remainder in money.

11. This day we embarked on board a gallion, of about seventy tons, found and provisioned by the King of Denmark, to carry us to Dunkirk, after boarding us here nearly six months.

19. This day we sailed from Bergen, after being there seven months and five days.

5. To-day I received of Captain Thomas White, forty livres, in behalf of wages due.

16. We set out to travel to Paris, which is one hundred and eighty miles, having a wagon to carry our baggage, and received eighteen livres 241 per man, of Mr. Coffin, the American agent in Flanders, to bear our expenses to Paris.

21. This day, about eight o’clock in the morning, we arrived in the city of Paris, after a pleasant journey of more than three days, through Flanders into France and Paris. After we arrived at Paris we put up our horses, and stopped not either to eat or to drink, but made the best of our way to Passy, about four miles from Paris, where Dr. Franklin resides. After we came to Dr. Franklin’s house and had a little conversation with him, he ordered his servants to get us breakfast, which we eat in his house, and likewise dinner. The Dr. sent his servants to provide lodgings for us, which he could not procure, on account of the King and Queen, and all the nobility, being in town, and all the public houses being taken up; therefore we carried our luggage to Dr. Franklin’s house, where we were well entertained; and here we saw Mr. Adams and Mr. Dean. We procured lodgings for ourselves in the afternoon. The gentleman who owns the house where Dr. Franklin resides, ordered one of his servants to show us his gardens, to guide us through the town, and show us the King and Queen and all the nobility; these we have seen twice to-day, as they passed through the town, besides many other curious objects, both in Paris and Passy.

242 23. To-day our board was paid, and we received two guineas to bear our expenses to L’Orient, which is three hundred and sixty miles, and likewise a pass.[E] We shall be obliged to travel on foot; therefore I am compelled to sell, or give away, all my clothing, except a trifle of the best, which I shall retain as a change.

[Footnote E: The widow of Mr. Herbert has now in her possession a crown piece, which her husband received of Dr. Franklin, at this time.]

8. We sailed in the Alliance for America, in company with a ship, a brig, a schooner and a lugger. Also, I received this day of the purser, on board the Alliance, two shirts, one pair of shoes, a pair of trousers and a knife.

August 13. We made land, which proved to be Cape Ann, having a passage of thirty-eight days, from land to land.

I left the Alliance, August 21st, and arrived home at Newbury, August 23d, 1780.

The following marks denote [A] dead—[B] escaped—[C] joined English men-of-war—[D] died or escaped before any were committed to prison—(P. J.) means with Paul Jones—(A.) in the Alliance.

Privateers’ and Captains’ Names.	N.of Men	Escap’d.	Died.	Joined Br.Ships	Remain in Prison
Brig Dolton, Captain Johnston,	120	21	8	7	84
Sloop Sally, Captain Brown,	52	6	7	16	23
Brig Fancy, Captain Lee,	56	11	2	0	43
Brig Lexington, Captain Johnston,	51	6	1	26	18
Schooner Warren, Captain Ravel	40	2	0	6	32

Parts of Crews Taken, in Prison.
Brig Freedom, Captain Cluston,	11	3	1	0	7
Ship Reprisal, Captain Weeks,	10	2	0	3	5
Sloop Hawk,	6	0	0	0	6
Schooner Hawk, Captain Hibbart,	6	0	0	0	6
Schooner Black Snake, Captain Lucran,	3	6	0	0	3
Ship Oliver Cromwell,	7	1	0	2	4
Letter of Marque Janey, Captain Rolls,	2	1	0	0	1
Brig Cabot,	3	0	0	0	3
True Blue, Captain Furlong,	1	0	0	0	1
Ranger,	1	0	0	0	1
Sloop Lucretia,	2	0	0	0	2
Musquito Tender,	1	0	0	1	0
Schooner, Captain Burnell,	2	1	0	1	0
Sturdy Beggar,	3	1	0	0	2
Revenge, Captain Cunningham,	3	0	0	0	3
	380	55	19	62	244
From Newburyport,	53	14	2	1	36
From Marblehead,	50	9	1	0	40
From Boston,	8	2	1	2	5
From Salem,	28	1	0	1	26
From Portsmouth,	8	1	0	1	6
Kittery, Berwick, and Old York,	34	1	4	0	29
Ipswich, Manchester, and Cape Ann,	13	1	1	1	10
Eastward of Old York,	14	2	1	0	11
England, Ireland and Scotland,	61	7	2	30	22
Towns South of Boston,	76	8	5	16	57
East of Boston,	9	1	0	0	8
The remainder, of other nations.
	354	47	17	52	250

2 . Extract from correspondence of Dr. Franklin, at this time, throwing light upon the journal of Mr. Herbert:

Passy, June 26th, 1779.

Dr. Franklin from the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Gentlemen ,

The Marquis de Lafayette, who arrived here on the 11th of February, brought me yours of October 28th, and the new commission, credentials, and instructions, the Congress have honored me with. I immediately acquainted the minister of foreign affairs with my appointment, and communicated to him, as is usual, a copy of my credential letter, on which a day was named for my reception. The end of that part of the instructions, which relates to American seamen taken by the French in English ships, had already been obtained; Captain Jones having had for some time, an order from court, directed to the keepers of the prisoners, requiring them to deliver to him such Americans as should be found in their hands, that they might be at liberty to serve under his command. Most of them, if not all, have been delivered to him. The minister of marine requesting that the Alliance might be added to Commodore Jones’ little squadron, and offering to give Mr. Adams a passage in the frigate, with the new ambassador, I thought it best to continue her a little longer in Europe, hoping she may, in the projected cruize, by her extraordinary swiftness, be a means of taking prisoners enough to redeem the rest of our countrymen now in the English jails. With this view, I ordered her to join Captain Jones, at L’Orient, and obey his orders, where she is now, accordingly.

3 . [From Paul Jones to Dr. Franklin.]

On board the Bon homme Richard, at anchor,

Isle of Groaix, off L’Orient, July 1st, 1779.

}

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin.

Honored and Dear Sir ,

On the 19th ult., the American squadron under my command, consisting of the Bon homme Richard, 42 guns, Alliance, 36 guns, Pallas, 30 guns, Cerf, 18 guns, and the Vengeance, 12 guns, sailed from hence with a convoy of merchant ships and transports with troops, &c., bound to the different ports and garrisons between this place and Bordeaux.

On the evening of the following day, I had the satisfaction to see the latter part of the convoy safe within the entrance of the river of Bordeaux, the rest having been safely escorted into the entrance of Nantz, Rochefort, &c. But at the preceding midnight, while lying-to off Isle of Vew, the Bon homme Richard and Alliance got foul of one another, and carried away the head and cut-water, sprit-sail yard, and jib-boom of the former, with the mizen-mast of the latter; fortunately, however, neither received damage in the hull. In the evening of the 21st, I sent the Cerf to reconnoitre two sail, and Captain Varage was so ardent in the pursuit, that he had lost sight of the squadron next morning; and I am now told, that he had a warm engagement with one of them, a sloop of 14 guns, which he took, but was obliged to abandon, on the approach of another enemy of superior force. The action lasted an hour and a half; several men were killed and wounded on board the Cerf. That cutter is now fitting at L’Orient. On the 22d we had a rencontre with three ships of war. They were to windward, and bore down in a line abreast for some time, but seeing we were prepared to receive them, they hauled their wind, and by carrying a press of sail got clear, in spite of our utmost endeavors to bring them to action. On the 26th, we lost company of the Alliance and Pallas. I am unable to say where the blame lays. I gave the ships a rendezvous off Penmark rocks, but did not meet them there.

I anchored here yesterday noon, having had a rencontre the night before with two of the enemy’s ships of war in the offing, in the sight of this island and Belle Isle. Previous to this I had given the Vengeance leave to make the best of her way to this road, so that the enemy found me alone in a place where I had no expectation of a hostile visit. They appeared at first earnest to engage, but their courage failed, and they fled with precipitation, and to my mortification out-sailed the Bon homme Richard and got clear. I had, however, a flattering proof of the martial spirit of my crew, and I am confident, that had I been able to get between the two, which was my intention, we should have beaten them both together.

Transcriber’s Note.

The book cover image has been fabricated by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

Minor errors in punctuation and formatting have been silently corrected.

The spelling has been left intact, except where there are obvious printer’s errors, or where a more conventional spelling is employed in every other instance. Minor inconsistencies in punctuation have also been corrected, without further mention.

On p. 118, the first entry for May 3 may have been intended as the 2nd.

The following table summarizes the issues encountered, and their resolution:

p. 6	G[r]eat Joy	Added.
p. 67	commiss[i]oner	Added
p. 73	Th[o/e]se are my restoration days	Corrected.
p. 76	opport[n/u]nity	Corrected.
p. 77	bag of patatoes	sic
p. 79	to-day [h/w]e have a very authentic account	Corrected.
p. 83	pud[p/d]ing	Corrected.
	as much as seven of [of] us	Removed.
p. 89	gar[r]ison	Added.
p. 110	infor[n/m]ed	Corrected.
p. 176	concer[n]ing	Added.
p. 177	sailed f[or/ro]m France	Transposed.
p. 205	pulled of[f] a pair of[f] trowsers	Added/removed.
p. 208	[m/w]e went	Corrected.
p. 256	Rho[l/d]e Island	Corrected.

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CHAPTER I.
	PAGE

The Dolton sailed—Was taken—Breach of Honor—Disagreeable Lodgings—Advantage of being Small—A Report—English Women—Royal Salute—Removed—A Prize brought in—Daily Allowance on board His Majesty’s Ships—The Charming Sally—Orders.	17

CHAPTER II.

Disease and Vermin—Reports—Pressed Men—Removal to the Tarbay—Cold Berth—Sickness prevails—General Lee—A Friend—An Act of Parliament—Removal for better—Better Quarters—Special Favors—Liberal Distribution—Great Contrast—A good Friend—Sickness increases.	22

CHAPTER III.

Death of E. Hunt—Gets the privilege to Work—Good Pay—Act of Parliament—Poetry—A Captain’s Compliments—Wish granted—A Report—Paper—A Prize—Prayers on board—A Privilege—Reckoning—Critical Situation—Small-Pox—Visitors—Report from America—Small-Pox prevails—Captain Rowe—Ship Nancy taken—Terrible Punishment—Carried to the Hospital—Treatment for Itch.	27
ii CHAPTER IV.

Royal Hospital Buildings—An Adventure—Taken down with Small-Pox—Three Prisoners Escape—Re-taken—Severe Sickness—Second Death—Joseph Hatch—Recovery—Kind attention of the Nurses—Samuel Shriggins, the third of the company, died—Attempt to Escape.	34

CHAPTER V.

Fourth Death—Captain Brown’s Escape—His Men sent to Prison—Discharge from the Hospital—Yellow Fever—Fifth Death—Cruelty to the Dead—Examination—Commitment to Prison—Prison Allowance—Hunger—Prison Employments—Charity Box—Hard Fare—Guard Alarmed—Friendly Visitors—A Mean Trick.	40

CHAPTER VI.

More Prisoners—A Present—Visit from American Gentlemen—Black-Hole—Fleet of Transports for America—Prisoners Escape—Death—Prospect of War with France—First Breach in the Prison Wall—Fox Frigate taken by the Hancock—A Newspaper—Number of Prisoners—Escape of thirty-two Prisoners—Bounty—Punishment—Cruelty to the Old—Captain Lee taken in the Fancy—Hears from Home—Bad News—False Reports—Daniel Cottle died.	48

CHAPTER VII.

Attempt to Escape discovered—Awful description of Suffering—Dreadful Starvation—Gloomy Prospects—Death of Gideon Warren—Detection—Close Examination—Commissioner—A Newspaper—Relief Prohibited—Attempt to Escape—Oath of Secrecy—Another Attempt to Escape—Captain Johnston and the Lexington—Sea Fight—The Press continued—Love of Liberty—Meeting after a long absence—A Privilege granted—Agent in a good humor—A Purchase—More Prisoners—Running the Gantlet.	58
iii CHAPTER VIII.

More Prisoners—Hears from Home—Suspicion—A hot Press—1500 Seamen wanted—News from America—Disagreeable Company—Destitution of the Prisoners—Digging and Detection—A Pious Wish—Twenty Years of Age—Mournful Reflections—Letter from Bilboa—Bad Bread—Unpleasant Reflections—King’s Speech—Bold Project—Failure—Reports—Strictness of the Guard—Suspicion—Privation from the Gospel—Prisoners Threatened—Voluntary Sacrifice—Good News reported—Detail of General Burgoyne’s Defeat—Washington and Howe.	69

CHAPTER IX.

Christmas Pudding—Christmas Presents—Clothes Served—Happy New Year—Friends appear—Presents—Friends increase—Large Donations reported—Donation from British Recruiting Parties—Private Donations—Exhortations to a Civil, Sober Life—Large Distribution of Clothing—Royal Salute—Regular Allowance from Donation Fund—Increasing Privilege.	82

CHAPTER X.

Price of Tobacco—Cleanliness—Not to be Discouraged—Blankets—Distribution—Letter from America—Officers Escape—Arrival of a Fleet—Paper—Dr. Franklin to the Council—State of Troops—Deserters Taken—Visit from the Governor and Lady—Removal of Officers—General wish for Peace—A Newspaper—Commissioners—Public Fast—Allowance Withdrawn—Liberality—Petition Refused—A Newspaper—Reward of Bravery—Lights Continued.	92
iv CHAPTER XI.

Awful Penalty for Desertion—Public Indignation—Remarkable Health of the Prisoners—Recruiting Party in Cornwall—Howe in Trouble—Two Fathers—Scarcity of Provisions in the West Indies—Black-hole—American Privateer—Hot Press—Detection—French Brig run down—Prisoners sell their Clothes to Gamble—“Preceptor”—Extreme Punishment—Sports—Examination—Use of Poverty—English Ambassador returns from France—Captain Boardman—Titcomb—Hope of Return—Commissioners to America—Newspapers.	102

CHAPTER XII.

Letter from Portsmouth—Debate in Parliament—Cost of the War—Petition for a Trial—Traitors Detected—Traitors Punished—Attempt to Escape—Sickness in Prison—Paul Jones at Whitehaven—Letter from Portsmouth—Death of John Foster—Prison Wrangle—Commissioners Sailed—Another Hole—It Founders—Joseph Kensington died—Sick Prisoners Neglected.	113

CHAPTER XIII.

French Privateer—French Fleet—Patience scarce—Escape—One Missing—Man with Red Hair—Blockade—Ball Play—Severity of the Guard—Admiral Biron’s Fleet—Effects of Rum—A Widow—A Surprise—Press of Fishermen—Another Detection—Voluntary Suffering—Captain Pulford—Attempt to Escape—Taken—Cruel Treatment.	122

CHAPTER XIV.

Death of the Doctor—Sailing of Admiral Biron’s Fleet—Rev. Mr. Heath—Cold reception of Proposition of Peace in America—Effort to Escape—Gen. Burgoyne’s Compliment to American Troops—French Frigate taken—Preparation for the Fourth of July—Amputation—Another Hole—John Dam—Allowance to French Prisoners—Admiral Keppel’s Fleet sail—Boys attempt to Escape.	131
v CHAPTER XV.

Bad Conduct in Prison—Digging out—Four Escape—Fire, and Officers Escape—Sad News from Portsmouth—Pay Day—Admiral Keppel returns—England’s pride humbled—A curious plan for Escape—Battle Report—Wounded in the Hospital—Effort to Escape by Swimming—Invitation to join the Fleet—Americans pressed to the Ships of War.	145

CHAPTER XVI.

French Prisoners—Admiral Keppel sails—Another attempt to Escape—Admiral Biron’s Fleet—A Gale—General Clinton’s Retreat from Philadelphia—Fever and Ague prevails—Captain Burnell and Wife—Escape from Portsmouth—French Privateer—Distribution of Clothing—Hot Press—Letter to Captain Lee—French Prisoners increase.	157

CHAPTER XVII.

Rols’ Escape—Very Sickly—Another Escape—Unfaithful Doctor—Frenchmen Escape and Return—Captain Ravel’s Escape—Mr. Kirk’s Escape—Prisoners join Men-of-War—Cartel—Letters from Portsmouth—The Man that was punished unjustly, Rescued—Captain Lee’s Escape—New Arrangement—Spotted Fever among the French—Second Draft for the Ships—The Albion taken by the French—Sabbath Privileges lost.	168

CHAPTER XVIII.

Oil of Tar for Prison—Frenchmen Break Out—One Shot—Reduction of Donation—Two Americans in Irons—Various opinions about the Cartel—Several Holes in hand—Fearful Apprehensions—Dominica taken by the French and Americans—King’s Troops on Martha’s Vineyard—Drunken Prisoners delivered up—Forbearance of the Guard—Fire in the Black-hole—Four American Boys—Dolton as Fortune Privateer—Base Treachery—Plans Discovered—Mitchell the Villain—Letter of Thanks—Two Years from Home.	179
vi CHAPTER XIX.

Twenty-one—Fort on Drake’s Island—Breach in Black-hole King’s Speech—English Prisoners at Brest—Hyfield’s Escape—Exposure of the Sick—John Lott died—Public Prayer—Captain Ross’s Escape.	198

CHAPTER XX.

Cruel purposes of the Ministry—Petition for Pardon—Mr. Salter’s Escape—Cruel Act renewed—Last of the Donation—Court Martial—General Elopement—Discovered and carried back to Plymouth—A sorrowful New Year—Extreme Suffering—Good Friends—New Year’s Gift—Large Fleets—Captain Boardman Escapes—Heavy Bounty for Prisoners.	200

CHAPTER XXI.

A Hurricane—Great Distress—Kills a Dog—Dog Divided—Cooked and eat—Rats Eat in Prison—Voluntary Surrender—Good News—Cartel Arrived—Pardon—Great Joy—A Small Donation—Spanish Fleet—Another Pardon—A Wonder—Number of Prisoners left—Wait Impatiently—Another Hole in hand—Eleven Frenchmen Escape—Good News from Bilboa—Happy Event—Twenty-six Months a Prisoner—Penitent Sick Prisoners—King’s Pardon.	211

CHAPTER XXII.

John Foster, Elias Vickey, and Asa Witham died—Mr. Deal’s Escape—Milford Transport—Keppel Acquitted—Bonfires—Escape—Cartel Arrives—Leaves the Prison—Bonner Darling died.	220

CHAPTER XXIII.

Journal Lost—Thirty enter with Jones—Joins the Alliance—Arrive at L’Orient with Prize—Second Cruise—Journal Lost—Extracts from Paul Jones’ Life—At Dr. Franklin’s House—Joins again the Alliance—Sails Home.	229

Captain Eleazer Johnston[B]	Newburyport, Mass.
1st Lieut. Anthony Knapp[B]	"
Lieut. John Buntin	"
Daniel Lunt[B]	"
Alexander Ross[B]	"
Offin Boardman[B]	"
Moses Cross	"
Thomas Cluston[B]	"
Cutting Lunt ( P. J. )	"
Wym’d. Bradbury	"
Henry Lunt ( P. J. )	"
Samuel Cutler[B]	"
Francis Little	"
Joseph Asulier[B]	"
Joseph Brewster ( P. J. )	"
Nathaniel Wyer[B]	"
John Knowlton[D]	"
Joseph Racklief	"
William Shackford ( A. )	"
John Key[B]	"
John Barrenger[B]	"
—— Stickney	"
244 Joseph Poor ( A. )	"
Nathaniel Warner	"
Josiah George[B]	"
Moses Merrill	"
Jacob True ( P. J. )	"
John George	"
Richard Lunt ( A. )	"
Ebenezer Brown ( A. )	"
Paul Noyes ( A. )	"
Joseph Plummer ( A. )	"
Reuben Tucker	"
John Smith ( A. )	"
Charles Herbert ( A. )	"
Joseph Choate ( A. )	"
Thomas Bayley ( A. )	"
Nathaniel Bayley ( P. J. )	"
Benjamin Carr ( A. )	"
Samuel Woodbridge	"
Henry Smith	"
Ebenzer Edwards ( A. )	"
Jonathan Whitmore[C]	"
Edward Spooner[C]	"
Daniel Cottle[A]	"
Ebenezer Hunt[A]	"
Asa Witham[A]	New Gloucester.
Zebulon Davis	"
Daniel Lane[B]	"
Benjamin Yolin ( A. )	"
Nathaniel Marshall	Portsmouth.
Benjamin C. Stubbs	"
Jacob Nutter	"
George Triffering	"
Benjamin Babb[B]	"
John Abbot[C]	"
245 Joseph Shilaby ( A. )	"
Guppy Studley	"
Samuel Stacey ( P. J. )	Kittery, N. H.
Joshua Casual	"
John Foster[A]	"
Hugh Kenniston[B]	"
Peter Tobey	"
John Perkins	"
William Lewis	"
Richard Sowards	"
Nathaniel Kennard ( P. J. )	"
Stephen Lawley	"
Samuel Fletcher ( P. J. )	"
Thomas Mahoney ( P. J. )	"
Winthrop Willey	"
Jacob Brewer	"
Daniel Knight ( A. )	"
Nathaniel Staples	"
George Fernel	"
Ephraim Clark ( A. )	"
John Gunnison ( P. J. )	"
Samuel Scriggins[A]	"
Tobias Weymouth,	Berwick, N. H.
Gideon Warren[A]	"
Thomas Hammet ( P. J. )	"
Thomas Rines[A]	"
Ebenezer Libbey	"
Ichabod Lord ( P. J. )	"
Aaron Goodwin	"
John Higgins	"
Andrew Whittam	"
James Sellers,	Old York, N. H.
Tobias Sellers	"
Timothy Harris	"
246 John Downs ( P. J. )	"
John Simpson ( A. )	Windham.
Andrew Templeton	"
John Burbank ( P.J. )	Cape Porpoise.
Israel Lasedel	"
William Maxwell,	Block Point.
Samuel Carroll ( A. )	"
John Maddon ( P.J. )	"
Joseph Burnham	"
Samuel Smith	"
Joseph Clark,[C]	Boston, Mass.
John Bass[C]	"
Robert Burgoyne[B]	"
Joseph Hatch[A]	"
Nathaniel Porter,	Cape Pursue.
Jacob Wyman	"
Dr. Samuel Smith,[B]	Hampton.
Elisha Johnston	"
Ichabod Shaw	"
James Lawrence,	Salem.
Henry Barrett,[B]	Ireland.
William Smith[C]	"
William Horner[C]	"
Adam Ladley,[B]	Scotland.
Clement Woodhouse,[B]	England.
William Ford,[C]	Virginia.
John McCoffrey,	Casco Bay.
Isaac Leajor	"
Bonner Darling,[A]	Marblehead.

Captain Francis Brown,[B]	New Haven.
Refiter Griffin,	" "
Jonathan Hodgcare,	" "
William Woodward,[B]	" "

Anthony Shomaker,[B]	Long Island.
William Keys,	" "

Benjamin Powers,	Millbury.
Arthur Bennett,	"
Isaac George,	"

Kirtland Griffin,	Gilford.

Henry Wrightinton,	Dartmouth.
Samuel Knast,	"
John Hathaway,	"
James Bounds,	"
William Cuff,	"
Prince Hall[C]	"
Humphry Potter[C]	"
Ebenezer Willis[A]	"
Absalom Nero[A]	"
Thomas Brightman,	"
Silas Hathaway,	"

248 Joseph Fredrick,	Martha’s Vineyard.
Thomas Chase,	" "
Jeremiah Luce,	" "
Thomas Luce	" "
Abisha Rogers,	" "
Barzilla Crowell,	" "
Samuel Lambert	" "
Manuel Swasey,	" "
John Lot[A]	" "
Cuff Scott[C]	" "
William Harden[D]	" "
Eliphalet Rogers,	" "
James Dean,[C]	Hartford.
Jacob Norris,	Carolina.
Alexander Frazier,[C]	New York.
William Black,	" "
Henry Sheaf[B]	" "
Phineas Smith[B]	" "
William Vanderson[C]	" "
William Andrews,[C]	Ireland.
Thomas Welch[C]	"
Bartley Barrell[C]	"
Benjamin Shakle,[A]	England.
William Creper[C]	"
Francis Kirtland[C]	"
William Carpenter[C]	"
William Asburn[C]	"
John George Stamfield,[C]	Holland.
John Daghan[C]	"
Robert Richey,[C]	Scotland.
James Judson[A]	"

Nicholas Simpkin,[A]	Jersey.
William Stearns,	Maryland.
Thomas Haley,	England.
Benjamin Locket,[C]	"
William Lane,	Philadelphia.
John Gordon,[C]	Ireland.

Captain John Lee,[B]	Newburyport.
Daniel Lane,	"
John Bickford,	"
William White,	"
Francis Salter,[B]	Marblehead.
William Laskey,	"
Joseph Barker[B]	"
Thomas Barker[B]	"
Richard Goss,	"
Nicholas Thorn,	"
Samuel Beal,	"
John Lio,	"
James Fox,	"
Thomas Mack[B]	"
Robert Swan[B]	"
John Swan[B]	"
Jonathan Bartlett,	"
Samuel Hawley,	"
Jacob Vickery,	"
Nicholas Gardner,	"
250 James Valentine,[A]	"
John Crow,	"
Elias Hart[A]	"
William Pickett,	"
Robert Pierce,	"
Robert Brown,	"
Skillings Brooks,	"
Thomas Horton,	"
William Cole,	"
Jacob Vickery, Jr.	"
John Adams,	"
Edmund Baden,	"
Samuel Whitrong,	"
Benjamin Masten,	"
Michael Treffrey,	"
Andrew Slyfield[B]	"
Cæsar Bartlett,	Ipswich.
Samuel Treadwell,	"
Nathaniel Jones,	"
Samuel Harris,	"
Samuel Latham,	"
William Longfellow,	"
Adams Choate,	"
Daniel Goodhue,	"
John Fowler[A]	"
Charles Barnes,	"
Joseph Fisher, Doct.,[B]	"
William Lir,	Sweden.
Alex. Baxter,	England.
Luke Larcomb,	"
Israel Matthews,	"
251 Wm. Skinner,[B]	"
Martin Shaw,	"
Robert Stevenson,	Scotland.
Thomas Salter,	"

The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Relic of the Revolution

E-text prepared by KD Weeks
and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
( http://www.pgdp.net )
from page images generously made available by
Internet Archive
( https://archive.org )

A RELIC
OF THE
REVOLUTION,

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR.

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

LIST OF PRISONERS TAKEN IN THE BRIGANTINE
DOLTON, AND COMMITTED TO
MILL PRISON, PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND,
JUNE, 1777.

ROLL OF MILL PRISON, PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND,
FEBRUARY 7, 1779.

STATISTICS.

Transcriber’s Note.

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

John Demond,	Marblehead.
Stephen Demise,	"
Thomas Brown[B]	"
Joseph Striker,	"
Joseph Magery,	"
Elias Vickery,	"
William Brown,	"
Nathaniel Stacey,[B]	"
James Lyon,	"
Jacob Lord,[B]	"
Christian Codrer,	"

Thomas Norwood,[B]	Bristol.
Samuel Ross,	"
Stafford Badan,	Virginia.
Alex. Knell,[C]	"
Thomas Driver,	Ireland.
Charles Kneet,	Baltimore.
Thomas Runnells,[C]	"
Edwin Lewis,[C]	Philadelphia.
Daniel Acham,[B]	Virginia.
Joseph McMullen,	Ireland.

John Picknall,	Salem.
John Haynes,	"
John Deadman,	"
John Foy,	"
Wood Abrahams,	"
English Thomas,	Boston.

Benjamin Leech,	Manchester.
Abial Lee,	"
Moses Stacey,	Marblehead.
Thomas Wigger,	"
Thomas Knowlton.
Amherst Weight.

Captain Henry Johnston,[B]	Boston.
David Welch,[B]	Ireland.
Arthur Kirk[B]	"
John Kennedy[C]	"
Thos. Choulston[C]	"
John Hopes,	"
William Lee,	"
Robert Ford,	"
William Riley,	"
Phil. McLoughlan,	"
James Haze[C]	"
253 Thomas Bradley,	Ireland.
John Barry[B]	"
James Dick,	"
Joseph Coulston[C]	"
John Howard[C]	"
Thomas Welch[C]	"
Nicholas Chaise[C]	"
Thomas Marley[C]	"
Nath’l. Brennon[C]	"
Andrew Grace,[C]	Philadelphia.
James Shields[C]	"
Daniel Fagan[C]	"
Jacob Crawford,	"
Thomas Harvey,	"
Francis Colburn[C]	"
David Clark[C]	"
Henry Bakeley[C]	"
Richard Deal,[B]	Virginia.
Henry Lawrence,	"
George Thayer,	Providence.
John Chester,	England.
Thomas Lines[C]	"
Matthew Clear[C]	"
John Videan[C]	"
Samuel Williams[C]	"
John Davis[C]	"
Joseph Wolt[C]	"
Benj’n. Richardson[C]	"
Edward Hart[C]	"
George Morrison,	Scotland.
Joseph Kennigton[A]	"
254 John Stewart,[C]	Scotland.
Samuel Hobble,	New London.
Aaron Twigley,[C]	New Jersey.

Captain John Ravel,[B]	Salem.
Samuel Foote,	"
John Battan,	"
—— Smith,	"
—— Lander,	"
Benjamin Bickett,	"
Thomas Manning,	"
Joseph Lambert,	"
Stephen Waters,	"
Jonathan Archer,	"
John Jones,	"
William Bright[C]	"
Josiah Jordon,	"
Clifford Crowningfield,	"
Edward Yoling,	"
Peter Harris,	"
Thomas Majory,	"
Samuel Townsend,	"
Daniel Chubb,	"
Richard Crispin,	"
Samuel Knapp,	"
John Underwood,	"
Nathaniel Ward,	"
John Batten, Jr.,	"
Thomas Stephens,	"
255 William Archer,[C]	Salem.
Benjamin Chipman,	Beverly.
John Cushing, Doct.,	Haverhill.
Eben Bosworth,	Bristol.
Sampson Simms,	Bristol.
Thomas Austin,	Rhode Island.
Samuel Harris,	"
William Clark,	"
Edward Sisal,	"
William Race,[C]	Philadelphia.
John Phillips[B]	"
Peter Merry,	"
Joseph Ingersoll,[C]	Cape Ann.
Robert McCleary,[C]	Boston.
Ezekiel Canny,[C]	Carolina.

Captain William Lucran,	Marblehead.
John Wheeler,	Rhode Island.
John Buckley,	North Carolina.

Patrick McCann,	Ireland.
John Dority,	"
James Lawny[C]	"
John Adair,	"
Richard Price,	Maryland.
William Hall,[C]	New Jersey.
George Still,[B]	England.

Peter Cassenbury,	Philadelphia.
Paul Magee,	Rhode Island.
David Covel,	Virginia.

William Dayton,[C]	St. Martin’s.
Captain John Martin,[C]	England.
William Morris[B]	"

George Southard,	Salem.
Philip Misseroy,	Marblehead.
James Richardson,	"

Number taken,	380.
Number committed,	364.

William Hessam,	Philadelphia.
William Fowler,	Casco Bay.
Daniel Willet,	Newport.

The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Relic of the Revolution

E-text prepared by KD Weeks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team ( http://www.pgdp.net ) from page images generously made available by Internet Archive ( https://archive.org )

A RELIC OF THE REVOLUTION,

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR.

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXIII.

LIST OF PRISONERS TAKEN IN THE BRIGANTINE DOLTON, AND COMMITTED TO MILL PRISON, PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND, JUNE, 1777.

ROLL OF MILL PRISON, PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND, FEBRUARY 7, 1779.

STATISTICS.

Transcriber’s Note.

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

E-text prepared by KD Weeks
and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
( http://www.pgdp.net )
from page images generously made available by
Internet Archive
( https://archive.org )

A RELIC
OF THE
REVOLUTION,

LIST OF PRISONERS TAKEN IN THE BRIGANTINE
DOLTON, AND COMMITTED TO
MILL PRISON, PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND,
JUNE, 1777.

ROLL OF MILL PRISON, PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND,
FEBRUARY 7, 1779.