A Relic of the Revolution - Chapters 1-7



CHAPTER I.
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 AN 
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 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 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?"

Upon being pointed to where some of them stood, "Why!" exclaimed they, 
"they look like our people, and they talk English."

17. Nothing remarkable.

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.

20. Nothing remarkable.

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.

23. Nothing occurred worthy of notice.

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

25. There has been a great market on board to-day.

26. Sunday. But very little respect paid to the day.

27. The daily allowance on board His Majesty's ships, is: Sunday, pork and 
peas; Monday, birgu, 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.

28. To-day I received a pair of stockings, a present from one of the 
seamen.

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.

February 1. Windy, cold, blustering, unsteady weather.

2. Nothing worthy of record.

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



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.

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.

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

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 today 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 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 contraries; 
neither do we know how to value what we have but by the want of it.

20. It is very sickly amongst us, and some one is taken sick almost every 
day.

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.

22. To-day a frigate sailed.



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.

FEBRUARY 23. Sunday. We have an opportunity for reading.

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 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.

As we are prisoners in a cage,
It's our misfortune sure
'Tis folly to be in a rage,
Though hardships we endure.

God grant that we may live to see
Once more our native place,
For to enjoy our liberty,
Before we've run our race.

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 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 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 tomorrow 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.

29. To-day two more were sent on shore to the Hospital, sick.

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 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. Today 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.

7. To-day the man with the small-pox was sent on shore.

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 be received today, he must have bad 
seven or eight hundred lashes, with hard nettles, on a bare back.

12. Pleasant weather. To-day eight more of 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.

13. Sunday. I have been taking sulphur, to prepare for anointing this 
evening.

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.



CHAPTER IV.
ROYAL HOSPITAL BUILDINGS.--AN ADVENTURE.--TAKEN DOWN WITH SMALLPOX.-- 
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, 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.

18. To-day there are two more of our company brought on shore, with the 
itch.

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.

22. This morning got up, but my pock has come out exceedingly thick.

23. We are informed that the men who ran away are taken.

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.

25. Kept my bed, and was in great pain.

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

27. My pock was almost to the full.

28. I feel easier as to pain.

29. My pock begins to turn.

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

May 1. I got up, but was hardly able to walk.

2. I got up again, but my legs and feet swell very much.

3. To-day I feel something better.

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,

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 aII 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.]

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.

10. I have several biles upon my legs, which cause a great deal of pain.

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.

13. To-day I took another portion of physic, which makes the sixth.

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.

16. To-day I took the seventh portion of physic.

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.

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.

19. To-day I took my eighth portion of physic.



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.

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.

23. I took my ninth portion of physic.

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. Today 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 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.

He 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 
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 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.

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.

16. Wet weather, so that we keep house.

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 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.



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.

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, and is not 
allowed to speak to us, but the lieutenant is in prison with us.

25. Rainy weather.

26. Continued wet, so that we keep house.

27. To-day another broke out with small-pox.

28. To-day Captain Ross, one of our prizemasters, 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.

July 1. Nothing remarkable.

2, 3. Very rainy, so that we are obliged to keep house.

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 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.

9, 10, 11. Warm and pleasant weather. Nothing remarkable.

12. Last night, four of the prisoners that were 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 Dear, for the English vessels 
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.

24. We had a present sent us of several pounds of leaf tobacco.

25. To-day three of the number who broke out or 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.

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

27. For the week past I have received eighteenpence for boxes.

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.

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.

6. To-day one more was brought back that went out night before last.

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, 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.

10. We hear that an American privateer is taken.

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 eight weeks 
from America, and had taken four prizes.

13. Ten more of Captain Lee's men came to prison.

14. Ten more were brought to-day.

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.

16. A number more of Captain Lee's men came to prison to-day.

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, 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.

23. For the week past I have received three shillings for boxes.

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.

26. It is reported that general Prescott is taken by the Americans.



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 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.

30. For the week past, I have received four shillings for boxes.

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 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 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 ladies, 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, 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 smallpox.

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.

6. For the week past, I have received one shilling and ninepence, for 
boxes.

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.

8. Several who have recovered from small-pox, came up from the hospital.

9. To-day two large ships sailed from the Sound.

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, 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.

14. Sunday. The week past I have received three shillings for boxes.

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 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.

20. For the week past, I have received one shilling and eightpence for 
boxes.

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 
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.

24. Pleasant weather.

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 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.

29. Michaelmas day.

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 the Frenchmen which they had on board, are not likely to 
come to prison. There were about twenty of them.

3. Captain Lee, being unwell, was sent to the hospital.

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

5. Sunday. Pleasant weather.

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 be granted.

10. Warm and pleasant.

11. To-day the captains of the Burford and Fieutryant came to see us,

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 commissoner, 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.

15. It is eleven months to-day since we sailed from Newburyport.

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.

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.