A Relic of the Revolution - Chapters 17-20



CHAPTER XVII.
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.

26. To-day two French prizes were brought into this port.

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 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 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 
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 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.

8. Nothing remarkable, but repeated confirmations of what we have heard 
before.

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 be 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 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.

12. To-day three letters were received in this prison, from prisoners in 
Portsmouth. They agree concerning the cartel which fs 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.

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.

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 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.



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.--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.

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 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, 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.

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 stones, and threw them till he had 
broken seven squares in one window, and one 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 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 
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, 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 gound, 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 off again with but little trouble.



CHAPTER XIX.
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 
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 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.

24. I have been a prisoner three-and-twenty months to-day.

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 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.

28. Nothing remarkable.

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.

30. Nothing remarkable.

December 1. This evening I had the privilege 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 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 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 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 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, 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. Today 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.

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 be 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.

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.



CHAPTER XX.
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.

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 
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, 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 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 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 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 ail the 
rest had clubs; we told them that we came into Plymouth in a prize, and 
were bound to Tinemouth. The country was alarmed, and we were taken. They 
carried us to a little village and gave us a good glass of brandy, and a 
half penny 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 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 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.

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.