i
Tift
*J*.
V
-
%^'
V </>
/•
T0
^
^
,0o.
^ -rL
•
V ^
xvv
x-v
**
^ V
■\ O s ,0
-V-
o 0
x0^.
•*«
;
J> «/>
0- X
A ~ A O
«5 U
X
0
'^ O
■S
> c
,\
^ -^
" \x
x0^,
xxX % ^
-^
^ ^
^%
V
- %
V
0o,
*fe 0X
A9' C^ X
,\XV V- -V >>
•X o
x->> ^
^X <
<
v\
X
%. cx
0 o
.
~o .
%
Fold-out
Placeholder
Fold-out
Placeholder
THE
PRISONERS' MEMOIRS,
i
OR,
DARTMOOR PRISON:
CONTAINING A COMPLETE AND IMPARTIAL
HISTORY
OF THE ENTIRE CAPTIVITY
OF THE AMERICANS IN ENGLAND,
PROM THE COMMENCEMENT OP THE LATE WAR BETWEEN THE
"UNITED Si ATE3 AND GREAT BRITAIN, UNTIL ALL PRISONERS
WERE RELEASED BY THE
TREATY OF GHENT.
ALSO,
A PARTICULAR DETAIL OP ALL OCCURRENCES
*» ** > AT*V *^ t**\ THAT
HURRiD MASSACRE A TJDARTMOOR,
On the fata! evening of the Gth cf A pril, IH15.
THE WHOLE CAREFULLY COMPILED PROM THE JOURNAL OF CHARLES
ANDREWS, A PRISONER IN ENOI AND, FROM THE COMMENCEMENT O*
TH£ WAR, UNTIL XIIH R2LEA6E QF ALL THE PRISONER?.
Quotque ipse ms'rrima vidi,
El quorum pars magna j in; quis taliafa:
Temperet a latrymis! Virg. I. ii. v. 0.
TVse sufferings I myself have seen, and the greater part of which
I was a principal purty. Who can relate such woes without a tear p
NEW-YORK :
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR.
1815.
District of New-York, &a.
Be it remembered, that on the thirteenth day of October, ic
the fortieth year of the Independence of the United States of Ame-
rica, Philip R. Hopkins, of the paid district, hath deposited in this
©ffice the title of a hook, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in
the words aod figures following, to wit :
Tne Prisoners' Memoirs, or, Dartmoor Prison ; containing a com-
plete and impartial History of the entire Captivity of the Americans
in England, from the commencement of the late war between the
United States and Great Britain, until all prisoners were released by
the Treaty of Ghent. Al«o, a particular detail of all occurrences re-
lative to that horrid Massacre at Dartmoor, on the fatal evening of
the 6th uf April, 1815.
The whole carefully compiled from the Journal of Charles Andrews,
a prisoner in England", from the commencement of the war, until the
release of all the prisoners.
Quaque «>" rm\trrima rwK,
Et quorum pars magna fui , p«> tulia /undo,
Ttm.pe.ret a lacrymis? ***%■ ' " v- 5.
These sufferings I nJyself have seen, and the greater part of which
I was a principal party. Who can relate such woes without a tear?
In conformity to the Act ot the Congress of the United States, en-
titled " \n \ct for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the
copies of VlanS Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietor* of
such copies, during the time therein mentioned." And also to an
Act, entitled 'k an Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for
the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps,
Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, du-
ring the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof
to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other
pnntS'" THERON RUDD,
Clerk of the Southern District of Nen- YorZ
PREFACE.
THE great anxiety of the public to possess a
knowledge of the facts contained in the following pages,
has obliged the editor to send it into the hands of the
public without a second examination, and therefore in a
more unfinished state than he could have wished. But
as every historical relation ought to contain nothing but a
recital of facts, the editor has aimed to give the truth
with as. great perspicuity as possible, without endeavour-
ing after elegance of diction or flowery romance. He
kclicvp* it will not be an unwelcome service to the pub-
lic if he relates to them what appeared to be the most
important and interesting events of the American cap*
tivity, without endeavouring to infuse into them the
heat of political prejudice. Through the whole he has
carefully avoided all opprobrious terms, or enthusiastic
praise, which might discord with the feelings of any, or
tend to stir up new hostilities betwixt the late bellige-
rants.
If any part of the work should be found languid ani
tedious, it must be wholly attributed to the suffering sL
tuation of the author ; the vigour and vivacity of whose
mind was greatly affected by those of the body. If
misery is less interesting collectively in groups, than
IV
when viewed individually, let the reader single out one,
and view him. separately, through the iron gra ... . mid
see him, pale and feeble, etching upon a stick, with a
rusty nail, another notch, which adds to his kalendar
another of those dismal days and nights he had spent in
confinement ; he may view him till he sees the iron en-
ter his soul before he turns from him, and then say — it
was my son, my brother, or my friend ! — he will then
have a picture interesting enough to !m feelings.
CERTIFICATE.
VV E, the undersigned, late prisoners of war, ,'iaving been
confined prisoners the greater part of the last war be-
tween the United States of America and Great Britain,
and having carefully perused and examined the follow-
ing Manuscript Journal, kept by Charles Andrews, our
feliow-prisoner at Dartmoor, in the county of Devon, in
the kingdom of Great Britain, do solemnly declare, that
all matter and occurrences herein contained, are just and
true, to the best of our knowledge and belief-, and thai
this is the only Journal kept at Dartmoor.
Capt. Joshua Wait, New-York.
Capt. Samuel H. Gmnodo, Newport, R. 1.
Capt. Frederick H. Coffin, Hudson, N. Y
Mr. Joseph C. Morgan, Newport, R. I.
Lieut. Homer Hull, Con.
Mr Jacob Evans, Baltimore, Md.
Capt. Benjamin F. Chesebrough, Con.
Mr Luther S. Dunbar, Boston, -Mass.
Capt. Richard Longly, Portland, D. M.
Mr. Ephraim Abbott, Boston, Mass.
Mr. Fenton Conner, Charleston, S. C.
Mr Joseph Conner, Newbern, N. C.
Mr. David Morrison, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Caleb Coffin, Nantucket, Mass.
Mr. John Merrill, Portland, Maine.
VI
Capt. Charles Bennet, Hudson, N. Y,
Mr. William Grhnn, Salem, M- 3.
Mr. James Bo -^le, do. do.
Mr. John F. Foster. Gloucester, Mass,
Mr. Joseph Clark, Capc-E z daetu, do.
Mr. John Stafford, Boston, Mass.
Mr. Charles Whitewood, New-York.
Mr. Samuel Rossett, do.
Mr. Jacob F. Taylor, Philadelphia.
Mr. William Conklin, New- York.
Mr. Samuel S. Brush, do.
Capt. John C. Rowles, Baltimore, Md.
Mr. John Meigti, Boston, Mass.
Mr. Edward Shaw, Baltimore, Md.
Lieut. S. S. Fitch, Connecticut
Mr. Samuel Correy, Vermont.
Mr. Samuel Howard, Baltimore, Md.
Mr. William Clark, Doston, Mass.
Mr. Joseph Fosdick, do. do.
Mr. Samuel Morrison, New-York.
Mr. William Hull, do.
Mr. William Atkins, Connecticut.
Mr. Daniel Hotchkins, Salem, Mass.
Mr. Thomas Carlton, Boston, do.
Mr. John Migat, Warren, R. I.
Mr. Cornelius Hoy, Baltimore, Md.
Capt. Jesse S. Smith, Stoning-ton, Con.
Mi*. James Sproson, New-York.
Mr. Benjamin Wheeler, Baltimore, Md.
Mi-. George Scott, , .
Capt. Matthew S. Steel, Philadelphia, Penu
Mr. W. P. Sevear, Baltimore, -Md.
Capt ,!.;mes M'Quilter, do. do.
Mr. John S. Miller, do. do.
Vll
Mr. Thomas Bailey, Salem, Mass.
Mr. Warren Humphrey, Connecticut
Mr. William Reu, Boston, Mass.
Capt. Thomas Hussey, Hudson, N. Y.
Capt. James Boggs, Philadelphia, Penn.
Capt. James Gays, ■ Virginia.
Capt. Thomas Mumford, Newport, R. f,
Mr. Isaac Dowel, Baltimore, Md.
Mr. Frederick G. Low, Cape-Ann.
Mr Henry Bull, Connecticut,
Doct Benjamin Mercer, New-York,
Mr. Reuben Sherman, m ■ Mass,
10
citizenship. After the examination the officers
who were entitled to their parole, '(such as com-
manders and first lieutenants of privateers mount-
ing fourteen guns, commanders and first mates of
merchantmen, non combatants, &c.) received it,
and were sent to the little village of Ashburton, in
Devonshire, or Reading, in Berkshire ; the for-
mer is situated about twenty-six miles inland from
Plymouth, and the principal place of confinement
for paroled officers. The town of Ashburton is
pleasantly situated in a healthy and fertile part
of the country, where every article of provision
is more easily obtained and at a much cheaper rate
than in many other parts of the kingdom. Here
all the officers on parole had their names regis-
tered and particular personal description taken of
them. They had allowed them by the British
government one shilling and six pence, which is
equal to thirty-three and a quarter cents, money
of the United States, per day each man. With
this small allowance great numbers of paroled
officers were compelled entirely to subsist, for
having no other dependence and no friends in this
country, they were obliged to purchase clothing,
board and lodging, and all other necessaries of
life, and to make use of every economy to pre-
vent themselves from suffering, notwithstanding
the cheapness of provisions, and the facility of
11
obtaining them. They were permitted during
the day to walk one mile on the turnpike ioad
towards London or Plymouth, and at a certain
early hour every evening they had to retire to
their respective lodgings, and there to remain till
next morning ; those were their general restric-
tions for all the days in the week, except two, on
which every officer must answer at a particular-
place appointed by their keepers, in the presence
of their agent or inspector. In this manner some
hundreds of officers were compelled to drag out
a tedious existence in a state of painful solici-
tude for their country, their homes and families,
during the greater part of the late war.
But the condition of the officers on parole was
enviable indeed, when compared with that of the
officers and others not entitled to that privilege.
Every such person taken under the flag of the
United States were sent to some one of the places
before mentioned, and confined on board pri-
son ships. The greatest number were sent to
the Hector and La Brave, two line of battle ships
which were unfit for his majesty's service at sea,
and were now used for the confinement of priso-
ners of war. These were placed under the com-
mand of a lieutenant, master's mate, midshipman,
and about twenty invalid seamen ; there is also a
«;uard under the command of a lieutenant, ensign'.
12
and corporal, consisting of thirty-five soldiers to
each or these ships.
The Hector and La Brave lie about two miles
ftvm Plymouth, well moored by chain moorings.
Captain Edward Pelew, of the royal navy,the agent
for prisoners of war, resides at this place. On
the reception of all prisoners into their respec-
tive prison ships, they were obliged to undergo a
strict examination concerning their birth, place
of residence, and age ; a complete and minute
description of their person in all respects was ta-
ken down in writing. After the examination,
there was delivered to each man a very coarse
and worthless hammock, with a thin coarse bed-
sack, with at most not more than three or four
pounds of flocks ui chopped rags, one thin coarse
and sleazy blanket ; this furniture of the bed-
chamber was to last for a year and a half before
we could draw others. After the distribution of
the bedding, we were informed of the rules and re-
strictions which we must strictly observe. Eve
ry ship has a physician attached to it, who is ever
to be on board, and when any prisoner is sick, he
is to repair immediately to a certain part of the
ship for medical aid ; but seldom has he any at-
tention paid him till the moment of dissolution,
the doctors paying but little attention to the suf-
fering prisoners, although a prisoner is seldom or
13
never suffered to expire on board ; for at the mo-
merit death seems inevitably approaching, the
prisoner is removed to a ship lying near by, called
the hospital ship, where if he happen to survive
the removal, he receives much better treatment
and attendance ; but when once removed to that
ship, they may bid adieu to their fellow prisoners,
and most of them to sublunary things ; for not
more than one out of ten ever recovers.
We were then informed, that the Transport
Board had most graciously and humanely, for the
health and happiness of the prisoners, imposed on
them the following duty ; to keep clean the ship's
decks and hold ; to hoist in water, provisions,
coal, and every other article expended or used in
the ship ; and also to permit the prisoners to cook
their own victuals, which consisted of the follow-
ing rations allowed by the English government :
To each man one pound and a half of very poor
coarse bread, half a pound of beef, including the
bone, one third of an ounce of salt, and the same
quantity of barley, with one or two turnips, per
man. These were the rations for five days in the
week ; the other two were fish days, the ra-
tions for which were one pound of salt fish, the
same weight of potatoes, and the usual allowance
«rf bread.
Be
14
The confinement, and this scanty and meager
diet for men who were brought up in a land of
liberty, and ever used to feast on the luscious
fruits of plenty, soon brought on a pale and sick-
ly countenance, a feeble and dejected spirit, and a
lean, half animate body. This bad state of liv-
ing, 1 solemnly believe, has been the serious cause
of inducing many valuable citizens of the United
States to enter the king's service, to the great
injury of their country.
The prisoners are counted every night as they
are ordered below by the guard ; and every mor-
aing, about sun-rise, each prisoner is obliged to
*; take up his bed and walk ;" for he is ordered
to shoulder his hammock and go on deck, and be
counted with it on his shoulder. He then leaves
his hammock on deck all day, and has permission
to go below or remain on deck, as best suits his
convenience.
No prisoner is permitted to hold any corres-
pondence, except by unsealed letters passing
through the hands of the Board of Transport. No
boat is permitted to come along-side the ship, un-
less by permission of the commanding officer, and
then must be strictly examined by the sentry, to
prevent any liquor, newspapers, or candles, front
coming among the prisoners \ these being proh'V
15
foited by the gracious and humane Board of Trans-
port.
For consolation in our present miserable con-
3 dition, we were informed that the said honourable
Board had indulgently permitted the American
prisoners to establish and carry on any branch of
manufacture, except such as netting, woollen fa-
x brics, making straw hats and bonnets, &c. &c. ; or
rather, they prohibited every branch of manufac-
i tory which they were capable of pursuing. At
I this time they could have carried on the making
of straw into flats for bonnets with very conside-
rable advantage, as almost every sailor was more
or less capable of working at this art, and, by
strict attention to the business, could have earned
six or eight pence sterling per day : but this was
not permitted, and we considered this prohibition
a contrivance of the agents of government to in-
duce the prisoners to enter his majesty's service.
Their situation was now so abject and wretched,
that they were willing to embrace any opportu-
nity where there was the least prospect of better-
ing their condition, however repugnant to their
feelings or sentiments ; and though their country's
interest was ever nearest to their hearts, yet,
through the faint hope of ameliorating their con-
dition, and some day or other of returning to
*heir native land, their wives and families, some of
16
less fortitude were induced to join in arms agains1
their country. It could not be a crime ; for sel£
preservation is the first law of nature.
From the first of our imprisonment, which was
shortly after the commencement of the war, pri-
soners were constantly arriving, and immediately
disposed of in one or other of these depots : —
among them were great numbers of American sea- 1
men who had been delivered up from the different
ships of war in the English service, on board or
which they had remained from one to ten years ]
and after receiving many dozen lashes at the gang-1
way of the ships, were sent to prison with the ap-
pellation of " damned rebellious villains, unfit for
his majesty's service 1"
During the fall of the year one thousand eight
hundred and twelve, until April in one thousand
eight hundred and thirteen, the English had col-
lected at the following depots the number herein-
after mentioned, who were mostly prisoners deli-
vered up from ships of war, and citizens of the
United States detained in them for some time be-
fore. At Chatham were collected about nine hun-
dred ; at Portsmouth, about one hundred ; and at
Plymouth, about seven hundred. These unfortu-
nate men had often made application to Mr. Beas-
ley, the agent for American prisoners of war, who
ided in England, but were never able w ob-
17
tain an answer from him. At this time, great
numbers of the oldest prisoners were completely
destitute of clothing, and the most active and
cleanly unable to avoid being covered with ver-
min.
On the second of April, one thousand eight hun-
dred and thirteen, the Transport Board, appre-
hending the escape of the prisoners, in conse-
quence of their repeated threats to that purpose,
issued an order to Captain Pelew, then agent for
prisoners at Plymouth, to make preparation for
removing all the prisoners then confined on board
of the Hector prison-ship, at Plymouth, to the
depot at Dartmoor, in the county of Devon, si-
tuated seventeen miles from Plymouth, in the back
country.
These orders were accordingly made known to
the prisoners 5 and on the morning of the third
of April, they were. ordered on deck, with their
hammocks, baggage, &c. in readiness to march to
a prison, the very name of which made the mind
of every prisoner " shrink back with dread, and
startle at the thought ;" for fame had made them
well acquainted with the horrors of that infernal
abode, which was by far the most dreadful prison
in all England, and in which it was next to impos-
sible for human beings lon^ to survive,
18
Two hundred and fifty dejected and unhappy
sufferers, already too wretched, were called, each
of whom received a pair of shoes, and his allow-
ance of bread and salt fish. Orders were then
immediately given, for every man to deliver up
his bed and hammock, and to repair forthwith in-
to the different launches belonging to the ships of
war, which were along-side the ship, ready to re-
ceive them. The prisoners entered, surrounded
by the guards and seamen belonging to the Hec-
tor and La Brave. We were landed at New Pas-
sage, near Plymouth, and were placed under the
guard of a company of soldiers, equal in number
to the prisoners ! Orders were then given to
march at half past ten in the morning, with a po-
sitive injunction that no prisoner should step out
of, or leave the ranks, on pain of instant death.
Thus we marched, surrounded by a strong guard,
through a heavy rain, and over a bad road, with
only our usual and scanty allowance of bread and
fish. We were allowed to stop only once during
the march of seventeen miles.
We arrived at Dartmoor late in the after part
of the day, and found the ground covered with
snow. Nothing could form a more dreary pros-
pect than that which now presented itself to our
hopeless view. Death itself, with the hopes of
19
hereafter, seemed less terrible than this gloom)
prison.
The prison at Dartmoor is situated on the east
side of one of the highest and most barren moun-
tains in England, and is surrounded on all sides,
as far as the eye can see, by the gloomy features
of a black moor, uncultivated and uninhabited, ex-
cept by one or two miserable cottages, just dis-
cernible in an eastern view, the tenants of which
live by cutting turf on the moor, and selling it at
the prison. The place is deprived of every
thing that is pleasant or agreeable, and is produc-
tive of nothing but human woe and misery. Even
riches, pleasant friends and liberty could not make
it agreeable. It is situated seventeen miles dis-
tant from Plymouth, fourteen from the town of
$toorton, and seven from the little village of Ta-
vastock.
On entering this depot " of living death," we
first passed through the gates, and found, our-
selves surrounded by two huge circular walls, the
outer one of which is a mile in circumference
and sixteen feet high ; the inner wall is distant
from the outer thirty feet, around which is a chain
of bells suspended by a wire, so that the least
touch sets every bell in motion, and alarms the
garrison. On the top of the inner wall is placed
■a guard at the distance of every twenty feet,
20
which frustrates every attempt to escape, and in-
stantly quells every disorderly motion of the pri-
soners. Between the two walls and over the in-
termediate space, are also stationed guards. The
soldiers' guard house, the. turnkey's office, and
many other small buildings, are also within these
two circular walls. Likewise several large com-
modious dwelling-houses, which are occupied by
the captain of the prison, doctor, clerks, turn-
keys, &c. &c. Inside of the walls are erected
large barracks, capacious enough to contain one
thousand soldiers, and also a hospital for the re-
ception of the sick. No pains have been spared
to render the hospital convenient and comfortable
for the sick prisoner. And certainly much credit
is due to the director of this humane institution,
whoever he may have been, for the attention paid
to this most important appendage of an extensive
prison. These last mentioned buildings, and
several small store-houses, are enclosed by a third
wall. These three ranks of walls form in this
direction a barrier which is insurmountable.
Thus much for the court-yard of this seminary
of misery ; we shall next proceed to give a de-
scription of the gloomy mansion itself. On en-
tering, we found seven prisons enclosed in the fol-
lowing manner, and situated quite within all the
wails before mentioned. Prison No. I . 2 and S,
are built of hard, rough, unhewn stone, three sto-
ries high, one hundred and eighty feet long and
forty broad ; each of these prisons, on an average,
are to contain fifteen hundred prisoners. There
is also attached to the yard of these prisons a
house of correction, called a cachot ; this is built
of large stone, arched above and floored with the
same. Into this cold, dark, and damp cell, the un-
happy prisoner is cast if he offend against the
rules of the prison, either willingly or inadver-
tently, and often on the most frivolous pretence.
There he must remain for many days, and often
weeks, on two thirds the usual allowance of food,
without a hammock or a bed, and nothing but a
stone pavement for his chair and bed. These
three prisons are situated on the north side of the
enclosure, as is also the cachot, and separated
from the other prisons by a wall. Next to
these is another, No. 4, which is equally as
large as any of the others ; this is separated
from all the others by a wall on each side, and
stands in the centre of the circular walls.
Adjoining to this, are situated, in rotation, pri-
sons No. 5, 6, and 7, along the south side of the
circular wall. To each prison is attached a small
yard, with a constant run of water passing
through it.
C
22
After viewing this huge pile of building, and
obtaining what little information we were able at
this time, we were informed that these seven pri-
sons contained a small family of French people,
consisting of about eight thousand, who were al-
so prisoners of war. Among these fluttering,
ghastly skeletons, we were directed to take up
our abode, and 'distribute ourselves as well as we
could.
We received our usual hammock and bed, and
in conformity with our orders, repaired separately
to one or other of six of these prison- ; the se-
venth being allotted to those criminals who had
committed misdemeanors, such as murder, lar-
ceny on their fellow-prisoners, and other heinous
©flences, which too frequently occurred.
We entered the prisons ; but here the heart of
every American was appalled. Amazement struck
the unhappy victim ; for as he cast his hopeless
eyes around the prison, he saw the wafer con-
stantly dropping from the cold stone walls on eve-
ry side, which kept the floor (made of stone) con-
stantly wet, and cold as ice.
All the prison floors were either stone or ce-
ment, and each story contained but one apart-
ment, and resembled long vacant horse stables.
There were in each story six tier of joists for the
prisoners to fasten their hammocks to. The
2'.?
Ct
hammocks have a stick at each end to spread
them out, and are hung in the manner of cots,
four or five deep, or one above the other. On
each side of the prison is left a vacancy for a pas-
sage from one end of the prison to the other. We
were then informed that the prisoners must be
counted out and messed, six together, every morn-
ing by the guards and turnkeys.
During the month of April there was scarce a
day but more or less rain fell. The weather
here is almost constantly wet and foggy, on ac-
count of the prison being situated on the top of a
mountain, whose elevation is two thousand feet
above the level of the sea. This height is equal
to the plane on which the clouds generally float
in a storm, the atmosphere not being dense
enough to support heavy clouds much above that
height ; almost every one that passes that way
envelopes the top of the mountain in a thick fog
and heavy torrent of rain. In winter the same
cause makes as frequent snows as rain in summer.
It is also some degrees colder during the whole
year than in the adjacent country below. This
too is occasioned by the great elevation of the
top of the mountain, which is above the atmos-
phere heated by the reflected rays of the sun
upon the common surface of the earth, and being
small of itself, reflects but little heat. These
24
two causes combined, produce constant cold and
wet weather.
Information was brought us that all prisoners in
England were placed on a naval establishment, and
under the direction of a naval officer. Capt. Isaac
Cotgrave, of the royal navy, was the agent for
prisoners of war at this depot. The Transport
Board directed that a market should be held every
day, in front of each prison yard. This market
was supplied with provisions by the inhabitants of
the adjacent country ; twenty or thirty of whom
came every day, and furnished it with every kind
of country produce. They were not allowed to
impose on the prisoners, by demanding an exorbi-
tant price for their produce ; the prices of every
article were fixed by the turnkeys before they en-
tered the yard, according to the prices in the
nearest market-town. No person was permitted
to enter within the first gate, without being strictly
examined as to their business, and without giving
a satisfactory account of themselves ; if they did
this, they were then permitted tc enter and begin
their trade.
At the market, the French prisoners carry on a
great traifick. They buy and sell, and are, ap-
parently, as happy as if they were not imprisoned.
Brit the Americans are not £o ; — they long for that
(O K
Jut J
land of liberty, so dear to them, and sigh i'or
their distant home.
As this depot seems to be the most interesting
scene of misery, we shall confine ourselves more
particularly to the events which occurred here ;
only touching, occasionally, upon the most im-
portant events of the few prisoners at the other
depots.
From the commencement of the war, and pre-
vious to April 1813, a great number of priso-
ners had been sent home, by exchange. Numbers
died, and some entered the service of Great Britain.
The names of those who died, and those who en-
tered the service, is mentioned in the catalogue
hereunto annexed. About the first of May, Capt.
Cotgrave gave orders to have all the American
prisoners collected from the different prisons, and
transferred to prison No. 4.
In this prison were about nine hundred of the
most abject and outcast wretches that were ever
beheld. French prisoners, too wicked and mali-
cious to live with their other unfortunate country-
men : they were literally and emphatically naked ;
having neither clothing or shoes, and as poor and
meager in flesh as the human frame could bear. — ■
Their appearance was really shocking to human
feeling. The mind cannot figure to itself any
thing in the shape of men, which so much resem-
C2
26
bled the fabled ghosts of Pluto, as these naked and
starved French prisoners. Much of the misery
and wretchedness of these creatures was owing to
their imprudence and bad conduct.
These men were now to be our associates, and
we deprived of the privileges allowed heretofore
to prisoners of war. As the gate of this yard is
always kept shut, we could have no advantage of
the markets, or connexion with the other prisoners ;
while the French prisoners, in the other prisons,
were allowed those benefits*
The American prisoners now began to experi-
ence a new scene of distress ; — the little clothing
they had when they were taken, was either worn
out or disposed of at a very reduced price, (not
more than one tenth of the value.) to buy the very
necessary articles of soap and tobacco.
We remained in this situation, during the month
of May, one thousand eight hundred and thirteen,
close confined in prison No. 4, with the liberty of
that one yard. We often demanded of Capt. Cot-
grave, the reason why such distinction was made
between the American and French prisoners ; but
were never able to obtain any other reason, than
that his orders were issued from the Transport
Board to :!o so. This month we received letters from
our Fellow-prisoners at Chatham^ and those on
board Uie prison Ships at Plymouth ; who iiubrm-
21
ed us of every particular of their situation at boil
places ; but they were comparatively well off, when
compared with our situation. The prisoners at
Plymouth informed us, that other prisoners arri-
ved there daily, and that they expected shortly to
be removed, and to participate with us in the suf-
ferings and misery of Dartmoor.
On the twenty-ninth of May, the garrison which
we found here, was removed and supplied by new
regiments of soldiers. We learned, that no regi-
ment is stationed here more than two or three
months at a time. These guards consist of about
twelve or fifteen hundred soldiers, who have been
guilty of some oflence, disobedience of orders, or
neglect of duty ; and are sent here as a punish-
ment. By these soldiers we were informed of
the particulars of the actions of the Java and
Peacock.
At this time we made known, in as respectful
a manner as we could, all the particulars of our
unhappy situation to Mr. Reuben G. Beasley, agent
for American prisoners of war. We informed him
that our allowance was too scanty, that the whole
day's allowance was scarcely enough for one meal,
that the greater part of the prisoners were in a
state of nakedness ; and also, that great numbers
had enlisted out of the prison, into the king's ser-
vice.— That they had been compelled to do it, in
28
hopes to better their condition, and indeed to pre-
serve life. For, as they were wholly neglected by
the agent of their country, they saw no other means
by which it was possible to preserve existence, —
or ever to return to their country ; as they totally
despaired of any exchange.
At the same time we informed him, that unless
something was done soon for our relief, we must all
either (though reluctantly) enter the service of
the enemy, or fall a sacrifice to famine and want.
We informed him also of the distinction which
was made between the French and American priso-
ners. The former were allowed many privileges
and advantages, which were denied the latter ; and
that our treatment was contrary to what we con.
sidered the custom and usage of civilized nations
in modern warfare. That we were hurried into
the prison-house before dark, locked up, to remain
without any light or tire till seven or eight o'clock
in the morning.
! a prisoner had to leave his hammock, per
necessitalcm, he was obliged to grope from one end
of the prison to the other, and often could not re-
gain it during the whole night.
To all these petitions, complaints, and remon-
strances, Mr. Beasley returned no answer, nor took
any notice of them whatever; which, ol course, made
every prisoner despair of any relief from him. —
29
, These letters could not miscarry, or be intercept-
ed ; for we had formed a course of correspondence
wi th several very respectable mercantile houses in
London, through which our letters were sure to
reach Mr. Beasley by private conveyance.
The month of June commenced with deep dis-
tress ; for disease was then added to nakedness
and famine 5 and we were still more severely dealt
by. For Doctor Dyer, who was head surgeon of
the Hospital-department, would not permit an
American prisoner to be brought into the Hospi-
tal, until his complaint was completely confirmed,
and often not until he was so weak, and reduced
so low, that it would take four men to remove him
on his hammock. For this conduct, he justified
himself by saying, that he had been acquainted
with the impositions of the Americans during the
revolutionary war, and that these impositions were
not to be played off on him any more.
A moment's reflection must have convinced him,
(that it was impossible for these men not to be sick,
in their starved, naked, and wretched condition ;
sleeping in a prison, whose walls were constantly
wet and cold, occasioned by the constant rainy,
foggy, and damp weather on this mountain.
But he refused to admit the American prisoners
into the Hospital, because, he said, such numbers
would breed every kind of pestilence and disease
30
among the French prisoners. We attributed tb
Is to the shameful and criminal neglect of
Agent of American prisoners, whose conduct de-
serves the; severest censure of every prisoner, i
require? a strict and impartial investigation bv
authority of his country.
From the first to the fifteenth of May- we were
every day called out of the prison and counted, to
see if any remained in prison. The soldiers then
entered the prison, and searched every hammock; if
they found any prisoner, he was hastened out into
the yard, though they were often found so weak
and feeble, that it required assistance to enable
them to walk.
The guards discharged this duty with great re-
luctance ; their feelings often revolted, when com-
pelled to do this unkind office, and though accus-
tomed to scenes of distress, were very sensibly
touched at the miserable situation of these their
fellow beings.
On the eighteenth of May, we received letters
from the other depots, and were informed that
there were seven hundred prisoners at Plymouth,
on board the Hector, which was so much crowded,
that Captain Pelcw, of the Royal Navy, and princi-
pal agent of the Board, had received orders from
the Board, to remove the prisoners to other depots,
cither to that of Chatham, Dartmoor, or Stapleton,
31
ft is near Bristol. This last place was fixed
on by the Board as a necessary precaution to pre-
vent any disturbance, which was apprehended
might arise, should too many American prisoners
be confined in one place.
Accordingly, on the twehtjr-eightfe. Captain Pc-
lew ordered two hundred and fifty to be landed
from the Hector, and marched to Dartmoor. They
arrived there on the same day, ajjd after going
through the same manoeuvre as the first draft, they
were committed to No. 4. These, together with
the former draft, made four hundred and seventy
Americans, and seven hundred naked outcast
French, all intermixed in one prison.
Care was taken to keep the yard of this prison
always locked, to prevent us from going to mar-
ket. By this means, all we obtained from the
market came through the hands of the French pri-
soners in the other prisons, who obliged us to pay
twenty-five per cent, above the market price for
all we had. At this time, about thirty were mis-
sifig out of the number, some dead, and others had
enlisted into the king's service.
On the twenty-ninth, fifty more American pri-
soners were transported from on board the Hec-
tor, in a ship of war, round to Chatham. Two
only at a time were permitted to come on deck ;
the others were compelled to remain below, with-
§2
out hammock, bed, or blanket. I leave tlie reader
to judge whether this measure arose from wanton
cruelty in those immediately concerned, or whe-
ther it was absolutely necessary to prevent their
escape, or rising and taking the ship, which had
her whole crew on board.
On the thirtieth, two hundred prisoners were
ordered to go ashore, who accordingly made them-
selves ready, and landed at New Passage, under a
guard of seamen and marines. Here they were
received by a guard of soldiers, consisting of two
hundred and fifty, who were to convey them on
ibot one hundred and thirty-four miles to Staple-
ton, within a few miles of Bristol.
Stapleton is a pleasant situation, and is a fine
healthy country ; but the fatigue of the journey*,
the restrictions and inconvenience to which the
prisoners were subjected, presented to them a
melancholy prospect.
At tlie commencement of their journey, they
were provided with a shilling (twenty-two and a
half cents) per day, for their travelling expenses.
This was all the allowance made them to purchase
food, drink, 'and lodging : and they were to per-
form the whole journey in eight days. They were
also particularly enjoined not to leave the ranks
on pain of death, and the guard had orders to
despatch any prisoner who should attempt to es-
33
cape. The particulars of their march, their arr-
val at Stapleton, and treatment at that place, will
be mentioned hereafter.
On the 1st of July, two hundred more were or-
dered from on board the Hector, to march and
share with us the miseries of Dartmoor. They
were landed as usual, and marched under a strong
guard to that mountain of wretchedness, and af"
ter passing through the usual forms at their arri-
val, were received into Prison No. 4, and might
justly have exclaimed, in the language of an emi-
nent poet, " Hail, horrors ! hail, thou profoundest
hell • receive thy new possessor." For every one
ordered to this prison, counted himself lost.
On the third of July, another draft of prison-
ers, consisting of about two hundred and fifty,
were taken from the Hector, and sent to Staple-
ton, under the usual guard, allowance, and re-
strictions.
The fourth of July, the birth-day of our nation,
had now arrived. The American prisoners, feel-
ing that fire of patriotism, and that just pride and
honour, which fills the bosom of every American,
when that great day of jubilee arrives, roused all
their drooping spirits, and prepared to celebrate
it in a manner becoming their situation. We had
by some means obtained two American standards '
and being upward of six hundred in number, we
D
34
divided into two columns, and displayed our flags
at each end of the prison. Of the propriety of
the proceedings, I leave the reader to judge. We
were, however, resolved to defend them till the
last moment : but Captain Cotgrave, either from
a determination to depress our spirits as much as
possible, that we might the more readily be indu-
ced to enter the service of the king, or that an
enemy's flag should not be hoisted in their coun-
try, ordered the turnkeys to enter the prison-yard,
and take the colours from us. We returned him
an answer, that the day was the birth-day of free-
dom, and the anniversary of our nation ; and that.
he would confer on us a particular favour, if he
would permit us to enjoy it with a decorum and
propriety suited to our situation as prisoners of
war. We added this arrogant condition, that u
he should persist in attempting to take that flag
which we should ever respect, in whatever coun-
try we were, he must abide by the consequences.
Captain Cotgrave, being irritated at this haughty
and independent language, ordered the guard into
the prison-yard to take the standards from us.
An obstinate resistance was made. After some
time spent in fighting for the flags, the guard ob-
tained one : the prisoners bore oft* the other in
triumph, and secured it. The remainder of the
day was spent in harmony and quietness. At
35
evening, when the guards came as usual to turn
us into the prison, a dispute arose upon the piti-
ful revenge sought for in depriving the prisoners
of their flag. This soon grew into an affray ; the
guards fired upon the prisoners, and wounded
two, which ended the affray.
From the disturbance on the evening of the
fourth, nothing remarkable took place, the priso-
ners being generally tolerable quiet and peace-
able till the tenth, when a dispute arose between
the French and American prisoners in the yard of
No. 4 ; the dispute was quite warm, and pervaded
nearly all the prisoners of both nations, each of
whom espoused the cause of his fellow prisoner.
Things were not pushed to extremities this even-
ing, the hour to turn in prevented their further
progress ; but animosities had not subsided. At
this time the French prisoners occupied the two
upper stories of prison No. 4 ; they consisted of
about nine hundred outcasts from the other pri-
sons, as we had occasion to mention before.
They had during the night, with malice prepense,
concerted a plan to massacre the Americans.
With this design, they had provided themselves
with knives, clubs, stones, staves, and every kind
of weapon they could obtain.
36
Thus armed, they had managed to be in the
yard first in the morning, and arrayed themselves
to give battle as soon as a sufficient number of
Americans should come out. Accordingly, when
about one hundred and twenty had entered the
yard, this group of naked malignity began the
attack with desperate fierceness ; the Americans,
unsuspicious of an attack, were of course unarm-
ed, and at first could make no resistance ; but after
recovering from the surprise which so sudden an
attack had created, they made an attempt to ral-
ly ; but the Frenchmen cutting oft' their retreat
into the prison and preventing those within from
joining or rendering any assistance, soon caused
the Americans to fall a prey to their superior
number. Before the guards could interfere to
prevent the farther proceedings, the Americans
were mostly stabbed or knocked down with hea-
vy stones, and mangled in a most shocking man-
ner. What would have been the issue, had not
the guards entered, and by charging on both par-
ties put a stop to the battle, is difficult to tell.
On examining the wounded, fortunately none
were killed ; it appeared that about twenty on
both sides were badly, and many others slightly
wounded. The former were taken to the hospi-
tal, and though apparently dangerous, in a short
time all recovered. Captain Cotgrave immedi-
ately informed the Board of Transport of this un-
happy event ; but painted it in such dark colours
on the side of the Americans, that the Board gave
answer, that the Americans were totally different
from all other men, and unfit to live in any so-
ciety. " If the household be devils, what is the
master of the house ?" Did not the Americans
descend from England ?
The yard of No. 4 was ordered to be divided,
which wras done by a wall fifteen feet high, which
cut off all communication with the Americans, and
their late meager associates. This act, though
it seemed to have been done to injure the Ameri-
cans, certainly created no regret ; for instead of
doing them an injury, it was a great relief to be.
disencumbered of that outcast tribe.
A spark of momentary joy may burst through
the darkest clouds of grief, and hope for a mo-
ment make us forget our miseries. On the twen-
ty-ninth of this month, Captain Cotgrave received
orders to remove one hundred and twenty Ameri-
cans from this prison to Chatham, which was to
be the complement of a cartel ship then lying at
that place ; this embraced the greater part of the
prisoners captured before January 1813. There
remained of those captured, before and after that
time, 1200 at Chatham, 400 at Stapleton, and a
few less than 500 at Dartmoor, some on board
D2
38
the prison ships, and a number of officers on parole
at Ashburton. The greater part of these had been
delivered up from ships of war.
At the close of this month, forty-five were
found to have entered the service of the enemy,
and fifteen had died at this place, seven or eight
at Chatham, and not one at Stapleton.
At the commencement of August, we found
ourselves limited and very much straitened in our
t-egulations. We were not permitted to go out of
the yard. A more alarming scene of distress
ihan any we had before experienced, now pre-
sented itself before us, and death seemed to be
the inevitable lot of every man.
The King of Terrors daily reached forth his
inexorable hand, and removed the sufferer from the
pale of this clay tenement ; for the small-pox had
^ot among the prisoners, and its ravages were so
alarming, that every prisoner expected each day
would be his last •, for numbers died daily.
The prisoners who remained able, collected
themselves together, and formed a committee of cor-
respondence, who, by bribing the guards, convey-
ed letters daily to Mr. Beasley ; particularly de-
scribing their situation, that they were almost na-
ked, and defrauded by the Contractor of half
their rations, which before were but one third
enough. That the small-pox had got among them
39
and numbers died daily — that they were covered
with animalcula, and unless he could do something
for their relief, they must all perish together.
To these complaints he paid no kind of atten-
tion, neither came to see whether they were true
or false, nor cent any answer either written or
verbal.
The reader can easily figure to himself what
must have been our feelings, when five hundred
men, closely confined in one apartment, with that
mortal epidemick among them without any assis-
tance, or possibility of escape.
The evil must lie some where ; we were in doubt
whether to believe it was the will of the general
government, of the people at large of this country,
or whether it was not entirely the fault of our
Agent, in not seeing that all the officers in whose
immediate care we were, acted the honest part in
the performance of those duties, which both this
government and that of the United States had in-
trusted to them. It was not a general thing, and
the evil was near at hand. The prisoners at Ha-
lifax fared well ; they did not, nor could not, com-
plain ; prisoners in other places in England were
tolerably well provided for.
After so many fruitless applications to our agent,
we despaired of any relief from that quarter, and
then made application to Capt. Cotgrave, and de»
40
manded of him, what provisions the government
of England made for prisoners of war, when ne-
glected by their own government. He gave us
every opportunity to search out the fault, by pro-
ducing the following printed rules and regulations,
made by the T ransport Board.
;i The honourable Transport Board have made
arrangements with certain Agents or Contractors^
to supply all prisoners of war, as follows :
Each prisoner to receive per day, for five days
in the week, one and a half pounds of coarse
brown bread ; one half pound of beef, including
tbc bone ; one third of an ounce of barley : the
same quantity of salt ; one third of an ounce of
onions ; and one pound of turnips. The residue
of the week, the usual allowance of bread ; one
pound of pickled-fish, and just a sufficient quanti-
ty of coals to cook the same. These to be served
out daily by the Contractors."
We watched the Contractor, and found he wckh-
ed all the articles at once, neat weight ; and saw
him scrimp the weight, to fill his pocket out of the
prisoners' bellies.
On beef days, the whole is thrown into a large
copper, when it is sufficiently boiled, the bone is
taken out, and each mess, consisting of six, re-
ceives twenty-seven ounces of beef, and one gal-
lon and one pint of soup.
41
On the fish days, every mess boiled their pota-
toes and fish in a net made of rope-yarn, that they
might have it separately to themselves ; after it
was boiled, it was taken up in wooden buckets,
with which each mess were provided ; and each
prisoner, being also furnished with a wooden
spoon, sets round the bucket, on the wet floor, and
makes a fierce attack.
After making these, and some other demands,
which we considered ourselves entitled to, most
of which were immediately granted, but some de-
layed, as we shall note hereafter, our sufferings
were somewhat relieved.
Could not these have been removed by our
Agent long before ? We find but few men so
honest that they do not need looking to sometimes
by those who are interested in their honesty. —
These Contractors would have been as honest as
many other men with sharp looking after. Was
it not, then, the duty of Mr. Beasley to see that
the prisoners had what the government of England
allowed them ? If it was not, what was his duty 1
Was he sent there, as the log of wood in the fable
was sent by Jupiter into the pond, to be god for
the frogs ?
We found, by the printed regulations delivered
us by Capt. Cotgrave, the government allowed each
prisoner a hammock, one blanket, one horse-rug;
42 ,
:ind a bed, containing four pounds of flocks ; thest
•articles too were to serve us two years. By the
same regulations, the prisoners were to receive for
clothing, every eighteen months, one yellow
round-about jacket, one pair of pantaloons, and a
waistcoat of the same materials, as the government
of England allow for their soldiers ; and one pair
of shoes and one shirt, every nine months. The
shirt, though coarse, was a change which we had
not had for a long time before. All these we de-
manded and received ; we also received a woollen
cap, which was to serve us eighteen months.
I cannot leave this subject without some little
description of several of the articles of clothing.
I will begin with the cap, and take them in their
natural order, from head to foot.
The cap was woollen, about an inch thick, and
seemed to have been spun in a rope-walk, but
much coarser than common rope-yarn. The jacket
was not large enough to meet around the smallest
of us, although reduced to mere skeletons by such
continued fasting ; the sleeves came about half way
down the arm, and the hand stuck out like a spade :
the waistcoat was short; it would not meet before,
nor down to the pantaloons; thus leaving a space
between of three or four inches ; the pantaloons,
which were as tight as our skin itself, came down
to the middle of the shin. The shoes, which wa's
43
the pedestal for all the ornam?rtts above, were
made of list, interwoven and fastened to pieces of
wood an inch and a half thick. The figure we made
in this dress was no common one.
** Spectatum admissi visum teneatu amici ?"" Hor. A. P.
" My friends, were you admitted to see this sight,
could you keep from laughing V> When you see
us tackled, and put upon runners — skeletons as
we were.
By the regulations handed us, we also found
that the Board allowed a sweeper to every hun-
dred men, to sweep and keep clean the prison,
who was to be taken from among the prisoners,
and allowed by the government three pence per
day ; and one out of every two hundred was al-
lowed four pence halfpenny a day for cooking.
In like manner, a barber had three pence ; and
the nurses in the hospital, six pence a day. All
these offices were occupied by Frenchmen, as was
also the employments in the mechanic arts at six
pence per day.
During this month great numbers died of the
small-pox, and some of other diseases. Several
entered the king's service. Suspicions had ari-
sen, that several taken in arms against Great-Bri-
tain, were British subjects : they were conse-
quently taken out, and charged with having com-
mitted high treason. That they were taken m
44
afftfS against Great-Britain, was not denied ; bat
that they were her subjects, which was the most
essential part of the charge, could not be proved :
they were consequently acquitted, and remanded
to prison.
We had but one clear day during the whole
month of August.
September commenced, and we remained in the
situation just described. The prisoners continued
very sickly.
Men, otherwise commonly honest, when redu-
ced to extreme necessity, naturally resort to the
commission of crimes. It is a maxim strikingly
•.rue, that " hunger will break through a stone
wall ;" and it is equally true, that it will break
through all moral obligation. Honesty and inte-
grity are but mere chimeras in dire necessity. —
Such was our situation, that it resembled more a
state of nature than a civilized society. Petty
larcenies were daily committed among the prison-
ers ; brothers and the most intimate friends steal-
ing from each other. To provide a remedy
against this evil, we appointed a legislative body,
to form a code of laws for the punishment of all
such misdemeanors. A tribunal was also formed
to try and convict all criminals according to law
and evidence. Many were tried, found guilty,
and sentenced to receive twenty-lour lashes equal-
45
\y as severe as is given at the gangway of a man-
of-war ship.
To show the force of habit, though it is a vi-
cious one, we will give the reader a striking ex-
ample. Some of the prisoners were so attached
to chewing tobacco, that they sold all their day's
allowance of beef to the French at the gate, to
purchase one chew. They sometimes sold this al-
lowance to buy soap enough to wash one shirt,
but this was only enduring one evil to remedy a
worse.
By letters received from our fellow prisoner?
on board ' he Crowned Prince, and the Nassau,
prison ships at Chatham, we received information
that the Americans were distributed among the
French prisoners on board the several different
ships at that place, and very severely used ; that
they had vainly addressed Mr. Beasley, and that
several had died and numbers entered the British
service.
By letters received from Stapleton, we were in-
formed oi the particulars of their march from Fly-
mouth, which Ave promised to give the reader in a
former part of this work. The reader will re-
member, that at the commencement of their jour-
ney, they were allowed a shilling a day for travel-
ling expenses, and on their way, they had to pay
three pence a night to lodge in a barn, or sonic
E
46
public building, on straw ; as they were allowed
a shilling onl)r, this took one quarter of the
whole. With much ado they reached Stapleton ;
they found the prison at that place well con-
structed for the convenience of the prisoners,
within a short distance of the city of Bristol ;
which is the third city in England, and situated in
Somersetshire, at the coniiux of the river Avon,
with the small stream of the Froom, about ten
miles from the mouth of the Severn; these, and
several other small tributary streams, running
through a fertile country, bring into market all
kinds of provisions and fruits common to the
country, which are sold at a much cheaper rate
than at most other places in the kingdom. From
these sources, the market at Stapleton, which is
kept every day at the prison, is supplied with all
kinds of market produce. On their arrival they
found live thousand French prisoners. There
are three prisons enclosed and garrisoned in the
same manner as those at Dartmoor ; they vv ere
distributed among the French prisoners in the
different prisons. They had also written to Mr.
Beasley several times, and informed him, that their
situation was bad, although much better than that
at Dartmoor, and required his attention. Dm
he was determined to tnkc no notice. They
therefore concluded, that no arrangement was to
47
be made for their exchange, or that any assistance
was to be offered from the government of the
United States, made necessity an excuse for enter-
ing the service of the enemy of their country ;
which many did at that place.
How far this is a crime, when we consider the
quo animo ? I shall take this opportunity to show
what is the custom of nations, and what appears
to be the law of nature. It is said, " If a person
be under circumstances of actual force and con-
straint, through a well-grounded apprehension cf
injury to his life or person, this fear, or compul-
sion, will excuse his even joining with either rebels
or enemies in the kingdom, provided he leaves
them whenever he hath a safe opportunity."
Now to return to Dartmoor. At a time when
the prisoners had despaired of any relief, and be-
gan to reconcile themselves to their hard fate,
they were very agreeably surprised to hear that
Mr. Reuben G. Eeasley had condescended to visit
them, and then waited at the gate for admittance.
The idea, that their deliverer had come, diffused a
general joy through the whole prison, and " light-
ed up a smile in the aspect of woe." The sol-
diers and guards were ordered into the prison, and
turned out every man,, both sick and well ; over-
hauled the hammocks, swept the prison, and open-
ed the window-shutters : all £lth was removed'
48
and every thing made clean, for the first time
since our arrival. The guards were then station-
ed at the door, to prevent any prisoner from go-
ing in, to have any communication with the Agent :
we were told, that no man could speak to him,
or have any communication with him whatever.
At three o'clock, the entrance of Mr. Beasley was
announced by the turnkeys. We arranged our-
selves in the yard, in anxious expectation of the
glad tidings lie might bring. He appeared, at-
tended with his clerks, the clerks of the prison,
and a very numerous train of soldiers. As he
entered the yard of the prison, we presented a
frightful appearance, in our yellow uniform, wooden
shod, and meager, lantern-jaws. He felt the sight,
and seemed much surprised at the group. We
stood in silent expectation ; he moved along to the
prison -y but how were our feelings damped at this
moment ! when we expected from him the lan-
guage of consolation and relief, he only uttered,
in a careless tone to his clerks, " that he did not
think that the number had been so great j"
He entered, and cast his eyes around the cold
wet walls of the prison, and seemed to say, with a
shrug of his shoulders, " I am glad that it is not I
that is to live here." When he returned, we were
determined to have some conversation with him.
We therefore collected round him, demanded
49
wiiLit arrangements were made for our relief,
whether we must expect to remain in our present
condition ? Telling him, that if we must, that
we could not long survive ; and presenting him
with a list of names of those who had already en-
tered the king's service ; and telling him all the
particulars of our distress. He then opened his
mouth, and said, he had no power to do any
thing, nor any funds to do with : but he would
do his endeavour. We asked him the cause of so
great a difference in the treatment of the prisoners
here and at Halifax I There they had all the ne-
cessaries and conveniences of life ; here we had
none of them. We asked him to whom we should
apply for relief in future ? We told him we had.
been to great expense, heretofore, and much trou-
ble, in conveying letters to him, while he had not
thought fit to answer. He said the exchange of
prisoners was stopped for the present year, and
that we could not expect to have our condition
altered. With these unwelcome observations, he
went immediately out of the gates, and left us to
all the wretchedness of despair.
We returned into the prison, lamenting our fate,
Some cursed the day they were born ; some, the
day of their captivity ; some attributed all their
sufferings to the inattention of the Agent, and
others, to the government of the United States,
K2
50
We retired to our hammocks, and gave vent to our
feelings in sighs and tears.
The thought that we must forego all the endear-
ments of life, and perish together, in a foreign
country, among our enemies, was too much for our
feelings to bear. The groans of the disconsolate
and sick filled the whole prison. Our Agent not
empowered to act, and without funds. We had
now only to look to heaven, whose will it was to
bring us to this state, and through whose mercy
alone we could hope to find relief.
The winter was fast approaching, and the cold
upon this mountain was very severe. The small-
pox still continued, and the measles had got
among us, and great numbers were sick with both
diseases. The next day, conceiving they had no
other alternative, a great number entered the
British service ; rather hazarding the chance of
escape, and censure of their country, than to
trust life to the perils of this prison.
Although I am a little before some part of my
story, I must not forget to mention, that about
the middle of September, another draft was taken
from the Hector, now at Hamoaze, near Ply-
mouth ; among which were the crew of the Uni-
ted States' brig Argus, taken by the Pelican.
One Robinson, who had belonged to the Argus,
had declared, that several of the crew of that ves-
61
sel were British subjects. And immediately
seventeen, whom he pointed out, were taken and
conveyed on board the receiving ship, St. Salva-
dor, and put into close confinement, there to
await their trial and execution, should they be
found guilty. The boatswain, and a number of
others, wounded in the action, were conveyed to
the hospital, in Mill-prison at Plymouth.
At the end of this month a great number had
died, and numbers down with all complaints, pre-
valent in crowded camps or prisons. The weather
much like the month before.
By letters, received the tenth of October, from
Chatham and Stapleton, we were informed, that
Mr. Beasley had visited them, and his conduct and
language at those places were the same as at this
depot. By the letters from Chatham, we had an
account of eighteen making their escape, by cut-
ting a hole through the side of the Crown Prince,
at that place ; that afterwards the guard were in-
creased and more vigilant.
On the sixteenth, Capt. Cotgrave gave orders^
by directions of the Transport Board, to have all
these outcast Frenchmen in No. 4 collected. This
took four hundred and thirty-six from the prison,
and much relieved us.
Before I proceed on with the remainder of my
story, I cannot but here observe, the strange effect
52
habit and corruption have in changing our common
nature. They had been many of them ten years
in this prison in a state of perfect nudity, and had
been so for many years ; had slept upon the bare
stone-floor without covering for many years ; till
the flesh had acquired a sort of hardness, like the
stones themselves.
This was the effect of gambling, which had ac-
quired a greater power over them than hunger or
nakedness. Whenever they were supplied with
clothing, they never put them on, but turned to
gambling, till they had lost the whole. They had
often been supplied by their countrymen in the
other prisons, with hammocks, beds, and clothing :
but they no sooner got possession of them, than
they went to the grating of the other prisons, and
sold them, and gambled the whole away. It is diffi-
cult for the mind to conceive, how human beings
could be possessed of fewer virtues or more vices ;
cr how they could any further change their common
nature to a bestial one without the assistance of a
Supreme Being. It is a remarkable fact, that these
men (if they yet deserve the name) were more
healthy, though stark naked winter and summer
for ten years, than any prisoners at this depot ;
though to the number of nine thousand.
The French prisoners never received any assis-
tance from the French government, but depended
53
entirely on the British. Though I cannot praise
the general acts of the latter government, nor am
I disposed to flatter ; yet they did a humane act
which certainly deserves credit. They took these
four hundred and thirty-six Frenchmen out of this
prison, clothed them well, and put them on board a
prison-ship at Plymouth, separate from all other
men, except their guards, who carefully watched
them, and prevented them from disposing of their
clothes, and kept them decent during the remain-
der of their captivity.
In the six prisons, occupied by the French priso-
ners, is carried on almost every branch of the me-
chanick arts. They resemble little towns, being
mostly soldiers ; every man has his separate occu-
pation ; his work-shop, his store-house, his coffee-
house, his eating-house, &c. &c. ; he is employed
in some business or other.
There are many gentlemen of large fortunes
here, who having broke their parole, were com-
mitted to close confinement. These were able to
support themselves in a genteel manner ; though
they were prisoners, they drew upon their bankers
in other parts of Europe.
They manufactured shoes, hats, hair, and bone-
work. They likewise, at one time, carried on a very
lucrative branch of manufactory. They forged
54
notes on the Bank of England, to the amount oi
one hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling ;
and made so perfect an imitation, that the cashier
could not discover the forgery ; and very much
doubted the possibility of such imitation.
They also carried on the coining of silver, to a
very considerable advantage ; they had men con-
stantly employed outside cf the yard, to collect all
the Spanish dollars they could, and bring into pri-
son. Out of every dollar they made eight smooth
English shillings ; equally as heavy, and passed as
well as any in the kingdom.
Whether they are constituted by nature to en- ,
dure hardships, or so long confinement has got
them wonted to live in prisons, I will not venture to
say ; but they really seem easy under it, live well, .
and make money to lay up. nf
They drink, sing and dance, talk of their women
in the day-time, and, like Horace, dream of them at
Right ; but I have not heard of any issue by this
visionary connexion. But the Americans have not
that careless volatility, like the cockle in the fable,
to sing and dance when their house is on fire ovcr
them.
When any one has committed a crime, or be-
comes a nuisance among them, he is condemned,
and sent to No. 4, to remain during his captivity ;
so thf Americans must dwell among the damned.
60
6n the twenty-eighth, a large corps of French
prisoners, taken at the battle near St. Sebastian,
in Spain, arrived at this depot, and took their
abode among the other Frenchmen. At this time,
a very mortal distemper prevailed among the
French prisoners, that carried off eight or ten every
day.
When any one dies in the Hospital, his body is
removed to the Dead-house, a place made for
that purpose ; after being Stripped of his clothes,
shirt and all, (which go to the government, or the
nurse of the deceased.) the body is then opened,
to learn the nature of the disease ; it is afterwards,
quite naked, put into a coarse shell, made of rough
pine boards, and remains in the Dead-house for
several days, till a number is collected in the same
manner : when a sufficient number is heaped to-
gether to call their attention, a large hole is dug
back of the prison, and all thrown in together, with-
out form or ceremony.
The hospital department consists of a surgeon^
;wo assistants, and as many male nurses as are
necessary. Every morning, at nine o'clock, orders
are given, by the ringing of bells, that every priso-
ner, wanting relief or medical aid, must repair to
the Hospital to be examined, and receive prescrip-
tions •, he then returns to the prison, where he re-
mains till carried in again.
56
The sickness among the Americans somewhat
abated the latter end of this month. Many enter-
ed the king's service. As the recruiting officers
receive a premium on every soldier they enlist for
his majesty, they used every inducement in their
power. An officer belonging to a Dutch regiment.
thought it a good opportunity to mock de gildt, en-
tered the yard, and began to solicit men to enlist
into the regiments to go against the United States ;
but the Americans took this the greatest insult, that
such a booby should think of getting them to fight
against their country ; they soon hustled Mynheer
out of the yard, and frustrated all his hopes of
gain.
The majority of the prisoners used every
means in their power to prevent our countrymen
from entering the enemy's service. We often, on
discovering the intention of any one to enlist into
their service, fastened him up to the grating and
(logged him severely, and threatened to despatch
them secretly, if they did not desist ; but attempts
were vain ; they justified themselves on the plea
of self-preservation ; that there was a possibility
of escaping and saving their lives ; and if detected
by their country, their death was distant, but here
it was speedy and certain.
Capt. Cotgrave, perceiving the great exertiens
that were made to prevent any entering his ma-
jesly's service, adopted a plan to eneourage i&
When any one was known to be disposed that way,
he would send him a line, and inviie him to come
to the guard-house, where the other prisoners
could have no communication with him : here he
was kept till a number sufficient for a draft was
collected, then sent to Plymouth, and put on beard
a receiving ship, and received their bounty. About
one draft a month commonly took place.
November. The weather is much similar to that
of the state of New-York at the same season 5 rain,
snow, and hail, almost every day : the prisoners
without stockings, and many had been so un-
thoughtful of the future, as to sell their jackets to
buy food ; and the whole dress allowed them was
no more than sufficient in the most clement sea-
son, the prisons being always damp, and the
weather very ramy. We were allowed no fuel ;
some had also sold their hammocks, blankets, and
beds, to the French. These thoughtless wretches
were now obliged to sleep, or rather lie upon the
stones the whole night, and when there happened
a fine day, which was seldom, it was with the great-
est difficulty the guards could rouse them from
this stupor, and get them into the yard. We
dreaded the winter.
We received letters from our fellow-prisoners at
other prisons, informing us, that they had appked
^F
58
to Mr. Beasley, and advising us to do the same,
which we had already done ; they wished to be
informed of our situation ; this was done in
poetry.
The time had now expired for relieving the
present guard ; this being done, its place was sup-
plied by a Scotch regiment- Sympathy glowed
in the minds of these gallant fellows ; no nobler
act has nature done than form the heart that feels
for other's woes. They felt for ours, and though
enemies, at the peril of life relieved them ; it
was an act that superior beings might behold with
admiration. Touched with this tie of nature,
when ordered to bring out every prisoner into the
yard, sick or naked, they often pitied him, gave
him some relief, and left him behind ; though
ordered to cut him down or run him through, if
he offered to remain.
They supplied us with late papers, and gave us
all the account they could of the affairs in Ameri-
ca. They cheered us with the agreeable account
of the Essex, and her success in the South Seas : we
had friends that pitied us, though they could not
greatly relieve us.
About this time a few prisoners from Plymouth*
lately captured, and lately from the states, arrived
at this depot.
09
The news they bring of the success of the Ameri-
can arms, animates every soul, and for a moment
we forgot our troubles. By them the account of
the Bo^er and Enterprise, the complete victory of
commodore Perry on Lake Erie, is given us, but
no hope of exchange or prospect of peace. No
alteration in our treatment by government ; the
prisoners not permitted out of yard No. 4. The
French go any where through the several pri-
sons ; go to market, but the Americans net permit-
ted to. The government grew more strict in their
enlistments ; they would receive none but regularly
bred sailors, and no invalids.
At the latter end of this month a great number
of prisoners taken under the American flag claimed
a release from confinement, and showed that they
owed their allegiance by birth to powers in alliance
with Great Britain. To Holland, Sweden, and
other places, and are released on account of their
neutrality.
Weather very cold all the month. The prison-
ers without shoes or clothes, obliged to keep their
hammock. Fewer deaths than the month before.
Yard covered with snow.
Dec. cold increasing. Prisoners in despair.
Capt. Cotgrave ordered the prisoners to turn out
every morning at the hour of nine, and stand in the
yard till the guards counted them ; this generally
00
look more than an hour. Many of the prisoners
were without stockings, and some without shoes*
and many without jackets. They cut up their
hi tnkets to wrap up their feet and legs, that they
snight be able to endure the cold and snow while
thoy were going through this ceremony. We com-
plained to the captain of this practice, and told him
it v> as too severe for the prisoners to endure ; he
said it was his orders, and as agent he must obey
them. We reminded him of several instances that
must shock the heart of every feeling man, that he
himself was knowing to the day before. Several
©f these naked men, chilled, and benumbed with
cold, and being half starved, fell down lifeless in
his presence, and in presence of the guards and
turnkeys* This was a cruelty which exceeded
murder in any shape whatever ; to expose the na-
ked helpless prisoner to perish in the pitiless blast
of this bleak mountain, was an act that made our
hearts recoil with horror.
We remonstrated with the infamous author,
but all our supplications and remonstrances were
in vain ; the wretch was inexorable ; his feelings
had become callous by continuing so long among
the sufferings of the French prisoners. After
these men fell down in the yard, they Ave re taken
up and carried to the hospital, and with some dif-
ficulty were restored to life again *, they were thcr?
m
immediately sent back to prison, there to lie on tht
stone floor without bed or covering.
At this treatment I presume the reader will not
so much wonder that so many died, as he will that
any could live at all.
The name of Isaac Cotgrave, agent at Dart-
moor, of cruel memory, will ever be engraven in
odious characters on the mind of every American-
who witnessed his unparalleled cruelty.
On the 22d of this month, the iron sceptre was
wrested from his hand, and placed beyond his
reach. A new agent, Capt. Thos. G. Shortland,
at this time superseded Cotgrave. Shortland was
a man whose feelings had not yet grown callous by
being familiarized with human misery, and at his
nrst arrival he was shocked at the scenes of our
misery, which presented themselves in every shape
before him ; touched with compassion, he could not
continue the cruel practice of counting over the
prisoners every morning in the yard. He coun-
termanded the order, which his predecessor pre-
tended to have been commanded to put in force.
He declared to us, that he would do all in his pow-
er to procure us some relief from his government ;
that he himself would do all he could in his situa-
tion as agent, to assist us ; he very politely and
kindly offered to forward to Mr. Beasley, or to the
congress of the United States, any communication
F2
62
or petition which might procure us any relief.
He stated in feeling terms to the Board of Trans-
port, the real condition of the American prison-
ers. He ordered the doctors' assistants to visit the
persons daily, and to remove to the hospital all
the sick who had before been refused admittance.
He granted permission for two of the prisoners to
attend the market each day, and purchase such lit-
tle necessary articles as they were able, such as
soap, potatoes, tobacco, &c.
These relaxations in the morning of his power
seemed to promise a bright day ; but the noon
began to grow a little obscure, and we are sorry to
say, at last went down in blood, and left obscure
the bright traits of the morning.
The weather was incredibly cold upon this
mountain ; the moor, as far as the eye could ex-
tend, was covered with frost and snow ; the prison
walls, by being continually damp, had become like
solid ice, and the prisoners obliged to keep thei:*
hammocks, for being allowed no fire, had no other
means to keep themselves warm.
The rigour of treatment seemed somewhat re-
laxed ; for our friendly officers and Scotch guards
gave us as much relief and consolation as their sta-
tion would permit, and we endeavoured to culti-
vate their friendship.
63
According to Capt. Shortland's advice, and our-
own necessities, we again made application to Mr.
Bcasley. In this letter we informed him that wc
were fully of opinion that the United States would
sanction any reasonable overtures he should make
to prevent her citizens from starving or perishing
for want in a foreign prison ; that his being agent
for the United States, was sufficient power, and he
had a right to pledge the credit of the United
States, which was amply sufficient to procure any
sum requisite for our relief. We farther stated,
in the most unequivocal terms, that unless some
relief was given us soon, that the prisoners had
come to a unanimous and final determination to
oiler our services en masse to the British govern-
ment, and at the same time transmit to the Uni-
ted States a copy of all letters from us to him, and
set forth to congress all our reasons for so doing,
which would most undoubtedly cast all the blame
on him.
This month ended with increased cold and snow
failing daily. The prisoners did not go out of their
hammocks, only at dinner, which was the only meal
they had.
Jan. 1814. The year commences with as cold
weather as we ever experienced in the city of
New- York ; the buckets in the prison, in the short
space of four hours, froze ten or twelve quarts to
a solid, and the prisoners must inevitably have fro-
64
sea, were not the hammocks placed so near toge-
ther as to communicate the animal heat from one
man to another.
The running stream that supplied the prison
froze solid, and the weather was allowed to be col-
der than it had been for fifty years before.
On the 1st the snow was two feet on the level, and
began to snow again ; the cold somewhat abated,
and it continued snowing the greater part of the
time till the nineteenth ; it had now got to be four
feet on the level, and the drifts in the yards as
high as the prison walls, (fifteen feet) the water
all frozen, and the prisoners obliged to eat snow
for drink. The guards were all obliged to leave
the walls and retire to the guard house ; no sentery
on duty except in the barracks.
At midnight ; this dreary night, eight prisoners
thinking to take advantage of the night, to make
their escape, as no senteries were in sight, formed
a ladder, and with it ascended and descended the
first wall directly against the guard house, and in
ascending the second, the soldiers in the guard
house discovered them, and apprehended seven; the
eighth got quite over the wall, and made hie
escape. These seven were taken to the guard
house and there put into the black hole, which is
the place for prisoners that attempt to make their-
escape: the weather extremely cold, was likely to
(55
prove their last. But the fifth day they were re-
moved to the cachot, and remained on two-timcls
allowance, sleeping on straw for ten days. The
\ iinoners, soldiers, and officers, were now furnish-
ed witli salt provisions, which are always kept at
the prison against any emergency of this kind.
Every man upon the mountain was now much
alarmed, as only ten days stock of provision was
in reserve on the mountain, and there were now up-
wards of nine thousand French and American
prisoners, besides fifteen hundred soldiers and cill -
cers, doctors, and a numerous train of turnkeys.
The back house was at some distance, and the
snow drifted in, from ten to fifteen feet deep ; this
formed an impassible barrier ; but Capt. Short-
land, at the head of two hundred French prisoners,
all the horse of the garrison and clerks, turn-
keys, &c. after working one whole day, shovelled
a passage sufficient for wagons to pass. For
should the weather continue as cold as it then was,
all communication between that place and Ply-
mouth, whence the provisions were brought, being
totally stopped by the great depth of snow, they
were in great danger of starving. On the twenty
fifth the weather bes;an to moderate and the snow
began to dissolve.
The eighth man who made his escape had wan-
dered over tke moor, through the deep snow, til!
(>6
hy chance he came to a single hut on the moor,
the peasants suspected him to be a prisoner, as no
person could travel in such tedious weather, and
after examining him some time, he coniessed lie
had made his escape from prison. They brought
him back, and he received the same sentence as
his unsuccessful companions. During his absence
all the omcers and prisoners were much concern-
ed at the miserable fate they were confident he must
have shared, as it was impossible for him long to
live, for if he survived the storm, he must starve in
a few da}^s: but it seemed he had reached the hut
©n the second day, without being frozen in any part.
The officers and guards considering his attempt
so bold and fearless of death, and showed such a
noble longing for liberty, were really sorry to see
him brought back, and declared that a man so
dauntless as to dare such perils, deserved his li-
berty, and a reward ; and had it been in their
power he would have been released.
Here I must beg leave, though I fear the repe-
tition of our distress may tire the reader, to ap-
peal to the feeling of my fellow citizens at
this time at ease, beyond the great Atlantic :
what would you have done, could you have seen
your fellow citizens at Dartmoor, the coldest win-
ter there has been for half a century, without fire,
or light, during the night, without stockings, and
o;
many without shoes, and nearly naked, half starv-
ed, buried, in snow, upon the top of an uninhabi-
ted and uncultivated mountain, the camp distemper
among them, and overrun with vermin; great num-
bers dying, and death grimly threatening every
man.
Say, would you not have pitied and flew to their
relief, and left the gay circle of your amusement ?
But few entered the service of the enemy this
month: the wTeather being so very cold, they dread-
ed the removal to Plymouth.
Feb. 1814. The weather was more moderate.
3 nd snow dissolving very fast.
We received a letter from Mr. Eeasley, for the
first time since our confinement, which had conti-
nued ever since April 1813. This is the first scrap
riling any prisoner in England had ever re-
g eived from him ; it read as follows " Fellow citi-
zens, I am authorized by the government of the
United States to allow you one penny half-penny
per day, for the purpose of procuring you tobacco
and soap, which will commence being paid from
the first day of January, and I earnestly hope it
will tend towards a great relief in your present
circumstances. I likewise would advise you to
appoint a committee, by which means you can con-
vev to me any intelligence through the Board
of Transport.** Immediately after the reception
V:
6'
&t this letter j Vre formed a committee of six, si v..
besides myself who were to see that every man
had his money, and gave a receipt to Capt. Short-
land, who was authorized by Mr. Beasley to pay it.
In conformity to these arrangements, we re-
ceived, on the 5th of February, three halfpence
oer day (less than three cents). This
money uas to be paid every thirty-two days : as
one month had passed from the time it was to
commence, we received the payment for ail that
time. The day's allowance of cash would pur-
chase two pounds of potatoes, or three chews of
tobacco, which latter wars live shillings and &i*3p
pence sterling all over England. We returned to
Mr. Beasley a letter, acknowledging the receipt
of the money, and stated the great alteration this
little attention had made in the prisoners ; every
man was animated beyond description to find him-
self again acknowledged by the United States :
that before that time they concluded that during
the tv, elve months they had been immured in
prisons, so far from their country, that they were
entirely forgotten by her, and that she did not any
more remember she had such sons as those at
Dartmoor. The ^loom that bad so long clouded
their countenances now began a little to disap-
pear, and the prospect a little brightened, and we
hopes of life ; but still our nakedness was
69
grievous to bear. In a letter of thanks to our
government through the medium of Mr. Beasley,
we stated every particular of our situation, our
past and our present sufferings. We stated to
him, that it could not be possible that the Con-
gress of the United States had allowed that small
sum for those few articles, and had not made any
provision for clothing, which ought to have occu-
pied their first attention, for without clothes we
did not need soap. We must therefore con-
clude this sum was allowed by himself out of the
United States' funds, and that we were extremely
grateful for it ; that the United States, were they
acquainted with all the particulars of our situa-
tion, they would make immediately all requisite
arrangements for clothing, which his honour Mr.
Beasley must be well satisfied we were much in
need of. After this correspondence with Mr.
Beasley, we formed resohuxms to exp?d all gam-
bling, and were fully confident that some greater
arrangement would be made for us.
Before this sime seventy-five had entered the
British service out of nine hundred Americans at
this depot, but now not a man mentioned such a
thing ; he could not be persuaded to do it. This
shows how much effect so little attention of Mr,
Beasley had upon the prisoners. We, on the 22d
of this month, petitioned to have the black prison-
G
70
ers separated from the white, for it was impossi-
ble to prevent these fellows from stealing, al-
though they were seized up and flogged almost
every day. Our petition was granted, and we
greatly relieved, and the blacks, ninety in num-
ber, occupied the upper stories.
The weather greatly moderated, but vast
quantities of rain fell. The British governc ent
made an order to release all prisoners belonging
to the king of Prussia, taken under the flag of the
United States. A few da}^s after they issued a
general order that all prisoners belonging to any
nation with whom she was in alliance, under
whatever flag they were taken, should be releas-
ed. This order released many Americans who
were acquainted with different languages, and
could make a plausible story : the Yankees were
citizens of all nations whose language they knew.
At the close of this month we received letters
from our countrymen on board the prison ships
at Chatham, and likewise those at Stapleton, in-
forming us that they had received the same al-
lowance of three halfpence per day at both pla-
ces, at the same time that we received it. They
also sent a copy of a letter of Mr. Beasley, which
is the same as the one already mentioned. They
also mentioned that they bad had a very severe
winter, but it was not as severe there as at this
71
place. • The prisoners at Chatham, among
whom were great numbers, that had been released
from the British service, during the winter, had
received their wages and prize money ; which
as is usual with a generous hearted sailor, they
distributed for the e;ood of the whole. At the
depot at Stapleton, the American prisoners were
distributed among the French, who in many in-
stances were very kind.
On the last day of this month, by papers con-
veyed to us by our friendly Scotch guards, we
found an account of captain Porter's taking two
large South seamen, mounting 16 guns and up
wards of fifty men each. He says they surren-
dered without firing a gun ; that they were taken
by the boats of the Essex, and speaks rather
slightly of the courage of the British on those oc-
casions.
In March the weather began to be mild ; the
snow was now mostly gone ; the prisoners could
remain in the yard the greater part of the day,
and their spirits were much revived at the expec-
tation of receiving their penny halfpenny per
day in a lump ; but this was prolonged, and the
prisoners began to despond, as they had received
no information from Mr. Beasley since the second
of last month ; but on the fifteenth orders were
issued to pay it, and glad enough were we, fer
72
every man considered this little payment his sole
support.
The gates were now left open, and we had all
the privileges of the market which were allowed
the French ; we were allowed to go through all
the prisons, visit the French officers, and gain
all the information we could from London papers,
which many of the French officers took daily.
The French prisoners were much concerned at
the fate of their country when they learned the
success of the allies, as every prisoner had been
in the army or navy of Bonaparte, and were
much attached to the Emperor.
Having received no letters from Mr. Beasley.
we now gave up all hope of exchange, gave our-
selves up to our condition, and resigned our des-
tiny into the hands of Heaven to deal with us as
he pleased, during the long captivity which we
believed we had to endure ; for seeing the Eng-
lish papers filled with accounts of the success of
their arms in Europe, and every day declaring
their full confidence of a complete conquest of A-
merica, we could not expect peace, though this
boasting did not frighten us, for we knew the
strength and valour of the American people.
On the 18th we established a coffee-house in
our prison, as the French had in theirs, and sold
coffee at a penny a pint ; but you cannot think it
73
very delicious when I inform you that it could not
be bought under two and three pence per pound,
and molasses seventy per hundred weight. At
the same time some of the prisoners received mo-
ney from home, and all established themselves in
some kind of business. Some established them-
selves as tobacconists, others as potatoe-mer-
chants, butter merchants, and indeed almost all
kinds of merchandise were carried on in our pri-
son after we received our second payment : we
had " free trade and sailors' rights." We could
purchase any article of provision in the markets,
coffee, sugar, molasses, any thing the country af-
forded. The gates being now opened, we traded
with the French. We could buy potatoes at six
pence a score, butter at one and six pence per
pound, bread at three pence per pound, and ae
for meat, that was out of the question altogether.
Every man began to use all the economy he could,
which he perceived the French did. Some went,
to work for the French at making straw flats, at
which they could earn one penny per day. —
Others were employed in making list shoes, some
in the manufactory of hair bracelets, necklaces, &c,
while great numbers employed themselves in
working the bones we got out of the beef, in imita-
tion of the French, who were very ingenious, and
would form the most admirable and beautiful
G2
74
ships, plank, mast, and rig them all of bone. The
French, for their amusement, had regular plays in
a theatrical form, with very elegant scenery, once
a month. Hamlet's ghost was an easy part to act,
for they had only to show their -natural visage, be-
ing mere shadows themselves. They had excel-
lent music, and appropriate comic and tragic
dresses. They also had schools for teaching the
arts and sciences, dancing, fencing and music, and
each of these in great perfection. As numbers of
them were daily receiving money from France,
their prison was very rich. But No. 4, where the
sons of liberty had lived so long on the vapour of a
dungeon, when will the same be said of you ?
Perhaps some victim as unhappy as myself, when
some ten years have rolled away, and the human
mind, compelled by stern necessity to invent, and
I myself have found my quietus behind the prison
walls, may tell a sorry story of splendid misery
within your gloomy gates.
During the whole month of March the weather
was quite mild, and the prisoners gained their
health and strength greatly. On the 2 1st we de-
tected the contractor cheating us in our rations,
by giving scant weight. We immediately inform-
ed Capt. Shortland of the fraud, who examined in-
to the fact and had the cheating stopped, but gave
75
the conduct of the contractor a very easy term,
by saying it was a mistake.
Towards the close of this month many of the
Americans had obtained some remnants of gar-
ments from the French, and mostly all the boys
had got into the employ of the French officers as
waiters. Many of these little victims of war were
under thirteen, and there were many old men a-
bove the age of sixty imprisoned; both these
classes it has been considered contrary to the cus-
tom of nations to imprison. What use could it
be to sacrifice the aged or the child in a prison ?
I had sailed for many years in the employment
of merchants of England, and had ever had a most
exalted idea of the humanity and generosity of
that nation, but by woeful experience I found I
had been deceived. Many of my readers may,
perhaps, dispute the truth of what I have here
asserted, but I appeal to thousands of my coun-
trymen, who will testify the truth of what I have
said, and thousands who have suffered with me
will say,that the pen of Homer or Milton would
fall short in describing the miseries of Dartmoor.
Though the weather was quite mild at the end
of the month, yet as many of the prisoners were
almost naked, they suffered greatly for want of
more clothing.
76
On the last- day of this month we received a let-
ter from Mr. Beasley, being the second ever re-
ceived at this Depot from him.
I shall commence the transactions of April, by
giving a copy of the letter which we received the
day before.
Fellow Citizens^
In addition to the allowance of three half-pence
per day, which has heretofore been allowed, I
shall make remittance to Captain Shortland, to
enable you to have coffee and sugar twice a week,
that is, the days on which your rations consist of
fish ; my intention at first, was to have the arti-
cles themselves sent to be distributed, but it being
suggested to me by the committees at the other
depots that the value in money would be more
serviceable to the prisoners, I have determined to
allow three pence half-penny per man, two days
in the week, being the value of those articles, and
I hope the committee will find means to ensure its
being applied to the purpose intended. Yours &c.
R. G. BEASLEY.
With the letter was accompanied an additional
allowance, which augmented the sum to two pence
half penny, and we now received the sum of six
and eight pence on the eighth. This was to con-
tinue being paid monthly.
77
As it is natural to expect, this payment produ-
ced great spirits and animation among the prison-
ers, arid was as welcome as a thousand pounds
when we were free and had plenty. With this
money the prisoners purchased many little neces-
sary articles of clothing, such as shirts, shoes,
trowsers, &c. which could be bought very cheap
of the French, who always kept, stores of second
hand clothing, which were obtained from the offi-
cers.
The weather was fine for this place, and the pris-
oners healthy, and having obtained some few
clothes, and anticipating the reception of more, be-
gan to be quite comfortable in their situation,
when we compare it to the distress of that cold
winter they had just passed through.
Our little Salary ooomed to command some res-
oect from the turnkevs. soldier-officers and sub-
alterns, who were themselves as poor and meager
as Hamlet's apothecary. It brought us many in-
dulgences, such as, full liberty of the markets,
which before had been prohibited, and we compel-
led to purchase of the French at the gratings.
This was' a great benefit to us, for we could now
trade with the country people much cheaper.
To regulate our rations, we were also allowed to
appoint a committee of two to attend at the store
78
house to see that the contractor gave us weight in
those articles allowed by the board.
The day after we received our payment, we re-
ceived London papers containing an official ac-
count of the allies entering Paris, and the complete
defeat and downfall of Bonaparte. This news was
a sore affliction to the French prisoners, who were
passionately attached to the Emperor, and not
much less galling to the Americans, for now some
boasting pettimaitres among the British officers
would come into the yard, in the most taunting
vile manner, to sport with the feelings of the pris-
oners of both nations, for, said they, " we have con-
quered France, and have not the least doubt but
we shall shortly completely reduce the United
States to colonies of Great Britain, and your
haughty president become a mendicant vaga-
bond." This insoleace was too much for flesh and
blood to bear. They declared they could have
peace on any terms they wished, and although we
were yet prisoners of war, they considered us their
subjects.
Such language to prisoners who could not resent
it, showed that the authors of it could be nothing
better than the vilest caitiffs, and could flow from
nothing but the meanest of envy.
The French prisoners felt this conduct much
more severe than we ; for the conquest was a!~
79
really made, and they were obliged to look to &
master whom they hated, to one who was the
choice of their enemies, Lewis 18th.
Many gentlemen visited the prison to congratu-
late those unfortunate men, on their being restor-
ed to liberty, and thought that as they had been
many of them confined from five to eleven years;
they would rejoice at the idea of liberty under any
monarch. They presented the prisoners with the
old national flag, and advised them to wear the
white cockade, but they declared, in the presence
of those gentlemen, that they would prefer staying
in prison all their life time than to serve any other
master, or become subject to any other king than
Bonaparte, whom they loved. But the sequel will
show how lasting their determinations were, and
how like they were to their nation at large.
At this time to express their regret at the misfor-
tune of their beloved emperor, and their resent-
ment to the proffered flag and cockade of the new
monarch, they came forward every man, wearing
the tri-coloured cockade, and the white ones on the
heads of the dogs, that ran about the yard. The
white flag they destroyed with great eagerness, in
presence of the visitors and great numbers of Bri-
tish officers standing on the wall.
Shortly after this intelligence of the affairs of
France, we had letters from Chatham, which in-
80
formed us, that since the last from that place there
had arrived great numbers of prisoners there, and
that many were almost persuaded in their own
minds to enter the enemie's service ; that they had
received the additional allowance at the same time
as ourselves. On the 15th we were informed that
there was a draft ready at Plymouth and would
shortly be sent to this depot.
About this time a separate arrangement was
made for allowing the crew of the U. S. brig Argus
half pay, to be received monthly, and at the time
the first payment was received, they received cloth-
ing. This was an additional benefit to our prison,
as there were established in it a great number of
shops for various branches of business ; this mo-
ney circulated within ourselves, and every one de-
rived some advantage.
The preliminaries of peace being agreed on ai
Paris, the French prisoners, towards the close of
the month, began to make all preparation for leav-
ing the prison, and once more visiting their native
country. The idea of returning to their native
country, their homes, and their wives, was too
nicely interwoven with the threads of their nature,
to be rased by that of their aversion to the Bour-
bons. The change which was about to take place
in their situation, had in it too many of the en-
dearments of life to be sacrificed for the love of
any monarch. The scenes oi their youth, the pla-
81
ces where they had spent so many careless, phea-
sant days, the embraces of their friends, all rush-
ed upon their minds at once, and they could not
forbear the highest transports of joy. They went
to leave all the evils that men suffer in this life,
and to embrace all the good and blessings of it.
We had now an opportunity of procuring all the
tools and utensils of the mechanical arts which the
French carried on. And during their long im-
prisonment they had obtained almost every article
that could be named ; all these articles we purcha*
sed, and every man turned all his ingenuity to
some branch or other.
The weather being pleasant, and the prisoner?
healthy, they bore their confinement with as much
patience as could be expected. By permission,
towards the close of the month they established a
beer-house, where small beer was sold for two
pence half penny per pot.
On the last da) of the month a school was es-
tablished for the instruction of the boys "in the arts
of reading, writing and common arithmetic ; to
maintain the school, the rate of tuition was fixed
at six pence a month per scholar, to be paid by
them.
May commenced, the woather was eo^ally fine,
but some rain. In the bustle of the c^owr1, weal-
most forgot our situation ; the market square was
H
82
crowded every day with people of every descrip-
tion, some came for curiosity, others to trade, and
among the latter were many Jews, who brought
clothing, and many other articles, which might
be wanted by the French for their journey. The
French prisoners were all in confusion making rea-
dy for their departure. The proposal was again
made to the French prisoners to hoist the white
Hag, and wear the ensignia of Louis 18th; but
they rejected it, and would not listen to any argu-
ment. Now was the time to try the strength of
their attachment to the emperor, whom only they
had sworn to serve, or die in prison. When the
proposition was made to them either to hoist the
flag and wear the ensignia, or remain in prison till
the last draft of prisoners in England, they then
immediately, but rather reluctantly, hoisted the
white flag and put on the cockade. But it was a
grievous sight to them, and they could not look at
it but with the bitterest reflection, and the most
poignant regret, for they had for years endured
all the calamities and hardships of danger and
war, for the support of their beloved emperor, who
now must give place to those they hat<
On the 10th a draft of Americans from Plymouth.
about 170, in groat distress, arrived at this depot;
mg whom were the seventeen that were taken
and put into close confinement by the information
83
of Robertson. They had been tried for high treason
by a court of judicature ; but there not being suf-
ficient evidence on the part of the crown to sup-
port the charge, they were acquitted, and sent to
this prison, to be dealt b\ isoners of war on-
ly. In the same draft were a nufnber of prison-
ers who had been released from British ships of
war.
On the 15th, we received oar monthly pay ; this
c very appropos, to enable us to buy all the
furniture used by the French at a very low price.
On the same day Mr. Williams, clerk to Mr. Beas
J j and a Jew merchant of London, Mr. Jacobs,
brought and delivered to each prisoner a jacket,
pair of trowsers, a pair of .shoes, and a shirt. The
jacket and trowsers were of very coarse blue
cloth, much coarser than that of the English ; but
it was such a dress as we had been used to wear-
ing. Mr. Williams then told us that we were to
be clothed altogether by the U. States, and these
we had now received were to last us eighteen
months. These were the first we had ever receiv-
ed from the agent, and it is impossible to describe
the great change and life it gave the prisoners :
they all cleaned themselves, and every thing about
them, and laid by their yellow rags.
They began to attract the attention of all about
them ; the British officers would now visit them,
84
and were not afraid of being covered with ver-
min as before ; our appearance was not loathsome
to one another ; we were in great spirits now, and
to prevent some thoughtless men from selling their
clothing to the French to wear home, we passed
an act, that every man should appear in his dress
which he had received from the I'nited States, to
receive his monthly payment, or not receive it at
all.
We now felt a spirit of independence, which had
before been smothered in the wretchedness of our
situation •, we could now converse with ease, and
without that restraint, which a mean and dirty
habit will ever give a man in presence of those in
a clean and genteel one ; that old, dirty, tawny
dress depressed us with a sense of inferiority :
but now we could vindicate our country's rights,
in argument with any visitor ; we came out boldly,
and demanded restitution lor any injury or fraud
that heretofore had been practised upon us ; every
man began to see to it, how he should gain some -
thing more, now he was furnished with utensils,
and set himself about something.
On the twentieth, orders arrived for the first
draft of French, and the day after, live hundred
were taken out and marched to Plymouth, where
the) took shipping and went to France.
\ ■ i \ singular kind of conduct now showed iU
85
self m the British government. Twenty-four
Americans, citizens of the United States, who had
been taken under the flag of France, about two
years before the war between the United States
and Great Britain, were now among the French
prisoners at this place. They had often applied
to the government to be released, as citizens of
the United States before the war. They also, as-
serting their citizenship, had applied after the war,
to be enrolled on the list of United States priso-
ners, but had been refused both their application?.
They now expected to be released with the French
prisoners, on account of their always being con-
sidered" by government as French prisoners 5 but.
the government would not release them as such, but
detained them in prison. They now, seeing they
could not have the privilege, of French prisoners,
applied to Mr. Beasley, and claimed their citizen-
ship in the United States : but received for answer
from him, " that he could not receive them as
such rr]
These men were citizens of the world sure
enough, for they belonged to no nation in it ; they
-tore remained unprovided for by either gov-
v-v( we could not see them perish, as
re had any thing which could be divided ;
tore lived upon our charity the whole
H2
86
On the twenty-fifth, another draft took place a 3
before, and released one thousand. At this time,
all the Swedish subjects, taken under the flag of
the United States, were released and permitted to
go home.
The French, who had been employed in diffe-
rent occupations, being now released, we applied
to government to be allowed that privilege, each
man employed at these different occupations, such
as carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, nurses in the
hospital, &c. ; and two hundred labourers were
paid six pence a day. In answer to this applica-
tion, we were told, that after the discharge of all
ihe French prisoners we should have them allowed
us.
When the French prisoners passed out, they
were all called over by name, and great numbers-
being dead, which was not known to the keepers?
afforded a fine opportunity for the Americans to
answer, and pass out in the name of the deceased.
Great numbers, who could speak French, obtained
their release in this manner.
At the end of the month, another draft of one
thousand took place, among whom, twenty Ameri-
cans passed out in the same manner as before, the
deception not being as yet discovered.
At the same time, we received information by
letters, from Chatham andStapleton, that Mr. Wib
a?
liams, and the Jew merchant had visited them, and
supplied them in the manner as ourselves, and
also, that the French prisoners at those places
* were released daily. Few died this month, the
weather generally pleasant, but much rain.
Before I leave the events of this month, T can-
not forbear mentioning one very melancholy and
| striking instance of the force of disappointment
and despair ; where hope has painted glowing
scenes of pleasure ; the heart sickens and the
mind grows frantick.
On the discharge of the prisoners, every man
before he can be discharged, must return the same
complement of bedding which he had received two
I years before ; he must have the same number of
! articles, let them be in ever so worn-out state ; if
he do this he can then pass, if not, he cannot pass,
It happened, that one unfortunate man, called
r for in the last draft, did not bring forward the ar-
4 tides of bedding : he was refused a pass, and or-
dered back to produce them ; he ran about in great
confusion and the most terrible anxiety to procure
them, but could not find them ; he returned again
to pass out, but was refused ; he had been immur-
ed and buried within the cold, gloomy walls of this
I prison, eleven tedious and painful years, he said :
•• he ran and looked, and looked again — he could not
procure them, and he was refused to pass ; — them
88
in the agonies of despair, he seized a knife andv
an end to his sufferings, by cutting his own
throat, in presence of his countrymen and the
keepers !
The spectacle was too horrible behold with-
out the deepest regret and sorrow vasasight,
that all-powerful Juno might have lown Iris
from heaven, to relieve his struggling from r
united limbs. Many, through despair, had com-
mitted suicide before in the French prist
June. The weather continued much the same.
On the fifth, another draft of French prisoners
was made. At this time, an order was issued, to
discharge from confinement all French prisoners
who had been taken under the flag of the United
States. The Americans, who were ever watchful
for an opportunity to make their c. . :ook ad-
vantage of this order to obtain their liberty; many
came forward and claimed th fight m
France and its dependencies; being well vers
in the French language, they bore a good exami-
nation, and one hundred and twenty-one were re-
leased in the last draft of French subjects.
By this time% all the French from No. 4 were
rek id the whole prison to ourseh es :
but the blacks being mixed with us were very
troublesome.
89
We having purchased from the French all they
had, were now well furnished with household fur*
4 niture, such as tables, dishes, seats, and things to
, cook in. We now carried on the business of ma-
king straw flats for hats and bonnets, although not
allowed by government ; by strict attention, we
could make at this business three pence a day.
On the fifteenth, we received our monthly pay,
which never failed to come about that time.
On the twentieth, the whole of the French priso-
ners were discharged except a few sick in the
Hospital.
On the 22d, Capt. Shortland gave us informa-
' tion that all the prisoners in England were to be
> collected at Stapleton, as the Transport Board
determined on that place for a general depot for
all American prisoners. There were now in Eng-
land, three thousand five hundred unparoled priso-
ners. The same information was given at Chat-
ham and Plymouth.
We anticipated much advantage in the change
of situation, and began to prepare for the removal,
and from the authentick account we had received
from that place, there had not died but one-fiftieth
as many in proportion to their number, as had
died at this depot ; the change was therefore
much to be desired ; the climate was much more
pleasant and healthy, and the contiguity to th§
90
city of Bristol, where every article manufactured
by the prisoners, would find a ready market at a
much higher price than at this place ; all articles
of provision much cheaper. But much to our dis-
appointment, on the twenty-fourth, the late order
was countermanded, and Capt. Shortland ordered
to make ail things ready for the reception of all
the prisoners in England, as the board had deter-
mined on making this depot the general recepta-
cle for all prisoners in England, as they consider-
ed it the safest of any in the kingdom, and they
might have added, far more infernal than the bas-
tile. He also told the prisoners that he had or-
ders to employ any number of the prisoners he
should think necessary ; such as carpenters and
masons to build a church near the prison, and a
^number of labourers to repair the roads ; also
blacksmiths, coopers, painters, lamp-lighters, and
nurses in the hospital, &c. The number he said
would amount to upwards of one hundred. He
then told us under what restrictions we were to
Hvork ; we were to be under the eye of a guard
all the time, and if any prisoner attempted to
make his escape, that no more Americans would
i mployed, ana! to prevent this, the following
pule adopted : they wt re to receive their
. . at the rate of six-penc* rj , i yery three
months, and if any i ped, the whole
91
pay was forfeited ; this kept every prisoner watch-
ful over each other, for when one ran away, all
the others lost their whole pay and employment,
besides, this was the method they had used with
the French.
We found this to be a great benefit to us, for
these workmen who went out of the prison yards,
! smuggled in all kinds of prohibited articles, such
as rum, candles, oil, and news-papers ; and smug-
gled out all the prohibited articles, manufactured
in the prison. At this trade, each man could
make four or five shillings a day.
There were how eleven hundred prisoners, and
manufactures having got to considerable perfec-
tion, the receipts of money brought into the prison
each week besides the allowances, were fifty
pounds sterling. Besides this sum of money, many
prisoners had friends in England, and received
from them considerable sums.
The prisoners now began to live, and got into
good spirits. The latter part of this month 150
workmen were employed at different branches of
mechanical business. At this time prisoners from
Stapleton arrived at this depot ; their number at
first was 400, but was now reduced to 350. Sev-
enteen had enlisted into the British service, eight
died,and the remainder made their escape. On their
arrival here, they were committed to No. 4, which
92
contained upwards of 1400, and was much crowd-
ed. These 350 were in a very bad condition,
many were without shoes, and had travelled most
of the distance in the same condition, for the shoes
they had received from the agent did not last
more than three or four weeks. This was an im-
position of the contractor, as the agent afterwards
said he had learned.
On the twentieth of June we were informed by
Capt. Shortland, that when the other prisoners ar-
rived from Chatham, he would open the yards on
the south side of the enclosure, and give us all
the privileges of the other prisons. These yards be-
ing large, would admit of many amusements which
that of No. 4 would not, such as playing ball, occ.
At this time, viewing our circumstances on all
sides, and seeing no hope of exchange or peace,
we formed a design to make our escape ; our plan
was, that immediately after our removal to the
other prisons, to dig a hole two hundred and eighty
feet long, all the way under ground ; this would
reach from the prison beyond the outer wall. The
success of this design will be mentioned hereafter.
On the same day we received London papers, con-
taining an account of the capture of the United
States frigate K>*ex, by the frigate Phebe. and
sloop of war Cherub. The London editor said
'.ha? '!•< Ess< \ wras equal in size to a >evcnty-four.
93
Had he said her defence was equal to a seventy-
four, Capt. Hilliar would have agreed with him.
The garrison was again renewed with a new regi-
ment, and the old one removed. This regiment
was very much embittered against the govern-
ment ; their term of five years, for which they had
enlisted, having expired, the government refused
to discharge them.
At this time the government was giving great
encouragement to soldiers to enlist to fight against
the United States ; this regiment was offered every
inducement to join ; they therefore made ittheirbu-
siness to make particular inquiry of the prisoncrsr
what was the manner of our warfare, and the dis-
positions of the American soldiers. I found they
were very ignorant in these things, and easily de-
terred from their enlisting. I composed a song
and distributed it among them, after which not a
man ever enlisted, or offered to. This very much
enraged the soldier-officers of the garrison, who
issued orders, that if any sentery was found con-
versing with a prisoner, he should be punished ;
but it was impossible to stop it, the soldiers were
equally desirous as the prisoners to converse.
The fourth of July was not far distant, and we
began to make preparations to celebrate the day
a second time since our confinement. We obtain-
ed permission from the keeper, to purchase two
I
94
hogsheads of porter ; we likewise had got a num-
ber of gallons of rum, unbeknown to the keeper.
We also provided ourselves with American co-
lours, and invited all the soldier-officers, clerks of
the prison, and soldiers, to attend and hear an ora-
tion that would be delivered on the fourth, which
was the anniversary of American independence.
The prisoners were in high spirits, expecting to
enjoy themselves much better than they had done
©n the preceding one, when they were half naked.
In the month of June we had but few deaths,
and the prisoners generally healthy ; we had rain,
and many showers.
On the first of July, we received letters from
■Chatham, informing us. that they were much con-
cerned at a late order, which was shortly to re-
move them to this depot ; the same letter informed
us that the prisoners on board the Crowned Prince
had been confined three days without victuals or
drink ; the reason why is yet untold.
On the second of the month the crew of the Ar-
*us received another payment of several pounds
each man, through the hands of the late purser to
that vessel ; this came very timely to us, in the ce-
lebration of the American independence.
By letters from Plymouth this day, we were in-
formed the reason of the prisoners being confined
below deck, on board the Crowned Prince.
95
It happened that the boats' crew of that ship had
been on shore and stole a sheep from a farmer,
and the commander had had his table served with
the best pieces ; the farmer getting information
where the sheep had gone, came and demanded
reparation for his sheep; the commander, to screen
the boats' crew, paid the farmer the price of the
sheep.
The story of the sheep was soon known to the
prisoners, who having a dislike to the commander,
one morning, as he was going on shore with his
wife, and at the moment he was entering the boat,
they all as one agreed to cry blar ; he understood
the meaning the very instant the sound struck his
ear, and turning back, he ordered the prisoners all
below, and to be kept there three days without
victuals or drink.
On the evening of the third, an event happened
at Dartmooi, which ended in a very serious man-
ner. A dispute arose between towo of the prison-
ers late belonging to the United States' brig Ar-
gus, by the names of Thomas Hill and James
Henry ; the quarrel growing quite warm, and not
being ended that night, they agreed to fight next
morning ; accordingly, next morning, about nine
o'clock, they commenced the battle in prison No. 4,
and by an unfortunate blow from Hill, Henry was
killed on the spot ; a jury of inquest was called
96
next morning and held over the body of the de-
ceased, and after hearing the evidence, the jury
brought in a verdict of manslaughter, or (a killing
not wholly without fault, but without malice.)
Thomas Hill was removed and confined in the
county prison at Exeter, there to await his trial at
the August assizes then next ensuing.
The fourth of July now having arrived, and all
things in great preparation, we displayed our flag
in the yard, with the following inscription upon it
in large capitals, " All Canada or Dartmoor prison
for life." This pleased the soldiers, but irritated
the officers, who discovering our firm resolution to
defend the flag, and not having but part of a regi-
ment in the garrison, and they friendly toward
us, thought best to be quite silent and let us pro-
ceed our own way ; for if they attempted to de-
. e us of the flag, we might rush on the guard,
who would make but a faint resistance, or join us,
and all the prisoners might make an easy escape.
But the prisoners did not wish to make the at-
tempt, for they knew a reinforcement could easily
be raised, and make a vigorous pursuit, and were
therefore willing to wait some more favourable
opportunity. At eleven o'clock all the prisoners
mbled in the yard. The British officers be-
longing to the garrison, colonels, mojors, captains,
clerks, turnkeys, and a gr number of soldi
97
assembled on the walls to hear an oration com
posed by a Yankee sailor, upon the circumstances
of the present times. An empty cask was placed
in such a situation, as all the strangers on the
walls could hear distinctly.
The orator of the day then mounted the cask,
and all the spectators keeping a profound silence,
began his oration, which we shall give our readers
verbatim, as it was delivered by the sailor.
Countrymen and Fellow Citizens ,
This day we dedicate as the birth day of free-
dom, it being the fourth of July, the day that our
fathers declared themselves free and independent
from the tyrannical laws of this country. After
many years hard struggle, and the loss of many of
our fathers and friends, America was acknowledg-
ed by all civilized nations, a free and independent
government.
For many years our fathers, and we their off-
spring, remained in the most perfect state of
peace and tranquillity, and reaped every blessing
that grows on the soil of liberty ; England, ever
envying us the honour our fathers acquired by their
valour in arms, when they declared that them-
selves and their sons should no longer wear the
yoke of tyranny. Since that time, England has
used every intrigue to deprive us of the greatest
of blessings. First, contrary to the laws of ci-
12
98
vilized nations, she has dragged you from your
homes, from your wives, your families and friends,
into her infernal bulwarks, her ships of war ;
there, after suffering every degradation, from the
terror of the lash, she has sent you to the most
horrid prison, in compensation for your long
and faithful services. England, envying the hap-
piness our countrymen enjoyed under so mild a
government, the reverse of her own tyrannical
laws, exerted every art to destroy their tranquilli-
ty, by offering insults to the U. States ships at va-
rious times, impressing and murdering our bro-
ther seamen, within the jurisdiction of our own wa-
ters and within sight of our capital. Our country
- passive, and wishing to remain at peace with
all nations, bore these insults with a fortitude
becoming a great and wise people, and was in
nope that at some future day, England would re-
dress those injuries in a fair and honourable way.
But contrary to every expectation, for years be-
fore the war, she grew more bold, and showed a
disposition to add injury to insult, by issuing or-
ders to make prizes of all American vessels not
bound to her own ports, or those of her allies.
All nations stood amazed to see our country in-
sulted, our seamen impressed and murdered with-
in our own waters ; our commerce confined and
completely destroyed, contrary to the laws of neu>
99
trali ty. All this was done by England, and sh<
unprovoked. Then, fellow citizens, the result ot
all these depredations, must be a formal declara-
tion of war, which could no longer be delayed. —
Our country then, prudently and wisely, mustered
all their forces both by sea and land ; England
stood ready for combat fully prepared, and with
the fullest assurance of a speedy victory ; but a-
las ! for England ; within a few weeks after the de-
claration of war, the United States frigate Consti-
tution, commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, fell in
with His Majesty's ship Gucrriere, and then retali-
ated for one insult, by sending her to the bottom.
Great was the astonishment of England.
Shortly after, the U. S. ship Wasp, fell in with
His Majesty's ship Frolic, of far superior force,
and after a second retaliation, she acknowledged
her country's wrongs, by striking her colours to
the gallant Jones.
The officers and seamen of our infant navy,
now felt the ardour of our forefathers.
Decatur, in the frigate United States, fell in
with a vessel of equal force, the Macedonian, the
pride of the British navy ; and after displaying
the courage of injured Americans, he took and
brought her into port.
The Constitution shortly after took her station
along-side of the Java, a frigate completely fitted
100
and manned with a superior number of seamen;
and again did the God of battle decide in favour
of the injured Americans, and sent the Java to
the bottom. The tidings had scarcely reached
the American shore, when another laurel was ad-
ded to our infant navy; the United States ship Hor-
net engaged His Majesty's ship Peacock, of equal
force ; and Capt. Lawrence, unwilling to make
any distinction between her and the Java, sent
her to the bottom too.
This intelligence had scarcely reached the
shores of liberty, when victories were proclaimed
from all directions.
The British, feeling their pride wounded by the
great exploits of our undaunted seamen, fitted out
the Boxer, with the fullest assurance of recover-
ing her lost honour, and were confident of taking
our brig Enterprise,of much inferior force. But Di-
vine Providence, ever extending the hand of assist-
ance to the injured, decided the contest in favour
of our insulted country ; and the Boxer was cap-
tured and brought safe into port, in the United
State's.
Our next laurel was reaped on Lake Erie, by
Commodore Perry. He bravely captured all the
naval force on that lake, to the amazement of all
surrounding nations, and the disgrace of the
British Hag,
iOl
Commodore Chaunccy, at the same time, had a
complete ascendency over the whole British force
on Lake Ontario ; while Commodore Rodgers is
traversing the ocean in every direction, and des-
troying British property to an immense value. —
The United States sh^p Essex is complete master
of all the South Seas, in defiance of all the boast-
ed superiority of the British. The United Sates
ship Congress is cruising on the coast of Brazil,
and completely intercepting the trade of Great
Britain to all Spanish South America, and defy-
ing any thing of equal size.
And now, fellow citizens, this country, what has
she done ? She has long boasted of her honour
and her bravery ; and she has issued orders to
her frigates, never to engage an American frigate,
unless under cover of a ship of the line. She has
likewise endeavoured to rouse the anger of the
savage tribes in the wilderness of Canada, to mur-
der and scalp your brethren in arms, in that coun-
try. But divine Providence, still assisting your
injured country, turned the ferocity of the sava-
ges against those who moved them to anger, and
their vengeance recoiled on the hand that attempt-
ed to use it. And you, fellow citizens, although
prisoners of war, feel the benefit of belonging to
so great and wise a nation. Have the United
States not assisted us in our unhappy situation,
102
and much meliorated our sufferings, though iliy
able, while carrying on so expensive a war ?
And now, fellow citizens, I conjure you to be'pa-
tient, and consider your country to be using her
utmost endeavour to bring about an honourable
and speedy peace. In a state of war, many sto-
ries are circulated in this country, favourable to
her success in arms, which have no foundation :
and this is done to encourage and inspire the sol-
diery to enlist in her wars ; and perhaps, fellow
citizens, many of you may honestly believe the re-
ports, but let them not make you despair of your
country. No, depend upon it, she cannot be con-
quered. England may get momentary possession
of one small city, or perhaps ten, but America is
not conquered till every man is either taken pri-
soner or killed.
The success of our naval arms is a sufficient
proof, and our country is now in triumph at her
great naval success. Have we not this moment,
as it were, heard of another brilliant achievement
upon the ocean ? The United States ship Pea-
cock, on her first cruise after she left the stocks,
captured and brought into port, His Majesty's ship
L'Epervier, of equal size, with Immense sums of
silver and much treasure on board ?
From the success of Ame pas, whichhaye
alreadj astonished our i oesnies, we have nothing
to fear; and we have the great ison to
103
lieve that the American cause is big with the most
wonderful achievements ; that the exploits of our
countrymen in arms, in the present contest, will
astonish all nations, and be recorded on the pages
of history, and remain in the choicest archieves of
posterity, with equal glory to those of Marathon
and Thermopylae.
Fellow prisoners, let us then be resigned to our
present unhappy condition ; and through the great
exertion of our country, and the assistance of Di-
vine Providence, who disposes of events and go-
verns futurity, wc may hope once more to revisit
our native country in an honourable peace, and
live happy and free.
After the oration was delivered, the officers that
. ere on the walls, entered the prison yard, and
expressed the greatest surprise that we should en-
icrtain a hope that the United States would be
successful in a war with Great Britain, when she
was at peace with all other nations. But for con-
solation to us in our present condition, we might
rest fully assured that we should be released in a
very short time by a peace, which would be
brought about by their conquering the United
States, and reducing them to colonies again ; and
such a change, which must shortly take place,
they said must be imputed entirely to the bad man-
agement of our President and Congress : we have
104
now conouerecl France, and America must be con-
quered next. We found them ignorant of the
pjfrength and resources of the American people ;
we gave them a particular account of the situation
of America, her means of defence, and the spirit
and determination of the people ; the great supe-
riority of gunnery, which the American seamen
possessed over those of Great Britain ; the truth
of which was shown in the actions of the Guer-
riere, Frolic, Java, &c. &c.
They left the yard much chagrined at these
facts, which they could not deny ; and remarking
that they were surprised to find sailors\so well ac-
quainted with the politics of both countries, but
that they believed they must be most of them
Englishmen born, and that it was a very great
pity His Majesty should be deprived of so many
valuable seamen.
At two ox lock we sat down to our fourth oi
July dinner, which was composed of soup and
beef, the best we could prepare. W e gathered in
pari - with the greatest animation, conversing ol
our President and Congress, foi whom we sailors
have the greatest respect; and Mr. Madison, pai^
ticularly, is a L,reat favourite of sa lors, Aitei
dinner we had a song, which was composed lor
the occasion.
165
The day was passed in the greatest harmony ?
no quarrel or strife occurred to mar its pleasure.
The next day, every man resumed his occupation
and seemed to enjoy a negative happiness, which
arose from a freedom from absolute pain.
On the eighth of this month a friend of mine,
for whom I had much respect, died, and at J^sJ-m-
fial I took occasion to survey the vast tenements
of the dead, and consider within myself what
innumerable multitudes of people lay confused to-
gether on this moor ; how friends and enemies,
officers and soldiers, the brave and the coward,
collected from all quarters of the globe, of all na-
tions, and of all colours, lay undistinguished in
one common mass of matter ; and not a stone to
name one tenant of the tomb.
After having surveyed this great magazine of
mortality as it were, in the lump, out of respect
to my friend, I searched about and obtained a very
slaty stone, on which I inscribed the following
words :
Here lies the body of
JAMES HART,
a native of the United States of
America,
who departed this life July 8th, 1814c
K
106
Under which was the following epitaph.
Your country mourns your hapless fate ,
So mourn we prisoners all ;
You've paid the debt we all must pay,
Each sailor great and small.
Your body on this barren moor,
Your soul in Heaven doth rest,
Where Yankee sadors, one and all.
Hereafter will be blest.
The agent permitted us to put this stone up.
\i\d of the many thousands that lay indiscrimi-
nately mingled together upon this moor, this
stone recorded the only syllable of the dead bu-
ried here. The life of these men is finely descri-
bed in Holy Writ by the path of an arrow, which
3 immediately closed up and lost.
We received our monthly pay as usual, and no-
thing remarkable occurred during the remainder
©f the month ; few persons arrived, but we had
expectation of a great number. The weather was
■liny and cold; the prisoners generally healthy;
few died, but the prison was very much crowded,
'here being 1500 in No. 4.
U the commencement of August, a draft of
prisoners arrived, who had been recently captured
107
on the coast of Europe, among whom were fouv
men lately belonging to the private armed schoon-
er Surprise of Baltimore ; these four men on their
first arrival at this depot, were put into close con-
finement in the cachet, there to remain on two-
thirds allowance, without hammock or bed, sleep-
ing on the stone floor, during their whole impris-
onment. When the cause of their confinement
was known, it seems it had grown out of the follow-
ing circumstances.
The Surprise was cruising in the channel of
England, and fell in with, and captured a schoon-
er, and put on board her these four men, to take
charge of the prize.
Shortly after, the prize was re-captured by an
English frigate, and after taking possession of her,
found stowed away in the round house, (which is
a lew feet above the deck,) a cask of powder,
which contained but a few pounds at most, and
on examination they found part of a match and a
candle ; the captain of the frigate being suspicious
of these four men's having an intention to blow
the vessel up, took them and committed them to
close confinement until he arrived in England ; he
then reported them to the Board of Transport and
delivered them into their custody, and they, from
these suspicious circumstances, sentenced them
to the punishment above mentioned. Whether
10b'
the crime, had it been well proved, would war-
rant so rigorous a punishment, is not the subject
of investigation ; they had the power to treat them
as they pleased, nor had the sufferers any redress,
for, inter armis lages silent, " the laws are silent
amid arms."
On the arrival of these prisoners, Capt. Short-
land opened the south yard of the enclosure, and
gave all the officers liberty to go into No. 6 ; a
few days after, a habeas corpus ad testificandum
was awarded to bring forward six prisoners, to
appear and give evidence in the cause of Thomas
Hill, then depending at the next Exeter assizes,
who was charged with man-slaughter for killing
James Henry on the third of July. The termi-
nation of the trial, I shall give in a subsequent
page.
The prisoners having no expectation or hope of
exchange, or a peace, now set about contriving a
method of escape, something of which we hinted
at in a preceding page. The plan was to dig out
of prison No. 6. The plan was made known to
the prisoners in No. 4, who were expecting to be
removed into No. G, in a few days, when they
would have access to No. 5, G, and 7, which were
contained in one yard. To have the plan circu-
lated with the greatest secrecy, that would ob-
tain the opinion of all the prisoners, without the
109
.^u^picion of the guards, or officers ; it was though;
best to have it done in poetry, and accordingly it
was done in that manner. This attracted the at-
tention of the prisoners, and we soon found the
intention of each man to favour the plan.
On the fifteenth qf August, the six men whom
we mentioned in the preceding page, were taken
to Exeter, returned, and with them Thomas Hill,
who was acquitted by the jury, and he remanded
to Dartmoor as a prisoner of war.
The same day arrived a large draft of prisoners
who had been sent from Halifax prison on board
the Transport ship Bensen. These persons on
their passage attempted to rise and take the ship,
m which attempt a sharp contest ensued, and the
struggle was for some time doubtful, but the Amer-
ican prisoners were overpowered and afterwards
treated with the greatest severity and cruelty.
In the engagement several on both sides were
severely wounded, but none killed, or mortally
wounded. Some of the prisoners were taken out
and put on board the ship Commodore, and the re-
mainder confined in the coal-hole, and kept on
bread and water for several days.
These prisoners were put into No. 6, which
now made about eight hundred in that prison and
about twelve hundred in No. 4, who were not yet
removed.
110
We finding our number increasing daily and no
-prospect of peace or exchange, now determined to
put in execution our projected plan of escape; ev-
ery prisoner being willing, and not a dissenting
voice among the whole, we mustered a number of
bibles in each prison, and began to solemnly
swear every man to keep secret every transaction
he should see or know of concerning the operation
then about to be begun ; when a man was sworn,
he was strictly cautioned and charged not to make
known by word or sign, in any way whatever, anv
thing which might lead to a discovery of their dt
sign, on pain of immediate death in a private an
secret manner, which would most assuredly tak
place without the knowledge of the keepers.
After they were all sworn, and the fixed deter
urination of hanging the first informer, a num
ber of confidential persons were appointed a
spies, to watch the conduct of others. We als<
appointed other trusty men to watch the move
ments of the turnkeys, and senteries ; and see tha
the prisoners held no conversation with either o
them. We then divided ourselves into parties
to work, and who were alternately to dig, and re-
lieve each other.
After taking a correct survey of the ground^
measuring and making it out, and taking the
K2
Ill
v'uurse, on the twentieth we made a beginning
in both prisons, and dug directly down. In this
perpendicular direction, we must sink our work
twenty feet, which would come on a horizontal
plane with the road. On this horizontal plane we
mast then pursue the work, in an eastern direction
two hundred and rifty feet, which distance would
carry us beyond the outer wall and under all the
■ foundations which extended below the surface of
1 earth, about six feet ; if this work were per-
. n ed we should then have a passage into the
d. The digging could be carried on with very
le difficulty ; but the great obstacle before us,
s to convey away the dirt, and this on a liitie
isideration seemed to vanish, when we consid-
;d the stream of water in the yard which passed
• ifi the prison at the rate of four miles an hour ;
o this stream we thiew great quantities of fine
t, which passed off. We, as another means to
clear of the dirt, obtained permission to bring
o the prison a large quantity of lime, under the
Hence of white-washing the walls of the prison.
These walls were made of large rough stone
d every night we made of the dirt a sort of mor-
-, and plastered on the walls, and then white-
ished it over.
No 5 prison containing no prisoners, and not be-
g visited by the keepers, we thought best to be-
112
gin a similar operation in that prison, as we conid
: i unknowH 10 the keepers; —
I Jigging in the day-time, and
found a holi ice under the prison to stow the
dirt away.
In thove three different places we made our at-
. ■. and Very rightly supposing, that if one
should be discovered, that we should still have an-
other, which we could proceed in without suspi-
cion ; we were apprehensive, that the run of wa-
ter, which passed through an iron grating at the
outlet, might get stopped with the dirt, and lead
to a discovery. We hastened en the work, every
man as busy as a bee, and flushed with the hope
and full belief that we should shortly make our
escape.
At the close of the month, we had dug toward
the wall in a horizontal direction forty feet, without
the least suspicion. As we entered so far under
ground, we found a want of fresh air, and to re-
medy this, we contrived a lamp to keep burning in
the hole, that would expel all the azotic gas, or
dead air, and bring in a constant supply of fresh.
1 must digress for a moment, to give an account
of some events which took place during this ope-
ration.
In the mean while a number of prisoners arri-
ved, some from Chatham, some from the IV est In-
113
dies, and from other places. These, as soon as
they arrived, were made acquainted with our de-
sign an i operations, and sworn and charged as tne
©thers had been. Among these prisoners was the
crew of the United States brig Frolic. These
prisoners were destitute of clothing, and in a very
bad state of health, which was occasioned by be-
ing so very closely confined during the passage,
and their allowance so very short. During the
month we had great quantities of rain, which was
very favourable to our operations. The prisoners
were now more healthy than they had been before
since our confinement. Those who had been sick fop
some time, died. Those who had been here a long
time, had become used to the hardships, but new
comers were sickly.
On the last day of August, our subterraneous
passage was sixty feet from No. 5, and about the
same from No. 6, and No. 4 nearly equal. The
dirt being very loose, and but few stones to ob-
struct our way, our passage seemed short, and
promised success.
September having commenced, and no suspicion
or discovery as yet made, although the prisons
were searched every day by the keepers ; but the
holes being very small, and so nicely closed every
day, that it would require the minutest search t£
114
discover the place ; but the hole was larger under
ground, and would admit four men to work abreast.
But, to our great mortification, on the second.
Capt. Shortland entered the prison with the guards,
and, went directly towards the hole, and as he pass-
ed, he informed us that he knew of our operations
in No. 5, but his informer had not told him cor-
rectly, for after a long search, they could not dis-
cover the hole.
It was then suggested by his attendants to sound
the prison : they then began with crow-bars to
sound, and after having made the minutest exami-
nation, by accident found the entrance, to the great
mortification of every man.
They undertook to enter the hole, but after en-
tering a few feet, their lights went out, and they
could not keep them burning ; and being unac-
quainted with the materials, and method used by
us to light the hole and expel the dead air, could
not penetrate to the extent, nor did they ever
enter near all the distance.
They were no less astonished to conceive what
had become of the dirt taken from the passage, and
it ever remained a great mystery to them.
Every man was strictly cautioned, should any
discovery lake place, not to give any account what-
BVi rof the means they had made use of to light
115
the holp. or how thpy had disposed of the dirt ; and
when thcj, v. tie strictly examined by the officers^
they gave no other answer, than that each man
eat ins proportion, to make up his scant allowance.
To prevent any further operation o; this ki -.d#
Capt. Shortland had every prisoner removed from
the yard, which encloses No; 5, 6, and 7, into die
enclosure on the north side, which contained
No. 1, 2, and 3 ; but having no suspicions of any
attempts to escape in No. 4, they let the prisoners
there remain.
After the prisoners were removed from the other
two prisons, they rilled the entrance ol the hole
up with stone : they supposed these were not
eatable.
We remained in No. 2 till the eighth, when we
were again removed to the south side, on account
of prison No. 2 being out of repair. This gave us
ircdi hopes. As the noise had not yet entirely got
silent, we thought best to stop all operations in
No. 4 for the present.
In the mean while, our court of judicature was
sitting, and several persons were arraigned at the
bar, and charged with having given information of
our design to escape ; all the evidence against
them was produced, but the crime being of a capi-
tal nature by our laws, required positive and di-
rect evidence, which the court considered had not
116
been produced ; and although very strong circum-
stantial evidence had been given, yet they consid-
ered that such evidence ought never to take a
man's life, which must have been the case had
any one been found guilty.
We afterwards believed it must have been acci-
dental ; that some person had spoken too loud, or
in an unguarded manner in the presence of the
turnkeys ; for we found no discovery had been
made of the operations in No. 4 or 5, although
Capt. Shortland had declared himself to be ac-
quainted with them in No. 5.
After the bustle of the discovery had a little
blown over, and the officers and keepers had ridi-
culed the futile idea of our making our escape, by
saying they had guards and spies in all directions ;
we then gave orders to the blacks in No. 4 to pro-
ceed on with their work. At this time, the 10th,
a draft of prisoners arrived from Chatham ; these
were mostly men delivered up from ships of war
in England, and some few were sent from the
West Indies, Bermuda, and New Providence. —
This draft increased the number of prisoners at
this dep >t to three thousand five hundred in all.
When these men arrived, we were under great
apprehensions that they would be ordered into
No. 5, and in the hurry and bustle of entering,
before ihey were cautioned, might lead to a dis»
117
covery of the work in that prison ; but happily,
they were ordered into No. 7, and all the white
prisoners from No 4 ordered in with them ; and
all the blacks were now to be kept by themselves.
They were directed to proceed as we mentioned
before, and to report their progress every evening.
As the hole in No. 6 was farthest advanced, we
formed a communication to let each other know
{heir progress each day, that all the holes might
proceed with equal progress, and come out at the
Same time.
With this arrangement we proceeded on, and
on the 12th, in No. 6, we dug down, and the next
day had gone quite round the stones which were
thrown in to fill up the entrance of the hole, and
came out into the former passage : this was done
in the night, and in the day time we carried on the
work in No. 5, disposing of the dirt as before.
The work went on with the greatest care, se-
crecy and success, and every man was animated
with the liveliest hope of soon gaining his liberty,
till each hole had come within thirty-five or forty
feet of the intended place of coming out.
We could always ascertain the distance we were
from the top of the ground by measuring with our
line and rule, and had concluded to work that dis-
tance in one week : every man was now provided
L
118
with a dagger, made by prisoners who worked ixi
black-smithing.
When the work was complete, we were to make
our move some dark stormy night at the hour of
ten, which wouki give every man who wished, an
opportunity to reach Torbay, about ten miles dis-
tance, at which place lay a large number of un-
armed vessels, fishing boats and other small craft ;
we could reach this place a little after midnight,
and then proceed as fast as possible for France ;
on leaving the outlet of the passage every man was
to separate and take care of himself. "When we
were once out, we had determined to reach France
or sell our lives at the dearest rate ; for, by this
time, life was of little consequence to us, when we
compared it to the miseries we must suffer, if we
should be brought back, and therefore we were de-
termined to hazard it at all events.
But I hasten from our future resolutions to re-
lieve the reader from his anxiety, by showing the
event.
At this moment, when every man was well
pleased with the prospect, how was his just indig-
nation raised, and his fierce anger kindled ! — a
man by the name of *Bagley, another Sinon,
walked out in open day, before all the prisoners
• This man belonged to portsmoutb, N. H
119
then in the yard, went up to the turnkeys and
inarched off with them to the keeper's house, gave
him information of all the operations and designs,
and we never saw him after ; for could we have
catchcd him, wo should scarcely have tried him,
but should have torn him in atoms before the life
could have time to leave his traitorous body.
This Judas received the price of his iniquity
from the Transport Board, and got a passport to
go where he pleased, and the publick's humble
servant put into the cachot ; — but I can tell him,
should this work ever reach his infamous hand,
that it is the sincere wish of every prisoner, that
he may fall, and like that other Judas, his bowels
may gush out.
The prisoners were then immediately removed
to the north side of the enclosure, and confined to
No. 1 and 3 ; and to repair the damages which
had been done to the prisons, Capt. Shortland put
every man on two thirds allowance, and took the
other third to pay expenses of repair ; this he did
for ten days successively ; if we had eaten the dirt
up, we had to starve it back again.
Our hopes were all blown up to the moon, and
we left to despair ; we had no prospect by which
we could hope to be relieved, but every thing
seemed to threaten us with imprisonment for life.
We again resigned ourselves to our situation, and
120
placed all our hopes of life or liberty on that Al-
mighty arm, which had brought us to these suffer-
ings by His Divine pleasure. Every man with
reluctance now returns to his usual occupation,
hoping to gain a few articles of clothing, which
he stood in need of. The shoes furnished by Mr.
Beaslcy, which were the poorest that could be
made in England, were now worn out, and we
needed others.
It was reported among the prisoners, that an
exchange was about to take place ; but as we
had no account to that effect from Mr. Bea&ley,
«ve could place no dependence on it ; the only
hope we had was in bribing the guards, and that
®¥ peace.
By letters from Plymouth, we had information
that an action had been fought between the Essex,
Capt. Porter, and the British frigate Phebe, Capt.
Hillier, and a sloop of war. The action was
long and severe, and much blood spilt on both
sides ; and although the Essex was taken, the ho-
nour of the day belonged to the Americans. She
fought under every disadvantage, and gallantly
nood the fire of both the enemy's vessels, and
bore hard for a victory, till chance decided against
The magnanimity of the officers and crew
commands the noblest sentiments of respect from
every American ; they deserved no common meed
121
©f praise ; I therefore undertook to celebrate
their valorous deeds in verse.
A large draft of prisoners from Chatham, arri-
ved at this place the latter end of this month 5
among them were great numbers of men, who
had been detained on board His Majesty's ships
from eight to twelve years, and one who had been
detained eighteen years. The greatest part of
this draft were men who had been delivered up
from the navy : they were collected at Chatham,
and brought round by water to Plymouth, landed,
and then ordered to prepare to march for Dart-
moor prison, the sufferings of which they had
long been acquainted with, by report ; but pre-
vious to their departure, they, anticipating their
treatment there, prepared the following motto, in
capitals, and fixed it to the fore part of their hats :
" British gratitude for past services." With this
on their hats, they marched the distance of eigh-
teen miles. During the march, the officers tried
every means to persuade them to take it off, but
they absolutely refused, saying, it was truth, and
as prisoners of war, they had a just cause to com-
plain of the treatment and ingratitude of a
government which they had so long served. They
insisted that it was cruelty to make them prisoners,
after they had served so many years as good and
faithful servants ; and it was much more ungrate-
L2
122
ful now, to send them to the worst prison m Eng-
land, as a compensation for their long and faith-
ful services.
The garrison was now reinforced by a large
number of soldiers, and the prisoners separated ;
the whites, in the north and south wing, occupying
two prisons in each yard, and the blacks, one in
ihe centre. The prisoners were not permitted
to have intercourse with one another from the.
different prisons, except on Sundays.
The number being now very large, it was fear-
ed they would rise, and take possession of the
j*aard house, and then make their escape. They
had some ground to fear the event might take
place, for the prisoners did not consider these
walls, nor the soldiers, any very great obstacle in
the accomplishment of such an undertaking, had
it been their design. But they knew very well
the consequence of doing this ; although, on the
first sortie, the officers, soldiers and guards, must
fall into their power, yet as the prisoners must ail
march in a body to keep them under, the alarm
would spread over all England, and the militia be
raised upon them, before they would be able to
reach the sea coast and take shipping.
Capt. Shortland was in daily fear of such an
attack, for there was scarce a day but some dis-
pute or strife took place, between the turnkey?
I
123
or guards and the prisoners, and kept a continual
alarm. The prisoners would not hear any abu-
sive language against the President of the United
States ; and on the first disrespectful word from a
sentcry, stationed singly in the yard, they would
knock him down, and he could get no relief, till
ihey were willing to release him, for the prisoners
immediately surrounded him by hundreds ; and
the garrison declared that they had more trouble
with four thousand Americans, than they should
have with twenty thousand Frenchmen.
On the last day of this month, another draft ar-
rived, among whom were the crew of the United
States brig Rattle Snake and some others, sent
from Halifax.
The prisoners became sickly again, and up-
wards of one hundred in the Hospital ; but they
had much better attendance than before, having
now a new surgeon, Doct. Magrath, to superin-
tend that department ; he was a humane, skilful
and attentive man, and a friend to the sick and
distressed prisoner. I know of nothing more
agreeable to the human feelings, than the presence
of a friend by our sick bed ; and this man admin-
istered more of the medicine of life by the sympa-
thetic emotions of his heart, than all the anodynes
in the apothecary's shop.
124
We had much rain and stormy weather during
the month of September. One tedious month had
now passed by, and another lay in hopeless pros-
pect before us ; but our hopes were a little revived
on the second of October by a letter, which we
received from Mr. Beasley, informing us that a
partial exchange would take place between the
two countries. This exchange would extend to
none but those taken in the United States
vessels ; this letter was to inform the crew of the
Argus more particularly, as they were the oldest
prisoners taken in the United States service. —
The same letter gave general information, that
there was great prospects of a speedy peace be-
tween the two belhgerants.
Several persons made their escape by bribing the
scnteries, after this nexes, and passing cut in the
night, with a soldiers coat and cap on, under his
protection. But this method was discovered and
stopped, and eight only were able to make their
escape by it.
We received the account of the United States
ship Wasp, sinking the Reindeer and Avon.
T i particulars seemed too galling to their feel-
ings to publish* After reading the account in the
London paper, 1 composed ;t dirge, and put it up
an the front of the prison, in full sight of all the
125
soldier-officers and guards, as a tribute of respect
to the departed worthies of His Majesty's navy.
Almost every draft of prisoners brought intelli-
gence of new victories of the Americans by sea?
and every British paper was filled with complaints
of American privateers destroying British proper-
ty in their own waters, and in sight of their cities.
The prisoners being animated with the success of
the arms of their country, could not forbear ex-
pressing their joy in some pleasant feat. The
following anecdote has something of the features
of the attack of Don Quixotte on the wind-mill.
The prisoners the night after the news of the Wasp,
took a jacket at twelve at night, lowered it down
towards the ground along the rope of the prison ;
the soldiers saw it and concluded it must be a man
sliding down the rope to make his escape ; the
alarm was given, and Capt. Shortland and all the
soldier-officers, at the head of the picket, entered,
and hailed the man on the rope, but no answer ;
they then drew themselves up in martial array,
and every man sat his teeth and screwed his cour-
age up to the sticking place, ready for battle ;
Capt. Shortland, an experienced officer, gave or-
ders to fire, and instantly a volley of musketry
was poured in upon the enemy, and down came
the jacket 5 they rushed in upon it, and to their,
astonishment, they had conquered a jacket.
126
The keepers who had been so insolent the day
before, by wishing Mr. Madison in the prison, now
showed great resentment, and cave themselves
many airs upon the occasion. The soldiers dis-
covered a candle burning in the prison, and called
aloud, " put out that candle ;" but the order not
being instantly obeyed, they discharged a volley
through the window ; but a divine interposition
of goodness seemed to direct the balls, for every
one lodged in some part of the hammocks, which
almost formed a solid column, and not a single
man hurt or touched, though asleep in the ham-
mocks. The next morning, I thought the battle
with the jacket and the attack on the sleeping
prisoners deserved to be celebrated in some sig-
nal way, and sung like the deeds of the gallant
Quixotte.
It had been remarked by the prisoners that,
about the time of some reverse of the arms of the
enemy, the keepers treated them with much
greater severity, and seemed to wish tow;
their vengeance in retaliation on the prisoners.
On the eighteenth, orders, together with a list
of names, came, to discharge sixty-two of the ere w
of the late United States' brig Frolic, who had
been exchanged, and were to repair immediately
to Dartmouth, thirty miles from the depot, to go
en board the aitel Jancy. then lying at that place
- 127
with the greater part of her number, which con-
sisted of prisoners late belonging to the United
States' navy and army.
Those sixty-two of the Frolic, were obliged to
carry the baggage themselves or leave it behind,.
for they were allowed no means to transport it.
Twelve miles of the distance is water carriage :
th? other eighteen is land; this distance they had
to march on foot : they received a shilling each
man, and one day's provision at the commencement
of the journey.
By le tiers from Plymouth, we received intel-
ligence that another cartel, the St. Philip, was
preparing to take on board part of her compli-
ment at that place, then to proceed to Dartmouth,
and receive the crew of the late United States'
brig Argus, and her officers, and non-combatants
from Ashburton. The same letters informed us that
all the prisoners in England, then nearly five
thousand, would shortly be removed to this prison ;
and accordingly at the latter end of this month
they ail were removed to this depot, and made,
with some few lately from sea, five thousand and
twenty. They were badly prepared to stand the
inclemency of the approaching season ; they were
all miserably clothed, and the shoes they had re-
ceived from Mr. Beasley lasted but a few weeks,
and they were now quite destitute, and very sickly,
128
and the weather cold and stormy for several days
together. On the third we received a letter from
Mr. Beasley, informing us that his clerk, Mr. Wil-
liams, was on his way from London to this place
with clothing, which he would distribute among
the prisoners captured since the middle of last
Mav. and to those captured before that date, he
would deliver one shirt, and one pair of shoes and
stockings, which should be their supply for nine
months. The old prisoners stated their situation
to Mr. Beasley by letter at the same date, and in-
formed him that they were in need of clothing :
that what they received in May was worn out, also
their shoes, and that they were not supplied with
sufficient bedding to make them any way comfort-
able through the approaching winter, especially as
they were sickly, and had the small-pox in the
prison, and that they should not be able to endure
the hardships of their condition, though their two
and a halfpence a day was some relief: yet as all
the workmen were turned into prison, and not
permitted to go out any more on account of one
man whom we believe to be Capt. Swain of New-
Bedford, Massachusetts, taking a very sudden
move and leaving the whole establishment, with-
out giving notice ; this left them unprovided with
^ullicient means to take care of themselves.
12$
Now the surly blasts of chill November had
made all surrounding nature wear the sad aspect
of decay, and the bare-footed prisoher stood shiv-
ering by the walls, in the pale and feeble ray of a
winter sun, when Mr. Williams arrived with the
clothing, as was expected, and on the third saw
the crew of the Argus take their departure from
this prison, to go on board the St. Philip, then ly-
ing at Dartmouth, bound for the United States.
The draft of this crew consisted of one-hundred,
which was all that was taken from this place ; she
had previously taken in her complement, except
this number, at Chatham. Shortly after her sail-
ing from Dartmouth she was so unfortunate as to
spring her mast, and obliged to return into port.
At this time the Phebe, and the late United
States' frigate Essex, arrived in England. The
editors who published the arrival of these two
•hips, made no remark or observation whatever,
only barely said they had arrived.
The reader will not have forgotten the circum-
stance of the four men, whom we mentioned were
committed to close confinement, during the war, on
suspicion of an intention to blow up the ship*
We, at this time, made application to the Board of
Transport, to mitigatethe punishment of these four
men, late of the Surprise ; and who had remained
eter since in close confinement in the cachot, but
M
130
•ur petition was not granted ; the board said, the
sentence had passed and could not be recalled,
they must suffer according to the sentence. These
poor fellows had endured the three months im-
prisonment with a magnanimity becoming Ameri-
cans. The prisoners seeing they could not get
them relieved, agreed to allow them a half-penny
a month out of every man's pay, which was cheer-
fully done by every man. They supplied them
with such articles as the board would allow them
to have.
Our hope nowr brightened amidst the clouds of
sufferings and despair, by the reports from Ghent
of a speedy peace ; which swelled every London
paper.
The guards, both officers and soldiers, stationed
here, were much disaffected with the government of
the country ; and informed us, that the military
through the whole kingdom had the same disaf-
fection, and that they had gone so far as to in-
form the government in direct terms, that if a
peace did not take place before the first of April,
that they would lay down their arms.
The battle, and destruction of Washington, had
now crossed the Atlantic, and was sounding with
great applause to the British arms ; every paper
was swelled with the most pompous dcscriptn i of
the greal battle, and the unparalleled bravery and
131
magnanimity of their officers and soldiers, that had
defeated and drove the whole American army,
headed by Mr. Madison in person, and that they
were in so close pursuit of him, that he had a se-
vere race all the way from Bladensburgh to
Washington ; which they were disposed to ridi-
cule, by comparing to John Gilpin's celebrated
race.
They also gave a description of Washington;
which they declared was one of the greatest cities in
the known world : the grandeur and magnificence
of it surpassed that of Paris or London ; it con-
tained thirteen hundred spacious squares. But
they did not mention, that those squares contained
no houses or inhabitants.
These stories could not gain the belief of persons
acquainted with the American nation, and its capi-
tal, but we were led to believe that the conduct on
both sides deserved much censure, and that the
burning of that capital was a disgrace to both na-
tions.
Nothing very material occurred among the priso-
ners this month ; they received their monthly pay
as usual, but were more sickly, and the weather
cold and tedious, but could not be compared with
the November before. The prisoners, though far
from being as comfortable as they ought to be
suffered much less, and were in a better condition
132
f.o endure the hardships of a prison than the year
before, now they were supplied with one pair o£
^hoes and stockings, and allowed two and a half
pence per day. They did not shrink at the ap-
proaching season so much as before.
Mr. Williams returned to London at the end of
the month ; he had been with us all the month, dis-
tributing the several articles above mentioned.
As the season advanced the hard weather in-
creased, and the snow fell in great abundance in
die beginning of December, and the prisoners
much chilled with the cold, applied for permission
to keep fire, as had been permitted to the French
prisoners, but were peremptorily refused and ab-
solutely forbid.
But to make the best of these evils of life, they
applied themselves every man to some occupation ;
they endeavoured to cherish and keep the mind
dive if the body decayed, and to cultivate that
nobler part of our being, they established a num-
ber of schools, and the young men and boys were
instructed in them for nearly two years, and many
Of them, who were perfectly unacquainted with
letters when they came to this prison, had acquired
a tolerable education in the English branches of
science.
There has from the earliest ages of antiquity,
been frequent instances of men, who have been
133
weary of life, and had not the courage and forti-
tude to bear those ills which are incident to it, and
have therefore, by a sort of false heroism, attempt-
ed to avoid them by destroying their own life. The
Stoic philosophy, which seemed to be a cultivated
degree of insensibility, encouraged it, and called
it heroism : but the act is cowardly, and a great
offence against the laws of God and man.
I have thought proper to premise these observa-
tions, before I related the melancholy instance of
a young man, a native 'of the city of New York,
by the name of John Taylor, who put an end to
his life on the first of this month, by hanging him-
self in prison No. 5.
By the position in which he was found in the
morning, he must have been all intent on death ;
he had fastened himself to one of the stantions, so
that his toes could just touch the floor. We knew
of no other cause than that despair had given him
less courage to live than to die.
Thinking it might tend to deter others from fol-
lowing the example of this unhappy victim of des-
pair, I procured a large slate, and engraved on it
the following inscription, which 1 put at the head
of his grave, where it remains on the moor,
M2
134
Here lies
JOHN TAYLOR,
A native citizen of the city of New York,
Who committed suicide, by hanging him-
self in prison No. 5, on the evening
of the first of December, 1814.
1 then put over each prison as a caveat, the fol-
lowing memento, as it was feared others would do
the same act.
Whene'er you view this doleful tomb.
Remember what you are,
And put your trust in God alone :
Suppress that fiend, Despair.
Lo ! there's entomb'd a geherous youth.
Despair did doom to die ;
By the hard act of suicide,
John Taylor there doth lie.
He hung himself within yon walls,
A warning may it prove :
Tho' man is wicked here below,
There's a just God above.
Be patient, meek, and wait His call.
Endure these ills of strife :
For great's the sin of mortal man,
That tyjjrs away his life.
135
One knows not how to account for the origin of
that act which takes away one's own life : self-love
and self-preservation are so deeply rooted in the
very nature of all living creatures, that it is the ulti-
mate mo'.ive of all actions to endeavour to sustain
and preserve life ; fear of destroying it is so in-
stinctive in all animals, that they seem to flee from
danger without any reasoning in the act, and al-
most without knowing when the volition begins.
But the suicide reverses every thing; he does an
act which is not natural, not rational, not desirable?
and dangerous ; he rushes into the presence of his
God, with all his former crimes, and this most he-
nious of all, brings him there.
From the first to the twenty-sixth nothing mate-
rial occurred, but a constant fall of snow every day,
but the season was less severe than that of the year
before.
In the interim, prisoners arrived from different ,
quarters of the globe 5 some taken in Canada on
the lakes, and others on the land : and amongst
these arrivals was the crew of the privateer Leo,
captured off the coast of Portugal.
On the twenty-ninth, we were most agreea-
bly surprised with the joyful tidings of peace ! —
The preliminaries were announced in the London
paper which we received this day, and the news
was confirmed by a letter from Mr* Beasley;_ re-
136
:eived the same day ; stating that the treaty had
been signed by the commissioners at Ghent on the
24th, and that the sloop of war Favourite would
sail with the Treaty on the second of January, one
thousand eight hundred and fifteen, with all possi-
ble speed for the United States, and that three
months would release every man from confinement.
Language is too feeble to describe the trans-
ports of joy, that so suddenly and unexpectedly
filled every heart. Every man forgot the many
tedious days and nights he had so often numbered
over within these prison walls. The memory of
his better days rose fresh in his mind, and he once
more hoped to return to his native country, which
he had so long despaired of ever revisiting ; his
liberty, the embraces of his friends, he knew bet-
ter how to prize by being so long deprived o*
them. The delicious fruits of plenty he could by
his imagination taste.
The prison was now in great confusion and bus-
tle, in preparing to celebrate the peace, which we
were confident would be honourable to our coun-
try. We were confident that the ground- work of
the treaty must be free trade and sailors' rights ;
and made arrangements to celebrate it in a man-
ner conformable to the rights of the ocean.
We obtained a quantity of powder of the sol-
diers, unknown to the keepers, and made large
137
cartridges, wound them up in twine, so that whea
exploded would make a report as loul as a six
pounder ; we then procured a large ensign, and a
pendant for each prison ; we prepared a white Hag
in the centre, painted in large capitals, " Free
Trade and Sailors' Rights.*'
The next morning, to the astonishment of the
©fficers and guards, we displayed the flags on the
top of each prison ; and on No. 3, which was styled
ihe Commodore, displayed the white flag with the
above motto, and at. the same time fired a salute of
seventeen rounds.
Shortly after, Capt. Shortland entered the yard,
and politely requested the white flag containing
the motto to be taken down, as it would draw cen-
sure upon him from the government, by holding
©ut inducements for the sailors to mutinise ; he said,
the government of Great Britain took care to
suppress all such inflammatory mottos. - But the
prisoners were too full of spirits to comply with
the request at that time. They continued it till
towards evening, when he again entered and so-
licited us to take it down, or every thing would
be in confusion ; he said, if we would take the
motto-flag down, he would hoist an American en*
sign on one end of his own house, and a British
one on the other end ; and if we were not con-
tented with this, he would order them all down ;
138
we then told him, out of respect for him, we would
take them all down, and wait till the ratification
of peace, before we displayed them again.
On the thirty-first of this month, arrived a draft
of prisoners, among whom were many who had
given themselves up as American citizens, and
claimed their right to a citizenship, and refused
to act on board his Majesty's ships any longer ;
these the prisoners did not give a very welcome
reception ; for they had delayed till the act had
become a wilful aiding and assisting the enemy,
and the mischief now over. The constant cry
among the sailors, who are great friends to Uncle
Sam, was, Damn my eyes if he han't stood it like
a man.
Among those prisoners who had declared them-
selves citizens of the United States, were six who
had been in the enemy's service for many years,
and were on board his Majesty's ship Pelican,
when she engaged the United States' brig Argus,
and took a very active part in the action against
the Argus ; every man of them had been appoint-
ed to some petty oiiicc on board the Pelican.
But supposing a peace would shortly be concluded
between the two nations, they had thought best to
claim a citizenship, and obtain their release. This
information soon spread among all the prisoners
13©
and enraged them to the highest degree at their
conduct, and being flushed with high spirits with
the late news of peace, were about to proceed to
extremities with them, and they finding their lives
were in danger, applied to Capt. Shortland for
protection, who entered the prison yard with the
guards and took these traitorous villains along,
and we believe they went back into his Majesty's
service; as the next day they were conveyed to
Plymouth, and we heard no more of them.
The weather was now very severe, and the old-
est prisoners had not received any clothing since
May, and were much in need of jackets and trow-
sers ; of this fact the prisoners were a self evident
and naked truth. Many were sick in the hospital.
December thirty-first, 1814. Statement of pris-
oners in prison at this depot.
Prisoners delivered up from the • British
navy. 1978.
United States' and privateers' men, those taken
in merchant vessels. 3348*
Total, exclusive of those exchanged - 5326.
Mr. Beasley, agent, had visited them once.
They had received from him one jacket, one pair
of trowsers, two shirts, two pair of shoes, and two
pair of stockings, each man.
Received from the British government, one
hammock, one blanket, one horse rug, one bed,
140
one yellow jacket, one pair of trousers, one waist-
coat, one pair of wooden shoes, and one cap.
Received in cash one and a halfpence, to which
was added one penny more after two months, each
man per day, from the first of January, 1814.
The weather still continued cold, and the oldest
prisoners had not as yet received any shoes or
clothes, but were daily expecting them from Mr.
Beasley.
We had been in this cold and dreary mansion,
wenty-one months, and the above items were all
the assistance we had received from Beasley, the
only person in this foreign land of our enemies to
whom we could look for any assistance, or from
whom we had any right to expect it.
Our ears had been constantly assailed with the
groans of the sick, and the dying ; pestilence and
disease had been our constant companions : our
minds had become almost distracted betwixt the
grief of our departed friends, and fellow prisoners,
and the hunger and want of our own body. From
such a long series of incessant sufferings, it is na-
tural to suppose that the bodies were emaciated,
^.nd the mind debilitated ; and much of the sameness
tliat may appear in this narrative, is owing to a
uniform state of misery, which will not admit of a i
variety in the description.
141
Uapt. Shortland had got information on the se*
cond of November, 1815, that the prisoners had
counterfeited three shilling pieces, and passed
them to the market people, for their country pro-
duce, and shortly after he detected two men at*
tempting to pass bad money ; he had them ap-
prehended immediately, and sent to the cachot.
Nothing worthy of note occurred till the twen-
tieth, when two men lately arrived were discove-
red to be the same who had entered the British
service the winter before. After having received
many insults, and much hard usage, on board the
war ships, they had got tired of their situations,
and claimed their citizenship and got themselves
delivered up and sent to prison again, which they
considered the least of the two evils.
Their conduct on board the ships, was no doubt
as disgraceful as the act they committed to bring
them there ; they shifted from ship to ship, till
the one wherein they claimed their citizenship
was ignorant of the manner they had come into
the service. The prisoners being highly enraged
at such conduct, made strict inquiry into the mat-
ter, and found the facts as above mentioned. — y
After holding consultations, many were for putting
them to immediate death, others were for flogging
them as severely as they could bear, and every
man for giving them some condign punishment 5
N
142
but at last it was unanimously concluded to put
upon them a mark, which would be a lasting stig-
ma, and an example for others. They seized and
took the traitors into prison, and fastened them to
a table, so that they could not resist, and then,
with needles and India ink, pricked U.S. on one
cheek, and T. on the other ; which is United
States traitor. After we let them go, they were
taken immediately to the hospital, and their faces
blistered on both sides, to endeavour to extract
the ink, but this only made it brighter and sink
deeper in. The doctors reported the traitors to
be in a very dangerous state, and that their lives
were despaired of. If this had been the case, it
must only proceed from the application they had
made use of, for no harm could arise from mark-
ing.
The next day, Capt. Shortland being oiFended
at the treatment his friends had received, sent
and had three men taken, whom he suspected
-were concerned in the affair, and put them into
the cachot, where they were examined not long
after by the King's solicitor, and there ordered to
remain till the next Exeter assizes, then and there
to be tried by the laws of this country. On the
twenty-fifth arrived five hundred suits of clothes,
which were distributed among those who had last
arrived,
143
The weather being very severe, and great
quantities of snow falling, the men were obliged
to keep within doors. On the same day arrived a
regiment of regular troops, who themselves had
been prisoners in France for many years during
the late war between that nation and England. —
They were much disgusted with the treatment we
received here, and exclaimed against the authors
of it, whoever they might be, and declared they
had not received such treatment in France.
At this time, the government not being so strict
m their charge to the military, and the keepers
not so strict in putting them in execution, and
these new guards being very friendly, gave us a
fine opportunity to escape over the walls, and many
made their escape in dark stormy nights. This
continued for some time, till one man was taken
on the wall, in the very act ; then it was stopped.
and strict orders given,
On the twenty-sixth a draft of prisoners arri-
ved, among whom were the crew of the privateer
Neuf- Chattel of New- York, lately captured, and
two navy officers captured on the lakes. On the t
twenty-eighth these officers received their parole,
and proceeded on to Ashburton, where all the par
roled officers were stationed,
144
Nantucket Neutrality.
On the thirtieth, Sir Isaac Coffin arrived with
another British admiral ; Sir Isaac is a native of
Massachusetts, and feeling some partiality to his
native statesmen, requested Capt. Shortland to
permit all the men who belonged to Nantucket to
come alone into market square, which request was
of course granted. He himself and thq other ad-
miral, whose name we did not learn, held a long
conversation with the Nantucket men, and in-
quired the particulars of their birth, their friends
and places of residence ; they then told them,
should the war continue, they would be released,
on account of belonging to a neutral Country. —
They then took an affectionate leave of the citi-
zens of that neutral nation, and went away. Such
are the advantages derived from being a neutral
nation in time of war.
February commences with much snow and cold ;
the prisoners in great anxiety for the ratification
• >f the treat}'.
On the fourth arrived a draft of prisoners, late-
ly captured in the privateer Brutus. At this time
a new, and most dreadful calamity now alarmed
and endangered the life of every man; the African
pox had, by some unfortunate means, got among
the prisoners, and threatened destruction to every
living soul. The disorder was so violent thai
145
when it attacked a person, he had nothing to ex-
pect but immediate death ; numbers died daily.
On the fifth, the London papers mentioned two
American frigates cruising in the channel, which
excited great alarm.
On the sixth, the pestilence had grown so mor-
tal, that the chief surgeon in England visited the
prison ; he imagined the distemper to arise from
a want of pure air ; that so many people crowded
together in one building must render the air very
impure, and unfit for respiration. He tried the
difference of temperature of the air in the prison,
and outside, which he found to differ twenty-five
degrees byFahrenheit's thermometer, the air being
much warmer inside. This difference of heat arose
entirely from the heat of the human body, as no fire
was kept in the prisons ; each prison now contain-
ed about 1200 persons on an average. It is high-
ly probable the distemper had generated itself in
the bad state of air, and had not been introduced
from abroad, as was first supposed.
On the eighth arrived an order from the
Board of Transport, for Capt. Shortland to ascer-
tain the number and description of all prisoners
belonging to the Island of Nantucket, for the pur-
pose of giving them their discharge ; like the
citizens of Denmark and Sweden, they were neu-
traL
N 2
146
On the tenth, arrived a draft of prisoners, lately
captured on their voyage to France : on the same
day. a number of prisoners were called on, to give
evidence on the part of the crown, concerning the
marking of the traitors in the cheek.
The king's solicitor was a long while busy in
endeavouring to obtain information, but all the
satisfaction he got was, that they had heard by re-
port that the men that marked the traitors, were
to be tried at Exeter the next assizes. At the
same time a small quantity of clothing arrived
from Mr. Beasley, who it seemed always took care
to send clothing to these who last arrived, as in
this instance, although they had not been prisoners
but a few weeks ; he seemed to have an idea that
they always come into prison naked, and when
they were there, one suit would last them all their
life ; for the oldest prisoners had not received any
clothing since the last May, and it was now ten
months, and every garment entirely worn out. He
supposed, that during two years imprisonment,
such as we had had, we must have got used to
every species of hardship, and that going naked
was so slight an evil that we did not mind it at all.
During the interval of time since the peace,
> 1 1 1 e r slight evil, somewhat similar to the above,
I ! cf.tllcn us, for the Contractor seeing we were
illy to go to a land of plenty, was determined
147
to show us the difference in a man's feelings, be-
tween eating and going without ; so he gave us no
more than the simpleton gave his horse, while fee
was learning him to live without eating.
On the thirteenth, one of the four prisoners,
whom we mentioned before were sentenced last
August to remain in the cachot during the war,
watched an opportunity to get among the other
prisoners in the yard : being let into the yard of
that building for the benefit of the fresh air, and
seeing the attention of the turnkeys and soldiers
occupied by some other object, at this time jumped
over the iron railing that separated this building
from the yards of No. 1, 2 and 3, and got undis-
covered amongst the other prisoners ; the morning
following he was missed by the keepers, and in-
formation given to Capt. Shortland, who demand-
ed the man from among us immediately, that he
be returned to the cachot again.
The prisoners positively refused to give the man
up, and declared that no force of arms should
wrest him from their protection. He then ordered
the market closed, and would not allow any com-
munication with it, and refused the prisoners every
privilege, and gave them only their allowance.
On the fourteenth, he entered the yard at the
head of two hundred soldiers with fixed bayonets,
and ordered every prisoner to retire within the
148
prisons, that search might be made for the prise
ner, and he again remanded to the cachot ; but all
the prisoners having previously agreed to stand
by each other, and if they attempted to use any
violence, to surround and disarm them, a signal
was given to surround, and the soldiers were im-
mediately surrounded, and the intention made
known to the officers, and advised to retire, unless
they were determined to risk the consequence. —
They then very prudently ordered the soldiers to
fall back, and retire without the yard, and leave
the man whom they sought.
The captain still harbouring rancour in his
breast, thought to compel us to give up the man
by force of starvation, and kept the markets closed
against us, and compelled us to subsist solely on
our scant allowance : but we to retaliate, forbid
all prisoners going out of the yard to work, who
at this time were about forty or fifty carpenters,
masons, and other mechanicks, who were a great
profit to the government ; this step put Shortland
to great expense and inconvenience to procure
others.
He at last concluded to make peace, and restore
tranquillity and let the man remain, and on the
twentieth he again opened the markets to the priso-
ners, and we permitted the workmen to go out
and work again. The other three men remained in
149
the cachot, but a stronger guard was placed there,
otherwise we were determined to release them by
force.
On the twenty-second, arrived a draft of priso-
ners lately captured oft' the Cape of Good Hope,
among whom were the crew of the late United
States brig Syren; the treatment of these men be-
fore they arrived at this place will be mentioned
in the supplements to this work. These, together
with others taken in other parts, arrived since the
last enumeration on the last day of one thousand
eight hundred and fourteen, made in all at this de-
pot five thousand eight hundred and fifty, which
were all the prisoners in England except officers
on parole. The prisoners were barefooted, and
very sickly.
On the twenty-sixth of this month, is gazetted
in the London papers, the official account of the
capture of the United States frigate President,
Com. Decatur.
The editor says she was captured solely by the
Endymion, of far inferior force ; he says the en-
gagement was in the old English style, yard-arm to
yard-arm. Knowing this to be a falsehood, I
addressed a letter to the editor, requesting him to
read a short piece of poetry which I enclosed.
March commenced with cold and blustering wea-
ther, and the prisons almost one continued scene
150
of sick and dying, the small-pox was raging with a
desolating aspect, and the greatest anxiety con-
cerning the ratification of the treaty ; afflictions,
which seem never to come singly, were now pres-
sing upon the back of one another ; pestilence,
famine, and nakedness were not affliction enough,
phrensy must be added.
On the fourth, a man in the Hospital, in a sud-
den fit of insanity, seized a knife and stabbed two
of the nurses very dangerously, of which wounds
Jonathan Paul died on the tenth, the other sur-
vived.
On inquiry into the circumstances of the de-
ceased, we found him to have been a married man,
and his wife had lived a little distance from the
prison, since his confinement, who was in very
narrow circumstances.
We all agreed to give her the day's allowance of
fish of that week, which we sold to the contractor
and received the money, which amounted to nearly
one hundred dollars ; this sum she received, and
returned to her residence on the dav of the doath
of her husband.
On this day also, the three "men who were put
into close confinement, for marking the traitors on
the face, were taken out of the custody of the
;it of prisoners of war at this place, by a writ of
Habeas Corpus ad resjwdendum, and removed to
151
the criminal prison at Exeter, to be tried for the
offence by the civil laws of this country. They
were removed in irons. The prisoners then made
a contribution for the support of these men while
at Exeter.
On the tenth, we received London papers,
which gave an account of Bonaparte's having ar-
rived in France at the head of about one thousand
men, and that he was making the most rapid ad-
vances toward Paris, and thousands joining him,
that the greatest confusion was taking place in
the affairs of France.
This intelligence struck the greatest astonish-
ment in all England, and created a very serious
concern among all the military, who expected t«
be relieved on the arrival of the treaty ratified by
the President, but now they must despair of that
idea, as new wars must inevitably follow the steps
of that gigantick monster.
On the fourteenth, a universal joy was diffused
through the whole prison, and " a smile lighted up
in the aspect of woe ;" the Favourite, the welcome
messenger of peace, arrived and brought the treaty
ratified by the President of the United States.
I cannot better express the joy that diffused it-
self through the whole country, Englishmen as
well as prisoners, than by giving the following
lines from a great author.
152
The dumb shall sing, the lame his crutch forego,
And leap exulting like the bounding roe.
No sigh nor murmur the wide world shall hear.
From ev'ry face he wipes off ev'ry tear.
We raised the ensigns and pendant on each
prison, presented to Capt. Shortland and gentle-
men under his command, an address in poetry.
On the seventeenth, we were informed by Capt.
Shortland, that he had received orders from the
Board of Transport to discharge the prisoners
whenever Mr. Beasley was ready to receive them.
To the great disappointment of all the prisoner*,
we had received no information from Mr. Beasley
for six weeks, and the prisoners now were in the
greatest anxiety. They reasonably expected that
on the arrival of this ratified treaty, Mr. Beasley
would have every thing in a state of readiness,
for their immediate conveyance to the United
States, and that he would inform them in what
manner they were to proceed there ; but not a
sellable was received from the agent of our coun-
try till the eighteenth, v. hen a very cold and un-
pleasant letter wasjreceived from him. which read
as follows :
" Fellow Citizens,
I am informed that great numbers of the pri-
soners refuse being inoculated with the small
153
pox, which T bear has been very mortal amoag
you. I therefore acquaint you, that it will be im-
possible for me to send home any prisoners, unless
they have gone through the same. Yours, &c.
R. G. BEASLEY."
This strange letter rather increased the great
anxiety every man was in, for we expected to have
been informed something relative to our speedy
departure, and that he had made arrangements
to clothe the oldest prisoners, who were so na-
kedj that they were unfit to be discharged.
On the nineteenth, an order arrived, informing
Capt. ShortlanJ to discharge thirty men, as they
had been applied for by American captains, to
man ships in France, and up the east country ; the
Transport Board had ordered them to be dischar-
ged.
On the twentieth, Capt. Shortland released
those three men, whom we have mentioned were
committed to close confinement in the cachot last
August, on suspicion of Mowing up the vessel ;
the other we have mentioned made hi? escape.
These men made as ghastly an appearance, as
it is possible for human beings to make ; they had
been eight months confined within a damp stone
room twenty feet square, rloored with stone, and no
light except a dim ray that gleamed through the
top of the gable end. They had lived on two
O
154
thirds of a scant allowance, till their trembling
limbs could scarce support their body.
On the same day, a writ came to remove the
insane man, who had occasioned the death of
Jonathan Paul, to Exeter, to have his trial ; also
one to bring forward about twenty persons as
witnesses, in this, and the trial of the three men
whom we mentioned had been taken there for
trial, for marking the traitors.
The small pox raged now in a most alarming
manner ; it being of the African kind, scarce a
man recovered, after once being attack ?d and con-
veyed to the hospital.
After the arrival of the ratification of the trea-
ty, great numbers visited the prison from all parts
uf the country, with almost every kind of article
for sale in the markets ; among whom were great
numbers of Jews, who came here to sell old
clothes.
One of these Jew merchants on his way to the
prison, met a farmer who lived about eight miles
fonir the prison, and accused him of being an
American prisoner, making his escape from the
depot ; as great numbers had lately made their
escape, and thinking to receive the reward, which
wras three pound?, given by the government for
apprehending any prisoner making his escape from
on ; told the farmer he must go back to the pri-
155
son with him, and the farmer, having been once a
sailor, was willing to confirm him in his suspicions,
and began the song of Yankee Doodle ; this con-
firmed the Jew in his belief of his being an Ameri-
can, and he was sure he had got a prize worth
three pounds to him ; but his prisoner re-
fused to walk, and thinking he could afford to
hire a conveyance for him, gave half a guinea to a,
wagoner to take him to the prison, and treated
him very liberally along the way with drink. —
About 11 o'clock the Jew arrived with his prison-
er, and applied to the keepers to take charge
of him, and pay the reward of three pounds ; but,
to his astonishment, the clerks, turnkeys, and
every officer, immediately knew the farmer, and
knew him to be a respectable man residing on the
edge of the moor. He now demanded of the Jew
a compensation for being detained several hours a
prisoner, and the demand being justified by Capt.
Shortland, the Jew was obliged to pay fire pounds
to prevent a suit.
The affair was made known to the prisoners,
and every man forbid purchasing any thing of the
Jew ; he was therefore obliged to leave the mar-
ket without disposing of a single article.
On the twenty-fourth, a letter was received
from Mr. Beasley, informing those Americans who
had been taken under the French flag, and had
J 56
been considered as French prisoners till the}*
were dischargedj jNV<3 from that time till this, had
been recognised by no government, that he was
now author) zed to acknowledge them as Ameri-
cans, and sent to each man a suit of clothes. — ■
Tnis was the first assistance these men had had
from any government, since the French prisoners
were discharged, and had lived entirely on the
charity of the other prisoners. They had been
prisoners four or five years.
The same letter informed us that he had taken
three ships at London for the conveyance of the
prisoners to the U. States.
The same day, a passport for four prisoners,
who were to be discharged, was received.
During this month many prisoners made their
escape, the government appearing very careless ;
and it was supposed this negligence was intention-
al, that they might escape for the purpose of im-
pressing, as the press was hot about this time ;
but some few were detected when passing the
wall, and sentenced to the cachot for ten days, on
two thirds allowance, which, stopped the esca-
ping for that time.
On the twenty-fifth, the prisoners began to be
impatient of such delay in the American a^ent,
as eleven days had elapsed since the arrival of
ihe ratified treaty, and nothing in readiness to dis-*
157
charge them, no means provided, and such delay
too much to be borne ; their situation was such,
that they could not restrain their resentment
against such criminal neglect as their agent was
guilty of; they were determined to punish him as
much as it lay in their power ; they therefore caus-
ed his effigy to be hanged on the top of one of the
prisons, after which it was taken down, and burnt
in presence of all the officers and soldiers. —
But 1 must not forget to mention the sentence of
the court, pronounced before his execution, and
his dying confession, when under the gallows.
St nt> \CC.
At this trial, held at Dartmoor on the twenty-
fifth day of March, one thousand eight hundred
and fifteen, you, Reuben G. Bcasley in effigy, are
found guilty, by an impartial and judicious jury
of your countrymen, upon the testimony of five
thousand seven hundred witnesses, of depriving
many hundreds of your countrymen oi their lives,
by the most wanton and most cruel deaths, by
ni-kedness, starvation, and exposure to pestilence*
It therefore becomes the duty of this court, as
ought to be the duty of every court of justice, to
pronounce that sentence of the law, which your
manifold and henious crimes so richly deserve—
And it is with the deepest regret that I am com-
pelled to say, our country has been imposed upon?
O 2
158
by a man Tvhose crimes must cut him off from
amona- the living. You this day must be hanged
by the neck on the top of the prison No. 7, until
you are dead ; your body is then to be taken down
and fastened to a stake, and burned to ashes, which
are to be distributed to the winds, that your name
maybe forgotten, and your crimes no longer dis-
grace our nation.
On hearing the above sentence, the compunc-
tion of his conscience now brought forth the fol-
lowing confession.
CONFESSION.
% Injured countrymen, and fellow citizens,
" I this day, by the verdict of a just and impar-
tial jury, and by the sentence of an impartial court,
am to be made a public example, and receive that
punishment which is so justly due to my many
odious offences against the laws of God, and my
eountiy ; and being in a very few moments to
make my exit from this world, do confess, in the
presence of Almighty God, that for the first
twelve months oTmy consulship I did most criminal-
ly neglect the American prisoners, who were dying
daily for the want of my assistance, which I with-
held through mercenary motives : the cries and
petitions of my unfortunate countrymen I have
always treated with the utmost disregard and con-
tempt, but being fully convinced of all my past
159
errors, I make this public and candid confession,
in hopes that I may find mercy in the presence of
a just and merciful God. I further do acknow-
ledge, that I have been the nieans of detaining
you in your present situation by neg] to send
you home, as I might have done-, while the ex-
change was open for prisoners, which was not
closed till June eighteen hundred and thirteen ; I
likewise confess, that I have deprived great num-
bers of you of your regular turns of exchange, by
filling the cartels with paroled officers, who were
not entitled to the same ; I must confess that had
1 have made proper application to the British go-
vernment, and had I used my influence, 1 might
have obtained the release of all the men discharged
from his majesty's ships of war ; but being selfish,
and swayed by despicable motives, I made no ex-
ertions for their relief. I do likewise confess, that
after the second year of my consulship, I could no
longer withhold from iny unfortunate countrymen,
some little assistance in money and clothing, as
the United States had given me positive orders to
supply all the wants of her citizens, who were pri-
soners of war at that time in England ; but to my
shame, and to the disgrace of any American agent,
I entered in a contract with a Jew m t of
London, to supply the prisoners with the very
meanest and coarsest clothing that could possibly
160
be procured in all England. At the same time I
le advances to you. prisoners, of two and a half
cents per day, and then represented to your coun-
try, the Congress of the United States, that I had
supplied all your wants by providing you a suffi-
cient quantity of clothing, and making you a daily
advance of money suitable to your wants ;f o r I
did think that by deceiving the United States, and
depriving you of the necessaries of life, I should
in a, very few years accumulate to myself a very
handsome fortune ; but to my great disappoint-
ment and disgrace, the peace took place, and all
my viliany and deception was discovered : my
crimes stood in open day. For these crimes now
I am justly doomed to this ignominious death, and
must very shortly make my appearance before the
just, and Almighty God, to answer for all my
crimes ; where I expect there will rise up in evi-
dence against me, the souls of hundreds of my de-
parted countrymen, who now lie buried behind the
walis of this prison by my crimes ; as the time is
now expired, I must depart to the uncertainty of
an hereafter." The hat drops. " I depart among
the damned."
After the ashes was scattered in the winds, the
following dirge was then sung.
The image of disgroce we've hang'd,
And wish it was quite true
161
That Beasley had himself been there.
And the devil burnt his Jew :
For both contriv'd to wrong us much ;
And they knew it very well,
They'll always have the prisoners' prayer
To send them both to hell.
On the twenty-sixth, the prisoners who had been,
taken to Exeter to give evidence against the in-
sane man who stabbed Paul, and also those who
were to give evidence against the three men who
were accused of marking the traitors, returned
to Dartmoor ; as did also the defendants who had
had their trial, and were acquitted.
On the twenty-eighth, we received our monthly
pay as usual : the prison continued very sickly,
and no preparation for our departure.
► At this time the officers and soldiers of the gar-
rison seemed greatly alarmed and much concerned
at the news received from France. They had
the greatest apprehensions of an immediate war
with Bonaparte, as the Paris papers gave an ac-
count of his being at the head of three hundred
thousand men in arms ; and the British papers
mentioned the great preparations they were ma-
king in this country to assist the allies. The
very name of the Emperor, and the mention of
the battle of New-Orleans, made every British
162
officer and soldier turn pale, and shudder at the
thought.
On the last day of March, I collected the c :<act
number of all prisoners at this depot, and noted as
follows :
In prison No. 1 - ■ 1769.
In do. No. 3 972.
In do. No. 4 1051.
In do. No. 5 958.
In do. No. 7 1563.
In different employments about the stores 31.
Employed in the hospital - - - 19.
Patients in the hospital - - 130.
Total at Dartmoor - - - 5693. ^
The following are the different descriptions of*
prisoners, and the number of each class.
There were of those discharged from British ,
ships of war and also those taken in England, 2200.
Coloured people - - 1000.
United States' soldiers and sailors 250.
Taken on board of privateers and merchant-
ships - 2243.
Including those few mentioned, taken under the
French flag.
On the same day we received letters from Lon-
don, informing us that the ships taken for our
conveyance, lay wind bound in the Downs.
163
The month concluded with pleasant weather
for Dartmoor ; sickness and small pox had some-
what abated.
The prisoners made a contribution for the
assistance of a prisoner, who had lost an arm in
attempting to take possession of the cartel, which
was conveying them from Halifax to England.
As this j*- intended to be a true and faithful ac-
count of all the occurrences and circumstances of
the American capUves in England, we cannot for-
bearjmentioning some circumstances, which may
appear triring. ar^l uninteresting to those wh©
have not felt as- we have.
The weather now being mild, and the pleasant
season for crossing the Atlantic fast approaching,
the prisoners felt the most insufferable anxiety
for their departure. The winds being favourable,
and seventeen days having elapsed since the rati-
fied treaty arrived, they could not but wait with
impatience for the cartels.
On the first of March, Capt. Shortland receiv-
ed orders to discharge twenty -one prisoners, who
had applied to be released in England. Previous
to this time almost alLthe men who had been de-
livered from the BrrSh ships of war, had been
paid at different times their prize money, and the
waces due for their past services in the navy.
164
This day a man "by the name of Bratt, who had
belonged to the United States' brig Argus returned
to prise a. This man, at the time we were at-
tempt'.;:^ to make our escape by digging out, was
accused of dropping some unguarded expression,
which had led to a discovery of our first attempt ;
he was threatened to be put to death, by great
numbers of prisoners, and the keepers fearing
this might be the case, took him to the gumd
house, where he remained till the crew of the
Argus was discharged from prison, when he was
also discharged with them, and went along with
the crew to Dartmouth, and entered the cartel :
he was there accused of the same as before, and
threatened, and fearing his life might be taken,
he escaped from the cartel, went into the country
and worked at his trade, which was that of a
blacksmith, and had resided there the whole
* time.
On the second we had information that the
ship Milo of Boston had arrived in England in
eighteen (|ays from that port; she w;,s the first
\ erii an vessel which had reached this place
since ce.
On tin- same <h\\ we received a letter from Mr.
I >■ isl ;•. . \\ hich read as Follows :
•• ! Y!!>v. ( Citizens,
" From the numberless letters 1 receive daily, I
4
165
iind that the prisoners entertain an idea of my
releasing any prisoners that are enabled with a
sufficiency to provide for themselves ; I therefore
must give you fully my intention on that subject,
which is, to grant passports only to such persons
as have friends or connexions in this country, of
responsibility.
" I must also acquaint you that I am making
every possible despatch with the cartels for your
conveyance to the United States, where you are
much wanted, and the encouragement for seamen
very great."
This letter again revived the drooping spirits
of the prisoners, who for many days had been al-
most distracted with the tedium of suspense. We
now felt that a few days would release us
from this earthly hell, and like iEneas of old, pass
by propitious gales from hell to heaven, and short-
ly repose on the Elysian fields, in the arms of the
goddess of liberty.
The prisoners that had kept shops in the pri-
sons for retailing small articles, such as tobacco,
thread, soap, coffee, sugar, &c. now broke up,
and every thing wajyn great confusion for want of
these articles ; theWphops were a great advan-
tage to those who kept them, and a great accom-
modation to all the prisoners. There had been
from sixty to eighty in each prison ; at these pla-
P
166
ces all those small articles might easily be obtain-
ed, though at somewhat higher price than in the
market.
Our salary would not go far in purchasing these
articles, which were very high at this time all
over England ; we Could buy for a penny sterling,
only one small chew of tobacco, which was sel-
ling at Plymouth by the quantity at nine shillings
and six pence per pound.
We find mentioned in the paper of this dayr the
arrival of the late U. States frigate President at
Plymouth ; they barely mention that she had ar-
rived at that place, and that she was captured by
the Endymion, but the circumstances of the cap-
ture they very prudently left out, as reflecting no
honour on the captors.
Capt. Shortland had two men committed to
close confinement, who had been accused of draw-
ing money from the Directors of Greenwich Hos-
pital, under assumed names.
On the fourth, a circumstance occurred, which
may lead to the recital of other circumstan-
ces, which many to whose hand this work ma\
come, may be inclined to d<J(ubt the veracity of:
but \ can appi-alfnot only to mose who have certifi-
ed this work, but to nearly six thousand of my fel-
low prisoners, who upon their solemn oath can at-
test iodic truth of what is herein contained,
161
During the whole of this day the prisoners re-
mained without bread, and the captain of the pri-
son gone to Plymouth ; we were obliged to subsist
on the four and a half ounces of beef, and the
soup made of it ; we demanded of the contractor
the reason of our not drawing our usuad allowance
of bread ; he answered, that it could not be ob-
tained till to-morrow ; we waited as patiently as
our feelings would allow, till the expiration of
thirty-six hours from the time we had received the
last bread, when hunger became so pressing, that it
drove us to a state of desperation, and we could
no longer endure it, as the whole allowance was
scarcely sufficient to sustain life. At dusk in the
evening, we again demanded the reason of our not
receiving our allowance of bread as usual, as the
store-house we well knew contained a sufficiency
of both hard and soft bread. The contractor's
clerk informed us, that a quantity of damaged
hard bread, which had been kept in reserve for
times of extreme necessity, now remained on hand,
and that unless we would accept of one pound of
that in lieu of the pound and a half of soft bread
allowed by the Transport Board, until all they
had was expended,^! should not serve us with
any bread, until Capt. Shortland returned from
Plymouth,
168
The prisoners then collected themselves into
companies, to consider of this very extraordinary
conduct in the contractor; and after mature de-
liberation, they all concluded that it must be a de-
sign in the contractor to get rid of his damaged
ad. before we went away, and had taken this op-
portunity, while the captain was absent, to compel
us to receive it by starving us till we were wil-
ling ; we therefore concluded rather to die by the
sword, than the famine, and determined to remain
no longer in this starving condition, for we had all
ived solely on the four and a half ounces
ot beef. Thus desperate by starvation, we deter-
mined to force open the gates in front of the prison,
via the soldiers, break open the store-hous.*
and supply ourselves ; and provided the garrison
should charge or fire upon us, to make a general
attack, and take possession of the guard house
and barracks, and stand the consequences let come
what might. Accordingly at dark, the prisoners
were ordered, as usual, inside the prisons to be
locked up for the night, but instead of complying
with orders, a signal previously [ on was
• n, and passed like lighting through every
and. every prisoner ^pj Instantly at
. Mo in one solid body: on approaching the
• i I bursting o '''.<' first three, tl • sol-
ind turnkeys stationed mere, fled in the u1
169
most confusion and consternation to the main
feody in the guard house. The alarm bells rung
and the drums in every direction around the gar-
rison beat to arms ; the women in the different
houses connected to the depot, flew in confusion
and terror in every direction from the depot ; in a
few moments the alarm had reached the neigh-
bouring villages for many miles, and the militia
assembled in arms to assist the garrison, which
was at this time twelve hundred. We stood ar-
ranged in front of the store-house ready to re-
ceive the attack of the soldiery, or receive our
usual allowance of bread ; in a few moments the
soldiers arrived and advanced with charged bay-
onets within two yards of the prisoners. The
soldiers were then brought to a stand by the
threats of the prisoners, who all declared, in the
most determined tone, that if they attempted to
fire or make a charge on them, they must abide
by any consequences that would follow : we told
them that we were confident that no such orders
had been issued from the government of Great
Britain ; we also told them, that unless the bread
was served out immediately, that the store-house
should be levelled mth the ground, and every
prisoner should march out of the prison. The
contractor, clerks, &c. then immediately came for-
ward and entered into this engagement, that if the
P 2
170
prisoners would retire into the prison yards, that
the bread should be immediately served to them ;
the prisoners agreed and retired, and for the se-
curing the fulfilment of the engagement, they
took with them as a hostage one of the clerks inside
of the prison, and there to remain till every prisoner
had received his usual allowance of bread, which
was not till after twelve o'clock at night. During
this time, the guards, soldiers, keepers, and every
person connected with the prison, remained in the
greatest apprehension, fearing the prisoners
some further intention than merely to obtain theii
bread ; they feared their troubles would end in a
more serious way, and the prisoners all make
their escape. But next mora io.ved that the
prisoners had no intention of escapi
the confusion of the night, many of them ha I ta-
ken the opportunity to scale the walls in an o]
site direction, while the attention of the guard was
taken up with the main body of th«
Those that had gone out after remaining all
night, came and demanded admittance into prison
again. Tins movement in the prisoners astonished
the natives of the moor, who left vacant their huts
an i fled for safety ; the wqfen and children had
I to the nearest towns I there took refuge,
I the men had joined the garrison for protection.
171
During the night an express was sent to Ply-
mouth to acquaint Capt. Shortland of the event,
and that the prisoners had complete possession of
the whole garrison, and the control of all things at
Dartmoor. In the morning Capt. Shortland ar-
rived with a reinforcement of two hundred sol-
diers ; but found all things quiet and tranquil ; as
the prisoners had obtained their usual allowance
of bread, they were satisfied and sought nothing
more. Capt. Shortland made an apology for the
fault of the contractor, and things passed on tolera-
bly well ; but great suspicions remained among
the people who had formerly attended the market
smcl these had spread abroad and become the gene-
ral opinion outside of the walls, that the Ameri-
can prisoners being detained so long since the
ratification had arrived, now three weeks, in which
time Mr. Beasley might have had all discharged,
and on their passage to the United States, had
grown impatient, and as no ships had yet sailed
from London to receive them, their forbearance
was quite exhausted, and from some threats that
had been thrown out by some of the prisoners in
presence of the market people, that if the agent of
their country did not*" procure their release with-
in one month from the arrival of the treaty, that
they would take their liberty in a body, being de-
termined to risque their lives at all hazards, and
172
depend on their own exertions for their liberty
among armed soldiers, rather than remain in the
wretched condition they were then in. These
suspicions fta i gone so much abroad, that every
body about the prison was apprehensive the pri-
soners would make the attempt to escape in a
body, and some unhappy issue grow out of it.
Bat the prisoners generally had no design of es-
caping, as by that means they would lose their op-
portunity of returning home in tne cartels. On the
sixth, we addressed a letter to .'Jr. Beasley, on the
subject of our discha,- . . ii informed him that
we had made application to the British govern-
ment to interfere in forwarding our release, as he,
Mr. Beasley, had delayed the time already nearly
one month, and had only procured three ships,
and them still in London, when at the same time
ships could have been procured at Plymouth, on
equally as good terms as at London, which would,
with very little exertions on the part of Mr. Beas-
ley, have released the greater part of the prison-
ers in two weeks, from ihc arrival of the ratifica-
tion of the treaty.
The story I am about to relate is of the deepest
concern, as well to evei en of the Unted
States, as to those who were the immediate sub-
a of it. The event concerns the interest of
botii governments, and deserve to be treaied m
173
the most candid and impartial manner ; every tran-
saction whereby the intention of those acting in it
can be discovered, require to be shown in the
purest and most open view.
That the public may have all that can be known
on this important subject, I propose to lay before
them, in the first instance, what passed within my
own knowledge, that I myself was witness to :
then to give them the report of the committee ap-
pointed by the prisoners, to investigate the circum-
stances of the massacre ; and lastly, to give the
report of the agents appointed by the two govern-
ments.
What one of that nation, or what soldier of that
hardened, wretched band, can refrain from tears
even while he relates the murderous deeds ?
" What blind, detested madness could afford
Such horrid license to the murd'ring sword 1"
Though the scene is of painful memory, and my
soul shudders at the remembrance, and hath
shrunk back with grief at the thought, yet will I
relate what my eyes hath seen and my ears heard.
On the sixth of this month, April, about six
o'clock in the evening, Capt. Shortland discovered
a hole in the inner wall, that separates the bar-
rack-yard from prison No. G and 7 ; this hole had
been made in the afternoon, by some prisoners out
of mere play, without any design to escape,
174
On discovering the hole, Cant. Shortland seemed
instantly to conceive the murderous design ; for
without giving the prisoners any notice to retire,
lie planted soldiers in proper positions on the top
of the wall, where they could best assist in perpe-
trating his murderous and barbarous deeds.
A few minutes past six, while the prisoners were
innocently, and unapprehensive of mischief, walk-
ing in the prison yards, and those m No. 1, 3 &; 4,
were particularly so, as the yards of these prisons
are entirely separated every way from the yard in
which the hole in the wall had been made ; — the
alarm bells rung, and the drums of the garrison in
every direction beat to arms ; this was about ten
minutes past six.
This sudden and unexpected alarm, excited the
attention of all the prisoners, who out of curiosity
made immediately for the gates of the prison yard,
to inquire the reason of the alarm.
Among so many as were in this depot, it is rea-
sonable to suppose that some mischievous persons
were among them, and among those collected at
the gate were some such persons who forced the
gates open, whether by accident or design I will
not attempt to say ; but without any intention of
making an escape, and totally unknown to every
man, except the few who stood in front of l c
gates; those back naturally crowded forward^
17b
see what was going on at the gates ; this pressed
and forced a number through the gates, quite con-
trary to the intention of either those in front or
those in rear.
While in this situation, Capt. Shortland entered
the inner square at the head of the whole body of
soldiers in the garrison ; as soon as they entered,
Capt. Shortland took sole command of the whole,
and immediately drew up the soldiers in a position
to charge.
The soldier-officers, perceiving by this move,
the horrid and murderous design of Capt. Short-
land, resigned their authority over the soldiers,
and refused to take any part, or give any orders
for the troop to fire.
They saw by this time, that the terrified priso-
ners were retiring as last as so great a crowd would
permit, and Hurrying and flying in terrible flight,
in every direction to their respective prisons.
The troop had now advanced within three yards
of the prisoners, when Capt. Shortland gave them
orders to charge upon them : at this time the
prisoners had all got within their respective prison
yards, and were flying With the greatest precipi-
tation from the point of the bayonet; the doors
now being full of the terrified crowd, they could
not ente • as fast as they wished ; at this moment
of dismay, Capt. Shortland was distinctly heard
176
to give orders to the troops to lire upon the priso-
ners, although now completely in his power, and
their lives at his disposal, and had offered no \ ;o-
lence, nor attempted to resist, and the gates all
closed.
The order was immediately obeyed by his sol-
diers, and they discharged a full volley of musketry
into the main body of the prisoners, on the other
side of the iron railings which separated the pris-
oners from the soldiei .
These volleys were repeated for several rounds^]
and the prisoners falling-, eit: lei lead or wounded.
in all directions, while it was yet impossible (or
*-hem to eater the prison, on account of the num-
bers that flew there for refuge from the rage oi the
bloo l-thirsty murderer.
In the midst of this horrid slaughter, one man
among the rear prisoners, with groat presence oi
mind and the most undaunted courage, turned and
advanced to the soldiers, amidst the fire of hun-
dreds, and while his fellow-prisoners were falling
all around him, and in a humble and suppliant
manner, with his hat in his hand, this resolute soul
in the face of danger and death, implored m< rcj
of Captain Shortland to spare his countrymen
O ! spare my countrymen ! he cried : O ! Captaiij
firbear, dont kill us all! — To this supplication
this cruel, inexorable Shortland replied — Retire,
177
you damned rascal : I'll hear to nothing ! The sol-
diers then pricked him with their bayonets, which
compelled him to retreat to the prison-door, where
he must wait his doom with the other unfortunate
prisoners, till the soldiers, who had now entered
the different prison yards, and were pursuing and
firing, should despatch him with the rest.
To do justice to the merits of this young man,
I must inform the public that his name is Green-
low, of Virginia, and late a midshipman in the U.
States navy, but now a prisoner of the crew of the
privateer Prince of Neufchattel.
The soldiers now advanced, making a general
massacre of men and boys, whom accidents or
impossibility had left without the doors of the
prison ; they advanced near to the crowded doors,
and instantly discharged another volley of mus-
ketry on the backs of those farthest out, endea-
vouring to force their passage into the prison.
This barbarous act was repeated in the presence
of this inhuman monster, Shortland — and the priso-
ners fell, either dead or severely wounded, in all
directions before his savage sight.
But his vengeance was not glutted by the cruel
murder of the innocent men and boys, that lay
weltering and bleeding in the groans and agonies
of death along the prison-doors, but turned and
traversed the yard, and hunted a poor affrighted
O
178
wretch, that had flew for safety close under the
walls of prison No. 1 , and dared not move lest he
should be discovered, and immediate death be his
lot.
But alas ! the unhappy man was discovered by
these hell-hounds, with this deamon at their head,
and with cool and deliberate malice, drew up their
muskets to their shoulders and despatched the un-
happy victim, while in the act of imploring mercy
from their hands. His only crime was not being
able to get into the prison without being shot be-
fore.
In the yard of No. seven, they found in their
hunt, another hapless victim, crouching close along
the wall at the far end of the yard, and fearing to
breathe, lest he should share the fate of his unfor-
tunate countrymen that had already fallen a sacri-
fice to the rage of this lawless banditti ; when O !
cruel to relate, five of them drew up the instru-
ments of death, and by the order of this fell mur-
derer, discharged their contents into the body of
this innocent man, while begging them to spare his
life!
This Kern, now having accomplished his mur-
derous designs, retired with his troops from the
yard, and left it a horrid scene of his relentless
rage !
179
The dead and the wounded lay scattered about
the yard ; seven were killed dead on the spot, and
six with the loss of a leg or an arm, and dange-
rously wounded : several were pronounced mortal.
The names of every man, either killed or wound-
ed, will be given in the catalogue annexed.
As it was much feared the murderers would en-
deavour to conceal many of the dead, Dr. M'Grath,
head surgeon of the Hospital, an honest skil-
ful man, entered immediately after Shortland re-
tired, and exerted his utmost ability in collecting
the dead and wounded from the several prison
yards, and conveying them to the Hospital.
At the same time, he sent to the neighbouring
towns to call in the aid of medical gentlemen that
resided there ; he also demanded admittance into
the prisons, which were now closed, to receive the
dead and wounded that had reached the inside of
the prison.
A despatch was immediately sent to Plymouth^
to inform the Admiral and Commodore, and the
Commander in Chief of the Military Department,
of the fatal sixth of April, one thousand eight hun-
dred andflfteen; which day must be of horrid mem-
ory to every American, whose mind will revolt with
indignity at the name of SHORTLAND and the
MASSACRE AT DARTMOOR ! !
180
lland! thou foul monster and inhuman vil-
lain ! is thy soul glutted with the blood of the in-
nocent victims, that fate had doomed to thy re-
vengeful and blood-thirsty power ?. I appeal to the
world to say. whether the conduct of Warren Has-
tings, whether the massacre of St. Domingo, can
oxcced the horrid catastrophe of this ill-fated
night, conducted under the immediate inspection
of your murderous eye ? and should the laws of
your country not doom you to a death of the
most severe nature, as a publick example for your
well known crimes, your whole nation is involved
black accomplice in your monstrous guilt \
and the blood of my unfortunate countrymen, shed
by your base hand, must ever remain a stain to the
character of your nation.
Tell me, ye bloody butchers ! and thou who
contrived, as well as ye who executed the execra-
ble design, how dare ye breathe that air, which
wafted to the car of Majesty the groans of the
wounded and the dying ? How dare ye tread that
earth, which is wet with the blood of the innocent;
I by your accursed hands ? Do not the goads
and stings of conscious guilt wound you in your
daily walks ? Do not the ghosts of the murd
rise before you in your nightly dream- '
On the morning of the seventh, by order of the
commander in chief at Plymouth, a Colonel, wi
* 181
reinforcement of troops, arrived, and took com-
mand of the depot. Immediately on his arrival,
he sent notice to the prisoners of his taking the
command, and that Capt. Shortland wished the
prisoners to appoint some few men to receive the
explanation of his last night's conduct ; but we
unanimously agreed, and despatched a letter to the
colonel, acquainting feim,that as citizens of the Uni-
ted States of America, we shoulJ conceive it a dis-
grace to the national character of our country, to
hold any communication with the murderer of- our
fellow citizens. But provided the' Colonel should
require any conference with the prisoners, they
should at any time with pleasure attend, and ex^
plain the nature of every past event.
The colonel requesting a conference, came to the
gate attended by the guilty Shortland, who could
not how (disguise the guilt of his crime ; he could
not look a prisoner in the lace; as he walked along
towards the prison bars with Ins eyes fixed on the
ground, and as he came to the spot where a lew
hours before lay one of oar murdered countrymen,
he saw the blood, and faintly attempted to speak,
but the monitor of Heaven was not quite over-
c. ie by the powers of Hell, and he could not ut-
ter a word. After several efforts, he hesitatingly
attempted to justify his conduct, by saying it was
a part of his duty, which was grounded on the
Q 2
182 ♦
fear he had of the prisoners making an attempt
to escape, and imputed part of the fault to Mr.
-ley, in driving the prisoners to a state of des-
peration by his great delay of sending them
The Colonel very patiently heard the stories of
both parties, and promised a jury of inquest should
be held over the bodies of our departed country -
p the next day,and a strict investigation of every
circumstance of the event had according to evi-
dence.
At nine o'clock, we hoisted the colours half-
mast on every prison : we then visited the hospi-
tal, but the spectacle was painful indeed, and
enough to freeze the blood of the most hardened
parricide : the tables were covered with the am-
putated legs and arms of our fellow prisoners, and
our ears stunned with the groans of forty-two
wounded in a most shocking manner, and seven
lay dead as solemn witnesses of the horrid act.
We then returned to the prisons and appointed
a committee of ten to take depositions of a great
number of persons who were best acquainted with
the particular facts. The committee being seve-
[y sworn, proceeded to make all possible in-
y into the circumstances of the massacre, and
prepare every testimony to lay before the jury,
which were to sit over the bodies the next day.
183
At two in the afternoon arrived an Admiral and
another officer of high rank in his Majesty's na-
vy, and after introducing themselves to the pri-
soners, in a very friendly and feeling manner, ex-
pressed their extreme regret for the horrid and
barbarous act of Capt. Shortland, and informed
us that they had come clothed with proper autho-
rity to make inquiry into the conduct of Capt.
Shortland in the late unhappy event, and his con-
duct during his agency at the prison. They as-
sured us, that he would be called to an account by
government, and that a fair investigation
should be had of all his conduct.
I have omitted to mention a circumstance which
occurred during the dreadful scene of the night.
A lamp-lighter, who was in the act of lighting the
lamp at the door of prison No. 3, in which ! i v
self resided, being compelled to take refuge
among the prisoners, was forced by the hurrying
group into the prison. He belonged to the same
regiment of soldiers who were that moment com-
mitting these most horrid outrages. He was imme-
diately seized by the prisoners, and conveyed to a
particular part of the prison, and the prisoners
being in the most enraged state, it was immedi-
ately proposed to put him to death, and sacrifice
him to our resentment, as a just retaliation of cur
injury ; but on cool deliberation and debate
184
throughout the prison, it was thought better to
spare him ; and to the pleasing astonishment of
this man, half dead with fear, he was told to rest
easy; for his life should not be taken, but he should
be preserved, that the whole world might distin-
guish the difference of humanity between unpro-
voked British soldiers, and the injured and pro-
voked American seamen ; accordingly, when the
doors were opened to take out the wounded, the
man was released, which astonished and confound-
ed the whole soldiery, who felt the force of the re-
proach with the keenest remorse, and were com-
pelled to express the highest respect for this
generous revenge.
T he following is a correct list of killed and wound-
ed on the 6th of April, 1815, and contains a
true statement of their condition at 12 0°* clock
on the Qth day of the same month.
Killed,
John Haywood, black, Virginia, discharged ; the
ball entered a little posterior to the acromion
of the left shoulder, and passed obliquely up-
wards ; made about the middle of the right side
its egress of the neck.
Thomas Jackson, N. Y. Orbit of N. Y. the ball
entered the left side of the belly nearly in a line
with the navel, and made its egress a little be-
low the false ribs in the opposite side ; a large
185
portion of the intestinal canal protruded
through the wound made by the ingress of the
ball. He languished until 3 o'clock of the 7th,
when he died.
John Washington, Maryland, Rolla privateer ;
the ball entered at the squamore process of
the left temporal bone, and passing through the
head, made its exit a little below the cruceal
ridge of the occipital bone.
James Mann, Boston, Ciro ; the ball entered at
the inferior angle of the left scapula, and lodg-
ed under the integument of the right pectoral
muscle. In its course it passed through the
inferior margin of the right and left lobes of the
lungs.
Joseph Toker Johnson, not known ; the ball en-
tered at the inferior angle of the left scapula,
penetrated the heart, and passing through both
lobes of the lungs, made its egress at the right
axilla.
William Leverage, N. Y. Saratoga : the ball en-
tered about the middle of the left arm, through
which it passed, and penetrating the corres-
ponding side, betwixt the second and third ribs,
passing through the left lobe of the lungs, the
mediartenum, and over the right lobe, lodged
betwixt the fifth and sixth ribs.
James Campbell, N. Y, discharged ; the ball <
186
tered at the outer angle of the right eye, and
in its course fractured and depressed the great-
er part of the frontal bone, fractured the nasal
bones, and made its egress above the orbiial
ridge of the left eye. He languished until the
morning of the 8th, when he died.
Dangerously wounded, and limbs amputated imme-
diately, on the night of the sixth,
John Gray, Virginia, prize to the Paul Jones, left
arm.
James Wills, Marblehead, Paul Jones, left arm.
James Trumbull,Portland, Maine, Elbridge Gerry,
left arm.
Robert Willet, Portland, Maine, left thigh.
Thomas Smith, New- York, Paul Jones, left thigh.
John Gier, Boston, Rambler, left thigh.
Wm. Leversage, N. York, Magdalen, right thumb.
Dangerously wounded, limbs not amputated
on the bth,
Thomas Findley, Marblehead, Enterprise, wound-
ed m the thigh and back.
Ephraim Linson.
John" Hogerberth, Philadelphia, Good Friends, of
do. thigh and hip.
William Blake, Kennebeck, discharged, M. W.
three wounds in the body.
Peter Wilson, New- York, Virginia Planter, in the
hand.
187
James Israel, do. do. thigh.
Jacob Davis, do. do. thigh.
Caleb Cotton, Taunton, Mass. M. W. two places
in the body.
John Roberts, do. do. thigh.
Joseph Phipps, Old Concord, Zebra, thigh and
belly.
William Lamb, do. do. eyes.
Edward Gardner, Marblehead, impressed, in the
wrist.
William Appleby, N. York, Magdelen, arm.
James Bell, Philadelphia, Joel Barlow, wrist and
thigh.
Philip Ford, Philadelphia, impressed, five wounds,
side, breast, back, and thigh.
James Birch, thigh.
Henry Montcalm, Roxbury, Mass. Governor Tom-
kins, knee.
indrew Garrison, thigh and head.
Robert Tadley, Bath, Maine, Grand Turk, pri-
vates.
William Penn, Virginia, impressed, thigh.
Joseph Reugh, thigh.
Thaddeus Howard, Rochester, Mass. Hart of Bed-
ford, leg.
Edward Banker, Portsmouth, N. H. impressed,
back.
188
Xhomas George, Norfolk, Virginia, U. S. Rattle-
Snake, thigh.
Alexander Wilson, Providence, R. I. Leo. hand
and leg.
John Surrey, N. Y. French privateer, cheek.
Nathaniel Wakeneld, Beverly, Mass. Ciro, right
knee.
Samuel E. Tyler, Boston, Tom, thigh and arm.
Joseph Reaver, Salem, Mass. legs and thighs.
Stephen S. Vincent, New-Jersey, head and ears.
James Christie, Tickler, different places.
William Smith, New- York.
Robert Willet, Portland, man of war, knee.
Slightly zoounded.
Greenlow, Virginia, different places.
Ephraim Lincoln, Boston, Argus, by the bayonet.
James Newman, Baltimore, impressed, by the
bayonet.
Alexander Peterson, N. York, Erin, Boston, by
the bayonet.
Joseph Music, Charleston, S. C. impressed, by
the bayonet.
John WHlet, Philadelphia, by the bayonet.
Joseph Hindil, Philadelphia, Young Wasp, in the
hand.
Perry Richardson, Bath, Maine, Rolla, by tin
bayonet.
John Cowcn, Teezer, by the bayonet.
189
James Barker, "VViscasset, Elbridge Gerry, by the
bayonet.
James Weclgewood, Portsmouth, N. H. Lark,
in the head.
James Mathews, Delaware, by the bayonet.
John Murray, New- York, by the bayonet.
William Marshal, Lawrence, by the bayonet.
Thomas Johnson, Albany, Criterion, by the bayo-
net.
The list of killed and wounded contains all that
could be ascertained at that time, but great sus-
picions remained among the prisoners thai more
had been killed, than were certainly known, as
some were missing, and not to be found among
the living, or the dead ; it was supposed that
these had been killed, and being mangled in a
most shocking manner, were privately taken away
by Capt. Shortland, and buried that night, before
doctor Magrath entered the yard, and a report
prevailed that he had done it : as great numbers
who were slightly wounded did not go to the hos-
pital, I, to ascertaimthe exact number of killed and
wounded, took the list of those in the hospital,
from the- doctor's books, and every prison muster-
ed all those that refused going to the hospital, by
which means the list can be depended on as strict-
ly correct,
R
190
At twelve o'clock, at noon, on the eighth, a ju-
ry of inquest arrived, composed of twelve farmers,
an J a coroner, and sat over the bodies of our mur-
dered countrymen ; they began to take the de-
positions of the prisoners and turnkeys, and pro-
ceeded on till seven in the evening, and adjourned
till next morning.
The evidence of the prisoners corresponded
with the statement in a preceding page.
On the morning of the ninth, the dead not yet
being buried, the jury sat over them again, and
proceeded on with the evidence on both sides,
which consisted of Dr. Magrath, whose evidence
was against Shortland, prisoners, turnkeys, sol-
dier-ofhcers, soldiers, kc.
The summary of the evidence I shall give pre-
sently 5 but I must here digress a little to give
some circumstances that intervened betwixt the
taking of the depositions, and the verdict of the
JUIT-
This morning an order arrived for the discharge
of thirty-four prisoners,, who had applied to be rc^
leaded to man ships in different parts of Europe.
During the eighth and ninth, the prisoners made
every inquiry in their power to learn whether
any were missing, who were not included among
the dead, wounded, or discharged; but nothing
satisfactory could be obtained, but only a report
191
lliat after the prisons were closed, Capt. Shorthand
had secretly buried some of the most mangled
bodies, before Dr. Magrath entered, as he is a
man of integrity, feeling, candour, firmness, and
unshaken veracity, as well as genius and skill,
that no favour or affection could swerve from the
truth. Shortland would therefore endeavour to
conceal as much as possible from him, as what-
ever came within his knowledge, came out with-
out fear or reward, and was much against
the conduct of Capt. Shortland. On the morning
of the seventh, as before mentioned, we ascertain-
ed by the testimony of those persons whose names
are mentioned in the certificate to this work, the
particulars of the killed and wounded, whose
names have been already mentioned, the number
of which and their situation, were as follows.
Seven were killed dead in the yards, and in the
prisons. Six suffered amputation of a leg or an
arm. Thirty-eight dangerously wounded and
many supposed to be mortal by the surgeon of
the depot. Twelve slightly wounded. The total
amount of killed and wounded sixty-three. Among
these were many mangled in the mosthor rid man-
ner, having received five, six, and seven wounds
apiece from thq bayonet. Hundreds of the pris-
oners very narrowly escaped, having received
several shots through the hats and clothes.
192
We have just discovered that the soldiers here
at present are the Somersetshire militia ; and
the garrison consists of fifteen-hundred soldiers of
different military classes^
On the evening of the ninth, the inquest, consis-
ting of twelve peasants, dependants of Capt. Short-
land, delivered in this most extraordinary and un-
just verdict, of Justifiable Homicide ; such a ver-
dict astonished every person, who was not parti-
reps crimims. This verdict seems to have been
given against evidence ; a summary of which on
both sides I shall now proceed to give the reader,
that he may judge for himself. It appeared from
the different witnesses before mentioned, that the
hole made in the wall, was unknown to more than
three-fourths of the prisoners confined in the yard
of No. 5 and 7, where the hole was made, and that
no combination had ever been entered into by any
of the prisoners to escape ; it was also proved
that the prisoners confined in the yards of No. 1 ,
3 and 4, were totally ignorant of there being any
hole in the wall. It was proved that the gates
were broken open by a man in the state of intoxica-
tion, and unknown to the prisoners, and that when
broken open it was in the power of the sentery to
have taken the offender and confined him without
any resistance of the prisoners. It was also pro-
ved that, they came running to the gate out of cu-
193
c'.osity, to learn the occasion of the alarm bells
r i .',ing ; that the few persons (who were not above
fifty,) flocked into the square, were carried out of
the gates by the numbers pressing in the rear to
gratify their curiosity ; that no stones or clubs
were thrown while they were in this situation ;
that they all immediately retired into the yards
of their respective prisons, and shut the gates
after them ; that Capt. Shortland took the imme-
diate command of the soldiers, and ordered them
to fire on the prisoners ; that on firing the prison-
ers made all possible exertion to gain the inside
of the prison, but some fell before they could reach
it ; that the soldiers pursued and fired into
the prisons and killed two within the prison ; that
the soldiers en the ramparts singled out the pri-
soners, and fired and killed them, as they were
going into the prisons ; that after all the prisoners
had got into the prisons, except some few, being
frightened, and not able to get into the prisons,
ran for refuse close to the walls, and were fired
upon singly, and either killed or wounded by seve-
ral soldiers firing at one. That an officer of low
rank assisted under the command of Capt. Short-
land, in killing a boy, not over thirteen years old '
that a prisoner, applied to Capt. Shortland to
forbear, and stop the horrid massacre, as the pri-
soners were retiring as fast as possible, and that
R 2
194
Capt. Shortland "answered. " retire, you damned
rascal. I'll hear to nothing." It was proved that
the turnkeys, contrary to the invariable custom,
had been in and locked all the doors of each pri-
son, except one ; there being four doors to each
prison, they had ever before been left open, till a
horn was sounded, and the turnkeys cried " turn -
in, turn in ;" but that night no horn was sounded,
aor was there any cry to turn in, but the doors
secretly locked, which much surprised the few
that happened to see the doors locked, but did not
suspect any mischief was about to be done; that
this was done some time before the usual hour for
turning in. Also, that Capt. Shortland actually
took hold of a musket with his own hands in con-
junction with a soldier, and fired the first gun.
That the soldier-officers^ were unwilling to give
any orders to the soldiers, or take any active part
in the proceedings.
From the summary of the evidence above given.
on the part of the prisoners, it must appear evi-
dent to every impartial reader, that Capt. Short-
land'madc the attack with malice prepense. But
to give the'public the fairest opportunity to judge,
I shall give a summary of the eviclen e on the
part of Capt. Shortland, which came all from the
mouth of witnesses particcps criminis, and acting
with him. Those consisted of clerks, turnkeys,
195
and soldiers, who had been the very instruments
of the massacre. They deposed and said, that
the prisoners were in a state of mutiny, and that.
great numbers had threatened to escape by for-
cing through the walls, and that the bole in the
wall was big enough for a man to pass through ;
that the lock on the gate was broke by some pri-
soner, and that stones were thrown while the
prisoners were at the gate, and also clubs, and
pieces of iron thrown at the guards by the pri-
soners while there ; that great numbers had got
into the square, and that they did mean to make
their escape. Nothing material could be Further
drawn from these witnesses. s
In the evening of this day, the bodies of our mur-
dered countrymen were buried behind the prison
walls in the same manner as before the peace,
without form or ceremony, and no prisoner per-
mitted to attend to see the last sad office, which
one friend can perform for another in giving the
grave its due. O ! Britannia ; thy boast is gene,
thy pride is lost, humanity is fled from thy degene-
rate sons, and a safer asylum in the bosom of the
savage tribes, has found. Deny the dead theip
sacred due i
Thou ingrate race, is this the reward due to
men who have laboured many years thy faithful
servant, and now alter having dragged out a pain-
196
ful imprisonment for two years, arid the moment
t'ae hope of returning had rekindled the sparks of
life, must be massacred in a most barbarous man-
ner, and denied the right of the grave ?
I must here relate one instance which occurred
a few years ago, and which goes very far to show
the inhumanity of those who have had the com-
mand of this depot heretofore. In a manuscript
which was left here by the French prisoners.
which I was this evening perusing, I find the
following remarkable cireumstanee of cruelty re-
lated, which took place daring their confinement.
Captain Cotgrave being a<ent, and Dr. Decker
head surgeon of the Hospital, in December, one
thousand eight hundred and nine, a most malignant
and contagious disease, bearing the most frightful
and mortal symptoms, broke out among the French
prisoners, which in the short space of one month
carried off more than eight hundred.
This unfeeling man, Dr. Decker, caused the
cciTnis to be brought into the rooms of the Hospi-
tal, to receive the bodies : where they often re-
mained several days in readiness to receive the
unhapj y man fast approaching the end of all his
sufferings.
It is said in the manuscript, that this worse than
barbarian, w >ukl gaze with the greatest satisfac-
tion on the surrounding victims, that he might dis-
107
cover from the very inmost recesses of the heart,
what effect the appearance of these coffins had on
their exhausted spirits.
However unfeeling this might be, yet their lot
was envied by hundreds of their countrymen, who
were left to perish in the prison without any as-
sistance, without a friend, and in Want of every
thing ; and would not be received into the Hospi-
tal by this unfeeling man.
Their extreme sufferings would have moved the
heart even of a cannibal, and it is a solitary in-
stance of cruelty, that any one belonging to a civi-
lized nation could rejoice at such a mournful spec-
tacle, and exult over their fellow-beings in the ago-
nies of death, as did this man often in saying the
more deaths the fewer enemies.
Another circumstance is related in the same ma-
nuscript, in which Capt. Isaac Cotgrave was the
principal actor.
On the eighth of October, one thousand eight
hundred and nine, the turnkeys, by mistake, had
left one of the prison doors unlocked, which be-
ing discovered by some of the prisoners, they de-
termined if possible to effect an escape ; they got
into the yard, but unfortunately were discovered
the very moment they came out, by one of the
senteries, who gave the alarm, and instantly a vol-
ley of sixty muskets was discharged at them 5
198
numbers were wounded, but none killed ; they theu
stiiy retired into the prison.
Capt. Cctgrave, the agent, then entered the
yard at the head of a large body of troops, and
after searching the yard in every direction, and
discovering nobody, he was retiring, when they
discovered a man creeping along the wall ; the
blood-thirsty monsters instantly fell upon the un-
happy victim, and would neither listen to his cries
nor prayers, but before he could make himself
known to them, several musket-balls had pierced
his vital parts, and laid him lifeless on the ground j
but they were not content with this ; they ran up
to him, and ran over and over his lifeless corpse,
stabbing it with their bayonets in many places ;
after having satiated their ferocity, on inspecting
the body, they found it to be one of their own men,
whom the darkness of the night had prevented
them from distinguishing.
In memory of this horrid act, the French priso-
ners raised a monument on the very spot where it
was committed ; but the keepers of the prison had
it destroyed the samf day, for it was a monument
6f their cruelty.
199
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF
PRISONERS.
We$.-the undersigned, being each severally sworn
>n the holy evangelists of the Almighty God, for
he investigation of the circumstances attending
he late horrid massacre, and having heard the
lepositions of a great number of witnesses : from
)ur own personal knowledge, and from the depo-
iitions given in as aforesaid,
REPORT AS FOLLOWS :
That on the 6th of April, about 6 o'clock in the
evening, when the prisoners were all quiet in their
•espectivc yards, it being about the usual time of
u ruing in for the night, and the greater part of the
prisoners being then in the prisons, the alarm bell
vvas rung, and many of the prisoners ran up to
die Market-square to learn the occasion of the
ilarm. There were then drawn up in the Square,
several hundred soldiers, with Captain Shortland
[the Agent] at their head ; it was likewise obser-
ved at the same time, that additional numbers cf
soldiers were posting themselves on the wails
round the prison yards. One of them observed to
the prisoners, that they had better go into the
prisons, for they would be charged upon directly.
20d
This, of course, occasioned considerable alarm
among them. In this moment of uncertainty, they
were running in different directions inquiring the
cause of the alarm — some toward their respective
prisons, and some toward the Market-square. —
When about one hundred were collected in the
Square, Captain Shortland ordered the soldiers to
charge upon them, which order the soldiers were
reluctant in obeying, as the prisoners were using
no violence ; but on the order being repeated,
they made a charge, and the prisoners retreated
out of the Square into the prison-yards, and shut
the gates after them. Captain Shortland, himself,
opened the gates, and ordered the soldiers to fire
in among the prisoners, who were all retreating in
different directions towards their respective pris-
ons. It appears there was some hesitation in the
minds of the officers, whether or not it was proper
to fire upon the prisoners in that situation ; on
which Shortland seized a musket out of the hands
of a soldier, which he fired. Immediately after,
the fire became general, and many of the prisoners
were either killed or wounded. The remainder
were endeavouring to get into the prisons, when
going towards the lower doors, the soldiers on the
walls commenced firing on them from that quarter,
which killed some and wounded others. 4lter
much difficulty, [all the doors being closed in the
20 i
entrance, but one in each prison] the survivors
succeeded in gaining the prisons ; immediately af-
ter which, parties of soldiers came to the doors of
Nos. 3 and 4 prisons, and fired several voliies into
them through the windows and doors, which killed
one man in each prison, and severely wounded
others.
It likewise appears, that the preceding butchery
was followed up with a disposition of peculiar in-
veteracy and barbarity.
One man who was severely wounded in No. 7
prison-yard, and being unable to make his way to
the prison, was come up with by the soldiers,
whom, he implored for mercy, but in vain ; five of
the hardened wretches immediately levelled their
pieces at him, and shot him dead on the spot. — -
Tiie soldiers who were posted on the walls, mani-
fested equal cruelty, by keeping up a constant fire
on every prisoner they could see in the yards en-
deavouring to get in the prison, when their num-
bers were very few, and when not the least shadow
of resistance could be made or expected. Several
of them had got into No. 6 prison cook-house,
which was pointed out by the soldiers on the walls,
to those who were marching in from the Square;
they immediately went up and fired into the same,
which wounded several ; one of the prisoners ran
S
202
•ut with the intention of gaining his prison, but was
killed before he reached the door.
On an impartial consideration of the circum-
stances of the case, we are induced to believe that
it was a premeditated scheme in the mind of Cap-
tain Shortland, for reasons which we will now pro-
ceed to give — as an illucidation of its origin, we
will recur back to an event which happened some
days previous. Captain Shortland was, at the
time, absent at Plymouth, but before going he or-
dered the contractor or his clerk to serve out one
pound of indifferent hard bread, instead of one
pound and an half of soft bread, their usual al-
lowance— this the prisoners refused to receive —
they waited all day in expectation of their usual
allowance being served out ; but at sunset, finding
this would not be the case, burst open the lower
gates, and went up to the store, demanding to hav^
their bread.
The officers of the garrison, on being alarmed,
and informed of their proceedings, observed, that
it was no more than right the prisoners should have
their usual allowance, and strongly reprobated the
conduct of Captain Shortland in withholding it
from them. They were accordingly served with"
their bread, and quietly returned to their prison.
This circumstance, with the censures that were
203
thrown on his conduct, reached the ears of Short-
land on his return home, and he must then have de-
termined on the diabolical plan of seizing the first
slight pretext to turn in the military, to butcher
the prisoners for the gratification of his malice and
revenge. It unfortunately happened, that in the
afternoon of the 6th of April, some boys who were
playing ball in No. 7 yard, knocked their ball over
into the Barrack-yard, and on the sentery in that
yard refusing to throw it back to them, they picked
a. hole in the wall to get in after it.
This afforded Shortland his wished for pretext,
and he took his measures accordingly ; he had all
the garrison drawn up in the military walk, addi^
tional numbers posted on the walls, and every thing-
ready prepared before the alarm bell was rung ;
this, he natarally concluded, would draw the atten-
tion of a great number of prisoners towards the
gates, to learn the cause of the alarm, while the
turnkeys were despatched into the yards, to lock
all the doors but one of each prison, to prevent
the prisoners retreating out of the way before he
had sufficiently wreaked his vengeance.
What adds peculiar weight to the belief of its
being a premeditated, determined massacre, are.
First — The sanguinary disposition manifested
&n every occasion by Shortland, he having, prior
204
to this time, ordered the soldiers to fire into the
prisons, through the prison windows, upon unarm-
ed prisoners asleep in their hammocks, on account
of a light being seen in the prisons ; which barba-
rous act was repeated several nights successively.
That murder was not then committed, was owing
to an over-ruling Providence alone ; for the balls
were picked up in the prison, where they passed
Through the hammocks of men then asleep in them.
He having also ordered the soldiers to fire" upon
the prisoners in the yard of No. 7 prison, because
they would not deliver up to him a man wdio had
escaped from the cachot, which order the com-
manding officer of the soldiers refused to obey ;
and generally, he having seized on every slight
pretext to injure the prisoners, by stopping their
marketing for ten days repeatedly, and once a third
part of their provisions for the same length of
time.
Secondly — He having been heard to say, when
the boys had picked the hole in the wall, and some
time before the alarm bell rung, while all the priso-
ners were quiet as usual in their respective yards,
u Pll fix the daniWd rascals directly."
Thirdly — His having all the soldiers on their
posts, and the garrison fully prepared before the
205
alarm bell rung. It could not then, of course, be
rung to assemble the soldiers, but to alarm the
prisoners, and create confusion among them.
Fourthly — The soldiers upon the wall, previous
to the alarm bell being rung, informing the priso-
ners that they would be charged upon directly.
Fifthly — The turnkeys going into the yards and
closing all the doors but one in each prison, while
the attention of the prisoners was attracted by the
alarm bell. This was done about lifteen minutes
sooner than usual, and without informing the priso-
ners it was time to shut up. It was ever the in-
variable practice of the turnkeys, from which they
never deviated before that night, when coming in-
to the yard to shut up, to hollow to the prisoners
so loud as to be heard throughout the yards, " tarn
in, turn in!' but, on that night, it was done so
secretly, that not one man in a hundred knew they
were shut ; and in particular their shutting the
door of No. 7 prison, which the prisoners usually
went in and out at, [and which was formerly always
closed last] and leaving one open in the other end
of the prison, which was exposed to a cross-fire
from the soldiers on the walls, and which the priso-
ners had to pass in gaining the prisons.
S 2
206
We here solemnly aver, that there was no pre-
concerted plan to attempt breaking out. There
cannot be produced the least shadow of a reason
or inducement for that intention, the prisoners dai-
ly expecting to be released, and to embark on
board cartels for their native country. And we
likewise solemnly assert, that there was no inten-
tion of resisting, in any manner, the authority of
this depot.
N. B. Seven were killed, thirty dangerously
wounded, and thirty slightly do. Total, sixty-
-even killed and wounded.
fSigned)
WM. B. ORNE,
WM. HOBART,
JAMES BOGGS,
JAMES ADAMS,
FRANCIS JOSEPH,
JOHN F. TROBR1DGE,
JOHN RUST,
HENRY ALLEN,
WALTER COLTON,
THOMAS B. MOTT,
Dartmoor Prison. April llh. 1815.
Committee.
207
The same day Mr. Tngraham came to the prison
and informed the prisoners, that he had come for
the purpose of shipping a number of men, to man
ships now lying in different ports in Europe ; he
also informed us, that he had been appointed agent,
under the consular agent of the United States ;
and that every preparation was making for the
immediate release of every prisoner, and we might
be assured of the immediate arrival of the ships
from London to convey us to the United States.
On the tenth, a number were discharged to man
different ships in Europe ; this day arrangements
weic made by the prisoners, for the assistance end
relief of our wounded countrymen in the Hopital,
and also an arrangement for the prisoners to wear
crape on their arm, for thirty days after their ar.
rival in America, as a tribute of respect due to
their departed friends and fellow-prisoners. — ■
The wounded in the Hospital were paid every at-
tention, for their comfort and speedy recovery, by
Doctor Magrath.
We received no letters from Mr. Beasley, al-
though hundreds of letters had been sent to him
since the melancholy event of the 6th. Reports
were circulating that a new agent was to be ap-
pointed by the U. States to supersede Mr. Beas-
ley, which every man most anxiously wi*hed
might be true, but had not the satisfaction to learn
208
it was the case ; every day's delay made more
confusion and anxiety among the prisoners. The
weather during this month up to the present day.
had been remarkable fine, pure and healthy, and
more so than it had been at this place since our
confinement ; as if the All-Seeing eye of Heaven
looked down with pity and compassion upon our
injured and wounded countrymen, and dispensed
His blessings for their speedy recovery in the
salubrity of his air. That passage in Holy Writ,
in this instance seemed to be remarkably verified,
-''• that when the prisoner was sick in prison, he
visited him.*'
Capt. Shortland, after being acquitted, resum-
ed the command of the depot, but he was seldom
seen by the prisoners, being very apprehensive
that the prisoners would shoot him the first oppor-
tunity ; therefore he kept a body guard about him,
and this day a draft of thirty prisoners being dis-
charged, and having to pass by his house, he had
his guard stationed at his door.
On the morning of the twelfth, we were inform-
ed by Capt. Shortland that the drafts for the dis-
charge of the prisoners were already made out,
and that the draft for the first cartel would con-
sist of 280, to be discharged as they entered this
depot. I therefore obtained the exact number of
209
prisoners then in each prison, which I shall give
as follows :
Prison No. 1, contained - - 1290
3, - - -..'- 952
4, - - - . - 978
5, - - - - 93S
7, 1248
In different employments about the
stores and hospital, 29
Patients in the hospital, - - 107
Total number of unparoled prison-
ers in England, - - - 5542
In visiting the hospitals, I found the wounded
prisoners fast recovering, all in high spirits, the
prison generally more healthy than it had been
since our arrival at it. Capt. Shortland removed
his family from this place, for his guilt had brought
upon him the apprehension of the first draft's re-
taliating upon him by attacking his family ; but
no such idea had entered the imagination of any
prisoner ; it was the creature of his own guilt.
We were ordered at this time to be in readiness
to deliver up every article, which we had receiv-
ed from the British Government ; such as beds,
hammocks, blankets, &c. &c. These articles had
been. in our possession, and in constant use ever
since the second of April, 1813, and had never
been changed: we felt but little reluctance in de-
210
iivering them up, when animated with the idea of
once more revisiting our native country, and leav-
ing a dreary prison, which many of us had inhabi-
ted upwards of two years.
On the following day we received a London pa-
per which contained the following account of the
late horrid massacre at this depot ; it read as
follows :
" An affair of a serious nature has recentlv ta-
ken place at Dartmoor prison : the prisoners at-
taching the greater part of the fault of their long
detention since the peace to Mr. Beasley, their
country's agent, resident at London, had, before
the affray, burnt his person in effigy in the yard
of their prison; on account of which, Captain
Shortland, unarmed and unattended, entered the
yard of their prison with a view to appease the
anger of these unfortunate men ; but his recep-
tion was attended with the prisoners discharging a
pistol at him, the contents of which grazed his
clerk ; upon this the prisoners attempted to gain
their liberty by rushing out of the gates, but were
soon coiled by the guards firing upon them, and
killing twelve, and wounding thirty."
The account was equally base and false, as the
act was cruel and murderous ; but the mention of
twelve killed, confirmed the prisoners in their be-
ief that this number had been lulled, and the five
211
yhich were not to be found, were secretly burierl
)y Capt. Shortland that night, and that he, in the
guilty and confused state of his mind, had given
in account of twelve, instead of seven, which
vere the only ones found of the killed. I leave
t to the reader to judge, whether nature or habit
lad done most towards hardening the feelings of
;his man. It is well known that men accustomed
;o the sufferings and misery of their fellow beings,
soon grow hardened and forget them. But could
.his man, from the short time here, have grown
so callous in his feelings as to commit such acts
Tom habit, or must, cruelty and malice have been
woven in his constitution ?
On this day, the prisoners in making prepara-
tion for their departure, prepared a large white
flag, and as a memento, had, in the middle of it,
the representation of a tomb, with the Goddess of
Liberty leaning on it, and a murdered sailor lying
by its side, and an inscription over it in large capi-
tal letters, "Columbia weeps, and we remember."
This flag was intended to be carried home to the
U. States, as it showed a just resentment for the
execrable deeds which it recorded, and a just re-
spect for the sufferers. This same day, numbers
of prisoners were released by application of their
friends in England, for the purpose of manning
ships in different ports. We had no news from
212
Mr. Beasley, and most of the prisoners barefoot-
ed, the oldest in a state of nudity, not having re-
ceived any jackets or trowsers for more than
eleven months.
At length, when we were almost dead with im-
patience and delay, on the fourteenth we received
a letter from Mr. Beasley to the following effect :
" Fellow Citizens,
" I have been informed that numbers of the
prisoners have entertained an idea, that they are
to remain in prison, until the arrival of some U.
States' ships in this country ; but I can assure
them that there is no foundation for the belief;
and I can assure them of eight cartels being al-
ready taken up for their conveyance to the Uni-
ted States. And with regret I hear from officers
who were sent to inquire into the shameful con-
duct of the sixth of April, that the extravagant
excess of the prisoners was partly occasioned by
their censuring the 13. States and myself!"
Mr. Beasley had, no doubt, been informed of
what he wrote, but it was not the fact, for his infor-
mation, no doubt, came from the two officers who
were here, the Admiral and his associate ; but no
such conversation took place in their hearing
which number's of the most respectable prisoners
can testi . 1 no such idea had been entertained
by any prisoner m the prison. These officers in
213
tended that Mr. Beasley should bear all the
blame. God knows his conduct was blameable
enough throughout ; but to do him justice, he Lad
no blame in the murderous act of the fatal sixth
of April. His effigy had been burnt on the 24th
of March, and all animosity had been dissipated
with the ashes of his effigy, and his name seemed
to be forgotten, for it was scarcely ever mention-
ed. Mr. Beasley had had every particular of the
event, before his interview with the officers, but
made no exertions as yet to inquire into the af-
fray.
The weather up to this day since the month be-
gan, had been remarkably fine for this place, but
this morning the moor as far as the eye could
reach, was covered with snow, and continued to
snow all day, and the weather very cold.
On the sixteenth we received letters from Lon-
don, from many of our fellow citizens, who had
received passports and left the prison since the
fatal sixth of April 5 on their arrival in London,
they were taken before the lord mayor of that city
and their depositions taken relative to the massacre
of the sixth, which was to the same purport as be-
fore the committee. On the same clay, Col. Haw-
ker, formerly consular agent, under the American
consul at London, visited the prison for the pur-
pose of shipping seamen to man ships at Plymouth*
T
214
bound to New-Orleans. In this way the pri-
soners were daily diminishing in number, as any
one might obtain a passport who could procure a
friend to make application for their release, and
informing Mr. Beasley that they required no assis-
tance from him to convey them to the United
States. In obtaining a passport in this way from
Capt. Shortland, they needed no other protection
in this country.
This day a man was committed to the cachot
for drawing money from Col. Hawker in an as-
mimed name. The colonel was determined to
have him brought to condign punishment: this man
the next day was taken out of the cachot and con-
veyed to Exeter, to be tried at the next August
assizes.
On visiting the hospital, I found the wounded
and the sick fast recovering, and had every atten-
tion paid them by Dr. Magrath, for their health
and comfort, that his resources would allow.
On the seventeenth, a black man belonging to
No. 4 was found dead in his hammock. On this
day Ave received another letter from Mr^ Beasley,
which informed us that those officers that had visi-
ted the prison by order of the British government,
had represented the conduct of the prisoners on
the sixth of April, in a very unfavourable light,
Ituthavm ■> received a correct statement from the
215
prison, and a general summary of the evidence ©n
both sides as delivered in to the jury of inquest ;
he now apologized for his last letter.
On the nineteenth, at four o'clock in the after-
noon, an express arrived informing Capt. Short-
land that one cartel had arrived at Plymouth, and
ordered hun immediately to remove two-hundred
an I forty-nine prisoners from this depot to that
place, for embarking on board die ship. At five
in the afternoon, the whole draft was collected in
the square, with all their baggage. This was the
first draft of prisoners that had entered the prison
after the declaration of war, and had been im-
mured within these gloomy walls more than two
long and tedious years. They were then infor-
med that one baggage wagon would- be allowed
to every hundred men, for the conveyance of their
baggage to Plymouth.
The prisoners being the greater part bare-
footed, made inquiry whether any arrangement
had been made by Mr. Beasley for providing
them with shoes and clothes, as they were much
in want of them ; but were much surprised and
disappointed when they found no provision had
been made. The money due from government
had run over the usual time of payment, now twen-
ty-five days, although application had previously
been made for the payment of the daily allowance,
and also, the other articles, both by the prisoners
210
and Capt. Shortland himself; but Mr. Beasley still
neglected to make any arrangement for either.
At six every prisoner's name was called, and
fchey committed together with their baggage to a
separate prison, ready for their departure the
next morning. The joy they felt on this occasion
is better imagined than described ; I therefore
leave to the imagination of the reader, what emo-
tions the heart must feel, when a change which
promised every endearment of life to them, and.
treed them from every evil of it, was about to
lake place.
I visited the hospital this evening for the last
ume, and had the pleasing satisfaction of finding
the sick and wounded in a state of fast recovery,
except a few who were dangerous.
The next morning we took our departure for
Plymouth, and with joy in our hearts bid farewell
to that pale of misery, and at four in the afternoon
arrived at Plymouth, having travelled all the way
under the direction of a strong guard.
We were immediately embarked on board the
cartel Maria Christiana, a Swedish ship, com-
manded by Capt. Dirkes ; we found some few of
our countrymen who had been on parole, on board
the ship.
It was now just forty days since the arrival of
■ ratified treaty in England.
217
The next day eight of the prisoners left the car-
tel to join a brig under French colours bound for
France.
On the twenty-second the wind being contrary,
the prisoners were permitted to go on shore and
spend the day. A court of inquiry had been in-
stituted by commissioners appointed by both go-
vernments, for the investigation of the unfortunate
occurrences of the sixth of April, and was then sit-
ting for that purpose. Several of the prisoners
were called upon to give evidence in the cause, and
their depositions taken by the court that day.
The court was attended by Mr. Williams, depu-
ty consular agent to Mr. Beasley.
Before we set sail Mr. Williams informed us that
he was instructed by Mr. Beasley to take down all
the particulars of the investigation, for the purpose
of laying them before the American government ;
but the commissioners had not reported when we
left Plymouth, bai it was expected they would in a
few days, which shall contain a part of this work
as soon as it is receive.!.
Mr. Wdhams informed us that the money allow-
ed by government, which had been due thirty days,
would not be pa*:! by Mr. Beasley, nor would any
provision be made by hm for shoes or clothing,
but that the prisoners must go home as ihey were.
T 2
218
On the twenty-third, the wind being favourable,
we hove short, and made preparations for sailing.
On mustering the prisoners, we found their num-
ber amounted to two hundred and sixty-three ; this
increase of number was by officers paroled at Ash-
burton.
At three in the afternoon, we left the port of
Plymouth, with a fresh and favourable wind.
We had left behind at Dartmoor five thousand
one hundred and ninety three of our fellow priso-
ners, whom the agent informed us would be con-
veyed to this place in the same manner as our-
selves in a few days, as the other cartels were on
their way round to Plymouth, and thence to cm-
bark immediately for the United States. After
leaving Plymouth we found the provisions under
the direction of Capt. Turner, appointed by the
agent to dcz\ out the rations to the prisoners.
We were allowed, kve days in the week, one
pound of salt beef, one pound of bread, half a
pound of potatoes a day ; the other t>o days one
pound of pork, the same quantity of bread, and
half a pint of peas per man, and half a pint of vine-
gar a week.
Mr. Beasley had made arrangements for each
prisoner to have a small bed and blanket ; the
cartel was equipped according to custom, with
great guns and small arms.
2)9
A Physician had been appointed with a suffi-
cient quantity of medicine to serve during the pas-
sage.
One part of the ship was allotted to the sick,
where every att tiofl was paid them by their
countrymen for the; comfort and convenience.
During the residue pf the month nothing mate-
rial occurred; the ca ■■■■■■[ quite health., only five
cases of sick, and them net very dangerous ; the
month ended with winds, light and unfavourable.
On the first of May We \. i-re in lat. 45° North,
and longitude 23° 4 1 ' West. On the second, being
in long. 24°, we spoke a brig from London bound
to Quebec.
From the first to the fourteenth the winds were
from N. W. to S. W. Stnd the cartel kept between
the latitudes of 42° and 44° North.
Some few sick, but not dangerously. On this
day we discovered a sail on our weather beam,
standing to the eastward ; at 2 P. M. she bore up
and stood for the cartel, with a British flag flying ;
at four we spoke her in lat. 42, and long. 38.
She proved to be a British transport with a num-
ber of troops from Mobile, bound to England, and
fourteen days from Bermuda. She sent her boat
along-side the cartel with a naval and military of-
ficer, and the captain of the transport ; they came on
board the cartel and remained for an hour, and then
220
returned to the transport, and each ship made sail
for their destined places*
The win Is still continued the same way the
twenty-eighth. This day, Sunday, we fell in wTith
several large islands of Ice, lat. 43° ; on the same
day, lat. 42° long. 60°, we spoke the brig Sally Bar-
ker, six days from Boston, bound for Portugal : the
three days following the winds continuing light,
from the South and West, we spoke a brig from
Portland four days out, bound to Surinam.
Cartel perfectly healthy with the exception of
one man very low in a consumption.
On the first of June, lat. 40, 50, long. 64, spoke
the ship Helvitius of Philadelphia, bound home,
after remaining during the whole war up the east
country. On the second of June, lat. 40, 35,
long. 69, the majority of the prisoners agreed to
take possession of the cartel, and run her into
New- York, for the following reasons : the ship be-
ing disabled by the loss of her main trussel-trees,
which endangered the top-mast, and rendered her
unfit for sea ; secondly, there being every appear-
ance of a gale from the S. W. and the weather
thick and hazy ; thirdly, the port of N. York be-
ing the most convenient for the greater part of
the prisoners ; for which reasons, at twelve meri-
dian, by the general voice of all on board, the
command was taken from her former captain, and
221
she directed for the port of N. York. At 4, P. M.
the man in a consumption " put oif this mortal
coil," and took his quietus in thirty-five fathom of
water, in the usual form at sea.
The captain of the ship required some docu-
ment, that he might show for his indemniiication
for resigning the command of the ship, and devia-
ting from his destined port, which was Norfolk,
Vir. ; the following certificate, signed by a great
number of the prisoners, was delivered him.
Certificate,
" We, the undersigned, citizens of the U. States
of America, do hereby certify, that on the second
day of June, 1315, at twelve meridian, being in
fat. 40, 30, long. 69, 30, by mutual agreement of
a majority of prisoners now on board the cartel
Maria Christiana, bound for Norfolk, did take
possession of her, and directed her for the port of
New- York." ,
At four o'clock on the third, we discovered the
highlands of N. Jersey bearing W. by S.-, at eight
made the light-house, distance three or lour
leagues ; at two P. M. obtained a pilot ana stood
within the Hook ■ at seven came to an anchor ; the
next morning arrived at New-York.
Having received the report of the commission-
ers since our arrival in the United States, we shall
eive it to the reader verbatim. The reader will
222
perceive that it differs somewhat from the account
of the massacre which I have given before, and
that of the committee of prisoners. The public
are to judge of the report 5 the facts seem not to
warrant just such an one ; but to give my simple
opinion as an individual, I believe that the com-
missioners through a sort of piafraus for the love
of peace and harmony between the two govern-
ments, have made it a vail of amnesty, and a pre-
ventative of new troubles.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
Plymouth, 26th April, 1815.
We, the undersigned commissioners, appointed
©n behalf of our respective governments, to in-
quire into, and report upon, the unfortunate oc-
currence of the 6th of April inst. at DartmooF
prison ; having carefully perused the proceedings
of the several courts of inquiry instituted imme-
diately after that event, by the orders of Admiral
Sir John T. Duckworth and Major General Brown
respectively, as well as the depositions taken at
the coroner's inquest upon the bodies of the pri-
soners who lost their lives upon that melancholy
occasion : upon which inquest the jury found a
verdict of justifiable homicide; proceed immedi-
ately to the examination upon oath in the presence,
of one or more of the magistrates of the vicinity,
of all the witnesses, both American and English,
223
rh
0
who offered themselves for that purpose ; or w
could be discovered as likely to afford any materi-
al information upon the subject, as well as those
who had been previously examined before the
coroner, or otherwise, to the number in the whole
of about eighty. We further proceed to a minute
examination of the prisons, for the purpose of
clearing up some points, which upon the evidence
alone, were scarcely intelligible • obtaining from
the prisoners, and from the officers of the depot,
all the necessary assistance and explanation : and
premising, that we have been from necessity com-
pelled to draw many of our conclusions from
statements and evidence highly contradictory, we
do noAv make upon the whole proceedings the fol-
lowing report : —
During the period which has elapsed since the
arrival in this country of the account of the ratifi-
cation of the treaty of Ghent, an increased degree
of restlessness and impatience of confinement ap-
pears to have prevailed amongst the American
prisoners at Dartmoor, which though not exhibi-
ted in the shape of any violent excess, has been
principally indicated by threats of breaking out
if not soon released.
On the fourth of this month in particular, only
two days previous to the events, the subject of
this inquiry, a large body of the prisoners rushed
224
into the market square, from whence, by the re-
gulations of the prison, they are ey eluded, de-
manding bread, instead of biscirt, which had on
that day been issued by the officers of the depot;
their demands, however, having been then almost
immediately complied with, they returned to their
own yards, and the employment of force on that
occasion became unnecessary.
On the evening of the sixth, about six o'clock,
it was clearly proved to us, that a breach had
been made in one of the prison walls, sufficient
for a full sized man to pass, and that others had
been commenced in the course of the day near
the same spot, though never completed.
That a number of the prisoners were over the
railing erected to prevent them from communica-
ting with the sentinels on the walls, which was of
course forbidden by the regulations of the prison,
and that in the space between the railing and
those walls, they were tearing up pieces oi turf,
and wantonly pelting each other in a noisy and
disorderly manner.
That a much more considerable number of the
prisoners was collected together at that time in
one of their yards near the place where the
breach was effected, and that although such collec-
tion of prisoners was not unusual at other t ies
(the gambling tables being commonly kept in that
S2£>
part of the yard) yet, when connected with the
circumstances of the breach, and the time of the
day, which was after the hour the signal for the
prisoners to their respective prisons had ceased to
sound, it became a natural and just ground of
alarm to those who had charge of the depot.
It was also in evidence that in the building for-
merly the petty officers' prison, but now the guard
barrack, which stands in the yard to which the
hole in the wall would serve as a communication,
a part of the arms of the guard who were off duty,
were usually kept in the racks, and though there
was no evidence that this was in any respect the
motive whfch induced the prisoners to make the
opening in the wall, or even that they were ever
acquainted with the iact, it naturally became at
least a further cause of suspicion and alarm, and
an additional reason for precaution.
Upon these grounds Capt. Shortland appears
to us to have been justified in giving the order,
which about this time he seems to have given, to
sound the alarm bell, the usual signal for collect-
ing the officers of the depot and putting the milita-
ry on the alert.
However reasonable and justifiable this was as
a measure of precaution, the effects produced
thereby in the prisons, but which could not have
been intended, were most unfortunate, and deeply
U
226
to be regretted. A considerable number of the
prisoners in the yards where no disturbances
existed before, and who were either already
within their respective prisons, or quietly reti-
ring as usual towards them, immediately upon
the sound of the bell rushed back from curiosity
(as it appears) towards the gates, where, by that
time, the crowd had assembled, and many who
were at the time absent from their yards, Were
also, from the plan of the prison, compelled, in or-
der to reach their own homes, to pass by the same
spot, and thus, that which was mearly a measure
of precaution, in its operation increased the evil it
was intended to prevent.
Almost at the same instant that the alarm bell
rang, (but whether before or subservient, is, upon
the evidence, doubtful, though Capt. Shortland
states it positively as one of his further reasons
for causing it to ring) some one or more of the
prisoners broke the iron chain, which was the on-
ly fastening of No. 1 gate, leading into the market
square, by means of an iron bar ; and a very con-
siderable number of the prisoners immediately
rushed towards that gate; and many of them be-
gan to press forwards as fast as the opening would
permit into the square.
There was no direct proof before us of pre-
vious concert or preparation on the part of the
227
prisoners ; and no evidence of their intention 6v
disposition to effect their escape on this occasion,
excepting that which arose by inference from the
whole of the above detailed circumstances con-
nected together.
The natural and almost irresistible inference to
be drawn, however, from the conduct of the pri-
soners by Capt. Shorthand, and the military, was,
that an intention on the part of the prisoners to
escape was on the point of being carried into exe-
cution, an 1 it was at least certain that they were
by force passing beyond the limits prescribed to
them, at a time when they ought to have been
quietly going in for the night. It was also
in evidence that the outer gates of the market
square were usually opened about this time to let
the bread wagon pass and repass to the store,
although at the period in question they were in
fact closed.
Under these circumstances, and with these im-
pressions necessarily operating upon his mind,
and a knowledge that if the prisoners once pene-
trated through the square, the power of escape
was almost to a certainty afforded to them, if they
should be so disposed. Capt. Shortland in the
first instance proceeded down the square towards
the prisoners, having ordered a part of the differ-
ent guards, to the number of about fifty only at
228
first, (though they were increased afterwards,) to
follow him. For some time both he and Dr. Ma-
grath endeavoured, by quiet means and persua-
sion, to induce the prisoners to retire to their own
yards, explaining to them the fatal consequences
which must ensue if they refused, as the milita-
ry would in that case be necessarily compelled to
employ force. The guard was by this time form-
ed in the rear of Capt Shortland, about two-thirds
of the way down the square — the latter is about
100 feet broad, and the guard extended nearly all
across. Capt. Shortland, finding that persuasion
was all in vain, and that although some were indu-
ced by it to make an effort to retire, others pre. sed
on in considerable numbers, at last ordered about
1 5 file of the guard, nearly in front of the gate
which had been forced, to charge the prisoners
back to their own yards. The prisoners were in
some places so near the military, that one of the
soldiers states that he could not come fairly down
o the charge; and the military were unwilling
to act as against an enemy. Some of the prison-
ers also were unwilling and reluctant to retire, and
some pushing and struggling ensued between the
parties, arising partly from intention, but mainly
from the pressure of these behind preventing those
D front from getting back. After some little time,
however, this charge appears to have been so far
229
elective, and that with little or no injury to the
prisoners, as to have driven them for the most
pari, quite down out of the square, with the excep-
tion of a small number who continued their re-
sistance about No. 1 gate. A great crowd still
remained collected after this, in the passage be-
tween the square and the prisoners' yards, and in
the part of these yards in the vicinity of the gates.
This assemblage still refused to withdraw, and
according to most of the English witnesses, and
some of the 4merican, was making a noise, hal-
looing, insulting, and provoking, and daring the
military to fire, and, according to the evidence
of some of the soldiers, and some others, was
pelting the military with large stones, by which,
some of them were actually struck. This circum-
stance is, however, denied by many of the Amer-
ican witnesses ; and some of the English, upon
having the question put to them, stated they saw
no stones thrown previously to the firing, although
their situation at the time was such as to enable
them to see most of the other proceedings in the
square. Under these circumstances the firing
commenced. With regard to any order having
been given to fire, the evidence is very contradic-
tory. Several of the Americans swear positive-
ly, that Capt. Shortland gave that order ; but the
manner in which, from the coniusion of the ma-
il 2
i
230
ment, they describe this part of the transaction;
is so different in its details, that it is very difficult
to reconcile their testimony. Many of the sol-
diers and other English witnesses, heard the word
given by some one, but no one of them can swear
it was by Capt. Shortland, or by any one in par-
ticular, and some, amongst whom is the officer
commanding the guard, think, if Capt. Shortland
had given such an order, that they must have heard
it, which they did not. In addition to this, Capt.
Shortland denies the fact ; and from the situation
in which he appears to have been placed at the-
time, even according to the American witnesses,
in front of the soldiers, it may appear somewhat
improbable that he should then have given such
an order. But, however, it may remain a matter
of doubt whether the firing first began in the
square by order, or was a spontaneous act of the
soldiers themselves, it seemed clear that it was
continued and renewed, both there and elsewhere,
without orders ; and that on the platforms, and in
several places about the prison, it was certainly
commenced without any authority. The fact of
an order having been given at first, provided the
firing was, under the existing circumstances, jus-
tifiable, docs not appear very material in any oth-
er point of view than as showing a want of self-
gossession, and discipline in the troops, if they
231
should have fired without order. With regard to
the above most important consideration, of whe-
ther the firing was justifiable or not, we are of opi-
nion, under ail the circumstances of the case, from
the apprehension which the soldiers might fairly
entertain, owing to the numbers and conduct of
the prisoners, that this firing to a certain extent,
was justifiable in a military point of view, m or-
der to intimidate the prisoners, and compel them
thereby to desist from all acts of violence, and to
retire as they were ordered, from a situation in
which the responsibility of the agents, and the
military, could not permit them with safety to re-
main. From the fact of the crowd being so close,
and the firing at first being attended with very lit-
tle injury, it appears probable that a large propor-
tion of the muskets were, as stated by one or two
of the witnesses, levelled over the heads of the
prisoners ; a circumstance in some respects to be
lamented, as it induced them to cry out u blank
cartridges," and merely irritated and encouraged
them to renew their insults to the soldiery, which
produced a repetition of the firing in a manner
much more destructive. The firing in the square
having continued for some time, by which several
of the prisoners sustained injuries, the greater
part of them appear to have been running back
with the utmost precipitation and confusion to
232
their respective prisons, art'] the cause for further
firing seeiasat this period to have cease J. It ap-
pears accordingly that Capt. Shortland was in the
market square, exerting himself and giving or-
ders to that effect, and that Lieut. Fortye had suc-
ceeded in stopping the fire of his part of- the
guard. Under these circumstances it is very diffi-
cult to find any justification for the further con-
tinuance and renewal of the firing, which certain-
ly took place both in the prison yards and else-
where : though we have some evidence of subse-
quent provocation given to the military, and re-
sistance to the turnkey's in shutting the prisons,
an J of stones being thrown out from within the
prison cloofs. The subsequent firing rather ap-
pears to have arisen from the state of individual
irritation and exasperation on the part of the sol-
diers who followed the prisoners into their yards,
and from the absence of nearly all the officers,
who might have restrained it ; as well as from the
great difficulty of putting an end to a firing when
once commenced under such circumstances. Capt.
Shortland was from this time busily occupied with
the turnkeys in the square, receiving and taking
care of the wounded. Ensign White re ma n d
with his guard at the breach, and Li cuts. Avelyne
an.d Fortye, the only other subalterns known to
233
have been present, continued in the square with
the mam bodies of their respective guards.
The time of the day, which was the officers'
dinner hour, will in some measure explain this, as
it caused the absence of every officer from the pri-
son whose presence was not indispensable there.
And this circumstance, which has been urged as
an argument to prove the intention of the prisoners
to take this opportunity to escape, tended to in-
crease the confusion, and to prevent those great
exertions being made, which might perhaps have
obviated a portion at least of the mischief which
ensued.
At the same time that the firing was going on
in the square, a cross fire was also kept up from
several of the platforms on the walls round the pri-
son where the senteries stand,by straggling parties
of soldiers who ran up there for that purpose. As
far as this fire was directed to disperse the men as-
sembled round the breach, for which purpose it
was most effectual, it seems to stand upon the same
ground as that in the first instance in the square.—
But that part, which it is positively sworn was di-
rected against straggling parties of prisoners run-
ning about the yards and endeavouring to enter in
the few doors which the turnkeys,according to their
usual practice, had left open, does seem, as stated,
to l>ave been wholly without object or excuse, and
234 v
to have been a wanton attack upon the lives of de-
fenceless, and at that time unoffending, individuals.
In the same, or even more severe terms, we must
remark upon what was proved as to the firing into
the door ways of the prisons, more particularly into
that of No. 3 prison, at a time when the men were
in crowds at the entrance. From the position of
the prison and of the door, and from the marks of
the balls which were pointed out to us, as well as
from the evidence, it was clear this firing must
have proceeded from soldiers a very few feet from
the door way ; and although it wTas certainly
sworn that the prisoners were at the time of part
of the firing at least, continuing to insult and oc-
casionally to throw stones at the soldiers, and that
they were standing in the way of, and impeding
the turnkey, who was there for the purpose of
closing the door, yet still there was nothing stated
which could in our view at all justify such exces-
sively harsh and severe treatment of helpless and
unarmed prisoners, when all idea of escape was
at an end. — Under these impressions, we us
every endeavour to ascertain if there was the
least prospect of identifying any of the soldiers
who had been guilty of the particular outrages
here alluded to, or of tracing any particular death
at that time, to the firing of any particular indi-
iclual, but without success ; and all hopes of bring-
13b
ng the offenders to punishment should seem to be
it an end. — In conclusion, we, the undersigned,
mve only to add, that whilst we lament, as we
lo most deeply, the unfortunate transaction which
las been the subject of this inquiry, we find our-
selves totally unable to suggest any steps to be
:aken as to those parts of it which seem to cali for
redress and punishment.
(Signed)
CHARLES KING,
ERAS. SEYMOUR LARPENT.
London. 18th April, 1815.
Sir,
At the request of Lord Castlereagh, we have
had interviews with him and Mr. Goulburnon the.
subject of the transportation of the American
prisoners now in this country, to the United States?
and of the late unfortunate event at the depot at
Dartmoor.
On the first subject, we agreed to advise your
acceptance of the proposition of Lord Castle-
reagh to transport the prisoners at the joint ex-
pense of the two countries, reserving the con-
struction of the articles of the treaty, which pro-
vides for the mutual restoration of prisoners, for
future adjustment. It was stated by us, and was
so understood, that the join!; expense, thus to be : -
curred, is to comprehend as well the requisite ton-
236
nage as the subsistence of the prisoners ; and
moreover that measures of precaution should be
adopted relative to the health and comfort of the
prisoners similar to those which had taken place
in America.
The details of this arrangement, if you concur
with us as to the expediency of making it, are left
with you to settle with the proper British autho-
rity.
On the other subject, as a statement of the trans-
action has been received from the American priso-
ners, differing very materially in fact from that
which had resulted from an inquiry instituted by
the port admiral, it has been thought adviseable
that some means should be devised of procuring
in ormation as to the real state of the case, in or-
der, on the one hand, to show that there had not
been any wanton or improper sacrifice of the lives
of American citizens, or, on the other, to enable
the British government to punish their civil and
military officers, if it should appear that they have
resorted to measures of extreme severity without
necessity, or with too much precipitation.
Lor! Castlereagh proposed that the inquiry
should be a joint one, conducted by a commissioner
selected by each government. And we have
thought such an inquiry most likely to produce an
impartial and satisfactory result.
*v
237
We presume that you will have too much occu-
Ipation on the first subject and the other inciden*
tal duties of your office, to attend to this inquiry
in person. On that supposition, we have stated
to the British government that we should recom-
mend to you the selection of Charles King, Esq.
as a fit person to conduct it in behalf of the Ameri-
can government. If Mr. King will undertake the
business, he will forthwith proceed to Dartmoor,
and in conjunction with the British commissioner,
who may be appointed on the occasion, will ex-
amine the persons concerned, and such other
evidence as may be thought necessary, and make a
joint report upon the facts of the case to John Q
\dams, Esq. Minister Plenipotentiary of the Uni-
te;! States at this court and to the British govern-
me::;.
The mode of executing this service must be left
to the discretion of Mr. King" and his colleague.—
If they can agree upon a narrative of the facts
after having heard the evidence, it will be better
than reporting the whole mass of testimony in de-
tail, which they may perhaps find it necessary to
do, if they cannot come to such an agreement.
We are, sir, your obedient humble servants,
(Signed)
H. CLAY,
ALfUvT GALLATIN.
R. G. Beasley, Esq. 8ic* &C.
A.
238
Plymouth, 26th April, 1815.
Sir.
In pursuance of instructions received frora
Messrs. Clay and Gallatin, I have now the honour-
to transmit to you the report prepared by Mr.
Larpent and myself on behalf of our respective
governments, in relation to the unfortunate trans-
actions at Dartmoor Prison of War, on the 6th of
the present month. Considering it of much im-
portance that the report, whatever it might be,
should go forth under our joint signatures, I hove
forborne to press some of the points which it in-
volves, as far as otherwise I might have done, and
it therefore may not be improper in this letter to
enter into some little explanation of such parts
of the report. Although it does appear that a
part of the prisoners were on that evening m such
a state, and under such circumstances, as to fa
justified, in the view which the commander of the
depot could not but take of it, the intervention of
the military force, and even in a strict sense, the
first use of fire-arms, yet I cannot but express it
as my settled opinion, that by conduct a little more
temporizing, this dreadful alternative oi" firing upon
unarmed prisoners might, have been avoided. —
Yet as this opinion has been the result of subse-
'nuent examination, and after having acquired a
knowledge of the comparatively harmless state of
*
239
prisoners, it may be but fair to consider, whe-
ther in such a moment of confusion and alarm, as
that appears to have been, the officer command-
ing could -have fairly estimated his danger, or have
pleasured out with precision the extent and nature
of the force necessary to guard, against it.
But when the firyjg became general, as it after-
wardi appears to hive done, and caught with elec-
tric rapidity from the square to the platforms, there
is no plea nor shadow of excu;e for it, except in
the personal exasperation of the soldiery, nor for
the more deliberate, and therefore more unju
able, firing which took place into three of the
prisons, No. 1, 3, and 4, but more particularly iu-
■o No. 3, after the prisoners had retired into them,
and there was no longer any pretence of appre-
hensions as to their .escape. Upon this ground,
as you, sir, will perceive by the report, Mr. Lar-
pent and myself had no difference of opinion, and
I am fully persuaded that my own regret was not
greater than his, at perceiving how hopeless would
be the attempt to trace to any individuals of the
military these outrageous proceedings.
As to whether the order to fire came from Cap-
tain Shortland, I yet confess myself unable to form
any satisfactory opinion, though perhaps the bias-
of my mind is, that he did give such an order,—
240
But his anxiety and exertions to stop it after it had
continued for some little time, are fully proved,
and his general conduct, previous to this occur-
rence, as far as we could with propriety enter into
such details, appears to have been characterized
with great fairness, and even kindness, in the light
in which he stood towards the prisoners.
On the subject of any complaints against their
own government existing among the prisoners, it I
was invariably answered to several distinct ques-
tions put by me on that head, that none whatso-
ever existed or had been expressed by them, al-
though they confessed themselves to entertain
yome animosity against Mr. Beasley, to whom they
attributed their detention in this country ; with
what justice you, sir, will be better able to judge.
They made no complaint whatsoever, as to their
provisions and general mode of living and treat-
ment in the prison.
I have transmitted to .Mr. Beasleva list of the.
killed and wounded on this melanc^ly occasion,
v:hh a request that he would forward it to the
United States for the information of their friends
at home, and I am pleased to have it in my power
to say, that the wounded are for the most part do-
ing well
241
I have also enclosed to Mr. Beasley the notes
aken by me of the evidence adduced before us,
viih a request that he would have them fairly co-
ned, as also a copy of the depositions taken before
he Coroner, and desired him to submit them to
'ou when in order.
I cannot conclude, sir, without expressing my
high sense of the impartiality and manly firmness
ivith which this inquiry has been conducted on the
)art of Mr. Larpent, nor without mentioning that
every facility was afforded to us in its prosecution,
as well by the military officers commanding here
and at the prison, as by the magistrates in the
vicinity.
1 have the honour to be, with much respect,
your most obedient humble servant,
(Signed) CHARLES KING.
His Excellency J. Q,. Adams, Sec. &c.
London, 30th April, 1815.
In my letter of the 19th instant, I informed you
df the measures which had been adopted here in
consequence of the late unfortunate event at Dart-
moor Prison.
I have now the honour to transmit the copy of
a letter addressed to me by Mr. Clay and Mr.
Gallatin, relative to that occurrence, and to the
X 2
242
. sportation of the American prisoners in this
country to the United States.
In the absence of Mr. Adams, it becomes my
•iuty to comrrumicate for the information of our
government, the result of the investigation at Dart-
moor. I enclose a copy of the joint report of the
commissioners appointed for that purpose, also of
a letter from Mr. King to Mr. Adams, and of a
list of the killed and wounded on that melancholy
occasion.
I shall leave to Mr. Adams any further steps
Lchbe may deem it proper to take in this busi-
ness. I cannot, however, forbear to notice the er-
roneous impression of the prisoners, that their de-
tention so long has been owing to me. You are
aware, sir, of my constant exertions during the
war to effect their liberation. I immediately, on
the signing of the treaty of peace at Ghent, re-
newed my instances on that subject ; proposing,
as a condition, that all prisoners who might be de-
livered over to me by the British government,
should be considered as prisoners of war, and not
at liberty to serve until regularly exchanged, in
the event of the treaty not being ratified by the
President. This proposition was declined and in
a peremptory manner.
243
On the receipt of the intelligence of the ratifica-
tion from America, I lost not a moment in request-
ing the release of the prisoners, according to the
terms of the treaty ; and the number of vessels
which I had hired, as mentioned in my letter of the
13th, and which are now on their voyage to the
United States, will show that the necessary steps
e taken to provide for their immediate trans-
portation to their country. The prisoners also
were informed of these measures, and of the ex-
ertions which had been made from the commence-
ment, to return them to their homes with the least
possible delay, Therefore, whatever may have
been their uneasiness, under confinement, and
whatever hostile feelings they" may have had to-
wards me, as noticed in the report, and in Mr*
King's letter, I must say with confidence, that I
could not prevent the one, nor have I deserved the
other.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedi-
ent humble servant,
R. G. BEASLEY,
The honourable John Mason, &c. &c, &c.
244
From the Plymouth (Eng.) Telegraph, April
22. 1815.
To the Editor.
biR,
The officers aid prisoners of this depot, k
ins: an ardent desire that the citizens of the
United States may be informed of -the many and
great services rendered them by Dr. Magrath, and
likewise that the subjects of Great Britain may
learn with what sentiments of gratitude and re-
^pect his unparalleled efforts in the cause of hu-
manity, and the discharge of his duty, have at this-
depot filled us ; we have to request that you will
cause to be inserted in your paper, as early as
possible, copies of the enclosed testimonials, ad-
dressed to that gentleman.
I am, &c.
Benjamin Mercer.
Hospital, April 13, 1815-
Dartmoor prison, March 28, 1815.
To His Excellency James Madison.
Honoured and respected Sir,
From the general philanthrophy of your charac-
ter and liberality of sentiment, no apology is
deemed requisite for introducing to your particu-
lar notice, and that of the nation at large, Dr.
George Magrath, principal of the medical deport-
ment for the American prisoners of war in Eng-
245
land. It is impossible for us to speak of this gen-
tleman in terms that will do justice to his "superior
professional science, brilliant talents, the exem-
plary virtues of his heart, the urbanity and ea^y
accessibility of his manners, his unremitting as-
sick] ; tics and unwearied exertions, in combatting a
succession of diseases of the most exasperated and
malignant character, which prevailed among the
prisoners. At the first forming of the depot9
pneumonia, in its worst form, generally prevailed,
which degenerated into a still more dangerous
species of pulmonic complaint, nearly peripneu-
monia notJia, which was rapidly succeeded by a
putrid kind of measles, and that destructive mala-
dy followed by a malignant small-pox, which
spread rapidly ; dismay and apprehension were
painted on every countenance.
Dr. Magrath's time and attention were fully oc-
cupied in the hospital, and in vaccinating the pri-
soners. From his unprecedented exertions in an
inclement season of the year, in a most inhospita-
ble clime, his health became seriously impaired ;
hut totally regardless of himself, he persevered in
his unparalleled exertions, and from his superior
knowledge in the healing art, was the means, un-
der divine Providence, of rescuing many citizens
of the United States from the fast approximating
embraces of death. This malignant species of
240
smail-po::, unknown to the generality of profes-
sional gentlemen, appeared in other places, an,] a
far greater number fell victims, in proportion to
the cases at the place. We therefore trust, that
some distinguished mark of the nation's gratitude
will be conferred on Dr. Magrath ; for this truly
great man's exertions in the cause of suffering
humanity, have been rarely equalled, but never
excelled.
We have the honour to remain, with sentiments
©f respect and attachment, your excellency's obe-
dient humble servants,
BENJ. MERCER,
PIERRE G. DE PEYSTER.
HENRY PROCTOR,
JOHN COTTLE, I § ,g
THOS. CARBERRY, I |'*|:
JAMES LESTER, ?
HENRY BULL,
THOS. B. MOTT,
SETH WALKER, (
WILLIAM WEST, I t^^
CHARLES DEXTER, | I § £
c_ o" tr-
3 *>
n v
o *_
WILLIAM MOLLEY,
JOHNS. TROUBRIDCrE.
Hi-NRY SJHERBURH,
THOS. B. FROST, i ? S
247
ANSWER.
Officers and brave Americans collectively,
Permit me to request you will accept the warm-
est and most sincere thanks of my heart, for the
flattering testimonials of your approbation of my
conduct, with which you have honoured me, and
allow me to assure you, that nothing can be more
exquisitely gratifying to my very best feeling,
than the language in which you have been pleased
to convey this mark of your esteem. I feel
convinced that you will indulgently excuse me, if
I find it impossible to command words sufficiently
emphatic, adequately to express the sentiments of
gratitude, with which I am penetrated, for this
-qx-cted proof of your regard ; I must there-
fore allfiw my heart, rather than my pen, to thank
you. But. it voiill not be doing justice to my
feelings were I to abstain from assuring you, that
I have endeavoured to perform my duty towards
you, with that self-devctedwss, which looks only
for its reward in its own consciousness of right, and
its own secret sense of virtue ; and whatever dif-.
ficulties I have had to encounter in the discharge
oi my important,, trust, by struggling with a suc-
',) of the most violent and exasperated epi-
demic diseases, perhaps ever recorded in medical
ui? ing the whole of my service among
you, the distinguished proof of your confidence
248
and approbation of my professional labours, with
which you this day have been pleased to honour me5
amply compensates me, and must rank amongst
the proudest and happiest events of my life. It
now only remains for me, in this plain, but un-
feigned language, again to beg you will receive
my most sincere thanks ; and to assure* you, col-
lectively, that a due and lively sense of the high
honour which you have conferred upon me, shall to
the last moments of my existence remain ingrafted
in, my breast. And here allow me most sincerely
to congratulate you on the happy event which ter-
minates your captivity, and which is soon to re-
store you to the bosoms of your families and
riends ; and that you may all long enjoy peace
and happiness, is the sincere wish of
your most grateful and much
obliged humble servant^
GEO. MAGRATB.
Dartmoor, March 30, 1815.
Dartmoor Prison^ April 2th, 1815.
To His Excellency John Quincy Adams.
Sir,
Impressed with the sense of duty which we
owe to our country and to ourselves, we respec-
tively solicit permission to introduce to your Ex-
cellency George Magrath, Esq. M. D. principal of
249
the medical department at this depot. Language
is incompetent to delineate the worth and charac-
ter of this gentleman, pre-eminent in medical sci-
ence, enriched by every virtue and accomplish-
ment that can dignify and adorn human nature
and form the gentleman and philanthropist.
His professional skill has been peculiarly conspi-
cuous in his successfully combatting a succession
of diseases, of the most exasperated and malignant
character., which prevailed among the prisoners.
Dr. Magrath's health, from his indefatigable exer-
uons, became seriously impaired, but he perseve-
red in the performance of his arduous duties and
unremitting efforts to arrest the alarming and ra-
pid advances of the prevailing diseases ; and he
was the agent under divine Providence of rescuing
many citizens of the United States from a prema-
ture grave, and as it were, renewing their exis-
tence, but more particularly on the late unhappy
occurrence.
Language is too impotent to describe Dr
Magrath's unexampled endeavours to pre: «n.
the effusion of blood 5 regardless of the many
dangers by which he was environed, he per-
Y
250
severed, amidst the heavy and incessant fire ol
musketry, in his humane endeavours to prevent,
the fatal catastrophe.
His treatment of the unfortunate wounded
Americans, is superior to all praise, and was
such as to entitle Dr. Magrath to the es-
teem and gratitude of the citizens of the Uni-
ted States.
We therefore respectfully and ardently solicit,
that your Excellency would be pleased to honour
Dr. Magrath with your particular notice and es-
teem, and to convey these our sentiments to the
government of the United States ; for we would
wish to give all possible publicity to our high sense
of Dr. Magrath, and to evince to our country and
the world how gratefully we appreciate the essen-
tial services we have received from that gentle-
man.
We avail ourselves of this opportunity to offer
to your Excellency our congratulations on the
happy termination of your important duties at
Ghent, by the conclusion of a peace so highly
honourable to our beloved country, and to your-
.seH", and to assure your Excellency of our high re-
251
spect and attachment to your character and per-
son.
We have the honour to be, sir,
your obedient humble
Servants,
For and in behalf of the American prisoners of
war at this depot,
PIERRE G. DEPEYSTER.
HENRY PROCTER,
HENRY BULL,
JOHN COTTLE,
THOS. GAIR,
THOS. CARBERRY,
JAMES LESTER,
BENJ. MERCER,
ISAAC DOWELL.
Dartmoor, April 10, 1815.
Gentlemen,
Honoured as I am with the approbation of those
whose good opinion I so highly estimate, I cannot
permit myself to receive this additional mark of
your friendship and regard (in which you much
overrate my humble exertions, in the dis-
charge of my duty and the cause of hu-
manity,) without begging leave to assure you,,
that whilst it reflects upon me the highest honour
tha could be conferred, it lays claim to my heart-
252
felt acknowledgments, and everlasting gratitude.
With the most sincere and cordial good wishes
for your health and happiness,
I remain, gentlemen, your much
obliged and most grateful servant,
GEO. MAGRATH.
To the gentlemen forming the Hospital Com-
mittee.
February, 1815.
The following is a correct list of all who entered
his Majesiy^s service out of Dartmoor prison
from April 1813, until 1814 y to which is an-
nexed their former residence and the ships in which
they were captured or impressed'
James^Akin, Roxbury, Mass. Wm. Bayard
Abel Akins, Penobscot, Maine, Tygris, Baltimore
A 1 ford Arnold, unknown, Penn. Viper, do.
Wm; Armstrong, Salem, Mass. Rolla, priv.
Anthony Agusta, New-Orleans, do do
He nry Allen, Roxbury, Mass. Wm. Bayard, N. Y.
George Blancbard, Elizabeth, N. J. do.
Gabriel Bugoine, — Vir. brig Star, N. Y.
Henry Brown, New-York, Criterion, Baltimore
Edward Blackstone. Kennebunk, Maine, do
William Bishop, Dunverse. Mass. Spitfire, BostoR
253
William Brown, New-Point-Comfortj Vir. U. S.
brig Argus.
Frederick Cransburgh, Prussia, brig Star
John C. Cox, b. New- York, do
Stephen Churchell, Richmond, Vir. Viper, Bait.
Samuel Cook, Tiverton, R. I. Price, do
Albert Cooper, Newburyport, Mass. man of Avar
Jerodia Denison, Middleton, Con. brig Star
John Duncan, Boston, Viper
Win. Ervine, New- York, Virginia Planter
Francis Foster, New-London, Con. Meteor, N. Y.
Shubel Folger, Nantucket, Mass. William Bayard
William Fenton, Wiscasset, Maine, man of war
Daniel Holt, New-London, Con. brig Star, N. Y.
John Hughs, New- York, do. do
John Hubbard, do do do
James Holms, Portsmouth, N. H. Magdalin, N. Y,
Thomas Howell, Beverley, Mass. Independence
Anthony Hughieco, New-Orleans, Rolla privateer
Aaron Hinkley, Bath, Mass. Viper, Bal.
Francis Joseph, New-Orleans, brig Star, N. Y.
James Jackson, Phil. Penn. Paul Jones, N. Y.
John Little, do. Unknown.
Matthew Latimore, N. Y. Meteor, N. Y.
Robert Murray, New-Port, R. Rolla, Phil.
Henry Neal, N. Y. N. Y. Ned, BaL
Charles M'Nies, Bal. Maryland, Ned, do,
Jonn Newgent, N. Y. True blooded Yankee.
Y 2
254
Francis Rice, Boston, Mass. Virginia Planter,
Ebenezer Rich, Portland, Mass. Flash, N. York.
John Senate, Philadelphia, Win. Bayard.
John Sheard, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. do. do.
i Shultz, Denmark, Criterion, N. Y.
Wm, Smith, New- York, Terrible.
Join: Thomson, Denmark, brig Star.
Wm. Thomas, Germany, Viper, Bal.
Zacn. Tough, New-London, Con. Terrible.
Jo . u Williams, N.York, N. Y. Wm. Bayard.
Edward Washburn, N. York, N. Y. brig Star
George Williams, Bal. Maryl. Charlotte, Charls.
John Wilson, Phil. Penn. Governor Gerry, N. Y.
William Warner, New- York, N. Y. Ajax.
John West, do. do. Dukanor.
Israel Wright, Tinmouth, Vcr. brig Star, N. Y.
Wm. Wilson, Long-Island, N, Y. Ned, Bal.
Robert Wesel, New- York, N. Y. do. do.
Jamei Pickerton, Hampton, Vir. Lightning, Phil.
Francis Lisda, New-Orleans, Louisiana, unknown.
James Johnson, New- York, N. Y. brig Mars.
The following is a correct list of all who entered his
Jtlajcstfs service from the different prison ships
at Chatham, from April 1813, until June 1814.
Copied from the cLrk^s books.
J hn Anderson, b. Newcastle, Del. man of war.
7 >hn Atkinson, b. Baltim. Maryland, True Blood,
Johfl Austin, unknown, unknown*
255
J osiah Abraham, Phil. Pen. man of war,
James Anderson, Bal. Maryland, unknown.
Peter Boyd, New- York, N. Y, do.
John Boyd, Kennebunk, Mass. do.
John Brown, New- Bedford, Impressed.
John Bauld, Block Island, man of war.
Isaac Baily, Boston, Mass. do.
John Brown, Salem, do. True Blood.
Peter Brown, Phil, Penn. unknown,
George Bing, New- York, N. Y. man of war.
John Brown, b. Salem, Mass. do.
Samuel Billham, b. do. do. do.
John Barks, New-Bedford, do.
Geo. Burns, Phil. Penn. do.
Asa Bumpus, New-Bedford, Mass. unknown.
Rufus Brown, Eastport, do.
John Burns, North-Carolina, do.
John Baily, Hainsbury, Mass. do.
Ebenezer Carter, Portsmouth, N. H. man of war,
I- aac Crawford, Boston, Mass. do.
Benjamin Cotten, Norfolk, Vir. do.
Thomas Charles, b. New- York, N. Y. do.
Charles Cuffee, Long-Island, N. Y. man of war.
Isaac Carrol, New-York do. unknown.
Ezekiel Church, Phil, Penn. do.
Peter Dowling, Lewis burg, Vir. Gov. Tomkins,
Wra. Denning, New-Bedford, man of war,
Isaac Darlton, Boston, Mass, do,
256
Thomas Denison, Portsmouth, N. H. man of war
Thomas D :-, New- York, N. Y. unknown.
John Davis, Alexandria, Vir. man of war.
Henry Dison, Holmes' Hole, unknown.
Silas Eaton, Phil. Penn. M. S. Malta.
Dudley French, b. Newburyport, Mass. unknown,
John Fowler, unknown, do.
Elias Field, do. do.
Nicholas Gold, North Kingston, R. I. do.
Wai, Goes, New- York, N. Y. - do.
Jeremiah Gills, b, Baltimore, Maryland, do.
Isaac Griifin, Boston, Mass. do.
Gills, New- i: oik. N. Y. do.
Samuel Harvey, North Carolina, Impressed.
Jaaies Hoyd, New-York, N. Y. man of war.
Henry Hamong, Phil. Penn. brig Esel, Bal.
Henry Holsworth, New- York, unknown.
John Hopkins, unknown, do.
Samuel Hopkins, do. do.
Samuel Hainsly, b. do. do.
Wm. Hull, b. Bal. Maryland, do.
Joanson Harlem, b. New-York, do.
James Hall, Wainsburg, N. Y. do.
Wm. Hubbard. Providence, R. I. do.
Poter Henry, Phil. Penn. ; do.
Taom. Hazaird, Nairagarisefc, R. I. do.
John Fnz, New-Bedford, Ma- -. do.
Benjamin liol brook, Kennebeck do-
257
Thomas Jackson, b. New- York, unknown
John Jackson, Long-Island, do.
Samuel Jackson, b. Salem, Mass. do.
John Jackson, b. New-Bedford, do.
Wm, Johnson, Norfolk, Vir. do.
Zaca James, Snowhill, Maryland, do.
Francis Johnson, Bal. do. do.
Nathan Kezer, Newburyport, Mass.do.
John Jones, Boston, do. do.
Isaac Lemur, do. do. Impressed.
Andrew Lamson, Portsmouth, N. H. unknown,
John Lunderson, New-York, do.
John Lames, Portsmouth, N. H. brig Hunter.
George Lewis, b. unknown, unknown.
George Lee, b. Salem, Mass. do.
Asa Freeman, Pittyfoog, unknown.
Jeremiah Miller,;Soco, Maine, do.
Edward Mathews, Phil. Penn. man of war.
John Morris, do. do. do.
Mr. Fairlin, Bait. Maryland, do.
Benjamin Morgan, b. unknown, do.
Benjamin Melvin, b. Nuntucket, Mass. do.
John Molden, b. Bait. Maryland, do.
Morris, New- York, do.
Edw. Moulton, Newburyport, Mass. do,
Henry Moore, New- York, do.
John Mackey, Portsmouth, N. H. do.
JohnNicklas, New- York, N. Y. man of ww'i
258
- Owens, Philadelphia, Perm.
Richard Porter, Wiscasset, Mass. Impressed.
Thomas Parkman, unknown.
Edward Phillips, do,
Elisha Paul, Maryland.
Simon Roy, Saybrook, Connecticut.
John Ride, Philadelphia, Penn.
Thomas Roberson, Plymouth, Mass. man of war
John Rough, Alexandria, Virginia.
William Riley, Philadelphia.
Henry Randolph, , Massachusetts.
Robert Real, New- York, N. Y.
James Roberts, b. Wilmington, N. C.
Robert Roberts, b. New- York.
John Ring, Philadelphia, Penn.
Nathan Robinson, unknown.
Morns Russell, Savannah, Georgia.
William Rich, Warrington, Con.
Isaac Somendycke, New- York.
George Simsons, b. Philadelphia.
David Simond, b. Alexandria, Virg. impressed
John Smith, Norfolk, do. do.
James Stanly, New- York.
William Symons, b. Charleston, S, C.
William Steward, b. unknown.
John Simson, b. do.
V\ illiam Strong, Marblor-cad, Mass.
Dsu id Stephens, Long-Jalaadg N. Y.
259
William Scofield, Turkey-Hill, Oldhadam, Con,
John Thompson, Long Island, N. Y.
Edward Fitly, New- York.
Johu Vanderhoven, do.
William Welch, Charleston, S. C.
Charles Wetmore, Norwich. Con.
John B. Williams, Baltimore, Md.
John Wells, New- York.
Charles Wight, Alexandria, Vir.
Charles Wilford, New- York.
Charles Williams, unknown.
William Watson, Charleston. S. C. man of war.
William Walker, Pelham, N. H.
Jason Wood, Philadelphia, Penn.
William Wood, do. do.
Ezckicl Wilson, do. do.
William Wolf, Savannah, Georgia.
Charles Wilson, Providence, R. I.
Robert WTilson, Newport, do.
The following is a correct list of prisoners who en*
tered his Majesty' 's service at the Depot of Staple-
ton, from July 1813. until May 1814, copied
from the clerk's books,
John Abrahams,' b. New- York, Grand Napoleon
John Brown, Charleston, S. C. Revenge.
John Beinbridge, Dutchman, Tickler, Bostos
Charles Burgoin, Charleston, S, C. Revenge,
260
Joseph Fletcher, Portland, Mas. Orders in Council
Henry Hendrick, do.
Eben. Jacobs, Newhuryport, impressed.
William Howard, Philadelphia, Fox.
Stephen Henry, black man.
Robert Hackley, New- York, unknown.
Mark Mason, Philadelphia, Fox.
James Marley, Norfolk, Virg. impressed.
George Russell, New- York, Tom of Baltimore.
John Smith, Paul Jones.
Francis Surges, black man.
Thomas Taylor, Maryland, Price of Baltimore
Charles White, New- York, Meteor.
The following is a list of names of persons wh»
died at Stapleton jwison, from July 1813, until
June 1814.
George Morgan, Long-Island, N. Y. Grand Na-
poleon.
David Smart, New- York, Price of Baltimore.
John Dunn, Philadelphia, do. do.
D. Francis. Providence, R. I. Hebe of Philadel.
John Mkchel, New-York, unknown
Isaac Watts, Charleston, S. C. • do
Lambert Johnson, New- York. do
Mi
The following is a list of names of persons who died
at Chatham, on board the different prison-ships
from January 1813, until June J 814 ; at which
time all the prisoners were removed to the depot at
Dartmoor.
Feb. 28, 1814. Samuel Abbet, Andover, Mass
Feb. 19, 1814. William Allen, Newport, R. I.
January 4, 1813. Joseph Andrews, Marblehead
January 7, 1813. Howel Baysta, Boston, Mass
Dec. 5, 1814. Moses Blackman, Boston, do
James Butler, unknown.
Feb. 28, 1814. William Butler, Baltimore, Md
March 31, John Adams, New-York.
Dec. 1813. ElyBactman, Wocester county, Mas
Thomas Billings, New- York.
Jan. 9. Christopher Balbadge, Salem, Mass
May 3, Edward Brown, Marblehead, do
June 5, Nicholas Bunker, Scituate, do
June 11. Jesse Brown, Belfast. Maine
Nov. 23, 1813. Thomas Carter, Norfolk, Vir
May 4. Thomas Copland, Charleston, S C
April 16. Isaac Clough, Marblehead, Mass
May 25. Christy, Baltimore, U. S. gun-boat
March 4. James Davis, Somerset
April 27. John H. Downie, Salem, Mass.
July 5. James Div erause, do. do.
April 18. Benjamin Elvell, Gloucester, Mass
May 19, William Ehngwood, Marblehead, Mass
z
252
Jan. 27. William Foller, Marblehead, Mas*
March 27. Anthony Fundy, New- York
April 12, 1814. William Forman, Portsmouth,
New Hampshire
May 18. Amos Graindy, Marblehead, Mass
June 6, 1813. James B. Green, Alexandria, Vir
June 25, 1814. Thomas Hutchinson, unknown
Dec. 27. George Hubbard, do
Feb. 14. William Hart, do
April 17. Jacob Holt, Salem, Mass
May. Christopher Hubbard, Baltimore, Md
March 29, Samuel Head, New- York
February 5. Samuel Jones, New- York, Tyger
May 16. John Johnson, Long-Island, N Y
March 12. William Light, unknown
•Feb. 23. Reuben Ludlow, New- York, Tyger
<Jan. 7. James Lewis, Norfolk, Vir
March 30. James Ludlow, Greenfield, Con
March 22. Ezekiel Miller, New- York
March 29. Samuel Miller, New- York
April 1 . Fisher Mansfield, New-London, Con
Aaron Mackley, drowned escaping
March 16. Captain Morgan, Salem, Mass. Enter-
prize
June 10. James Mills, Alexandria, Vir
March 29, 1813. Samuel Nelson, New- York
January 6, 1814. Hugh Nichols, Newborn, N C
April 3. William Pousland, Marblehead, Mass
263
April 20. Clemont Pair, Portland, Maine
21. Edward Patten, Baltimore
May 24. William Potter, Beverly, Mass
June 6. David Pinkham, Nantucket, do
Jan. 4. Jared Ray, New- York
John Roaply, New- York
March 25. Charles Saunders, near Alexandria, V
do 19. Proctor Simonds, unknown
do 24. Ebenezer Skinner, Nantucket, Mass
Henry Scot, Baltimore
Jonathan Sawyer, Portland, Maine
Nov. 25, 1313. Reuben Moslaird, Nantucket, Mas
Tygcr, N Y
Feb. 16. Daniel Roaps, Salem, Mas
May 9. John Rottor, Md.
April 24, 1814. James Smith, Marblehead, Mass
Growler, - - Salem, do
May 28. Jonathan Trueman, Portland, Maine
March 6. Edward Williams, Philadelphia.
April 14. James Weeks, Marblehead, Mass
do 29, 1813. Samuel Warren, unknown
March 4. Richard Winchester, Gloucester, Mass>
Webber, Kennebeck, Maine
August 16. Francis Williams, Salem, Mass
March 26. Stepiien Thatson, Brooklield, do
Thirty-nine names unknown — chiefly U. States
Infant rv
264
The following contains a list of the persons who died
at Dartmoor . from April 1-813, until the 18ih
February, 1815 ; copied from the reports of the
Doctor,
Dec 23, 181 3. Henry Alligo, New- York, U. S. brig-
Argus
Oct. 24. Ambrose Alamond, Carthagenia, Presi-
dent
Nov. 6. John Adams, Washington, S. C. Grey-
hound
do. 21. John B. Allen, New- York, Herald
Dec. 25, 1814. Isaac Anderson, Portsmouth, N H
Huzzar
Dec. 23. Joshua Andrews, Ipswich, Mass. David
Porter,
do 3. John Adams, N- C. America
do 27. Alexander Anderson, N- York, Criterion
Jan. 7. Jacob Anderson, Portsmouth, N H
do 26. Daniel Archer, Salem, Mass. Grand Turk
Jan. 4, 1815. Daniel Appleton, Portsmouth, N H
U S Frolic
Feb. 5. Robert Adams. Marblehead, Mass. He-
rald
Feb. 18. Peter Amos, Martha's Vineyard, do. In-
vincible Napoleon
Nov. 11. Asa Allen, Boston, Herald
May 5, 1814. Nick Blanchard
265
Nov. 20, 1813. Hezekiah Bray, Boston, India
do 23. John Boatman, Baltimore, Chasseur
do 5.^814. Lewis Bryen, Carolina, Hawke
do 27. Peter Berry, died suddenly
do 28. Peter Barker, Boston, Derby
do 28. Peter Bin, Petersburg, Vir. Independence
do 3,1813. Thomas Barren, Virg. U S brig-
Argus
Dec. 2. Henry Burly, New- York
do 5. John Baldwin, Boston, Fox
do 8. James Barret, Pennsylvania, Bury
do 25, 1814. Henry Burbage, Virginia, Grey-
hound
January 30. Charles Barker
do 27. Benjamin Bale, Dover, N. H. Victory
do 20. Philip Blagdell, New-Hampshire, Erie
do 14. James Beck, Portsmouth, N. H. impressed
Jan. 17, 1815. Daniel Bourge, Portsmouth, N. H*
Harlequin
Feb. 11. George Brown, West-Chester, N. Y- im-
pressed »
do 17. Charles Brown, Boston, Paul Jones
do 17. Moses Bailey, Philadelphia, Scorpion
Nov. 21, 1814. John Bablista, New-York, Herald
Jan. 23. 1814, John Bryson, Virginia, Alicant
Dec. 29, 1814. James Booth, New- York, Mary
Nov. 18, 1814. Y. S. Bates, unknown,
July 4, 1814, Wm. Clarke, Virginia, Frolic
Z 2
266
Get. 20, 1813, Wm. Clark, South Kingston, R. I.
Star of N. Y.
Jan. 16. Charles Cornish, Bait. Md. Chesepeake
March 5, James Combs, Bristol, D. Maine. U. S.
brig Argus
do. 20, John Cole, Wiscasset, impressed
April 6, Benjamin Cook, Bait. Md. Chesepeake
Oct. 3, Deal Carter, New- York, Zebra, N. Y.
do. 7, John Collins, Phil. Mammoth Baltimore
do. 16, John Carney or Carson, Vir. Flash
do. 25, Simeon Ciianler, D rvbury, Essex
:Vov. 3, Thomas Cooper, Washington, N. C.
Union,
do. 11, James Congdon, Cambridge, Mass. Mary
do. 26, John Cole, Bait. M I. Adeline
Dec. 4, Rxhard Coffee, Long-Island, N. Y. Amer.
Jan. 17, Samuel Campeacn, Carthegena. President
do. 24, Simeon Clark, Weathersfield, SnapecfeagQ8
Nov, 5, 1814, Wm. Coleman, N. C Hawke
May 10, Wtn. Dilton, Georgetown. Argus
hov. 14, S.ia^ Durham, Boston, Mass. India
do. 18, Amasa Dilano, > do-
Jr. i. 10, Wm. D-mamond. R. I. brig Mary
Oct. 25, 1811, David Dunham, unknown. Fame,
Baltimore
I ... William Edgar, N. Jera&pj ITcnsie
do. 6, 131.5, Edward Evans, Kenne bunk, brig
Star, ^- Y.
267
Feb. 25, 1814, Wm. Ferza, Granville, Mermaid
Ja.i. 27, 1814, James Fulford, N. C Snap-dragon
Wm. Fletcher, Marblehead, Mass. Spitfire, Boston
Dec. 23, 1813, Henry Frelitch, Liverpool, Penn.
Liverpool
November 12. Jesse Field, Tovvnsend, Maine,
Siron
do 30. Joshua Fowler, Boston, Impressed
January 23, William Fennel, Portsmouth, N. H.
Harper.
March 18, 1814- Thomas Foquet, Granviii ■;. brig
Argus
May 1813. Reuben Glass, Duxbury, Mars of Bal-
timore
April 19, 1814. Thomas Gasgiline, Martinico, W. L
Augustine
October 22. William Gibson, New- York, Rattle-
snake
November 4. Francis Gardner, , Rhode
Island, Rambler
December 3. John Gaylor, >. , North Carolina,
America
Fe i-uary 17, 1815. James Gedman, Portsmouth,
N. H. Bunker-Hdl
January 29, 1815. Richard Hughs, New- York,
Amiable, Phda.
March 5. Simeon Harress, New- York, Magdalen
July 3, 1814. James Henry, do U. S. brig
Argus
268
July 8, James Hart, do. Courier of Bal-
■ ember 9. Isaac Hermain, Portland, Maine.
El bridge Gerry
do 11. James Hetrope, Cambridge, Mass. Mary
do 24. William Rarress, Portsmouth, N. H.
Portsmouth
December 24. Dempey Hydra, , North
Carolina, Paul Jones
do - 4. Silas Hardison, , N. Carolina
! ariuary 6, 1315. Ehjah Hartford, St. Thomas, U.
States Infantry
February 5. Jacob Hanley, Milford, impressed
December 29, 1814. Alexander Henderson, New-
York, Criterion
November 4, 1814. William Jones, Cambridge,
Mass. Hawkc
April 30, 1814. George Jones, , Connecti-
cut, Viper of Baltimore
June 25. Lambert Johnson, Middletown, N. J.
Paul Jones
do 6. Thomas Jackson, New-York, impressed
November 2. Alexander Johnson, Charleston, S. C.
William
do 25. Manuel Joseph, Oporto, impressed
January 21. Thomas Jarvis, Marbleliead, Mass.
Industry
January 8, 1815. John Johannas, Salem, Masj =
President
269
February 1. John Johnson, New-York, born i»
Rhode-Island, Criterion
November 11, 1814. James Ketrope, Cambridge,
Mary
February 3, 1815- Uriah King, Scituate, Mass.
Dominick
Nov. 3, 1814. Jesse Lasol, Martinico, President
Augusts, 1814. John Lewis, R. I. True Blooded
Yankee.
Jan. 1, 1814, James Lestar, unknown, do.
Jan. 15, Charles Lamson, Bait. Md. Mars, Bait.
Sept. 30, Lewis Larkins, Durham, Mass. Rolla.
Nov. 1, Placid Lorly, Washington, Hawke.
Nov. 22, Anthony Lamb, Con. Grand Turk.
Dec. 30, Richard Lee, Mass. brig Argus.
Jan. 27, Amos Larkins, Beverly, Mass. Impressed
Feb. 4, 1815, James Laskey, Marblehead, Mass
Enterprise.
Nov. 20, 1814, Sola. Marshall, Mass. Alexandria
Oct. 1, 1813, Thomas Morrison, Bait. Md. Mes-
senger.
Jan. 14, 1814, Henry Moore, New-York, Mar-
mion, N. Y.
Feb. 24, John Montgomery, New-Bedford, Im-
pressed.
Sept. 22, Manuel Martin, N. Orleans, Paul Jones,
New- York
Oct, 27? Calasso Madosa, Carthagena, President
270
October 25, Albert Mingo, N. Orleans, Weezer
Nov. 18, Rollen M-Donovan, Mass. Siro
Nov. ! 8, John Macky, Bait. Md. Rattlesnake
do. 20, Richard Miller, Penn. Snap Dragon
Jan. 30, Joseph Midge, unknown
Dec. 12, Ezekiel Mitchell, Portland, D. Maine
Charlotte
Feb. 5, 1815, Jesse March, Kennebunk, do.
M'Donough
Feb. 14, Wm. Misten, Rait. Md. impressed
do, 17, John Martin, Carthagena, President
Sol. Marshal, Deer Island, Mass. Mammoth 1
Jan. 22, 1815, Peter Mitchell, New- York, For-
midable
Nov. 15, 1813, Benj. Newbern, New- York, U. S.
brig Argus
Sept. 29, 1814, Edward Norton, Plymouth, Mass.
U. S. ship Argus
Feb. 24, 1815, Daniel Nash, TVIaryland, impressed
Oct. 7, 1814, Josiah Pettengell, Salem, Mass
Enterprise
Nov. 4, 1814, Joel Perigo, Boston, Mass. India
March 12, 1814, Samuel Pearce, Greenwich, R. I.
Dart of N. Y.
Dec. 4, 1814, Samuel Peterson, Phil. Nonsuch
Nov. 5, 1814, Thomas Parker, Bait. Md. Domi-
nique
Nov. 28. Wm. Parker. New-York, Derby
271
Jan. 30, 1814, Charles Parker, unknown
Nov. 3, John Perkins, Pittsfield, Mass. Siro
Nov. 7, James Palmer, Portsmouth, N. H. Frolic
do. 23, John Pollard, Pernambuco, S. A. Ida
Jan. 14, Aaron Peterson, Stonington, Con. Joel
Barlow
Oct. 5, John Potter, Phil. Penn. impressed
Sept. 25, Ephraim Pinkham, Wiscasset, Maine,
Mammoth
May 1813, Horace Risley, Long-Island, N. Y.
Star of N. Y.
November 1G, 1814. Benjamin Rinevon, Guada-
loupe, West Indies, Fox
do 12. Luke Rodgers. •. North Carolina.
Fairy
do 14. David Reed, Townsend. District of Maine;
America
December 29. James Rooth, Norwich, Con. Mary
January 9, 1814. Silas Hardison, , North
Carolina, Hawke
do 22. Thomas Rix, Suffolk, Vir. Labrador
February 7, 1815. Francis Roberts, St. Sebastian,
Spain, Chesepeake
do 14. John Risdon, Baltimore, Pike
do 15. Samuel Robenson, Boston, Duca-
navia
December 9, 1814. Samuel Robenson, PMadel-
phia, Nonsuch
272
January 16, 1314. William -Saunders. Kennebunk.
Maine. Mars of Eahimore
October 17, William Skans, IL S. brig Argus
do 20. Francis Saul, Wiscasset, Maine, Mer-
cury-
do 25. Jacob Sawyer, Providence, R. L
impressed
November 3, Richard Sperdy, — , Virginia,
Amelia
do 20. Isaac Simerson, New- York. Invinci-
ble
do 21, Lewis Slow, Middletown, Con. Tick-
ler
December 7. Jacob C. Secusa, New- York, Vo-
lunteer
do 8. Nicholas Smith, Rickmond. Virginia,,
Herald
do 15. John Stiles, Baltimore, Md. William
Bayard
January 24. Henry Schelding, unknown
do 14. Smith Schelding, New- York, Fort.
Erie
do 5, 1815. John Stow, Harlequin
do 20. John Straul, Portland, Maine, Siro
March 15, 1814. William Sternis, Norwich, Con.
Viper of Baltimore
December 5. William Smart, ■ ■ Virginia,
Gothland
273
January 28, 1815. Daniel Simons, Marblehead,
Mass. Enterprise
do 12. Ebenezer Simons, unknown
February 7. John Seapach, Portland, Maine, Ali-
cant
March 9, 1814. Eleazer Tobie, New- York, True-
blooded Yankee
February 25. William Tyre, Springfield, Viper of
Baltimore
March 18. Thomas Tagatt, Granville, Argus
July 23. Abraham Thomas, , Con. P. Jones
September 26. Matthew Tineman, New- York,
Tom Thumb
October 25. John Thomas, New- York, Elbridge
Gerry
November 3. Abraham Tompkins, New- York.
Governor Shelby
do 24. Francis Tuttle, Pernell, Maine, Leo
December 2. John B. Taylor, New- York, Fair
American
January 27, James Fulford, , North Caro-
lina, Snap-Dragon
February 12, 18 15. Samuel Tophown,Montgomery.
soldier of the U. S. A.
January 8. James Vassa, unknown, Growler
January 19, 1815. Daniel Very, Salem, Mass.
Frolic
A a
274
August 31, 1814. Nathaniel Vaughrs, Newport,
R. I. Ducanavia
March 20, 1814. Thomas Williams, , Con-
necticut, Viper of Baltimore
October 27. William Williams, Georgetown, Ma-
ria Theresa
December 5. William Wescott, , Virginia,
Gothland
January 14, James Williams, Weathersfield, Con.
Caroline
do 17. Seth Williams, Portsmouth, N. H.
Harlequin
January 28, 1815. George Overt, , New-
Hampshire, impressed
do 8. Joseph Wedger, Marblehead, Mass-
Growler
-February 1. Joseph Williams, Gay-Head, Enter-
prise
January 24, 1814. Thomas Zervice, Marblehead,
Mass. Industry
January 21, 1814- William Young, North Carolina,
Levant
sears
The following is a list of persons zoho escaped from
Dartmoor prison, from September 1814; the first
escape, until March 13, 1815* "
September 20, 1814. Shapley Smith, Baltimore,
Leo
do 20. Henry Cottrill, Narraganset, R. I.
unknown
October, 1814. Captain Swain, New-Bedford, Ma§.
1814. Gascoigne, unknown
November — -. Henry Allen, Salem, Mass. Polly
John Windham, unknown
December — . Russell, New-Bedford, Mass,
do — . Howard, unknown
September — . Benjamin Prince, Portland, Maine,
Magdalen »
January, 1815. Rodgers, New-York, True-
blooded Yankee
do — . Caleb Holmes, do. unknown
February, 1815. Joseph Langford, Baltimore,
True-blooded Yankee
do 6. George Denison, Portland, Maine,
Siro of Baltimore
do 12. John W. Fletcher, Alexandria, Vir.
Rattlesnake
March 12, 1815. David Flood, Portland, Maine,
impressed
276
March — . Isaiah Bunker, Philadelphia, True-
blooded Yankee
do 18. William Webster, unknown
Escaped from the last date, until April, six men.
names unknown
The following is a correct list of names of prisoners
zoho died at Dartmoor prison, from February 18,
1815, until April 20, 1815.
March 4. Archibald Allen, , New-Jersey,
impressed
do 15. William Adams, « , Connecticut,
impressed
Capt. Allen, of the U. States brig Argus,
of his wounds
February 22, 1815. John Butler, , Delaware.
Semiramus
March 18. Peter Burch, Philadelphia, Prosperity
do 29. William Brady, Baltimore, Flash, N. Y.
do 22. Henry Campbell, Philadelphia, Pen.
Columbia
April 5. James Campbell, New- York, impressed
March 11. Jonathan Dyer, Portsmouth, N. H.
True-blooded Yankee
February 25. Jonathan Davis, Middle-river, Mass.
ship Yorktown
i
27?
March 30. Benjamin Delano, Ducksbury
AprJ 12. John Devinas, , Ohio
March 14. William Evin, , Rhode Island,
brig Star
do 18. Archibald Fogerty, , Massachu-
setts, Horatio
April 16. John Francis, Norfolk, Vir. impressed
March 4. Jeremiah Gardner, Newport, R. 1. im-
pressed
February 23. Josiah Gun, Salem, Mass.
March 24. Thomas Groves, Boston, Mass. Port
Mehon
do 14. Jonathan Gladding, Bristol, R. I.
Rattlesnake
February 24. Francis Hobden, Gloucester, Vir.
March 10. Abijah Holbrook, Weymouth, Derby-
do 14. John Hobson, Bedford, N. C. Snap-
dragon
do 20. Joseph Haycock, Portland, Maine
April 6. Henry Holden, Boston, Sultan
6. John Haywood, , Vir. impressed
18. Thomas Hall, Surprise
February 22. John Jennings, Gay Head, M. V.
Hawke
23. James Jones, , Md. impressed
26. Peter Joseph, W. Indies, President
A a 2
278
February 24. Edward Jenkins, Cambridge, Mass.
Tom of Baltimore
March 10. Win. Johnson, Salem, Mas. impressed
do 14. John Jackson, Baltimore, do
April 6. Thomas Jackson, New- York, Orbit
do 6. Joseph Johnson, , Connecticut.,
Paul Jones
Feb. 26. James Knapps, Baltimore, impressed
John Kelly, Marblehead, Mas. Alfred
April 16. Jacob Kemble, Jenet
do 6. William Leverett, New- York, Saratoga
March 10. Capt. Lepiate, , N. Y. Paul Jones
February 21. Edward Miller, Newark, N. J.
Mammoth
do 21. Charles Moutle, Stonnington, Con.
impressed
March 26. James Morris, Baltimore. President
24. William Mills, city of Jersey, N. J.
Zebra
27. Benjamin Marshall, , Massachu-
setts, Mindor
30. George Moore, Boston, Mass. Chas-
seur
January 2. John Monroe, Albany, N. Y. Rattle-
snake
April t>. Jabez Mann, Boston, Siro
279
March 10. Jonathan Paul, Charleston, S. C- imp,
do 15. Thomas Peckham, Windham, Con.
Paul Jones
do 22. Gideon Porter, , Rhode Island,
impressed
April 1. Samuel Parish, Norfolk, Vir. Grand Na-
poleon
February 23. Joseph Quio®, Salem, Mas. Herald
March 2, Joseph Rasom, Wiscasset, Maine, Ned
of Baltimore
d© 2. Joseph Robenson, do do. Ned
of Baltimore
April 1. James Robenson, '< , Massachusetts,
Price of Baltimore
do iS- William Robenson
March 20. Jeremiah Stanwood, New buryport, Ms,
impressed
do 17. Silas Squibs, New-London, Connecti-
cut, Hope-packet
February 22. Martin Sutten, New Bedford, Mass.
Lion
March 4. David Shute, Salem, Mass. impressed
do 5. Andrew Smith, Indian River, Tom
do 14. Joseph Salesbury, , Massachusetts,
Zenith
do 16. Theodore Snell j — -, Rhode Island,
a soldier
280
March 16. Stephen Stacy. Marblehead. Mass. Ohio
February 21. Henry Thomas, Cambridge, Mass.
Derby
April 14. Richard Smith, Grand Turk
F bruary 21. David Turner, Boston, Derby
April 6. John Turner, Massachusetts,
Rattlesnake
do 18. William Thompson, Siro
February 25. Darius Villius, Providence, R. I.
Frolic
March 10. Charles Williams, New-London, Con*
do 17. Samuel Williams, , Massachusetts,
Scorpion
do 26. Edward Williams, , Va. impressed
April 6. John Washington, Cooperstown, Md,
Rolla
Died at Ashberton during the war,
March 10, 1815. B. Elvel, Gloucester, Mass. Fire*
Fly
do 25. Abraham Burnham, , Mass. Price
28 i
Supplement of some matters obtained since the
preceding pages were written.
Copy of a letter from Lieut. N. D, Nicholson, of
the late U. States brig Syren, to Capt. Samuel
Evans, commanding naval officer at New-York.
New- York, August 24, 1815.
Sir,
Conceiving it my duty to make known the
treatment exhibited by British officers and men,
to those who are so unfortunate as to fall into their
power, 1 am induced to acquaint you with the fol-
lowing circumstances :
After the surrender of the Syren to the Medzvay,
the officers and crew of the former were removed
to the latter : the crew not being allowed the pri-
vilege of taking their clothing, &c. with them, —
so that the prize-crew had a fair opportunity of
plundering such articles as they thought proper ;
which opportunity they took care to profit by, as
many of our men were pillaged of all they pos-
sessed, excepting what they had on at the time ;
and the officers m like manner were plundered on
board the Medzvay. The midshipmen, some of
them, were completely stripped ; others lost tneir
282
watches, te. For my own part, I came off with
the loss of about half my clothing, and thought my-
self well off when compared with the losses of my
shipmates.
The morning after our capture, we were mus-
tered on the quarter-deck, to undergo a search;
the men were then stripped to the skin, and their
clothing not returned ; so that many of them were
left without any thing more than a shirt and trow-
sers. The next day, Mr. Barton (the first lieute-
nant of the Medzcay) distributed the clothing he
had taken from our men, to his quarter-masters and
quarter-gunners in my presence.
After being on board the Medway five weeks, we
were landed at Simon-Town, twenty-five miles to
the eastward of the Cape of Good Hope ; myself
and brother officers paroled, and the men marched
to Cape-Town under an escort of dragoons; being
obliged to ford a lake on the march, where the boys
were compelled to go over on the backs cf the tall
men ; this march of twenty-five miles was per-
formed in one day, and without shoes or food .
the latter article they were kept without four and
twenty hours ; their shoes were stolen by the crew
of the Mtdwag while they were asleep. * After re-
maining in this situation nearly eight months, with-
out bed or bedding, (they were not even furnished
283
with straw, and their hammocks were taken on a
plea of their being publick property,) we were all
embarked in different men of war and Indiamen
for England ; myself, and about sixty officers and
men, in the Cumberland, seventy-four, Capt. Ba-
ker, were all put on the lower gun-deck without
distinction, among their own crew, and fed on
prisoners' allowance ; and on my remonstrating
with the captain for receiving such treatment, he
ordered me off the quarter-deck, with a threat, at
the same time, to put me in irons.
We remained in this situation eighteen days, af-
ter which Lieuts. German, Gordon, and myself,
were removed to the Grampus, thirty, at St. He-
lena, admitted to the ward-room mess, and treated
with civility.
With respect, I have the honour, &c.
N. D. NICHOLSON.
Capt+ Sqmuel Evans.
THE END,
4 ■"'
1
9
* <>.
'•y. \
+• A
V
\ ■
-^
\x
cv
cK
*c
6 "*+
v ^
-^ '/*
^
%c>-
*p
:
-* ~-v~ , v,
l\
V- \J
r
•V' ' *
\-u
'>.
- dp
*
CL «*
^
/
% C?
A*
v.
>•
.
^N.
->
\*
;•»
<?>
V
o ox
^ '^
H ^
>* ^'
%
^
X'
^ /
x*x *
* . •*>
I
V
^
K,
</ V
x^' ^>|
W
^
x^'
s /y i ' o A
-O aX
Axv *
J 4 <^
S ^
O V
^
* V
\
<?
<$
^
°/ %
» l«
o-
^
■J
%
'*o
ox
A.
■/-
%
*■
= ^>*v
A
<5t
^- ^ ^
<
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11