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diff --git a/old/7829-h.htm.2021-01-26 b/old/7829-h.htm.2021-01-26 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a1204d2 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/7829-h.htm.2021-01-26 @@ -0,0 +1,21925 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + American Prisoners of the Revolution, by Danske Dandridge + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's American Prisoners of the Revolution, by Danske Dandridge + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: American Prisoners of the Revolution + +Author: Danske Dandridge + + +Release Date: April, 2005 [EBook #7829] +This file was first posted on May 20, 2003 +Last Updated: November 4, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMERICAN PRISONERS *** + + + + +Text file produced by Dave Maddock, Charles Franks and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + AMERICAN PRISONERS OF THE REVOLUTION + </h1> + <h2> + By Danske Dandridge + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Dedication + </h2> + <h3> + TO THE MEMORY OF MY GRANDFATHER + </h3> + <h4> + Lieutenant Daniel Bedinger, of Bedford, Virginia <br /> <br /> “A BOY IN + PRISON” <br /> <br /> AS REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL THAT WAS BRAVEST AND MOST + HONORABLE<br /> IN THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE PATRIOTS OF 1776 + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + The writer of this book has been interested for many years in the subject + of the sufferings of the American prisoners of the Revolution. Finding the + information she sought widely scattered, she has, for her own use, and for + that of all students of the subject, gathered all the facts she could + obtain within the covers of this volume. There is little that is original + in the compilation. The reader will find that extensive use has been made + of such narratives as that Captain Dring has left us. The accounts could + have been given in the compiler’s own words, but they would only, thereby, + have lost in strength. The original narratives are all out of print, very + scarce and hard to obtain, and the writer feels justified in reprinting + them in this collection, for the sake of the general reader interested in + the subject, and not able to search for himself through the mass of + original material, some of which she has only discovered after months of + research. Her work has mainly consisted in abridging these records, + collected from so many different sources. + </p> + <p> + The writer desires to express her thanks to the courteous librarians of + the Library of Congress and of the War and Navy Departments; to Dr. + Langworthy for permission to publish his able and interesting paper on the + subject of the prisons in New York, and to many others who have helped her + in her task. + </p> + <p> + DANSKE DANDRIDGE. + </p> + <p> + <i>December 6th, 1910.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> DEDICATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> CHAPTER I. — INTRODUCTORY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER II. — THE RIFLEMEN OF THE + REVOLUTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER III. — NAMES OF SOME OF THE + PRISONERS OF 1776 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER IV. — THE PRISONS OF NEW YORK—JONATHAN + GILLETT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER V. — WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, THE + PROVOST MARSHAL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER VI. — THE CASE OF JABEZ FITCH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VII. — THE HOSPITAL DOCTOR—A + TORY’S ACCOUNT OF NEW YORK IN 1777—ETHAN ALLEN’S </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VIII. — THE ACCOUNT OF ALEXANDER + GRAYDON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER IX. — A FOUL PAGE OF ENGLISH + HISTORY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER X. — A BOY IN PRISON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER XI. — THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE + REVOLUTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XII. — THE TRUMBULL PAPERS AND + OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XIII. — A JOURNAL KEPT IN THE + PROVOST </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIV. — FURTHER TESTIMONY OF + CRUELTIES ENDURED BY AMERICAN PRISONERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XV. — THE OLD SUGAR HOUSE—TRINTY + CHURCHYARD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XVI. — THE CASE OF JOHN BLATCHFORD + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVII. — BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND + OTHERS ON THE SUBJECT OF AMERICAN PRISONERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVIII. — THE ADVENTURES OF ANDREW + SHERBURNE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XIX. — MORE ABOUT THE ENGLISH + PRISONS—MEMOIR OF ELI BICKFORD—CAPTAIN FANNING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XX. — SOME SOUTHERN NAVAL PRISONERS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XXI. — EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS—SOME + OF THE PRISON SHIPS—CASE OF CAPTAIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXII. — THE JOURNAL OF DR. ELIAS + CORNELIUS—BRITISH PRISONS IN THE SOUTH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXIII. — A POET ON A PRISON SHIP + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIV. — “THERE WAS A SHIP” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXV. — A DESCRIPTION OF THE JERSEY + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXVI. — THE EXPERIENCE OF EBENEZER + FOX. — </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVII. — THE EXPERIENCE OF EBENEZER + FOX (CONTINUED) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVIII. — THE CASE OF CHRISTOPHER + HAWKINS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXIX. — TESTIMONY OF PRISONERS ON + BOARD THE JERSEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXX. — RECOLLECTIONS OF ANDREW + SHERBURNE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXXI. — CAPTAIN ROSWELL PALMER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXII. — THE NARRATIVE OF CAPTAIN + ALEXANDER COFFIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXIII. — A WONDERFUL DELIVERANCE + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIV. — THE NARRATIVE OF CAPTAIN + DRING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXV. — THE NARRATIVE OF CAPTAIN + DRING (CONTINUED) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXVI. — THE INTERMENT OF THE DEAD + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVII. — DAME GRANT AND HER BOAT + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. — THE SUPPLIES FOR THE + PRISONERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXIX. — FOURTH OF JULY ON THE + JERSEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XL. — AN ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XLI. — THE MEMORIAL TO GENERAL + WASHINGTON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLII. — THE EXCHANGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLIII. — THE CARTEL—CAPTAIN + DRING’S NARRATIVE (CONTINUED) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIV. — CORRESPONDENCE OF + WASHINGTON AND OTHERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLV. — GENERAL WASHINGTON AND REAR + ADMIRAL DIGBY—COMMISSARIES SPROAT AND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLVI. — SOME OF THE PRISONERS ON + BOARD THE JERSEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_CONC"> CONCLUSION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX A </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_LIST"> LIST OF 8000 MEN WHO WERE PRISONERS ON BOARD THE + OLD JERSEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE2"> APPENDIX B </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE3"> APPENDIX C </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_BIBL"> BIBLIOGRAPHY </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — INTRODUCTORY + </h2> + <p> + It is with no desire to excite animosity against a people whose blood is + in our veins that we publish this volume of facts about some of the + Americans, seamen and soldiers, who were so unfortunate as to fall into + the hands of the enemy during the period of the Revolution. We have + concealed nothing of the truth, but we have set nothing down in malice, or + with undue recrimination. + </p> + <p> + It is for the sake of the martyrs of the prisons themselves that this work + has been executed. It is because we, as a people, ought to know what was + endured; what wretchedness, what relentless torture, even unto death, was + nobly borne by the men who perished by thousands in British prisons and + prison ships of the Revolution; it is because we are in danger of + forgetting the sacrifice they made of their fresh young lives in the + service of their country; because the story has never been adequately + told, that we, however unfit we may feel ourselves for the task, have made + an effort to give the people of America some account of the manner in + which these young heroes, the flower of the land, in the prime of their + vigorous manhood, met their terrible fate. + </p> + <p> + Too long have they lain in the ditches where they were thrown, a cart-full + at a time, like dead dogs, by their heartless murderers, unknown, unwept, + unhonored, and unremembered. Who can tell us their names? What monument + has been raised to their memories? + </p> + <p> + It is true that a beautiful shaft has lately been erected to the martyrs + of the Jersey prison ship, about whom we will have very much to say. But + it is improbable that even the place of interment of the hundreds of + prisoners who perished in the churches, sugar houses, and other places + used as prisons in New York in the early years of the Revolution, can now + be discovered. We know that they were, for the most part, dumped into + ditches dug on the outskirts of the little city, the New York of 1776. + These ditches were dug by American soldiers, as part of the entrenchments, + during Washington’s occupation of Manhattan in the spring of 1776. Little + did these young men think that they were, in some cases, literally digging + a grave for themselves. + </p> + <p> + More than a hundred and thirty years have passed since the victims of + Cunningham’s cruelty and rapacity were starved to death in churches + consecrated to the praise and worship of a God of love. It is a tardy + recognition that we are giving them, and one that is most imperfect, yet + it is all that we can now do. The ditches where they were interred have + long ago been filled up, built over, and intersected by streets. Who of + the multitude that daily pass to and fro over the ground that should be + sacred ever give a thought to the remains of the brave men beneath their + feet, who perished that they might enjoy the blessings of liberty? + </p> + <p> + Republics are ungrateful; they have short memories; but it is due to the + martyrs of the Revolution that some attempt should be made to tell to the + generations that succeed them who they were, what they did, and why they + suffered so terribly and died so grimly, without weakening, and without + betraying the cause of that country which was dearer to them than their + lives. + </p> + <p> + We have, for the most part, limited ourselves to the prisons and prison + ships in the city and on the waters of New York. This is because such + information as we have been able to obtain concerning the treatment of + American prisoners by the British relates, almost entirely, to that + locality. + </p> + <p> + It is a terrible story that we are about to narrate, and we warn the lover + of pleasant books to lay down our volume at the first page. We shall see + Cunningham, that burly, red-faced ruffian, the Provost Marshal, wreaking + his vengeance upon the defenceless prisoners in his keeping, for the + assault made upon him at the outbreak of the war, when he and a companion + who had made themselves obnoxious to the republicans were mobbed and + beaten in the streets of New York. He was rescued by some friends of law + and order, and locked up in one of the jails which was soon to be the + theatre of his revenge. We shall narrate the sufferings of the American + prisoners taken at the time of the battle of Long Island, and after the + surrender of Fort Washington, which events occurred, the first in August, + the second in November of the year 1776. + </p> + <p> + What we have been able to glean from many sources, none of which + contradict each other in any important point, about the prisons and prison + ships in New York, with a few narratives written by those who were + imprisoned in other places, shall fill this volume. Perhaps others, far + better fitted for the task, will make the necessary researches, in order + to lay before the American people a statement of what took place in the + British prisons at Halifax, Charleston, Philadelphia, the waters off the + coast of Florida, and other places, during the eight years of the war. It + is a solemn and affecting duty that we owe to the dead, and it is in no + light spirit that we, for our part, begin our portion of the task. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — THE RIFLEMEN OF THE REVOLUTION + </h2> + <p> + We will first endeavor to give the reader some idea of the men who were + imprisoned in New York in the fall and winter of 1776, It was in the + summer of that year that Congress ordered a regiment of riflemen to be + raised in Maryland and Virginia. These, with the so-called “Flying Camp” + of Pennsylvania, made the bulk of the soldiers taken prisoners at Fort + Washington on the fatal 16th of November. Washington had already proved to + his own satisfaction the value of such soldiers; not only by his + experience with them in the French and Indian wars, but also during the + siege of Boston in 1775-6. + </p> + <p> + These hardy young riflemen were at first called by the British “regulars,” + “a rabble in calico petticoats,” as a term of contempt. Their uniform + consisted of tow linen or homespun hunting shirts, buckskin breeches, + leggings and moccasins. They wore round felt hats, looped on one side and + ornamented with a buck tail. They carried long rifles, shot pouches, + tomahawks, and scalping knives. + </p> + <p> + They soon proved themselves of great value for their superior + marksmanship, and the British, who began by scoffing at them, ended by + fearing and hating them as they feared and hated no other troops. The many + accounts of the skill of these riflemen are interesting, and some of them + shall be given here. + </p> + <p> + One of the first companies that marched to the aid of Washington when he + was at Cambridge in 1775 was that of Captain Michael Cresap, which was + raised partly in Maryland and partly in the western part of Virginia. This + gallant young officer died in New York in the fall of 1775, a year before + the surrender of Fort Washington, yet his company may be taken as a fair + sample of what the riflemen of the frontiers of our country were, and of + what they could do. We will therefore give the words of an eyewitness of + their performances. This account is taken from the <i>Pennsylvania Journal</i> + of August 23rd, 1775. + </p> + <p> + “On Friday evening last arrived at Lancaster, Pa., on their way to the + American camp, Captain Cresap’s Company of Riflemen, consisting of one + hundred and thirty active, brave young fellows, many of whom have been in + the late expedition under Lord Dunmore against the Indians. They bear in + their bodies visible marks of their prowess, and show scars and wounds + which would do honour to Homer’s Iliad. They show you, to use the poet’s + words: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Where the gor’d battle bled at ev’ry vein!’ +</pre> + <p> + “One of these warriors in particular shows the cicatrices of four bullet + holes through his body. + </p> + <p> + “These men have been bred in the woods to hardships and dangers since + their infancy. They appear as if they were entirely unacquainted with, and + had never felt the passion of fear. With their rifles in their hands, they + assume a kind of omnipotence over their enemies. One cannot much wonder at + this when we mention a fact which can be fully attested by several of the + reputable persons who were eye-witnesses of it. Two brothers in the + company took a piece of board five inches broad, and seven inches long, + with a bit of white paper, the size of a dollar, nailed in the centre, and + while one of them supported this board perpendicularly between his knees, + the other at the distance of upwards of sixty yards, and without any kind + of rest, shot eight bullets through it successively, and spared a + brother’s thigh! + </p> + <p> + “Another of the company held a barrel stave perpendicularly in his hands, + with one edge close to his side, while one of his comrades, at the same + distance, and in the manner before mentioned, shot several bullets through + it, without any apprehension of danger on either side. + </p> + <p> + “The spectators appearing to be amazed at these feats, were told that + there were upwards of fifty persons in the same company who could do the + same thing; that there was not one who could not ‘plug nineteen bullets + out of twenty,’ as they termed it, within an inch of the head of a + ten-penny nail. + </p> + <p> + “In short, to evince the confidence they possessed in these kind of arms, + some of them proposed to stand with apples on their heads, while others at + the same distance undertook to shoot them off, but the people who saw the + other experiments declined to be witnesses of this. + </p> + <p> + “At night a great fire was kindled around a pole planted in the Court + House Square, where the company with the Captain at their head, all naked + to the waist and painted like savages (except the Captain, who was in an + Indian shirt), indulged a vast concourse of people with a perfect + exhibition of a war-dance and all the manoeuvres of Indians; holding + council, going to war; circumventing their enemies by defiles; ambuscades; + attacking; scalping, etc. It is said by those who are judges that no + representation could possibly come nearer the original. The Captain’s + expertness and agility, in particular, in these experiments, astonished + every beholder. This morning they will set out on their march for + Cambridge.” + </p> + <p> + From the <i>Virginia Gazette</i> of July 22nd, 1775, we make the following + extract: “A correspondent informs us that one of the gentlemen appointed + to command a company of riflemen to be raised in one of the frontier + counties of Pennsylvania had so many applications from the people in his + neighborhood, to be enrolled in the service, that a greater number + presented themselves than his instructions permitted him to engage, and + being unwilling to give offence to any he thought of the following + expedient: He, with a piece of chalk, drew on a board the figure of a nose + of the common size, which he placed at the distance of 150 yards, + declaring that those who came nearest the mark should be enlisted. Sixty + odd hit the object.—General Gage, take care of your nose!” + </p> + <p> + From the <i>Pennsylvania Journal</i>, July 25th, 1775: “Captain Dowdle + with his company of riflemen from Yorktown, Pa., arrived at Cambridge + about one o’clock today, and since has made proposals to General + Washington to attack the transport stationed at Charles River. He will + engage to take her with thirty men. The General thinks it best to decline + at present, but at the same time commends the spirit of Captain Dowdle and + his brave men, who, though they just came a very long march, offered to + execute the plan immediately.” + </p> + <p> + In the third volume of American Archives, is an extract from a letter to a + gentleman in Philadelphia, dated Frederick Town, Maryland, August 1st, + 1775, which speaks of the same company of riflemen whose wonderful + marksmanship we have already noted. The writer says: + </p> + <p> + “Notwithstanding the urgency of my business I have been detained here + three days by a circumstance truly agreeable. I have had the happiness of + seeing Captain Michael Cresap marching at the head of a formidable company + of upwards of one hundred and thirty men from the mountains and backwoods; + painted like Indians; armed with tomahawks and rifles; dressed in hunting + shirts and moccasins; and, tho’ some of them had travelled hundreds of + miles from the banks of the Ohio, they seemed to walk light and easy, and + not with less spirit than at the first hour of their march. + </p> + <p> + “I was favored by being constantly in Captain Cresap’s company, and + watched the behavior of his men and the manner in which he treated them, + for is seems that all who go out to war under him do not only pay the most + willing obedience to him as their commander, but in every instance of + distress look up to him as their friend and father. A great part of his + time was spent in listening to and relieving their wants, without any + apparent sense of fatigue and trouble. When complaints were before him he + determined with kindness and spirit, and on every occasion condescended to + please without losing dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday, July 31st, the company were supplied with a small quantity of + powder, from the magazine, which wanted airing, and was not in good order + for rifles: in the evening, however, they were drawn out to show the + gentlemen of the town their dexterity in shooting. A clap board with a + mark the size of a dollar was put up; they began to fire offhand, and the + bystanders were surprised. Few shots were made that were not close to, or + into, the paper. When they had shot some time in this way, some lay on + their backs, some on their breasts or sides, others ran twenty or thirty + steps, and, firing as they ran, appeared to be equally certain of the + mark. With this performance the company were more than satisfied, when a + young man took up the board in his hand, and not by the end, but by the + side, and, holding it up, his brother walked to the distance, and coolly + shot into the white. Laying down his rifle he took the board, and holding + it as it was held before, the second brother shot as the former had done. + </p> + <p> + “By this exhibition I was more astonished than pleased, but will you + believe me when I tell you that one of the men took the board, and placing + it between his legs, stood with his back to a tree, while another drove + the centre? + </p> + <p> + “What would a regular army of considerable strength in the forests of + America do with one thousand of these men, who want nothing to preserve + their health but water from the spring; with a little parched corn (with + what they can easily procure by hunting); and who, wrapped in their + blankets in the dead of night, would choose the shade of a tree for their + covering, and the earth for their bed?” + </p> + <p> + The descriptions we have quoted apply to the rifle companies of 1775, but + they are a good general description of the abilities of the riflemen + raised in the succeeding years of the war, many indeed being the same men + who first volunteered in 1775. In the possession of one of his descendants + is a letter from one of these men written many years after the Revolution + to the son of an old comrade in arms, giving an account of that comrade’s + experiences during a part of the war. The letter was written by Major + Henry Bedinger of Berkeley County, Virginia, to a son of General Samuel + Finley. + </p> + <p> + Henry Bedinger was descended from an old German family. His grandfather + had emigrated to America from Alsace in 1737 to escape persecution for his + religious beliefs. The highest rank that Bedinger attained in the War of + the Revolution was that of captain. He was a Knight of the Order of the + Cincinnati, and he was, after the war, a major of the militia of Berkeley + County. The document in possession of one of his descendants is undated, + and appears to have been a rough copy or draught of the original, which + may now be in the keeping of some one of the descendants of General + Finley. We will give it almost entire. Such family letters are, we need + scarcely say, of great value to all who are interested in historical + research, supplying, as they do, the necessary details which fill out and + amplify the bare facts of history, giving us a living picture of the times + and events that they describe. + </p> + <p> + PART OF A LETTER FROM MAJOR HENRY BEDINGER TO A SON OF GENERAL SAMUEL + </p> + <p> + FINLEY + </p> + <p> + “Some time in 1774 the late Gen’l Sam’l Finley Came to Martinsburg, + Berkeley County, Virginia, and engaged with the late Col’o John Morrow to + assist his brother, Charles Morrow, in the business of a retail store. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Finley continued in that employment until the spring of 1775, when + Congress called on the State of Virginia for two Complete Independent + Volunteer Companies of Riflemen of l00 Men each, to assist Gen’l + Washington in the Siege of Boston & to serve one year. Captains Hugh + Stephenson of Berkeley, & Daniel Morgan of Frederick were selected to + raise and command those companies, they being the first Regular troops + required to be raised in the State of Virginia for Continental service. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Hugh Stephenson’s rendezvous was Shepherd’s Town (not + Martinsburg) and Captain Morgan’s was Winchester. Great exertions were + made by each Captain to complete his company first, that merit might be + claimed on that account. Volunteers presented themselves in every + direction in the Vicinity of these Towns, none were received but young men + of Character, and of sufficient property to Clothe themselves completely, + find their own arms, and accoutrements, that is, an approved Rifle, + handsome shot pouch, and powder horn, blanket, knapsack, with such decent + clothing as should be prescribed, but which was at first ordered to be + only a Hunting shirt and pantaloons, fringed on every edge and in Various + ways. + </p> + <p> + “Our Company was raised in less than a week. Morgan had equal success.—It + was never decided which Company was first filled— + </p> + <p> + “These Companies being thus unexpectedly called for it was a difficult + task to obtain rifles of the quality required & we were detained at + Shepherds Town nearly six weeks before we could obtain such. Your Father + and some of his Bosom Companions were among the first enrolled. My + Brother, G. M. B., and myself, with many of our Companions, soon joined to + the amount of 100—no more could be received. The Committee of Safety + had appointed Wm Henshaw as 1st Lieut., George Scott 2nd, and Thomas Hite + as 3rd Lieut to this Company, this latter however, declined accepting, and + Abraham Shepherd succeeded as 3d Lieut—all the rest Stood on an + equal footing as <i>Volunteers</i>—We remained at Shepherds Town + untill the 16th July before we could be Completely armed, notwithstanding + the utmost exertions. In the mean time your Father obtained from the + gunsmith a remarkable neat light rifle, the stock inlaid and ornamented + with silver, which he held, untill Compelled, as were all of us—to + ground our arms and surrender to the enemy on the evening of the 16th day + of November 1776. + </p> + <p> + “In our Company were many young men of Considerable fortune, & who + generally entered from patriotic motives ... Our time of service being + about to expire Captain Hugh Stephenson was commissioned a Colonel; Moses + Rawlings a Lieutenant Colonel, and Otho Williams Major, to raise a Rifle + Regiment for three years: four companies to be raised in Virginia and four + in Maryland. + </p> + <p> + “Henshaw and Scott chose to return home. Abraham Shepherd was commissioned + Captain, Sam’l Finley First Lieutenant, William Kelly Second Lieutenant, + and myself 3rd Lieutenant. The Commissions of the Field Officers were + dated the 8th July, 1776, & those of our Company the 9th of the same + month. Shepherd, Finley and myself were dispatched to Berkeley to recruit + and refill the old Company, which we performed in about five weeks. Col’o + Stephenson also returned to Virginia to facilitate the raising the + additional Companies. While actively employed in August, 1776, he was + taken sick, and in four days died. The command of the Regiment devolved on + Lieutenant Colonel Moses Rawlings, a Very worthy and brave officer. + </p> + <p> + “Our Company being filled we Marched early in September to our Rendezvous + at Bergen. So soon as the Regiment was formed it was ordered up the North + River to the English Neighborhood, & in a short time ordered to cross + the River and assist in the defence of Fort Washington, where were about + three thousand men under the command of Col’o Magaw, on New York Island. + The enemy in the mean time possessed New York, and had followed General + Washington to the White Plains, from whence, after several partial + actions, he returned, and approached us by the way of King’s bridge, with + a force of from 8 to 12000 Men. Several frigates ran up the Hudson from + New York to cut off our intercourse with Fort Lee, a fort on the opposite + bank of the North River: and by regular approaches invested us on all + sides. + </p> + <p> + “On the 15th November, 1776, the British General Pattison appeared with a + flag near our Guards, demanding a surrender of Fort Washington and the + Garrison. Col’o Magaw replied he should defend it to the last extremity. + Pattison declared all was ready to storm the lines and fort, we of course + prepared for the Pending contest. + </p> + <p> + “At break of day the next morning, the enemy commenced a tremendous + Cannonade on every side, while their troops advanced. Our Regt. tho weak, + was most advantageously posted by Rawlings and Williams, on a Small Ridge, + about half a mile above Fort Washington. The Ridge ran from the North + River, in which lay three frigates, towards the East River. A deep Valley + divided us from the enemy, their frigates enfiladed, & their Cannon on + the heights behind the advancing troops played incessantly on our party + (consisting of Rawling’s Regiment, say 250 men, and one other company from + Maryland, and four companies of Pennsylvania Flying Camp, also for the + present commanded by Rawlings and Williams). + </p> + <p> + “The Artillery were endeavoring to clear the hill while their troops + crossing the Valley were ascending it, but without much effect. A few of + our men were killed with Cannon and Grape Shott. Not a Shott was fired on + our side untill the Enemy had nearly gained the Sumit. Though at least + five times our numbers our rifles brought down so many that they gave way + several times, but by their overwhelming numbers they at last succeeded in + possessing the summit. Here, however, was great carnage, each making every + effort to possess and hold so advantageous a position. This obstinacy + continued for more than an hour, when the enemy brought up some field + pieces, as well as reinforcements. Finding all resistance useless, our + Regiment gradually gave way, tho’ not before Col’o Rawlings, Major + Williams, Peter Hanson, Nin Tannehill, and myself were wounded. Lt. + Harrison [Footnote: Lieutenant Battaille Harrison of Berkeley County, Va.] + was the only officer of our Regiment Killed. Hanson and Tannehill were + mortally wounded. The latter died the same night in the Fort, & Hanson + died in New York a short time after. Capt. A. Shepherd, Lieut. Daniel + Cresap and myself, with fifty men, were detailed the day before the action + and placed in the van to receive the enemy as they came up the hill. + </p> + <p> + “The Regiment was paraded in line about fifty yards in our rear, ready to + support us. Your Father of course on that day, and in the whole of the + action commanded Shepherd’s Company, which performed its duty admirably. + About two o’clock P. M. the Enemy obtained complete possession of the + hill, and former battle-ground. Our troops retreated gradually from + redoubt to redoubt, contesting every inch of ground, still making dreadful + Havoc in the ranks of the enemy. We laboured too under disadvantages, the + wind blew the smoke full in our faces. About two o’clock A. Shepherd, + being the senior Captain, took command of the Regiment, [Footnote: After + Rawlings and Williams were disabled.] and by the advice of Col’o Rawlings + & Major Williams, gradually retreated from redoubt to redoubt, to + & into the fort with the surviving part of the Regiment. Col’o + Rawlings, Major Williams, and Lt Hanson and myself quitted the field + together, and retreated to the fort. I was slightly wounded, tho my right + hand was rendered entirely useless. Your Father continued with the + regiment until all had arrived in the fort. It was admitted by all the + surviving officers that he had conducted himself with great gallantry and + the utmost propriety. + </p> + <p> + “While we were thus engaged the enemy succeeded much better in every other + quarter, & with little comparative loss. All were driven into the fort + and the enemy began by sundown to break ground within 100 yards of the + fort. + </p> + <p> + “Finding our situation desperate Col’o Magaw dispatched a flag to Gen. + Howe who Commanded in person, proposing to surrender on certain + conditions, which not being agreed to, other terms were proposed and + accepted. The garrison, consisting of 2673 privates, & 210 officers, + marched out, grounded arms, and were guarded to the White House that same + night, but instead of being treated as agreed on, and allowed to retain + baggage, clothes, and Side Arms, every valuable article was torn away from + both officers and soldiers: every sword, pistol, every good hat was + seized, even in presence of Brittish officers, & the prisoners were + considered and treated as <i>Rebels</i>, to the king and country. On the + third day after our surrender we were guarded to New York, fourteen miles + from Fort Washington, where in the evening we received some barrels of raw + pork and musty spoiled biscuit, being the first Morsel of provision we had + seen for more than three days. The officers were then separated from the + soldiers, had articles of parole presented to us which we signed, placed + into deserted houses without Clothing, provisions, or fire. No officer was + permitted to have a servant, but we acted in rotation, carried our Cole + and Provisions about half a mile on our backs, Cooked as well as we could, + and tried to keep from Starving. + </p> + <p> + “Our poor Soldiers fared most wretchedly different. They were crowded into + sugar houses and Jails without blankets or covering; had Very little given + to them to eat, and that little of the Very worst quality. So that in two + months and four days about 1900 of the Fort Washington troops had died. + The survivors were sent out and receipted for by General Washington, and + we the officers were sent to Long Island on parole, and billetted, two in + a house, on the families residing in the little townships of Flatbush, New + Utrecht, Newlots, and Gravesend, who were compelled to board and lodge us + at the rate of two dollars per week, a small compensation indeed in the + exhausted state of that section of country. The people were kind, being + mostly conquered Whigs, but sometimes hard run to provide sustenance for + their own families, with the addition, generally, of two men who must have + a share of what could be obtained. These people could not have furnished + us but for the advantage of the fisheries, and access at all times to the + water. Fish, oysters, clams, Eels, and wild fowl could always be obtained + in their season. + </p> + <p> + “We were thus fixed on the inhabitants, but without money, or clothing. + Sometimes a companion would receive a few hard dollars from a friend + through a flag of truce, which was often shared by others to purchase a + pair of shoes or a shirt. + </p> + <p> + “While in New York Major Williams received from a friend about forty + silver dollars. He was still down with his wound, but requested Captain + Shepherd, your Father and myself to come to his room, and there lent each + of us ten Dollars, which enabled each of us to purchase a pair shoes, a + shirt, and some other small matters: this liberality however, gave some + offence. Major Williams was a Marylander, and to assist a Virginian, in + preference to a Marylander, was a Crime almost unpardonable. It however + passed off, as it so happened there were some refugees in New York from + Maryland who had generosity enough to relieve the pressing wants of a few + of their former acquaintances. + </p> + <p> + “We thus lived in want and perfect idleness for years: tho sometimes if + Books could be obtained we made out to read: if paper, pen, and ink could + be had we wrote. Also to prevent becoming too feeble we exercised our + bodies by playing fives, throwing long bullets, wrestling, running, + jumping, and other athletick exercises, in all of which your Father fully + participated. Being all nearly on the same footing as to Clothing and + pocket money (that is we seldom had any of the latter) we lived on an + equality. + </p> + <p> + “In the fall of 1777 the Brittish Commander was informed a plan was + forming by a party of Americans to pass over to Long Island and sweep us + off, release us from captivity. There were then on the Island about three + hundred American officers prisoners. We were of course ordered off + immediately, and placed on board of two large transports in the North + River, as prison ships, where we remained but about 18 days, but it being + Very Cold, and we Confined between decks, the Steam and breath of 150 men + soon gave us Coughs, then fevers, and had we not been removed back to our + billets I believe One half would have died in six weeks. This is all the + imprisonment your——” + </p> + <p> + The rest of this valuable letter has been, most unfortunately lost, or + possibly it was never completed. + </p> + <p> + We have given a great deal of it because of its graphic description of the + men who were captured at Fort Washington, and of the battle itself. Major + Bedinger was a dignified, well-to-do, country gentleman; honored and + respected by all who knew him, and of unimpeachable veracity. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — NAMES OF SOME OF THE PRISONERS OF 1776 + </h2> + <p> + As we have seen, the officers fared well in comparison with the wretched + privates. Paroled and allowed the freedom of the city, they had far better + opportunities to obtain the necessities of life. “Our poor soldiers fared + most wretchedly different,” says Major Bedinger. + </p> + <p> + Before we begin, however, to speak of the treatment they received, we must + make some attempt to tell the reader who they were. We wish it were + possible to give the name of every private who died, or rather who was + murdered, in the prisons of New York at this time. But that, we fear, is + now an impossibility. As this account is designed as a memorial to those + martyred privates, we have made many efforts to obtain their names. But if + the muster rolls of the different companies who formed the Rifle Regiment, + the Pennsylvania Flying Camp, and the other troops captured by the British + in the summer and fall of 1776 are in existence, we have not been able to + find them. + </p> + <p> + The records of the Revolution kept in the War Department in England have + been searched in vain by American historians. It is said that the Provost + Marshal, William Cunningham, destroyed his books, in order to leave no + written record of his crimes. The names of 8,000 prisoners, mostly seamen, + who were confined on the prison ship Jersey, alone, have been obtained by + the Society of Old Brooklynites, from the British Archives, and, by the + kind permission of this Society, we re-publish them in the Appendix to + this volume. + </p> + <p> + Here and there, also, we have obtained a name of one of the brave young + riflemen who died in torment a hundred times worse, because so much less + swift, than that endured on a memorable occasion in India, when British + soldiers were placed, during a single night, into one of their own “Black + Holes.” But the names of almost all of these our tortured countrymen are + forgotten as completely as their places of interment are neglected. + </p> + <p> + In the hands of the writer, however, at this time [Footnote: This muster + roll was lent to the writer by Henry Bedinger Davenport, Esq, a descendant + of Major Bedinger] is the pay-roll of one of these companies of riflemen,—that + of Captain Abraham Shepherd of Shepherdstown, Virginia. It is in the + handwriting of Henry Bedinger, one of the lieutenants of the company. + </p> + <p> + We propose to take this list, or pay roll, as a sample, and to follow, as + well as we can, at this late day, the misfortunes of the men named + therein. For this purpose we will first give the list of names, and + afterwards attempt to indicate how many of the men died in confinement, + and how many lived to be exchanged. + </p> + <p> + MUSTER ROLL + </p> + <p> + The paper in question, falling to pieces with age, and almost illegible in + places, is headed, “An ABSTRACT of the Pay due the Officers and Privates + of the Company of Riflemen belonging to Captain Abraham Shepherd, being + part of a Battalion raised by Colonel Hugh Stevenson, deceased, and + afterwards commanded by Lieut Colonel Moses Rawlings, in the Continental + Service from July 1st, 1776, to October 1st, 1778.” The paper gives the + dates of enlistment; those who were killed; those who died; those who + deserted; those who were discharged; drafted; made prisoners; “dates until + when pay is charged;” “pay per month;” “amount in Dollars,” and “amount in + lawful Money, Pounds, Shillings and pence.” From this account much + information can be gleaned concerning the members of the company, but we + will, for the present, content ourselves with giving the muster roll of + the company. + </p> + <p> + MUSTER ROLL OF CAPTAIN ABRAHAM SHEPHERD’S COMPANY OF RIFLEMEN RAISED IN + JULY, 1776 + </p> + <p> + Captain Abraham Shepherd. First Lieutenant, Samuel Finley. Second + Lieutenant, William Kelly. Third Lieutenant, Henry Bedinger. First + Sergeant, John Crawford. Second Sergeant, John Kerney. Third Sergeant, + Robert Howard. Fourth Sergeant, Dennis Bush. First Corporal, John Seaburn. + Second Corporal, Evert Hoglant. Third Corporal, Thomas Knox. Fourth + Corporal, Jonathan Gibbons. Drummer, Stephen Vardine. Fifer, Thomas Cook. + Armourer, James Roberts. + </p> + <p> + Privates, William Anderson, Jacob Wine, Richard Neal, Peter Hill, William + Waller, Adam Sheetz, James Hamilton, George Taylor, Adam Rider, Patrick + Vaughan, Peter Hanes, John Malcher, Peter Snyder, Daniel Bedinger, John + Barger, William Hickman, Thomas Pollock, Bryan Timmons, Thomas Mitchell, + Conrad Rush, David Harman, James Aitken, William Wilson, John Wilson, + Moses McComesky, Thomas Beatty, John Gray, Valentine Fritz, Zechariah + Bull, William Moredock, Charles Collins, Samuel Davis, Conrad Cabbage, + John Cummins, Gabriel Stevens, Michael Wolf, John Lewis, William Donnelly, + David Gilmore, John Cassody, Samuel Blount, Peter Good, George Helm, + William Bogle (or Boyle), John Nixon, Anthony Blackhead, Christian + Peninger, Charles Jones, William Case, Casper Myre, George Brown, Benjamin + McKnight, Anthony Larkin, William Seaman, Charles Snowden, John Boulden, + John Blake, Nicholas Russell, Benjamin Hughes, James Brown, James Fox, + William Hicks, Patrick Connell, John Holmes, John McSwaine, James + Griffith, Patrick Murphy, James Aitken. + </p> + <p> + Besides the names of this company we can give a few privates of the + Pennsylvania Flying Camp who are mentioned by Saffel. He adds that, as far + as is known, all of these perished in prison, after inscribing their names + high up upon the walls. + </p> + <p> + SOME PRIVATES OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FLYING CAMP WHO PERISHED IN PRISON IN + 1776-7 + </p> + <p> + “Charles Fleming, John Wright, James McKinney, Ebenezer Stille, Jacob + Leinhart, Abraham Van Gordon, Peter D’Aubert, William Carbury, John + McDowell, Wm. McKague, Henry Parker, James Burns, Henry Yepler, Baltus + Weigh, Charles Beason, Leonard Huber, John McCarroll, Jacob Guiger, John + May, Daniel Adams, George McCormick, Jacob Kettle, Jacob Miller, George + Mason, James Kearney, David Sutor, Adam Bridel, Christian Mull, Daniel + McKnight, Cornelius Westbrook, Luke Murphy, Joseph Conklin, Adam Dennis, + Edward Ogden, Wm. Scoonover, James Rosencrants.” + </p> + <p> + The names of the officers who were prisoners in New York after the battle + of Long Island and the surrender of Fort Washington, can easily be + obtained. But it is not with these, at present, that we have to do. We + have already seen how much better was their treatment than that accorded + to the hapless privates. It is chiefly to commemmorate the sufferings of + the private soldier and seaman in the British prisons that this account + has been written. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — THE PRISONS OF NEW YORK—JONATHAN GILLETT + </h2> + <p> + We will now endeavor to describe the principal places of confinement used + by the British in New York during the early years of the war. Lossing, in + his Field Book of the Revolution, thus speaks of these dens of misery: “At + the fight around Fort Washington,” he says, “only one hundred Americans + were killed, while the British loss was one thousand, chiefly Hessians, + But the British took a most cruel revenge. Out of over 2600 prisoners + taken on that day, in two months & four days 1900 were killed in the + infamous sugar houses and other prisons in the city. + </p> + <p> + “Association of intense horror are linked with the records of the prisons + and prison ships of New York. Thousands of captives perished miserably of + hunger, cold, infection, and in some cases, actual poison. + </p> + <p> + “All the prisoners taken in the battle near Brooklyn in August, 1776 and + at Fort Washington in November of the same year, were confined in New + York, nearly 4000 in all. The New Jail and the New Bridewell were the only + prisons. The former is the present Hall of Records. Three sugar houses, + some dissenting churches, Columbia College, and the Hospital were all used + as prisons. The great fire in September; the scarcity of provisions; and + the cruel conduct of the Provost Marshal all combined to produce intense + sufferings among the men, most of whom entered into captivity, strong, + healthy, young, able-bodied, the flower of the American youth of the day. + </p> + <p> + “Van Cortlandt’s Sugar House was a famous (or infamous) prison. It stood + on the northwest corner of Trinity church-yard. + </p> + <p> + “Rhinelander’s Sugar House was on the corner of William and Duane Streets. + Perhaps the worst of all the New York prisons was the third Sugar House, + which occupied the space on Liberty Street where two buildings, numbers 34 + and 36, now stand. + </p> + <p> + “The North Dutch Church on William Street contained 800 prisoners, and + there were perhaps as many in the Middle Dutch Church. The Friends’ + Meeting House on Liberty and several other buildings erected for the + worship of a God of love were used as prisons. + </p> + <p> + “The New Jail was made a Provost Prison, and here officers and men of note + were confined. At one time they were so crowded into this building, that + when they lay down upon the floor to sleep all in the row were obliged to + turn over at the same time at the call, ‘Turn over! Left! Right!’ + </p> + <p> + “The sufferings of these brave men were largely due to the criminal + indifference of Loring, Sproat, Lennox, and other Commissaries of the + prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “Many of the captives were hanged in the gloom of night without trial and + without a semblance of justice. + </p> + <p> + “Liberty Street Sugar House was a tall, narrow building five stories in + height, and with dismal underground dungeons. In this gloomy abode jail + fever was ever present. In the hot weather of July, 1777, companies of + twenty at a time would be sent out for half an hour’s outing, in the court + yard. Inside groups of six stood for ten minutes at a time at the windows + for a breath of air. + </p> + <p> + “There were no seats; the filthy straw bedding was never changed. Every + day at least a dozen corpses were dragged out and pitched like dead dogs + into the ditches and morasses beyond the city. Escapes, deaths, and + exchange at last thinned the ranks. Hundreds left names and records on the + walls.” + </p> + <p> + “In 1778 the hulks of decaying ships were moored in the Wallabout. These + prison ships were intended for sailors and seaman taken on the ocean, + mostly the crews of privateersmen, but some soldiers were also sent to + languish in their holds. + </p> + <p> + “The first vessels used were transports in which cattle and other stores + had been brought over by the British in 1776. These lay in Gravesend Bay + and there many of the prisoners taken in battle near Brooklyn in August, + 1776, were confined, until the British took possession of New York, when + they were moved to that city. In 1778 the hulks of ships were moored in + the Wallabout, a sheltered bay on the Long Island shore, where the Navy + Yard now is.” + </p> + <p> + The sufferings of the prisoners can be better understood by giving + individual instances, and wherever this is possible it shall be done. We + will commence by an abstract of + </p> + <p> + THE CASE OF JONATHAN GILLETT OF WEST HARFORD + </p> + <p> + This man with seven others was captured on Long Island on the 27th of + August, 1776, before they could take to their boats. He was at first + confined in a prison ship, but a Masonic brother named John Archer + procured him the liberty of the city on parole. His rank, we believe, was + that of a lieutenant. He was a prisoner two years, then was allowed to go + home to die. He exhibited every symptom of poison as well as starvation. + </p> + <p> + When he was dying he said to his son, Jonathan Gillett, Junior, “Should + you enlist and be taken prisoner as I was, inquire for Mr. John Archer, a + man with whom I boarded. He will assist you.” + </p> + <p> + In course of time his son enlisted, was taken prisoner, and confined in + the Old Sugar House on Liberty Street. Here he was nearly starved to + death. The prisoners ate mice, rats, and insects. He one day found in the + prison yard the dry parings of a turnip which seemed to him a delicious + banquet. It is recorded that Jonathan Gillett, Jr., was finally freed from + captivity through the efforts of the same gentleman, Mr. John Archer, who + had aided his father. + </p> + <p> + In 1852 Jacob Barker offered to present survivors who had been confined in + the Old Sugar House with canes made from the lumber used in its + construction. Four of these survivors were found. Their names were William + Clark, Samuel Moulton, Levi Hanford, and Jonathan Gillett, Jr. The + latter’s father during his confinement wrote a letter to his friends which + has been preserved, and is as follows: + </p> + <p> + My Friends, + </p> + <p> + No doubt my misfortunes have reached your ears. Sad as it is, it is true + as sad. I was made prisoner the 27th day of August past by a people called + heshens, and by a party called Yagers the most Inhuman of all Mortals. I + can’t give Room to picture them here but thus much—I at first + Resolved not to be taken, but by the Impertunity of the Seven taken with + me, and being surrounded on all sides I unhapily surendered; would to God + I never had—then I should never (have) known there unmerciful + cruelties; they first disarmed me, then plundered me of all I had, watch, + Buckles, money, and sum Clothing, after which they abused me by bruising + my flesh with the butts of there (guns). They knocked me down; I got up + and they (kept on) beating me almost all the way to there (camp) where I + got shot of them—the next thing was I was allmost starved to death + by them. I was keept here 8 days and then sent on board a ship, where I + continued 39 days and by (them was treated) much worse than when on shore—after + I was set on (shore) at New York (I was) confined (under) a strong guard + till the 20th day of November, after which I have had my liberty to walk + part over the City between sun and sun, notwithstanding there generous + allowance of food I must inevitably have perished with hunger had not sum + friends in this (city) Relieved my extreme necessity, but I cant expect + they can always do it—what I shall do next I know not, being naked + for clothes and void of money, and winter present, and provisions very + skerce; fresh meat one shilling per pound, Butter three shillings per + pound, Cheese two shillings, Turnips and potatoes at a shilling a half + peck, milk 15 Coppers per quart, bread equally as dear; and the General + says he cant find us fuel thro’ the winter, tho’ at present we receive sum + cole. [Footnote: I have made no changes in this letter except to fill up + some blanks and to add a few marks of punctuation.] + </p> + <p> + “I was after put on board siezed violently with the disentarry—it + followed me hard upwards of six weeks—after that a slow fever, but + now am vastly better * * * my sincere love to you and my children. May God + keep and preserve you at all times from sin, sickness, and death * * * I + will Endeavor to faintly lead you into the poor cituation the soldiers are + in, espechally those taken at Long Island where I was; in fact these cases + are deplorable and they are Real objects of pitty—they are still + confined and in houses where there is no fire—poor mortals, with + little or no clothes—perishing with hunger, offering eight dollars + in paper for one in silver to Relieve there distressing hunger; occasioned + for want of food—there natures are broke and gone, some almost loose + there voices and some there hearing—they are crouded into churches + & there guarded night and day. I cant paint the horable appearance + they make—it is shocking to human nature to behold them. Could I + draw the curtain from before you; there expose to your view a lean Jawd + mortal, hunger laid his skinny hand (upon him) and whet to keenest Edge + his stomach cravings, sorounded with tattred garments, Rotten Rags, close + beset with unwelcome vermin. Could I do this, I say, possable I might in + some (small) manner fix your idea with what appearance sum hundreds of + these poor creatures make in houses where once people attempted to Implore + God’s Blessings, &c, but I must say no more of there calamities. God + be merciful to them—I cant afford them no Relief. If I had money I + soon would do it, but I have none for myself.—I wrote to you by Mr. + Wells to see if some one would help me to hard money under my present + necessity I write no more, if I had the General would not allow it to go + out, & if ever you write to me write very short or else I will never + see it—what the heshens robbed me of that day amounted to the value + of seventy two dollars at least. * * * I will give you as near an exact + account of how many prisoners the enemy have taken as I can. They took on + Long Island of the Huntingon Regiment 64, and of officers 40, of other + Regiments about 60. On Moulogin Island 14, Stratton Island (Staten) 7, at + Fort Washington 2200 officers and men. On the Jersey side about 28 + officers and men. In all 3135 and how many killed I do not know. Many died + of there wounds. Of those that went out with me of sickness occasioned by + hunger eight and more lie at the point of death. + </p> + <p> + “Roger Filer hath lost one of his legs and part of a Thigh, it was his + left. John Moody died here a prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “So now to conclude my little Ragged History * * * I as you know did ever + impress on your mind to look to God, for so still I continue to do the + same—think less of me but more of your Creator, * * * So in this I + wish you well and bid you farewell and subscribe myself your nearest + friend and well wisher for Ever + </p> + <p> + John’a Gillett + </p> + <p> + New York, Dec. 2nd, 1776. To Eliza Gillett at West Harford + </p> + <p> + The figures given in this pathetic letter may be inaccurate, but the + description of the sufferings of the prisoners is unexaggerated. Of all + the places of torment provided for these poor men the churches seem to + have been the worst, and they were probably the scenes of the most brutal + cruelty that was inflicted upon these unfortunate beings by the wicked and + heartless men, in whose power they found themselves. Whether it was + because the knowledge that they were thus desecrating buildings dedicated + to the worship of God and instruction in the Christian duties of mercy and + charity, had a peculiarly hardening effect upon the jailers and guards + employed by the British, or whether it was merely because of their + unfitness for human habitation, the men confined in these buildings + perished fast and miserably. We cannot assert that no prisoners shut up in + the churches in New York lived to tell the awful tale of their sufferings, + but we do assert that in all our researches we have never yet happened + upon any record of a single instance of a survivor living to reach his + home. All the information we have gained on this subject we shall lay + before the reader, and then he may form his own opinion of the justice of + these remarks. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, THE PROVOST MARSHAL + </h2> + <p> + We will condense all that we have to say of this man, whose cruelty and + wickedness are almost inconceivable, into one chapter, and have done with + the dreadful subject. As far as we have been able to learn, the facts + about his life are the following. + </p> + <p> + William Cunningham was an Irishman, born in Dublin Barracks in 1738. His + father was a trumpeter in the Blue Dragoons. When he was sixteen he became + an assistant to the riding-master of the troop. In 1761 he was made a + sergeant of dragoons, but peace having been proclaimed the following year, + the company to which he belonged was disbanded. He afterwards commenced + the business of a scaw-banker, which means that he went about the country + enticing mechanics and rustics to ship to America, on promise of having + their fortunes made in that country; and then by artful practices, + produced their indentures as servants, in consequence of which on their + arrival in America they were sold, or at least obliged to serve a term of + years to pay for their passage. This business, no doubt, proved a fit + apprenticeship for the career of villainy before him. + </p> + <p> + About the year 1774 he appears to have embarked from Newry in the ship + Needham for New York, with some indentured servants he had kidnapped in + Ireland. He is said to have treated these poor creatures so cruelly on the + passage that they were set free by the authorities in New York upon their + arrival. + </p> + <p> + When Cunningham first appeared in New York he offered himself as a + horse-breaker, and insinuated himself into the favor of the British + officers by blatant toryism. He soon became obnoxious to the Whigs of that + city, was mobbed, and fled to the Asia man-of-war for protection. From + thence he went to Boston, where General Gage appointed him Provost + Marshal. When the British took possession of New York he followed them to + that city, burning with desire to be revenged upon the Whigs. + </p> + <p> + He is said to have compassed the death of thousands of prisoners by + selling their provisions, exchanging good for spoiled food, and even by + poisoning them. Many also fell victims to his murderous violence. About + two hundred and fifty of these poor creatures were taken out of their + places of confinement at midnight and hung, without trial, simply to + gratify his bloodthirsty instincts. Private execution was conducted in the + following manner. A guard was first dispatched from the Provost, about + midnight, to the upper barracks, to order the people on the line of march + to shut their window shutters and put out their lights, forbidding them at + the same time to presume to look out of their windows on pain of death. + After this the prisoners were gagged, and conducted to the gallows just + behind the upper barracks and hung without ceremony there. Afterwards they + were buried by his assistant, who was a mulatto. + </p> + <p> + This practice is said to have been stopped by the women along the line of + march from the Provost to the barracks. They appealed to General Howe to + prevent further executions, as the noise made by the sufferers praying for + mercy, and appealing to Heaven for justice was dreadful to their ears. + </p> + <p> + It would seem from this account that, although the wretched men were + gagged as they were conveyed along the streets, their ferocious murderer + could not deny himself the pleasure of hearing their shrieks of agony at + the gallows. + </p> + <p> + Watson, in his “Annals of New York,” says that Cunningham glutted his + vengence by hanging five or six of his prisoners every night, until the + women who lived in the neighborhood petitioned Howe to have the practice + discontinued. + </p> + <p> + A pamphlet called “The Old Martyrs’ Prison,” says of Cunningham: “His + hatred of the Americans found vent in torture by searing irons and secret + scourges to those who fell under the ban of his displeasure. The prisoners + were crowded together so closely that many fell ill from partial + asphyxiation, and starved to death for want of the food which he sold to + enrich himself.” + </p> + <p> + They were given muddy and impure water to drink, and that not in + sufficient quantities to sustain life. Their allowance was, nominally, two + pounds of hard tack and two of pork <i>per week</i>, and this was often + uncooked, while either the pork, or the biscuit, or both, were usually + spoiled and most unwholesome. + </p> + <p> + Cunningham’s quarters were in the Provost Prison, and on the right hand of + the main door of entry. On the left of the hall was the guard room. Within + the first barricade was the apartment of his assistant, Sergeant O’Keefe. + Two sentinels guarded the entrance day and night; two more were stationed + at the first and second barricades, which were grated, barred, and + chained. + </p> + <p> + “When a prisoner was led into the hall the whole guard was paraded, and he + was delivered over to Captain Cunningham or his deputy, and questioned as + to his name, age, size, rank, etc., all of which was entered in a record + book. These records appear to have been discreetly destroyed by the + British authorities. + </p> + <p> + “At the bristling of arms, unbolting of locks and bars, clanking of + enormous iron chains in a vestibule dark as Erebus, the unfortunate + captive might well sink under this infernal sight and parade of tyrannical + power, as he crossed the threshold of that door which probably closed on + him for life. + </p> + <p> + “The north east chamber, turning to the left on the second floor, was + appropriated to officers of superior rank, and was called Congress Hall. * + * * In the day time the packs and blankets used by the prisoners to cover + them were suspended around the walls, and every precaution was taken to + keep the rooms clean and well ventilated. + </p> + <p> + “In this gloomy abode were incarcerated at different periods many American + officers and citizens of distinction, awaiting with sickening hope the + protracted period of their liberation. Could these dumb walls speak what + scenes of anguish might they not disclose! + </p> + <p> + “Cunningham and his deputy were enabled to fare sumptuously by dint of + curtailing the prisoners’ rations, selling good for bad provisions, etc., + in order to provide for the drunken orgies that usually terminated his + dinners. Cunningham would order the rebel prisoners to turn out and parade + for the amusement of his guests, pointing them out with such + characterizations as ‘This is the d——d rebel, Ethan Allen. + This is a rebel judge, etc.’” + </p> + <p> + Cunningham destroyed Nathan Hale’s last letters containing messages to his + loved ones, in order, as he said, that “the rebels should not know that + they had a man in their army who could die with such firmness.” + </p> + <p> + From Elias Boudinot’s “Journal of Events” during the Revolution we extract + the following account of his interview with Cunningham in New York. “In + the spring of 1777 General Washington wrote me a letter requesting me to + accept of a Commission as Commissary General of Prisoners in the Army of + America. I waited on him and politely declined the task, urging the wants + of the Prisoners and having nothing to supply them.” + </p> + <p> + Washington, however, urged him not to refuse, saying that if no one in + whom he could trust would accept the office, the lot of the prisoners + would be doubly hard. At last Boudinot consented to fill the position as + best he could, and Washington declared that he should be supplied with + funds by the Secret Committee of Congress. “I own,” he says, “that after I + had entered on my department, the applications of the Prisoners were so + numerous, and their distress so urgent, that I exerted every nerve to + obtain supplies, but in vain—Excepting £600 I had received from the + Secret Committee in Bills of exchange, at my first entrance into the + Office—I could not by any means get a farthing more, except in + Continental Money, which was of no avail in New York. I applied to the + General describing my delicate Situation and the continual application of + the Officers, painting their extreme distress and urging the assurance + they had received that on my appointment I was to be furnished with + adequate means for their full relief. The General appeared greatly + distressed and assured me that it was out of his power to afford me any + supplies. I proposed draining Clothing from the public stores, but to this + he objected as not having anything like a sufficient supply for the Army. + He urged my considering and adopting the best means in my power to satisfy + the necessities of the Prisoners, and he would confirm them. I told him I + knew of no means in my Power but to take what Monies I had of my own, and + to borrow from my friends in New York, to accomplish the desirable + purpose. He greatly encouraged me to the attempt, promising me that if I + finally met with any loss, he would divide it with me. On this I began to + afford them some supplies of Provisions over and above what the Enemy + afforded them, which was very small and very indifferent. + </p> + <p> + “The complaints of the very cruel treatment our Prisoners met with in the + Enemy’s lines rose to such a Heighth that in the Fall of this Year, 1777 + the General wrote to General Howe or Clinton reciting their complaints and + proposing to send an Officer into New York to examine into the truth of + them. This was agreed to, and a regular pass-port returned accordingly. + The General ordered me on this service. I accordingly went over on the 3rd + of Feb. 1778, in my own Sloop.” + </p> + <p> + The Commandant at this time was General Robertson, by whom Boudinot was + very well treated, and allowed, in company with a British officer, to + visit the prisons. He continues: “Accordingly I went to the Provost with + the Officer, where we found near thirty Officers from Colonels downwards, + in close confinement in the Gaol in New York. After some conversation with + the late Ethan Allen, I told him my errand, on which he was very free in + his abuse of the British. *** We then proceeded upstairs to the Room of + their Confinement. I had the Officers drawn up in a Ring and informed them + of my mission, that I was determined to hear nothing in secret. That I + therefore hoped they would each of them in their turn report to me + faithfully and candidly the Treatment they severally had received,—that + my design was to obtain them the proper redress, but if they kept back + anything from an improper fear of their keepers, they would have + themselves only to blame for their want of immediate redress. That for the + purpose of their deliverance the British officer attended. That the + British General should be also well informed of the Facts. On this, after + some little hesitation from a dread of their keeper, the Provost Martial, + one of them began and informed us that * * * some had been confined in the + Dungeon for a night to await the leisure of the General to examine them + and forgot for months; for being Committee men, &c, &c. That they + had received the most cruel Treatment from the Provost Martial, being + locked up in the Dungeon on the most trifling pretences, such as asking + for more water to drink on a hot day than usual—for sitting up a + little longer in the Evening than orders allowed—for writing a + letter to the General making their Complaints of ill-usage and throwing + (it) out of the Windows. That some of them were kept ten, twelve, and + fourteen weeks in the Dungeon on these trifling Pretenses. A Captain + Vandyke had been confined eighteen months for being concerned in setting + fire to the City, When, on my calling for the Provost Books, it appeared + that he had been made Prisoner and closely confined in the Provost four + days before the fire happened. A Major Paine had been confined eleven + months for killing a Captain Campbell in the Engagement when he was taken + Prisoner, when on examination it appeared that the Captain had been killed + in another part of the Action. The charge was that Major Paine when taken + had no commission, though acknowledged by us as a Major. + </p> + <p> + “Most of the cases examined into turned out wholly false or too trifling + to be regarded. It also appeared by the Declaration of some of the + Gentlemen that their water would be sometimes, as the Caprice of the + Provost Martial led him, brought up to them in the tubs they used in their + Rooms, and when the weather was so hot that they must drink or perish. On + hearing a number of these instances of Cruelty, I asked who was the Author + of them—they answered the provost keeper—I desired the Officer + to call him up that we might have him face to face. He accordingly came + in, and on being informed of what had passed, he was asked if the + complaints were true. He, with great Insolence answered that every word + was true—on which the British Officer, abusing him very much, asked + him how he dared to treat Gentlemen in that cruel Manner. He, insolently + putting his hands to his side, swore that he was as absolute there as + General Howe was at the head of his Army. I observed to the Officer that + now there could be no dispute about Facts, as the fellow had acknowledged + every word to be true. I stated all the Facts in substance and waited + again on General Robertson, who hoped I was quite satisfied with the + falsity of the reports I had heard. I then stated to him the Facts and + assured him that they turned out worse than anything we had heard. On his + hesitating as to the truth of this assertion—I observed to him the + propriety of having an Officer with me, to whom I now appealed for the + truth of the Facts. He being present confirmed them—on which the + General expressed great dissatisfaction, and promised that the Author of + them should be punished. I insisted that the Officers should be discharged + from his Power on Parole on Long Island, as other Officers were—To + this after receiving from me a copy of the Facts I had taken down, he + assented, & all were discharged except seven, who were detained some + time before I could obtain their release. I forgot to mention that one + Officer, Lieutenant—was taken Prisoner and brought in with a wound + through the leg. He was sent to the Provost to be examined, next night he + was put into the Dungeon and remained there ten weeks, totally forgotten + by the General, and never had his wound dressed except as he washed it + with a little Rum and Water given to him by the Centinels, through the—hole + out of their own rations. Captain—and a Captain Chatham were + confined with them and their allowance was four pounds hard spoiled + Biscuit, and two pounds Pork per week, which they were obliged to eat raw. + While they were thus confined for the slightest Complaints, the Provost + Martial would come down and beat them unmercifully with a Rattan, and + Knock them down with his fist. After this I visited two Hospitals of our + Sick Prisoners, and the Sugar House:—in the two first were 211 + Prisoners, and in the last about 190. They acknowledged that for about two + months past they fared pretty well, being allowed two pounds of good Beef + and a proportion of flour or Bread per week, by Mr. Lewis, My Agent, over + and above the allowance received from the British, which was professed to + be two thirds allowance; but before they had suffered much from the small + allowance they had received, and and that their Bread was very bad, being + mostly biscuit, but that the British soldiers made the same complaint as + to the bread. From every account I received I found that their treatment + had been greatly changed for the better within a few months past, except + at the Provost. They all agreed that previous to the capture of General + Burgoyne, and for some time after, Their treatment had been cruel beyond + measure. That the Prisoners in the French church, amounting on an average + to three or four hundred, could not all lay down at once, that from the + 15th October to the first January they never received a single stick of + wood, and that for the most part they eat their Pork Raw, when the Pews + and Door, and Wood on Facings failed them for fuel. + </p> + <p> + “But as to my own personal knowledge I found General Robertson very ready + to agree to every measure for alleviating the miseries of War and very + candidly admitted many faults committed by the inferior Officers, and even + the mistakes of the General himself, by hearkening to the representations + of those around him. He showed me a letter from General Howe who was in + Philadelphia, giving orders that we should not be at liberty to purchase + blankets within their lines, and containing a copy of an order I had + issued that they should not purchase provisions within ours, by way of + retaliation, but he represented it as if my order was first. I stated the + facts to General Robertson, who assured me that General Howe had been + imposed upon, and requested me to state the facts by way of letter, when + he immediately wrote to General Howe, urging the propriety of reversing + his orders, which afterwards he did in a very hypocritical manner as will + appear hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + It does not seem that Cunningham was very seriously punished. It is + probable that he was sent away from New York to Philadelphia, then in the + hands of General Howe. Cunningham was Provost Marshal in that city during + the British occupancy, where his cruelties were, if possible, more + astrocious than ever before. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Albigense Waldo was a surgeon in the American army at Valley Forge, + and he declares in his Journal concerning the prisoners in Philadelphia + that “the British did not knock the prisoners in the head, or burn them + with torches, or flay them alive, or dismember them as savages do, but + they starved them slowly in a large and prosperous city. One of these + unhappy men, driven to the last extreme of hunger, is said to have gnawed + his own fingers to the first joint from the hand, before he expired. + Others ate the mortar and stone which they chipped from the prison walls, + while some were found with bits of wood and clay in their mouths, which in + their death agonies they had sucked to find nourishment.” [Footnote: This + account is quoted by Mr. Bolton in a recent book called “The Private + Soldier under Washington,” a valuable contribution to American history.] + </p> + <p> + Boudinot has something to say about these wretched sufferers in the City + of Brotherly Love during the months of January and February, 1778. + “Various Reports having reached us with regard to the Extreme Sufferings + of our Prisoners in Philadelphia, I was directed by the Commander-in-Chief + to make particular inquiry into the truth. After some time I obtained full + Information of their Sufferings. It was proved by some Militia of good + Character that on being taken they were put under the care of the + General’s Guard, and kept four or five days without the least food. That + on the fifth day they were taken into the Provost, where a small quantity + of Raw Pork was given to them. One of their number seized and devoured it + with so much eagerness that he dropped down dead:—that the Provost + Martial used to sell their provisions and leave them to starve, as he did + their Allowance of Wood. I received information from a British Officer who + confided in my integrity, that he happened in the Provost just at the time + the Provost Martial was locking up the Prisoners. He had ordered them from + the Yard into the House. Some of them being ill with the Dysentery could + scarcely walk, and for not coming faster he would beat them with his + Rattan. One being delayed longer than the rest. On his coming up + Cunningham gave him a blow with one of the large Keys of the Goal which + killed him on the Spot. The Officer, exceedingly affected with the sight, + went next day and lodged a formal Complaint of the Murder with General + Howe’s Aid. After waiting some days, and not discovering any measures + taken for the tryal of Cunningham, he again went to head quarters and + requested to see the General, but was refused. He repeated his Complaint + to his Aid, and told him if this passed unpunished it would become + disreputable to wear a British uniform. No notice being taken the Officer + determined to furnish me privately with the means of proof of the Facts, + so that General Washington might remonstrate to General Howe on the + subject:—I reported them with the other testimony I had collected to + General Washington. He accordingly wrote in pretty strong Terms to General + Howe and fixed a day, when if he did not receive a satisfactory answer, he + would retaliate on the prisoners in his Custody. On the day he received an + answer from General Howe, acknowledging that, on Examination he found that + Cunningham had sold the Prisoners’ rations publicly in the Market. That he + had therefor removed him from the Charge of the Prisoners and appointed + Mr. Henry H. Ferguson in his place. This gave us great pleasure as we knew + Mr. Ferguson to be a Gentleman of Character and great Humanity, and the + issue justified our expectations. But to our great surprise Mr. Cunningham + was only removed from the Charge of the Prisons in Philadelphia, and sent + to that of New York. Soon after this great complaints being made of our + Prisoners being likely to perish for want of Cloathing and Blankets, + having been mostly stripped and robbed of their Cloaths when taken, + application was made for permission to purchase (with the provisions which + the British wanted,) Blankets and cloathing, which should be used only by + the Prisoners while in Confinement. This was agreed to, as we were + informed by our own Agent as well as by the British Commissioner. + Provisions were accordingly attempted to be sent in, when General Howe + pretending to ignorance in the business, forbid the provisions to be + admitted, or the Blankets to be purchased. On this I gave notice to the + British Commissary that after a certain day they must provide food for + their prisoners south west of New Jersey, and to be sent in from their + lines, as they should no longer be allowed to purchase provisions with us. + The line drawn arose from our being at liberty to purchase in New York. + This made a great noise, when General Howe on receiving General + Robertson’s letter from New York before mentioned, urging the propriety of + the measures, issued an order that every Person in Philadelphia, who had a + Blanket to sell or to spare should bring them into the King’s Stores. When + this was done he then gave my Agent permission to purchase Blankets and + Cloathing, in the City of Philadelphia. On my Agent attempting it he found + every Blanket in the City purchased by the Agents for the Army, so that + not a Blanket could be had. My Agent knowing the necessities of our + Prisoners, immediately employed persons in every part of the city and + before General Howe could discover his own omission, purchased up every + piece of flannel he could meet with, and made it up into a kind of + Blanket, which answered our purpose.” + </p> + <p> + Wherever General Howe and Cunningham were together, either in New York or + in Philadelphia, the most atrocious cruelties were inflicted upon the + American prisoners in their power, and yet some have endeavoured to excuse + General Howe, on what grounds it is difficult to determine. It has been + said that Cunningham <i>acted on higher authority than any in America</i>, + and that Howe in vain endeavored to mitigate the sufferings of the + prisoners. This, however, is not easy of belief. Howe must at least have + wilfully blinded himself to the wicked and murderous violence of his + subordinate. It was his duty to know how the prisoners at his mercy fared, + and not to employ murderers to destroy them by the thousands as they were + destroyed in the prisons of New York and Philadelphia. + </p> + <p> + Oliver Bunce, in His “Romance of the Revolution,” thus speaks of the + inhumanity of Cunningham. + </p> + <p> + “But of all atrocities those committed in the prisons and prison ships of + New York are the most execrable, and indeed there is nothing in history to + excel the barbarities there inflicted. Twelve thousand suffered death by + their inhuman, cruel, savage, and barbarous usage on board the filthy and + malignant prison ships—adding those who died and were poisoned in + the infected prisons in the city a much larger number would be necessary + to include all those who suffered by command of British Generals in New + York. The scenes enacted in these prisons almost exceed belief. * * * + Cunningham, the like of whom, for unpitying, relentless cruelty, the world + has not produced, * * * thirsted for blood, and took an eager delight in + murder.” + </p> + <p> + He remained in New York until November, 1783, when he embarked on board a + British man-of-war and America was no longer cursed with his presence. He + is said to have been hung for the crime of forgery on the tenth of August, + 1791. The newspapers of the day contained the accounts of his death, and + his dying confession. These accounts have, however, been discredited by + historians who have in vain sought the English records for the date of his + death. It is said that no man of the name of Cunningham was hung in + England in the year 1791. It is not possible to find any official British + record of his transactions while Provost Marshal, and there seems a + mystery about the disappearance of his books kept while in charge of the + Provost, quite as great as the mystery which envelopes his death. But + whether or no he confessed his many crimes; whether or no he received in + this world a portion of the punishment he deserved, it is certain that the + crimes were committed, and duly recorded in the judgment book of God, + before whose awful bar he has been called to account for every one of + them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — THE CASE OF JABEZ FITCH + </h2> + <p> + In presenting our gleanings from the books, papers, letters, pamphlets, + and other documents that have been written on the subject of our prisoners + during the Revolution, we will endeavor to follow some chronological + order, so that we may carry the story on month by month and year by year + until that last day of the British possession of New York when Sergeant + O’Keefe threw down upon the pavement of the Provost the keys of that + prison, and made his escape on board a British man-of-war. + </p> + <p> + One of the prisoners taken on Long Island in the summer of 1776 was + Captain Jabez Fitch, who was captured on the 27th of August, of that year. + While a prisoner he contracted a scorbutic affection which rendered + miserable thirty years of his life. + </p> + <p> + On the 29th of August he was taken to the transport Pacific. It was a very + rainy day. The officers, of whom there were about twenty-five, were in one + boat, and the men “being between three and four hundred in several other + Boats, and had their hands tied behind them. In this Situation we were + carried by several Ships, where there appeared great numbers of Women on + Deck, who were very liberal of their Curses and Execrations: they were + also not a little Noisy in their Insults, but clap’d their hands and used + other peculiar gestures in so Extraordinary a Manner yet they were in some + Danger of leaping overboard in this surprising Extacy.” On arriving at the + Pacific, a very large transport ship, they were told that all officers and + men together were to be shut down below deck. The master of the ship was a + brute named Dunn. At sundown all were driven down the hatches, with curses + and execrations. “Both ye lower Decks were very full of Durt,” and the + rains had leaked in and made a dreadful sloppy mess of the floor, so that + the mud was half over their shoes. At the same time they were so crowded + that only half their number could lie down at a time. + </p> + <p> + “Some time in the Evening a number of the Infernal Savages came down with + a lanthorn and loaded two small pieces or Cannon with Grape shot, which + were pointed through two Ports in such a manner as to Rake ye deck where + our people lay, telling us at ye same time with many Curses yt in Case of + any Disturbance or the least noise in ye Night, they were to be Imediately + fired on ye Damned Rebels.” When allowed to come on deck “we were insulted + by those Blackguard Villians in the most vulgar manner....We were allowed + no water that was fit for a Beast to Drink, although they had plenty of + good Water on board, which was used plentifully by the Seamen, etc. + </p> + <p> + “Lieutenant Dowdswell, with a party of Marines sent on board for our + Guard; this Mr. Dowdswell treated us with considerable humanity, and + appeared to be a Gentleman, nor were the Marines in General so Insolent as + the Ships Crew....On the 31st the Commissary of Prisoners came on Board + and took down the names, etc, of the prisoners....he told us Colonel Clark + and many other Officers were confined at Flatbush. On Sunday, September + 1st, we were removed to the ship Lord Rochford, commanded by one Lambert. + This ship was much crowded. Most of the Officers were lodged on the + quarter deck. Some nights we were considerably wet with rain.” + </p> + <p> + The Lord Rochford lay off New Utrecht. On the third of September the + officers that had been confined at Flatbush were brought on board the snow + called the Mentor. “On the fifth,” says Fitch, in his written account, of + which this is an abstract, “we were removed on board this Snow, which was + our prison for a long time. * * * We were about 90 in number, and ye Field + Officers had Liberty of ye Cabbin, etc. * * * This Snow was commanded by + one Davis, a very worthless, low-lived fellow. * * * When we first met on + board the Mentor we spent a considerable time in Relating to each other ye + particular Circumstances of our first being Taken, and also ye various + Treatment with which we met on yt occasion, nor was this a disagreeable + Entertainment in our Melancholy Situation. * * * Many of the officers and + men were almost Destitute of Clothes, several having neither Britches, + Stockings or Shoes, many of them when first taken were stripped entirely + naked. Corporal Raymond of the 17th Regiment after being taken and + Stripped was shamefully insulted and Abused by Gen’l Dehightler, seized by + ye Hair of his head, thrown on the ground, etc. Some present, who had some + small degree of humanity in their Composition, were so good as to favor + them (the prisoners) with some old durty worn Garments, just sufficient to + cover their nakedness, and in this Situation (they) were made Objects of + Ridicule for ye Diversion of those Foreign Butchers. + </p> + <p> + “One Sam Talman (an Indian fellow belonging to the 17th Regiment) was + Stripped and set up as a mark for them to Shoot at for Diversion or + Practice, by which he Received two severe wounds, in the neck and arm * * + * afterwards they destroyed him with many hundreds others by starvation in + the prisons of New York. + </p> + <p> + “On October first orders came to land the prisoners in New York. This was + not done until the seventh. On Monday about four o’clock Mr. Loring + conducted us to a very large house on the West side of Broadway in the + corner south of Warren Street near Bridewell, where we were assigned a + small yard back of the house, and a Stoop in ye Front for our Walk. We + were also Indulged with Liberty to pass and Repass to an adjacent pump in + Ye Street.” + </p> + <p> + Although paroled the officers were closely confined in this place for six + weeks. Their provisions, he says: “were insufficient to preserve ye + Connection between Soul and Body, yet ye Charitable People of this City + were so good as to afford us very considerable Relief on this account, but + it was ye poor and those who were in low circumstances only who were + thoughtful of our Necessities, and provisions were now grown scarce and + Excessive dear. * * * Their unparalleled generosity was undoubtedly ye + happy means of saving many Lives, notwithstanding such great numbers + perished with hunger. + </p> + <p> + “Here we found a number of Officers made prisoners since we were, Colonel + Selden, Colonel Moulton, etc. They were first confined in Ye City Hall. + Colonel Selden died the Fryday after we arrived. He was Buried in the New + Brick Churchyard, and most of the Officers were allowed to attend his + Funeral. Dr. Thatcher of the British army attended him, a man of great + humanity.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Fitch declares that there were two thousand wounded British and + Hessians in the hospitals in New York after the battle of Fort Washington, + which is a much larger estimate than we have found in other accounts. He + says that the day of the battle was Saturday, November 16th, and that the + prisoners were not brought to New York until the Monday following. They + were then confined in the Bridewell, as the City Jail was then called, and + in several churches. Some of them were soon afterwards sent on board a + prison ship, which was probably the Whitby. “A number of the officers were + sent to our place of confinement; Colonel Rawlings, Colonel Hobby, Major + (Otho) Williams, etc. Rawlings and Williams were wounded, others were also + wounded, among them Lieutenant Hanson (a young Gent’n from Va.) who was + Shot through ye Shoulder with a Musq’t Ball of which wound he Died ye end + of Dec’r. + </p> + <p> + “Many of ye charitable Inhabitants were denied admittance when they came + to Visit us.” + </p> + <p> + On the twentieth of November most of the officers were set at liberty on + parole. “Ye first Objects of our attention were ye poor men who had been + unhappily Captivated with us. They had been landed about ye same time yt + we were, and confined in several Churches and other large Buildings and + although we had often Received Intelligence from them with ye most + Deplorable Representation of their Miserable Situation, yet when we came + to visit them we found their sufferings vastly superior to what we had + been able to conceive. Nor are words sufficient to convey an Adequate Idea + of their Unparalled Calamity. Well might ye Prophet say, ‘They yt be slain + with ye sword are better than they yt be slain with hunger, for these pine + away, etc.’ + </p> + <p> + “Their appearance in general Rather Resembled dead Corpses than living + men. Indeed great numbers had already arrived at their long home, and ye + Remainder appeared far advanced on ye same Journey: their accommodations + were in all respects vastly Inferior to what a New England Farmer would + have provided for his Cattle, and although ye Commissary pretended to + furnish them with two thirds of ye allowance of ye King’s Troops, yet they + were cheated out of one half of that. They were many times entirely + neglected from Day to Day, and received no Provision at all; they were + also frequently Imposed upon in Regard to ye Quality as well as Quantity + of their provision. Especially in the Necessary article of Bread of which + they often received such Rotten and mouldy stuff, as was entirely unfit + for use. + </p> + <p> + “* * * A large number of ye most feeble were Removed down to ye Quaker + Meeting House on Queen Street, where many hundreds of them perished in a + much more miserable Situation than ye dumb Beasts, while those whose + particular business it was to provide them relief, paid very little or no + attention to their unparalleled sufferings. This house I understand was + under ye Superintendence of one Dr. Dibuke * * * who had been at least + once convicted of stealing (in Europe) and had fled to this country for + protection: It was said he often made application of his Cane among ye + Sick instead of other medicines. * * * I have often been in danger of + being stabbed for attempting to speak to a prisoner in ye yard. * * * + </p> + <p> + “About the 24th December a large number of prisoners were embarked on a + ship to be sent to New England. What privates of the 17th Regiment + remained living were Included in this number, but about one half had + already perished in Prison. I was afterwards informed that the Winds being + unfavourable and their accommodations and provisions on board ye Ship + being very similar to what they had been provided with before, a large + proportion of them perished before they could reach New England, so that + it is to be feared very few of them lived to see their native homes. + </p> + <p> + “Soon after there was large numbers of the prisoners sent off by land both + to the Southward and Eastward so yt when ye Officers were Removed over + into Long Island in the latter part of January there remained but very few + of the privates in that City except those released by Death which number + was supposed to be about 1800. + </p> + <p> + “General Robertson, so famous for Politeness and Humanity was commanding + Officer at New York during the aforesaid treatment of the prisoners. + Governor Scheene was said to have visited the prisoners at the Churches + and manifested great dissatisfaction at their ill Usage, yet I was never + able to learn that ye poor Sufferers Rec’d any Advantage thereby.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Jabez Fitch was a prisoner eighteen months. After the Revolution + he lived in Vermont, where he died in 1812. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — THE HOSPITAL DOCTOR—A TORY’S ACCOUNT OF NEW + YORK IN 1777—ETHAN ALLEN’S + </h2> + <p> + ACCOUNT OF THE PRISONERS + </p> + <p> + The doctor spoken of by Jabez Fitch as Dr. Dibuke is perhaps the notorious + character described by Mr. Elias Boudinot in the Journal from which we + have already quoted. On page 35 of this book he gives us the following: + </p> + <p> + “AN ACCOUNT OF THE FRENCHMAN WHO POISONED. AMERICAN PRISONERS IN NEW YORK, + AND WAS REWARDED FOR SO DOING BY GENERAL, HOWE + </p> + <p> + “When the British Army took possession of New York they found a Frenchman + in Goal, under Condemnation for Burglery and Robbery. He was liberated. He + was a very loos, ignorant man. Had been a Servant. This fellow was set + over our Prisoners in the Hospital, as a Surgeon, though he knew not the + least principle of the Art. Dr. McHenry, a Physician of note in the + American Army, and then a Prisoner, finding the extreme ignorance of this + man, and that he was really murdering our people, remonstrated to the + British Director of the Hospital, and refused visiting our sick Prisoners + if this man was not dismissed. A British Officer, convinced that he had + killed several of our People, lodged a complaint against him, when he was + ordered to be tryed by a Court Martial, but the morning before the Court + were to set, this Officer was ordered off to St Johns, and the Criminal + was discharged for want of Evidence. During this man having the Charge of + our Prisoners in the Hospital, two of our Men deserted from the Hospital + and came into our Army when they were ordered to me for Examination. They + Joined in this story. That they were sick in the Hospital under the care + of the above Frenchman. That he came and examined them, and gave to each + of them a dose of Physick to be taken immediately. A Young Woman, their + Nurse, made them some private signs not to take the Physick immediately. + After the Doctor was gone, she told them she suspected the Powder was + poison. That she had several times heard this Frenchman say that he would + have ten Rebels dead in such a Room and five dead in such a Room the next + morning, and it always so happened. They asked her what they should do: + She told them their only chance was to get off, sick as they were, that + she would help them out and they must shift for themselves. They + accordingly got off safe, and brought the Physick with them. This was + given to a Surgeon’s Mate, who afterwards reported that he gave it to a + Dog, and that he died in a very short time. I afterwards saw an account in + a London Paper of this same Frenchman being taken up in England for some + Crime and condemned to dye. At his Execution he acknowledged the fact of + his having murdered a great number of Rebels in the Hospitals at New York + by poyson. That on his reporting to General Howe the number of the + Prisoners dead, he raised his pay. He further confessed that he poisoned + the wells used by the American Flying Camp, which caused such an uncommon + Mortality among them in the year 1776.” + </p> + <p> + Jabez Fitch seems to have been mistaken in thinking that General Robertson + instead of Lord Howe was commanding in New York at this time. + </p> + <p> + We will now give the account written by a Tory gentleman, who lived in New + York during a part of the Revolution, of Loring, the Commissary of + Prisons, appointed by General Howe in 1776. Judge Thomas Jones was a noted + loyalist of the day. Finding it inconvenient to remain in this country + after the war, he removed to England, where he died in 1792, having first + completed his “History of New York during the Revolution.” He gives a much + larger number of prisoners in that city in the year 1776 than do any of + the other authorities. We will, however, give his statements just as they + were written. + </p> + <p> + “Upon the close of the campaign in 1776 there were not less than 10,000 + prisoners (Sailors included) within the British lines in New York. A + Commissary of Prisoners was therefore appointed, and one Joshua Loring, a + Bostonian, was commissioned to the office with a guinea a day, and rations + of all kinds for himself and family. In this appointment there was + reciprocity. Loring had a handsome wife. The General, Sir William Howe, + was fond of her. Joshua made no objections. He fingered the cash: the + General enjoyed Madam. Everybody supposing the next campaign (should the + rebels ever risk another) would put a final period to the rebellion. + Loring was determined to make the most of his commission and by + appropriating to his own use nearly two thirds of the rations allowed the + prisoners, he actually starved to death about three hundred of the poor + wretches before an exchange took place, and which was not until February, + 1777, and hundreds that were alive at the time were so emaciated and + enfeebled for the want of provisions, that numbers died on the road on + their way home, and many lived but a few days after reaching their + habitations. The war continuing, the Commissaryship of Prisoners grew so + lucrative that in 1778 the Admiral thought proper to appoint one for naval + prisoners. Upon the French War a Commissary was appointed for France. When + Spain joined France another was appointed for Spain. When Great Britain + made war upon Holland a Commissary was appointed for Dutch prisoners. Each + had his guinea a day, and rations for himself and family. Besides, the + prisoners were half starved, as the Commissaries filched their provisions, + and disposed of them for their own use. It is a known fact, also, that + whenever an exchange was to take place the preference was given to those + who had, or could procure, the most money to present to the Commissaries + who conducted the exchange, by which means large sums of money were + unjustly extorted and demanded from the prisoners at every exchange, to + the scandal and disgrace of Britons. We had five Commissaries of + Prisoners, when one could have done all the business. Each Commissary had + a Deputy, a Clerk, a Messenger in full pay, with rations of every kind.” + </p> + <p> + As Judge Jones was an ardent Tory we would scarcely imagine that he would + exaggerate in describing the corruptions of the commissaries. He greatly + deplored the cruelties with which he taxed General Howe and other + officials, and declared that these enormities prevented all hopes of + reconciliation with Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + We will next quote from the “Life of Ethan Allen,” written by himself, as + he describes the condition of the prisoners in the churches in New York, + more graphically than any of his contemporaries. + </p> + <p> + ETHAN ALLEN’S ACCOUNT OF THE AMERICAN PRISONERS + </p> + <p> + “Our number, about thirty-four, were all locked up in one common large + room, without regard to rank, education, or any other accomplishment, + where we continued from the setting to the rising sun, and as sundry of + them were infected with the gaol and other distempers, the furniture of + this spacious room consisted principally of excrement tubs. We petitioned + for a removal of the sick into hospitals, but were denied. We remonstrated + against the ungenerous usage of being confined with the privates, as being + contrary to the laws and customs of nations, and particularly ungrateful + in them, in consequence of the gentleman-like usage which the British + imprisoned officers met with in America; and thus we wearied ourselves + petitioning and remonstrating, but o no purpose at all; for General + Massey, who commanded at Halifax, was as inflexible as the d—-l + himself. * * * Among the prisoners were five who had a legal claim to a + parole, James Lovel, Esq; Captain Francis Proctor; a Mr. Rowland, Master + of a Continental armed vessel; a Mr. Taylor, his mate, and myself. * * * + The prisoners were ordered to go on board of a man-of-war, which was bound + for New York, but two of them were not able to go on board and were left + in Halifax: one died and the other recovered. This was about the 12th of + October, 1776. * * * We arrived before New York and cast an anchor the + latter part of October, where we remained several days, and where Captain + Smith informed me that he had recommended me to Admiral Howe, and General + Sir Wm. Howe, as a gentleman of honor and veracity, and desired that I + might be treated as such. Captain Burk was then ordered on board a prison + ship in the harbor. I took my leave of Captain Smith, and with the other + prisoners was sent on board a transport ship. * * * Some of the last days + of November the prisoners were landed at New York, and I was admitted to + parole with the other officers, viz: Proctor, Rowland, and Taylor. The + privates were put into the filthy churches in New York, with the + distressed prisoners that were taken at Fort Washington, and the second + night Sergeant Roger Moore, who was bold and enterprising, found means to + make his escape, with every of the remaining prisoners that were taken + with me, except three who were soon after exchanged: so that out of + thirty-one prisoners who went with me the round exhibited in these sheets, + two only died with the enemy, and three only were exchanged, one of whom + died after he came within our lines. All the rest at different times made + their escape from the enemy. + </p> + <p> + “I now found myself on parole, and restricted to the limits of the city of + New York, where I soon projected means to live in some measure agreeable + to my rank, though I was destitute of cash. My constitution was almost + worn out by such a long and barbarous captivity. * * * In consequence of a + regular diet and exercise my blood recruited, and my nerves in a great + measure recovered their former tone * * * in the course of six months. + </p> + <p> + “* * * Those who had the misfortune to fall into the enemy’s hands at Fort + Washington * * * were reserved from immediate death to famish and die with + hunger: in fine the word rebel’ was thought by the enemy sufficient to + sanctify whatever cruelties they were pleased to inflict, death itself not + excepted. * * * + </p> + <p> + “The prisoners who were brought to New York were crowded into churches, + and environed with slavish Hessian guards, a people of a strange language + * * * and at other times by merciless Britons, whose mode of communicating + ideas being unintelligible in this country served only to tantalize and + insult the helpless and perishing; but above all the hellish delight and + triumph of the tories over them, as they were dying by hundreds. This was + too much for me to bear as a spectator; for I saw the tories exulting over + the dead bodies of their countrymen. I have gone into the churches and + seen sundry of the prisoners in the agonies of death, in consequence of + very hunger; and others speechless and near death, biting pieces of chips; + others pleading, for God’s sake for something to eat, and at the same time + shivering with the cold. Hollow groans saluted my ears, and despair seemed + to be imprinted on every of their countenances. The filth in these + churches, in consequence of the fluxes, was almost beyond description. I + have carefully sought to direct my steps so as to avoid it, but could not. + They would beg for God’s sake for one copper or morsel of bread. I have + seen in one of the churches seven dead, at the same time, lying among the + excrements of their bodies. + </p> + <p> + “It was a common practice with the enemy to convey the dead from these + filthy places in carts, to be slightly buried, and I have seen whole gangs + of tories making derision, and exulting over the dead, saying ‘There goes + another load of d——d rebels!’ I have observed the British + soldiers to be full of their blackguard jokes and vaunting on those + occasions, but they seemed to me to be less malignant than the Tories. + </p> + <p> + “The provision dealt out to the prisoners was by no means sufficient for + the support of life. It was deficient in Quantity, and much more so in + Quality. The prisoners often presented me with a sample of their bread, + which I certify was damaged to such a degree that it was loathsome and + unfit to be eaten, and I am bold to aver it as my opinion, that it had + been condemned and was of the very worst sort. I have seen and been fed + upon damaged bread, in the course of my captivity, and observed the + quality of such bread as has been condemned by the enemy, among which was + very little so effectually spoiled as what was dealt out to these + prisoners. Their allowance of meat, as they told me, was quite trifling + and of the basest sort. I never saw any of it, but was informed, bad as it + was, it was swallowed almost as quick as they got hold of it. I saw some + of them sucking bones after they were speechless; others who could yet + speak and had the use of their reason, urged me in the strongest and most + pathetic manner, to use my interest in their behalf: ‘For you plainly + see,’ said they, ‘that we are devoted to death and destruction,’ and after + I had examined more particularly into their truly deplorable condition and + had become more fully apprized of the essential facts, I was persuaded + that it was a premeditated and systematized plan of the British council to + destroy the youths of our land, with a view thereby to deter the country + and make it submit to their despotism: but as I could not do them any + material service, and by any public attempt for that purpose I might + endanger myself by frequenting places the most nauseous and contagious + that could be conceived of, I refrained going into the churches, but + frequently conversed with such of the prisoners as were admitted to come + out into the yard, and found that the systematical usage still continued. + The guard would often drive me away with their fixed bayonets. A Hessian + one day followed me five or six rods, but by making use of my legs, I got + rid of the lubber. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes I could obtain a little conversation notwithstanding their + severities. + </p> + <p> + “I was in one of the yards and it was rumoured among those in the church, + and sundry of the prisoners came with their usual complaints to me, and + among the rest a large-boned, tall young man, as he told me from + Pennsylvania, who was reduced to a mere skeleton. He said he was glad to + see me before he died, which he had expected to have done last night, but + was a little revived. He further informed me that he and his brother had + been urged to enlist into the British army, but had both resolved to die + first; that his brother had died last night, in consequence of that + resolve, and that he expected shortly to follow him; but I made the other + prisoners stand a little off and told him with a low voice to enlist; he + then asked whether it was right in the sight of God? I assured him that it + was, and that duty to himself obliged him to deceive the British by + enlisting and deserting the first opportunity; upon which he answered with + transport that he would enlist. I charged him not to mention my name as + his adviser, lest it should get air and I should be closely confined, in + consequence of it. + </p> + <p> + “The integrity of these suffering prisoners is incredible. Many hundreds + of them, I am confident, submitted to death rather than enlist in the + British service, which, I am informed, they most generally were pressed to + do. I was astonished at the resolution of the two brothers, particularly; + it seems that they could not be stimulated to such exertions of heroism + from ambition, as they were but obscure soldiers. Strong indeed must the + internal principle of virtue be which supported them to brave death, and + one of them went through the operation, as did many hundreds others * * * + These things will have their proper effect upon the generous and brave. + </p> + <p> + “The officers on parole were most of them zealous, if possible, to afford + the miserable soldiers relief, and often consulted with one another on the + subject, but to no effect, being destitute of the means of subsistence + which they needed, nor could they project any measure which they thought + would alter their fate, or so much as be a mean of getting them out of + those filthy places to the privilege of fresh air. Some projected that all + the officers should go in procession to General Howe and plead the cause + of the perishing soldiers, but this proposal was negatived for the + following reasons: viz: because that General Howe must needs be well + acquainted and have a thorough knowledge of the state and condition of the + prisoners in every of their wretched apartments, and that much more + particular and exact than any officer on parole could be supposed to have, + as the General had a return of the circumstances of the prisoners by his + own officers every morning, of the number who were alive, as also of the + number who died every twenty-four hours: and consequently the bill of + mortality, as collected from the daily returns, lay before him with all + the material situations and circumstances of the prisoners, and provided + the officers should go in procession to General Howe, according to the + projection, it would give him the greatest affront, and that he would + either retort upon them, that it was no part of their parole to instruct + him in his conduct to prisoners; that they were mutinying against his + authority, and, by affronting him, had forfeited their parole, or that, + more probably, instead of saying one word to them, would order them all + into as wretched a confinement as the soldiers whom they sought to + relieve, for at that time the British, from the General to the private + centinel, were in full confidence, nor did they so much as hesitate, but + that they should conquer the country. + </p> + <p> + “Thus the consultation of the officers was confounded and broken to + pieces, in consequence of the dread which at the time lay on their minds + of offending General Howe; for they conceived so murderous a tryant would + not be too good to destroy even the officers on the least pretence of an + affront, as they were equally in his power with the soldiers; and as + General Howe perfectly understood the condition of the private soldiers, + it was argued that it was exactly such as he and his council had devised, + and as he meant to destroy them it would be to no purpose for them to try + to dissuade him from it, as they were helpless and liable to the same + fate, on giving the least affront. Indeed anxious apprehensions disturbed + them in their then circumstances. + </p> + <p> + “Meantime mortality raged to such an intolerable degree among the + prisoners that the very school boys in the street knew the mental design + of it in some measure; at least they knew that they were starved to death. + Some poor women contributed to their necessity till their children were + almost starved; and all persons of common understanding knew that they + were devoted to the cruellest and worst of deaths. + </p> + <p> + “It was also proposed by some to make a written representation of the + condition of the soldiery, and the officers to sign it, and that it should + be couched in such terms, as though they were apprehensive that the + General was imposed upon by his officers, in their daily returns to him of + the state and condition of the prisoners, and that therefor the officers + moved with compassion, were constrained to communicate to him the facts + relative to them, nothing doubting but that they would meet with a speedy + redress; but this proposal was most generally negatived also, and for much + the same reason offered in the other case; for it was conjectured that + General Howe’s indignation would be moved against such officers as should + attempt to whip him over his officers’ backs; that he would discern that + he himself was really struck at, and not the officers who made the daily + returns; and therefor self preservation deterred the officers from either + petitioning or remonstrating to General Howe, either verbally or in + writing; as also they considered that no valuable purpose to the + distressed would be obtained. + </p> + <p> + “I made several rough drafts on the subject, one of which I exhibited to + the Colonels Magaw, Miles, and Atlee; and they said that they would + consider the matter. Soon after I called on them, and some of the + gentlemen informed me that they had written to the General on the subject, + and I concluded that the gentlemen thought it best that they should write + without me, as there was such spirited aversion subsisting between the + British and me.” + </p> + <p> + Ethan Allen goes on to say: “Our little army was retreating in New Jersey + and our young men murdered by hundreds in New York.” He then speaks of + Washington’s success at Trenton in the following terms: “This success had + a mighty effect on General Howe and his council, and roused them to a + sense of their own weakness. * * * Their obduracy and death-designing + malevolence in some measure abated or was suspended. The prisoners, who + were condemned to the most wretched and cruellest of deaths, and who + survived to this period, <i>though most of them died before,</i> were + immediately ordered to be sent within General Washington’s lines, for an + exchange, and in consequence of it were taken out of their filthy and + poisonous places of confinement, and sent out of New York to their friends + in haste. Several of them fell dead in the streets of New York, as they + attempted to walk to the vessels in the harbor, for their intended + embarkation. What number lived to reach the lines I cannot ascertain, but, + from concurrent representations which I have since received from numbers + of people who lived in and adjacent to such parts of the country, where + they were received from the enemy, <i>I apprehend that most of them died + in consequence of the vile usage of the enemy.</i> Some who were eye + witnesses of the scene of mortality, more especially in that part which + continued after the exchange took place, are of opinion that it was partly + in consequence of a slow poison; but this I refer to the doctors who + attended them, who are certainly the best judges. + </p> + <p> + “Upon the best calculation I have been able to make from personal + knowledge, and the many evidences I have collected in support of the + facts, I learn that, of the prisoners taken on Long Island and Fort + Washington and some few others, at different times and places, about two + thousand perished with hunger, cold, and sickness, occasioned by the filth + of their prisons, at New York; and a number more on their passage to the + continental lines; most of the residue who reached their friends having + received their death wound, could not be restored by the assistance of + their physicians and friends: but like their brother prisoners, fell a + sacrifice to the relentless and scientific barbarity of the British. I + took as much pains as the circumstances would admit of to inform myself + not only of matters of fact, but likewise of the very design and aims of + General Howe and his council, the latter of which I predicated on the + former, and submit it to the candid public.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — THE ACCOUNT OF ALEXANDER GRAYDON + </h2> + <p> + One of the most interesting and best memoirs of revolutionary times is + that written by Alexander Graydon, and as he was taken prisoner at Fort + Washington, and closely connected with the events in New York during the + winter of 1776-7, we will quote here his account of his captivity. + </p> + <p> + He describes the building of Fort Washington in July of 1776 by the men of + Magaw’s and Hand’s regiments. General Putnam was the engineer. It was + poorly built for defence, and not adapted for a siege. + </p> + <p> + Graydon was a captain in Colonel Shee’s Regiment, but, for some reason or + other, Shee went home just before the battle was fought, and his troops + were commanded by Cadwallader in his stead. Graydon puts the number of + privates taken prisoner at 2706 and the officers at about 210. Bedinger, + as we have already seen, states that there were 2673 privates and 210 + officers. He was a man of painstaking accuracy, and it is quite probable + that his account is the most trustworthy. As one of the privates was + Bedinger’s own young brother, a boy of fifteen, whom he undoubtedly + visited as often as possible, while Graydon only went once to the prisons, + perhaps Bedinger had the best opportunities for computing the number of + captives. + </p> + <p> + Graydon says that Colonel Rawlings was, some time late in the morning of + the 16th of November, attacked by the Hessians, when he fought with great + gallantry and effect as they were climbing the heights, until the arms of + the riflemen became useless from the foulness they contracted from the + frequent repetition of their fire. + </p> + <p> + Graydon, himself, becoming separated from his own men, mistook a party of + Highlanders for them, and was obliged to surrender to them. He was put + under charge of a Scotch sergeant, who said to him and his companion, + Forrest: “Young men, ye should never fight against your King!” + </p> + <p> + Just then a British officer rode up at full gallop exclaiming, “What! + taking prisoners! Kill them, Kill every man of them!” + </p> + <p> + “My back was towards him when he spoke,” says Graydon, “and although by + this time there was none of that appearance of ferocity in the guard which + would induce much fear that they would execute his command, I yet thought + it well enough to parry it, and turning to him, I took off my hat, saying, + ‘Sir, I put myself under your protection!’ + </p> + <p> + “No man was ever more effectually rebuked. His manner was instantly + softened; he met my salutation with an inclination of his body, and after + a civil question or two, as if to make amends for his sanguinary mandate, + rode off towards the fort, to which he had enquired the way. + </p> + <p> + “Though I had delivered up my arms I had not adverted to a cartouche box + which I wore about my waist, and which, having once belonged to his + British Majesty, presented in front the gilded letters, G. R. Exasperated + at this trophy on the body of a rebel, one of the soldiers seized the belt + with great violence, and in the act to unbuckle it, had nearly jerked me + off my legs. To appease the offended loyalty of the honest Scot I + submissively took it off and handed it to him, being conscious that I had + no longer any right to it. At this moment a Hessian came up. He was not a + private, neither did he look like a regular officer. He was some retainer, + however, to the German troops, and as much of a brute as any one I have + ever seen in human form. The wretch came near enough to elbow us, and, + half unsheathing his sword, with a countenance that bespoke a most + vehement desire to use it against us, he grunted out in broken English, + ‘Eh! you rebel! you damn rebel!’ + </p> + <p> + “I had by this time entire confidence in our Scotchmen, and therefore + regarded the caitiff with the same indifference that I should have viewed + a caged wild beast, though with much greater abhorrence. * * * + </p> + <p> + “We were marched to an old stable, where we found about forty or fifty + prisoners already collected, principally officers, of whom I only + particularly recollect Lieutenant Brodhead of our battalion. We remained + on the outside of the building; and, for nearly an hour, sustained a + series of the most intolerable abuse. This was chiefly from the officers + of the light infantry, for the most part young and insolent puppies, whose + worthlessness was apparently their recommendation to a service, which + placed them in the post of danger, and in the way of becoming food for + powder, their most appropriate destination next to that of the gallows. + The term ‘rebel,’ with the epithet ‘damned’ before it, was the mildest we + received. We were twenty times told, sometimes with a taunting affectation + of concern, that we should every man of us be hanged. * * * The indignity + of being ordered about by such contemptible whipsters, for a moment + unmanned me, and I was obliged to apply my handkerchief to my eyes. This + was the first time in my life that I had been the victim of brutal, + cowardly oppression, and I was unequal to the shock; but my elasticity of + mind was soon restored, and I viewed it with the indignant contempt it + deserved. + </p> + <p> + “For the greater convenience of guarding us we were now removed to the + barn of Colonel Morris’s house, which had been the head-quarters of our + army. * * * It was a good, new building. * * * There were from a hundred + and fifty to two hundred, comprising a motley group, to be sure. Men and + officers of all descriptions, regulars and militia, troops continental and + state, and some in hunting shirts, the mortal aversion of a red coat. Some + of the officers had been plundered of their hats, and some of their coats, + and upon the new society into which we were introduced, with whom a showy + exterior was all in all, we were certainly not calculated to make a very + favorable impression. I found Captain Tudor here, of our regiment, who, if + I mistake not, had lost his hat. * * * It was announced, by an huzza, that + the fort had surrendered. + </p> + <p> + “The officer who commanded the guard in whose custody we now were, was an + ill-looking, low-bred fellow of this dashing corps of light infantry. * * + * As I stood as near as possible to the door for the sake of air, the + enclosure in which we were being extremely crowded and unpleasant, I was + particularly exposed to his brutality; and repelling with some severity + one of his attacks, for I was becoming desperate and careless of safety, + the ruffian exclaimed, ‘Not a word, sir, or damme, I’ll give you my butt!’ + at the same time clubbing his fusee, and drawing it back as if to give the + blow, I fully expected it, but he contented himself with the threat. I + observed to him that I was in his power, and disposed to submit to it, + though not proof against every provocation. * * * There were several + British officers present, when a Serjeant-Major came to take an account of + us, and particularly a list of such of us as were officers. This Serjeant, + though not uncivil, had all that animated, degagè impudence of air, which + belongs to a self complacent, non-commissioned officer of the most + arrogant army in the world; and with his pen in his hand and his paper on + his knee applied to each of us in his turn for his rank. * * * The + sentinels were withdrawn to the distance of about ten or twelve feet, and + we were told that such of us as were officers might walk before the door. + This was a great relief to us.” + </p> + <p> + The officers were lodged in the barn loft quite comfortably. A young + Lieutenant Beckwith had them in charge, and was a humane gentleman. In the + evening he told them he would send them, if possible, a bottle of wine, + but at any rate, a bottle of spirits. He kept his word as to the spirits, + which was all the supper the party in the loft had. “In the morning a + soldier brought me Mr. B.‘s compliments, and an invitation to come down + and breakfast with him. * * * I thankfully accepted his invitation, and + took with me Forrest and Tudor. * * * He gave us a dish of excellent + coffee, with plenty of very good toast, which was the only morsel we had + eaten for the last twenty-four hours. * * * Our fellow sufferers got + nothing until next morning. * * * + </p> + <p> + “All the glory that was going (in the battle of Fort Washington) had, in + my idea of what had passed, been engrossed by the regiment of Rawlings, + which had been actively engaged, killed a number of the enemy, and lost + many themselves. + </p> + <p> + “About two o’clock Mr. B. sent me a plate amply supplied with corned beef, + cabbage, and the leg and wing of a turkey, with bread in proportion.” + </p> + <p> + Though Mr. Graydon calls this gentleman Mr. Becket, it seems that there + was no young officer of that name at the battle of Fort Washington. Becket + appears to be a mistake for Lieutenant Onslow Beckwith. The prisoners were + now marched within six miles of New York and Graydon’s party of officers + were well quartered in a house. “Here,” he continues, “for the first time + we drew provisions for the famished soldiers. * * * Previously to entering + the city we were drawn up for about an hour on the high ground near the + East River. Here, the officers being separated from the men, we were + conducted into a church, where we signed a parole.” + </p> + <p> + At this place a non-commissioned British officer, who had seen him at the + ordinary kept by his widowed mother in Philadelphia, when he was a boy, + insisted on giving him a dollar. + </p> + <p> + “Quarters were assigned for us in the upper part of the town, in what was + called ‘The holy ground.’ * * * I ventured to take board at four dollars + per week with a Mrs. Carroll. * * * Colonel Magaw, Major West, and others, + boarded with me.” + </p> + <p> + He was fortunate in obtaining his trunk and mattress. Speaking of the + prisons in which the privates were confined he says: “I once and once only + ventured to penetrate into these abodes of human misery and despair. But + to what purpose repeat my visit, when I had neither relief to administer + nor comfort to bestow? * * * I endeavoured to comfort them with the hope + of exchange, but humanity forbade me to counsel them to rush on sure + destruction. * * * Our own condition was a paradise to theirs. * * * + Thousands of my unhappy countrymen were consigned to slow, consuming + tortures, equally fatal and potent to destruction.” + </p> + <p> + The American officers on parole in New York prepared a memorial to Sir + William Howe on the condition of these wretched sufferers, and it was + signed by Colonels Magaw, Miles, and Atlee. This is, no doubt, the paper + of which Colonel Ethan Allen writes. Captain Graydon was commissioned to + deliver this document to Sir William Howe. He says: “The representation + which had been submitted to General Howe in behalf of the suffering + prisoners was more successful than had been expected. * * * The + propositions had been considered by Sir William Howe, and he was disposed + to accede to them. These were that the men should be sent within our + lines, where they should be receipted for, and an equal number of the + prisoners in our hands returned in exchange. * * * Our men, no longer + soldiers (their terms for which they had enlisted having expired) and too + debilitated for service, gave a claim to sound men, immediately fit to + take the field, and there was moreover great danger that if they remained + in New York the disease with which they were infected might be spread + throughout the city. At any rate hope was admitted into the mansions of + despair, the prison doors were thrown open, and the soldiers who were yet + alive and capable of being moved were conveyed to our nearest posts, under + the care of our regimental surgeons, to them a fortunate circumstance, + since it enabled them to exchange the land of bondage for that of liberty. + * * * Immediately after the release of our men a new location was assigned + to us. On the 22nd of January, 1777, we were removed to Long Island.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — A FOUL PAGE OF ENGLISH HISTORY + </h2> + <p> + We will not follow Mr. Graydon now to Long Island. It was then late in + January, 1777. The survivors of the American prisoners were, many of them, + exchanged for healthy British soldiers. The crime had been committed, one + of the blackest which stains the annals of English history. By the most + accurate computation at least two thousand helpless American prisoners had + been slowly starved, frozen, or poisoned to death in the churches and + other prisons in New York. + </p> + <p> + No excuse for this monstrous crime can be found, even by those who are + anxiously in search of an adequate one. + </p> + <p> + We have endeavored to give some faint idea of the horrors of that hopeless + captivity. As we have already said scarcely any one who endured + imprisonment for any length of time in the churches lived to tell the + tale. One of these churches was standing not many years ago, and the marks + of bayonet thrusts might plainly be seen upon its pillars. What terrible + deeds were enacted there we can only conjecture. We <i>know</i> that two + thousand, healthy, high-spirited young men, many of them sons of + gentlemen, and all patriotic, brave, and long enduring, even unto death, + were foully murdered in these places of torment, compared to which + ordinary captivity is described by one who endured it as paradise. We + know, we say, that these young men perished awfully, rather than enlist in + the British army; that posterity has almost forgotten them, and that their + dreadful sufferings ought to be remembered wherever American history is + read. + </p> + <p> + We have already said that it is impossible now to obtain the names of all + who suffered death at the hands of their inhuman jailors during the fall + and winter of 1776-7. But we have taken Captain Abraham Shepherd’s company + of riflemen as a sample of the prisoners, and are able, thanks to the pay + roll now in our care, to indicate the fate of each man upon the list. + </p> + <p> + It is a mistake to say that no prisoners deserted to the British. After + the account we have quoted from Ethan Allen’s book we feel sure that no + one can find the heart to blame the poor starving creatures who endeavored + to preserve their remains of life in this manner. + </p> + <p> + Henry Bedinger gives the names of seven men of this company who deserted. + They are Thomas Knox, a corporal; William Anderson, Richard Neal, George + Taylor, Moses McComesky, Anthony Blackhead and Anthony Larkin. Thomas Knox + did not join the British forces until the 17th of January, 1777; William + Anderson on the 20th of January, 1777. Richard Neal left the American army + on the tenth of August, 1776. He, therefore, was not with the regiment at + Fort Washington. George Taylor deserted on the 9th of July, 1776, which + was nine days after he enlisted. Moses McComesky did not desert until the + 14th of June, 1777. Anthony Blackhead deserted November 15th, 1776, the + day before the battle was fought; Anthony Larkin, September 15th, 1776. We + cannot tell what became of any of these men. Those who died of the + prisoners are no less than fifty-two in this one company of seventy-nine + privates and non-commissioned officers. This may and probably does include + a few who lived to be exchanged. The date of death of each man is given, + but not the place in which he died. + </p> + <p> + A very singular fact about this record is that no less than <i>seventeen</i> + of the prisoners of this company died on the same day, which was the + fifteenth of February, 1777. Why this was so we cannot tell. We can only + leave the cause of their death to the imagination of our readers. Whether + they were poisoned by wholesale; whether they were murdered in attempting + to escape; whether the night being extraordinarily severe, they froze to + death; whether they were butchered by British bayonets, we are totally + unable to tell. The record gives their names and the date of death and + says that all seventeen were prisoners. That is all. + </p> + <p> + The names of these men are Jacob Wine, William Waller, Peter Snyder, + Conrad Rush, David Harmon, William Moredock, William Wilson, James Wilson, + Thomas Beatty, Samuel Davis, John Cassody, Peter Good, John Nixon, + Christopher Peninger, Benjamin McKnight, John McSwaine, James Griffith, + and Patrick Murphy. + </p> + <p> + Two or three others are mentioned as dying the day after. Is it possible + that these men were on board one of the prison ships which was set on + fire? If so we have been able to discover no account of such a disaster on + that date. + </p> + <p> + Many of the papers of Major Henry Bedinger were destroyed. It is possible + that he may have left some clue to the fate of these men, but if so it is + probably not now in existence. But among the letters and memoranda written + by him which have been submitted to us for inspection, is a list, written + on a scrap of paper, of the men that he recruited for Captain Shepherd’s + Company in the summer of 1776. This paper gives the names of the men and + the date on which each one died in prison. It is as follows: + </p> + <p> + LIST OF MEN RAISED BY LIEUTENANT HENRY BEDINGER, AND THAT HE BROUGHT + </p> + <p> + FROM NEW TOWN, BERKELEY COUNTY, VA., AUGUST FIRST, 1776 + </p> + <p> + Dennis Bush, Fourth Sergeant. (He was taken prisoner at Fort Washington, + but lived to be exchanged, and was paid up to October 1st, 1778, at the + end of the term for which the company enlisted.) + </p> + <p> + Conrad Cabbage, Prisoner, Died, Jan. 7th, 1777. John Cummins, Prisoner, + Died, Jan. 27th, 1777. Gabriel Stevens, Prisoner, Died, March 1st, 1777. + William Donally, Prisoner, Died, Jan. 10th, 1777. David Gilmer, Prisoner, + Died, Jan. 26th, 1777. John Cassady, Prisoner, Died, Feb. 15th, 1777. + Samuel Brown, Prisoner, Died, Feb. 26th, 1777. Peter Good, Prisoner, Died, + Feb. 13th, 1777. William Boyle, Prisoner, Died, Feb. 25th, 1777. John + Nixon, Prisoner, Died, Feb. 18th, 1777. Anthony Blackhead, deserted, Nov. + 15th, 1776. William Case, Prisoner, Died, March 15th, 1777. Caspar Myres, + Prisoner, Died, Feb. 16th, 1777. William Seaman, Prisoner, Died, July 8th, + 1777. Isaac Price, Prisoner, Died, Feb. 5th, 1777. Samuel Davis, Prisoner, + Died, Feb. 15th, 1777. + </p> + <p> + William Seaman was the son of Jonah Seaman, living near Darkesville. Isaac + Price was an orphan, living with James’ Campbell’s father. Samuel Davis + came from near Charlestown. + </p> + <p> + Henry Bedinger. + </p> + <p> + This is all, but it is eloquent with what it does not say. All but two of + this list of seventeen young, vigorous riflemen died in prison or from the + effects of confinement. One, alone had sufficient vitality to endure until + the 8th of July, 1777. Perhaps he was more to be pitied than his comrades. + </p> + <p> + We now begin to understand how it happened that, out of more than 2,600 + privates taken prisoner at Fort Washington, 1,900 were dead in the space + of two months and four days, when the exchange of some of the survivors + took place. Surely this is a lasting disgrace to one of the greatest + nations of the world. If, as seems undoubtedly true, more men perished in + prison than on the battle fields of the Revolution, it is difficult to see + why so little is made of this fact in the many histories of that struggle + that have been written. We find that the accounts of British prisons are + usually dismissed in a few words, sometimes in an appendix, or a casual + note. But history was ever written thus. Great victories are elaborately + described; and all the pomp and circumstance of war is set down for our + pleasure and instruction. But it is due to the grand solemn muse of + history, who carries the torch of truth, that the other side, the horrors + of war, should be as faithfully delineated. Wars will not cease until the + lessons of their cruelty, their barbarity, and the dark trail of suffering + they leave behind them are deeply impressed upon the mind. It is our + painful task to go over the picture, putting in the shadows as we see + them, however gloomy may be the effect. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — A BOY IN PRISON + </h2> + <p> + In the winter of 1761 a boy was born in a German settlement near + Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the third son of Henry Bedinger and his wife, + whose maiden name was Magdalene von Schlegel. These Germans, whom we have + already mentioned, moved, in 1762, to the neighborhood of the little + hamlet, then called Mecklenburg, Berkeley County, Virginia. Afterwards the + name of the town was changed to Shepherdstown, in honor of its chief + proprietor, Thomas Shepherd. + </p> + <p> + Daniel was a boy of fourteen when the first company of riflemen was raised + at Shepherdstown by the gallant young officer, Captain Hugh Stephenson, in + 1775. + </p> + <p> + The rendezvous of this company was the spring on his mother’s farm, then + called Bedinger’s Spring, where the clear water gushes out of a great rock + at the foot of an ancient oak. The son of Daniel Bedinger, Hon. Henry + Bedinger, Minister to the Court of Denmark in 1853, left a short account + of his father’s early history, which we will quote in this place. He says: + “When the war of the Revolution commenced my father’s eldest brother Henry + was about twenty-two years of age. His next brother, Michael, about + nineteen, and he himself only in his fifteenth year. Upon the first news + of hostilities his two brothers joined a volunteer company under the + command of Captain Hugh Stephenson, and set off immediately to join the + army at Cambridge. + </p> + <p> + “My father himself was extremely anxious to accompany them, but they and + his mother, who was a widow, forbade his doing so, telling him he was + entirely too young, and that he must stay at home and take care of his + younger brothers and sisters. And he was thus very reluctantly compelled + to remain at home. At the expiration of about twelve months his brothers + returned home, and when the time for their second departure had arrived, + the wonderful tales they had narrated of their life in camp had wrought so + upon my father’s youthful and ardent imagination that he besought them and + his mother with tears in his eyes, to suffer him to accompany them. But + they, regarding his youth, would not give their consent, but took their + departure without him. + </p> + <p> + “However, the second night after their arrival in camp (which was at + Bergen, New Jersey), they were astonished by the arrival of my father, he + having run off from home and followed them all the way on foot, and now + appeared before them, haggard and weary and half starved by the lengths of + his march. * * * My father was taken prisoner at the battle of Fort + Washington, and the privations and cruel treatment which he then underwent + gave a blow to his constitution from which he never recovered. After the + close of the Revolution he returned home with a constitution much + shattered. * * *” + </p> + <p> + Many years after the Revolution Dr. Draper, who died in Madison, + Wisconsin, and left his valuable manuscripts to the Historical Society of + that State, interviewed an old veteran of the war, in Kentucky. This + venerable relic of the Revolution was Major George Michael Bedinger, a + brother of Daniel. Dr. Draper took down from his lips a short account of + the battle of Fort Washington, where his two brothers were captured. Major + G. M. Bedinger was not in service at that time, but must have received the + account from one or both of his brothers. Dr. Draper says: “In the action + of Fort Washington Henry Bedinger heard a Hessian captain, having been + repulsed, speak to his riflemen in his own language, telling them to + follow his example and reserve their fire until they were close. Bedinger, + recognizing his mother tongue, watched the approach of the Hessian + officer, and each levelled his unerring rifle at the other. Both fired, + Bedinger was wounded in the finger: the ball passing, cut off a lock of + his hair. The Hessian was shot through the head, and instantly expired. + Captain Bedinger’s young brother Daniel, in his company, then but a little + past fifteen, shot twenty-seven rounds, and was often heard to say, after + discharging his piece, ‘There! take that, you——!’ + </p> + <p> + “His youthful intrepidity, and gallant conduct, so particularly attracted + the attention of the officers, that, though taken prisoner, he was + promoted to an ensigncy, his commission dating back six months that he + might take precedence of the other ensigns of his company. + </p> + <p> + “These two brothers remained prisoners, the youngest but a few months, and + the elder nearly four years, both on prison ships, with the most cruel + treatment, in filthy holds, impure atmosphere, and stinted allowance of + food. With such treatment it was no wonder that but eight hundred out of + the 2800 prisoners taken at Fort Washington survived. + </p> + <p> + “During the captivity of his brother Henry, Major Bedinger would by labor, + loans at different times, and the property sold which he inherited from + his father, procure money to convey to the British Commissary of Prisoners + to pay his brother Henry’s board. Then he was released from the filthy + prison ship, limited on his parole of honor to certain limits at Flatbush, + and decently provisioned and better treated, and it is pleasant to add + that the British officers having charge of these matters were faithful in + the proper application of funds thus placed in their hands. Major Bedinger + made many trips on this labor of fraternal affection. This, with his + attention to his mother and family, kept him from regularly serving in the + army. But he, never the less, would make short tours of service.” + </p> + <p> + So far we have quoted Dr. Draper’s recollections of an interview with + George Michael Bedinger in his extreme old age. We have already given + Henry Bedinger’s own acount of his captivity. What we know of Daniel’s far + severer treatment we will give in our own words. + </p> + <p> + It was four days before the privates taken at Fort Washington had one + morsel to eat. They were then given a little mouldy biscuit and raw pork. + They were marched to New York, and Daniel was lodged with many others, + perhaps with the whole company, in the Old Sugar House on Liberty Street. + Here he very nearly died of exposure and starvation. There was no glass in + the windows and scarce one of the prisoners was properly clothed. When it + snowed they were drifted over as they slept. + </p> + <p> + One day Daniel discovered in some vats a deposit of sugar which he was + glad to scrape to sustain life. A gentleman, confined with him in the Old + Sugar House, used to tell his descendants that the most terrible fight he + ever engaged in was a struggle with a comrade in prison for the carcass of + a decayed rat. + </p> + <p> + It is possible that Henry Bedinger, an officer on parole in New York, may + have found some means of communicating with his young brother, and even of + supplying him, sometimes, with food. Daniel, however, was soon put on + board a prison ship, probably the Whitby, in New York harbor. + </p> + <p> + Before the first exchange was effected the poor boy had yielded to + despair, and had turned his face to the wall, to die. How bitterly he must + have regretted the home he had been so ready to leave a few months before! + And now the iron had eaten into his soul, and he longed for death, as the + only means of release from his terrible sufferings. + </p> + <p> + Daniel’s father was born in Alsace, and he himself had been brought up in + a family where German was the familiar language of the household. It seems + that, in some way, probably by using his mother tongue, he had touched the + heart of one of the Hessian guards. When the officers in charge went among + the prisoners, selecting those who were to be exchanged, they twice passed + the poor boy as too far gone to be moved. But he, with a sudden revival of + hope and the desire to live, begged and entreated the Hessian so pitifully + not to leave him behind, that that young man, who is said to have been an + officer, declared that he would be responsible for him, had him lifted and + laid down in the bottom of a boat, as he was too feeble to sit or stand. + In this condition he accompanied the other prisoners to a church in New + York where the exchange was effected. One or more of the American surgeons + accompanied the prisoners. In some way Daniel was conveyed to + Philadelphia, where he completely collapsed, and was taken to one of the + military hospitals. + </p> + <p> + Here, about the first of January, 1777, his devoted brother, George + Michael Bedinger, found him. Major Bedinger’s son, Dr. B. F. Bedinger, + wrote an account of the meeting of these two brothers for Mrs. H. B. Lee, + one of Daniel’s daughters, which tells the rest of the story. He said: + </p> + <p> + “My father went to the hospital in search of his brother, but did not + recognize him. On inquiry if there were any (that had been) prisoners + there a feeble voice responded, from a little pile of straw and rags in a + corner, ‘Yes, Michael, there is one.’ + </p> + <p> + “Overcome by his feelings my father knelt by the side of the poor + emaciated boy, and took him in his arms. He then bore him to a house where + he could procure some comforts in the way of food and clothing. After this + he got an armchair, two pillows, and some leather straps. + </p> + <p> + “He placed his suffering and beloved charge in the chair, supported him by + the pillows, swung him by the leather straps to his back, and carried him + some miles into the country, where he found a friendly asylum for him in + the house of some good Quakers. There he nursed him, and by the aid of the + kind owners, who were farmers, gave him nourishing food, until he + partially recovered strength. + </p> + <p> + “But your father was very impatient to get home, and wished to proceed + before he was well able to walk, and did so leave, while my father walked + by his side, with his arm around him to support him. Thus they travelled + from the neighborhood of Philadelphia, to Shepherdstown (Virginia) of + course by short stages, when my father restored him safe to his mother and + family. + </p> + <p> + “Your father related some of the incidents of that trip to me when I last + saw him at Bedford (his home) in the spring of 1817, not more than one + year before his death. Our uncle, Henry Bedinger, was also a prisoner for + a long time, and although he suffered greatly his suffering was not to be + compared to your father’s. + </p> + <p> + “After your father recovered his health he again entered the service and + continued in it to the end of the war. He was made Lieutenant, and I have + heard my father speak of many battles he was in, but I have forgotten the + names and places.” [Footnote: Letter of Dr B. F. Bedinger to Mrs H. B. + Lee, written in 1871.] + </p> + <p> + After Daniel Bedinger returned home he had a relapse, and lay, for a long + time, at the point of death. He, however, recovered, and re-entered the + service, where the first duty assigned him was that of acting as one of + the guards over the prisoners near Winchester. He afterwards fought with + Morgan in the southern campaigns, was in the battle of the Cowpens, and + several other engagements, serving until the army was disbanded. He was a + Knight of the Order of the Cincinnati. His grandson, the Rev. Henry + Bedinger, has the original parchment signed by General Washington, in his + possession. This grandson is now the chaplain of the Virginia branch of + the Society. + </p> + <p> + In 1791 Daniel Bedinger married Miss Sarah Rutherford, a daughter of Hon. + Robert Rutherford, of Flowing Springs, in what is now Jefferson County, + West Virginia, but was then part of Berkeley County, Virginia. + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant Bedinger lived in Norfolk for many years. He was first engaged + in the Custom House in that city. In 1802 he accepted the position of navy + agent of the Gosport Navy Yard. He died in 1818 at his home near + Shepherdstown, of a malady which troubled him ever after his confinement + as a prisoner in New York. He hated the British with a bitter hatred, + which is not to be wondered at. He was an ardent supporter of Thomas + Jefferson, and wrote much for the periodicals of the time. Withal he was a + scholarly gentleman, and a warm and generous friend. He built a beautiful + residence on the site of his mother’s old home near Sheperdstown; where, + when he died in 1818, he left a large family of children, and a wide + circle of friends and admirers. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE REVOLUTION + </h2> + <p> + What we have been able to glean from the periodicals of the day about the + state of the prisons in New York during the years 1776 and 1777 we will + condense into one short chapter. + </p> + <p> + We will also give an abstract taken from a note book written by General + Jeremiah Johnson, who as a boy, lived near Wallabout Bay during the + Revolution and who thus describes one of the first prison ships used by + the British at New York. He says: “The subject of the naval prisoners, and + of the British prisons-ships, stationed at the Wallabout during the + Revolution, is one which cannot be passed by in silence. From printed + journals, published in New York at the close of the war, it appeared that + 11,500 American prisoners had died on board the prison ships. Although + this number is very great, yet if the numbers who perished had been less, + the Commissary of Naval Prisoners, David Sproat, Esq., and his Deputy, had + it in their power, by an official Return, to give the true number taken, + exchanged, escaped, and <i>dead</i>. Such a Return has never appeared in + the United States. + </p> + <p> + “David Sproat returned to America after the war, and resided in + Philadelphia, where he died. [Footnote: This is, we believe, a mistake. + Another account says he died at Kirkcudbright, Scotland, in 1792.] The + Commissary could not have been ignorant of the statement published here on + this interesting subject. We may, therefore, infer that about that number, + 11,500, perished in the Prison ships. + </p> + <p> + “A large transport called the Whitby, was the first prison ship anchored + in the Wallabout. She was moored near Remsen’s Mill about the 20th of + October, 1776, and was then crowded with prisoners. Many landsmen were + prisoners on board this vessel: she was said to be the most sickly of all + the prison ships. Bad provisions, bad water, and scanted rations were + dealt to the prisoners. No medical men attended the sick. Disease reigned + unrelieved, and hundreds died from pestilence, or were starved on board + this floating Prison. I saw the sand beach, between a ravine in the hill + and Mr. Remsen’s dock, become filled with graves in the course of two + months: and before the first of May, 1777, the ravine alluded to was + itself occupied in the same way. + </p> + <p> + “In the month of May, 1777, two large ships were anchored in the + Wallabout, when the prisoners were transferred from the Whitby to them. + These vessels were also very sickly from the causes before stated. + Although many prisoners were sent on board of them, and none exchanged, + death made room for all. + </p> + <p> + “On a Sunday afternoon about the middle of October, 1777, one of these + prison ships was burnt. The prisoners, except a few, who, it was said, + were burnt in the vessel, were removed to the remaining ship. It was + reported at the time, that the prisoners had fired their prison, which, if + true, proves that they preferred death, even by fire, to the lingering + sufferings of pestilence and starvation. In the month of February, 1778, + the remaining prison ship was burnt, when the prisoners were removed from + her to the ships then wintering in the Wallabout.” + </p> + <p> + One of the first notices we have in the newspapers of the day of American + prisoners is to the following effect: “London, August 5th, 1775. As every + rebel, who is taken prisoner, has incurred the pain of death by the law + martial, it is said that Government will charter several transports, after + their arrival at Boston to carry the culprits to the East Indies for the + Company’s service. As it is the intention of Government only to punish the + ringleaders and commanders <i>capitally</i>, and to suffer the inferior + Rebels to redeem their lives by entering into the East India Company’s + service. This translation will only render them more useful subjects than + in their native country.” + </p> + <p> + This notice, copied from London papers, appeared in Holt’s <i>New York + Journal</i>, for October 19th, 1775. It proved to be no idle threat. How + many of our brave soldiers were sent to languish out their lives in the + British possessions in India, and on the coast of Africa, we have no means + of knowing. Few, indeed, ever saw their homes again, but we will give, in + a future chapter, the narrative of one who escaped from captivity worse + than death on the island of Sumatra. + </p> + <p> + An account of the mobbing of William Cunningham and John Hill is given in + both the Tory and Whig papers of the day. It occurred in March, 1775. + “William Cunningham and John Hill were mobbed by 200 men in New York, + dragged through the green, Cunningham was robbed of his watch and the + clothes torn off his back, etc., for being a Tory, and having made himself + obnoxious to the Americans. He has often been heard blustering in behalf + of the ministry, and his behavior has recommended him to the favor of + several men of eminence, both in the military and civil departments. He + has often been seen, on a footing of familiarity, at their houses, and + parading the streets on a horse belonging to one of the gentlemen, etc., + etc.” + </p> + <p> + The <i>Virginia Gazette</i> in its issue for the first of July, 1775, + says: “On June 6th, 1775, the prisoners taken at Lexington were exchanged. + The wounded privates were soon sent on board the Levity. * * * At about + three a signal was made by the Levity that they were ready to deliver up + our prisoners, upon which General Putnam and Major Moncrief went to the + ferry, where they received nine prisoners. The regular officers expressed + themselves as highly pleased, those who had been prisoners politely + acknowledged the genteel kindness they had received from their captors; + the privates, who were all wounded men, expressed in the strongest terms + their grateful sense of the tenderness which had been shown them in their + miserable situation; some of them could do it only by their tears. It + would have been to the honor of the British arms if the prisoners taken + from us could with justice have made the same acknowledgement. It cannot + be supposed that any officers of rank or common humanity were knowing to + the repeated cruel insults that were offered them; but it may not be amiss + to hint to the upstarts concerned, two truths of which they appear to be + wholly ignorant, viz: That compassion is as essential a part of the + character of a truly brave man as daring, and that insult offered to the + person completely in the power of the insulters smells as strong of + cowardice as it does of cruelty.” [Footnote: The first American prisoners + were taken on the 17th of June, 1775. These were thrown indiscriminately + into the jail at Boston without any consideration of their rank. General + Washington wrote to General Gage on this subject, to which the latter + replied by asserting that the prisoners had been treated with care and + kindness, though indiscriminately, as he acknowledged no rank that was not + derived from the King. General Carleton during his command conducted + towards the American prisoners with a degree of humanity that reflected + the greatest honor on his character.” From Ramsay’s “History of the + American Revolution”] + </p> + <p> + At the battle of the Great Bridge “the Virginia militia showed the + greatest humanity and tenderness to the wounded prisoners. Several of them + ran through a hot fire to lift up and bring in some that were bleeding, + and whom they feared would die if not speedily assisted by the surgeon. + The prisoners had been told by Lord Dunmore that the Americans would scalp + them, and they cried out, ‘For God’s sake do not murder us!’ One of them + who was unable to walk calling out in this manner to one of our men, was + answered by him: ‘Put your arm about my neck and I’ll show you what I + intend to do.’ Then taking him, with his arm over his neck, he walked + slowly along, bearing him with great tenderness to the breastwork.” <i>Pennsylvania + Evening Post</i>, January 6th, 1776. + </p> + <p> + The Great Bridge was built over the southern branch of the Elizabeth + River, twelve miles above Norfolk. Colonel William Woodford commanded the + Virginia militia on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + “The scene closed with as much humanity as it had been conducted with + bravery. The work of death being over, every one’s attention was directed + to the succor of the unhappy sufferers, and it is an undoubted fact that + Captain Leslie was so affected with the tenderness of our troops towards + those who were yet capable of assistance that he gave signs from the fort + of his thankfulness for it.” <i>Pennsylvania Evening Post</i>, Jan. 6th, + 1776. + </p> + <p> + The first mention we can find of a British prison ship is in the <i>New + York Packet</i> for the 11th of April, 1776: “Captain Hammond * * * + Ordered Captain Forrester, his prisoner, who was on board the Roebuck, up + to the prison ship at Norfolk in a pilot boat.” + </p> + <p> + <i>The Constitutional Gazette</i> for the 19th of April, 1776, has this + announcement, and though it does not bear directly on the subject of + prisoners, it describes a set of men who were most active in taking them, + and were considered by the Americans as more cruel and vindictive than + even the British themselves. + </p> + <p> + “Government have sent over to Germany to engage 1,000 men called Jagers, + people brought up to the use of the rifle barrel guns in boar-hunting. + They are amazingly expert. Every petty prince who hath forests keeps a + number of them, and they are allowed to take apprentices, by which means + they are a numerous body of people. These men are intended to act in the + next campaign in America, and our ministry plume themselves much in the + thought of their being a complete match for the American riflemen.” + </p> + <p> + From Gaine’s <i>Mercury</i>, a notorious Tory paper published in New York + during the British occupancy, we take the following: “November 25th, 1776. + There are now 5,000 prisoners in town, many of them half naked. Congress + deserts the poor wretches,—have sent them neither provisions nor + clothing, nor paid attention to their distress nor that of their families. + Their situation must have been doubly deplorable, but for the humanity of + the King’s officers. Every possible attention has been given, considering + their great numbers and necessary confinement, to alleviate their distress + arising from guilt, sickness, and poverty.” + </p> + <p> + This needs no comment. It is too unspeakably false to be worth + contradicting. + </p> + <p> + “New London, Conn., November 8th, 1776. Yesterday arrived E. Thomas, who + was captured September 1st, carried to New York, and put on board the + Chatham. He escaped Wednesday sennight.” + </p> + <p> + “New London, Nov. 20th, 1776. American officers, prisoners on parole, are + walking about the streets of New York, but soldiers are closely confined, + have but half allowance, are sickly, and die fast.” + </p> + <p> + “New London, Nov. 29th, 1776. A cartel arrived here for exchange of seamen + only. Prisoners had miserable confinement on board of store ships and + transports, where they suffered for want of the common necessaries of + life.” + </p> + <p> + “Exact from a letter written on board the Whitby Prison Ship. New York, + Dec. 9th, 1776. Our present situation is most wretched; more than 250 + prisoners, some sick and without the least assistance from physician, + drug, or medicine, and fed on two-thirds allowance of salt provisions, and + crowded promiscuously together without regard, to color, person or office, + in the small room of a ship’s between decks, allowed to walk the main deck + only between sunrise and sunset. Only two at a time allowed to come on + deck to do what nature requires, and sometimes denied even that, and use + tubs and buckets between decks, to the great offence of every delicate, + cleanly person, and prejudice of all our healths. Lord Howe has liberated + all in the merchant service, but refuses to exchange those taken in arms + but for like prisoners.” (This is an extract from the Trumbull Papers.) + </p> + <p> + From a Connecticut paper: “This may inform those who have friends in New + York, prisoners of war, that Major Wells, a prisoner, has come thence to + Connecticut on parole, to collect money for the much distressed officers + and soldiers there, and desires the money may be left at Landlord Betts, + Norwalk; Captain Benjamin’s, Stratford; Landlord Beers, New Haven; + Hezekiah Wylly’s, Hartford; and at said Well’s, Colchester, with proper + accounts from whom received, and to whom to be delivered. N. B. The + letters must not be sealed, or contain anything of a political nature.” + Conn. Papers, Dec. 6th, 1776. + </p> + <p> + “Conn. <i>Gazette</i>, Feb. 8th, 1777. William Gamble deposes that the + prisoners were huddled together with negroes, had weak grog; no swab to + clean the ship; bad oil; raw pork; seamen refused them water; called them + d——d rebels; the dead not buried, etc.” + </p> + <p> + “Lieut. Wm. Sterrett, taken August 27, 1776, deposes that his clothing was + stolen, that he was abused by the soldiers; stinted in food; etc., those + who had slight wounds were allowed to perish from neglect. The recruiting + officers seduced the prisoners to enlist, etc.” + </p> + <p> + “March 7th, 1777. Forty-six prisoners from the Glasgow, transport ship, + were landed in New Haven, where one of them, Captain Craigie, died and was + buried.” (Their names are published in the Connecticut <i>Courant</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Connecticut <i>Gazette</i> of April 30th, 1777, says: “The Connecticut + Assembly sent to New York a sufficient supply of tow shirts and trousers + for her prisoners, also £35 to Col. Ethan Allen, by his brother Levi.” + </p> + <p> + “Lt. Thos. Fanning, now on parole from Long Island at Norwich, a prisoner + to General Howe, will be at Hartford on his return to New York about + September 8th, whence he proposes to keep the public road to King’s + Bridge. Letters and money left at the most noted public houses in the + different towns, will be conveyed safe to the prisoners. Extraordinaries + excepted.” Connecticut <i>Gazette</i>, Aug. 15th, 1777. + </p> + <p> + “Jan. 8th, ‘77. A flag of truce vessel arrived at Milford after a tedious + passage of eleven days, from New York, having above 200 prisoners, whose + rueful countenances too well discovered the ill treatment they received in + New York. Twenty died on the passage, and twenty since they landed.” New + Haven, Conn. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — THE TRUMBULL PAPERS AND OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION + </h2> + <p> + We will now quote from the Trumbull Papers and other productions, what is + revealed to the public of the state of the prisoners in New York in 1776 + and 1777. Some of our information we have obtained from a book published + in 1866 called “Documents and Letters Intended to Illustrate the + Revolutionary Incidents of Long Island, by Henry Onderdonk, Jr.” He gives + an affecting account of the wounding of General Woodhull, after his + surrender, and when he had given up his sword. The British ruffians who + held him insisted that he should cry, “God save the King!” whereupon, + taking off his hat, he replied, reverently, “God save all of us!” At this + the cruel men ran him through, giving him wounds that proved mortal, + though had they been properly dressed his life might have been spared. He + was mounted behind a trooper and carried to Hinchman’s Tavern, Jamaica, + where permission was refused to Dr. Ogden to dress his wounds. This was on + the 28th of August, 1776. Next day he was taken westward and put on board + an old vessel off New Utrecht. This had been a cattle ship. He was next + removed to the house of Wilhelmus Van Brunt at New Utrecht. His arm + mortified from neglect and it was decided to take it off. He sent express + to his wife that he had no hope of recovery, and begged her to gather up + what provisions she could, for he had a large farm, and hasten to his + bedside. She accordingly loaded a wagon with bread, ham, crackers, butter, + etc., and barely reached her husband in time to see him alive. With his + dying breath he requested her to distribute the provisions she had brought + to the suffering and starving American prisoners. + </p> + <p> + Elias Baylis, who was old and blind, was chairman of the Jamaica Committee + of Safety. He was captured and first imprisoned in the church at New + Utrecht. Afterwards he was sent to the provost prison in New York. He had + a very sweet voice, and was an earnest Christian. In the prison he used to + console himself and his companions in misery by singing hymns and psalms. + Through the intervention of his friends, his release was obtained after + two months confinement, but the rigor of prison life had been too much for + his feeble frame. He died, in the arms of his daughter, as he was in a + boat crossing the ferry to his home. + </p> + <p> + While in the Presbyterian church in New Utrecht used as a prison by the + British, he had for companions, Daniel Duryee, William Furman, William + Creed, and two others, all put into one pew. Baylis asked them to get the + Bible out of the pulpit and read it to him. They feared to do this, but + consented to lead the blind man to the pulpit steps. As he returned with + the Bible in his hands a British guard met him, beat him violently and + took away the book. They were three weeks in the church at New Utrecht. + When a sufficient number of Whig prisoners were collected there they would + be marched under guard to a prison ship. One old Whig named Smith, while + being conducted to his destination, appealed to an onlooker, a Tory of his + acquaintance, to intercede for him. The cold reply of his neighbor was, + “Ah, John, you’ve been a great rebel!” Smith turned to another of his + acquaintances named McEvers, and said to him, “McEvers, its hard for an + old man like me to have to go to a prison! Can’t you do something for me?” + </p> + <p> + “What have you been doing, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I’ve had opinions of my own!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’ll see what I can do for you.” + </p> + <p> + McEvers then went to see the officers in charge and made such + representations to them that Smith was immediately released. + </p> + <p> + Adrian Onderdonk was taken to Flushing and shut up in the old Friends’ + Meeting House there, which is one of the oldest places of worship in + America. Next day he was taken to New York. He, with other prisoners, was + paraded through the streets to the provost, with a gang of loose women + marching before them, to add insult to suffering. + </p> + <p> + Onderdonk says: “After awhile the rigor of the prison rules was somewhat + abated.” He was allowed to write home, which he did in Dutch, for + provisions, such as smoked beef, butter, etc. * * * His friends procured a + woman to do his washing, prepare food and bring it to him. * * * One day + as he was walking through the rooms followed by his constant attendant, a + negro with coils of rope around his neck, this man asked Onderdonk what he + was imprisoned for. + </p> + <p> + “‘I’ve been a Committee man,’” said he. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well,’ with an oath and a great deal of abuse, ‘You shall be hung + tomorrow.’” + </p> + <p> + This mulatto was named Richmond, and was the common hangman. He used to + parade the provost with coils of ropes, requesting the prisoners to choose + their own halters. He it was who hung the gallant Nathan Hale, and was + Cunningham’s accessory in all his brutal midnight murders. In Gaine’s + paper for August 4th, 1781, appears the following advertisement: “One + Guinea Reward, ran away a black man named Richmond, being the common + hangman, formerly the property of the rebel Colonel Patterson of Pa. + </p> + <p> + “Wm. Cunningham.” + </p> + <p> + After nearly four weeks imprisonment the friends of Adrian Onderdonk + procured his release. He was brought home in a wagon in the night, so + pale, thin, and feeble from bodily suffering that his family scarcely + recognized him. His constitution was shattered and he never recovered his + former strength. + </p> + <p> + Onderdonk says that women often brought food for the prisoners in little + baskets, which, after examination, were handed in. Now and then the guard + might intercept what was sent, or Cunningham, if the humor took him, as he + passed through the hall, might kick over vessels of soup, placed there by + the charitable for the poor and friendless prisoners. + </p> + <p> + EXTRACT FROM A BETTER FROM DR. SILAS HOLMES + </p> + <p> + “The wounded prisoners taken at the battle of Brooklyn were put in the + churches of Flatbush and New Utrecht, but being neglected and unattended + were wallowing in their own filth, and breathed an infected and impure + air. Ten days after the battle Dr. Richard Bailey was appointed to + superintend the sick. He was humane, and dressed the wounded daily; got a + sack bed, sheet, and blanket for each prisoner; and distributed the + prisoners into the adjacent barns. When Mrs. Woodhull offered to pay Dr. + Bailey for his care and attention to her husband, he said he had done no + more than his duty, and if there was anything due it was to me.” + </p> + <p> + Woodhull’s wounds were neglected nine days before Dr. Bailey was allowed + to attend them. + </p> + <p> + How long the churches were used as prisons cannot be ascertained, but we + have no account of prisoners confined in any of them after the year 1777. + In the North Dutch Church in New York there were, at one time, eight + hundred prisoners huddled together. It was in this church that bayonet + marks were discernible on its pillars, many years after the war. + </p> + <p> + The provost and old City Hall were used as prisons until Evacuation Day, + when O’Keefe threw his ponderous bunch of keys on the floor and retired. + The prisoners are said to have asked him where they were to go. + </p> + <p> + “To hell, for what I care,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “In the Middle Dutch Church,” says Mr. John Pintard, who was a nephew of + Commissary Pintard, “the prisoners taken on Long Island and at Fort + Washington, sick, wounded, and well, were all indiscriminately huddled + together, by hundreds and thousands, large numbers of whom died by + disease, and many undoubtedly poisoned by inhuman attendants for the sake + of their watches, or silver buckles.” + </p> + <p> + “What was called the Brick Church was at first used as a prison, but soon + it and the Presbyterian Church in Wall Street, the Scotch Church in Cedar + Street, and the Friends’ Meeting House were converted into hospitals.” + </p> + <p> + Oliver Woodruff, who died at the age of ninety, was taken prisoner at Fort + Washington, and left the following record: “We were marched to New York + and went into different prisons. Eight hundred and sixteen went into the + New Bridewell (between the City Hall and Broadway); some into the Sugar + House; others into the Dutch Church. On Thursday morning they brought us a + little provision, which was the first morsel we got to eat or drink after + eating our breakfast on Saturday morning. * * * I was there (in New + Bridewell) three months. In the dungeons of the old City Hall which stood + on the site of what was afterwards the Custom House at first civil + offenders were confined, but afterwards whale-boatmen and robbers.” + </p> + <p> + Robert Troup, a young lieutenant in Colonel Lasher’s battalion, testified + that he and Lieut. Edward Dunscomb, Adjutant Hoogland, and two volunteers + were made prisoners by a detachment of British troops at three o’clock a + m. on the 27th of August, 1776. They were carried before the generals and + interrogated, with threats of hanging. Thence they were led to a house + near Flatbush. At 9 a. m. they were led, in the rear of the army, to + Bedford. Eighteen officers captured that morning were confined in a small + soldier’s tent for two nights and nearly three days. It was raining nearly + all the time. Sixty privates, also, had but one tent, while at Bedford the + provost marshal, Cunningham, brought with him a negro with a halter, + telling them the negro had already hung several, and he imagined he would + hang some more. The negro and Cunningham also heaped abuse upon the + prisoners, showing them the halter, and calling them rebels, scoundrels, + robbers, murderers, etc. + </p> + <p> + From Bedford they were led to Flatbush, and confined a week in a house + belonging to a Mr. Leffert, on short allowance of biscuit and salt pork. + Several Hessians took pity on them and gave them apples, and once some + fresh beef. + </p> + <p> + From Flatbush after a week, he, with seventy or eighty other officers, + were put on board a snow, lying between Gravesend and the Hook, without + bedding or blankets; afflicted with vermin; soap and fresh water for + washing purposes being denied them. They drank and cooked with filthy + water brought from England. The captain charged a very large commission + for purchasing necessaries for them with the money they procured from + their friends. + </p> + <p> + After six weeks spent on the snow they were taken on the 17th of October + to New York and confined in a house near Bridewell. At first they were not + allowed any fuel, and afterwards only a little coal for three days in the + week. Provisions were dealt out very negligently, were scanty, and of bad + quality. Many were ill and most of them would have died had their wants + not been supplied by poor people and loose women of the town, who took + pity on them. + </p> + <p> + “Shortly after the capture of Fort Washington these officers were paroled + and allowed the freedom of the town. Nearly half the prisoners taken on + Long Island died. The privates were treated with great inhumanity, without + fuel, or the common necessaries of life, and were obliged to obey the + calls of nature in places of their confinement.” It is said that the + British did not hang any of the prisoners taken in August on Long Island, + but “played the fool by making them ride with a rope around their necks, + seated on coffins, to the gallows. Major Otho Williams was so treated.” + </p> + <p> + “Adolph Myer, late of Colonel Lasher’s battalion, says he was taken by the + British at Montresor’s Island. They threatened twice to hang him, and had + a rope fixed to a tree. He was led to General Howe’s quarters near Turtle + Bay, who ordered him to be bound hand and foot. He was confined four days + on bread and water, in the ‘condemned hole’ of the New Jail, without straw + or bedding. He was next put into the College, and then into the New Dutch + Church, whence he escaped on the twenty-fourth of January, 1777. He was + treated with great inhumanity, and would have died had he not been + supported by his friends. * * * Many prisoners died from want, and others + were reduced to such wretchedness as to attract the attention of the loose + women of the town, from whom they received considerable assistance. No + care was taken of the sick, and if any died they were thrown at the door + of the prison and lay there until the next day, when they were put in a + cart and drawn out to the intrenchments beyond the Jews’ burial ground, + when they were interred by their fellow prisoners, conducted thither for + that purpose. The dead were thrown into a hole promiscuously, without the + usual rites of sepulchre. Myer was frequently enticed to enlist.” This is + one of the few accounts we have from a prisoner who was confined in one of + the churches in New York, and he was so fortunate as to escape before it + was too late. We wish he had given the details of his escape. In such a + gloomy picture as we are obliged to present to our readers the only high + lights are occasional acts of humanity, and such incidents as fortunate + escapes. + </p> + <p> + It would appear, from many proofs, that the Hessian soldier was naturally + a good-natured being, and he seems to have been the most humane of the + prison guards. We will see, as we go on, instances of the kindness of + these poor exiled mercenaries, to many of whom the war was almost as great + a scene of calamity and suffering as it was to the wretched prisoners + under their care. + </p> + <p> + “Lieutenant Catlin, taken September 15th, ‘76, was confined in prison with + no sustenance for forty-eight hours; for eleven days he had only two days + allowance of pork offensive to the smell, bread hard, mouldy and wormy, + made of canail and dregs of flax-seed; water brackish. ‘I have seen $1.50 + given for a common pail full. Three or four pounds of poor Irish pork were + given to three men for three days. In one church were 850 prisoners for + near three months.’” + </p> + <p> + “About the 25th of December he with 225 men were put on board the Glasgow + at New York to be carried to Connecticut for exchange. They were aboard + eleven days, and kept on coarse broken bread, and less pork than before, + and had no fire for sick or well; crowded between decks, where + twenty-eight died through ill-usage and cold.” (This is taken from the + “History of Litchfield,” page 39.) + </p> + <p> + EXTRACT FROM A LETTER DATED NEW YORK, DEC. 26, 1776 + </p> + <p> + “The distress of the prisoners cannot be communicated in words. Twenty or + thirty die every day; they lie in heaps unburied; what numbers of my + countrymen have died by cold and hunger, perished for want of the common + necessaries of life! I have seen it! This, sir, is the boasted British + clemency! I myself had well nigh perished under it. The New England people + can have no idea of such barbarous policy. Nothing can stop such treatment + but retaliation. I ever despised private revenge, but that of the public + must be in this case, both just and necessary; it is due to the manes of + our murdered countrymen, and that alone can protect the survivors in the + like situation. Rather than experience again their barbarity and insults, + may I fall by the sword of the Hessians.” + </p> + <p> + Onderdonk, who quotes this fragment, gives us no clue to the writer. A man + named S. Young testifies that, “he was taken at Fort Washington and, with + 500 prisoners, was kept in a barn, and had no provisions until Monday + night, when the enemy threw into the stable, in a confused manner, as if + to so many hogs, a quantity of biscuits in crumbs, mostly mouldy, and some + crawling with maggots, which the prisoners were obliged to scramble for + without any division. Next day they had a little pork which they were + obliged to eat raw. Afterwards they got sometimes a bit of pork, at other + times biscuits, peas, and rice. They were confined two weeks in a church, + where they suffered greatly from cold, not being allowed any fire. + Insulted by soldiers, women, and even negroes. Great numbers died, three, + four, or more, sometimes, a day. Afterwards they were carried on board a + ship, where 500 were confined below decks.” + </p> + <p> + The date of this testimony is given as Dec. 15th, 1776: “W. D. says the + prisoners were roughly used at Harlem on their way from Fort Washington to + New York, where 800 men were stored in the New Bridewell, which was a + cold, open house, the windows not glazed. They had not one mouthful from + early Saturday morning until Monday. Rations per man for three days were + half a pound of biscuit, half a pound of pork, half a gill of rice, half a + pint of peas, and half an ounce of butter, the whole not enough for one + good meal, and they were defrauded in this petty allowance. They had no + straw to lie on, no fuel but one cart load per week for 800 men. At nine + o’clock the Hessian guards would come and put out the fire, and lay on the + poor prisoners with heavy clubs, for sitting around the fire. + </p> + <p> + “The water was very bad, as well as the bread. Prisoners died like rotten + sheep, with cold, hunger, and dirt; and those who had good apparel, such + as buckskin breeches, or good coats, were necessitated to sell them to + purchase bread to keep them alive.” Hinman, page 277. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. White left New York Jan. 20th, 1777. She says Bridewell, the + College, the New Jail, the Baptist Meeting House, and the tavern lately + occupied by Mr. De la Montaigne and several other houses are filled with + sick and wounded of the enemy. General Lee was under guard in a small mean + house at the foot of King Street. Wm. Slade says 800 prisoners taken at + Fort Washington were put into the North church. On the first of December + 300 were taken from the church to the prison ship. December second he, + with others, was marched to the Grosvenor transport in the North River; + five hundred were crowded on board. He had to lie down before sunset to + secure a place.” Trumbull Papers. + </p> + <p> + “Henry Franklin affirms that about two days after the taking of Fort + Washington he was in New York, and went to the North Church, in which were + about 800 prisoners taken in said Fort. He inquired into their treatment, + and they told him they fared hard on account both of provisions and + lodging, for they were not allowed any bedding, or blankets, and the + provisions had not been regularly dealt out, so that the modest or + backward could get little or none, nor had they been allowed any fuel to + dress their victuals. The prisoners in New York were very sickly, and died + in considerable numbers.” + </p> + <p> + “Feb. 11, 1777. Joshua Loring, Commissary of Prisoners, says that but + little provisions had been sent in by the rebels for their prisoners.” + Gaine’s Mercury. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jan. 4th</i>. 1777. “Seventy-seven prisoners went into the Sugar House. + N. Murray says 800 men were in Bridewell. The doctor gave poison powders + to the prisoners, who soon died. Some were sent to Honduras to cut + logwood; women came to the prison-gate to sell gingerbread.” Trumbull + Papers. + </p> + <p> + The <i>New York Gazette</i> of May 6th, 1777, states that “of 3000 + prisoners taken at Fort Washington, only 800 are living.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Onderdonk says: “There seems to have been no systematic plan adopted + by the citizens of New York for the relief of the starving prisoners. We + have scattering notices of a few charitable individuals, such as the + following:—‘Mrs. Deborah Franklin was banished from New York Nov. + 21st, 1780, by the British commandant, for her unbounded liberality to the + American prisoners. Mrs. Ann Mott was associated with Mrs. Todd and Mrs. + Whitten in relieving the sufferings of American prisoners in New York, + during the Revolution. John Fillis died at Halifax, 1792, aged 68. He was + kind to American prisoners in New York. Jacob Watson, Penelope Hull, etc., + are also mentioned.’” + </p> + <p> + BRITISH ACCOUNT OF MORTALITY OF PRISONERS + </p> + <p> + “P. Dobbyn, master of a transport, thus writes from New York, Jan. 15th, + 1777. ‘We had four or five hundred prisoners on board our ships, but they + had such bad distempers that each ship buried ten or twelve a day.’ + Another writer, under date of Jan. 14th, ‘77, says, ‘The Churches are full + of American prisoners, who die so fast that 25 or 30 are buried at a time, + in New York City. General Howe gave all who could walk their liberty, + after taking their oath not to take up arms against his Majesty.’” (From a + London Journal.) + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — A JOURNAL KEPT IN THE PROVOST + </h2> + <p> + An old man named John Fell was taken up by the British, and confined for + some months in the Provost prison. He managed to secrete writing materials + and made notes of his treatment. He was imprisoned for being a Whig and + one of the councilmen of Bergen, New Jersey. We will give his journal + entire, as it is quoted by Mr. Onderdonk. + </p> + <p> + April 23rd, 1777. Last night I was taken prisoner from my house by 25 + armed men (he lived in Bergen) who brought me down to Colonel Buskirk’s at + Bergen Point, and from him I was sent to Gen. Pigot, at N. Y., who sent me + with Captain Van Allen to the Provost Jail. + </p> + <p> + 24th. Received from Mrs. Curzon, by the hands of Mr. Amiel, $16, two + shirts, two stocks, some tea, sugar, pepper, towels, tobacco, pipes, + paper, and a bed and bedding. + </p> + <p> + May 1st. Dr. Lewis Antle and Capt. Thomas Golden at the door, refused + admittance. + </p> + <p> + May 2nd. 6 10 P. M. died John Thomas, of smallpox, aged 70 & + inoculated. + </p> + <p> + 5th. Capt. Colden has brought from Mr. Curson $16.00. + </p> + <p> + 11. Dr. Antle came to visit me. Nero at the door. (A dog?) + </p> + <p> + 13. Cold weather. + </p> + <p> + 20. Lewis Pintard came per order of Elias Boudinot to offer me money. + Refused admittance. Capt. Colden came to visit me. + </p> + <p> + 21. Capt and Mrs Corne came to visit me, and I was called downstairs to + see them. + </p> + <p> + 23. Lewis Pintard came as Commissary to take account of officers, in order + to assist them with money. + </p> + <p> + 24. Every person refused admittance to the Provost. + </p> + <p> + 25. All prisoners paraded in the hall: supposed to look for deserters. + </p> + <p> + 27. Rev. Mr. Hart and Col. Smith brought to the Provost from Long Island. + </p> + <p> + 29. Stormy in Provost. + </p> + <p> + 30. Not allowed to fetch good water. + </p> + <p> + 31. Bad water; proposing buying tea-water, but refused. This night ten + prisoners from opposite room ordered into ours, in all twenty. + </p> + <p> + June 1. Continued the same today. + </p> + <p> + 2. The people ordered back to their own room. + </p> + <p> + 3. Captain Van Zandt sent to the dungeon for resenting Captain + Cunningham’s insulting and abusing me. + </p> + <p> + 4. Capt. Adams brought into our room. At 9 P.M. candles ordered out. + </p> + <p> + 7. Captain Van Zandt returned from the dungeon. + </p> + <p> + 8. All prisoners paraded and called over and delivered to care of Sergt. + Keath. (O’Keefe, probably.) And told we are all alike, no distinction to + be made. + </p> + <p> + 10. Prisoners very sickly. + </p> + <p> + 11. Mr Richards from Connecticut exchanged. + </p> + <p> + 12. Exceeding strict and severe. “Out Lights!” + </p> + <p> + 13. Melancholy scene, women refused speaking to their sick husbands, and + treated cruelly by sentries. + </p> + <p> + 14. Mr. James Ferris released on parole. People in jail very sickly and + not allowed a doctor. + </p> + <p> + 17. Capt. Corne came to speak to me; not allowed. + </p> + <p> + 18. Letter from prisoners to Sergeant Keath, requesting more privileges. + </p> + <p> + 19. Received six bottles claret and sundry small articles, but the note + not allowed to come up. + </p> + <p> + 20. Memorandum sent to Gen. Pigot with list of grievances. + </p> + <p> + 21. Answered. “Grant no requests made by prisoners.” + </p> + <p> + 22. Mrs. Banta refused speaking to her son. + </p> + <p> + 23. Mr Haight died. + </p> + <p> + 24. Nineteen prisoners from Brunswick. Eighteen sent to the Sugar House. + </p> + <p> + 25. Dr Bard came to visit Justice Moore, but his wife was refused, tho’ + her husband was dying. + </p> + <p> + 26. Justice Moore died and was carried out. + </p> + <p> + 27. Several sick people removed below. + </p> + <p> + 30. Provost very sickly and some die. + </p> + <p> + July 3. Received from Mrs Curson per Mrs. Marriner, two half Joes. + </p> + <p> + 6. Received of E. Boudinot, per Pintard, ten half Joes. + </p> + <p> + 7. Capt. Thomas Golden came to the grates to see me. + </p> + <p> + 9. Two men carried out to be hung for desertion, reprieved. + </p> + <p> + 11. Mr Langdon brought into our room. + </p> + <p> + 13. The Sergeant removed a number of prisoners from below. + </p> + <p> + 14. Messrs Demarests exchanged. Dr. Romaine ordered to visit the sick. + </p> + <p> + 15. A declaration of more privileges, and prisoners allowed to speak at + the windows. + </p> + <p> + 17. Peter Zabriskie had an order to speak with me, and let me know that + all was well at home + </p> + <p> + 19. Sergt. from Sugar House came to take account of officers in the + Provost. Capt. Cunningham in town. + </p> + <p> + 21. Sergt. took account of officers. Capt. Jas. Lowry died. + </p> + <p> + 22. Mr. Miller died. Capt. Lowry buried. + </p> + <p> + Aug. 1. Very sick. Weather very hot. + </p> + <p> + 5. Barry sent to the dungeon for bringing rum for Mr Phillips without + leave of the Sergt. Everything looks stormy. + </p> + <p> + 6. Warm weather. Growing better. Mr. Pintard came to supply prisoners of + war with clothes. + </p> + <p> + 10. Two prisoners from Long Island and four Lawrences from Tappan. + </p> + <p> + 11. John Coven Cromwell from White Plains. Freeland from Polly (?) Fly + whipped about salt. + </p> + <p> + 12. Sergt. Keath took all pens and ink out of each room, and forbid the + use of any on pain of the dungeon. + </p> + <p> + 13. Abraham Miller discharged. + </p> + <p> + 14. Jacobus Blauvelt died in the morning, buried at noon. + </p> + <p> + 16. Capt. Ed. Travis brought into our room from the dungeon, where he had + long been confined and cruelly treated. + </p> + <p> + 17. Mr. Keath refused me liberty to send a card to Mr Amiel for a lb of + tobacco. + </p> + <p> + 21. Capt. Hyer discharged from the Provost. + </p> + <p> + 25. Barry brought up from the dungeon, and Capt. Travis sent down again + without any provocation. + </p> + <p> + 26. Badcock sent to dungeon for cutting wood in the evening. Locks put on + all the doors, and threatened to be locked up. Col. Ethan Allen brought to + the Provost from Long Island and confined below. + </p> + <p> + 27. Badcock discharged from below. + </p> + <p> + 30. 5 P.M. all rooms locked up close. + </p> + <p> + 31. A.M. Col Allen brought into our room. + </p> + <p> + Sep. 1. Pleasant weather. Bad water. + </p> + <p> + 4. Horrid scenes of whipping. + </p> + <p> + 6. Lewis Pintard brought some money for the officers. P.M. Major Otho H. + Williams brought from Long Island and confined in our room. Major Wells + from same place confined below. A. M. William Lawrence of Tappan died. + </p> + <p> + 8. Campbell, Taylor, John Cromwell, and Buchanan from Philadelphia + discharged. + </p> + <p> + 10. Provisions exceedingly ordinary,—pork very rusty, biscuit bad. + </p> + <p> + 12. Capt. Travis, Capt. Chatham and others brought out of dungeon. + </p> + <p> + 14. Two prisoners from Jersey, viz: Thomas Campbell of Newark and + Joralemon. (Jos. Lemon?) + </p> + <p> + 16. Troops returned from Jersey. Several prisoners brought to Provost viz:—Capt. + Varick, Wm. Prevost Brower, etc. Seventeen prisoners from Long Island. + </p> + <p> + 22. Nothing material. Major Wells brought from below upstairs. + </p> + <p> + 24. Received from Mr. Curson per Mr. Amiel four guineas, six bottles of + wine, and one lb tobacco. + </p> + <p> + 26. Mr. Pintard carried list of prisoners and account of grievances to the + General Capt. Chatham and others carried to dungeon. + </p> + <p> + 28. Yesterday a number of soldiers were sent below, and several prisoners + brought out of dungeon. Statement of grievances presented to General Jones + which much displeased Sergt. Keath who threatened to lock up the rooms. + </p> + <p> + 29. Last night Sergt. K. locked up all the rooms. Rev. Mr. Jas. Sears was + admitted upstairs. + </p> + <p> + 30. Sent Mr. Pintard a list of clothing wanted for continental and state + prisoners in the Provost. Sergt. locks up all the rooms. + </p> + <p> + Oct. 2. Candles ordered out at eight.—Not locked up. + </p> + <p> + 4. Locked up. Great numbers of ships went up North River. Received + sundries from Grove Bend. Three pair ribbed hose, three towels. + </p> + <p> + 5. Garret Miller, of Smith’s Cove, signed his will in prison, in presence + of Benjamin Goldsmith, Abr. Skinner, and myself. C. G. Miller died of + small-pox—P. M. Buried. + </p> + <p> + 7. Wm. Prevost discharged from Provost. + </p> + <p> + 8. Capt. Chatham and Lewis Thatcher brought out of dungeon. + </p> + <p> + 10. Mr. Pintard sent up blankets, shoes, and stockings for the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + 12. Lt. Col. Livingstone and upwards of twenty officers from Fort + Montgomery and Clinton, all below. + </p> + <p> + 13. Received from Mr. Pintard a letter by flag from Peter R. Fell, A. M. + Mr. Noble came to the grates to speak to me. + </p> + <p> + 14. Sergt. Keath sent Lt. Mercer and Mr. Nath. Fitzrandolph to the dungeon + for complaining that their room had not water sufficient. + </p> + <p> + 15. Mr. Pintard brought sundry articles for the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + 17. Mr. Antonio and other prisoners brought here from up North River. + </p> + <p> + 19. Ben Goldsmith ill of smallpox, made his will and gave it to me. Died + two A. M. Oct. 20. + </p> + <p> + 21. Glorious news from the Northward. + </p> + <p> + 22. Confirmation strong as Holy Writ. Beef, loaf bread, and butter drawn + today. + </p> + <p> + 23. Weather continues very cold. Ice in the tub in the hall. A number of + vessels came down North River. Mr. Wm. Bayard at the door to take out old + Mr. Morris. + </p> + <p> + 24. Prisoners from the Sugar House sent on board ships. + </p> + <p> + 25. Rev. Mr. Hart admitted on parole in the city. Sergt. Woolley from the + Sugar House came to take names of officers, and says an exchange is + expected. + </p> + <p> + 28. Last night and today storm continues very severe. Provost in a + terrible condition. Lt. Col. Livingston admitted upstairs a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + Nov. 1. Lt. Callender of the train ordered back on Long Island; also + several officers taken at Fort Montgomery sent on parole to Long Island. + </p> + <p> + 3. In the evening my daughter, Elizabeth Colden, came to see me, + accompained by Mayor Matthews. + </p> + <p> + 5. Elizabeth Colden came to let me know she was going out of town. + Yesterday Sergt refused her the liberty of speaking to me. Gen. + Robertson’s Aid-decamp came to inquire into grievances of prisoners. + </p> + <p> + 16. Jail exceedingly disagreeable.—many miserable and shocking + objects, nearly starved with cold and hunger,—miserable prospect + before me. + </p> + <p> + 18. The Town Major and Town Adjutant came with a pretence of viewing the + jail. + </p> + <p> + 19. Peter and Cor. Van Tassel, two prisoners from Tarrytown, in our room. + </p> + <p> + 20 Mr. Pintard sent three barrels of flour to be distributed among the + prisoners. + </p> + <p> + 21. Mr. Pintard came for an account of what clothing the prisoners wanted. + </p> + <p> + 24. Six tailors brought here from prison ship to work in making clothes + for prisoners. They say the people on board are very sickly. Three hundred + sent on board reduced to one hundred. + </p> + <p> + 25. Mr. Dean and others brought to jail from the town. + </p> + <p> + 26. Dean locked up by himself, and Mr. Forman brought upstairs attended by + Rev. Mr. Inglis, and afterwards ordered downstairs. New order—one of + the prisoners ordered to go to the Commissary’s and see the provisions + dealt out for the prisoners. Vast numbers of people assembled at the + Provost in expectation of seeing an execution. + </p> + <p> + 27. John, one of the milkmen, locked upstairs with a sentry at his door. A + report by Mr. Webb that a prisoner, Herring, was come down to be exchanged + for Mr Van Zandt or me. + </p> + <p> + 30. Captain Cunningham came to the Provost. + </p> + <p> + Dec. 1. Capt. Money came down with Mr Webb to be exchanged for Major + Wells. + </p> + <p> + 2. Col. Butler visited the Provost and promised a doctor should attend. + Received from Mr Bend cloth for a great coat, etc. Mr. Pmtard took a list + of clothing wanted for the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + 3. Several prisoners of war sent from here on board the prison shop, & + some of the sick sent to the hospital, Dr Romaine being ordered by Sir H. + Clinton to examine the sick Prisoners sickly: cause, cold. Prisoners in + upper room (have) scanty clothing and only two bushels of coal for room of + twenty men per week. + </p> + <p> + 5. Mr. Blanch ordered out; said to be to go to Morristown to get prisoners + exchanged. Cold. + </p> + <p> + 7. Mr. Webb came to acquaint Major Wells his exchange was agreed to with + Capt. Money. + </p> + <p> + 8. Major Gen. Robertson, with Mayor came to Provost to examine prisoners. + I was called and examined, and requested my parole. The General said I had + made bad use of indulgence granted me, in letting my daughter come to see + me. * * * + </p> + <p> + 9. Major Wells exchanged. + </p> + <p> + 10. Mr. Pintard sent 100 loaves for the prisoners. A. M. Walter Thurston + died. Prisoners very sickly and die very fast from the hospitals and + prison ships. + </p> + <p> + 11. Some flags from North River. + </p> + <p> + 12. Abel Wells died, a tailor from the prison ship. Mr. Pintard brought + letters for sundry people. + </p> + <p> + 14. Sunday. Guards more severe than ever notwithstanding General + Robertson’s promise of more indulgence. Capt. Van Zandt brought from Long + Island. + </p> + <p> + 16. Sent message to Mr Pintard for wood. Cold and entirely out of wood. + </p> + <p> + 17. Commissary Winslow came and released Major Winslow on his parole on + Long Island. + </p> + <p> + 18. Mr Pintard sent four cords of wood for the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + 19. Capt. John Paul Schoot released on parole. Mr Pintard with clothing + for the people. + </p> + <p> + 21. A paper found at the door of the Provost, intimating that three + prisoners had a rope concealed in a bag in one of the rooms in order to + make their escape. The Sergt. examined all the rooms, and at night we were + all locked up. + </p> + <p> + 22. Received from Mr Pintard 100 loaves and a quarter of beef. + </p> + <p> + 24. Distributed clothing, etc., to the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + 28. Gen. Robertson sent a doctor to examine me in consequence of the + petition sent by Col. Allen for my releasement. The doctor reported to Dr. + Mallet. + </p> + <p> + 29. Gen. Robertson sent me word I should be liberated in town, provided I + procured a gentleman in town to be responsible for my appearance. + Accordingly I wrote to Hon. H. White, Esq. + </p> + <p> + 30. Dr Romaine, with whom I sent the letter, said Mr White had a number of + objections, but the doctor hoped to succeed in the afternoon. Mr. Winslow + came and told the same story I heard the day before. + </p> + <p> + 31. Sergt. Keath brought a message from the General to the same purpose as + yesterday. N. B. I lost the memoranda from this date to the time of my + being liberated from the Provost on Jan. 7, 1778. + </p> + <p> + New York Feb. 11. ‘78. Received a letter from Joshua Loring, Esq, + Commissary of Prisoners, with leave from Gen. Robertson for my having the + bounds of the city allowed me. + </p> + <p> + March. 23. Wrote to Major Gen. Robertson and told him this was the + eleventh month of my imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + Fell’s note to the general follows, in which he begs to be liberated to + the house of Mrs. Marriner, who kept an ordinary in the town. A card in + reply from the general states that it is impossible to comply with his + request until Mr. Fell’s friends give him sufficient security that he will + not attempt to escape. A Mr. Langdon having broken his faith in like + circumstances has given rise to a rule, which it is out of the general’s + power to dispense with, etc, etc. + </p> + <p> + “Feb. 4, 1778. I delivered to Mr. Pintard the wills of Garret Miller and + Benjamin Goldsmith, to be forwarded to their respective families. Present + E. Boudinot. + </p> + <p> + “May 20 ‘78, I had my parole extended by order of Gen. Daniel Jones, to my + own house in Bergen County, for thirty days. + </p> + <p> + “July 2. I left town, and next day arrived safe home. + </p> + <p> + “Nov. 15, 1778 I received a certificate from A. Skinner, Deputy Com. of + Prisoners of my being exchanged for Gov. Skene. Signed by Joshua Loring, + Commissary General of Prisoners, dated New York, Oct 26 1778.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — FURTHER TESTIMONY OF CRUELTIES ENDURED BY AMERICAN + PRISONERS + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Fell’s notes on his imprisonment present the best picture we can find + of the condition of the Provost Jail during the term of his captivity. We + have already seen how Mr Elias Boudinot, American Commissary of Prisoners, + came to that place of confinement, and what he found there. This was in + February, 1778. Boudinot also describes the sufferings of the American + prisoners in the early part of 1778 in Philadelphia, and Mr. Fell speaks + of Cunningham’s return to New York. He had, it appears, been occupied in + starving prisoners in Philadelphia during his absence from the Provost, to + which General Howe sent him back, after he had murdered one of his victims + in Philadelphia with the great key. + </p> + <p> + It appears that the prisoners in the Provost sent an account of their + treatment to General Jones, by Mr. Pintard, in September, 1777, several + months before the visit of Mr. Elias Boudinot. They complained that they + were closely confined in the jail without distinction of rank or + character, amongst felons, a number of whom were under sentence of death: + that their friends were not allowed to speak to them, even through the + grates: that they were put on the scanty allowance of two pounds hard + biscuit, and two pounds of raw pork per week, without fuel to dress it. + That they were frequently supplied with water from a pump where all kinds + of filth was thrown, by which it was rendered obnoxious and unwholesome, + the effects of which were to cause much sickness. That good water could + have been as easily obtained. That they were denied the benefit of a + hospital; not permitted to send for medicine, nor to have the services of + a doctor, even when in the greatest distress. That married men and others + who lay at the point of death were refused permission to have their wives + or other relations admitted to see them. And that these poor women, for + attempting to gain admittance, were often beaten from the prison door. + That commissioned officers, and others, persons of character and + reputation, were frequently, without a cause, thrown into a loathsome + dungeon, insulted in a gross manner, and vilely abused by a Provost + Marshal, who was allowed to be one of the basest characters in the British + Army, and whose power was so unlimited, that he had caned an officer, on a + trivial occasion; and frequently beaten the sick privates when unable to + stand, “many of whom are daily obliged to enlist in the New Corps to + prevent perishing for want of the necessaries of life. + </p> + <p> + “Neither pen, ink, or paper allowed (to prevent their treatment being made + public) the consequence of which indeed, the prisoners themselves dread, + knowing the malignant disposition of their keeper.” + </p> + <p> + The Board of War reported on the 21 of January, 1778, that there were 900 + privates and 300 officers in New York, prisoners, and that “the privates + have been crowded all summer in sugar houses, and the officers boarded on + Long Island, except about thirty, who have been confined in the + Provost-Guard, and in most loathsome jails, and that since Oct. 1st, all + those prisoners, both officers and privates, have been confined in + prisons, prison ships, or the Provost.” Lists of prisoners in the Provost; + those taken by the Falcon, Dec. 1777, and those belonging to Connecticut + who were in the Quaker and Brick Meeting House hospitals in Jan. 1778, may + be found in the Trumbull Papers, VII, 62. + </p> + <p> + It seems that General Lee, while a prisoner in New York, in 1778, drew a + prize of $500 in the New York Lottery, and immediately distributed it + among the prisoners in that city. A New London, Connecticut, paper, dated + Feb. 20, 1778, states that “it is said that the American prisoners, since + we have had a Commissary in New York, are well served with good + provisions, which are furnished at the expense of the States, and they are + in general very healthy.” + </p> + <p> + We fear this was a rose-colored view of the matter, though there is no + doubt that our commissaries did what they could to alleviate the miseries + of captivity. + </p> + <p> + Onderdonk quotes from Gaine’s <i>Mercury</i> an advertisement for nurses + in the hospital, but it is undated. “Nurses wanted immediately to attend + the prison hospitals in this city. Good recommendations required, signed + by two respectable inhabitants. Lewis Pintard.” + </p> + <p> + From the New York <i>Gazette</i>, May 6, 1778, we take the following: + “Colonel Miles, Irvin, and fifty more exchanged.” + </p> + <p> + “Conn. <i>Gazette</i>. July 10, ‘78. About three weeks ago Robert + Shefield, of Stonington, made his escape from New York after confinement + in a prison ship. After he was taken he, with his crew of ten, were thrust + into the fore-peak, and put in irons. On their arrival at New York they + were carried on board a prison ship, and to the hatchways, on opening + which, tell not of Pandora’s box, for that must be an alabaster box in + comparison to the opening of these hatches. True there were gratings (to + let in air) but they kept their boats upon them. The steam of the hold was + enough to scald the skin, and take away the breath, the stench enough to + poison the air all around. + </p> + <p> + “On his descending these dreary mansions of woe, and beholding the + numerous spectacles of wretchedness and despair, his soul fainted within + him. A little epitome of hell,—about 300 men confined between decks, + half Frenchmen. He was informed there were three more of these vehicles of + contagion, which contained a like number of miserable Frenchmen also, who + were treated worse, if possible, than Americans. + </p> + <p> + “The heat was so intense that (the hot sun shining all day on deck) they + were all naked, which also served the well to get rid of vermin, but the + sick were eaten up alive. Their sickly countenances, and ghastly looks + were truly horrible; some swearing and blaspheming; others crying, + praying, and wringing their hands; and stalking about like ghosts; others + delirious, raving and storming,—all panting for breath; some dead, + and corrupting. The air was so foul that at times a lamp could not be kept + burning, by reason of which the bodies were not missed until they had been + dead ten days. + </p> + <p> + “One person alone was admitted on deck at a time, after sunset, which + occasioned much filth to run into the hold, and mingle with the bilge + water, which was not pumped out while he was aboard, notwithstanding the + decks were leaky, and the prisoners begged permission to let in water and + pump it out again. + </p> + <p> + “While Mr. Sheffield was on board, which was six days, five or six died + daily, and three of his people. He was sent for on shore as evidence in a + Court of Admiralty for condemning his own vessel, and happily escaped. + </p> + <p> + “He was informed in New York that the fresh meat sent in to our prisoners + by our Commissary was taken by the men-of-war for their own use. This he + can say: he did not see any aboard the ship he was in, but they were well + supplied with soft bread from our Commissaries on shore. But the provision + (be it what it will) is not the complaint. Fresh air and fresh water, + God’s free gift, is all their cry.” + </p> + <p> + “New London, Conn. July 31. 78. Last week 500 or 600 prisoners were + released from confinement at New York and sent out chiefly by way of New + Jersey, being exchanged.” + </p> + <p> + “New London Conn. Sep. 26, 78. All American prisoners are nearly sent out + of New York, but there are 615 French prisoners still there.” + </p> + <p> + “Oct 18, 78. The Ship, Good Hope, lies in the North River.” + </p> + <p> + “New London Dec. 18, 78. A Flag with 70 men from the horrible prison ships + of New York arrived: 30 very sickly, 2 died since they arrived.” + </p> + <p> + “N. London. Dec. 25, 78. A cartel arived here from New York with 172 + American prisoners. They were landed here and in Groton, the greater part + are sickly and in most deplorable condition, owing chiefly to the ill + usage in the prison ships, where numbers had their feet and legs frozen” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — THE OLD SUGAR HOUSE—TRINTY CHURCHYARD + </h2> + <p> + We will now take our readers with us to the Sugar House on Liberty Street, + long called the Old Sugar House, and the only one of the three Sugar + Houses which appear to have been used as a place of confinement for + American prisoners of war after the year 1777. + </p> + <p> + We have already mentioned this dreary abode of wretchedness, but it + deserves a more elaborate description. + </p> + <p> + From Valentine’s Manual of the Common Council of New York for 1844 we will + copy the following brief sketch of the British Prisons in New York during + the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + “The British took possession of New York Sep. 15, ‘76, and the capture of + Ft. Washington, Nov. 16, threw 2700 prisoners into their power. To these + must be added 1000 taken at the battle of Brooklyn, and such private + citizens as were arrested for their political principles, in New York City + and on Long Island, and we may safely conclude that Sir William Howe had + at least 5000 prisoners to provide for. + </p> + <p> + “The sudden influx of so many prisoners; the recent capture of the city, + and the unlooked-for conflagration of a fourth part of it, threw his + affairs into such confusion that, from these circumstances alone, the + prisoners must have suffered much, from want of food and other bodily + comforts, but there was superadded the studied cruelty of Captain + Cunningham, the Provost Marshal, and his deputies, and the criminal + negligence of Sir Wm. Howe. + </p> + <p> + “To contain such a vast number of prisoners the ordinary places of + confinement were insufficient. Accordingly the Brick Church, the Middle + Church, the North Church, and the French Church were appropriated to their + use. Beside these, Columbia College, the Sugar House, the New Gaol, the + new Bridewell, and the old City Hall were filled to their utmost capacity. + </p> + <p> + “Till within a few years there stood on Liberty Street, south of the + Middle Dutch Church, a dark, stone building, with small, deep porthole + looking windows, rising tier above tier; exhibiting a dungeon-like aspect. + It was five stories high, and each story was divided into two dreary + apartments. + </p> + <p> + “On the stones and bricks in the wall were to be seen names and dates, as + if done with a prisoner’s penknife, or nail. There was a strong, gaol-like + door opening on Liberty St., and another on the southeast, descending into + a dismal cellar, also used as a prison. There was a walk nearly broad + enough for a cart to travel around it, where night and day, two British or + Hessian guards walked their weary rounds. The yard was surrounded by a + close board fence, nine feet high. ‘In the suffocating heat of summer,’ + says Wm. Dunlap, ‘I saw every narrow aperture of these stone walls filled + with human heads, face above face, seeking a portion of the external air.’ + </p> + <p> + “While the gaol fever was raging in the summer of 1777, the prisoners were + let out in companies of twenty, for half an hour at a time, to breathe + fresh air, and inside they were so crowded, that they divided their + numbers into squads of six each. No. 1 stood for ten minutes as close to + the windows as they could, and then No. 2 took their places, and so on. + </p> + <p> + “Seats there were none, and their beds were but straw, intermixed with + vermin. + </p> + <p> + “For many days the dead-cart visited the prison every morning, into which + eight or ten corpses were flung or piled up, like sticks of wood, and + dumped into ditches in the outskirts of the city.” + </p> + <p> + Silas Talbot says: “A New York gentleman keeps a window shutter that was + used as a checkerboard in the Sugar House. The prisoners daily unhinged + it, and played on it.” + </p> + <p> + Many years ago a small pamphlet was printed in New York to prove that some + of the American prisoners who died in the Old Sugar House were buried in + Trinity church-yard. Andrew S. Norwood, who was a boy during the + Revolution, deposed that he used to carry food to John Van Dyke, in this + prison. The other prisoners would try to wrest away the food, as they were + driven mad by hunger. They were frequently fed with bread made from old, + worm-eaten ship biscuits, reground into meal and offensive to the smell. + Many of the prisoners died, and some were put into oblong boxes, sometimes + two in a box, and buried in Trinity church-yard, and the boy, himself, + witnessed some of the interments. A part of Trinity church-yard was used + as a common burying-ground,—as was also the yard of St. George’s + Church, and what was called the Swamp Burying-Ground. + </p> + <p> + This boy also deposed that his uncle Clifford was murdered during the + Revolution, it was supposed by foreign soldiers, and he was buried in + Trinity church-yard. + </p> + <p> + Jacob Freeman, also a boy during the Revolution, deposed that his father + and several other inhabitants of Woodbridge were arrested and sent to New + York. His grandfather was sixty years old, and when he was arrested, his + son, who was concealed and could have escaped, came out of his + hiding-place and surrendered himself for the purpose of accompanying his + father to prison. The son was a Lieutenant. They were confined in the + Sugar House several months. Every day some of the prisoners died and were + buried in Old Trinity church-yard. Ensign Jacob Barnitz was wounded in + both legs at the battle of Fort Washington. He was conveyed to New York + and there thrown into the Sugar House, and suffered to lie on the damp + ground. A kind friend had him conveyed to more comfortable quarters. + Barnitz came from York, or Lancaster, Pa. + </p> + <p> + Little John Pennell was a cabin boy, bound to Captain White of the sloop + of war, Nancy, in 1776. He testified that the prisoners of the Sugar + House, which was very damp, were buried on the hill called “The Holy + Ground.” “I saw where they were buried. The graves were long and six feet + wide. Five or six were buried in one grave.” It was Trinity Church ground. + </p> + <p> + We will now give an account of Levi Hanford, who was imprisoned in the + Sugar House in 1777. Levi Hanford was a son of Levi Hanford, and was born + in Connecticut, in the town of Norwalk, on the 19th of Feb., 1759. In 1775 + he enlisted in a militia company. In 1776 he was in service in New York. + In March 1777, being then a member of a company commanded by Captain Seth + Seymour, he was captured with twelve others under Lieut. J. B. Eels, at + the “Old Well” in South Norwalk, Conn. While a prisoner in the Old Sugar + House he sent the following letter to his father. A friend wrote the first + part for him, and he appears to have finished it in his own handwriting. + </p> + <p> + New York June 7. 1777 + </p> + <p> + Loving Father:— + </p> + <p> + I take the opportunity to let you know I am alive, and in reasonable + health, since I had the small-pox.—thanks be to the Lord for it. * * + * I received the things you sent me. * * * I wish you would go and see if + you can’t get us exchanged—if you please. Matthias Comstock is dead. + Sam. Hasted, Ebenezer Hoyt, Jonathan Kellog has gone to the hospital to be + inoculated today. We want money very much. I have been sick but hope I am + better. There is a doctor here that has helpt me. * * * I would not go to + the Hospital, for all manner of disease prevail there. * * * If you can + possibly help us send to the Governor and try to help us. * * * Remember + my kind love to all my friends. I am + </p> + <p> + Your Obedient son, Levi Hanford. + </p> + <p> + Poor Levi Hanford was sent to the prison ship, Good Intent, and was not + exchanged until the 8th of May, 1778. + </p> + <p> + In the “Journal of American History,” the third number of the second + volume, on page 527, are the recollections of Thomas Stone, a soldier of + the Revolution, who was born in Guilford, Conn., in 1755. In April, 1777, + he enlisted under Capt. James Watson in Colonel Samuel Webb’s Regiment, + Connecticut line. He spent the following campaign near the Hudson. The 9th + of December following Stone and his comrades under Gen. Parsons, embarked + on board some small vessel at Norwalk, Conn, with a view to take a small + fort on Long Island. “We left the shore,” he says, “about six o’clock, P. + M. The night was very dark, the sloop which I was aboard of parted from + the other vessels, and at daybreak found ourselves alongside a British + frigate. Our sloop grounded, we struck our colors-fatal hour! We were + conducted to New York, introduced to the Jersey Prison Ship. We were all + destitute of any clothing except what we had on; we now began to taste the + vials of Monarchial tender mercy. + </p> + <p> + “About the 25th of Jan. 1778, we were taken from the ships to the Sugar + House, which during the inclement season was more intolerable than the + Ships. + </p> + <p> + “We left the floating Hell with joy, but alas, our joy was of short + duration. Cold and famine were now our destiny. Not a pane of glass, nor + even a board to a single window in the house, and no fire but once in + three days to cook our small allowance of provision. There was a scene + that truly tried body and soul. Old shoes were bought and eaten with as + much relish as a pig or a turkey; a beef bone of four or five ounces, + after it was picked clean, was sold by the British guard for as many + coppers. + </p> + <p> + “In the spring our misery increased; frozen feet began to mortify; by the + first of April, death took from our numbers, and, I hope, from their + misery, from seven to ten a day; and by the first of May out of sixty-nine + taken with me only fifteen were alive, and eight out of that number unable + to work. + </p> + <p> + “Death stared the living in the face: we were now attacked by a fever + which threatened to clear our walls of its miserable inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + “About the 20th of July I made my escape from the prison-yard. Just before + the lamps were lighted. I got safely out of the city, passed all the + guards, was often fired at, but still safe as to any injury done me; + arrived at Harlem River eastward of King’s Bridge. + </p> + <p> + “Hope and fear were now in full exercise. The alarm was struck by the + sentinels keeping firing at me. I arrived at the banks of Harlem,—five + men met me with their bayonets at my heart; to resist was instant death, + and to give up, little better. + </p> + <p> + “I was conducted to the main guard, kept there until morning then started + for New York with waiters with bayonets at my back, arrived at my old + habitation about 1 o’clock, P. M.; was introduced to the Prison keeper who + threatened me with instant death, gave me two heavy blows with his cane; I + caught his arm and the guard interfered. Was driven to the provost, thrust + into a dungeon, a stone floor, not a blanket, not a board, not a straw to + rest on. Next day was visited by a Refugee Lieutenant, offered to enlist + me, offered a bounty, I declined. Next day renewed the visit, made further + offers, told me the General was determined I should starve to death where + I was unless I would enter their service. I told him his General dare not + do it. (I shall here omit the imprecations I gave him in charge.) + </p> + <p> + “The third day I was visited by two British officers, offered me a + sergeant’s post, threatened me with death as before, in case I refused. I + replied, ‘Death if they dare!’ + </p> + <p> + “In about ten minutes the door was opened, a guard took me to my old + habitation the Sugar House, it being about the same time of day I left my + cell that I entered it, being three days and nights without a morsel of + food or a drop of water,—all this for the crime of getting out of + prison. When in the dungeon reflecting upon my situation I thought if ever + mortal could be justified in praying for the destruction of his enemies, I + am the man. + </p> + <p> + “After my escape the guard was augmented, and about this time a new prison + keeper was appointed, our situation became more tolerable. + </p> + <p> + “The 16th of July was exchanged. Language would fail me to describe the + joy of that hour; but it was transitory. On the morning of the 16th, some + friends, or what is still more odious, some Refugees, cast into the Prison + yard a quantity of warm bread, and it was devoured with greediness. The + prison gate was opened, we marched out about the number of 250. Those + belonging to the North and Eastern States were conducted to the North + River and driven on board the flag ship, and landed at Elizabethtown, New + Jersey. Those who ate of the bread soon sickened; there was death in the + bread they had eaten. Some began to complain in about half an hour after + eating the bread, one was taken sick after another in quick succession and + the cry was, ‘Poison, poison!’ I was taken sick about an hour after + eating. When we landed, some could walk, and some could not. I walked to + town about two miles, being led most of the way by two men. About one half + of our number did not eat of the bread, as a report had been brought into + the prison <i>that the prisoners taken at Fort Washington had been + poisoned in the same way</i>. + </p> + <p> + “The sick were conveyed in wagons to White Plains, where I expected to + meet my regiment, but they had been on the march to Rhode Island I + believe, about a week. I was now in a real dilemma; I had not the vestige + of a shirt to my body, was moneyless and friendless. What to do I knew + not. Unable to walk, a gentleman, I think his name was Allen, offered to + carry me to New Haven, which he did. The next day I was conveyed to + Guilford, the place of my birth, but no near relative to help me. Here I + learned that my father had died in the service the Spring before. I was + taken in by a hospitable uncle, but in moderate circumstances. Dr. + Readfield attended me for about four months I was salivated twice, but it + had no good effect. They sent me 30 miles to Dr Little of East Haddam, who + under kind Providence restored me to such state of health that I joined my + Regiment in the Spring following. + </p> + <p> + “In the year 1780, I think in the month of June, General Green met the + enemy at Springfield, New Jersey, and in the engagement I had my left + elbow dislocated in the afternoon. The British fired the village and + retreated. We pursued until dark. The next morning my arm was so swollen + that it <i>could</i> not, or at least was not put right, and it has been + ever since a weak, feeble joint, which has disabled me from most kinds of + manual labor.” + </p> + <p> + To this account the grandson of Thomas Stone, the Rev. Hiram Stone, adds + some notes, in one of which he says, speaking of the Sugar House: “I have + repeatedly heard my grandfather relate that there were no windows left in + the building, and that during the winter season the snow would be driven + entirely across the great rooms in the different stories, and in the + morning lie in drifts upon our poor, hungry, unprotected prisoners. Of a + morning several frozen corpses would be dragged out, thrown into wagons + like logs, then driven away and pitched into a large hole or trench, and + covered up like dead brutes.” + </p> + <p> + Speaking of the custom of sending the exchanged prisoners as far as + possible from their own homes, he says: “I well remember hearing my + grandfather explain this strange conduct of the enemy in the following + way. Alter the poison was thus perfidiously administered, the prisoners + belonging at the North were sent across to the Jersey side, while those of + the South were sent in an opposite direction, the intention of the enemy + evidently being to send the exchanged prisoners as far from home as + possible, that most of them might die of the effect of the poison before + reaching their friends. Grandfather used to speak of the treatment of our + prisoners as most cruel and murderous, though charging it more to the + Tories or Refugees than to the British. + </p> + <p> + “The effects of the poison taken into his system were never eradicated in + the life-time of my grandfather, a ‘breaking out,’ or rash, appearing + every spring, greatly to his annoyance and discomfort.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — THE CASE OF JOHN BLATCHFORD + </h2> + <p> + In our attempt to describe the sufferings of American prisoners taken + during the Revolution, we have, for the most part, confined ourselves to + New York, only because we have been unable to make extensive research into + the records of the British prisons in other places. But what little we + have been able to gather on the subject of the prisoners sent out of + America we will also lay before our readers. + </p> + <p> + We have already stated the fact that some of our prisoners were sent to + India and some to Africa. They seem to have been sold into slavery, and + purchased by the East India Company, and the African Company as well. + </p> + <p> + It is doubtful if any of the poor prisoners sent to the unwholesome + climate of Africa ever returned to tell the story of British cruelties + inflicted upon them there,—where hard work in the burning sun,—scanty + fare,—and jungle fever soon ended their miseries. But one American + prisoner escaped from the Island of Sumatra, where he had been employed in + the pepperfields belonging to the East India Company. His story is + eventful, and we will give the reader an abridgement of it, as it was told + by himself, in his narrative, first published in a New England newspaper. + </p> + <p> + John Blatchford was born at Cape Ann, Mass., in the year 1762. In June, + 1777, he went as a cabin boy on board the Hancock, a continental ship + commanded by Capt. John Manly. On the 8th of July the Hancock was captured + by the Rainbow, under Sir George Collier, and her crew was taken to + Halifax. + </p> + <p> + John Blatchford was, at this time, in his sixteenth year. He was of medium + height, with broad shoulders, full chest, and well proportioned figure. + His complexion was sallow, his eyes dark, and his hair black and curly. He + united great strength with remarkable endurance, else he could not have + survived the rough treatment he experienced at the hands of fate. It is + said that as a man he was temperate, grave, and dignified, and although + his strength was so great, and his courage most undaunted, yet he was + peaceable and slow to anger. His narrative appears to have been dictated + by himself to some better educated person. It was first published in New + London, Conn., in the year 1788. In the year 1797 an abstract of it + appeared in Philip Freneau’s <i>Time Piece</i>, a paper published in New + York. In July, 1860, the entire production was published in the <i>Cape + Ann Gazette</i>. We will now continue the narrative in Blatchford’s own + words: + </p> + <p> + “On our arrival at Halifax we were taken on shore and confined in a prison + which had formerly been a sugar-house. + </p> + <p> + “The large number of prisoners confined in this house, near 300, together + with a scanty allowance of provisions, occasioned it to be very sickly. * + * * George Barnard, who had been a midshipman on the Hancock, and who was + confined in the same room as myself, concerted a plan to release us, which + was to be effected by digging a small passage under ground, to extend to a + garden that was behind the prison, and without the prison wall, where we + might make a breach in the night with safety, and probably all obtain our + liberty. This plan greatly elated our spirits, and we were anxious to + proceed immediately in executing it. + </p> + <p> + “Our cabins were built one above another, from the floor to the height of + a man’s head; and mine was pitched upon to be taken up; and six of us + agreed to do the work, whose names were George Barnard, William Atkins, + late midshipmen in the Hancock; Lemuel Towle of Cape Ann, Isaiah Churchill + of Plymouth; Asa Cole of Weathersfield, and myself. + </p> + <p> + “We took up the cabin and cut a hole in the plank underneath. The sugar + house stood on a foundation of stone which raised the floor four feet + above the ground, and gave us sufficient room to work, and to convey away + the dirt that we dug up. + </p> + <p> + “The instruments that we had to work with were one scraper, one long + spike, and some sharp sticks; with these we proceeded in our difficult + undertaking. As the hole was too small to admit of more than one person to + work at a time we dug by turns during ten or twelve days, and carried the + dirt in our bosoms to another part of the cellar. By this time we supposed + we had dug far enough, and word was given out among the prisoners to + prepare themselves for flight. + </p> + <p> + “But while we were in the midst of our gayety, congratulating ourselves + upon our prospects, we were basely betrayed by one of our own countrymen, + whose name was Knowles. He had been a midshipman on board the Boston + frigate, and was put on board the Fox when she was taken by the Hancock + and Boston. What could have induced him to commit so vile an action cannot + be conceived, as no advantage could accrue to him from our detection, and + death was the certain consequence to many of his miserable countrymen. + That it was so is all that I can say. A few hours before we were to have + attempted our escape Knowles informed the Sergeant of the guard of our + design, and by his treachery cost his country the lives of more than one + hundred valuable citizens,—fathers, and husbands, whose return would + have rejoiced the hearts of now weeping, fatherless children, and called + forth tears of joy from wives, now helpless and disconsolate widows. + </p> + <p> + “When we were discovered the whole guard were ordered into the room and + being informed by Knowles who it was that performed the work we were all + six confined in irons; the hole was filled up and a sentinel constantly + placed in the room, to prevent any further attempt. + </p> + <p> + “We were all placed in close confinement, until two of my + fellow-sufferers, Barnard and Cole, died; one of which was put into the + ground with his irons on his hands. + </p> + <p> + “I was afterwards permitted to walk the yard. But as my irons were too + small, and caused my hands to swell, and made them very sore, I asked the + Sergeant to take them off and give me larger ones. He being a person of + humanity, and compassionating my sufferings, changed my irons for others + that were larger, and more easy to my hands. + </p> + <p> + “Knowles, who was also permitted to walk the yard, for his perfidy, would + take every opportunity to insult and mortify me, by asking me whether I + wanted to run away again, and when I was going home, etc? + </p> + <p> + “His daily affronts, together with his conduct in betraying, his + countrymen, so exasperated me that I wished for nothing more than an + opportunity to convince him that I did not love him. + </p> + <p> + “One day as he was tantalizing over me as usual, I suddenly drew my one + hand out of my irons, flew at him and struck him in the face, knocked out + two or three of his teeth, and bruised his mouth very much. He cried out + that the prisoner had got loose, but before any assistance came, I had put + my hand again into the hand-cuff, and was walking about the yard as usual. + When the guard came they demanded of me in what manner I struck him. I + replied with both my hands. + </p> + <p> + “They then tried to pull my hands out, but could not, and concluded it + must be as I said. Some laughed and some were angry, but in the end I was + ordered again into prison. + </p> + <p> + “The next day I was sent on board the Greyhound, frigate, Capt. Dickson, + bound on a cruise in Boston Bay. + </p> + <p> + “After being out a few days we met with a severe gale of wind, in which we + sprung our main-mast, and received considerable other damage. We were then + obliged to bear away for the West Indies, and on our passage fell in with + and took a brig from Norwich, laden with stock. + </p> + <p> + “The Captain and hands were put on board a Danish vessel the same day. We + carried the brig into Antigua, where we immediately repaired, and were + ordered in company of the Vulture, sloop of war, to convoy a sloop of + merchantmen into New York. + </p> + <p> + “We left the fleet off Sandy Hook, and sailed for Philadelphia, where we + lay until we were made a packet, and ordered for Halifax with dispatches. + We had a quick passage, and arrived safe. + </p> + <p> + “While we lay in the road Admiral Byron arrived, in the Princess Royal + from England, who, being short of men, and we having a surplusage for a + packet, many of our men were ordered on board the Princess Royal, and + among them most of our boat’s crew. + </p> + <p> + “Soon after, some of the officers going on shore, I was ordered into the + boat. We landed at the Governor’s slip—it being then near night. + This was the first time since I had been on board the Greyhound that I had + had an opportunity to escape from her, as they were before this + particularly careful of me; therefore I was determined to get away if + possible, and to effect it I waded round a wharf and went up a byway, + fearing I should meet the officers. I soon got into the street, and made + the best of my way towards Irishtown (the southern suburbs of Halifax) + where I expected to be safe, but unfortunately while running I was met and + stopped by an emissary, who demanded of me my business, and where I was + going? I tried to deceive him, that he might let me pass, but it was in + vain, he ordered me to follow him. + </p> + <p> + “I offered him what money I had, about seven shillings, sixpence, to let + me go, this too was in vain. I then told him I was an American, making my + escape, from a long confinement, and was determined to pass, and took up a + stone. He immediately drew his bayonet, and ordered me to go back with + him. I refused and told him to keep his distance. He then run upon me and + pushed his bayonet into my side. It come out near my navel; but the wound + was not very deep; he then made a second pass at me, and stabbed me + through my arm; he was about to stab me a third time, when I struck him + with the stone and knocked him down. I then run, but the guard who had + been alarmed, immediately took me and carried me before the Governor, + where I understood the man was dead. + </p> + <p> + “I was threatened with every kind of death, and ordered out of the + Governor’s presence. * * * Next day I was sent on board the Greyhound, the + ship I had run from, and we sailed for England. Our captain being a humane + man ordered my irons off, a few days after we sailed, and permitted me to + do duty as formerly. Being out thirteen days we spoke the Hazard sloop of + war, who informed that the French fleet was then cruising in the English + Channel. For this reason we put into Cork, and the dispatches were + forwarded to England. + </p> + <p> + “While we lay in the Cove of Cork I jumped overboard with the intention of + getting away; unfortunately I was discovered and fired at by the marines; + the boat was immediately sent after me, took me up, and carried me on + board again. At this time almost all the officers were on shore, and the + ship was left in charge of the sailing-master, one Drummond, who beat me + most cruelly. To get out of his way I run forward, he followed me, and as + I was running back he came up with me and threw me down the main-hold. The + fall, together with the beating was so severe that I was deprived of my + senses for a considerable time. When I recovered them I found myself in + the carpenter’s berth, placed upon some old canvas between two chests, + having my right thigh, leg and arm broken, and several parts of my body + severely bruised. In this situation I lay eighteen days till our officers, + who had been on business to Dublin, came on board. The captain inquired + for the prisoners, and on being informed of my situation came down with + the doctor to set my bones, but finding them callussed they concluded not + to meddle with me. + </p> + <p> + “The ship lay at Cork until the French fleet left the Channel, and then + sailed for Spithead. On our arrival there I was sent in irons on board the + Princess Amelia, and the next day was carried on board the Brittania, in + Portsmouth Harbor, to be tried before Sir Thomas Pye, lord high admiral of + England, and President of the court martial. + </p> + <p> + “Before the officers had collected I was put under the care of a sentinel, + and the seamen and women who came on board compassionated my sufferings, + which rather heightened than diminished my distress. + </p> + <p> + “I was sitting under the awning, almost overpowered by the reflection of + my unhappy situation, every morning expecting to be summoned for my trial, + when I heard somebody enquire for the prisoner, and supposing it to be an + officer I rose up and answered that I was there. + </p> + <p> + “The gentleman came to me, told me to be of good chear, and taking out a + bottle of cordial, bade me drink, which I did. He then enquired where I + belonged. I informed him. He asked me if I had parents living, and if I + had any friends in England? I answered I had neither. He then assured me + he was my friend, and would render me all the assistance in his power. He + then enquired of me every circumstance relative to my fray with the man at + Halifax, for whose death I was now to be tried and instructed me what to + say on my trial, etc.” + </p> + <p> + Whether this man was a philanthropist, or an agent for the East India + Company, we do not know. He instructed Blatchford to plead guilty, and + then defended him from the charge of murder, no doubt on the plea of + self-defence. Blatchford was therefore acquitted of murder, but apparently + sold to the East India Company as a slave. How this was condoned we do not + know, but will let the poor sailor continue his narrative in his own + words. + </p> + <p> + “I was carried on board an Indiaman, and immediately put down into the + run, where I was confined ten days. * * * On the seventh day I heard the + boatswain pipe all hands, and about noon I was called up on board, where I + found myself on board the Princess Royal, Captain Robert Kerr, bound to + the East Indies, with six others, all large ships belonging to the East + India Company.” He had been told that he was to be sent back to America to + be exchanged, and his disappointment amounted almost to despair. + </p> + <p> + “Our captain told me if I behaved well and did my duty I should receive as + good usage as any man on board; this gave me great encouragement. I now + found my destiny fixed, that whatever I could do would not in the least + alter my situation, and therefor was determined to do the best I could, + and make myself as contented as my unfortunate situation would admit. + </p> + <p> + “After being on board seven days I found there were in the Princess Royal + 82 Americans, all destined to the East Indies, for being what they called + ‘Rebels.’ + </p> + <p> + “We had a passage of seventeen weeks to St Helena, where we put in and + landed part of our cargo, which consisted wholly of provisions. * * * The + ship lay here about three weeks. We then sailed for Batavia, and on the + passage touched at the Cape of Good Hope, where we found the whole of the + fleet that sailed with us from England. We took in some provisions and + necessaries, and set sail for Batavia, where we arrived in ten weeks. Here + we purchased a large quantity of arrack, and remained a considerable time. + </p> + <p> + “We then sailed for Bencoulen in the Island of Sumatria, and after a + passage of about six weeks arrived there. This was in June, 1780. + </p> + <p> + “At this place the Americans were all carried on shore, and I found that I + was no longer to remain on board the ship, but condemned to serve as a + soldier for five years. I offered to bind myself to the captain for five + years, or any longer term if I might serve on board the ship. He told me + it was impossible for me to be released from acting as a soldier, unless I + could pay £50, sterling. As I was unable to do this I was obliged to go + through the manual exercise with the other prisoners; among whom was Wm. + Randall of Boston, and Josiah Folgier of Nantucket, both young men, and + one of them an old ship-mate of mine. + </p> + <p> + “These two and myself agreed to behave as ignorant and awkward as + possible, and what motions we learned one day we were to forget the next. + We pursued this conduct nearly a fortnight, and were beaten every day by + the drill-sergeant who exercised us, and when he found we were determined, + in our obstinacy, and that it was not possible for him to learn us + anything, we were all three sent into the pepper gardens belonging to the + East India Company; and continued picking peppers from morning till night, + and allowed but two scanty meals a day. This, together with the amazing + heat of the sun, the island lying under the equator, was too much for an + American constitution, unused to a hot climate, and we expected that we + should soon end our misery and our lives; but Providence still preserved + us for greater hardships. + </p> + <p> + “The Americans died daily with heat and hard fare, which determined my two + comrades and myself in an endeavor to make our escape. We had been in the + pepper-gardens four months when an opportunity offered, and we resolved + upon trying our fortune. Folgier, Randall and myself sat out with an + intention of reaching Croy (a small harbor where the Dutch often touched + at to water, on the opposite side of the island). Folgier had by some + means got a bayonet, which he fixed in the end of a stick. Randall and + myself had nothing but staves, which were all the weapons we carried with + us. We provided ourselves with fireworks [he means flints to strike fire] + for our journey, which we pursued unmolested till the fourth day just at + night, when we heard a rustle in the bushes and discovered nine sepoys, + who rushed out upon us. + </p> + <p> + “Folgier being the most resolute of us run at one of them, and pushed his + bayonet through his body into a tree. Randall knocked down another; but + they overpowered us, bound us, and carried us back to the fort, which we + reached in a day and a half, though we had been four days travelling from + it, owing to the circle we made by going round the shore, and they came + across the woods being acquainted with the way. + </p> + <p> + “Immediately on our arrival at the fort the Governor called a court + martial, to have us tried. We were soon all condemned to be shot next + morning at seven o’clock, and ordered to be sent into the dungeon and + confined in irons, where we were attended by an adjutant who brought a + priest with him to pray and converse with us, but Folgier, who hated the + sight of an Englishman, desired that we might be left alone. * * * the + clergyman reprimanded him, and told him he made very light of his + situation on the supposition that he would be reprieved; but if he + expected it he deceived himself. Folgier still persisted in the + clergyman’s leaving us, if he would have us make our peace with God, + ‘for,’ said he, ‘the sight of Englishmen, from whom we have received such + treatment, is more disagreeable than the evil spirits of which you have + spoken;’ that, if he could have his choice, he would choose death in + preference to life, if he must have it on the condition of such barbarous + usage as he had received from their hands; and the thoughts of death did + not seem so hideous to him as his past sufferings. + </p> + <p> + “He visited us again about midnight, but finding his company was not + acceptable, he soon left us to our melancholy reflections. + </p> + <p> + “Before sunrise we heard the drums beat, and soon after heard the direful + noise of the door grating on its iron hinges. We were all taken out, our + irons taken off, and we conducted by a strong guard of soldiers to the + parade, surrounded by a circle of armed men, and led into the midst of + them, where three white officers were placed by our side;—silence + was then commanded, and the adjutant taking a paper out of his pocket read + our sentence;—and now I cannot describe my feelings upon this + occasion, nor can it be felt by any one but those who have experienced + some remarkable deliverance from the grim hand of death, when surrounded + on all sides, and nothing but death expected from every quarter, and by + Divine Providence there is some way found out for escape—so it + seemed to me when the adjutant pulled out another paper from his pocket + and read: ‘That the Governor and Council, in consideration of the youth of + Randall and myself, supposing us to be led on by Folgier, who was the + oldest, thought proper to pardon us from death, and that instead we were + to receive 800 lashes each.’ + </p> + <p> + “Although this last sentence seemed terrible to me, yet in comparison with + death, it seemed to be light. Poor Folgier was shot in our presence,—previous + to which we were told we might go and converse with him. Randall went and + talked with him first, and after him I went up to take my leave, but my + feelings were such at the time I had not power to utter a single word to + my departing friend, who seemed as undaunted and seemingly as willing to + die as I was to be released, and told me not to forget the promises we had + formerly made to each other, which was to embrace the first opportunity to + escape. + </p> + <p> + “We parted, and he was immediately after shot dead. We were next taken and + tied, and the adjutant brought a small whip made of cotton, which + consisted of a number of strands and knotted at the ends; but these knots + were all cut off by the adjutant before the drummer took it, which made it + not worse than to have been whipped with cotton yarn. + </p> + <p> + “After being whipped 800 lashes we were sent to the Company’s hospital, + where we had been about three weeks when Randall told me he intended very + soon to make his escape:—This somewhat surprised me, as I had lost + all hopes of regaining my liberty, and supposed he had. I told him I had + hoped he would never mention it again; but however, if that was his + design, I would accompany him. He advised me, if I was fearful, to tarry + behind; but finding he was determined on going, I resolved to run the + risque once more; and as we were then in a hospital we were not suspected + of such a design. + </p> + <p> + “Having provided ourselves with fire-works, and knives, about the first of + December, 1780, we sat out, with the intent to reach the Dutch settlement + of Croy, which is about two or three hundred miles distance upon a direct + line, but as we were obliged to travel along the coast (fearing to risque + the nearest way), it was a journey of 800 miles. + </p> + <p> + “We took each a stick and hung it around our neck, and every day cut a + notch, which was the method we took to keep time. + </p> + <p> + “In this manner we travelled, living upon fruit, turtle eggs, and + sometimes turtle, which we cooked every night with the fire we built to + secure us from wild beasts, they being in great plenty,—such as + buffaloes, tigers, jackanapes, leopards, lions, and baboons and monkies. + </p> + <p> + “On the 30th day of our traveling we met with nothing we could eat and + found no water. At night we found some fruit which appeared to the eyes to + be very delicious, different from any we had seen in our travels. It + resembled a fruit which grows in the West Indies, called a Jack, about the + size of an orange. We being very dry and hungry immediately gathered some + of this fruit, but finding it of a sweet, sickish taste, I eat but two. + Randall eat freely. In the evening we found we were poisoned: I was sick + and puked considerably, Randall was sick and began to swell all round his + body. He grew worse all night, but continued to have his senses till the + next day, when he died, and left me to mourn my greater wretchedness,—more + than 400 miles from any settlement, no companion, the wide ocean on one + side, and a prowling wilderness on the other, liable to many kinds of + death, more terrible than being shot. + </p> + <p> + “I laid down by Randall’s body, wishing, if possible, that he might return + and tell me what course to take. My thoughts almost distracted me, so that + I was unable to do anything untill the next day, during all which time I + continued by the side of Randall. I then got up and made a hole in the + sand and buried him. + </p> + <p> + “I now continued my journey as well as the weak state of my body would + permit,—the weather being at the time extremely hot and rainy. I + frequently lay down and would wish that I might never rise again;—despair + had almost wholly possessed me; and sometimes in a kind of delirium I + would fancy I heard my mother’s voice, and my father calling me, and I + would answer them. At other times my wild imagination would paint to my + view scenes which I was acquainted with. Then supposing myself near home I + would run as fast as my legs could carry me. Frequently I fancied that I + heard dogs bark, men cutting wood, and every noise which I have heard in + my native country. + </p> + <p> + “One day as I was travelling a small dog, as I thought it to be, came + fawning round me and followed me, but I soon discovered it to be a young + lion. I supposed that its dam must be nigh, and therefore run. It followed + me some time and then left me. I proceeded on, but had not got far from it + before it began to cry. I looked round and saw a lioness making towards + it. She yelled most frightfully, which greatly terrified me; but she laid + down something from her mouth for her young one, and then with another + yell turned and went off from me. + </p> + <p> + “Some days after I was travelling by the edge of a woods, which from its + appearance had felt severely the effects of a tornado or hurricane, the + trees being all torn up by the roots, and I heard a crackling noise in the + bushes. Looking about I saw a monstrous large tiger making slowly towards + me, which frightened me exceedingly. When he had approached within a few + rods of me, in my surprise I lifted up my hands and hollowed very loud. + The sudden noise frightened him, seemingly as much as I had been, and he + immediately turned and run into the woods, and I saw him no more. + </p> + <p> + “After this I continued to travel on without molestation, only from the + monkies who were here so plentiful that oftentimes I saw them in large + droves; sometimes I run from them, as if afraid of them, they would then + follow, grin, and chatter at me, and when they got near I would turn, and + they would run from me back into the woods, and climb the trees to get out + of my way. + </p> + <p> + “It was now 15 weeks since I had left the hospital. I had travelled most + all of the day without any water and began to be very thirsty, when I + heard the sound of running water, as it were down a fall of rocks. I had + heard it a considerable time and at last began to suspect it was nothing, + but imaginary, as many other noises I had before thought to have heard. I + however went on as fast as I could, and at length discovered a brook. On + approaching it I was not a little surprised and rejoiced by the sight of a + Female Indian, who was fishing at the brook. She had no other dress on + than that which mother nature affords impartially to all her children, + except a small cloth which she wore round her waist. + </p> + <p> + “I knew not how to address myself to her. I was afraid if I spoke she + would run, and therefore I made a small noise; upon which she looked + round, and seeing me, run across the brook, seemingly much frightened, + leaving her fishing line. I went up to her basket which contained five or + six fish which looked much like our trout. I took up the basket and + attempted to wade across where she had passed, but was too weak to wade + across in that place, and went further up the stream, where I passed over, + and then looking for the Indian woman I saw her at some distance behind a + large cocoa-nut tree. I walked towards her but dared not keep my eyes + steadily upon her lest she would run as she did before. I called to her in + English, and she answered in her own tongue, which I could not understand. + I then called to her in the Malaysian, which I understood a little of; she + answered me in a kind of surprise and asked me in the name of Okrum Footee + (the name of their God) from whence I came, and where I was going. I + answered her as well as I could in the Melais, that I was from Fort + Marlborough, and going to Croy—that I was making my escape from the + English, by whom I had been taken in war. She told me that she had been + taken by the Malays some years before, for that the two nations were + always at war, and that she had been kept as a slave among them three + years and was then retaken by her countrymen. While we were talking + together she appeared to be very shy, and I durst not come nearer than a + rod to her, lest she should run from me. She said that Croy, the place I + was bound to, was about three miles distant: That if I would follow her + she would conduct me to her countrymen, who were but a small distance off. + I begged her to plead with her countrymen to spare my life. She said she + would, and assured me that if I behaved well I should not be hurt. She + then conducted me to a small village, consisting of huts or wigwams. When + we arrived at the village the children that saw me were frightened and run + away from me, and the women exhibited a great deal of fear and kept at a + distance. But my guide called to them and told them not to be afraid, for + that I was not come to hurt them, and then informed them from whence I + came, and that I was going to Croy. + </p> + <p> + “I told my guide I was very hungry, and she sent the children for + something for me to eat. They came and brought me little round balls of + rice, and they, not daring to come nigh, threw them at me. These I picked + up and eat. Afterwards a woman brought some rice and goat’s milk in a + copper bason, and setting it on the ground made signs for me to take it up + and eat it, which I did, and then put the bason down again. They then + poked away the bason with a stick, battered it with stones, and making a + hole in the ground, buried it. + </p> + <p> + “After that they conducted me to a small hut, and told me to tarry there + until the morning, when they would conduct me to the harbor. I had but + little sleep that night, and was up several time to look out, and saw two + or three Indians at a little distance from the hut, who I supposed were + placed there to watch me. + </p> + <p> + “Early in the morning numbers came around the hut, and the female who was + my guide asked me where my country was? I could not make her understand, + only that it was at a great distance. She then asked me if my countrymen + eat men? I told her, no, and seeing some goats pointed at them, and told + her we eat such as them. She then asked me what made me white, and if it + was not the white rain that come upon us when we were small * * * as I + wished to please them I told her that I supposed it was, for it was only + in certain seasons of the year that it fell, and in hot weather when it + did not fall the people grew darker until it returned, and then the people + all grew white again. This seemed to please them very much. + </p> + <p> + “My protectress then brought a young man to me who she said was her + brother, and who would show me the way to the harbour. She then cut a + stick about eight feet long, and he took hold of one end and gave me the + other. She told me that she had instructed her brother what to say at the + harbour. He then led off, and I followed. During our walk I put out my + hand to him several times, and made signs of friendship, but he seemed to + be afraid of me, and would look upwards and then fall flat on the ground + and kiss it: this he repeated as often as I made any sign or token of + friendship to him. + </p> + <p> + “When we had got near the harbor he made a sign for me to sit down upon a + rock, which I did. He then left me and went, as I supposed, to talk to the + people at the water concerning me; but I had not sat long before I saw a + vessel coming round the point into the harbor. + </p> + <p> + “They soon came on shore in the boat. I went down to them and made my case + known and when the boat returned on board they took me with them. It was a + Dutch snow bound from China to Batavia. After they had wooded and watered + they set sail for Batavia:—being out about three weeks we arrived + there: I tarried on board her about three weeks longer, and then got on + board a Spanish ship which was from Rio de la Plate bound to Spain, but by + stress of weather was obliged to put into this port. After the vessel had + repaired we sailed for Spain. When we made the Cape of Good Hope we fell + in with two British cruisers of twenty guns each, who engaged us and did + the vessel considerable damage, but at length we beat them off, and then + run for the coast of Brazil, where we arrived safe, and began to work at + repairing our ship, but upon examination she was found to be not fit to + proceed on her voyage. She was therefore condemned. I then left her and + got on board a Portuguese snow bound up to St. Helena, and we arrived safe + at that place. + </p> + <p> + “I then went on shore and quitted her and engaged in the garrison there to + do duty as a soldier for my provisions till some ship should arrive there + bound for England. After serving there a month I entered on board a ship + called the Stormont, but orders were soon after received that no Indiaman + should sail without convoy; and we lay here six months, during which time + the Captain died. + </p> + <p> + “While I was in St. Helena the vessel in which I came out from England + arrived here, homeward bound; she being on the return from her second + voyage since I came from England. And now I made known my case to Captain + Kerr, who readily took me on board the Princess Royal, and used me kindly + and those of my old ship-mates on board were glad to see me again. Captain + Kerr on first seeing me asked me if I was not afraid to let him know who I + was, and endeavored to frighten me; yet his conduct towards me was humane + and kind. + </p> + <p> + “It had been very sickly on board the Princess Royal, and the greater part + of the hands who came out of England in her had died, and she was now + manned chiefly with lascars. Among those who had died was the boatswain, + and boatswain’s mate, and Captain Kerr made me boatswain of the ship, in + which office I continued until we arrived in London, and it protected me + from being impressed upon our arrival in England. + </p> + <p> + “We sailed from St. Helena about the first of November, 1781, under convoy + of the Experiment of fifty guns, commanded by Captain Henry, and the Shark + sloop of war of 18 guns, and we arrived in London about the first of + March, 1782, it having been about two years and a half from the time I had + left it. + </p> + <p> + “In about a fortnight after our arrival in London I entered on board the + King George, a store-ship bound to Antigua, and after four weeks passage + arrived there. + </p> + <p> + “The second night after we came to anchor in Antigua I took the ship’s + boat and escaped in her to Montserrat (in the West Indies) which place had + but just before been taken by the French. + </p> + <p> + “Here I did not meet with the treatment which I expected; for on my + arrival at Montserrat I was immediately taken up and put in prison, where + I continued twenty-four hours, and my boat taken from me. I was then sent + to Guadaloupe, and examined by the Governor. I made known my case to him, + by acquainting him with the misfortunes I had gone through in my + captivity, and in making my escape. He seemed to commiserate me, gave me + ten dollars for the boat that I escaped in, and provided a passage for me + on board a French brigantine that was bound from Gaudaloupe to + Philadelphia. + </p> + <p> + “The vessel sailed in a few days, and now my prospects were favorable, but + my misfortunes were not to end here, for after being out twenty-one days + we fell in with the Anphitrite and Amphene, two British cruizers, off the + Capes of Delaware, by which we were taken, carried in to New York and put + on board the Jersey prison ship. After being on board about a week a + cartel was fitted out for France, and I was sent on board as a French + prisoner. The cartel was ordered for St. Maloes, and after a passage of + thirty-two days we arrived safe at that place. + </p> + <p> + “Finding no American vessel at St. Male’s, I went to the Commandant, and + procured a pass to go by land to Port l’Orient. On my arrival there I + found three American privateers belonging to Beverley in the + Massachusetts. I was much elated at seeing so many of my countrymen, some + of whom I was well acquainted with. I immediately entered on board the + Buccaneer, Captain Pheirson. We sailed on a cruise, and after being out + eighteen days we returned to L’Orient with six prizes. Three days after + our arrival in port we heard the joyful news of peace; on which the + privateer was dismantled, the people discharged, and Captain P sailed on a + merchant voyage to Norway. + </p> + <p> + “I then entered on board a brig bound to Lisbon (Captain Ellenwood of + Beverley) and arrived at Lisbon in eight days. We took in a cargo of salt, + and sailed for Beverley, where we arrived the ninth of May, 1783. Being + now only fifteen miles from home, I immediately set out for Cape Ann, went + to my father’s house, and had an agreeable meeting with my friends, after + an absence of almost six years. + </p> + <p> + “John Blatchford + </p> + <p> + “New London, May 10th, 1788. + </p> + <p> + “N. B. Those who are acquainted with the narrator will not scruple to give + full credence to the foregoing account, and others may satisfy themselves + by conversing with him. The scars he carries are a proof of his narrative, + and a gentleman of New London who was several months with him, was + acquainted with part of his sufferings, though it was out of his power to + relieve him. He is a poor man with a wife and two children. His employment + is fishing and coasting. <i>Editor</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Our readers may be interested to know what became of John Blatchford, who + wrote, or dictated, the narrative we have given, in the year 1788. He was, + at that time, a married man. He had married a young woman named Ann + Grover. He entered the merchant marine, and died at Port au Prince about + the year 1794, when nearly thirty-three years of age. Thus early closed + the career of a brave man, who had experienced much hardship, and had + suffered greatly from man’s inhumanity to man, and who is, as far as we + know, the only American prisoner sent to the East Indies who ever returned + to tell the story of the barbarities inflicted upon him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND OTHERS ON THE SUBJECT OF + AMERICAN PRISONERS + </h2> + <p> + When Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane were in Paris they wrote the + following letter to Lord Stormont, the English Ambassador to France. + </p> + <p> + Paris, April 2nd, 1777. + </p> + <p> + My Lord:— + </p> + <p> + We did ourselves the honor of writing some time since to your Lordship on + the subject of exchanging prisoners: you did not condescend to give us any + answer, and therefore we expect none to this. We, however, take the + liberty of sending you copies of certain depositions which we shall + transmit to Congress, whereby it will be known to your Court, that the + United States are not unacquainted with the barbarous treatment their + people receive when they have the misfortune to be your prisoners here in + Europe, and that if your conduct towards us is not altered, it is not + unlikely that severe reprisals may be thought justifiable from a necessity + of putting some check to such abominable practices. For the sake of + humanity it is to be wished that men would endeavor to alleviate the + unavoidable miseries attending a state of war. It has been said that among + the civilized nations of Europe the ancient horrors of that state are much + diminished; but the compelling men by chains, stripes, and famine to fight + against their friends and relatives, is a new mode of barbarity, which + your nation alone has the honor of inventing, and the sending American + prisoners of war to Africa and Asia, remote from all probability of + exchange, and where they can scarce hope ever to hear from their families, + even if the unwholesomeness of the climate does not put a speedy end to + their lives, is a manner of treating captives that you can justify by no + other precedent or custom except that of the black savages of Guinea. We + are your Lordship’s most obedient, humble servants, Benjamin Franklin, + Silas Deane. + </p> + <p> + The reply to this letter was laconic. + </p> + <p> + “The King’s Ambassador recognizes no letters from Rebels, except when they + come to ask mercy.” + </p> + <p> + Inclosed in the letter from our representatives were the following + depositions. + </p> + <p> + THE DEPOSITION OF ELIPHALET DOWNER + </p> + <p> + Eliphalet Downer, Surgeon, taken in the Yankee privateer, testifies that + after he was made prisoner by Captains Ross and Hodge, who took advantage + of the generous conduct of Captain Johnson of the Yankee to them his + prisoners, and of the confidence he placed in them in consequence of that + conduct and their assurances; he and his countrymen were closely confined, + yet assured that on their arrival in port they should be set at liberty, + and these assurances were repeated in the most solemn manner, instead of + which they were, on their approach to land, in the hot weather of August, + shut up in a small cabin; the windows of which were spiked down and no air + admitted, insomuch that they were all in danger of suffocation from the + excessive heat. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after their arrival in the river Thames they were + relieved from this situation in the middle of the night, hurried on board + a tender and sent down to Sheerness, where the deponent was put into the + Ardent, and there falling sick of a violent fever in consequence of such + treatment, and languishing in that situation for some time, he was + removed, still sick, to the Mars, and notwithstanding repeated petitions + to be suffered to be sent to prison on shore, he was detained until having + the appearance of a mortification in his legs, he was sent to Haslar + hospital, from whence after recovering his health, he had the good fortune + to make his escape. + </p> + <p> + While on board those ships and in the hospital he was informed and + believes that many of his countrymen, after experiencing even worse + treatment than he, were sent to the East Indies, and many of those taken + at Quebec were sent to the coast of Africa, as soldiers. + </p> + <p> + THE DEPOSITION OF CAPTAIN SETH CLARK OF NEWBURY PORT IN THE STATE OF + MASSACHUSETTS BAY IN AMERICA + </p> + <p> + “This deponent saith that on his return from Cape Nichola Mole to Newbury + Port, he was taken on the 17th of September last by an armed schooner in + his British Majesty’s service, —— Coats, Esquire, Commander, + and carried down to Jamaica, on his arrival at which place he was sent on + board the Squirrel, another armed vessel, —— Douglas, Esquire, + Commander, where, although master and half owner of the vessel in which he + was taken, he was returned as a common sailor before the mast, and in that + situation sailed for England in the month of November, on the twenty-fifth + of which month they took a schooner from Port a Pie to Charlestown, S. C., + to which place she belonged, when the owner, Mr. Burt, and the master, Mr. + Bean, were brought on board. On the latter’s denying he had any ship + papers Captain Douglas ordered him to be stripped and tied up and then + whipped with a wire cat of nine tails that drew blood every stroke and + then on his saying that he had thrown his papers overboard he was untied + and ordered to his duty as a common sailor, with no place for himself or + his people to lay on but the decks. On their arrival at Spithead, the + deponent was removed to the Monarch, and there ordered to do duty as a + fore-mast-man, and on his refusing on account of inability to do it, he + was threatened by the Lieutenant, a Mr. Stoney, that if he spoke one word + to the contrary he should be brought to the gangway, and there severely + flogged. + </p> + <p> + “After this he was again removed and put on board the Bar-fleur, where he + remained until the tenth of February. On board this ship the deponent saw + several American prisoners, who were closely confined and ironed, with + only four men’s allowance to six. These prisoners and others informed this + deponent that a number of American prisoners had been taken out of the + ship and sent to the East Indies and the coast of Africa, which he has + told would have been his fate, had he arrived sooner. + </p> + <p> + “This deponent further saith, That in Haslar hospital, to which place on + account of sickness he was removed from the Bar-fleur, he saw a Captain + Chase of Providence, New England, who told him he had been taken in a + sloop of which he was half owner and master, on his passage from + Providence to South Carolina, by an English transport, and turned over to + a ship of war, where he was confined in irons thirteen weeks, insulted, + beat, and abused by the petty officers and common sailors, and on being + released from irons was ordered to do duty as a foremost man until his + arrival in England, when being dangerously ill he was sent to said + hospital.” + </p> + <p> + Paris March 30th. 1777. + </p> + <p> + Benjamin Franklin, in a letter written in 1780, to a Mr. Hartley, an + English gentleman who was opposed to the war, said that Congress had + investigated the cruelties perpetrated by the English upon their + defenceless prisoners, and had instructed him to prepare a <i>school book</i> + for the use of American children, to be illustrated by thirty-five good + engravings, each to picture some scene of horror, some enormity of + suffering, such as should indelibly impress upon the minds of the school + children a dread of British rule, and a hatred of British malice and + wickedness! + </p> + <p> + The old philosopher did not accomplish this task: had he done so it is + improbable that we would have so long remained in ignorance of some of the + facts which we are now endeavoring to collect. It will be pleasant to + glance, for a moment, on the other side the subject. It is well known that + there was a large party in England, who, like Benjamin Franklin’s + correspondent, were opposed to the war; men of humanity, fair-minded + enough to sympathize with the struggles of an oppressed people, of the + same blood as themselves. + </p> + <p> + “The Prisoners of 1776, A Relic of the Revolution,” is a little book + edited by the Rev. R. Livesey, and published in Boston, in 1854. The facts + in this volume were complied from the journal of Charles Herbert of + Newburyport, Mass. This young man was taken prisoner in December, 1776. He + was a sailor on board the brigantine Dolton. He and his companions were + confined in the Old Mill Prison in Plymouth, England. + </p> + <p> + Herbert, who was in his nineteenth year, was a prisoner more than two + years. He managed to keep a journal during his captivity, and has left us + an account of his treatment by the English which is a pleasant relief in + its contrast to the dark pictures that we have drawn of the wretchedness + of American prisoners elsewhere. A collection of upwards of $30,000 was + taken up in England for the relief of our prisoners confined in English + jails. + </p> + <p> + Herbert secreted his journal in a chest which had a false bottom. It is + too long to give in its entirety, but we have made a few extracts which + will describe the treatment the men received in England, where all that + was done was open to public inspection, and where no such inhuman monsters + as Cunningham were suffered to work their evil will upon their victims. + </p> + <p> + “Dec. 24th, 1776. We were taken by the Reasonable, man-of-war of 64 guns. + I put on two shirts, pair of drawers and breeches, and trousers over them, + two or three jackets, and a pair of new shoes, and then filled my bosom + and pockets as full as I could carry. Nothing but a few old rags and + twelve old blankets were sent to us. Ordered down to the cable tier. + Almost suffocated. Nothing but the bare cable to lie on, and that very + uneven. + </p> + <p> + “Jan. 15, 1777. We hear that the British forces have taken Fort Washington + with a loss of 800.” + </p> + <p> + After several changes Herbert was put on board the Tarbay, a ship of 74 + guns, and confined between decks, with not room for all to lie down at + once. + </p> + <p> + “Very cold. Have to lie on a wet deck without blankets. Some obliged to + sit up all night.” + </p> + <p> + On the 18th of February they received flock beds and pillows, rugs, and + blankets. “Ours are a great comfort to us after laying fifty-five nights + without any, all the time since we were taken. * * * + </p> + <p> + “We are told that the Captain of this ship, whose name is Royer, gave us + these clothes and beds out of his own pocket.” + </p> + <p> + On the twelfth of April he was carried on shore to the hospital, where his + daily allowance was a pound of beef, a pound of potatoes, and three pints + of beer. + </p> + <p> + On the 7th of May he writes: “I now have a pound of bread, half a pound of + mutton and a quart of beer daily. The doctor is very kind. Three of our + company have died.” + </p> + <p> + On the fifth of June he was committed to the Old Mill Prison at Plymouth. + Many entries in his journal record the escapes of his companions. “Captain + Brown made his escape.” “William Woodward of the charming Sallie escaped, + etc., etc.” + </p> + <p> + June 6th he records: “Our allowance here in prison is a pound of beef, a + pound of greens, and a quart of beer, and a little pot liquor that the + greens and beef were boiled in, without any thickening.” Still he declares + that he has “a continued gnawing in his stomach.” The people of the + neighborhood came to see them daily when they were exercising in the + prison yard, and sometimes gave them money and provisions through the + pickets of the high fence that surrounded the prison grounds. Herbert had + a mechanical turn, and made boxes which he sold to these visitors, + procuring himself many comforts in this manner. + </p> + <p> + About ten prisoners were brought in daily. They were constantly digging + their way out and were sometimes recaptured, but a great number made their + escape. On the twentieth of July he records that they begin to make a + breach in the prison wall. “Their intention is to dig eighteen feet + underground to get into a field on the other side of the wall. + </p> + <p> + “We put all the dirt in our chests.” + </p> + <p> + August third he says: “There are 173 prisoners in the wards. On the fifth + thirty-two escaped, but three were brought back. These were confined in + the Black Hole forty days on half allowance, and obliged to lie on the + bare floor. + </p> + <p> + “September 12th. We had a paper wherein was a melancholy account of the + barbarous treatment of American prisoners, taken at Ticonderoga. + </p> + <p> + “Sept. 16th. Today about twenty old countrymen petitioned the Board for + permission to go on board His Majesty’s ships. + </p> + <p> + “Jan. 7th. 1778. 289 prisoners here in Plymouth. In Portsmouth there are + 140 prisoners. Today the prison was smoked with charcoal and brim-stone.” + </p> + <p> + He records the gift of clothes, blankets, and all sorts of provisions. + They were allowed to wash at the pump in relays of six. Tobacco and + everything necessary was freely given them. + </p> + <p> + “Jan. 27th. The officers in a separate prison are allowed to burn candles + in the evening until gun-fire, which is eight o’clock. + </p> + <p> + “28th. Today some new washing troughs were brought up for us to wash our + clothes in; and now we have plenty of clothes, soap, water, and tubs to + wash in. In general we are tolerably clean. + </p> + <p> + “Feb. 1st. Sunday. Last evening between 7 and 9 o’clock five of the + officers in a separate prison, who had agreed with the sentry to let them + go, made their escape and took two sentries with them. The five officers + were Captain Henry Johnston, Captain Eleazar Johnston, Offin Boardman, + Samuel Treadwell, and one Mr. Deal. + </p> + <p> + “Feb. 8th. Sunday. We have the paper wherein is an account of a letter + from Dr. Franklin, Dean, and Lee, to Lord North, and to the ministry, + putting them in mind of the abuse which the prisoners have had from time + to time, and giving them to know that it is in the power of the Americans + to make ample retaliation. * * * We learn that their answer was that in + America there was an exchange.” + </p> + <p> + On the 9th of March he writes: “We are all strong, fat and hearty. + </p> + <p> + “March 12th. Today our two fathers came to see us as they generally do + once or twice a week. They are Mr. Heath, and Mr. Sorry, the former a + Presbyterian minister, in Dock, the latter a merchant in Plymouth. They + are the two agents appointed by the Committee in London to supply us with + necessaries. A smile from them seems like a smile from a father. They tell + us that everything goes well on our side. + </p> + <p> + “April 7th. Today the latter (Mr. Sorry) came to see us, and we desired + him, for the future, to send us a four penny white loaf instead of a + six-penny one to each mess, per day, for we have more provision than many + of us want to eat, and any person can easily conjecture that prisoners, in + our situation, who have suffered so much for the want of provisions would + abhor such an act as to waste what we have suffered so much for the want + of.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was liberated at the end of two years. Enough has been quoted to + prove the humanity with which the prisoners at Plymouth were treated. He + gives a valuable list of crews in Old Mill Prison, Plymouth, during the + time of his incarceration, with the names of captains, number that + escaped, those who died, and those who joined the English. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Joined + NAMES OF SHIPS AND CAPTAINS No. of British + Men Escaped Died Ships + Brig Dolton, Capt. Johnston 120 21 8 7 + Sloop Charming Sally, Capt. Brown. 52 6 7 16 + Brig Fancy, Capt. Lee 56 11 2 0 + Brig Lexington, Capt. Johnston 51 6 1 26 + Schooner Warren, Capt. Ravel 40 2 0 6 + + PARTS OF CREWS TAKEN INTO PLYMOUTH + + Brig Freedom, Capt. Euston 11 3 1 0 + Ship Reprisal, Capt. Weeks 10 2 0 3 + Sloop Hawk 6 0 0 0 + Schooner Hawk, Capt. Hibbert 6 0 0 0 + Schooner Black Snake, Capt. Lucran 3 1 0 0 + Ship Oliver Cromwell 7 1 0 4 + Letter of Marque Janey, Capt. Rollo 2 1 0 0 + Brig Cabot 3 0 0 0 + True Blue, Capt. Furlong 1 0 0 0 + Ranger 1 0 0 0 + Sloop Lucretia 2 0 0 0 + Musquito Tender 1 0 0 1 + Schooner, Capt. Burnell 2 1 0 1 + Sturdy Beggar 3 0 0 0 + Revenge, Capt Cunningham 3 0 0 0 + + Total 380 55 19 62 + Remained in Prison until exchanged, 244 +</pre> + <p> + Before we leave the subject of Plymouth we must record the fact that some + time in the year 1779 a prize was brought into the harbor captured from + the French with 80 French prisoners. The English crew put in charge of the + prize procured liquor, and, in company of some of the loose women of the + town, went below to make a night of it. In the dead of night the Frenchmen + seized the ship, secured the hatches, cut the cable, took her out of port, + homeward bound, and escaped. + </p> + <p> + A writer in the London <i>Gazette</i> in a letter to the Lord Mayor, dated + August 6th, 1776, says: “I was last week on board the American privateer + called the Yankee, commanded by Captain Johnson, and lately brought into + this port by Captain Ross, who commanded one of the West India sugar + ships, taken by the privateer in July last: and as an Englishman I + earnestly wish your Lordship, who is so happily placed at the head of this + great city (justly famed for its great humanity even to its enemies), + would be pleased to go likewise, or send proper persons, to see the truly + shocking and I may say barbarous and miserable condition of the + unfortunate American prisoners, who, however criminal they may be thought + to have been, are deserving of pity, and entitled to common humanity. + </p> + <p> + “They are twenty-five in number, and all inhumanly shut close down, like + wild beasts, in a small stinking apartment, in the hold of a sloop, about + seventy tons burden, without a breath of air, in this sultry season, but + what they receive from a small grating overhead, the openings in which are + not more than two inches square in any part, and through which the sun + beats intensely hot all day, only two or three being permitted to come on + deck at a time; and then they are exposed in the open sun, which is + reflected from the decks like a burning glass. + </p> + <p> + “I do not at all exaggerate, my lord, I speak the truth, and the + resemblance that this barbarity bears to the memorable Black Hole at + Calcutta, as a gentleman present on Saturday observed, strikes every eye + at the sight. All England ought to know that the same game is now acting + upon the Thames on board this privateer, that all the world cried out + against, and shuddered at the mention of in India, some years ago, as + practised on Captain Hollowell and other of the King’s good subjects. The + putrid steams issuing from the hold are so hot and offensive that one + cannot, without the utmost danger, breathe over it, and I should not be at + all surprised if it should cause a plague to spread. + </p> + <p> + “The miserable wretches below look like persons in a hot bath, panting, + sweating, and fainting, for want of air; and the surgeon declares that + they must all soon perish in this situation, especially as they are almost + all in a sickly state from bilious disorders. + </p> + <p> + “The captain and surgeon, it is true, have the liberty of the cabin (if it + deserves the name of a cabin), and make no complaints on their own + account. They are both sensible and well behaved young men, and can give a + very good account of themselves, having no signs of fear, and being + supported by a consciousness of the justice of their cause. + </p> + <p> + “They are men of character, of good families in New England, and highly + respected in their different occupations; but being stripped of their all + by the burning of towns, and other destructive measures of the present + unnatural war, were forced to take the disagreeable method of making + reprisals to maintain themselves and their children rather than starve. * + * * English prisoners taken by the Americans have been treated with the + most remarkable tenderness and generosity, as numbers who are safely + returned to England most freely confess, to the honor of our brethern in + the colonies, and it is a fact, which can be well attested in London, that + this very surgeon on board the privateer, after the battle of Lexington, + April 19th, 1775, for many days voluntarily and generously without fee or + reward employed himself in dressing the King’s wounded soldiers, who but + an hour before would have shot him if they could have come at him, and in + making a collection for their refreshment, of wine, linen, money, etc., in + the town where he lived. * * * The capture of the privateer was, solely + owing to the ill-judged lenity and brotherly kindness of Captain Johnson, + who not considering his English prisoners in the same light that he would + French or Spanish, put them under no sort of confinement, but permitted + them to walk the decks as freely as his own people at all times. Taking + advantage of this indulgence the prisoners one day watched their + opportunity when most of the privateer’s people were below, and asleep, + shut down the hatches, and making all fast, had immediate possession of + the vessel without using any force.” + </p> + <p> + What the effect of this generous letter was we have no means of + discovering. It displays the sentiments of a large party in England, who + bitterly condemned the “unnatural war against the Colonies.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — THE ADVENTURES OF ANDREW SHERBURNE + </h2> + <p> + While we are on the subject of the treatment of American prisoners in + England, which forms a most grateful contrast to that which they received + in New York, Philadelphia, and other parts of America, we will give an + abstract of the adventures of another young man who was confined in the + Old Mill Prison at Plymouth, England. This young man was named Andrew + Sherburne. He was born at Rye, New Hampshire, on the 3oth of September, + 1765. + </p> + <p> + He first served on the continental ship of war, Ranger, which shipped a + crew at Portsmouth, N. H. His father consented that he should go with her, + and his two half uncles, Timothy and James Weymouth, were on board. There + were about forty boys in the crew. Andrew was then in his fourteenth year, + and was employed as waiter to the boatswain. The vessel sailed in the + month of June, 1779. She took ten prizes and sailed for home, where she + arrived in August, 1779. Next year she sailed again on another cruise, but + was taken prisoner by the British at Charleston, S. C., on the 12th of + May, 1780. + </p> + <p> + “Our officers,” says Sherburne, “were paroled and allowed to retain their + waiters. We were for several days entirely destitute of provisions except + muscles, which we gathered from the muscle beds. I was at this time waiter + to Captain Pierce Powers, master’s mate of the Ranger. He treated me with + the kindness of a father.” + </p> + <p> + “At this time,” he continues, “Captain Simpson and the other officers + procured a small vessel which was employed as a cartel, to transport the + officers, their boys and baggage, agreeably to the terms of capitulation, + to Newport, R. I. It being difficult to obtain suitable casks for water + they procured such as they could. These proved to be foul, and after we + got to sea our water became filthy and extremely noxious. Very few if any + on board escaped an attack of the diarrhoea.” + </p> + <p> + After his return he next shipped under Captain Wilds on the Greyhound, + from Portsmouth, N. H., and at last, after many adventures, was taken + prisoner by Newfoundlanders, off Newfoundland. He was then put on board + the Fairy, a British sloop of war, commanded by Captain Yeo, “a complete + tyrant” “Wilds and myself,” he continues, “were called to the quarter + deck, and after having been asked a few questions by Captain Yeo, he + turned to his officers and said: ‘They are a couple of fine lads for his + Majesty’s service. Mr. Gray, see that they do their duty.’” + </p> + <p> + When the sloop arrived in England the boys complained that they were + prisoners of war, in consequence of which they were sent to the Old Mill + Prison at Plymouth, accused of “rebellion, piracy, and high treason.” + </p> + <p> + Here they found acquaintances from Portsmouth, N. H. The other prisoners + were very kind to young Sherburne, gave him clothing and sent him to a + school which was kept in the prison. Ship building and other arts were + carried on in this place, and he learned navigation, which was of great + service to him in after life. + </p> + <p> + The fare, he declared, was tolerably good, but there was not enough of it. + He amused himself by making little toy ships. He became ill and delirious, + but recovered in time to be sent to America when a general exchange of + prisoners was effected in 1781. The rest of his adventures has nothing to + do with prisons, in England, and shall not now be detailed. + </p> + <p> + Although the accounts of the English prisons left by Herbert, Sherburne + and others are so favorable, yet it seems that, after the year 1780, there + was some cause of complaint even there. We will quote a passage from the + British Annual Register to prove this statement. This passage we take from + the Register for 1781, page 152. + </p> + <p> + “A petition was presented to the House the same day (June 20th) by Mr. + Fox, from the American prisoners in Mill Prison, Plymouth, setting forth + that they were treated with less humanity than the French and Spanish, + though by reason that they had no Agent established in this country for + their protection, they were entitled to expect a larger share of + indulgence than others. They had not a sufficient allowance of <i>bread</i>, + and were very scantily furnished with clothing. + </p> + <p> + “A similar petition was presented to the House of Peers by the Duke of + Richmond, and these petitions occasioned considerable debate in both + Houses. Several motions were grounded on these petitions, but to those + proposed by the Lords and gentlemen in the opposition, were determined in + the negative, and others to <i>exculpate</i> the Government in this + business were resolved in the affirmative. It appeared upon inquiry, that + the American prisoners were allowed a half pound of bread less per day + than the French and Spanish prisoners. But the petitions of the Americans + produced no alterations in their favor, and the conduct of the + Administration was equally unpolitic and illiberal. The additional + allowance, which was solicited on behalf of the prisoners, could be no + object, either to Government or to the Nation, and it was certainly + unwise, by treating American prisoners worse than those of France or + Spain, to increase the fatal animosity which had unhappily taken place + between the mother country and the Colonies, and this, too, at a period + when the subjugation of the latter had become hopeless.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — MORE ABOUT THE ENGLISH PRISONS—MEMOIR OF ELI + BICKFORD—CAPTAIN FANNING + </h2> + <p> + Eli Bickford, who was born on the 29th of September, 1754, in the town of + Durham, N. H., and enlisted on a privateer, was taken prisoner by the + British, confined at first on the Old Jersey, and afterwards sent to + England with many others, in a vessel commanded by Captain Smallcorn, whom + he called “a sample of the smallest corn he had ever met.” While on board + this vessel he was taken down with the smallpox. No beds or bedding were + provided for the prisoners and a plank on deck was his only pillow. He and + his fellow sufferers were treated with great severity, and insulted at + every turn. When they reached England they were sent to prison, where he + remained in close confinement for four years and six months. + </p> + <p> + Finding a piece of a door hinge, he and some of the others endeavored to + make their escape by digging a passage under the walls. A report of their + proceedings reached the jailer, but, secure in the strength of the walls + he did not believe it. This jailor would frequently jest with Bickford on + the subject, asking him when he intended to make his escape. His answers + were so truthful and accurate that they served to blind the jailor still + further. One morning as this official entered the prison he said: “Well, + Bickford, how soon will you be ready to go out?” + </p> + <p> + “Tomorrow night!” answered Bickford. + </p> + <p> + “O, that’s only some of your nonsense,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + However, it was true. + </p> + <p> + After digging a passage for some days underground, the prisoners found + themselves under an adjoining house. They proceeded to take up the brick + floor, unlocked the door and passed out, without disturbing the inmates, + who were all asleep. Unable to escape they concealed themselves for + awhile, and then tamely gave themselves up. Such a vigilant watch was kept + upon the house after they were missed from the prison, that they had no + other choice. So they made a contract with a man who was to return them to + the prison, and then give them half of the reward of forty shillings which + was offered for their re-capture. So successful was this expedient that it + was often put into operation when they needed money. + </p> + <p> + As a punishment for endeavoring to escape they were confined in the Black + Hole for a week on bread and water. + </p> + <p> + Bickford describes the prison regulations for preserving order which were + made and carried out by the prisoners themselves. If a difficulty arose + between two of them it was settled in the following manner. The prisoners + formed a circle in the centre of which the disputants took their stand, + and exchanged a few rounds of well-directed blows, after which they shook + hands, and were better friends than before. + </p> + <p> + Bickford was not released until peace was declared. He then returned to + his family, who had long thought him dead. It was on Sunday morning that + he reached his native town. As he passed the meeting house he was + recognized, and the whole congregation ran out to see and greet him. + </p> + <p> + He had but seven dollars as his whole capital when he married. He moved to + Vermont, where he farmed a small place, and succeeded in making a + comfortable livelihood. He attained the great age of 101, and was one of + the last surviving prisoners of the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + THE ADVENTURES OF A NAVAL OFFICER + </p> + <p> + In the year 1806 a little book with this title was published in New York, + by Captain Nathaniel Fanning. It was dedicated to John Jackson, Esquire, + the man who did so much to interest the public in the preservation and + interment of the remains of the martyrs of the prisonships in the + Wallabout. + </p> + <p> + Fanning was born in Connecticut, in the year 1755. On the 26th of May, + 1778, he went on board the brig Angelica, commanded by Captain William + Dennis, which was about to sail on a six months cruise. There were 98 men + and boys in the crew, and Fanning was prize-master on board the privateer. + She was captured by the Andromeda, a frigate of 28 guns, five days from + Philadelphia, with General Howe on board on his way back to England. + </p> + <p> + All the prisoners were paraded on deck and asked if they were willing to + engage in his British Majesty’s service. Nearly all answered in the + negative. They were then told that they were “a set of rebels,” and that + it was more than probable that they would all be hung at Portsmouth. + </p> + <p> + Their baggage was then taken away, and they were confined in the hold of + the ship. Their clothes were stolen by the sailors, and a frock and cheap + trousers dealt out to each man in their place. + </p> + <p> + The heat was intolerable in the hold, although they went naked. In this + condition they plotted to seize the vessel, and procured some weapons + through the agency of their surgeon. Spencer, the captain’s clerk, + betrayed them to the captain of the Andromeda, and, after that, the + hatches were barred down, and they began to think that they would all die + of suffocation. The sentence pronounced upon them was that they should be + allowed only half a pint of water a day for each man, and barely food + enough to sustain life. + </p> + <p> + Their condition would have been terrible, but, fortunately for them, they + were lodged upon the water casks, over which was constructed a temporary + deck. By boring holes in the planks they managed, by means of a proof + glass, to obtain all the water they needed. + </p> + <p> + Between them and the general’s store room was nothing but a partition of + plank. They went to work to make an aperture through which a man could + pass into this store room. A young man named Howard from Rhode Island was + their instigator in all these operations. They discovered that one of the + shifting boards abaft the pump room was loose, and that they could ship + and unship it as they pleased. When it was unshipped there was just room + for a man to crawl into the store room. “Howard first went in,” writes + Captain Fanning, “and presently desired me to hand him a mug or can with a + proof glass. A few minutes after he handed me back the same full, saying + ‘My friends, as good Madeira wine as ever was drank at the table of an + Emperor!’ + </p> + <p> + “I took it from his hands and drank about half a pint. + </p> + <p> + “Thus we lived like hearty fellows, taking care every night to secure + provisions, dried fruit, and wines for the day following * * * and all + without our enemies’ knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + Scurvy broke out among the crew, and some of the British sailors died, but + the Americans were all “brave and hearty.” + </p> + <p> + “The Captain would say, ‘What! are none of them damned Yankees sick? Damn + them, there’s nothing but thunder and lightning will kill ‘em.’” On the + thirtieth of June the vessel arrived at Portsmouth. The prisoners were + sent to Hazel hospital, to be examined by the Commissioners of the + Admiralty, and then marched to Forton prison, where they were committed + under the charges of piracy and high treason. This prison was about two + miles from Portsmouth harbor, and consisted of two commodious buildings, + with a yard between them large enough to parade a guard of 100 men, which + was the number required to maintain law and order at the station. + </p> + <p> + They also had a spacious lot of about three quarters of an acre in extent, + adjoining the houses, in which they took their daily exercise. In the + middle of this lot was a shed with seats. It was open on all sides. The + lot was surrounded by a wall of iron pickets, eight feet in height. The + agent for American prisoners was nicknamed by them “the old crab.” He was + very old and ugly. + </p> + <p> + Only three-fourths of the usual allowance to prisoners of war was dealt + out to them, and they seem to have fared much worse than the inmates of + the Old Mill Prison at Plymouth. + </p> + <p> + Captain Fanning declares that they were half starved, and would sometimes + beg bones from the people who came to look at them. When they obtained + bones they would dig out the marrow, and devour it. The guard was cruel + and spiteful. One day they heated some pokers red hot and began to burn + the prisoners’ shirts that were hung up to dry. These men begged the + guard, in a very civil manner, not to burn all their shirts, as they had + only one apiece. This remonstrance producing no effect they then ran to + the pickets and snatched away their shirts. At this the officer on command + ordered a sentinel to fire on them. This he did, killing one prisoner, and + wounding several. There were three hundred American prisoners in the yard + at this time. + </p> + <p> + These prisons appear to have been very imperfectly guarded, and the + regular occupation of the captives, whenever their guards were asleep or + absent, was to make excavations for the purpose of escaping. A great many + regained their freedom in this manner, though some were occasionally + brought back and punished by being shut up for forty days in the Black + Hole on bread and water. Some, less fortunate, remained three or four + years in the prison. + </p> + <p> + There was always digging going on in some part of the prison and as soon + as one hole was discovered and plastered up, another would be begun. For a + long time they concealed the dirt that they took out of these excavations + in an old stack of disused chimneys. The hours for performing the work + were between eleven and three o’clock at night. Early in the morning they + ceased from their labors, concealing the hole they had made by pasting + white paper over it. + </p> + <p> + There was a school kept constantly in the prison, where many of them had + the first opportunity that had ever been granted them of receiving an + education. Many learned to read and write, and became proficient in + French. + </p> + <p> + At one time there were 367 officers confined in this place. In the course + of twelve months 138 of them escaped and got safely to France. While some + of the men were digging at night, others would be dancing to drown the + noise. They had several violins, and seem to have been a reckless and + jovial set. + </p> + <p> + The officers bunked on the second floor over the guard room of the English + officers. At times they would make so much noise that the guard would rush + up the stairs, only to find all lights out and every man <i>asleep and + snoring</i> in his hammock. They would relieve their feelings by a volley + of abusive language and go down stairs again, when instantly the whole + company would be on their feet, the violins would strike up, and the fun + be more fast and furious than ever. These rushes of the guard would + sometimes be repeated several times a night, when they would always find + the prisoners in their hammocks. Each hammock had what was called a + “king’s rug,” a straw bed, and pillow. + </p> + <p> + At one time several men were suddenly taken sick, with strong symptoms of + poison. They were removed to the hospital, and for a time, there was great + alarm. The prisoners feared that “the same game was playing here as had + been done on the Old Jersey, where we had heard that thousands of our + countrymen had died.” The poison employed in this instance was glass + pounded fine and cooked with their bread. + </p> + <p> + An English clergyman named Wren sympathized strongly with the prisoners + and assisted them to escape. He lived at Gosport, and if any of the + captives were so fortunate as to dig themselves out and succeed in + reaching his house, they were safe. This good man begged money and food + for “his children,” as he called them. + </p> + <p> + On the second of June, 1779, 120 of them were exchanged. There were then + 600 confined in that prison. On the 6th of June they sailed for Nantes in + France. The French treated them with great kindness, made up a purse for + them, and gave them decent clothing. + </p> + <p> + Fanning next went to L’Orient, and there met John Paul Jones, who invited + him to go on board the Bon Homme Richard as a midshipman. They sailed on + the 14th of August on the memorable expedition to the British Channel. + </p> + <p> + After being with Jones for some time Fanning, on the 23rd of March, 1781, + sailed for home in a privateer from Morlaix, France. This privateer was + captured by the English frigate, Aurora. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Anthon and myself and crew,” writes Mr. Fanning, “were all + ordered to a prison at about two miles from Falmouth. The very dirtiest + and most loathsome building I ever saw. Swarms of lice, remarkably fat and + full grown; bed bugs, and fleas. I believe the former were of Dutch + extraction, as there were confined here a number of Dutch prisoners of + war, and such a company of dirty fellows I never saw before or since.” + </p> + <p> + Yet these same poor fellows ceded to Captain Anthon and Mr. Fanning a + corner of the prison for their private use. This they managed to get + thoroughly cleansed, screened themselves off with some sheets, provided + themselves with large swinging cots, and were tolerably comfortable. They + were paroled and allowed full liberty within bounds, which were a mile and + a half from the prison. In about six weeks Fanning was again exchanged, + and went to Cherbourg in France, where he met Captain Manly, who had just + escaped from the Mill prison after three years confinment. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — SOME SOUTHERN NAVAL PRISONERS + </h2> + <p> + Very little is known of the State navies of the south during the + Revolution. Each State had her own small navy, and many were the + interesting adventures, some successful, and others unfortunate, that the + hardy sailors encountered. The story of each one of these little vessels + would be as interesting as a romance, but we are here only concerned with + the meagre accounts that have reached us of the sufferings of some of the + crews of the privateers who were so unlucky as to fall into the hands of + the enemy. + </p> + <p> + In the infant navy of Virginia were many small, extremely fleet vessels. + The names of some of the Virginia ships, built at Gosport, Fredericksburg, + and other Virginia towns, were the Tartar, Oxford, Thetis, Virginia, + Industry, Cormorant, Loyalist (which appears to have been captured from + the British), Pocohontas, Dragon, Washington, Tempest, Defiance, Oliver + Cromwell, Renown, Apollo, and the Marquis Lafayette. Virginia also owned a + prisonship called the Gloucester. Brigs and brigantines owned by the State + were called the Raleigh, Jefferson, Sallie Norton, Northampton, Hampton, + Greyhound, Dolphin, Liberty, Mosquito, Rochester, Willing Lass, Wilkes, + American Fabius, Morning Star, and Mars. Schooners were the Adventure, + Hornet, Speedwell, Lewis, Nicholson, Experiment, Harrison, Mayflower, + Revenge, Peace and Plenty, Patriot, Liberty, and the Betsy. Sloops were + the Virginia, Rattlesnake, Scorpion, Congress, Liberty, Eminence, + Game-Cock, and the American Congress. Some of the galleys were the + Accomac, Diligence, Hero, Gloucester, Safeguard, Manly, Henry, Norfolk, + Revenge, Caswell, Protector, Washington, Page, Lewis, Dragon, and Dasher. + There were two armed pilot boats named Molly and Fly. Barges were the York + and Richmond. The Oxford, Cormorant, and Loyalist were prizes. The two + latter were taken from the English by the French and sold to Virginia. + </p> + <p> + What an interesting book might be written about this little navy! Nearly + all were destined to fall at last into the hands of the enemy; their crews + to languish out the remainder of their days in foul dungeons, where famine + and disease made short work of them. Little remains to us now except the + names of these vessels. + </p> + <p> + The Virginia was built at Gosport. The Dragon and some others were built + at Fredericksburg. Many were built at Norfolk. + </p> + <p> + The Hermit was early captured by the British. The gallant little Mosquito + was taken by the Ariadne. Her crew was confined in a loathsome jail at + Barbadoes. But her officers were sent to England, and confined in Fortune + jail at Gosport. They succeeded in escaping and made their way to France. + The names of these officers were Captain John Harris; Lieutenant + Chamberlayne; Midshipman Alexander Moore; Alexander Dock, Captain of + Marines; and George Catlett, Lieutenant of Marines. + </p> + <p> + The Raleigh was captured by the British frigate Thames. Her crew was so + shamefully maltreated that upon representations made to the Council of + State upon their condition, it was recommended that by way of retaliation + the crew of the Solebay, a sloop of war which had fallen into the hands of + the Americans, should be visited with the like severe treatment. To what + extent this was carried out we cannot discover. + </p> + <p> + The Scorpion was taken by the British in the year 1781, a fatal year for + the navy of Virginia. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1857 an unsigned article on the subject of the Virginia Navy + was published in the <i>Southern Literary Messenger</i>, which goes on to + say: “But of all the sufferings in these troublous times none endured such + horrors as did those Americans who were so unfortunate as to become + prisoners of war to the British. They were treated more as felons than as + honorable enemies. It can scarcely be credited that an enlightened people + would thus have been so lost to the common instincts of humanity, as were + they in their conduct towards men of the same blood, and speaking the same + language with themselves. True it is they sometimes excused the cruelty of + their procedures by avowing in many instances their prisoners were + deserters from the English flag, and were to be dealt with accordingly. Be + this as it may, no instance is on record where a Tory whom the Americans + had good cause to regard as a traitor, was visited with the severities + which characterized the treatment of the ordinary military captives, on + the part of the English authorities. * * * The patriotic seamen of the + Virginia navy were no exceptions to the rule when they fell into the hands + of the more powerful lords of the ocean. They were carried in numbers to + Bermuda, and to the West Indies, and cast into loathsome and pestilential + prisons, from which a few sometimes managed to escape, at the peril of + their lives. Respect of position and rank found no favor in the eyes of + their ungenerous captors, and no appeal could reach their hearts except + through the promises of bribes. Many languished and died in those places, + away from country and friends, whose fate was not known until long after + they had passed away. But it was not altogether abroad that they were so + cruelly maltreated. The record of their sufferings in the prisons of the + enemy, in our own country, is left to testify against these relentless + persecutors. + </p> + <p> + “In New York and Halifax many of the Virginian officers and seamen were + relieved of their pains, alone by the hand of death; and in their own + State, at Portsmouth, the like fate overtook many more, who had endured + horrors rivalled only by the terrors of the Black Hole of Calcutta. * * * + The reader will agree that we do not exaggerate when he shall have seen + the case as given under oath by one who was in every respect a competent + witness. + </p> + <p> + “It will be remembered that, in another part of this narrative, mention + was made of the loss in Lynhaven Bay of the galley Dasher, and the capture + of the officers and the crew. Captain Willis Wilson was her unfortunate + commander on that occasion. He and his men were confined in the Provost + Jail at Portsmouth, Virginia, and after his release he made public the + ‘secrets’ of that ‘Prison House,’ by the following deposition, which is + copied from the original document. + </p> + <p> + “‘The deposition of Willis Wilson, being first sworn deposes and sayeth: + That about the 23rd July last the deponent was taken a prisoner of war; + was conducted to Portsmouth (Virginia) after having been plundered of all + his clothing, etc., and there lodged with about 190 other prisoners, in + the Provost. This deponent during twenty odd days was a spectator to the + most savage cruelty with which the unhappy prisoners were treated by the + English. The deponent has every reason to believe there was a premeditated + scheme to infect all the prisoners who had not been infected with the + smallpox. There were upwards of 100 prisoners who never had the disorder, + notwithstanding which negroes, with the infection upon them, were lodged + under the same roof of the Provost. Others were sent in to attend upon the + prisoners, with the scabs of that disorder upon them. + </p> + <p> + “‘Some of the prisoners soon caught the disorder, others were down with + the flux, and some from fevers. From such a complication of disorders + ‘twas thought expedient to petition General O’Hara who was then commanding + officer, for a removal of the sick, or those who were not, as yet, + infected with the smallpox. Accordingly a petition was sent by Dr. Smith + who shortly returned with a verbal answer, as he said, from the General. + He said the General desired him to inform the prisoners that the <i>law of + nations was annihilated</i>, that he had nothing then to bind them but + bolts and bars, and they were to continue where they were, but that they + were free agents to inoculate if they chose. + </p> + <p> + “‘About thirty agreed with the same Smith to inoculate them at a guinea a + man; he performed the operation, received his guinea from many, and then + left them to shift for themselves, though he had agreed to attend them + through the disorder. Many of them, as well as those who took it in the + natural way, died. Colonel Gee, with many respectable characters, fell + victims to the unrelenting cruelty of O’Hara, who would admit of no + discrimination between the officers, privates, negroes, and felons; but + promiscuously confined the whole in one house. * * * They also suffered + often from want of water, and such as they got was very muddy and unfit to + drink. + </p> + <p> + “‘Willis Wilson. + </p> + <p> + “‘This day came before me Captain Willis Wilson and made oath that the + above is true. + </p> + <p> + “‘Samuel Thorogood.’” + </p> + <p> + There is much of great interest in this article on the Virginia Navy which + is not to our present purpose. The writer goes on to tell how, on one + occasion, the ship Favorite, bearing a flag of truce, was returning to + Virginia, with a number of Americans who had just been liberated or + exchanged in Bermuda, when she was overhauled by a British man-of-war, and + both her crew and passengers robbed of all they had. The British ships + which committed this dastardly deed were the Tiger, of 14 guns, and the + schooner Surprise, of 10 guns. + </p> + <p> + Captain James Barron, afterwards Commodore Barren, was the master spirit + of the service in Virginia. One of the Virginian vessels, very + appropriately named the Victory, was commanded by him, and was never + defeated. + </p> + <p> + In 1781 Joseph Galloway wrote a letter to Lord Howe in which he says: “The + rebel navy has been in a great measure destroyed by the small British + force remaining in America, and the privateers sent out from New York. + Their navy, which consisted, at the time of your departure, of about + thirty vessels, is now reduced to eight, and the number of privateers + fitted out in New England amounting to an hundred and upwards is now less + than forty.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. — EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS—SOME OF THE PRISON + SHIPS—CASE OF CAPTAIN + </h2> + <p> + BIRDSALL + </p> + <p> + At the risk of repetition of some facts that have already been given, we + must again refer the reader to some extracts from the newspapers of the + day. In this instance the truth can best be established by the mouths of + many witnesses, and we do not hesitate to give the English side whenever + we have been able to discover anything bearing on the subject in the + so-called loyal periodicals of the time. + </p> + <p> + From Freeman’s <i>Journal,</i> date of Jan. 19th, 1777, we take the + following: + </p> + <p> + “General Howe has discharged all the privates who were prisoners in New + York. Half he sent to the world of spirits for want of food: the others he + hath sent to warn their countrymen of the danger of falling into his + hands, and to convince them by ocular demonstration, that it is infinitely + better to be slain in battle, than to be taken prisoner by British brutes, + whose tender mercies are cruelties.” + </p> + <p> + In the <i>Connecticut Journal</i> of Jan. 30th, 1777, is the following: + </p> + <p> + “This account of the sufferings of these unfortunate men was obtained from + the prisoners themselves. As soon as they were taken they were robbed of + all their baggage; of whatever money they had, though it were of paper; of + their silver shoe buckles and knee buckles, etc.; and many were stripped + almost of their clothes. Especially those who had good clothes were + stripped at once, being told that such were ‘too good for rebels.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus deprived of their clothes and baggage, they were unable to shift + even their linen, and were obliged to wear the same shirts for even three + or four months together, whereby they became extremely nasty; and this of + itself was sufficient to bring on them many mortal diseases. + </p> + <p> + “After they were taken they were in the first place put on board the + ships, and thrust down into the hold, where not a breath of fresh air + could be obtained, and they were nearly suffocated for want of air. + </p> + <p> + “Some who were taken at Fort Washington were first in this manner thrust + down into the holds of vessels in such numbers that even in the cold + season of November they could scarcely bear any clothes on them, being + kept in a constant sweat. Yet these same persons, after lying in this + situation awhile, till the pores of their bodies were as perfectly open as + possible, were of a sudden taken out and put into some of the churches of + New York, without covering, or a spark of fire, where they suffered as + much by the cold as they did by the sweating stagnation of the air in the + other situation; and the consequence was that they took such colds as + brought on the most fatal diseases, and swept them off almost beyond + conception. + </p> + <p> + “Besides these things they suffered severely for want of provisions. The + commissioners pretended to allow a half a pound of bread, and four ounces + of pork per day; but of this pittance they were much cut short. What was + given them for three days was not enough for one day and, in some + instances, they went for three days without a single mouthful of food of + any kind. They were pinched to such an extent that some on board the ships + would pick up and eat the salt that happened to be scattered there; others + gathered up the bran which the light horse wasted, and eat it, mixed with + dirt and filth as it was. + </p> + <p> + “Nor was this all, both the bread and pork which they did allow them was + extremely bad. For the bread, some of it was made out of the bran which + they brought over to feed their light horse, and the rest of it was so + muddy, and the pork so damnified, being so soaked in bilge water during + the transportation from Europe, that they were not fit to be eaten by + human creatures, and when they were eaten were very unwholesome. Such + bread and pork as they would not pretend to give to their own countrymen + they gave to our poor sick dying prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “Nor were they in this doleful condition allowed a sufficiency of water. + One would have thought that water was so cheap and plentiful an element, + that they would not have grudged them that. But there are, it seems, no + bounds to their cruelty. The water allowed them was so brackish, and + withal nasty, that they could not drink it until reduced to extremity. Nor + did they let them have a sufficiency of even such water as this. + </p> + <p> + “When winter came on, our people suffered extremely for want of fire and + clothes to keep them warm. They were confined in churches where there were + no fireplaces that they could make fires, even if they had wood. But wood + was only allowed them for cooking their pittance of victuals; and for that + purpose very sparingly. They had none to keep them warm even in the + extremest of weather, although they were almost naked, and the few clothes + they had were their summer clothes. Nor had they a single blanket, nor any + bedding, not even straw allowed them until a little before Christmas. + </p> + <p> + “At the time those were taken on Long Island a considerable part of them + were sick of the dysentery; and with this distemper on them were first + crowded on board the ships, afterwards in the churches in New York, three, + four or five hundred together, without any blankets, or anything for even + the sick to lie upon, but the bare floors or pavements. + </p> + <p> + “In this situation that contagious distemper soon communicated from the + sick to the well, who would probably have remained so, had they not in + this manner been thrust in together without regard to sick or well, or to + the sultry, unwholesome season, it being then the heat of summer. Of this + distemper numbers died daily, and many others by their confinement and the + sultry season contracted fevers and died of them. During their sickness, + with these and other diseases, they had no medicines, nothing soothing or + comfortable for sick people, and were not so much as visited by the + physician for months together. + </p> + <p> + “Nor ought we to omit the insults which the humane Britons offered to our + people, nor the artifices which they used to enlist them in their service + to fight against their country. It seems that one end of their starving + our people was to bring them, by dint of necessity, to turn rebels to + their own country, their own consciences, and their God. For while thus + famishing they would come and say to them: ‘This is the just punishment of + your rebellion. Nay, you are treated too well for rebels; you have not + received half you deserve or half you shall receive. But if you will + enlist into his Majesty’s service, you shall have victuals and clothes + enough.’ + </p> + <p> + “As to insults, the British officers, besides continually cursing and + swearing at them as rebels, often threatened to hang them all; and, on a + particular time, ordered a number, each man to choose his halter out of a + parcel offered, wherewith to be hanged; and even went so far as to cause a + gallows to be erected before the prison, as if they were to be immediately + executed. + </p> + <p> + “They further threatened to send them all into the East Indies, and sell + them there for slaves. + </p> + <p> + “In these and numberless other ways did the British officers seem to rack + their inventions to insult, terrify, and vex the poor prisoners. The + meanest, upstart officers among them would insult and abuse our colonels + and chief officers. + </p> + <p> + “In this situation, without clothes, without victuals or drink, or even + water, or with those which were base and unwholesome; without fire, a + number of them sick, first with a contagious and nauseous distemper; + these, with others, crowded by hundreds into close confinement, at the + most unwholesome season of the year, and continued there for four months + without blankets, bedding, or straw; without linen to shift or clothes to + cover their bodies;—No wonder they all became sickly, and having at + the same time no medicine, no help of physicians, nothing to refresh or + support nature, died by scores in a night, and those who were so far gone + as to be unable to help themselves lay uncared for, till death, more kind + than Britons, put an end to their misery. + </p> + <p> + “By these means, and in this way, 1,500 brave Americans, who had nobly + gone forth in defence of their injured, oppressed country, but whom the + chance at war had cast into the hands of our enemies, died in New York, + many of whom were very amiable, promising youths, of good families, the + very flower of our land; and of those who lived to come out of prison, the + greater part, as far as I can learn, are dead or dying. Their + constitutions are broken; the stamina of nature worn out; they cannot + recover—they die. Even the few that might have survived are dying of + the smallpox. For it seems that our enemies determining that even these, + whom a good constitution and a kind Providence had carried through + unexampled sufferings, should not at last escape death, just before their + release from imprisonment infected them with that fatal distemper. + </p> + <p> + “To these circumstances we subjoin the manner in which they buried those + of our people who died. They dragged them out of the prison by one leg or + one arm, piled them up without doors, there let them lie until a + sufficient number were dead to make a cart load, then loaded them up in a + cart, drove the cart thus loaded out to the ditches made by our people + when fortifying New York; there they would tip the cart, tumble the + corpses together into the ditch, and afterwards slightly cover them with + earth. * * * While our poor prisoners have been thus treated by our foes, + the prisoners we have taken have enjoyed the liberty of walking and riding + about within large limits at their pleasure; have been freely supplied + with every necessary, and have even lived on the fat of the land. None + have been so well fed, so plump, and so merry as they; and this generous + treatment, it is said, they could not but remember. For when they were + returned in the exchange of prisoners, and saw the miserable, famished, + dying state of our prisoners, conscious of the treatment they had + received, they could not refrain from tears.” <i>Connecticut Journal,</i> + Jan. 30th, 1777. + </p> + <p> + In April of the year 1777 a committee that was appointed by Congress to + inquire into the doings of the British on their different marches through + New York and New Jersey reported that “The prisoners, instead of that + humane treatment which those taken by the United States experienced, were + in general treated with the greatest barbarity. Many of them were kept + near four days without food altogether. * * * Freemen and men of substance + suffered all that generous minds could suffer from the contempt and + mockery of British and foreign mercenaries. Multitudes died in prison. + When they were sent out several died in being carried from the boats on + shore, or upon the road attempting to go home. The committee, in the + course of their inquiry, learned that sometimes the common soldiers + expressed sympathy with the prisoners, and the foreigners (did this) more + than the English. But this was seldom or never the case with the officers, + nor have they been able to hear of any charitable assistance given them by + the inhabitants who remained in, or resorted to the city of New York, + which neglect, if universal, they believe was never known to happen in any + similar case in a Christian country.” + </p> + <p> + We have already shown that some of the citizens of New York, even a number + of the profligate women of the town, did their best to relieve the wants + of the perishing prisoners. But the guards were very strict, and what they + could do was inadequate to remove the distresses under which these victims + of cruelty and oppression died. As we are attempting to make this work a + compendium of all the facts that can be gathered upon the subject, we must + beg the reader’s indulgence if we continue to give corroborating testimony + of the same character, from the periodicals of the day. We will next quote + from the <i>New Hampshire Gazette,</i> date of February 4th, 1779. + </p> + <p> + “It is painful to repeat the indubitable accounts we are constantly + receiving, of the cruel and inhuman treatment of the subjects of these + States from the British in New York and other places. They who hear our + countrymen who have been so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of those + unrelenting tyrants, relate the sad story of their captivity, the insults + they have received, and the slow, cool, systematic manner in which great + numbers of those who could not be prevailed on to enter their service have + been murdered, must have hearts of stone not to melt with pity for the + sufferers, and burn with indignation at their tormentors. As we have daily + fresh instances to prove the truth of such a representation, public + justice requires that repeated public mention should be made of them. A + cartel vessel lately arrived at New London in Connecticut, carrying about + 130 American prisoners from the prison ships in New York. Such was the + condition in which these poor creatures were put on board the cartel, that + in the short run, 16 died on board; upwards of sixty when they were + landed, were scarcely able to move, and the remainder greatly emaciated + and enfeebled; and many who continue alive are never likely to recover + their former health. The greatest inhumanity was experienced by the + prisoners in a ship of which one Nelson, a Scotchman, had the + superintendence. Upwards of 300 American prisoners were confined at a + time, on board this ship. There was but one small fire-place allowed to + cook the food of such a number. The allowance of the prisoners was, + moreover, frequently delayed, insomuch that, in the short days of November + and December, it was not begun to be delivered out until 11 o’clock in the + forenoon so that the whole could not be served until three. At sunset the + fire was ordered to be quenched; no plea from the many sick, from their + absolute necessity, the shortness of the time or the smallness of the + hearth, was allowed to avail. The known consequence was that some had not + their food dressed at all; many were obliged to eat it half raw. On board + the ship no flour, oatmeal, and things of like nature, suited to the + condition of infirm people, were allowed to the many sick, nothing but + ship-bread, beef, and pork. This is the account given by a number of + prisoners, who are credible persons, and this is but a part of their + sufferings; so that the excuse made by the enemy that the prisoners were + emaciated and died by contagious sickness, which no one could prevent, is + futile. It requires no great sagacity to know that crowding people + together without fresh air, and feeding, or rather starving them in such a + manner as the prisoners have been, must unavoidably produce a contagion. + Nor is it a want of candor to suppose that many of our enemies saw with + pleasure this contagion, which might have been so easily prevented, among + the prisoners who could not be persuaded to enter the service.” + </p> + <p> + THE CASE OF CAPTAIN BIRDSALL + </p> + <p> + Soon after the battle of Long Island Captain Birdsall, a Whig officer, + made a successful attempt to release an American vessel laden with flour + for the army, which had been captured in the Sound by the British. Captain + Birdsall offered, if the undertaking was approved of by his superior + officer, to superintend the enterprise himself. The proposal was accepted, + when Birdsall, with a few picked men, made the experiment, and succeeded + in sending the vessel to her original destination. But he and one of his + men fell into the hands of the enemy. He was sent to the Provost Jail + under surveillance of “that monster in human shape, the infamous + Cunningham.” He requested the use of pen, ink, and paper, for the purpose + of acquainting his family of his situation. On being refused he made a + reply which drew from the keeper some opprobious epithets, accompanied by + a thrust from his sword, which penetrated the shoulder of his victim, and + caused the blood to flow freely. Being locked up alone in a filthy + apartment, and denied any assistance whatever, he was obliged to dress the + wound with his own linen, and then to endure, in solitude and misery, + every indignity which the malice of the Provost Master urged him to + inflict upon a <i>damned rebel</i>, who, he declared, ought to be hung. + “After several months of confinement and starvation he was exchanged.” + </p> + <p> + Two Whig gentlemen of Long Island were imprisoned in the Provost Prison + some time in the year 1777. Two English Quakers named Jacob Watson and + Robert Murray at last procured their release. Their names were George + Townsend and John Kirk. Kirk caught the smallpox while in prison. He was + sent home in a covered wagon. His wife met him at the door, and tenderly + nursed him through the disorder. He recovered in due time, but she and her + infant daughter died of the malady. There were hundreds of such cases: + indeed throughout the war contagion was carried into every part of the + country by soldiers and former prisoners. In some instances the British + were accused of selling inoculated clothing to the prisoners. Let us hope + that some, at least, of these reports are unfounded. + </p> + <p> + The North Dutch Church was the last of the churches used as prisons to be + torn down. As late as 1850 it was still standing, and marks of bayonet + thrusts were plainly to be discerned upon its pillars. How many of the + wretched sufferers were in this manner done to death we have no means of + discovering, but it must have been easier to die in that manner than to + have endured the protracted agonies of death by starvation. + </p> + <p> + John Pintard, who assisted his uncle, Lewis Pintard, Commissioner for + American prisoners in New York, thus wrote of their sufferings. It must be + remembered that the prisoners taken in 1776 died, for the most part, + before our struggling nation was able to protect them, before + Commissioners had been appointed, and when, in her feeble infancy, the + Republic was powerless to aid them. + </p> + <p> + “The prisoners taken on Long Island and at Fort Washington, sick, wounded, + and well, were all indiscriminately huddled together, by hundreds and + thousands, large numbers of whom died by disease, and many undoubtedly + poisoned by inhuman attendants, for the sake of their watches or silver + buckles.” + </p> + <p> + It was on the 20th of January, 1777, that Washington proposed to Mr. Lewis + Pintard, a merchant of New York, that he should accept the position as + resident agent for American prisoners. In May of that year General Parsons + sent to Washington a plan for making a raid upon Long Island, and bringing + off the American officers, prisoners of war on parole. Washington, + however, disapproved of the plan, and it was not executed. + </p> + <p> + No one sympathized with the unfortunate victims of British cruelty more + deeply than the Commander-in-chief. But he keenly felt the injustice of + exchanging sound, healthy, British soldiers, for starved and dying + wretches, for the most part unable even to reach their homes. In a letter + written by him on the 28th of May, 1777, to General Howe, he declared that + a great proportion of prisoners sent out by the British were not fit + subjects for exchange, and that, being made so unfit by the severity of + their treatment, a deduction should be made. It is needless to say that + the British General refused this proposition. + </p> + <p> + On the 10th of June, 1777, Washington, in a long letter to General Howe, + states that he gave clothing to the British prisoners in his care. He also + declares that he was not informed of the sufferings of the Americans in + New York until too late, and that he was refused permission to establish + an agency in that city to purchase what was necessary to supply the wants + of the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + It was not until after the battle of Trenton that anything could be done + to relieve these poor men. Washington, by his heroism, when he led his + little band across the half frozen Delaware, saved the lives of the small + remnant of prisoners in New York. After the battle he had so many British + and Hessian prisoners in his power, that he was able to impress upon the + British general the fact that American prisoners were too valuable to be + murdered outright, and that it was more expedient to keep them alive for + purposes of exchange. + </p> + <p> + Rivington’s <i>Gazette</i> of Jan. 15th, 1779, contains this notice: + “Privateers arriving in New York Harbor are to put their prisoners on + board the Good Hope or Prince of Wales prison ships. + </p> + <p> + “James Dick.” + </p> + <p> + If the Jersey were in use at that time it must have been too crowded for + further occupancy. But although there is frequent mention in the + periodicals of the day of the prison ships of New York the Jersey did not + become notorious until later. + </p> + <p> + On the 29th of June, 1779, Sir George Collier, in a notice in Rivington’s + <i>Gazette</i>, forbids “privateers landing prisoners on Long Island to + the damage and annoyance of His Majesty’s faithful servants.” + </p> + <p> + This order was no doubt issued, in fear of contagion, which fear led the + British to remove their prison ships out of New York Harbor to the retired + waters of Wallabout Bay, where the work of destruction could go on with + less fear of producing a general pestilence. + </p> + <p> + In the issue for the 23rd of August, 1779, we read: “To be sold, The sails + and rigging of the ship Good Hope. Masts, spars, and yards as good as + new.” + </p> + <p> + Among the accounts of cruelty to the prisoners it is refreshing to come + upon such a paragraph as this, from a New London, Conn. paper, dated + August 18th, 1779. “Last week five or six hundred American prisoners were + exchanged. A flag returned here with 47 American prisoners, and though + taken out of the Good Hope prison ship, it must (for once) be acknowledged + that all were very well and healthy. Only 150 left.” + </p> + <p> + The next quotation that we will give contains one of the first mentions of + the Jersey as a prison ship, that we have been able to find. + </p> + <p> + “New London, Sept. 1st, 1779. D. Stanton testifies that he was taken June + 5th and put in the Jersey prison ship. An allowance from Congress was sent + on board. About three or four weeks past we were removed on board the Good + Hope, where we found many sick. There is now a hospital ship provided, to + which they are removed, and good attention paid.” + </p> + <p> + A Boston paper dated September 2nd, 1779, has the following: “Returned to + this port Alexander Dickey, Commissary of Prisoners, from New York, with a + cartel, having on board 180 American prisoners. Their countenances + indicate that they have undergone every conceivable inhumanity.” + </p> + <p> + “New London, Sep. 29th 1779. A Flag arrived here from New York with 117 + prisoners, chiefly from New England.” + </p> + <p> + From Rivington’s <i>Gazette,</i> March lst, 1780. “Last Saturday afternoon + the Good Hope prison ship, lying in the Wallebocht Bay was entirely + consumed after having been wilfully set on fire by a Connecticut man named + Woodbury, who confessed to the fact. He with others of the incendiaries + are removed to the Provost. The prisoners let each other down from the + port holes and decks into the water.” + </p> + <p> + So that was the end of the Good Hope. She seems to have been burned by + some of the prisoners in utter desperation, probably with some hope that, + in the confusion, they might be enabled to escape, though we do not learn + that any of them were so fortunate, and the only consequence of the deed + appears to have been that the remaining ships were crowded to suffocation. + </p> + <p> + A writer in the Connecticut <i>Gazette,</i> whose name is not given, says: + “May 25th, 1780. I am now a prisoner on board the Falmouth, a place the + most dreadful; we are confined so that we have not room even to lie down + all at once to sleep. It is the most horrible, cursed, hole that can be + thought of. I was sick and longed for some small beer, while I lay + unpitied at death’s door, with a putrid fever, and though I had money I + was not permitted to send for it. I offered repeatedly a hard dollar for a + pint. The wretch who went forward and backward would not oblige me. I am + just able to creep about. Four prisoners have escaped from this ship. One + having, as by accident, thrown his hat overboard, begged leave to go after + it in a small boat, which lay alongside. Having reached the hat they + secured the sentinel and made for the Jersey shore, though several armed + boats pursued, and shot was fired from the shipping.” + </p> + <p> + The New Jersey <i>Gazette</i> of June 4th, 1780, says: “Thirty-five + Americans, including five officers, made their escape from the prison ship + at New York and got safely off.” + </p> + <p> + “For Sale. The remains of the hospital ship Kitty, as they now lie at the + Wallebocht, with launch, anchors, and cables.” Gaine’s <i>Mercury</i>, + July 1st, 1780. + </p> + <p> + New Jersey <i>Gazette</i>, August 23, 1780. “Captain Grumet, who made his + escape from the Scorpion prison ship, at New York, on the evening of the + 15th, says more lenity is shown the prisoners. There are 200 in the + Strombolo, and 120 in the Scorpion.” + </p> + <p> + It was in 1780 that the poet Freneau was a prisoner on the Scorpion, + which, at that time, was anchored in the East River. In Rivington’s <i>Gazette</i>, + at the end of that year, the “hulks of his Majesty’s sloops Scorpion and + Hunter” are advertised for sale. Also “the Strombolo fire-ship, now lying + in North River.” It appears, however, that there were no purchasers, and + they remained unsold. They were still in use until the end of the year + 1781. Gaine’s <i>Mercury</i> declares that “the Strombolo, from August + 21st to December 10th, 1781, had never less than 150 prisoners on board, + oftener over 200.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Cahoon with four others escaped from a prison ship to Long Island + in a boat, March 8, notwithstanding they were fired on from the prison and + hospital ships, and pursued by guard boats from three in the afternoon to + seven in the evening. He left 200 prisoners in New York.” <i>Connecticut + Journal</i>, March 22, 1781. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Connecticut Gazette</i>, in May, 1781, stated that 1100 French and + American prisoners had died during the winter in the prison ships. “New + London, November 17th, 1781. A Flag of truce returned here from New York + with 132 prisoners, with the rest of those carried off by Arnold. They are + chiefly from the prison ships, and some from the Sugar House, and are + mostly sick.” + </p> + <p> + “New London, Jan. 4th, 1782. 130 prisoners landed here from New York + December third, in most deplorable condition. A great part are since dead, + and the survivors so debilitated that they will drag out a miserable + existence. It is enough to melt the most obdurate heart to see these + miserable objects landed at our wharves sick and dying, and the few rags + they have on covered with vermin and their own excrements.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. — THE JOURNAL OF DR. ELIAS CORNELIUS—BRITISH + PRISONS IN THE SOUTH + </h2> + <p> + We must now conduct our readers back to the Provost Prison in New York, + where, for some time, Colonel Ethan Allen was incarcerated. Dr. Elias + Cornelius, a surgeon’s mate, was taken prisoner by the British on the 22nd + of August, 1777. On that day he had ridden to the enemy’s advanced post to + make observations, voluntarily accompanying a scouting party. On his way + back he was surprised, over-powered, and captured by a party of British + soldiers. + </p> + <p> + This was at East Chester. He seems to have lagged behind the rest of the + party, and thus describes the occurrence: “On riding into town (East + Chester) four men started from behind a shed and took me prisoner. They + immediately began robbing me of everything I had, horse and harness, + pistols, Great Coat, shoe-buckles, pocket book, which contained over + thirty pounds, and other things. The leader of the guard abused me very + much. * * * When we arrived at King’s Bridge I was put under the Provost + Guard, with a man named Prichard and several other prisoners.” They were + kept at the guard house there for some time, and regaled with mouldy + bread, rum and water, and sour apples, which were thrown down for them to + scramble for, as if they were so many pigs. They were at last marched to + New York. Just before reaching that city they were carried before a + Hessian general to be “made a show of.” The Hessians mocked them, told + them they were all to be hung, and even went so far as to draw their + swords across their throats. But a Hessian surgeon’s mate took pity on + Cornelius, and gave him a glass of wine. + </p> + <p> + On the march to New York in the hot summer afternoon they were not allowed + to stop even for a drink of water. Cornelius was in a fainting condition, + when a poor woman, compassionating his sad plight, asked to be allowed to + give them some water. They were then about four miles from New York. She + ran into her house and brought out several pails of beer, three or four + loaves of bread, two or three pounds of cheese, and besides all this, she + gave money to some of the prisoners. Her name was Mrs. Clemons. She was + from Boston and kept a small store along the road to New York. + </p> + <p> + Cornelius says: “We marched till we come to the Bowery, three quarters of + a mile from New York. * * * As we come into town, Hessians, Negroes, and + children insulted, stoned, and abused us. * * * In this way we were led + through half the streets as a show. * * * At last we were ordered to the + Sugar House, which formerly went by the name of Livingstone’s Sugar House. + Here one Walley, a Sergeant of the 20th Regiment of Irish traitors in the + British service, had the charge of the prisoners. This man was the most + barbarous, cruel man that ever I saw. He drove us into the yard like so + many hogs. From there he ordered us into the Sugar House, which was the + dirtiest and most disagreeable place that I ever saw, and the water in the + pump was not better than that in the docks. The top of the house was open + * * * to the weather, so that when it rained the water ran through every + floor, and it was impossible for us to keep dry. Mr. Walley gave thirteen + of us four pounds of mouldy bread and four pounds of poor Irish pork for + four days. I asked Mr Walley if I was not to have my parole. He answered + ‘No!’ When I asked for pen and ink to write a few lines to my father, he + struck me across the face with a staff which I have seen him beat the + prisoners.” (with) + </p> + <p> + On the next morning Cornelius was conveyed to the Provost Guard. “I was + then taken down to a Dungeon. The provost marshal was Sergeant Keith” + (Cunningham appears to have been, at this time, murdering the unfortunate + prisoners in his power at Philadelphia). + </p> + <p> + “There was in this place a Captain Travis of Virginia, and Captain of a + sloop of war. There were also in this dismal place nine thieves, + murderers, etc. A Captain Chatham was taken sick with nervous fever. I + requested the Sergeant to suffer me to send for some medicine, or I + believed he might die, to which he replied he might die, and if he did he + would bury him. + </p> + <p> + “All the provisions each man had was but two pounds meat and two pounds + bread for a week, always one and sometimes both was not fit to eat. * * * + I had no change of linen from the 25th of August to the 12th of + September.” + </p> + <p> + It seems that the father of Cornelius, who lived on Long Island, was an + ardent Tory. Cornelius asked Sergeant O’Keefe to be allowed to send to his + father for money and clothing. But this was refused. “In this hideous + place,” he continues, “I was kept until the 20th of September; when + Sergeant Keath took Captains C., and Travis, and myself, and led us to the + upper part of the prison, where were Ethan Allen, Major Williams, Paine + and Wells and others. Major Williams belonged at Maryland and was taken + prisoner at Fort Washington. * * * + </p> + <p> + “While at this place we were not allowed to speak to any friend, not even + out of the window. I have frequently seen women beaten with canes and + ram-rods who have come to the prisons’ windows to speak to their Husbands, + Sons, or Brothers, and officers put in the dungeon just for asking for + cold water.” + </p> + <p> + Dried peas were given out to the prisoners, without the means of cooking + them. + </p> + <p> + When Fort Montgomery was taken by the British the American officers who + had been in command at that post were brought to the Provost and put into + two small rooms on the lower floor. Some of them were badly wounded, but + no surgeon was allowed to dress their wounds. Cornelius asked permission + to do so, but this was refused. “All of us in the upper prison,” he + continues, “were sometimes allowed to go on top of the house. I took this + opportunity to throw some Ointment and Lint down the chimney to the + wounded in the lower rooms with directions how to use it. I knew only one + of them—Lt. Col. Livingstone.” + </p> + <p> + At the time of Burgoyne’s surrender a rumor of the event reached the + prisoners, and women passing along the street made signs to assure them + that that general was really a captive. Colonel Livingstone received a + letter from his father giving an account of Burgoyne’s surrender. “Soon we + heard hollooing and other expressions of joy from him and others in the + (lower) rooms. * * * He put the letter up through a crack in the floor for + us to read. * * * The whole prison was filled with joy inexpressible. * * + * From this time we were better treated, although the provision was bad, + but we drew rather larger quantities of it. Some butter, and about a gill + of rice and some cole were dealt out to us, which we never drew before. + </p> + <p> + “About this time my father came to see me. I was called down to the + grates. My heart at first was troubled within me; I burst into tears, and + did not speak for some minutes. I put my hand through the grates, and took + my father’s and held it fast. The poor old gentleman shed many tears, and + seemed much troubled to see me in so woeful a place. * * * He asked me + what I thought of myself now, and why I could not have been ruled by him. + * * * Soon the Provost Marshal came and said he could not allow my father + to stay longer. + </p> + <p> + “* * * Toward the latter part of December we had Continental bread and + beef sent us, and as much wood as we wished to burn. A friend gave me some + money which was very useful. + </p> + <p> + “Jan. 9th, 1778. This day Mr. Walley came and took from the prison myself + and six others under guard to the Sugar House. * * * At this time my + health was bad, being troubled with the scurvy, and my prospects for the + winter were dark.” + </p> + <p> + He describes the Sugar House as a dreadful place of torment, and says that + thirty disorderly men were allowed to steal from the other prisoners the + few comforts they possessed. They would even take the sick out of their + beds, steal their bedding, and beat and kick the wretched sufferers. The + articles thus procured they would sell to Mr. Walley (or Woolley) for rum. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th of January Cornelius was sent to the hospital. The Brick + Meeting House was used for the sick among the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” he continues, “I stayed until the 16th. I was not much better than + I was in the Sugar House, no medicine was given me, though I had a cough + and a fever. The Surgeon wished me as soon as I got better to take the + care of the sick, provided I could get my parole. + </p> + <p> + “Jan. 16th. On coming next morning he (the surgeon) said he could get my + parole. I was now determined to make my escape, though hardly able to + undertake it. Just at dusk, having made the Sentinel intoxicated, I with + others, went out into the backyard to endeavor to escape over the fence. + The others being backward about going first, I climbed upon a tombstone + and gave a spring, and went over safe, and then gave orders for the others + to do so also. A little Irish lad undertook to leap over, and caught his + clothes in the spikes on the wall, and made something of a noise. The + sentinel being aroused called out ‘Rouse!’ which is the same as to command + the guards to turn out. They were soon out and surrounded the prison. In + the mean time I had made my way to St. Paul’s Church, which was the wrong + way to get out of town. + </p> + <p> + “The guards, expecting that I had gone towards North River, went in that + direction. On arriving at the Church I turned into the street to go by the + College and thus go out of town by the side of the river. Soon after I was + out of town I heard the eight o’clock gun, which * * * was the signal for + the sentinels to hail every man that came by. I wished much to cross the + river, but could not find any boat suitable. While going along up the side + of the river at 9 P.M., I was challenged by a sentinel with the usual word + (Burdon), upon which I answered nothing, and on being challenged the + second time I answered ‘Friend.’ He bade me advance and give the + countersign, upon which I fancied (pretended) I was drunk, and advanced in + a staggering manner, and after falling to the ground he asked me where I + was going. I told him ‘Home,’ but that I had got lost, and having been to + New York had taken rather too much liquor, and become somewhat + intoxicated. He then asked me my name which I told him was Matthew Hoppen. + Mr. Hoppen lived not far distant. I solicited him to put me in the right + direction, but he told me I must not go until the Sergeant of the guard + dismissed me from him, unless I could give him the countersign. I still + entreated him to let me go. Soon he consented and directed my course, + which I thanked him for. Soon the moon arose and made it very light, and + there being snow on the ground, crusted over, and no wind, therefore a + person walking could be heard a great distance. + </p> + <p> + “At this time the tumor in my lungs broke, and being afraid to cough for + fear of being heard, prevented me from relieving myself of the pus that + was lodged there. + </p> + <p> + “I had now to cross lots that were cleared and covered with snow, the + houses being thick on the road which I was to cross, and for fear of being + heard I lay myself flat on my stomach and crept along on the frozen snow. + When I come to the fence I climbed over, and walked down the road, near a + house where there was music and dancing. At this time one of the guards + came out. I immediately fell down upon my face. Soon the man went into the + house. I rose again, and crossed the fence into the field, and proceeded + towards the river. There being no trees or rocks to prevent my being seen, + and not being able to walk without being heard, and the dogs beginning to + bark, I lay myself down flat again, and crept across the field, which took + me half an hour. I at length reached the river and walked by the side of + it some distance, and saw a small creek which ran up into the island, and + by the side of it a small house, and two Sentinels one on each side of it. + Not knowing what to do I crept into a hole in the bank which led in + between two rocks. Here I heard them talk. I concluded to endeavor to go + around the head of the creek, which was about half a mile, but on getting + out of the hole I took hold of the limb of a tree which gave way, and made + a great noise. The sentinel, on hearing it said, ‘Did you not hear a + person on the creek?’ + </p> + <p> + “I waited some minutes and then went around the head of the creek and came + down the river on the other side to see if I could not find a boat to + cross to Long Island. But on finding sentinels near by I retreated a short + distance back, and went up the river. I had not gone more than thirty rods + when I saw another sentinel posted on the bank of the river where I must + pass. * * * I stood some time thinking what course to pursue, but on + looking at the man found he did not move and was leaning on his gun. I + succeeded in passing by without waking him up. After this I found a + Sentinel every fifteen or twenty rods until I came within two miles of + Hell Gate. Here I stayed until my feet began to freeze, and having nothing + to eat I went a mile further up the river. It now being late I crept into + the bushes and lay down to think what to do next. I concluded to remain + where I was during the night, and early in the morning to go down to New + York and endeavor to find some house to conceal myself in. + </p> + <p> + “In the morning as soon as the Revelry Beating commenced I went on my way + to New York which was eight miles from this place. After proceeding awhile + I heard the morning guns fired from New York, though I was four miles from + it. I passed the sentinels unmolested down the middle of the road, and + arrived there before many were up. I met many British and Hessian soldiers + whom I knew very well, but they did not know me. + </p> + <p> + “I went to a house, and found them friends of America, and was kindly + received of them, and (they) promised to keep me a few days. + </p> + <p> + “I had not been here but three quarters of an hour when I was obliged to + call for a bed. After being in bed two or three hours I was taken with a + stoppage in my breast, and made my resperation difficult, and still being + afraid to cough loud for fear of being heard. The good lady of the house + gave me some medicine of my own prescribing, which soon gave me relief. + Soon after a rumor spread about town among the friends of America of my + confinement, and expecting soon to be retaken, they took measures to have + me conveyed to Long Island, which was accordingly done. + </p> + <p> + “Feb. 18th, 1778. The same day I was landed I walked nine miles, and put + up at a friend’s house, during my walk I passed my Grandfather’s house, + and dare not go in for fear he would deliver me up to the British. Next + morning I started on my journey again, and reached the place I intended at + 12 o’clock, and put up with two friends. The next morning I and two + companions started from our friends with four days provisions, and shovels + and axes to build us a hut in the woods. We each of us had a musket, + powder, and balls. After going two miles in the woods we dug away the snow + and made us a fire. After warming ourselves we set to work to build + ourselves a hut; and got one side of it done the first day, and the next + we finished it. It was tolerably comfortable. We kept large fires, and + cooked our meat on the coals. In eight or ten days we had some provisions + brought us by our friends. At this time we heard that Captain Rogers was + cast away on Long Island, and concealed by some of his friends. We went to + see him, and found him. We attempted to stay in the house in a back room. + At about ten A. M. there came in a Tory, he knowing some of us seemed much + troubled. We made him promise that he would not make known our escape. The + next day our two comrades went back to their old quarters, and Captain + Rogers and myself and a friend went into the woods and built us a hut, + about ten miles from my former companions, with whom we kept up a constant + correspondence. Soon a man was brought to us by our friends, whom we found + to be John Rolston, a man who was confined in the Provost Jail with us, + and was carried to the Hospital about three weeks after I was, and made + his escape the same way, and by friends was brought to Long Island. + </p> + <p> + “March 19th, 1778. About 5 o’clock a friend came to us and and said we had + an opportunity to go over to New England in a boat that had just landed + with four Tories, that had stolen the boat at Fairfield, Conn. We + immediately sent word to our two friends with whom I first helped to build + a hut, but they could not be found. At sunset those that came in the boat + went off, and some of our friends guided us through the woods to the boat, + taking two oars with us, for fear we should not find any in the boat. On + arrival at the place our kind friends helped us off. We rowed very fast + till we were a great distance from land. The moon rose soon, and the wind + being fair we arrived we knew not where, about a half hour before day. We + went on shore, and soon found it was Norwalk, Conn. We had bade farewell + to Long Island, for the present, upon which I composed the following + lines:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O fair you well, once happy land, + Where peace and plenty dwelt, + But now oppressed by tyrants’ hands, + Where naught but fury’s felt + + “Behold I leave you for awhile, + To mourn for all your sons, + Who daily bleed that you may smile + When we’ve your freedom won +</pre> + <p> + “After being rested, just as the day began to dawn, we walked to a place + called the Old Mill, where we found a guard (American) who hailed us at a + distance, and on coming up to him kindly received us, and invited us to + his house to warm us. This being done we went home with Captain Rodgers, + for he lived in Norwalk. Here we went to bed at sunrise, and stayed till + 10 o’clock. After dinner we took leave of Captain Rodgers and started for + head-quarters in Pennsylvania, where the grand Army was at that time. In + seven days we arrived at Valley Forge. + </p> + <p> + “Elias Cornelius.” + </p> + <p> + This portion of the journal of Dr. Cornelius was published in the <i>Putnam + County Republican</i>, in 1895, with a short account of the author. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Cornelius was born on Long Island in 1758, and was just twenty at the + time of his capture. His ancestors came from Holland. They were of good + birth, and brought a seal bearing their coat of arms to this country. On + the 15th of April, 1777, he was appointed surgeon’s mate to the Second + Regiment of Rhode Island troops under Colonel Israel Angell. + </p> + <p> + The article in the <i>Republican</i> gives a description of Cunningham and + the Provost which we do not quote in full, as it contains little that is + new. It says, however that “While Cunningham’s victims were dying off from + cold and starvation like cattle, he is said to have actually mingled an + arsenical preparation with the food to make them die the quicker. It is + recorded that he boasted that he had killed more rebels with his own hand + than had been slain by all the King’s forces in America.” + </p> + <p> + Cornelius continued in the Continental service until January 1st, 1781, + and received an honorable discharge. After the war he settled at Yorktown, + Westchester County, and came to be known as the “beloved physician.” He + was very gentle and kind, and a great Presbyterian. He died in 1823, and + left descendants, one of whom is Judge C. M. Tompkins, of Washington, D. + C. + </p> + <p> + As we have seen, Cunningham was not always in charge of the Provost. It + appears that, during his absence in Philadelphia and other places, where + he spread death and destruction, he left Sergeant O’Keefe, almost as great + a villian as himself, in charge of the hapless prisoners in New York. It + is to be hoped that his boast that he had killed more Americans than all + the King’s forces is an exaggeration. It may, however, be true that in the + years 1776 and 1777 he destroyed more American soldiers than had, at that + time, fallen on the field of battle. + </p> + <p> + When an old building that had been used as a prison near the City Hall was + torn down a few years ago to make way for the Subway Station of the + Brooklyn Bridge, a great number of skeletons were found <i>in its cellars</i>. + That these men starved to death or came to their end by violence cannot be + doubted. New York, at the time of the Revolution, extended to about + three-quarters of a mile from the Battery, its suburbs lying around what + is now Fulton Street. Cornelius speaks of the Bowery as about + three-quarters of a mile from New York! “St. Paul’s Church,” says Mr. + Haltigan, in his very readable book called “The Irish in the American + Revolution,” “where Washington attended divine service, is now the only + building standing that existed in those days, and that is a veritable + monument to Irish and American patriotism. * * * On the Boston Post Road, + where it crossed a brook in the vicinity of Fifty-Second street and Second + avenue, then called Beekman’s Hill, William Beekman had an extensive + country house. During the Revolution this house was the British + headquarters, and residence of Sir William Howe, where Nathan Hale was + condemned to death, and where Major Andrè received his last instructions + before going on his ill-fated mission to the traitor Arnold.” + </p> + <p> + Lossing tells us of the imprisonment of one of the signers of the + Declaration of Independence, in the following language: “Suffering and woe + held terrible sway after Cornwallis and his army swept over the plains of + New Jersey. Like others of the signers of the great Declaration, Richard + Stockton was marked for peculiar vengeance by the enemy. So suddenly did + the flying Americans pass by in the autumn of 1776, and so soon were the + Hessian vultures and their British companions on the trail, that he had + barely time to remove his family to a place of safety before his beautiful + mansion was filled with rude soldiery. The house was pillaged, the horses + and stock were driven away, the furniture was converted into fuel, the + choice old wines in the cellar were drunk, the valuable library, and all + the papers of Mr. Stockton were committed to the flames, and the estate + was laid waste. Mr. Stockton’s place of concealment was discovered by a + party of loyalists, who entered the house at night, dragged him from his + bed, and treating him with every indignity that malice could invent, + hurried him to New York, where he was confined in the loathsome Provost + Jail and treated with the utmost cruelty. When, through the interposition + of Congress he was released, his constitution was hopelessly shattered, + and he did not live to see the independence of his country achieved. He + died at his home at Princeton, in February, 1781, blessed to the last with + the tender and affectionate attentions of his noble wife.” + </p> + <p> + We have gathered very little information about the British prisons in the + south, but that little shall be laid before the reader. It repeats the + same sad story of suffering and death of hundreds of martyrs to the cause + of liberty, and of terrible cruelty on the part of the English as long as + they were victorious. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Haltigan tells of the “tender mercies” of Cornwallis at the south in + the following words: “Cornwallis was even more cruel than Clinton, and + more flagrant in his violations of the conditions of capitulation. After + the fall of Charleston the real misery of the inhabitants began. Every + stipulation made by Sir Henry Clinton for their welfare was not only + grossly violated, but he sent out expeditions in various sections to + plunder and kill the inhabitants, and scourge the country generally. One + of these under Tarleton surprised Colonel Buford and his Virginia regiment + at Waxhaw, N. C., and while negotiations were pending for a surrender, the + Americans, without notice, were suddenly attacked and massacred in cold + blood. Colonel Buford and one hundred of his men saved themselves only by + flight. Though the rest sued for quarter, one hundred and thirteen of them + were killed on the spot, and one hundred and fifty more were so badly + hacked by Tarleton’s dragoons that they could not be removed. Only + fifty-three out of the entire regiment were spared and taken prisoners. + ‘Tarleton’s quarter’ thereafter became the synonym for barbarity. * * * + Feeling the silent influence of the eminent citizens under parole in + Charleston, Cornwallis resolved to expatriate them to Florida. + </p> + <p> + “Lieutenant Governor Gadsden and seventy-seven other public and + influential men were taken from their beds by armed parties, before dawn + on the morning of the 27th of August, 1780, hurried on board the Sandwich + prison ship, without being allowed to bid adieu to their families, and + were conveyed to St. Augustine. + </p> + <p> + “The pretence for this measure, by which the British authorities attempted + to justify it, was the false accusation that these men were concerting a + scheme for burning the town and massacring the loyal inhabitants. Nobody + believed the tale, and the act was made more flagrant by this wicked + calumny. Arrived at St. Augustine the prisoners were offered paroles to + enjoy liberty within the precincts of the town. Gadsden, the sturdy + patriot, refused acquiescence, for he disdained making further terms with + a power that did not regard the sanctity of a solemn treaty. He was + determined not to be deceived the second time. + </p> + <p> + “‘Had the British commanders,’ he said, ‘regarded the terms of + capitulation at Charleston I might now, although a prisoner, enjoy the + smiles and consolations of my family under my own roof; but even without a + shadow of accusation preferred against me, for any act inconsistent with + my plighted faith, I am torn from them, and here, in a distant land, + invited to enter into new engagements. I will give no parole.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Think better of it,’ said Governor Tonyn, who was in command, ‘a second + refusal of it will fix your destiny,—a dungeon will be your future + habitation.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Prepare it then,’ replied the inflexible patriot, ‘I will give no + parole, so help me God!’ + </p> + <p> + “And the petty tyrant did prepare it, and for forty-two weeks that + patriot, of almost threescore years of age, never saw the light of the + blessed sun, but lay incarcerated in the dungeon of the castle of St + Augustine. All the other prisoners accepted paroles, but they were exposed + to indignities more harrowing to the sensitive soul than close + confinement. When they were exchanged, in June, 1781, they were not + allowed even to touch at Charleston, but were sent to Philadelphia, + whither their families had been banished when the prisoners were taken to + the Sandwich. More than a thousand persons were thus exiled, and husbands + and wives, fathers and children, first met in a distant State after a + separation of ten months. + </p> + <p> + “Nearly all the soldiers taken prisoners at Charleston were confined in + prison ships in the harbor, where foul air, bad food, filth, and disease + killed hundreds of them. Those confined at Haddrell’s Point also suffered + terribly. Many of them had been nurtured in affluence; now far from + friends and entirely without means, they were reduced to the greatest + straits. They were not even allowed to fish for their support, but were + obliged to perform the most menial services. After thirteen months + captivity, Cornwallis ordered them to be sent to the West Indies, and this + cruel order would have been carried out, but for the general exchange of + prisoners which took place soon afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “Governor Rutledge, in speaking before the South Carolina Assembly at + Jacksonboro, thus eloquently referred to the rigorous and unjustifiable + conduct of the British authorities: + </p> + <p> + “‘Regardless of the sacred ties of honor, destitute of the feelings of + humanity, and determined to extinguish, if possible, every spark of + freedom in this country, the enemy, with the insolent pride of conquerors, + gave unbounded scope to the exercise of their tyrannical disposition, + infringed their public engagements, and violated their most solemn + treaties. Many of our worthiest citizens, without cause, were long and + closely confined, some on board prison ships, and others in the town and + castle of St. Augustine. Their properties were disposed of at the will and + caprice of the enemy, and their families sent to a different and distant + part of the continent without the means of support. Many who had + surrendered prisoners of war were killed in cold blood. Several suffered + death in the most ignominious manner, and others were delivered up to + savages and put to tortures, under which they expired. Thus the lives, + liberties, and properties of the people were dependent solely on the + pleasure of the British officers, who deprived them of either or all on + the most frivolous pretenses. Indians, slaves, and a desperate banditti of + the most profligate characters were caressed and employed by the enemy to + execute their infamous purposes. Devastation and ruin marked their + progress and that of their adherents; nor were their violences restrained + by the charms or influence of beauty and innocence; even the fair sex, + whom it is the duty of all, and the pleasure and pride of the brave to + protect, they and their tender offspring, were victims to the inveterate + malice of an unrelenting foe. Neither the tears of mothers, nor the cries + of infants could excite pity or compassion. Not only the peaceful + habitation of the widow, the aged and the infirm, but the holy temples of + the Most High were consumed in flames, kindled by their sacrilegious + hands. They have tarnished the glory of the British army, disgraced the + profession of a British soldiery, and fixed indelible stigmas of rapine, + cruelty and peridy, and profaneness on the British name.’” + </p> + <p> + When in 1808 the Tammany Society of New York laid the cornerstone of a + vault in which the bones of many of the prison ship martyrs were laid + Joseph D. Fay, Esq., made an oration in which he said: + </p> + <p> + “But the suffering of those unfortunate Americans whom the dreadful + chances of war had destined for the prison-ships, were far greater than + any which have been told. In that deadly season of the year, when the + dog-star rages with relentless fury, when a pure air is especially + necessary to health, the British locked their prisoner, after long + marches, in the dungeons of ships affected with contagion, and reeking + with the filth of crowded captives, dead and dying. * * * No reasoning, no + praying could obtain from his stern tyrants the smallest alleviation of + his fate. + </p> + <p> + “In South Carolina the British officer called Fraser, after trying in + every manner to induce the prisoners to enlist, said to them: ‘Go to your + dungeons in the prison ships, where you shall perish and rot, but first + let me tell you that the rations which have been hitherto allowed for your + wives and children shall, from this moment, cease forever; and you shall + die assured that they are starving in the public streets, and that <i>you</i> + are the authors of their fate.’ + </p> + <p> + “A sentence so terribly awful appalled the firm soul of every listening + hero. A solemn silence followed the declaration; they cast their wondering + eyes one upon the other, and valor, for a moment, hung suspended between + love of family, and love of country. Love of country at length rose + superior to every other consideration, and moved by one impulse, this + glorious band of patriots thundered into the astonished ears of their + persecutors, ‘The prison-ships and Death, or Washington and our country!’ + </p> + <p> + “Meagre famine shook hands with haggard pestilence, joining a league to + appall, conquer, and destroy the glorious spirit of liberty.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. — A POET ON A PRISON SHIP + </h2> + <p> + Philip Freneau, the poet of the Revolution, as he has been called, was of + French Huguenot ancestry. The Freneaus came to New York in 1685. His + mother was Agnes Watson, a resident of New York, and the poet was born on + the second of January, 1752. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1780 a vessel of which he was the owner, called the Aurora, + was taken by the British. Freneau was on board, though he was not the + captain of the ship. The British man-of-war, Iris, made the Aurora her + prize, after a fight in which the sailing master and many of the crew were + killed. This was in May, 1780. The survivors were brought to New York, and + confined on board the prison ship, Scorpion. Freneau has left a poem + describing the horrors of his captivity in very strong language, and it is + easy to conceive that his suffering must have been intense to have aroused + such bitter feelings. We give a part of his poem, as it contains the best + description of the indignities inflicted upon the prisoners, and their + mental and physical sufferings that we have found in any work on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + PART OF PHILIP FRENEAU’S POEM ON THE PRISON SHIPS + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Conveyed to York we found, at length, too late, + That Death was better than the prisoner’s fate + There doomed to famine, shackles, and despair, + Condemned to breathe a foul, infected air, + In sickly hulks, devoted while we lay,— + Successive funerals gloomed each dismal day + + The various horrors of these hulks to tell— + These prison ships where Pain and Penance dwell, + Where Death in ten-fold vengeance holds his reign, + And injured ghosts, yet unavenged, complain: + This be my task—ungenerous Britons, you + Conspire to murder whom you can’t subdue + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + So much we suffered from the tribe I hate, + So near they shoved us to the brink of fate, + When two long months in these dark hulks we lay, + Barred down by night, and fainting all the day, + In the fierce fervors of the solar beam + Cooled by no breeze on Hudson’s mountain stream, + That not unsung these threescore days shall fall + To black oblivion that would cover all. + + No masts or sails these crowded ships adorn, + Dismal to view, neglected and forlorn; + Here mighty ills oppressed the imprisoned throng; + Dull were our slumbers, and our nights were long. + From morn to eve along the decks we lay, + Scorched into fevers by the solar ray; + No friendly awning cast a welcome shade, + Once was it promised, and was never made; + No favors could these sons of Death bestow, + ‘Twas endless vengeance, and unceasing woe. + Immortal hatred doth their breasts engage, + And this lost empire swells their souls with rage. + + Two hulks on Hudson’s stormy bosom lie, + Two, on the east, alarm the pitying eye, + There, the black Scorpion at her mooring rides, + And there Strombolo, swinging, yields the tides; + Here bulky Jersey fills a larger space, + And Hunter, to all hospitals disgrace. + Thou Scorpion, fatal to thy crowded throng, + Dire theme of horror to Plutonian song, + Requir’st my lay,—thy sultry decks I know, + And all the torments that exist below! + The briny wave that Hudson’s bosom fills + Drained through her bottom in a thousand rills; + Rotten and old, replete with sighs and groans, + Scarce on the water she sustained her bones: + + Here, doomed to toil, or founder in the tide, + At the moist pumps incessantly we plied; + Here, doomed to starve, like famished dogs we tore + The scant allowance that our tyrants bore. + Remembrance shudders at this scene of fears, + Still in my view, some tyrant chief appears, + Some base-born Hessian slave walks threatening by, + Some servile Scot with murder in his eye, + Still haunts my sight, as vainly they bemoan + Rebellions managed so unlike their own. + O may I never feel the poignant pain + To live subjected to such fiends again! + Stewards and mates that hostile Britain bore, + Cut from the gallows on their native shore; + Their ghastly looks and vengeance beaming eyes + Still to my view in dismal visions rise,— + O may I ne’er review these dire abodes, + These piles for slaughter floating on the floods! + And you that o’er the troubled ocean go + Strike not your standards to this venomed foe, + Better the greedy wave should swallow all, + Better to meet the death-conducting ball, + Better to sleep on ocean’s oozy bed, + At once destroyed and numbered with the dead, + Than thus to perish in the face of day + Where twice ten thousand deaths one death delay. + When to the ocean sinks the western sun, + And the scorched tories fire their evening gun, + “Down, rebels, down!” the angry Scotchmen cry, + “Base dogs, descend, or by our broadswords die!” + + Hail, dark abode! What can with thee compare? + Heat, sickness, famine, death, and stagnant air,— + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Swift from the guarded decks we rushed along, + And vainly sought repose, so vast our throng. + Three hundred wretches here, denied all light, + In crowded quarters pass the infernal night. + Some for a bed their tattered vestments join, + And some on chest, and some on floors recline; + Shut from the blessings of the evening air + Pensive we lay with mingled corpses there: + Meagre and wan, and scorched with heat below, + We looked like ghosts ere death had made us so: + How could we else, where heat and hunger joined + Thus to debase the body and the mind? + Where cruel thirst the parching throat invades, + Dries up the man and fits him for the shades? + No waters laded from the bubbling spring + To these dire ships these little tyrants bring— + By plank and ponderous beams completely walled + In vain for water, still in vain we called. + No drop was granted to the midnight prayer + To rebels in these regions of despair! + The loathsome cask a deadly dose contains, + Its poison circles through the languid veins. + “Here, generous Briton, generous, as you say, + To my parched tongue one cooling drop convey— + Hell has no mischief like a thirsty throat, + Nor one tormentor like your David Sproat!” + + Dull flew the hours till, from the East displayed, + Sweet morn dispelled the horrors of the shade: + On every side dire objects met the sight, + And pallid forms, and murders of the night: + The dead were past their pains, the living groan, + Nor dare to hope another morn their own. + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O’er distant streams appears the living green, + And leafy trees on mountain tops are seen: + But they no grove or grassy mountain tread, + Marked for a longer journey to the dead. + + Black as the clouds that shade St. Kilda’s shore, + Wild as the winds that round her mountains roar, + At every post some surly vagrant stands, + Culled from the English, or the Scottish bands. + Dispensing death triumphantly they stand, + Their musquets ready to obey command; + Wounds are their sport, and ruin is their aim; + On their dark souls compassion has no claim, + And discord only can their spirits please, + Such were our tyrants here, such foes as these. + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But such a train of endless woes abound + So many mischiefs in these hulks are found + That on them all a poem to prolong + Would swell too high the horrors of our song. + Hunger and thirst to work our woe combine, + And mouldy bread, and flesh of rotten swine; + The mangled carcase and the battered brain; + The doctor’s poison, and the captain’s cane; + The soldier’s musquet, and the steward’s debt: + The evening shackle, and the noonday threat. + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + That charm whose virtue warms the world beside, + Was by these tyrants to our use denied. + While yet they deigned that healthsome balm to lade, + The putrid water felt its powerful aid; + But when refused, to aggravate our pains, + Then fevers raged and revelled through our veins; + Throughout my frame I felt its deadly heat; + I felt my pulse with quicker motions beat; + A pallid hue o’er every face was spread, + Unusual pains attacked the fainting head: + No physic here, no doctor to assist, + With oaths they placed me on the sick man’s list: + Twelve wretches more the same dark symptoms took, + And these were entered on the doctor’s book. + The loathsome Hunter was our destined place, + The Hunter, to all hospitals disgrace. + With soldiers sent to guard us on the road, + Joyful we left the Scorpion’s dire abode: + Some tears we shed for the remaining crew, + Then cursed the hulk, and from her sides withdrew. + + THE HOSPITAL PRISON SHIP + + Now towards the Hunter’s gloomy decks we came, + A slaughter house, yet hospital in name; + For none came there till ruined with their fees, + And half consumed, and dying of disease:— + + But when too near, with laboring oar, we plied, + The Mate, with curses, drove us from the side:— + That wretch, who banished from the navy crew, + Grown old in blood did here his trade renew. + His rancorous tongue, when on his charge let loose, + Uttered reproaches, scandal, and abuse; + Gave all to hell who dared his king disown, + And swore mankind were made for George alone. + A thousand times, to irritate our woe, + He wished us foundered in the gulph below: + A thousand times he brandished high his stick, + And swore as often, that we were not sick:— + And yet so pale! that we were thought by some + A freight of ghosts from Death’s dominions come. + But, calmed at length, for who can always rage? + Or the fierce war of boundless passion wage? + He pointed to the stairs that led below + To damps, disease, and varied forms of woe:— + Down to the gloom I took my pensive way, + Along the decks the dying captives lay, + Some struck with madness, some with scurvy pained, + But still of putrid fevers most complained. + On the hard floors the wasted objects laid + There tossed and tumbled in the dismal shade: + There no soft voice their bitter fate bemoaned, + But Death strode stately, while his victims groaned. + Of leaky decks I heard them long complain, + Drowned as they were in deluges of rain: + Denied the comforts of a dying bed, + And not a pillow to support the head: + How could they else but pine, and grieve and sigh, + Detest a wretched life, and wish to die? + + Scarce had I mingled with this wretched band, + When a thin victim seized me by the hand:— + “And art thou come?”—death heavy on his eyes— + “And art thou come to these abodes?” he cries, + “Why didst thou leave the Scorpion’s dark retreat? + And hither haste, a surer death to meet? + Why didst thou leave thy damp, infected cell? + If that was purgatory, this is hell. + We too, grown weary of that horrid shade, + Petitioned early for the Doctor’s aid; + His aid denied, more deadly symptoms came, + Weak and yet weaker, glowed the vital flame; + And when disease had worn us down so low + That few could tell if we were ghosts or no, + And all asserted death would be our fate, + Then to the Doctor we were sent, too late” + + Ah! rest in peace, each injured, parted shade, + By cruel hands in death’s dark weeds arrayed, + The days to come shall to your memory raise + Piles on these shores, to spread through earth your praise. + + THE HESSIAN DOCTOR + + From Brooklyn heights a Hessian doctor came, + Nor great his skill, nor greater much his fame: + Fair Science never called the wretch her son, + And Art disdained the stupid man to own. + + He on his charge the healing work begun + With antmomial mixtures by the tun: + Ten minutes was the time he deigned to stay, + The time of grace allotted once a day: + He drenched us well with bitter draughts, tis true, + Nostrums from hell, and cortex from Peru: + Some with his pills he sent to Pluto’s reign, + And some he blistered with his flies of Spain. + His Tartar doses walked their deadly round, + Till the lean patient at the potion frowned, + And swore that hemlock, death, or what you will, + Were nonsense to the drugs that stuffed his bill. + On those refusing he bestowed a kick, + Or menaced vengeance with his walking stick: + Here uncontrolled he exercised his trade, + And grew experienced by the deaths he made. + + Knave though he was, yet candor must confess + Not chief physician was this man of Hesse: + One master o’er the murdering tribe was placed, + By him the rest were honored or disgraced + Once, and but once, by some strange fortune led, + He came to see the dying and the dead. + He came, but anger so inflamed his eye, + And such a faulchion glittered on his thigh, + And such a gloom his visage darkened o’er, + And two such pistols in his hands he bore, + That, by the gods, with such a load of steel, + We thought he came to murder, not to heal. + Rage in his heart, and mischief in his head, + He gloomed destruction, and had smote us dead + Had he so dared, but fear withheld his hand, + He came, blasphemed, and turned again to land + + THE BENEVOLENT CAPTAIN + + From this poor vessel, and her sickly crew + A british seaman all his titles drew, + Captain, Esquire, Commander, too, in chief, + And hence he gained his bread and hence his beef: + But sir, you might have searched creation round, + And such another ruffian not have found + Though unprovoked an angry face he bore,— + All were astonished at the oaths he swore + He swore, till every prisoner stood aghast, + And thought him Satan in a brimstone blast + He wished us banished from the public light; + He wished us shrouded in perpetual night; + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He swore, besides, that should the ship take fire + We, too, must in the pitchy flames expire— + That if we wretches did not scrub the decks + His staff should break our base, rebellious necks; + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + If, where he walked, a murdered carcase lay, + Still dreadful was the language of the day; + He called us dogs, and would have held us so, + But terror checked the meditated blow + Of vengeance, from our injured nation due, + To him, and all the base, unmanly crew + Such food they sent to make complete our woes + It looked like carrion torn from hungry crows + Such vermin vile on every joint were seen, + So black, corrupted, mortified, and lean, + That once we tried to move our flinty chief, + And thus addressed him, holding up the beef— + “See, Captain, see, what rotten bones we pick, + What kills the healthy cannot cure the sick, + Not dogs on such by Christian men are fed, + And see, good master, see, what lousy bread!” + “Your meat or bread,” this man of death replied, + “Tis not my care to manage or provide + But this, base rebel dogs I’d have you know, + That better than you merit we bestow— + Out of my sight!” nor more he deigned to say, + But whisked about, and frowning, strode away + + CONCLUSION + + Each day at least six carcases we bore + And scratched them graves along the sandy shore + By feeble hands the shallow graves were made, + No stone memorial o’er the corpses laid + In barren sands and far from home they lie, + No friend to shed a tear when passing by + O’er the mean tombs insulting Britons tread, + Spurn at the sand, and curse the rebel dead. + When to your arms these fatal islands fall— + For first or last, they must be conquered, all, + Americans! to rites sepulchral just + With gentlest footstep press this kindred dust, + And o’er the tombs, if tombs can then be found, + Place the green turf, and plant the myrtle round +</pre> + <p> + This poem was written in 1780, the year that Freneau was captured. He was + on board the Scorpion and Hunter about two months, and was then exchanged. + We fear that he has not in the least exaggerated the horrors of his + situation. In fact there seem to have been many bloody pages torn from the + book of history, that can never be perused. Many dark deeds were done in + these foul prisons, of which we can only give hints, and the details of + many crimes committed against the helpless prisoners are left to our + imaginations. But enough and more than enough is known to make us fear + that <i>inhumanity</i>, a species of cruelty unknown to the lower animals, + is really one of the most prominent characteristics of men. History is a + long and bloody record of battles, massacres, torture chambers; greed and + violence; bigotry and sin. The root of all crimes is selfishness. What we + call inhumanity is we fear not <i>inhuman</i>, but <i>human nature + unrestrained</i>. It is true that some progress is made, and it is no + longer the custom to kill all captives, at least not in civilized + countries. But war will always be “<i>horrida bella</i>,” chiefly because + war means license, when the unrestrained, wolfish passions of man get for + the time the upper hand. Our task, however, is not that of a moralist, but + of a narrator of facts, from which all who read can draw the obvious moral + for themselves. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. — “THERE WAS A SHIP” + </h2> + <p> + Of all the ships that were ever launched the “Old Jersey” is the most + notorious. Never before or since, in the dark annals of human sufferings, + has so small a space enclosed such a heavy weight of misery. No other + prison has destroyed so many human beings in so short a space of time. And + yet the Jersey was once as staunch and beautiful a vessel as ever formed a + part of the Royal Navy of one of the proudest nations of the world. How + little did her builders imagine that she would go down to history + accompanied by the execrations of all who are acquainted with her terrible + record! + </p> + <p> + It is said that it was in the late spring of 1780 that the Old Jersey, as + she was then called, was first moored in Wallabout Bay, off the coast of + Long Island. We can find no record to prove that she was used as a prison + ship until the winter of that year. She was, at first, a hospital ship for + British soldiers. + </p> + <p> + The reason for the removal of the unfortunate prisoners from the ships in + New York Harbor was that pestilential sickness was fast destroying them, + and it was feared that the inhabitants of New York would suffer from the + prevailing epidemics. They were therefore placed in rotten hulks off the + quiet shores of Long Island, where, secluded from the public eye, they + were allowed to perish by the thousands from cruel and criminal neglect. + </p> + <p> + “The Old Jersey and the two hospital ships,” says General J. Johnson, + “remained in the Wallabout until New York was evacuated by the British. + The Jersey was the receiving ship: the others, truly, the ships of death! + </p> + <p> + “It has been generally thought that all the prisoners died on board the + Jersey. This is not true. Many may have died on board of her who were not + reported as sick, but all who were placed on the sick list were removed to + the hospital ships, from which they were usually taken, sewed up in a + blanket, to their graves. + </p> + <p> + “After the hospital ships were brought into the Wallabout, it was reported + that the sick were attended by physicians. Few indeed were those who + recovered, or came back to tell the tale of their sufferings in those + horrible places. It was no uncommon sight to see five or six dead bodies + brought on shore in a single morning, when a small excavation would be dug + at the foot of the hill, the bodies cast into it, and then a man with a + shovel would quickly cover them by shovelling sand down the hill upon + them. + </p> + <p> + “Many were buried in a ravine of this hill and many on Mr. Remsen’s farm. + The whole shore, from Rennie’s Point, to Mr. Remsen’s dooryard, was a + place of graves; as were also the slope of the hill near the house; the + shore, from Mr. Remsen’s barn along the mill-pond to Rappelye’s farm; and + the sandy island between the flood-gates and the mill-dam, while a few + were buried on the shore on the east side of the Wallabout. + </p> + <p> + “Thus did Death reign here, from 1776 (when the Whitby prison ship was + first moored in the Wallabout) until the peace. The whole Wallabout was a + sickly place during the war. The atmosphere seemed to be charged with foul + air: from the prison ships; and with the effluvia of dead bodies washed + out of their graves by the tides. * * * More than half of the dead buried + on the outer side of the mill-pond, were washed out by the waves at high + tide, during northeasterly winds. + </p> + <p> + “The bodies of the dead lay exposed along the beach, drying and bleaching + in the sun, and whitening the shores, till reached by the power of a + succeeding storm, as the agitated waves receded, the bones receded with + them into the deep, where they remain, unseen by man, awaiting the + resurrection morn, when, again joined to the spirits to which they belong, + they will meet their persecuting murderers at the bar of the Supreme Judge + of the quick and the dead. + </p> + <p> + “We have ourselves,” General Johnson continues, “examined many of the + skulls lying on the shore. From the teeth they appeared to be the remains + of men in the prime of life.” + </p> + <p> + We will quote more of this interesting account written by an eyewitness of + the horrors he records, in a later chapter. At present we will endeavor to + give the reader a short history of the Jersey, from the day of her + launching to her degradation, when she was devoted to the foul usages of a + prison ship. + </p> + <p> + She was a fourth rate ship of the line, mounting sixty guns, and carrying + a crew of four hundred men. She was built in 1736, having succeeded to the + name of a celebrated 50-gun ship, which was then withdrawn from the + service, and with which she must not be confounded. In 1737 she was fitted + for sea as one of the Channel Fleet, commanded by Sir John Norris. + </p> + <p> + In the fall of 1738 the command of the Jersey was given to Captain Edmund + Williams, and in July, 1739, she was one of the vessels which were sent to + the Mediterranean under Rear Admiral Chaloner Ogle, when a threatened + rupture with Spain rendered it necessary to strengthen the naval force in + that quarter. + </p> + <p> + The trouble in the Mediterranean having been quieted by the appearance of + so strong a fleet, in 1740 the Jersey returned home; but she was again + sent out, under the command of Captain Peter Lawrence, and was one of the + vessels forming the fleet of Sir John Norris, when, in the fall of that + year and in the spring of 1741, that gentleman made his fruitless + demonstrations against the Spanish coast. Soon afterwards the Jersey, + still forming one of the fleet commanded by Sir Chaloner Ogle, was sent to + the West Indies, to strengthen the forces at that station, commanded by + Vice-Admiral Vernon, and she was with that distinguished officer when he + made his well-known, unsuccessful attack on Carthagena, and the Spanish + dominions in America in that year. + </p> + <p> + In March, 1743, Captain Lawrence was succeeded m the command of the Jersey + by Captain Harry Norris, youngest son of Admiral Sir John Norris: and the + Jersey formed one of the fleet commanded by Sir John Norris, which was + designed to watch the enemy’s Brest fleet; but having suffered severely + from a storm while on that station, she was obliged to return to the + Downs. + </p> + <p> + Captain Harry Norris having been promoted to a heavier ship, the command + of the Jersey was given soon afterwards to Captain Charles Hardy + subsequently well known as Governor of the Colony of New York; and in + June, 1744, that officer having been appointed to the command of the + Newfoundland Station, she sailed for North America, and bore his flag in + those waters during the remainder of the year. In 1745, still under the + immediate command of Captain Hardy, the Jersey was one of the ships which, + under Vice-Admiral Medley, were sent to the Mediterranean, where + Vice-Admiral Sir William Rowley then commanded; and as she continued on + that station during the following year there is little doubt that Captain + Hardy remained there, during the remainder of his term of service on that + vessel. + </p> + <p> + It was while under the command of Captain Hardy in July, 1745, that the + Jersey was engaged with the French ship, St. Esprit, of 74 guns, in one of + the most desperate engagements on record. The action continued during two + hours and a half, when the St. Esprit was compelled to bear away for + Cadiz, where she was repaired and refitted for sea. At the close of Sir + Charles Hardy’s term of service in 1747, the Jersey was laid up, evidently + unfit for active service; and in October, 1748, she was reported among the + “hulks” in port. + </p> + <p> + On the renewal of hostilities with France in 1756 the Jersey was refitted + for service, and the command given to Captain John Barker, and in May, + 1757, she was sent to the Mediterranean, where, under the orders of + Admiral Henry Osbourne, she continued upwards of two years, having been + present, on the 28th of February, 1758, when M. du Quesne made his + ineffectual attempt to reinforce M. De la Clue, who was then closely + confined, with the fleet under his command, in the harbor of Carthagena. + </p> + <p> + On the 18th of August, 1759, while commanded by Captain Barker, the + Jersey, with the Culloden and the Conqueror, were ordered by Admiral + Boscowan, the commander of the fleet, to proceed to the mouth of the + harbor of Toulon, for the purpose of cutting out or destroying two French + ships which were moored there under cover of the batteries with the hope + of forcing the French Admiral, De la Clue, to an engagement. The three + ships approached the harbour, as directed, with great firmness; but they + were assailed by so heavy a fire, not only from the enemy’s ships and + fortifications, but from several masked batteries, that, after an unequal + but desperate contest of upwards of three hours, they were compelled to + retire without having succeeded in their object; and to repair to + Gibraltar to be refitted. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the year 1759 Captain Barker was succeeded in the command + of the Jersey by Captain Andrew Wilkinson, under whom, forming one of the + Mediterranean fleet, commanded by Sir Charles Saunders, she continued in + active service until 1763. + </p> + <p> + In 1763 peace was established, and the Jersey returned to England and was + laid up; but in May, 1766, she was again commissioned, and under the + command of Captain William Dickson, and bearing the flag of Admiral Spry, + she was ordered to her former station in the Mediterranean, where she + remained three years. + </p> + <p> + In the spring of 1769, bearing the flag of Commodore Sir John Byron, the + Jersey sailed for America. She seems to have returned home at the close of + the summer, and her active duties appear to have been brought to an end. + </p> + <p> + She remained out of commission until 1776, when, without armament, and + under the command of Captain Anthony Halstead, she was ordered to New York + as a hospital ship. + </p> + <p> + Captain Halstead died on the 17th of May, 1778, and, in July following, he + was succeeded by Commander David Laird, under whom, either as a hospital, + or a prison ship, she remained in Wallabout bay, until she was abandoned + at the close of the war, to her fate, which was to rot in the mud at her + moorings, until, at last, she sank, and for many years her wretched + worm-eaten old hulk could be seen at low tide, shunned by all, a sorry + spectacle, the ghost of what had once been a gallant man-of-war. + </p> + <p> + This short history of the Jersey has been condensed from the account + written in 1865 by Mr. Henry B. Dawson and published at Morrisania, New + York, in that year. + </p> + <p> + In an oration delivered by Mr. Jonathan Russel, in Providence, R. I., on + the 4th of July 1800, he thus speaks of this ill-fated vessel and of her + victims: “But it was not in the ardent conflicts of the field only, that + our countrymen fell; it was not the ordinary chances of war alone which + they had to encounter. Happy indeed, thrice happy were Warren, Montgomery, + and Mercer; happy those other gallant spirits who fell with glory in the + heat of the battle, distinguished by their country and covered with her + applause. Every soul sensible to honor, envies rather than compassionates + their fate. It was in the dungeons of our inhuman invaders; it was in the + loathsome and pestiferous prisons, that the wretchedness of our countrymen + still makes the heart bleed. It was there that hunger, and thirst, and + disease, and all the contumely that cold-hearted cruelty could bestow, + sharpened every pang of death. Misery there wrung every fibre that could + feel, before she gave the Blow of Grace which sent the sufferer to + eternity. It is said that poison was employed. No, there was no such mercy + there. There, nothing was employed which could blunt the susceptibility to + anguish, or which, by hastening death, could rob its agonies of a single + pang. On board one only of these Prison ships above 11,000 of our brave + countrymen are said to have perished. She was called the Jersey. Her wreck + still remains, and at low ebb, presents to the world its accursed and + blighted fragments. Twice in twenty-four hours the winds of Heaven sigh + through it, and repeat the groans of our expiring countrymen; and twice + the ocean hides in her bosom those deadly and polluted ruins, which all + her waters cannot purify. Every rain that descends washes from the + unconsecrated bank the bones of those intrepid sufferers. They lie, naked + on the shore, accusing the neglect of their countrymen. How long shall + gratitude, and even piety deny them burial? They ought to be collected in + one vast ossory, which shall stand a monument to future ages, of the two + extremes of human character: of that depravity which, trampling on the + rights of misfortune, perpetrated cold and calculating murder on a + wretched and defenceless prisoner; and that virtue which animated this + prisoner to die a willing martyr to his country. Or rather, were it + possible, there ought to be raised a Colossal Column whose base sinking to + Hell, should let the murderers read their infamy inscribed upon it; and + whose capital of Corinthian laurel ascending to Heaven, should show the + sainted Patriots that they have triumphed. + </p> + <p> + “Deep and dreadful as the coloring of this picture may appear, it is but a + taint and imperfect sketch of the original. You must remember a thousand + unutterable calamities; a thousand instances of domestic as well as + national anxiety and distress; which mock description. You ought to + remember them; you ought to hand them down in tradition to your posterity, + that they may know the awful price their fathers paid for freedom.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. — A DESCRIPTION OF THE JERSEY + </h2> + <p> + SONNET + </p> + <p> + SUGGESTED BY A VISION OF THE JERSEY PRISON SHIP + </p> + <p> + BY W P P + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O Sea! in whose unfathomable gloom + A world forlorn of wreck and ruin lies, + In thy avenging majesty arise, + And with a sound as of the trump of doom + Whelm from all eyes for aye yon living tomb, + Wherein the martyr patriots groaned for years, + A prey to hunger and the bitter jeers + Of foes in whose relentless breasts no room + Was ever found for pity or remorse; + But haunting anger and a savage hate, + That spared not e’en their victim’s very corse, + But left it, outcast, to its carrion fate + Wherefore, arise, O Sea! and sternly sweep + This floating dungeon to thy lowest deep +</pre> + <p> + It was stated in the portion of the eloquent oration given in our last + chapter that more than 11,000 prisoners perished on board the Jersey + alone, during the space of three years and a half that she was moored in + the waters of Wallabout Bay. This statement has never been contradicted, + as far as we know, by British authority. Yet we trust that it is + exaggerated. It would give an average of more than three thousand deaths a + year. The whole number of names copied from the English War Records of + prisoners on board the Jersey is about 8,000. This, however, is an + incomplete list. You will in vain search through its pages to find the + recorded names of many prisoners who have left well attested accounts of + their captivity on board that fatal vessel. All that we can say now is + that the number who perished there is very great. + </p> + <p> + As late as 1841 the bones of many of these victims were still to be found + on the shores of Walabout Bay, in and around the Navy Yard. On the 4th of + February of that year some workmen, while engaged in digging away an + embankment in Jackson Street, Brooklyn, near the Navy Yard, accidentally + uncovered a quantity of human bones, among which was a skeleton having a + pair of iron manacles still upon the wrists. (See Thompson’s History of + Long Island, Vol. 1, page 247.) + </p> + <p> + In a paper published at Fishkill on the 18th of May, 1783, is the + following card: “To All Printers, of Public Newspapers:—Tell it to + the world, and let it be published in every Newspaper throughout America, + Europe, Asia, and Africa, to the everlasting disgrace and infamy of the + British King’s commanders at New York: That during the late war it is said + that 11,644 American prisoners have suffered death by their inhuman, + cruel, savage, and barbarous usage on board the filthy and malignant + British prison ship called the Jersey, lying at New York. Britons tremble, + lest the vengeance of Heaven fall on your isle, for the blood of these + unfortunate victims! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “An American” + + “They died, the young, the loved, the brave, + The death barge came for them, + And where the seas yon black rocks lave + Is heard their requiem + They buried them and threw the sand + Unhallowed o’er that patriot band + + The black ship like a demon sate + Upon the prowling deep, + From her came fearful sounds of hate, + Till pain stilled all in sleep + It was the sleep that victims take, + Tied, tortured, dying, at the stake. + + Yet some the deep has now updug, + Their bones are in the sun, + Whether by sword or deadly drug + They perished, one by one, + Was it not dread for mortal eye + To see them all so strangely die? + + Are there those murdered men who died + For freedom and for me? + They seem to point, in martyred pride + To that spot upon the sea + From whence came once the frenzied yell, + From out that wreck, that prison hell” + </pre> + <p> + This rough but strong old poem was written many years ago by a Mr. Whitman + We have taken the liberty of retouching it to a slight degree. + </p> + <p> + It is well known that <i>twenty hogsheads</i> of bones were collected in + 1808 from the shores of the Wallabout, and buried under the auspices of + the Tammany Society in a vault prepared for the purpose. These were but a + small part of the remains of the victims of the prison ships. Many were, + as we have seen, washed into the sea, and many more were interred on the + shores of New York Harbor, before the prison ships were removed to the + Wallabout. It will be better that we should give the accounts left to us + by eye witnesses of the sufferings on board these prison ships, and we + will therefore quote from the narrative of John Van Dyke, who was confined + on board the Jersey before her removal to the Wallabout. + </p> + <p> + Captain John Van Dyke was taken prisoner in May, 1780, at which time he + says: “We were put on board the prison ship Jersey, anchored off Fly + Market. (New York City) This ship had been a hospital ship. When I came on + board her stench was so great, and my breathing this putrid air—I + thought it would kill me, but after being on board some days I got used to + it, and as though all was a common smell. * * * + </p> + <p> + “On board the Jersey prison ship it was short allowance, so short a person + would think it was not possible for a man to live on. They starved the + American prisoners to make them enlist in their service. I will now relate + a fact. Every man in a mess of six took his daily turn to get the mess’s + provisions. One day I went to the galley and drew a piece of salt, boiled + pork. I went to our mess to divide it. * * * I cut each one his share, and + each one eat our day’s allowance in one mouthful of this salt pork and + nothing else. One day called peaday I took the drawer of our doctor’s + chest (Dr. Hodges of Philadelphia) and went to the galley, which was the + cooking place, with my drawer for a soup dish. I held it under a large + brass cock, the cook turned it. I received the allowance of my mess, and + behold! Brown water, and fifteen floating peas—no peas on the bottom + of my drawer, and this for six men’s allowance for 24 hours. The peas were + all in the bottom of the kettle. Those left would be taken to New York + and, I suppose, sold. + </p> + <p> + “One day in the week, called pudding day, we would receive three pounds of + damaged flour, in it would be green lumps such as their men would not eat, + and one pound of very bad raisins, one third raisin sticks. We would pick + out the sticks, mash the lumps of flour, put all with some water into our + drawer, mix our pudding and put it into a bag and boil it with a tally + tied to it with the number of our mess. This was a day’s allowance. We, + for some time, drew a half pint of rum for each man. One day Captain Lard + (Laird) who commanded the ship Jersey, came on board. As soon as he was on + the main deck of the ship he cried out for the boatswain. The boatswain + arrived and in a very quick motion, took off his hat. There being on deck + two half hogshead tubs where our allowance of rum was mixed into grog, + Captain L., said, ‘Have the prisoners had their allowance of rum today?’ + ‘No, sir’ answered the boatswain. Captain L. replied, ‘Damn your soul, you + rascal, heave it overboard.’ + </p> + <p> + “The boatswain, with help, upset the tubs of rum on the middle deck. The + grog rum run out of the scuppers of the ship into the river. I saw no more + grog on board. * * * Every fair day a number of British officers and + sergeants would come on board, form in two ranks on the quarter deck, + facing inwards, the prisoners in the after part of the quarter deck. As + the boatswain would call a name, the word would be ‘Pass!’ As the + prisoners passed between the ranks officers and sergeants stared them in + the face. This was done to catch deserters, and if they caught nothing the + sergeants would come on the middle deck and cry out ‘Five guineas bounty + to any man that will enter his Majesty’s service!’ + </p> + <p> + “Shortly after this party left the ship a Hessian party would come on + board, and the prisoners had to go through the same routine of duty again. + </p> + <p> + “From the Jersey prison ship eighty of us were taken to the pink stern + sloop-of-war Hunter, Captain Thomas Henderson, Commander. We were taken + there in a large ship’s long boat, towed by a ten-oar barge, and one other + barge with a guard of soldiers in the rear. + </p> + <p> + “On board the ship Hunter we drew one third allowance, and every Monday we + received a loaf of wet bread, weighing seven pounds for each mess. This + loaf was from Mr. John Pintard’s father, of New York, the American + Commissary, and this bread, with the allowance of provisions, we found + sufficient to live on. + </p> + <p> + “After we had been on board some time Mr. David Sproat, the British + Commissary of prisoners, came on board; all the prisoners were ordered + aft; the roll was called and as each man passed him Mr. Sproat would ask, + ‘Are you a seaman?’ The answer was ‘Landsman, landsman.’ There were ten + landsmen to one answer of half seaman. When the roll was finished Mr. + Sproat said to our sea officers, ‘Gentlemen, how do you make out at sea, + for the most part of you are landsmen?’ + </p> + <p> + “Our officers answered: ‘You hear often how we make out. When we meet our + force, or rather more than our force we give a good account of them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Sproat asked, ‘And are not your vessels better manned than these. Our + officers replied, ‘Mr Sproat, we are the best manned out of the port of + Philadelphia.’ Mr. Sproat shrugged his shoulders saying, ‘I cannot see how + you do it.’” + </p> + <p> + We do not understand what John Van Dyke meant by his expression “half + seaman.” It is probable that the sailors among the prisoners pretended to + be soldiers in order to be exchanged. There was much more difficulty in + exchanging sailors than soldiers, as we shall see. David Sproat was the + British Commissary for Naval Prisoners alone. In a paper published in New + York in April 28th, 1780, appears the following notice:—“I do hereby + direct all Captains, Commanders, Masters, and Prize Masters of ships and + other vessels, who bring naval prisoners into this port, immediately to + send a list of their names to this office, No. 33 Maiden Lane, where they + will receive an order how to dispose of them. + </p> + <p> + “(Signed) David Sproat.” + </p> + <p> + The Jersey and some of the other prison ships often had landsmen among + their prisoners, at least until the last years of the war, when they were + so overcrowded with sailors, that there must have been scant room for any + one else. + </p> + <p> + The next prisoner whose recollections we will consider is Captain Silas + Talbot, who was confined on board the Jersey in the fall of 1780. He says: + “All her port holes were closed. * * * There were about 1,100 prisoners on + board. There were no berths or seats, to lie down on, not a bench to sit + on. Many were almost without cloaths. The dysentery, fever, phrenzy and + despair prevailed among them, and filled the place with filth, disgust and + horror. The scantiness of the allowance, the bad quality of the + provisions, the brutality of the guards, and the sick, pining for comforts + they could not obtain, altogether furnished continually one of the + greatest scenes of human distress and misery ever beheld. It was now the + middle of October, the weather was cool and clear, with frosty nights, so + that the number of deaths per day was <i>reduced to an average of ten</i>, + and this number was considered by the survivors a small one, when compared + with the terrible mortality that had prevailed for three months before. + The human bones and skulls, yet bleaching on the shore of Long Island, and + daily exposed, by the falling down of the high bank on which the prisoners + were buried, is a shocking sight, and manifestly demonstrates that the + Jersey prison ship had been as destructive as a field of battle.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. — THE EXPERIENCE OF EBENEZER FOX. — + </h2> + <p> + Ebenezer Fox, a prisoner on board the Jersey, wrote a little book about + his dreadful experiences when he was a very old man. The book was written + in 1838, and published by Charles Fox in Boston in 1848. Ebenezer Fox was + born in the East Parish of Roxbury, Mass., in 1763. In the spring of 1775 + he and another boy named Kelly ran away to sea. Fox shipped as a cabin boy + in a vessel commanded by Captain Joseph Manchester. + </p> + <p> + He made several cruises and returned home. In 1779 he enlisted, going as a + substitute for the barber to whom he was apprenticed. His company was + commanded by Captain William Bird of Boston in a regiment under Colonel + Proctor. Afterwards he signed ship’s papers and entered the naval service + on a twenty gun ship called the Protector, Captain John F. Williams of + Massachusetts. On the lst of April, 1780, they sailed for a six months + cruise, and on the ninth of June, 1780, fought the Admiral Duff until she + took fire and blew up. A short time afterwards the Protector was captured + by two English ships called the Roebuck and Mayday. + </p> + <p> + Fox concealed fifteen dollars in the crown of his hat, and fifteen more in + the soles of his shoes. + </p> + <p> + All the prisoners were sent into the hold. One third of the crew of the + Protector were pressed into the British service. The others were sent to + the Jersey. Evidently this prison ship had already become notorious, for + Fox writes: “The idea of being incarcerated in this floating pandemonium + filled us with horror, but the ideas we had formed of its horror fell far + short of the reality. * * * The Jersey was removed from the East River, + and moored with chain cables at the Wallabout in consequence of the fears + entertained that the sickness which prevailed among the prisoners might + spread to the shore. * * * I now found myself in a loathsome prison, among + a collection of the most wretched and disgusting looking objects that I + ever beheld in human form. + </p> + <p> + “Here was a motley crew, covered with rags and filth; visages pallid with + disease; emaciated with hunger and anxiety; and hardly retaining a trace + of their original appearance. Here were men, who had once enjoyed life + while riding over the mountain wave or roaming through pleasant fields, + full of health and vigor, now shrivelled by a scanty and unwholesome diet, + ghastly with inhaling an impure atmosphere, exposed to contagion; in + contact with disease, and surrounded with the horrors of sickness, and + death. Here, thought I, must I linger out the morning of my life” (he was + seventeen) “in tedious days and sleepless nights, enduring a weary and + degrading captivity, till death should terminate my sufferings, and no + friend will know of my departure. + </p> + <p> + “A prisoner on board the ‘Old Jersey!’ The very thought was appalling. I + could hardly realize my situation. + </p> + <p> + “The first thing we found it necessary to do after our capture was to form + ourselves into small parties called messes, consisting of six in each, as + previous to doing this, we could obtain no food. All the prisoners were + obliged to fast on the first day of their arrival, and seldom on the + second could they obtain any food in season for cooking it. * * * All the + prisoners fared alike; officers and sailors received the same treatment on + board of this old hulk. * * * We were all ‘rebels.’ The only distinction + known among us was made by the prisoners themselves, which was shown in + allowing those who had been officers previous to their captivity, to + congregate in the extreme afterpart of the ship, and to keep it + exclusively to themselves as their place of abode. * * * The prisoners + were confined in the two main decks below. The lowest dungeon was + inhabited by those prisoners who were foreigners, and whose treatment was + more severe than that of the Americans. + </p> + <p> + “The inhabitants of this lower region were the most miserable and + disgusting looking objects that can be conceived. Daily washing in salt + water, together with their extreme emaciation, caused the skin to appear + like dried parchment. Many of them remained unwashed for weeks; their hair + long, and matted, and filled with vermin; their beards never cut except + occasionally with a pair of shears, which did not improve their + comeliness, though it might add to their comfort. Their clothes were mere + rags, secured to their bodies in every way that ingenuity could devise. + </p> + <p> + “Many of these men had been in this lamentable condition for two years, + part of the time on board other prison ships; and having given up all hope + of ever being exchanged, had become resigned to their situation. These men + were foreigners whose whole lives had been one continual scene of toil, + hardship, and suffering. Their feelings were blunted; their dispositions + soured; they had no sympathies for the world; no home to mourn for; no + friends to lament for their fate. But far different was the condition of + the most numerous class of prisoners, composed mostly of young men from + New England, fresh from home. + </p> + <p> + “They had reason to deplore the sudden change in their condition. * * * + The thoughts of home, of parents, brothers, sisters, and friends, would + crowd upon their minds, and brooding on what they had been, and what they + were, their desire for home became a madness. The dismal and disgusting + scene around; the wretched objects continually in sight; and ‘hope + deferred which maketh the heart sick’, produced a state of melancholy that + often ended in death,—the death of a broken heart.” + </p> + <p> + Fox describes the food and drink, the prison regulations, deaths, and + burials, just as they were described by Captain Dring, who wrote the + fullest account of the Jersey, and from whose memoirs we shall quote + further on. He says of their shallow graves in the sand of the Wallabout: + “This was the last resting place of many a son and a brother,—young + and noble-spirited men, who had left their happy homes and kind friends to + offer their lives in the service of their country. * * * Poor fellows! + They suffered more than their older companions in misery. They could not + endure their hopeless and wearisome captivity:—to live on from day + to day, denied the power of doing anything; condemned to that most irksome + and heart-sickening of all situations, utter inactivity; their restless + and impetuous spirits, like caged lions, panted to be free, and the + conflict was too much for endurance, enfeebled and worn out as they were + with suffering and confinement. * * * The fate of many of these unhappy + victims must have remained forever unknown to their friends; for in so + large a number, no exact account could be kept of those who died, and they + rested in a nameless grave; while those who performed the last sad rites + were hurried away before their task was half completed, and forbid to + express their horror and indignation at this insulting negligence towards + the dead. * * * + </p> + <p> + “The regular crew of the Jersey consisted of a Captain, two Mates, a + steward, a cook, and about twelve sailors. There was likewise on board a + guard of about thirty soldiers, from the different regiments quartered on + Long Island, who were relieved by a fresh party every week. + </p> + <p> + “The physical force of the prisoners was sufficient at any time to take + possession of the ship, but the difficulty was to dispose of themselves + after a successful attempt. Long Island was in possession of the British, + and the inhabitants were favorable to the British cause. To leave the ship + and land on the island, would be followed by almost certain detection; and + the miseries of our captivity would be increased by additional cruelties + heaped upon us from the vindictive feelings of our oppressors. + </p> + <p> + “Yet, small as was the chance for succeeding in the undertaking, the + attempt to escape was often made, and in not a few instances with success. + </p> + <p> + “Our sufferings were so intolerable, that we felt it to be our duty to + expose ourselves to almost any risk to obtain our liberty. To remain on + board of the prison ship seemed to be certain death, and in its most + horrid form; to be killed, while endeavoring to get away, could be no + worse. + </p> + <p> + “American prisoners are proverbial for their ingenuity in devising ways + and means to accomplish their plans, whether they be devised for their own + comfort and benefit, or for the purpose of annoying and tormenting their + keepers. + </p> + <p> + “Although we were guarded with vigilance yet there did not appear much + system in the management of the prisoners; for we frequently missed a + whole mess from our number, while their disappearance was not noticed by + our keepers. Occasionally a few would be brought back who had been found + in the woods upon Long Island, and taken up by the Tories. + </p> + <p> + “Our mess one day noticed that the mess that occupied the place next to + them were among the missing. This circumstance led to much conjecture and + inquiry respecting the manner in which they had effected their escape. By + watching the movements of our neighbors we soon found out the process + necessary to be adopted. + </p> + <p> + “Any plan which a mess had formed they kept a secret among their number, + in order to insure a greater prospect of success. * * * For the + convenience of the officers of the ship a closet, called the “round + house”, had been constructed under the forecastle, the door of which was + kept locked. This room was seldom used, there being other conveniences in + the ship preferable to it. + </p> + <p> + “Some of the prisoners had contrived to pick the lock of the door; and as + it was not discovered the door remained unfastened. + </p> + <p> + “After we had missed our neighbor prisoners, and had ascertained to our + satisfaction their mode of operation, the members of our mess determined + to seize the first opportunity that offered to attempt our escape. We + selected a day, about the 15th of August, and made all the preparations in + our power for ensuring us success in our undertaking. At sunset, when the + usual cry from the officer of the guard, ‘Down, rebels, down!’ was heard, + instead of following the multitude down the hatchways, our mess, + consisting of six, all Americans, succeeded in getting into the ‘round + house’, except one. The round house was found too small to contain more + than five; and the sixth man, whose name, I think, was Putnam of Boston, + concealed himself under a large tub, which happened to be lying near the + place of our confinement. The situation of the five, as closely packed in + the round house as we could stand and breathe, was so uncomfortable as to + make us very desirous of vacating it as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + “We remained thus cooped up, hardly daring to breathe, for fear we should + be heard by the guard. The prisoners were all below, and no noise was + heard above, saving the tramp of the guard as he paced the deck. It was + customary, after the prisoners were secured below, for the ship’s mate + every night to search above; this, however, was considered a mere + formality, and the duty was very imperfectly executed. While we were + anxiously awaiting the completion of this service, an event transpired, + that we little anticipated, and which led to our detection. + </p> + <p> + “One of the prisoners, an Irishman, had made his arrangements to escape + the same evening, and had not communicated with any one on the subject + except a countryman of his, whom he persuaded to bury him up in the coal + hole, near the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + “Whether his friend covered him faithfully or not, or whether the Irishman + thought that if he could not see anybody, nobody could see him, or + whether, feeling uncomfortable in his position, he turned over to relieve + himself, I know not; but when the mate looked in the coal hole he espied + something rather whiter than the coal, which he soon ascertained to be the + Irishman’s shoulder. This discovery made the officer suspicious, and + induced him to make a more thorough search than usual. + </p> + <p> + “We heard the uproar that followed the discovery, and the threats of the + mate that he would search every damned corner. He soon arrived at the + round house, and we heard him ask a soldier for the key. Our hopes and + expectations were a little raised when we heard the soldier reply, ‘There + is no need of searching this place, for the door is kept constantly + locked.’ + </p> + <p> + “But the mate was not to be diverted from his purpose, and ordered the + soldier to get the key. + </p> + <p> + “During the absence of the soldier, we had a little time to reflect upon + the dangers of our situation; crowded together in a space so small as not + to admit of motion; with no other protection than the thickness of a + board; guarded on the outside by about twelve soldiers, armed with + cutlasses, and the mate, considerably drunk, with a pistol in each hand, + threatening every moment to fire through;—our feelings may be more + easily conceived than described. There was but little time for + deliberation; something must be immediately done. * * * In a whispered + consultation of some moments, we conceived that the safest course we could + pursue would be to break out with all the violence we could exercise, + overcome every obstacle, and reach the quarter-deck. By this time the + soldier had arrived with the key, and upon applying it, the door was found + to be unlocked. We now heard our last summons from the mate, with + imprecations too horrible to be repeated, and threatening us with instant + destruction if we did not immediately come out. + </p> + <p> + “To remain any longer where we were would have been certain death to some + of us; we therefore carried our hastily formed plan into execution. The + door opened outwards, and forming ourselves into a solid body, we burst + open the door, rushed out pellmell, and making a brisk use of our fists, + knocked the guard heels over head in all directions, at the same time + running with all possible speed for the quarter-deck. As I rushed out, + being in the rear, I received a wound from a cutlass on my side, the scar + of which remains to this day. + </p> + <p> + “As nearly all the guards were prostrated by our unexpected sally, we + arrived at our destined place, without being pursued by anything but + curses and threats. + </p> + <p> + “The mate exercised his authority to protect us from the rage of the + soldiers, who were in pursuit of us, as soon as they had recovered from + the prostration into which they had been thrown; and, with the assistance + of the Captain’s mistress, whom the noise had brought upon deck, and whose + sympathy was excited when she saw we were about to be murdered: she placed + herself between us and the enraged guard, and made such an outcry as to + bring the Captain” (Laird) “up, who ordered the guard to take their + station at a little distance and to watch us narrowly. We were all put in + irons, our feet being fastened to a long bar, a guard placed over us, and + in this situation we were left to pass the night. + </p> + <p> + “During the time of the transactions related, our fellow prisoner, Putnam, + remained quietly under the tub, and heard the noise from his hiding place. + He was not suffered to remain long in suspense. A soldier lifted up the + tub, and seeing the poor prisoner, thrust his bayonet into his body, just + above his hip, and then drove him to the quarter-deck, to take his place + in irons among us. The blood flowed profusely from his wound, and he was + soon after sent on board the hospital ship, and we never heard anything + respecting him afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “With disappointed expectations we passed a dreary night. A cold fog, + followed by rain, came on; to which we were exposed, without any blankets + or covering to protect us from the inclemency of the weather. Our + sufferings of mind and body during that horrible night, exceeded any that + I have ever experienced. + </p> + <p> + “We were chilled almost to death, and the only way we could preserve heat + enough in our bodies to prevent our perishing, was to lie upon each other + by turns. + </p> + <p> + “Morning at last came, and we were released from our fetters. Our limbs + were so stiff that we could hardly stand. Our fellow prisoners assisted us + below, and wrapping us in blankets, we were at last restored to a state of + comparative comfort. + </p> + <p> + “For attempting to escape we were punished by having our miserable + allowance reduced one third in quantity for a month; and we had found the + whole of it hardly sufficient to sustain life. * * * + </p> + <p> + “One day a boat came alongside containing about sixty firkins of grease, + which they called butter. The prisoners were always ready to assist in the + performance of any labor necessary to be done on board of the ship, as it + afforded some little relief to the tedious monotony of their lives. On + this occasion they were ready to assist in hoisting the butter on board. + The firkins were first deposited upon the deck, and then lowered down the + main hatchway. Some of the prisoners, who were the most officious in + giving their assistance, contrived to secrete a firkin, by rolling it + forward under the forecastle, and afterwards carrying it below in their + bedding. + </p> + <p> + “This was considered as quite a windfall; and being divided among a few of + us, proved a considerable luxury. It helped to fill up the pores in our + mouldy bread, when the worms were dislodged, and gave to the crumbling + particles a little more consistency. + </p> + <p> + “Several weeks after our unsuccessful attempt to escape, another one + attended with better success, was made by a number of the prisoners. At + sunset the prisoners were driven below, and the main hatchway was closed. + In this there was a trap-door, large enough for a man to pass through, and + a sentinel was placed over it with orders to permit one prisoner at a time + to come up during the night. + </p> + <p> + “The plan that had been formed was this:—one of the prisoners should + ascend, and dispose of the sentinel in such a manner that he should be no + obstacle in the way of those who were to follow. + </p> + <p> + “Among the soldiers was an Irishman who, in consequence of having a head + of hair remarkable for its curly appearance, and withal a very crabbed + disposition, had been nicknamed ‘Billy the Ram’. He was the sentinel on + duty this night, for one was deemed sufficient, as the prisoners were + considered secure when they were below, having no other place of egress + saving the trap-door, over which the sentinel was stationed. + </p> + <p> + “Late in the night one of the prisoners, a bold, athletic fellow, ascended + upon deck, and in an artful manner engaged the attention of Billy the Ram, + in conversation respecting the war; lamenting that he had engaged in so + unnatural a contest, expressing his intention of enlisting in the British + service, and requesting Billy’s advice respecting the course necessary to + be pursued to obtain the confidence of the officers. + </p> + <p> + “Billy happened to be in a mood to take some interest in his views, and + showed an inclination, quite uncommon for him, to prolong the + conversation. Unsuspicious of any evil design on the part of the prisoner, + and while leaning carelessly on his gun, Billy received a tremendous blow + from the fist of his entertainer on the back of his head, which brought + him to the deck in a state of insensibility. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as he was heard to fall by those below, who were anxiously + awaiting the result of the friendly conversation of their pioneer with + Billy, and were satisfied that the final knock-out argument had been + given, they began to ascend, and, one after another, to jump overboard, to + the number of about thirty. + </p> + <p> + “The noise aroused the guard, who came upon deck, where they found Billy + not sufficiently recovered from the stunning effects of the blow he had + received to give any account of the transaction. A noise was heard in the + water; but it was so dark that no object could be distinguished. The + attention of the guard, however, was directed to certain spots which + exhibited a luminous appearance, which salt water is known to assume in + the night when it is agitated, and to these appearances they directed + their fire, and getting out the boats, picked out about half the number + that attempted to escape, many of whom were wounded, though not one was + killed. The rest escaped. + </p> + <p> + “During the uproar overhead the prisoners below encouraged the fugitives, + and expressed their approbation of their proceedings in three hearty + cheers; for which gratification we suffered our usual punishment—a + short allowance of our already short and miserable fare. + </p> + <p> + “For about a fortnight after this transaction it would have been a + hazardous experiment to approach near to ‘Billy the Ram’, and it was a + long time before we ventured to speak to him, and finally to obtain from + him an account of the events of the evening. + </p> + <p> + “Not long after this another successful attempt to escape was made, which + for its boldness is perhaps unparalleled in the history of such + transactions. + </p> + <p> + “One pleasant morning about ten o’clock a boat came alongside, containing + a number of gentlemen from New York, who came for the purpose of + gratifying themselves with a sight of the miserable tenants of the + prison-ship, influenced by the same kind of curiosity that induces some + people to travel a great distance to witness an execution. + </p> + <p> + “The boat, which was a beautiful yawl, and sat like a swan upon the water, + was manned by four oarsmen, with a man at the helm. Considerable attention + and respect was shown the visitors, the ship’s side being manned when they + showed their intention of coming on board, and the usual naval courtesies + extended. The gentlemen were soon on board; and the crew of the yawl, + having secured her to the forechains on the larboard side of the ship, + were permitted to ascend the deck. + </p> + <p> + “A soldier as usual was pacing with a slow and measured tread the whole + length of the deck, wheeling round with measured precision, when he + arrived at the end of his walk; and whether upon this occasion, any one + interested in his movements had secretly slipped a guinea into his hand, + not to quicken but to retard his progress, was never known; but it was + evident to the prisoners that he had never occupied so much time before in + measuring the distance with his back to the place where the yawl was + fastened. + </p> + <p> + “At this time there were sitting in the forecastle, apparently admiring + the beautiful appearance of the yawl, four mates and a captain, who had + been brought on board as prisoners a few days previous, taken in some + vessel from a southern port. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the sentry had passed these men, in his straightforward march, + they, in a very quiet manner, lowered themselves down into the yawl, cut + the rope, and the four mates taking in hand the oars, while the captain + managed the helm, in less time than I have taken to describe it, they were + under full sweep from the ship. They plied the oars with such vigor that + every stroke they took seemed to take the boat out of the water. In the + meantime the sentry heard nothing and saw nothing of this transaction, + till he had arrived at the end of his march, when, in wheeling slowly + round, he could no longer affect ignorance, or avoid seeing that the boat + was several times its length from the ship. He immediately fired; but, + whether he exercised his best skill as a marksman, or whether it was on + account of the boat’s going ahead its whole length at every pull of the + rowers, I could never exactly ascertain, but the ball fell harmlessly into + the water. The report of the gun brought the whole guard out, who blazed + away at the fugitives, without producing any dimunition in the rapidity of + their progress. + </p> + <p> + “By this time the officers of the ship were on deck with their visitors; + and while all were gazing with astonishment at the boldness and effrontery + of the achievement, the guard were firing as fast as they could load their + guns. When the prisoners gave three cheers to the yawl’s crew, as an + expression of their joy at their success, the Captain ordered all of us to + be driven below at the point of the bayonet, and there we were confined + the remainder of the day. + </p> + <p> + “These five men escaped, greatly to the mortification of the captain and + officers of the prison-ship. After this, as long as I remained a prisoner, + whenever any visitors came on board, all the prisoners were driven below, + where they were obliged to remain till the company had departed.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. — THE EXPERIENCE OF EBENEZER FOX (CONTINUED) + </h2> + <p> + The miseries of our condition were continually increasing. The pestilence + on board spread rapidly; and every day added to our bill of mortality. The + young were its most frequent victims. The number of the prisoners was + constantly augmenting, notwithstanding the frequent and successful + attempts to escape. When we were mustered and called upon to answer to our + names, and it was ascertained that nearly two hundred had mysteriously + disappeared, without leaving any information of their departure, the + officers of the ship endeavored to make amends for their past remissness + by increasing the rigor of our confinement, and depriving us of all hope + of adopting any of the means for liberating ourselves from our cruel + thralldom, so successfully practiced by many of our comrades. + </p> + <p> + “With the hope that some relief might be obtained to meliorate the + wretchedness of our situation, the prisoners petitioned General Clinton, + commanding the British forces in New York, for permission to send a + memorial to General Washington, describing our condition, and requesting + his influence in our behalf, that some exchange of prisoners might be + effected. + </p> + <p> + “Permission was obtained, and the memorial was sent. * * * General + Washington wrote to Congress, and also to the British Commissary of Naval + prisoners, remonstrating with him, deprecating the cruel treatment of the + Americans, and threatening retaliation. + </p> + <p> + “The long detention of American sailors on board of British prison-ships + was to be attributed to the little pains taken by our countrymen to retain + British subjects who were taken prisoner on the ocean during the war. Our + privateers captured many British seamen, who, when willing to enlist in + our service, as was generally the case, were received on board of our + ships. Those who were brought into port were suffered to go at large; for + in the impoverished condition of the country, no state or town was willing + to subject itself to the expence of maintaining prisoners in a state of + confinement; they were permitted to provide for themselves. In this way + the number of British seamen was too small for a regular and equal + exchange. Thus the British seamen, after their capture, enjoyed the + blessings of liberty, the light of the sun, and the purity of the + atmosphere, while the poor American sailors were compelled to drag out a + miserable existence amid want and distress, famine and pestilence. As + every principle of justice and humanity was disregarded by the British in + their treatment of the prisoners, so likewise was every moral and legal + right violated in compelling them to enter into their service. + </p> + <p> + “We had obtained some information in relation to an expected draught that + would soon be made upon the prisoners to fill up a complement of men that + were wanted for the service of his Majesty’s fleet. + </p> + <p> + “One day in the last part of August our fears for the dreaded event were + realized. A British officer with a number of soldiers came on board. The + prisoners were all ordered on deck, placed on the larboard gangway, and + marched in single file round to the quarter-deck, where the officers stood + to inspect them, and select such ones as suited their fancies without any + reference to the rights of the prisoners. * * * We continued to march + round in solemn and melancholy processsion, till they had selected from + among our number about three hundred of the ablest, nearly all of whom + were Americans, and they were directed to go below under a guard, to + collect together whatever things they wished to take belonging to them. + They were then driven into the boats, waiting alongside, and left the + prison ship, not to enjoy their freedom, but to be subjected to the iron + despotism, and galling slavery of a British man-of-war; to waste their + lives in a foreign service; and toil for masters whom they hated. Such, + however, were the horrors of our situation as prisoners, and so small was + the prospect of relief, that we almost envied the lot of those who left + the ship to go into the service of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + “That the reader may not think I have given an exaggerated account of our + sufferings on board the Jersey, I will here introduce some facts related + in the histories of the Revolutionary War. I introduce them as an apology + for the course that I and many of my fellow citizens adopted to obtain + temporary relief from our sufferings. + </p> + <p> + “The prisoners captured by Sir William Howe in 1776 amounted to several + thousands. * * * The privates were confined in prisons, deserted churches, + and other large open buildings, entirely unfit for the habitations of + human beings, in severe winter weather, without any of the most ordinary + comforts of life. + </p> + <p> + “To the indelible and everlasting disgrace of the British name, these + unfortunate victims of a barbarity more befitting savages than gentlemen + belonging to a nation boasting itself to be the most enlightened and + civilized of the world,—many hundreds of them, perished from want of + proper food and attention. + </p> + <p> + “The cruelty of their inhuman jailors was not terminated by the death of + these wretched men, as so little care was taken to remove the corpses that + seven dead bodies have been seen at one time lying in one of the buildings + in the midst of their living fellow-prisoners, who were perhaps envying + them their release from misery. Their food * * * was generally that which + was rejected by the British ships as unfit to be eaten by the sailors, and + unwholesome in the highest degree, as well as disgusting in taste and + appearance. + </p> + <p> + “In December, 1776, the American board of war, after procuring such + evidence as convinced them of the truth of their statements, reported + that: ‘There were 900 privates and 300 officers of the American army, + prisoners in the city of New York, and 500 privates and 50 officers in + Philadelphia. That since the beginning of October, all these officers and + privates had been confined in prisons or in the provost. That, from the + best evidence the subject could admit of, the general allowance of the + prisoners did not exceed four ounces of meat a day, and that often so + damaged as to be uneatable. That it had been a common practice of the + British to keep their prisoners four or five days without a morsel of meat + and thus tempt them to enlist to save their lives.’ + </p> + <p> + “Many were actually starved to death, in hope of making them enroll + themselves in the British army. The American sailors when captured + suffered even more than the soldiers, for they were confined on board + prison ships in great numbers, and in a manner which showed that the + British officers were willing to treat fellow beings, whose only crime was + love of liberty, worse than the vilest animals; and indeed in every + respect, with as much cruelty as is endured by the miserable inhabitants + of the worst class of slave ships. * * * In the course of the war it has + been asserted on good evidence, that 11,000 prisoners died on board the + Jersey. * * * These unfortunate beings died in agony in the midst of their + fellow sufferers, who were obliged to witness their tortures, without the + power of relieving their dying countrymen, even by cooling their parched + lips with a drop of cold water, or a breath of fresh air; and, when the + last breath had left the emaciated body, they sometimes remained for hours + in close contact with the corpse, without room to shrink from companions + that Death had made so horrible, and when at last the dead were removed, + they were sent in boats to the shore, and so imperfectly buried that long + after the war was ended, their bones lay whitening in the sun on the beach + of Long Island, a lasting memorial of British cruelty, so entirely + unwarranted by all the laws of war or even common humanity. + </p> + <p> + “They could not even pretend that they were retaliating, for the Americans + invariably treated their prisoners with kindness, and as though they were + fellow men. All the time that these cruelties were performed those who + were deprived of every comfort and necessary were constantly entreated to + leave the American service, and induced to believe, while kept from all + knowledge of public affairs, that the republican cause was hopeless; that + all engaged in it would meet the punishment of traitors to the king, and + that all their prospect of saving their lives, or escaping from an + imprisonment worse than death to young and high-spirited men, as most of + them were, would be in joining the British army, where they would be sure + of good pay and quick promotion. + </p> + <p> + “These were the means employed by our enemies to increase their own + forces, and discourage the patriots, and it is not strange they were + successful in many instances. High sentiments of honor could not well + exist in the poor, half-famished prisoners, who were denied even water to + quench their thirst, or the privilege of breathing fresh, pure air, and + cramped, day after day, in a space too small to admit of exercising their + weary limbs, with the fear of wasting their lives in a captivity, which + could not serve their country, nor gain honor to themselves. + </p> + <p> + “But worse than all was the mortifying consideration that, after they had + suffered for the love of their country, more than sailors in active + service, they might die in these horrible places, and be laid with their + countrymen on the shores of Long Island, or some equally exposed spot, + without the rites of burial, and their names never be heard of by those + who, in future ages, would look back to the roll of patriots, who died in + defence of liberty, with admiration and respect, while, on the contrary, + by dissembling for a time, they might be able to regain a place in the + service so dear to them, and in which they were ready to endure any + hardship or encounter any danger. + </p> + <p> + “Of all the prisons, on land or water, for the confinement of the + Americans, during the Revolutionary War, the Old Jersey was acknowledged + to be the worst; such an accumulation of horrors was not to be found in + any other one, or perhaps in all collectively. + </p> + <p> + “The very name of it struck terror into the sailor’s heart, and caused him + to fight more desperately, to avoid being made a captive. Suffering as we + did, day after day, with no prospect of relief, our numbers continually + augmenting, * * * can it be thought strange that the younger part of the + prisoners, to whom confinement seemed worse than death, should be tempted + to enlist into the British service; especially when, by so doing, it was + probable that some opportunity would be offered to desert? We were + satisfied that death would soon put an end to our sufferings if we + remained prisoners much longer, yet when we discussed the expediency of + seeking a change in our condition, which we were satisfied could not be + worse under any circumstances, and it was proposed that we should enter + the service of King George, our minds revolted at the idea, and we + abandoned the intention. + </p> + <p> + “In the midst of our distresses, perplexities, and troubles of this + period, we were not a little puzzled to know how to dispose of the vermin + that would accumulate upon our persons, notwithstanding all our attempts + at cleanliness. To catch them was a very easy task, but to undertake to + deprive each individual captive of life, as rapidly as they could have + been taken, would have been a more herculean task for each individual + daily, than the destruction of 3000 Philistines by Sampson of old. To + throw them overboard would have been but a small relief, as they would + probably add to the impurities of the boiler, by being deposited in it the + first time it was filled up for cooking our unsavory mess. What then was + to be done with them? A general consultation was held, and it was + determined to deprive them of their liberty. This being agreed upon, the + prisoners immediately went to work, for their comfort and amusement, to + make a liberal contribution of those migratory creatures, who were + compelled to colonize for a time within the boundaries of a large snuff + box appropriated for the purpose. There they lay, snugly ensconced, of all + colors, ages, and sizes, to the amount of some hundreds, waiting for + orders. + </p> + <p> + “British recruiting officers frequently came on board, and held out to the + prisoners tempting offers to enlist in his Majesty’s service; not to fight + against their own country, but to perform garrison duty in the island of + Jamaica. + </p> + <p> + “One day an Irish officer came on board for this purpose, and not meeting + with much success among the prisoners who happened to be on deck, he + descended below to repeat his offers. He was a remarkably tall man, and + was obliged to stoop as he passed along between decks. The prisoners were + disposed for a frolic, and kept the officer in their company for some + time, flattering him with expectations, till he discovered their + insincerity, and left them in no very pleasant humor. As he passed along, + bending his body and bringing his broad shoulders to nearly a horizontal + position, the idea occurred to our minds to furnish him with some recruits + from the colony in the snuff box. A favorable opportunity presented, the + cover of the box was removed, and the whole contents discharged upon the + red-coated back of the officer. Three cheers from the prisoners followed + the migration, and the officer ascended to the deck, unconscious of the + number and variety of the recruits he had obtained without the formality + of an enlistment. The captain of the ship, suspecting that some joke had + been practised, or some mischief perpetrated, from the noise below, met + the officer at the head of the gangway, and seeing the vermin crawling up + his shoulders, and aiming at his head, with the instinct peculiar to them, + exclaimed, ‘Hoot mon! what’s the maitter wi’ your back!’ * * * By this + time many of them in their wanderings, had travelled from the rear to the + front, and showed themselves, to the astonishment of the officer. He flung + off his coat, in a paroxysm of rage, which was not allayed by three cheers + from the prisoners on deck. Confinement below, with a short allowance, was + our punishment for this gratification. + </p> + <p> + “From some information we had obtained we were in daily expectation of a + visit from the British recruiting officers, and from the summary method of + their procedure, no one felt safe from the danger of being forced into + their service. Many of the prisoners thought it would be better to enlist + voluntarily, as it was probable that afterwards they would be permitted to + remain on Long Island, preparatory to their departure to the West Indies, + and during that time some opportunity would be offered for their escape to + the Jersey shore. * * * Soon after we had formed this desperate resolve a + recruiting officer came on board to enlist men for the 88th Regiment to be + stationed at Kingston, in the island of Jamaica. * * * The recruiting + officer presented his papers for our signature. We hesitated, we stared at + each other, and felt we were about to do a deed of which we were ashamed, + and which we might regret. Again we heard the tempting offers, and again + the assurance that we should not be called upon to fight against our + government or country, and with the hope that we should find an + opportunity to desert, of which it was our firm intention to avail + ourselves when offered,—with such hopes, expectations, and motives, + we signed the papers, and became soldiers in his Majesty’s service, + </p> + <p> + “How often did we afterwards lament that we had ever lived to see this + hour? How often did we regret that we were not in our wretched prison ship + again, or buried in the sand at the Wallabout!” + </p> + <p> + There were twelve of the prisoners who left the Jersey with Ebenezer Fox. + They were at first taken to Long Island and lodged in barns, but so + vigilantly were they guarded that they found it impossible to escape. They + were all sent to Kingston, and Fox was allowed to resume his occupation as + a barber, much patronized by the officers stationed at that post. He was + soon allowed the freedom of the city, and furnished with a pass to go + about it as much as he wished. At last, in company with four other + Americans, he escaped, and after many adventures the party succeeded in + reaching Cuba, by means of a small sailing boat which they pressed into + service for that purpose. From Cuba they took passage in a small vessel + for St. Domingo, and dropped anchor at Cape Francois, afterwards called + Cape Henri. There they went on board the American frigate, Flora, of 32 + guns, commanded by Captain Henry Johnson, of Boston. + </p> + <p> + The vessel soon sailed for France and took several prizes. It finally went + up the Garonne to Bordeaux, where it remained nine months. In the harbor + of Bordeaux were about six hundred vessels bearing the flags of various + nations. Here they remained until peace was proclaimed, when Fox procured + service on board an American brig lying at Nantes, and set sail for home + in April, 1783. + </p> + <p> + At length he again reached his mother’s house at Roxbury, after an absence + of about three years. His mother, at first, did not recognize him. She + entertained him as a stranger, until he made himself known, and then her + joy was great, for she had long mourned him as lost. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. — THE CASE OF CHRISTOPHER HAWKINS + </h2> + <p> + Christopher Hawkins was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1764. When he + was in his thirteenth year he sailed on board an American privateer as a + cabin boy. The privateer was a schooner, called the Eagle, commanded by + Captain Potter. Taken prisoner by the British, Hawkins was sent on board + the Asia, an old transport ship, but was soon taken off this vessel, then + used for the confinement of American prisoners, and sent on board a + frigate, the Maidstone, to serve as a waiter to the British officers on + board. He remained on board the Maidstone a year. At the end of that time + he was allowed a good deal of liberty. He and another boy were sent on + shore to New York with a message, managed to elude the sentinels, and + escaped first to Long Island, and afterwards returned home to Providence. + </p> + <p> + About 1781 he again went on board a privateer under Captain Whipple, was + again captured, and this time he was sent to the Jersey. He describes the + condition of the prisoners on their way in a transport to this fearful + prison ship. They were so crowded together that they could scarcely move, + yet they all joined in singing a patriotic song every stanza of which + ended with the words: + </p> + <p> + “For America and all her sons forever will shine!” + </p> + <p> + They were on board this transport three or four days unable to sit or lie + down for want of room. When at last they reached the Jersey they found 800 + prisoners on board. Many of these poor wretches would become sick in the + night and die before day. Hawkins was obliged to lie down to rest only + twenty feet from the gangway, and in the path of the prisoners who would + run over him to get on the upper deck. He describes the condition of these + men as appalling. + </p> + <p> + “Near us,” he writes, “was a guard ship and hospital ship, and along the + shore a line of sentinels at regular intervals.” + </p> + <p> + Yet he determined to escape. Many did so; and many were murdered in the + attempt. A mess of six had just met a dreadful fate. One of them became + terrified and exclaimed as soon as he touched the water, “O Lord, I shall + be drowned!” The guard turned out, and murdered five of the poor wretches. + The sixth managed to hide, and held on by the flukes of the anchor with + nothing but his nose above water. Early in the morning he climbed up the + anchor over the bow of the ship to the forecastle, and fled below. A boy + named Waterman and Hawkins determined to drop through a port-hole, and + endeavor to reach Long Island by swimming. He thus describes the + adventure: + </p> + <p> + “The thunder-storm was opportune to our design, for having previously + obtained from the cook’s room an old axe and crow-bar from the upper deck + for the purpose, we concealed them till an opportunity should offer for + their use. We took advantage of the peals of thunder in a storm that came + over us in the afternoon to break one of the gun ports on the lower deck, + which was strongly barred with iron and bolts. * * * When a peal of + thunder roared we worked with all our might with the axe and crow-bar + against the bars and bolts. When the peals subsided we ceased, without our + blows being heard by the British, until another peal commenced. We then + went to work again, and so on, until our work was completed to our liking. + The bars and bolts, after we had knocked them loose, were replaced so as + not to draw the attention of our British gentry if they should happen to + visit the lower deck before our departure. We also hung some old apparel + over and around the shattered gunport to conceal any marks. + </p> + <p> + “Being thus and otherwise prepared for our escape, the ship was visited by + our Captain Whipple the next day after we had broken the gun-port. To him + we communicated our intention and contemplated means of escape. He + strongly remonstrated against the design. We told him we should start the + ensuing evening. Captain Whipple answered: + </p> + <p> + “‘How do you think of escaping?’ + </p> + <p> + “I answered, ‘By swimming to that point,’ at the same time pointing to a + place then in our view on Long Island, in a northeasterly direction from + the prison ship. We must do this to avoid the sentinels who were stationed + in the neighborhood of the ship. + </p> + <p> + “‘What!’ said Captain Whipple, ‘Do you think of swimming to that point?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, we must, to avoid the sentinels,’ I answered. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well,’ said Captain Whipple, ‘Give it up, It is only throwing your lives + away, for there is not a man on earth who can swim from this ship to that + point as cold as the water is now. Why, how far do you think it is?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Why,’ I answered, ‘Waterman and myself have estimated the distance at a + mile and a half.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes,’ said he, ‘It’s all of two and a half miles. You cannot measure + across as well as I can. So you had better give it up, for I have + encouragement of getting home next week, and if I do, I will make it my + whole business to get you all exchanged immediately.’ + </p> + <p> + “Altho’ Waterman was several years my senior in age, the conversation was + carried on between Captain Whipple and myself for the reason that Captain + W. was more acquainted with me than with Waterman, but Waterman was + present.” (Captain Whipple was captured five times during the Revolution, + each time on his own vessel.) + </p> + <p> + “His advice had great weight on our minds, but did not shake our purpose. + We had not been on board the Old Jersey more than one hour before we began + to plot our escape. We had been only three days on board when we left it + forever. We had been on board long enough to discover the awful scenes + which took place daily in this ‘floating hell.’ + </p> + <p> + “Our preparations for leaving were completed by procuring a piece of rope + from an old cable that was stretched under the fo’castle of the ship, * * + * and wound around the cable to preserve it. We had each of us packed our + wearing apparel in a knapsack for each, made on board the Old Jersey. I + gave some of my apparel to the two Smiths. I stowed in my knapsack a thick + woolen sailor jacket, well lined, a pair of thick pantaloons, one vest, a + pair of heavy silver shoe buckles, two silk handkerchiefs, four silver + dollars, not forgetting a junk bottle of rum, which we had purchased on + board at a dear rate. Waterman had stowed his apparel and other articles + in his knapsack. Mine was very heavy. It was fastened to my back with two + very strong garters, passing over my shoulders, and under each arm, and + fastened with a string to my breast, bringing my right and left garter in + contact near the centre. + </p> + <p> + “Thus equipt we were ready to commit ourselves to the watery element, and + to our graves, as many of our hardy fellow prisoners predicted. The + evening was as good an one as we could desire at that season of the year, + the weather was mild and hazy, and the night extremely dark. + </p> + <p> + “It was arranged between Waterman and myself that after leaving the ship + we should be governed in our course by the lights on board the ships and + the responses of the sentinels on shore, and after arriving on shore to + repair near a dwelling house which we could see from the Old Jersey in the + day time, and spend the balance of the night in a barn, but a few rods + from the dwelling. + </p> + <p> + “Waterman was the first to leave the ship through the broken-open + gun-port, and suspended to the rope by his hands, and at the end behind + him (it was held) by several of our fellow prisoners whom we were leaving + behind us, and with whom we affectionately parted with reciprocal good + wishes. He succeeded in gaining the water and in leaving the ship without + discovery from the British. It had been agreed, if detection was about to + take place, that he should be received again into the ship. I had agreed + to follow him in one minute in the same manner. I left and followed in + half that time, and succeeded in leaving the ship without giving the least + alarm to those who had held us in captivity. + </p> + <p> + “I kept along close to the side of the ship until I gained the stern, and + then left the ship. This was all done very slowly, sinking my body as deep + in the water as possible, without stopping my course, until I was at such + a distance from her that my motions in the water would not create + attention from those on board. After gaining a suitable distance from the + ship, I hailed Waterman three times. He did not answer me. * * * I have + never seen him since he left the Old Jersey to this day. His fate and + success I have since learned from James Waterman, one of his brothers. + </p> + <p> + “In the meantime I kept on my course without thinking that any accident + would befall him, as I knew him to be an excellent swimmer, and no + fainthearted or timid fellow. + </p> + <p> + “I could take my course very well from the light reflected from the stern + lanthorns of the prison, guards, and hospital ships, and also from the + responses of the sentinels on shore; in the words, ‘All’s well.’ These + responses were repeated every half hour on board the guard ship, and by + the sentinels. * * * These repetitions served me to keep the time I was + employed in reaching the shore;—no object occupied my mind during + this time so much as my friend Waterman, if I may except my own success in + getting to land in safety. + </p> + <p> + “I flattered myself I should find him on shore or at the barn we had + agreed to occupy after we might gain it. After I had been swimming nearly + or quite two hours my knapsack had broken loose from my back, from the + wearing off of the garters under my arms, in consequence of the friction + in swimming. * * * This occurrence did not please me much. I endeavored to + retain my knapsack by putting it under one arm, * * * but soon found that + this impeded my progress, and led me from my true course. * * * By this + time I had become much chilled, and benumbed from cold, but could swim + tolerably well. * * * I hesitated whether or not to retain my knapsack + longer in my possession, or part from it forever, I soon determined on the + latter, and sent it adrift. In this balancing state of mind and subsequent + decision I was cool and self collected as perhaps at any time in my life. + * * * I now soon found I was close in with the shore. * * * I swam within + twelve feet of the shore before I could touch bottom, and in so doing I + found I could not stand, I was so cold * * * but I moved around in shoal + water until I found I could stand, then stept on shore. * * * I had not + sent my clothes adrift more than twenty-five minutes or so before striking + the shore. I was completely naked except for a small hat on my head which + I had brought from the Old Jersey. What a situation was this, without + covering to hide my naked body, in an enemy’s country, without food or + means to obtain any, and among Tories more unrelenting than the devil,—more + perils to encounter and nothing to aid me but the interposition of heaven! + Yet I had gained an important portion of my enterprise: I had got on land, + after swimming in the water two hours and a half, and a distance of + perhaps two miles and a half.” + </p> + <p> + Hawkins at last found the barn and slept in it the rest of the night, but + not before falling over a rock in the darkness, and bruising his naked + body severely. Next morning a black girl came into the barn, apparently + hunting for eggs, but he did not dare reveal himself to her. He remained + there all day, and endeavored to milk the cows, but they were afraid of a + naked stranger. He left the place in the night and travelled east. In a + field he found some overripe water melons, but they were neither wholesome + nor palatable. After wandering a long time in the rain he came to another + barn, and in it he slept soundly until late the next day. Nearly famished + he again wandered on and found in an orchard a few half rotten pears. Near + by was a potato patch which he entered hoping to get some of them. Here a + young woman, who had been stooping down digging potatoes, started up. “I + was, of course,” he continues, “naked, my head excepted. She was, or + appeared to be, excessively frightened, and ran towards a house, + screeching and screaming at every step.” Hawkins ran in the other + direction, and got safely away. At last the poor boy found another barn, + and lay, that night, upon a heap of flax. After sunrise next morning he + concluded to go on his way. “I could see the farmers at their labor in the + fields. I then concluded to still keep on my course, and go to some of + these people then in sight. I was, by this time, almost worn out with + hunger. I slowly approached two tall young men who were gathering garden + sauce. They soon discovered me and appeared astonished at my appearance, + and began to draw away from me, but I spoke to them in the following + words:—‘Don’t be afraid of me: I am a human being!’ They then made a + halt and inquired of me, ‘Are you scared?’ ‘No,’ said I. They then + advanced slowly towards me, and inquired, ‘How came you here naked?’ + </p> + <p> + “I seated myself on the ground and told them the truth.” + </p> + <p> + One of the young men told him to conceal himself from the sight of the + neighbors, and he would go and consult with his mother what had best be + done. He soon returned, bringing two large pieces of bread and butter and + a decent pair of pantaloons. He then told him to go to the side of the + barn and wait there for his mother, but not to allow himself to be seen. + The boys’ mother came out to speak to him with a shirt on her arm. As he + incautiously moved around the side of the barn to meet her, she exclaimed, + “For God’s sake don’t let that black woman see you!” A slave was washing + clothes near the back door of the farm house. The poor woman explained to + Hawkins that this negress would betray him, “For she is as big a devil as + any of the king’s folks, and she will bring me out, and then we should all + be put in the provost and die there, for my husband was put there more + than two years ago, and rotted and died there not more than two weeks + since.” + </p> + <p> + The poor woman wept as she told her story, and the escaped prisoner wept + with her. This woman and her two sons were Dutch, and their house was only + nine miles from Brooklyn ferry. She now directed the boy to a house at + Oyster Bay where she said there was a man who would assist him to escape. + </p> + <p> + After running many risks he found the house at last, but the woman who + answered his knock told him that her husband was away and when he + explained who he was she became very angry, and said that it was her duty + to give him up. So he ran away from her, and at last fell into the hands + of a party of British, who recaptured him, and declared that they would + send him immediately back to the prison ship. They were quartered in a + house near Oyster Bay, and here they locked him in a room, and he was told + to lie down on some straw to sleep, as it was now night. In the night the + fleas troubled him so much that he was very restless. A sentinel had been + placed to guard him, and when this wretch heard him moving in the dark he + exclaimed, “Lie still, G—d—-you,” and pricked him several + times with his bayonet, so that the poor boy felt the fresh blood running + down his body. He begged the sentinel to spare his life, declaring that it + was hard he should be killed merely because the fleas had made him + restless. He now did not dare to move, and was obliged to endure the + attacks the fleas and the stiffness of his wounds in perfect silence until + the sentinel was relieved. The next sentinel was kind and humane and + seemed to compassionate his sufferings. He said that some men were natural + brutes, and seemed to take an interest in the boy, but could do little for + him. At daylight he was sent to the quarters of a Tory colonel a mile from + the guard room. The colonel was a tall man of fine appearance, who + examined him, and then said he must be sent back to the Jersey. The poor + lad was now left in an unlocked room on the ground floor of the colonel’s + house. He was given his breakfast, and a mulatto man was set to guard him. + Now there was a pantry opening into this room, and a negro girl, who + appeared very friendly with the mulatto, called him to eat his breakfast + in this pantry. The mulatto, while eating, would look out every few + minutes. Just after one of these inspections the boy got up softly, with + his shoes in his hands, stepped across the room, out at the back door, and + concealed himself in a patch of standing hemp. From thence he made his way + into an orchard, and out into a wood lot. Here he hid himself and remained + quiet for several hours, and although he heard several persons talking + near him, he was not pursued. At last he stole out, walked about six + miles, and at night fall entered a barn and slept there. He was in rather + better case than before his recapture, for a doctor belonging to the + British service had taken pity on him the night before, and had furnished + him with warm clothes, shoes, and a little money. + </p> + <p> + Next morning a woman who lived in a small house near the road gave him + some bread and milk. The time of the year was autumn, it was a day or two + before Cornwallis’s surrender at Yorktown. He now very fortunately met an + acquaintance named Captain Daniel Havens. He was an uncle of a boy named + John Sawyer, with whom young Hawkins had run away from New York some years + before. Through the agency of this old friend Hawkins got on board a + smuggler in the night and finally reached home in safety. + </p> + <p> + Christopher Hawkins’s account of the Old Jersey is not so reliable as that + of some others who were among her inmates. He was only on board that + vessel three days, but in that time he saw enough to decide him to risk + death in the attempt to escape rather than remain any longer on board of + her. He declares that: “The cruel and unjustifiable treatment of the + prisoners by the British soon produced the most demoralizing effects upon + them. Boxing was tolerated without stint.... After I left the ship an + American vessel came into the port of New York as a cartel for the + exchange of prisoners.... A ship’s mate was so fortunate as to be one of + the exchanged. He had a large chest on board, and, as privately as he + could, he put the cabin boy into the chest, locked him in, and carried him + on board the cartel. A prisoner named Spicer had seen the boy put into the + chest, and after he had been conveyed on board the cartel, Spicer + communicated the affair to the commanding officer on board the Jersey. The + cartel was immediately boarded, as she had not yet left the port, and the + boy was found and brought back. Spicer paid for his treachery with his + life. The prisoners knocked him down the hatchway, when they were going + down for the night; they then fell upon him, cut off his ears, and mangled + him in a shocking manner, so that he died in a day or two.” + </p> + <p> + This event occured after he left the ship, according to his own narrative. + The same story is told in a different way by an eye witness of undoubted + veracity. He says that the prisoners were so incensed against Spicer that + they determined to kill him. For this purpose some of them held him, while + another was about to cut his throat, when the guards, hearing the uproar, + rushed down the hatchway, and rescued him. + </p> + <p> + Hawkins also says: “I one day observed a prisoner on the forecastle of the + ship, with his shirt in his hands, having stripped it from his body, + deliberately picking the vermin from the pleats and putting them in his + mouth. * * * I stepped very near the man and commenced a conversation with + him. He said he had been on board two years and a half, or eighteen + months. He had completely lost count of time, was a skeleton and nearly + naked. This was only one case from perhaps a hundred similar. This man + appeared in tolerable health as to body, his emaciation excepted. * * * + The discipline of the prisoners by the British was in many respects of the + most shocking and appalling character. The roll of the prisoners, as I was + informed, was called every three months, unless a large acquisiton of + prisoners should render it necessary more often. The next day after our + crew were put on board the roll was called, and the police regulations of + the ship were read. I heard this. One of the new regulations was to the + effect that every captive trying to get away should suffer instant death, + and should not even be taken on board alive.” + </p> + <p> + It appears that David Laird commanded the Old Jersey from 1778 until early + in the year 1781. He was then relieved of the command, and this office was + given to a man named John Sporne, or Spohn, until the 9th of April, 1783, + when all the prisoners remaining in her were released, and she was + abandoned. The dread of contagion kept visitors aloof. She was still + moored in the mud of the Wallabout by chain cables, and gradually sank + lower and lower. There is a beam of her preserved as a curiosity at the + Naval Museum at Brooklyn. + </p> + <p> + David Laird, the Scotchman who commanded her until the early part of 1781, + returned to New York after the peace of 1783 as captain of a merchant + ship, and moored his vessel at or near Peck’s Slip. A number of persons + who had been prisoners on board the Jersey, and had suffered by his + cruelty, assembled on the wharf to receive him, but he deemed it prudent + to remain on ship-board during the short time his vessel was there. + </p> + <p> + It is in the recollections of Ebenezer Fox that we have the only mention + ever made of a woman on board that dreadful place, the Old Jersey, and + although she may have been and probably was an abandoned character, yet + she seems to have been merciful, and unwilling to see the prisoners who + were attempting to escape, butchered before her eyes. It is indeed to be + hoped that no other woman ever set foot in that terrible place to suffer + with the prisoners, and yet there are a few women’s names in the list of + these wretched creatures given in the appendix to this book. It is most + likely, however, that these were men, and that their feminine appellations + were nicknames. [Footnote: One is named Nancy and one Bella, etc.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. — TESTIMONY OF PRISONERS ON BOARD THE JERSEY + </h2> + <p> + We must again quote from Ebenezer Fox, whose description of the provisions + dealt out to the prisoners on board the prison ships shall now be given. + </p> + <p> + “The prisoners received their mess rations at nine in the morning. * * * + All our food appeared to be damaged. The bread was mostly mouldy, and + filled with worms. It required considerable rapping upon the deck, before + these worms could be dislodged from their lurking places in a biscuit. As + for the pork, we were cheated out of it more than half the time, and when + it was obtained one would have judged from its motley hues, exhibiting the + consistence and appearance of variegated soap, that it was the flesh of + the porpoise or sea hog, and had been an inhabitant of the ocean, rather + than a sty. * * * The flavor was so unsavory that it would have been + rejected as unfit for the stuffing of even Bologna sausages. The + provisions were generally damaged, and from the imperfect manner in which + they were cooked were about as indigestible as grape shot. The flour and + oatmeal was often sour, and when the suet was mixed with the flour it + might be nosed half the length of the ship. The first view of the beef + would excite an idea of veneration for its antiquity, * * * its color was + a dark mahagony, and its solidity would have set the keenest edge of a + broad axe at defiance to cut across the grain, though like oakum it could + be pulled to pieces, one way, in strings, like rope yarn. * * * It was so + completely saturated with salt that after having been boiled in water + taken from the sea, it was found to be considerably freshened by the + process. * * * Such was our food, but the quality was not all of which we + had to complain. * * * The cooking was done in a great copper vessel. * * + * The Jersey, from her size, and lying near the shore, was embedded in the + mud, and I don’t recollect seeing her afloat the whole time I was a + prisoner. All the filth that accumulated among upwards of a thousand men + was daily thrown overboard, and would remain there until carried away by + the tide. The impurity of the water may be easily conceived, and in that + water our meat was boiled. It will be recollected, too, that the water was + salt, which caused the inside of the copper to be corroded to such a + degree that it was lined with a coat of verdigris. Meat thus cooked must, + in some degree, be poisoned, and the effects of it were manifest in the + cadaverous countenances of the emaciated beings who had remained on board + for any length of time. + </p> + <p> + “* * * We passed the night amid the accumulated horrors of sighs and + groans; of foul vapor; a nauseous and putrid atmosphere, in a stifling and + almost suffocating heat. * * * Little sleep could be enjoyed, for the + vermin were so horribly abundant that all the personal cleanliness we + could practice would not protect us from their attacks.” + </p> + <p> + The public papers of the day often contained accounts of the cruelties + practiced upon the prisoners on the ships. In the <i>Pennsylvania Packet</i> + of Sept. 4th, 1781, there is an extract from a letter written by a + prisoner whose name is not given. + </p> + <p> + “EXTRACT FROM A LETTER DATED ON BOARD THE JERSEY (VULGARLY CALLED HELL) + PRISON SHIP + </p> + <p> + “New York August 10th 1781 + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing but death or entering into the British service before + me. Our ship’s company is reduced by death and entering into the British + service to the small number of 19. * * * I am not able to give you even + the outlines of my exile; but this much I will inform you, that we bury 6, + 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 in a day. We have 200 more sick and falling sick every + day; the sickness is the yellow fever, small pox, and in short everything + else that can be mentioned.” + </p> + <p> + “New London. Conn. March 3rd. 1782. Sunday last a flag ship returned from + New York which brought twenty Americans who had been a long time on board + a prison ship. About 1,000 of our countrymen remain in the prison ships at + New York, great part of whom have been in close confinement for more than + six months, and in the most deplorable condition: many of them seeing no + prospect of release are entering into the British service to elude the + contagion with which the ships are fraught.” + </p> + <p> + EXTRACT OF A LETTER WRITTEN ON BOARD THE PRISON SHIP JERSEY, APRIL 26TH, + 1782. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to write you from this miserable place. I can assure you that + since I have been here we have had only twenty men exchanged, although we + are in number upwards of 700, exclusive of the sick in the Hospital ships, + who died like sheep; therefore my intention is, if possible, to enter on + board some merchant or transport vessel, as it is impossible for so many + men to keep alive in one vessel.” + </p> + <p> + “Providence. May 25th 1782. Sunday last a flag of truce returned here from + New York and brought a few prisoners. We learn that 1100 Americans were on + board the prison and hospital ships at New York, when the flag sailed from + thence, and that from six to seven were generally buried every day.” + </p> + <p> + “Salem. Mass. Extract from a letter of an officer on board the Jersey.—‘The + deplorable situation I am in cannot be expressed. The captains, + lieutenants, and sailing masters have gone to the Provost, but they have + only gotten out of the frying pan into the fire. I am left here with about + 700 miserable objects, eaten up by lice, and daily taking fevers, which + carry them off fast. Nov 9th 1782.” + </p> + <p> + By repeated acts of cruelty on the part of the British the Americans were, + at last, stung to attempt something like retaliation. In 1782 a prison + ship, given that name, was fitted up and stationed in the Thames near New + London, as we learn from the following extract: + </p> + <p> + “New London, Conn. May 24th 1782. Last Saturday the Retaliation prison + ship was safely moored in the river Thames, about a mile from the ferry, + for the receipt of such British prisoners as may fall into our hands, + since which about 100 prisoners have been put on board.” + </p> + <p> + It is said that this ship was in use but a short time, and we have been + unable to learn anything further of her history. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Philbrook, who was a prisoner on board the Jersey for several + months was one of the “working-party,” whose duty it was to scrub the + decks, attend to the sick, and bring up the dead. He says: “As the morning + dawned there would be heard the loud, unfeeling, and horrid cry, ‘Rebels! + Bring up your dead!’ + </p> + <p> + “Staggering under the weight of some stark, still form, I would at length + gain the upper deck, when I would be met with the salutation: ‘What! <i>you + alive yet?</i> Well, you are a tough one!’” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. — RECOLLECTIONS OF ANDREW SHERBURNE + </h2> + <p> + Andrew Sherburne, a lad of seventeen, shipped on the Scorpion, Captain R. + Salter, a small vessel, with a crew of eighteen men. This vessel was + captured by the Amphion, about the middle of November, 1782. Sherburne + says that the sailors plundered them of everything they possessed, and + that thirteen of them were put on board the Amphion, and sent down to the + cable tiers between the two decks, where they found nearly a hundred of + their countrymen, who were prisoners of war. + </p> + <p> + “We were very much crowded, and having nothing but the cables to lay on, + our beds were as hard and unpleasant as though they were made of cord + wood, and indeed we had not sufficient room for each to stretch himself at + the same time. + </p> + <p> + “After about two weeks we arrived at New York, and were put on board that + wretched ship the Jersey. The New York prison ships had been the terror of + American tars for years. The Old Jersey had become notorious in + consequence of the unparallelled mortality on board her. * * * + </p> + <p> + “I entered the Jersey towards the last of November, I had just entered the + eighteenth year of my age, and had now to commence a scene of suffering + almost without a parallel. * * * A large proportion of the prisoners had + been robbed of their clothing. * * * Early in the winter the British took + the Chesapeake frigate of about thirty guns, and 300 hands. All were sent + on board the Jersey, which so overcrowded her, that she was very sickly. + This crew died exceedingly fast, for a large proportion were fresh hands, + unused to the sea.” + </p> + <p> + Sherburne says that boats from the city brought provisions to sell to such + of the prisoners as were so fortunate as to be possessed of money, and + that most of them were able to make purchases from them. A piece of + sausage from seven to nine inches long sold for sixpence. + </p> + <p> + In January, 1783, Sherburne became ill and was sent to the Frederick, a + hospital ship. In this two men shared every bunk, and the conditions were + wretchedly unsanitary. He was placed in a bunk with a man named Wills from + Massachusetts, a very gentle and patient sufferer, who soon died. + </p> + <p> + “I have seen seven men drawn out and piled together on the lower hatchway, + who had died in one night on board the Frederick. + </p> + <p> + “There were ten or twelve nurses, and about a hundred sick. Some, if not + all of the nurses, were prisoners. * * * They would indulge in playing + cards and drinking, while their fellows were thirsting for water and some + dying. At night the hatches were shut down and locked, and the nurses + lived in the steerage, and there was not the least attention paid to the + sick except by the convalescent, who were so frequently called upon that, + in many cases, they overdid themselves, relapsed, and died.” + </p> + <p> + Sherburne suffered extremely from the cold. “I have often,” he says + “toiled the greatest part of the night, in rubbing my feet and legs to + keep them from freezing. * * * In consequence of these chills I have been + obliged to wear a laced stocking upon my left leg for nearly thirty years + past. My bunk was directly against the ballast-port; and the port not + being caulked, when there came a snow-storm the snow would blow through + the seams in my bed, but in those cases there was one advantage to me, + when I could not otherwise procure water to quench my thirst. The + provision allowed the sick was a gill of wine, and twelve ounces of bread + per day. The wine was of an ordinary quality, and the bread made of sour + or musty flour, and sometimes poorly baked. There was a small sheet iron + stove between decks, but the fuel was green, and not plenty, and there + were some peevish and surly fellows generally about it. I never got an + opportunity to sit by it, but I could generally get the favor of some one + near it to lay a slice of bread upon it, to warm or toast it a little, to + put into my wine and water. We sometimes failed in getting our wine for + several days together; we had the promise of its being made up to us, but + this promise was seldom performed. * * * Water was brought on board in + casks by the working party, and when it was very cold it would freeze in + the casks, and it would be difficult to get it out. * * * I was frequently + under the necessity of pleading hard to get my cup filled. I could not eat + my bread, but gave it to those who brought me water. I have given three + days allowance to have a tin cup of water brought me. * * * A company of + the good citizens of New York supplied all the sick with a pint of good + Bohea tea, well sweetened with molasses a day; and this was constant. I + believe this tea saved my life, and the lives of hundreds of others. * * * + The physicians used to visit the sick once in several days: their stay was + short, nor did they administer much medicine. Were I able to give a full + description of our wretched and filthy condition I should almost question + whether it would be credited. * * * It was God’s good pleasure to raise me + up once more so that I could just make out to walk, and I was again + returned to the Jersey prison ship.” + </p> + <p> + Here he received sad news. One of his uncles was a prisoner on board the + Jersey, and had been very kind to him, giving him a share of his money + with which to purchase necessaries. Now he found his uncle about to take + his place in the hospital ship. A boy named Stephen Nichols also informed + him of the death in his absence of the gunner of their ship, whose name + was Daniel Davis. This poor man had his feet and legs frozen, from which + he died. + </p> + <p> + “Nichols and myself were quite attached to each other. * * * We stalked + about the decks together, lamenting our forlorn condition. In a few days + there came orders to remove all the prisoners from the Jersey in order to + cleanse the ship. We were removed on board of transports, and directly + there came on a heavy storm. The ship on which I was was exceedingly + crowded, so that there was not room enough for each man to lay down under + deck, and the passing and repassing by day had made the lower deck + entirely wet. Our condition was distressing. After a few days we were all + put on board the Jersey again. A large number had taken violent colds, + myself among the rest. The hospital ships were soon crowded, and even the + Jersey herself shortly became about as much of a hospital ship as the + others.” + </p> + <p> + Sherburne was again sent to a hospital ship, where he was rejoiced to find + his uncle convalescing. A man who lay next him had been a nurse, but had + had his feet and legs frozen, the toes and bottom of his feet fell off. + </p> + <p> + Two brothers shared a bunk near him. Their names were John and Abraham + Falls. John was twenty-three, and Abraham only sixteen. Both were very + sick. One night Abraham was heard imploring John not to lie on him, and + the other invalids reproached him for his cruelty in thus treating his + young brother. But John was deaf to their reproaches, for he was dead. + Abraham was too ill to move from under him. Next day the dead brother was + removed from the living one, but it was too late to save him, and the poor + boy died that morning. + </p> + <p> + Sherburne says that only five of his crew of thirteen survived, and that + in many instances a much larger proportion died. + </p> + <p> + “At length came news of peace. It was exceedingly trying to our feelings + to see our ship mates daily leaving us, until our ship was almost + deserted. We were, however, convalescent, but we gained exceedingly + slowly. * * * I think there were but seven or eight left on board the + hospital ship when we left it, in a small schooner sent from R. I., for + the purpose of taking home some who belonged to that place, and the + commander of the hospital ship had the humanity to use his influence with + the master of the cartel to take us on board, and to our unspeakable joy + he consented.” + </p> + <p> + When at last he reached home he says: “My brother Sam took me into another + room to divest me of my filthy garments and to wash and dress me. He + having taken off my clothes and seen my bones projecting here and there, + was so astonished that his strength left him. He sat down on the point of + fainting, and could render me no further service. I was able to wash + myself and put on my clothes.” + </p> + <p> + After this he was obliged to spend twenty days in bed. Poor Mrs. Falls, + the mother of the two young men who had died on the hospital ship, called + on him and heard the fate of her sons. She was in an agony, and almost + fainted, and kept asking if it was not a mistake that <i>both</i> were + dead. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. — CAPTAIN ROSWELL PALMER + </h2> + <p> + In the year 1865 a son of Captain Roswell Palmer, of Connecticut, wrote a + letter to Mr. Henry Drowne, in which he narrates the story of his father’s + captivity, which we will condense in these pages. He says that his father + was born in Stonington, Conn., in August, 1764, and was about seventeen at + the time of his capture by the British, which must have been in 1781. + </p> + <p> + Palmer had several relations in the army, and was anxious to enlist, but + was rejected as too young. His uncle, however, received him as an + assistant in the Commissary Department, and when the brig Pilgrim, of + Stonington, was commissioned to make war on the public enemy, the rejected + volunteer was warmly welcomed on board by his kinsman, Captain Humphrey + Crary. + </p> + <p> + The first night after putting to sea, the Pilgrim encountered a British + fleet just entering the Vineyard Sound. A chase and running fight of + several hours ensued, but at length the vessel was crippled and compelled + to surrender. The prize was taken into Holmes’ Hole, and the crew + subsequently brought to New York. Mr. Henry Palmer thus describes the + Jersey, which was his father’s destination. + </p> + <p> + “The Jersey never left her anchorage at the Wallabout, whether from + decrepitude, or the intolerable burden of woes and wrongs accumulated in + her wretched hulk,—but sank slowly down at last into the subjacent + ooze, as if to hide her shame from human sight, and more than forty years + after my father pointed out to me at low tide huge remnants of her + unburied skeleton. + </p> + <p> + “On board of this dread Bastile were crowded year after year, some 1,400 + prisoners, mostly Americans. The discipline was very strict, while the + smallest possible attention was paid by their warders to the sufferings of + the captives. Cleanliness was simply an impossibility, where the quarters + were so narrow, the occupants so numerous, and little opportunity afforded + for washing the person or the tatters that sought to hide its nakedness. + Fortunate was the wretch who possessed a clean linen rag, for this, placed + in his bosom, seemed to attract to it crowds of his crawling tormentors, + whose squatter sovereignty could be disposed of by the wholesale at his + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “The food of the prisoners consisted mainly of spoiled sea biscuit, and of + navy beef, which had become worthless from long voyaging in many climes + years before. These biscuits were so worm-eaten that a slight pressure of + the hand reduced them to dust, which rose up in little clouds of + insubstantial aliment, as if in mockery of the half famished expectants. + For variety a ration called ‘Burgoo,’ was prepared several times a week, + consisting of mouldy oatmeal and water, boiled in two great Coppers, and + served out in tubs, like swill to swine. + </p> + <p> + “By degrees they grew callous to each other’s miseries, and alert to seize + any advantage over their fellow sufferers. Many played cards day and + night, regardless of the scenes of woe and despair around them. * * * The + remains (of those who died) were huddled into blankets, and so slightly + interred on the neighboring slope that scores of them, bared by the rains, + were always visible to their less fortunate comrades left to pine in + hopeless captivity. * * * After having been imprisoned about a year and a + half my father, one night, during a paroxysm of fever, rushed on board, + and jumped overboard. + </p> + <p> + “The shock restored him to consciousness, he was soon rescued, and the + next morning was taken by the Surgeon-General’s orders to his quarters in + Cherry St., near Pearl, where he remained until the close of the war. The + kind doctor had taken a fancy to the handsome Yankee patient, whom he + treated with fatherly kindness; giving him books to read; and having him + present at his operations and dissections; and finally urged him to seek + his fortune in Europe, where he should receive a good surgical education + free of charge. + </p> + <p> + “The temptation was very great, but the rememberance of a nearer home and + dearer friends, unseen for years, was greater, and to them the long lost + returned at last, as one from the dead.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Palmer commanded a merchant ship after the war, retired and bought + a farm near Stockbridge, Mass. He followed the sea over forty years. In + appearance he was very tall, erect, robust, and of rare physical power and + endurance. He had remarkably small hands and feet, a high and fair + forehead, his hair was very black, a tangle of luxuriant curls, and his + eyes were clear hazel. He died in his 79th year, in 1844, leaving a large + family of children. In his own memoranda he writes: “Four or five hundred + Frenchmen were transferred as prisoners to the orlop deck of the Jersey. + They were much better treated than we Americans on the deck above them. + All, however, suffered very much for the want of water, crowding around + two half hogsheads when they were brought on board, and often fighting for + the first drink. On one of these occasions a Virginian near me was elbowed + by a Spaniard and thrust him back. The Spaniard drew a sheath knife, when + the Virginian knocked him headlong backwards, down two hatches, which had + just been opened for heaving up a hogshead of stale water from the hold, + for the prisoners’ drink. This water had probably been there for years, + and was as ropy as molasses. + </p> + <p> + “There was a deal of trouble between the American and the French and + Spanish prisoners. The latter slept in hammocks, we, on the <i>floor</i> + of the deck next above them. One night our boys went down * * * and, at a + given signal, cut the hammock lashings of the French and Spanish prisoners + at the head, and let them all down by the run on the dirty floor. In the + midst of the row that followed this deed of darkness, the Americans stole + back to their quarters, and were all fast asleep when the English guard + came down. + </p> + <p> + “No lights were permitted after ten o’clock. We used, however, to hide our + candles occasionally under our hats, when the order came to ‘Douse the + glim!’ One night the officer of the guard discovered our disobedience, and + came storming down the hatchway with a file of soldiers. Our lights were + all extinguished in a moment, and we on the alert for our tyrants, whom we + seized with a will, and hustled to and fro in the darkness, till their + cries aroused the whole ship.” + </p> + <p> + An uncle of Roswell Palmer’s named Eliakim Palmer, a man named Thomas + Hitchcock, and John Searles were prisoners on board the Scorpion, a + British 74, anchored off the Battery, New York. They were about to be + transferred to the Old Jersey, when Hitchcock went into the chains and + dropped his hat into the water. On his return he begged for a boat to + recover it, and being earnestly seconded by Lieutenant Palmer, the officer + of the deck finally consented, ordering a guard to accompany the “damned + rebels.” They were a long time in getting the boat off. The hat, in the + mean time, floated away from the ship. They rowed very awkardly, of course + got jeered at uproariously for “Yankee land lubbers,” and were presently + ordered to return. Being then nearly out of musket range, Lieutenant + Palmer suddenly seized and disarmed the astonished guard, while his + comrades were not slow in manifesting their latent adroitness in the use + of the oar, to the no less astonishment of their deriders. In a moment the + Bay was alive with excitement; many shots, big and little, were fired at + the audacious fugitives from all the fleet; boats put off in hot pursuit; + but the Stonington boys reached the Jersey shore in safety, and escaped + with their prisoner to Washington’s headquarters, where the tact and + bravery they had displayed received the approval of the great commander. + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant Eliakim Palmer was again taken prisoner later in the war and + again escaped. This time he was on board the Jersey. He cut away three + iron bars let into an aperture on the side of the ship on the orlop deck, + formerly a part of her hold. He swam ashore with his shirt and trousers + tied to his head. Having lost his trousers he was obliged to make his way + down Long Island for nearly its whole length, in his shirt only. He hid in + ditches during the day, subsisting on berries, and the bounty of cows, + milked directly into his mouth. He crawled by the sentries stationed at + different parts of the island, and at length, after many days, reached + Oyster Pond Point, whence he was smuggled by friends to his home in + Stonington, Conn. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. — THE NARRATIVE OF CAPTAIN ALEXANDER COFFIN + </h2> + <p> + In 1807 Dr. Mitchell, of New York published a small volume entitled: “The + Destructive Operation of Foul Air, Tainted Provisions, Bad Water, and + Personal Filthiness, Upon Human Constitutions, Exemplified in the + Unparallelled Cruelty of the British to the American Captives at New York + During the Revolutionary War, on Board their Prison and Hospital ships. By + Captain Alexander Coffin, Junior, One of the Surviving Sufferers. In a + Communication to Dr. Mitchell, dated September 4th, 1807.” + </p> + <p> + Truly our ancestors were long-winded! A part of this narrative is as + follows: “I shall furnish you with an account of the treatment that I, + with other of my fellow citizens, received on board the Jersey and John + prison ships, those monuments of British barbarity and infamy. I shall + give you nothing but a plain simple statement of facts that cannot be + controverted. And I begin my narrative from the time of my leaving the + South Carolina frigate. + </p> + <p> + “In June, 1782, I left the above-mentioned frigate in the Havana, on board + of which I had long served as a mid-ship-man, and made several trading + voyages. I sailed early in September, from Baltimore, for the Havana, in a + fleet of about forty sail, most of which were captured, and we among the + rest, by the British frigate, Ceres, Captain Hawkins, a man in every sense + of the word a perfect brute. + </p> + <p> + “Though our commander, Captain Hughes, was a very gentlemanly man, he was + treated in the most shameful and abusive manner by said Hawkins, and + ordered below to mess with the petty officers. Our officers were put into + the cable tier, with the crew, and a guard placed at the hatchway to + prevent more than two going on deck at a time. The provisions were of the + very worst kind, and very short allowance even of them. They frequently + gave us pea-soup, that is pea-water, for the pease and the soup, all but + about a gallon or two, were taken for the ship’s company, and the coppers + filled up with water, and brought down to us in a strap-tub. And Sir, I + might have defied any person on earth, possessing the most acute olfactory + powers and the most refined taste to decide, either by one or the other or + both of these senses, whether it was pease and water, slush and water, or + swill. + </p> + <p> + “After living and being treated in this way, subject to every insult and + abuse for ten or twelve days, we fell in with the Champion, a British + twenty gun ship, which was bound to New York to refit, and were all sent + on board of her The Captain was a true seaman and a gentleman, and our + treatment was so different from what we had experienced on board the + Ceres, that it was like being removed from Purgatory to Paradise. His + name, I think, was Edwards. + </p> + <p> + “We arrived about the beginning of October in New York and were + immediately sent on board the prison-ship in a small schooner, called, + ironically enough, the Relief, commanded by one Gardner, an Irishman. + </p> + <p> + “This schooner Relief plied between the prison ship and New York, and + carried the water and provisions from that city to the ship. In fact the + said schooner might emphatically be called the Relief, for the execrable + water and provisions she carried relieved many of my brave but unfortunate + countrymen by death, from the misery and savage treatment they daily + endured. + </p> + <p> + “Before I go on to relate the treatment we experienced on board the + Jersey, I will make one remark, and that is if you were to rake the + infernal regions, I doubt whether you could find such another set of + demons as the officers and men who had charge of the Old Jersey + Prison-ship, and, Sir, I shall not be surprised if you, possessing the + finer feelings which I believe to be interwoven in the composition of men, + and which are not totally torn from the <i>piece</i>, till by a long and + obstinate perseverance in the meanest, the basest, and cruellest of all + human acts, a man becomes lost to every sense of honor, of justice, of + humanity, and common honesty; I shall not be surprised, I say, if you, + possessing these finer feelings, should doubt whether men could be so lost + to their sacred obligations to their God; and the moral ties which ought + to bind them to their duty toward their fellow men, as those men were, who + had the charge, and also who had any agency in the affairs of the Jersey + prison-ship. + </p> + <p> + “On my arrival on board the Old Jersey, I found there about 1,100 + prisoners; many of them had been there from three to six months, but few + lived over that time if they did not get away by some means or other. They + were generally in the most deplorable situation, mere walking skeletons, + without money, and scarcely clothes to cover their nakedness, and overrun + with lice from head to feet. + </p> + <p> + “The provisions, Sir, that were served out to us, was not more than four + or five ounces of meat, and about as much bread, all condemned provisions + from the ships of war, which, no doubt, were supplied with new in their + stead, and the new, in all probability, charged by the commissaries to the + Jersey. They, however, know best about that; and however secure they may + now feel, they will have to render an account of that business to a Judge + who cannot be deceived. This fact, however, I can safely aver, that both + the times I was confined on board the prison ships, there never were + provisions served out to the prisoners that would have been eatable by men + that were not literally in a starving situation. + </p> + <p> + “The water that we were forced to use was carried from the city, and I + postively assert that I never after having followed the sea thirty years, + had on board of any ship, (and I have been three years on some of my + voyages,) water so bad as that we were obliged to use on board the Old + Jersey; when there was, as it were to tantalize us, as pure water, not + more than three cables length from us, at the Mill in the Wallabout, as + was perhaps ever drank. + </p> + <p> + “There were hogs kept in pens on the Gun-deck for their own use; and I + have seen the prisoners watch an opportunity, and with a tin pot steal the + bran from the hogs’ trough, and go into the Galley and when they could get + an opportunity, boil it over the fire, and eat it, as you, Sir, would eat + of good soup when hungry. This I have seen more than once, and there are + now living besides me, who can bear testimony to the same fact. There are + many other facts equally abominable that I could mention, but the very + thought of those things brings to my recollection scenes the most + distressing. + </p> + <p> + “When I reflect how many hundreds of my brave and intrepid countrymen I + have seen, in all the bloom of health, brought on board of that ship, and + in a few days numbered with the dead, in consequence of the savage + treatment they there received, I can but adore my Creator that He suffered + me to escape; but I did not escape, Sir, without being brought to the very + verge of the grave. + </p> + <p> + “This was the second time I was on board, which I shall mention more + particularly hereafter. Those of us who had money fared much better than + those who had none. I had made out to save, when taken, about twenty + dollars, and with that I could buy from the bumboats, that were permitted + to come alongside, bread, fruit, etc.; but, Sir, the bumboatmen were of + the same kidney as the officers of the Jersey and we got nothing from them + without paying through the nose for it, and I soon found the bottom of my + purse; after which I fared no better than the rest. I was, however, + fortunate in one respect; for after having been there about six weeks, two + of my countrymen, (I am a Nantucket man) happened to come to New York to + endeavor to recover a whaling sloop that had been captured, with a whaling + license from Admiral Digby; and they found means to procure my release, + passing me for a Quaker, to which I confess I had no pretensions further + than my mother being a member of that respectable society. Thus, Sir, I + returned to my friends, fit for the newest fashion, after an absence of + three years. + </p> + <p> + “For my whole wardrobe I carried on my back, which consisted of a jacket, + shirt, and trousers, a pair of old shoes and a handkerchief, which served + me for a hat, and had more than two months, for I lost my hat the day we + were taken, from the maintop-gallant yard, furling the top-gallant sail. + </p> + <p> + “My clothing, I forgot to mention, was completed laced with locomotive + tinsel, and moved as by instinct, in all directions; but as my mother was + not fond of such company, she furnished me with a suit of my father’s, who + was absent at sea, and condemned my laced suit for the benefit of all + concerned. + </p> + <p> + “Being then in the prime of youth, about eighteen years of age, and + naturally of a roving disposition; I could not bear the idea of being idle + at home. I therefore proceeded to Providence, R. I., and shipped on board + the brig Betsy and Polly, Captain Robert Folger, bound for Virginia and + Amsterdam. We sailed from Newport early in February, 1783; and were taken + five days after, off the capes of Virginia, by the Fair American + privateer, of those parts, mounting sixteen six-pounders, and having 85 + men, commanded by one Burton, a refugee, most of whose officers were of + the same stamp. We were immediately handcuffed two and two, and ordered + into the hold in the cable-tier. Having been plundered of our beds and + bedding, the softest bed we had was the soft side of a water cask, and the + coils of a cable. + </p> + <p> + “The Fair American, after having been handsomely dressed by an United + States vessel of half of her force, was obliged to put into New York, then + in possession of the British army, to refit, and we arrived within the + Hook about the beginning of March, and were put on board a pilot boat, and + brought up to this city. The boat hauled up alongside the Crane-wharf, + where we had our irons knocked off, the mark of which I carry to this day; + and were put on board the same schooner, Relief, mentioned in a former + part of this narrative, and sent up once more to the prison-ship. + </p> + <p> + “It was just three months from my leaving the Old Jersey to my being again + a prisoner on board of her, and on my return I found but very few of the + men I had left three months before. Some had made their escape; some had + been exchanged; but the greater part had taken up their abode under the + surface of the hill, which you can see from your windows, where their + bones are mouldering to dust, mingled with mother earth; a lesson to + Americans, written <i>in capitals, on British cruelty and injustice</i>. + </p> + <p> + “I found, on my return on board the Jersey, more prisoners than when I + left her; and she being so crowded, they were obliged to send about 200 of + us on board the John, a transport-ship of about 300 tons. + </p> + <p> + “There we were treated worse, if possible, than on board the Jersey, and + our accommodations were infinitely worse, for the Jersey, being an old, + condemned 64 gun ship had two tiers of ports fore and aft, air-ports, and + large hatchways, which gave a pretty free circulation of air through the + ship; whereas the John, being a merchant-ship, and with small hatchways, + and the hatchways being laid down every night, and no man being allowed to + go on deck * * * the effluvia arising from these, together with the + already contaminated air, occasioned by the breath of so many people so + pent up together, was enough to destroy men of the most healthy and robust + constitutions. All the time I was on board this ship, not a prisoner eat + his allowance, bad as it was, cooked, more than three or four times; but + eat it raw as it came out of the barrel. * * * In the middle of the ship, + between decks, was raised a platform of boards about two and a half feet + high, for those prisoners to sleep on who had no hammocks. On this they + used frequently to sit and play at cards to pass the time. One night in + particular, several of us sat to see them play until about ten o’clock, + and then retired to our hammocks. About one A. M, we were called and told + that one Bird was dying; we turned out and went to where he lay, and found + him just expiring. Thus, at 10 P. M, the young man was apparently as well + as any of us, and at one A. M. had paid the debt to nature. Many others + went off in the same way. It will perhaps be said that men die suddenly + anywhere. True, but do they die suddenly anywhere from the same cause? + After all these things it is, I think, impossible for the mind to form any + other conclusion than that there was a premeditated design to destroy as + many Americans as they could on board the prison-ships; the treatment of + the prisoners warrants the conclusion; but it is mean, base, and cowardly, + to endeavor to conquer an enemy by such infamous means, and truly + characteristic of base and cowardly wretches. The truly brave will always + treat their prisoners well. + </p> + <p> + “There were two or three hospital-ships near the prison-ships; and so soon + as any of the prisoners complained of being sick, they were sent on board + of one of them; and I verily believe that not one out of a hundred ever + returned or recovered. I am sure I never knew but one to recover. Almost, + and in fact I believe I may say every morning, a large boat from each of + the hospital ships went loaded with dead bodies, which were all tumbled + together into a hole dug for the purpose, on the hill where the national + navy-yard now is. + </p> + <p> + “A singular affair happened on board of one of the hospital-ships, and no + less true than singular. All the prisoners that died after the boat with + the load had gone ashore were sewed up in hammocks, and left on deck till + next morning. As usual, a great number had thus been disposed of. In the + morning, while employed in loading the boat, one of the seamen perceived + motion in one of the hammocks, just as they were about launching it down + the board placel for that purpose from the gunwale of the ship into the + boat, and exclaimed, ‘Damn my eyes! That fellow isn’t dead!’ and if I have + been rightly informed, and I believe I have, there was quite a dispute + between the man and the others about it. They swore he was dead enough, + and should go into the boat; he swore he should not be launched, as they + termed it, and took his knife and ripped open the hammock, and behold, the + man was really alive. There had been a heavy rain during the night; and as + the vital functions had not totally ceased, but were merely suspended in + consequence of the main-spring being out of order, this seasonable + moistening must have given tone and elasticity to the great spring, which + must have communicated to the lesser ones, and put the whole machinery + again into motion. You know better about this than I do, and can better + judge of the cause of the re-animation of the man. * * * He was a native + of Rhode Island; his name was Gavot. He went to Rhode Island in the same + flag of truce as myself, about a month afterwards. I felt extremely ill, + but made out to keep about until I got home. My parents then lived on the + island of Nantucket. I was then taken down, and lay in my bed six weeks in + the most deplorable situation; my body was swelled to a great degree, and + my legs were as big round as my body now is, and affected with the most + excruciating pains. What my disorder was I will not pretend to say; but + Dr. Tupper, quite an eminent physician, and a noted tory, who attended me, + declared to my mother that he knew of nothing that would operate in the + manner that my disorder did, but poison. For the truth of that I refer to + my father and brothers, and to Mr. Henry Coffin, father to Captain Peter + Coffin, of the Manchester Packet of this point. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, Sir, in some haste, without much attention to order or diction, I + have given you part of the history of my life and sufferings, but I + endeavored to bear them as became an American. And I must mention before I + close, to the everlasting honor of those unfortunate Americans who were on + board the Jersey, that notwithstanding the savage treatment they received, + and death staring them in the face, every attempt which was made by the + British to persuade them to enter their ships of war or in their army, was + treated with the utmost contempt; and I saw only one instance of defection + while I was on board, and that person was hooted at and abused by the + prisoners till the boat was out of hearing. Their patriotism in preferring + such treatment, and even death in its most frightful shapes, to the + service of the British, and fighting against their own country has seldom + been equalled, certainly never excelled, and if there be no monument + raised with hands to commemorate the virtue of those men, it is stamped in + capitals on the heart of every American acquainted with their merit and + sufferings, and will there remain as long as the blood flows from its + fountains.” + </p> + <p> + We have already seen that many of the prisoners on board the Jersey were + impressed into the service of British men-of-war, and that others + voluntarily enlisted for garrison duty in the West Indies. It seems + probable, however, that, as Captain Coffin asserts, few enlisted in the + service to fight against their own countrymen, and those few were probably + actuated by the hope of deserting. It is certain that thousands preferred + death to such a method of escaping from prison, as is proved by the + multitudes of corpses interred in the sand of the Wallabout, all of whom + could, in this way, have saved their lives. Conditions changed on board + the Jersey, from time to time. Thus, the water supply that was at one time + brought by the schooner Relief from New York, was, at other times, + procured from a beautiful spring on Long Island, as we will see in our + next chapter. + </p> + <p> + Some of the prisoners speak of the foul air on board the prison ship + caused by the fact that all her port holes were closed, and a few openings + cut in her sides, which were insufficient to ventilate her. Coffin says + there was a good passage of air through the vessel from her port holes. It + is probable that the Jersey became so notorious as a death trap that at + last, for very shame, some attempt was made to secure more sanitary + conditions. Thus, just before peace was established, she was, for the + first time, overhauled and cleaned, the wretched occupants being sent away + for the purpose. The port holes were very probably opened, and this is the + more likely as we read of some of the prisoners freezing to death during + the last year of the war. From that calamity, at least, they were safe as + long as they were deprived of outer air. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. — A WONDERFUL DELIVERANCE + </h2> + <p> + There are few records of religious feeling on board the “Jersey, vulgarly + called ‘Hell.’” No clergyman was ever known to set foot on board of her, + although a city of churches was so near. The fear of contagion may have + kept ministers of the gospel away. Visitors came, as we have seen, but not + to soothe the sufferings of the prisoners, or to comfort those who were + dying. It is said that a young doctor, named George Vandewater attended + the sick, until he took a fatal disease and died. He was a resident of + Brooklyn, and seems to have been actuated by motives of humanity, and + therefore his name deserves a place in this record. + </p> + <p> + But although the rough seamen who left narratives of their experiences in + that fearful place have told us little or nothing about the inner feelings + of those poor sufferers, yet it must be presumed that many a silent prayer + went up to the Judge and Father of all men, from the depths of that foul + prison ship. There was one boy on board the Jersey, one at least, and we + hope that there were many more, who trusted in God that He could deliver + him, even “from the nethermost hell.” + </p> + <p> + A large proportion of the prisoners were young men in their teens, who had + been attracted by the mysterious fascination of the sea; many of them had + run away from good homes, and had left sorrowing parents and friends to + mourn their loss. The feelings of these young men, full of eager hopes, + and as yet unsoured by too rough handling in their wrestle with the world, + suddenly transferred to the deck of the Jersey, has been well described by + Fox and other captives, whose adventures we have transcribed in these + pages. + </p> + <p> + We have now to tell the experience of a youth on the Jersey who lived to + be a minister, and for many years was in charge of a church at Berkeley. + This youth was sensitive, delicate, and far from strong. His faith in + human nature received a shock, and his disposition was warped at the most + receptive and formative period of his life, by the terrible scenes of + suffering on the one hand, and relentless cruelty on the other, that he + witnessed in that fatal place. He wrote, in his memoir many years after: + <i>“I have since found that the whole world is but one great prison-house + of guilty, sorrowful, and dying men, who live in pride, envy, and malice, + hateful, and hating one another.”</i> + </p> + <p> + This is one of the most terrible indictments of the human race that was + ever written. Let us hope that it is not wholly true. + </p> + <p> + In 1833 the Rev. Thomas Andros published his recollections under the + title, “The Old Jersey Captive.” We will give an abstract of them. He + begins by saying: “I was but in my seventeenth year when the struggle + commenced. In the summer of 1781 the ship Hannah, a very rich prize, was + captured and brought into the port of New London. It infatuated great + numbers of our young men who flocked on board our private armed ships in + hopes of as great a prize. * * * I entered on board a new Brig called the + ‘Fair American.’ She carried sixteen guns. * * * We were captured on the + 27th of August, by the Solebay frigate, and safely stowed away in the Old + Jersey prison ship at New York, an old, unsightly, rotten hulk. + </p> + <p> + “Her dark and filthy appearance perfectly corresponded with the death and + despair that reigned within. She was moored three quarters of a mile to + the eastward of Brooklyn ferry, near a tide-mill on the Long Island shore. + The nearest distance to land was about twenty rods. No other British ship + ever proved the means of the destruction of so many human beings.” + </p> + <p> + Andros puts the number of men who perished on board the Jersey as 11,000, + and continues: “After it was known that it was next to certain death to + confine a prisoner here, the inhumanity and wickedness of doing it was + about the same as if he had been taken into the city and deliberately shot + on some public square. * * * Never did any Howard or angel of pity appear + to inquire into or alleviate our woes. Once or twice a bag of apples was + hurled into the midst of hundreds of prisoners, crowded together as thick + as they could stand, and life and limbs were endangered by the scramble. + This was a cruel sport. When I saw it about to commence I fled to the most + distant part of the ship.” + </p> + <p> + At night, he says, the prisoners were driven down to darkness between + decks, secured by iron gratings and an armed soldiery. He thus speaks of + the tasks imposed upon the prisoners: “Around the well-room an armed guard + were forcing up the prisoners to the winches to clear the ship of water, + and prevent her sinking; and little could be heard but a roar of mutual + execrations, reproaches and insults. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sights of woe, regions of sorrow, doleful shades; + Where peace and rest can never dwell +</pre> + <p> + “When I became an inmate of this abode of suffering, despair, and death, + there were about 400 on board, but in a short time they were increased to + 1,200. + </p> + <p> + “All the most deadly diseases were pressed into the service of the king of + terrors, but his prime ministers were dysentery, small pox, and yellow + fever. The healthy and the diseased were mingled together in the main + ship.” + </p> + <p> + He says that the two hospital ships were soon overcrowded, and that two + hundred or more of the prisoners, who soon became sick in consequence of + the want of room, were lodged in the fore-part of the lower gun-deck, + where all the prisoners were confined at night. + </p> + <p> + “Utter derangement was a common sympton of yellow fever, and to increase + the horror of darkness which enshrouded us, for we were allowed no light, + the voice of warning would be heard, ‘Take care! There’s a madman stalking + through the ship with a knife in his hand!’” + </p> + <p> + Andros says that he sometimes found the man by whose side he had lain all + night a corpse in the morning. There were many sick with raging fever, and + their loud cries for water, which could only be obtained on the upper + deck, mingled with the groans of the dying, and the execrations of the + tormented sufferers. If they attempted to get water from the upper deck, + the sentry would push them back with his bayonet. Andros, at one time, had + a narrow escape with his life, from one of these bayonet thrusts. + </p> + <p> + “In the morning the hatches were thrown open and we were allowed to + ascend. The first object we saw was a boat loaded with dead bodies + conveying them to the Long Island shore, where they were very slightly + covered with sand. * * * Let our disease be what it would we were + abandoned to our fate. No English physician ever came near us.” + </p> + <p> + Thirteen of the crew to which Andros belonged were on the Jersey. In a + short time all but three or four were dead. The healthiest died first. + They were seized vith yellow fever, which was an epidemic on the ship, and + died in a few hours. Andros escaped contagion longer than any of his + companions, with one exception. He says that the prisoners were furnished + with buckets and brushes to cleanse the ship, and vinegar to sprinkle the + floors, but that most of them had fallen into a condition of apathy and + despair, and that they seldom exerted themselves to improve their + condition. + </p> + <p> + “The encouragement to do so was small. The whole ship was equally + affected, and contained pestilence enough to desolate a world; disease and + death were wrought into her very timbers. At the time I left it is to be + supposed a more filthy, contagious, and deadly abode never existed among a + Christianized people. + </p> + <p> + “The lower hold and the orlop deck were such a terror that no man would + venture down into them. * * * Our water was good could we have had enough + of it: the bread was superlatively bad. I do not recollect seeing any + which was not full of living vermin, but eat it, worms and all, we must, + or starve. * * * A secret, prejudicial to a prisoner, revealed to the + guard, was death. Captain Young of Boston concealed himself in a large + chest belonging to a sailor going to be exchanged, and was carried on + board the cartel, and we considered his escape as certain, but the secret + leaked out, and he was brought back and one Spicer of Providence being + suspected as the traitor the enraged prisoners were about to cut his + throat. The guard rushed down and rescued him. + </p> + <p> + “I knew no one to be seduced into the British service. They tried to force + one of our crew into the navy, but he chose rather to die than perform any + duty, and he was again restored to the prison-ship.” + </p> + <p> + Andros declares that there was no trace of religion exhibited on board the + Jersey. He also says that the prisoners made a set of rules for themselves + by which they regulated their conduct towards each other. No one was + allowed to tyrannize over the weak, and morality was enforced by rules, + and any infraction of these regulations was severely punished. + </p> + <p> + He speaks of scenes of dreadful suffering which he witnessed: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Which things, most worthy of pity, I myself saw, + And of them was a part.” + </pre> + <p> + “The prison ship is a blot which a thousand ages cannot eradicate from the + name of Britian. * * * While on board almost every thought was occupied to + invent some plan of escape. The time now came when I must be delivered + from the ship or die. I was seized with yellow fever, and should certainly + take the small-pox with it, and who does not know that I could not survive + the operation of both of these diseases at once. * * * I assisted in + nursing those who had the pox most violently. + </p> + <p> + “The arrival of a cartel and my being exchanged would but render my death + the more sure.” + </p> + <p> + Yet he endeavored to promote his exchange by stepping up and giving in his + name among the first, when a list of the prisoners was taken. Andros was + not strong, and as he himself says, disease often seemed to pass over the + weak and sickly, and to attack, with deadly result, the prisoners who were + the healthiest and most vigorous. + </p> + <p> + “It was the policy of the English to return for sound and healthy men sent + from our prisons, such Americans as had but just the breath of life in + them, sure to die before they reached home. The guard would tell a man + while in health, ‘You haven’t been here long enough, you are too well to + be exchanged.’ + </p> + <p> + “There was one more method of getting from the ship,” Andros continues, + “and that was at night to steal down through a gun-port which we had + managed to open unbeknown to the guard, and swim ashore.” This, he + declared, was for him a forlorn hope. Already under the influence of + yellow fever, and barely able to walk, he was, even when well, unable to + swim ten rods. Discovery was almost certain, for the guards now kept + vigilant watch to prevent any one escaping in this manner, and they shot + all whom they detected in the act of escaping. Yet this poor young man + trusted in God. He writes: “God, who had something more for me to do, + undertook for me.” Mr. Emery, the sailing master, was going ashore for + water. Andros stepped up to him and asked: “Mr. Emery, may I go on shore + with you after water?” + </p> + <p> + No such favor had ever been granted a prisoner, and Andros scarcely knew + what prompted him to prefer such a request. To his immense surprise, the + sailing master, who must have had a heart after all, replied, “Yes, with + all my heart.” He was evidently struck with compassion for the poor, + apparently dying, young man. + </p> + <p> + Andros, to the astonishment of his companions, immediately descended into + the boat. Some of them asked: “What is that sick man going on shore for?” + </p> + <p> + The British sailors endeavored to dissuade him, thinking that he would + probably die on the excursion. + </p> + <p> + “‘So, to put them all to silence, I again ascended on board, for I had + neglected to take my great-coat. But I put it on, and waited for the + sailing-master. The boat was pushed off, I attempted to row, but an + English sailor said, very kindly, ‘Give me the oar. You are too unwell.’ * + * * I looked back to the black and unsightly old ship as to an object of + the greatest horror. * * * We ascended the creek and arrived at the + spring, and I proposed to the sailors to go in quest of apples.” + </p> + <p> + The sailing-master said to him, “This fresh air will be of service to + you.” This emboldened him to ask leave to ascend a bank about thirty feet + high, and to call at a house near the spring to ask for refreshment. “Go,” + said Mr. Emery, “but take care not to be out of the way.” He replied that + his state of health was such that nothing was to be feared from him on + that account. He managed to get into a small orchard that belonged to the + farmhouse. There he saw a sentinel, who was placed on guard over a pile of + apples. He soon convinced himself that this man was indifferent to his + movements, and, watching his opportunity, when the man’s back was turned, + he slipped beyond the orchard, into a dense swamp, covered with a thick + undergrowth of saplings and bushes. Here there was a huge prostrate log + twenty feet in length, curtained with a dense tangle of green briar. + </p> + <p> + “Lifting up this covering I crept in, close by the log, and rested + comfortably, defended from the northeast storm which soon commenced.” + </p> + <p> + He heard the boat’s crew making inquiries for him but no one discovered + his hiding-place. One of them declared that he was safe enough, and would + never live to go a mile. In the middle of the night he left his hiding + place, and fell into a road which he pursued some distance. When he heard + approaching footsteps he would creep off the path, roll himself up into a + ball to look like a bush, and remain perfectly still until the coast was + clear. He now felt that a wonderful Providence was watching over him. His + forethought in returning for his overcoat was the means of saving his + life, as he would undoubtedly have perished from exposure without it. Next + night he hid in a high stack of hay, suffering greatly. When the storm was + over he left this hiding place, and entered a deep hollow in the woods + near by, where he felt secure from observation. Here he took off his + clothes and spread them in the sun to dry. + </p> + <p> + Returning to the road he was proceeding on his way, when at a bend in the + road, he came upon two light dragoons, evidently looking for him. What was + he to do? His mind acted quickly, and, as they approached, he leisurely + got over a fence into a small corn field, near a cottage by the way-side. + Here he busied himself as if he were the owner of the cottage, going about + the field; deliberately picking up ears of corn; righting up the cap sheaf + of a stack of stalks, and examining each one. He had lost his hat, and had + a handkerchief around his head, which helped to deceive the dragoons, who + supposed that he had just come out of the cottage. They eyed him sharply, + but passed on. + </p> + <p> + After this he dared not show himself, and wandered about, living on apples + and water. He would lie concealed all day, in barns or hollows of the + woods. At night he travelled as far as his weakened condition would allow + He often found unfermented cider at the presses, for it was cider-making + time. + </p> + <p> + After several days of this wandering life he sought refuge in a barn, + where he was found by a cross old man, who refused to do anything for him. + He says that in the course of his wanderings he uniformly found women kind + and helpful. They gave him food and kept his secret. One night, feeling + utterly spent, he came to the poor dwelling of an old man and his wife, on + the east side of Long Island. These good people assisted him by every + means in their power, as if he were their own son. They took off his + clothes, giving him another suit until they had baked all his garments in + the oven to destroy the vermin which tormented him day and night. They + insisted upon his occupying a clean bed. That night he slept sweetly, rid + of the intolerable torture of being eaten up alive. He managed to reach + Sag Harbor, where he found two other escaped prisoners. Soon he was + smuggled to Connecticut in a whale-boat, and restored to his mother. It + was late in October when he reached home. He was very ill and delirious + for a long time, but finally recovered, taught school for some time, and + finally became a minister of the gospel. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. — THE NARRATIVE OF CAPTAIN DRING + </h2> + <p> + By far the most complete account of life on board the Old Jersey is + contained in Captain Dring’s Recollections. His nature was hopeful, and + his constitution strong and enduring. He attempted to make the best of his + situation, and succeeded in leading as nearly a tolerable life on board + the prison-ship as was possible. His book is too long for insertion in + these pages, but we will endeavor to give the reader an abstract of it. + </p> + <p> + This book was published in 1865, having been prepared for the press and + annotated by Mr. Albert G. Greene, who speaks of Captain Dring as “a + frank, outspoken, and honest seaman.” His original manuscript was first + published in 1829. + </p> + <p> + Dring describes the prison ships as leaky old hulks, condemned as unfit + for hospitals or store ships, but considered good enough for prisoners + doomed to speedy annihilation. He says: + </p> + <p> + “There is little doubt that the superior officers of the Royal Navy under + whose exclusive jurisdiction were these ships, intended to insure, as far + as possible, the good health of those who were confined on board of them; + there is just as little doubt, however, that the inferior officers, under + whose control those prisoners were more immediately placed, * * * too + often frustrated the purposes of their superior officers, and too often + disgraced humanity, by their wilful disregard of the policy of their + Government, and of the orders of their superiors, by the uncalled-for + severity of their treatment of those who were placed in their custody, and + by their shameless malappropriation of the means of support which were + placed in their hands for the sustenance of the prisoners.” + </p> + <p> + However that may be, the superior officers must have known that the prison + ships were unfit for human habitation; that they were fearfully + overcrowded; and that the mortality on board of them was unprecedented in + the annals of prison life. + </p> + <p> + The introduction to Captain Drings’s recollections declares, what is well + known, that General Washington possessed but limited authority; he was the + Commander-in-Chief of the army, but had nothing to do with the American + Navy, and still less with the crews of privateers, who made up a very + large portion of the men on board the Jersey. Yet he did all he could, + actuated, as he always was, by the purest motives of benevolence and + humanity. + </p> + <p> + “The authority to exchange naval prisoners,” to quote from this + introduction, “was not invested in Washington, but in the Financier, and + as the prisoners on the Jersey freely set forth in their petition, the + former was comparatively helpless in the premises, although he earnestly + desired to relieve them from their sufferings. + </p> + <p> + “It will be seen from these circumstances that no blame could properly + attach to General Washington, or the Continental Congress, or the + Commissary of Prisoners; the blame belonged to those who were engaged in + privateering, all of whom had been accustomed to release, without parole, + the crews of the vessels which they captured, or enlist them on other + privateers; in both cases removing the very means by which alone the + release of their captive fellow seamen could be properly and safely + effected. + </p> + <p> + “From the careful perusal of all the information we possess on this + interesting subject, the reader will arise with the conviction that, by + unwarrantable abuses of authority; and unprincipled disregard of the + purposes of the British Government in some of its agents, great numbers of + helpless American prisoners were wantonly plunged into the deepest + distress; exposed to the most severe sufferings, and carried to unhonored + graves. * * * Enough will remain uncontradicted by competent testimony to + brand with everlasting infamy all who were immediately concerned in the + business; and to bring a blush of shame on the cheek of every one who + feels the least interest in the memory of any one who, no matter how + remotely, was a party to so mean and yet so horrible an outrage. * * * The + authors and abettors of the outrages to which reference has been made will + stand convicted not only of the most heartless criminality against the + laws of humanity and the laws of God, but of the most flagrant violation + of the Laws of Nations, and the Law of the Land.” + </p> + <p> + These extracts are all taken from the Introduction to Captain Dring’s + Recollections, written by Mr. H. B. Dawson, in June, 1865. + </p> + <p> + Captain Dring was born in Newport, R. I., on the third of August, 1758. He + died in August, 1825, in Providence, R. I., and was about 67 years of age + at the time of his death. He was many years in the merchant service, and + wrote his recollections in 1824. + </p> + <p> + “I was first confined on the Good Hope, in the year 1779, then lying in + the North River opposite the city of New York, but after a confinement of + more than four months, I succeeded in making my escape to the Jersey + shore.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Dring is said to have been one of the party who escaped from the + Good Hope in October, 1779. The New Jersey papers thus described the + escape. + </p> + <p> + “Chatham, N. J. Last Wednesday morning about one o’clock made their escape + from the Good Hope prison ship in the North River, nine Captains and two + privates. Among the number was Captain James Prince, who has been confined + four months, and having no prospect of being exchanged, concerted a plan + in conjunction with the other gentlemen to make their escape, which they + effected in the following manner: They confined the Mate, disarmed the + sentinels, and hoisted out the boat which was on deck; they brought off + nine stands of arms, one pair of pistols, and a sufficient quantity of + ammunition, being determined not to be taken alive. They had scarce got + clear of the ship before the alarm was given, when they were fired on by + three different ships, but fortunately no person was hurt. Captain Prince + speaks in the highest terms of Captain Charles Nelson, who commanded the + prison-ship, using the prisoners with a great deal of humanity, + particularly himself. + </p> + <p> + “I was again captured in 1782,” Dring continues, “and conveyed on board + the Jersey, where * * * I was a witness and partaker of the unspeakable + sufferings of that wretched class of American prisoners who were there + taught the utmost extreme of human misery. I am now far advanced in years, + and am the only survivor, with the exception of two, of a crew of 65 men. + I often pass the descendant of one of my old companions in captivity, and + the recollection comes fresh to my mind that his father was my comrade and + fellow sufferer in prison; that I saw him breathe his last upon the deck + of the Jersey, and assisted at his interment at the Waleboght; * * * + </p> + <p> + “In May, 1782, I sailed from Providence, R. I., as Master’s-mate, on board + a privateer called the Chance, commanded by Captain Daniel Aborn, mounting + 12 six-pound cannon, and having a crew of 65 men.” + </p> + <p> + This vessel was captured in a few days by the Belisarius, of 26 guns, + commanded by Captain Graves. The prisoners were brought to New York and + the Belisarius dropped her anchor abreast of the city. A large gondola + soon came alongside, in which was seated David Sproat, the much-hated + British Commissary of Naval Prisoners. He was an American refugee, + universally detested for the insolence of his manners, and the cruelty of + his conduct. The prisoners were ordered into the boats, and told to apply + themselves to the oars, but declined to exert themselves in that manner, + whereupon he scowled at them and remarked, “I’ll soon fix you, my lads!” + </p> + <p> + David Sproat found America too hot for him after the war and died at + Kirkcudbright, Scotland, in 1799. + </p> + <p> + Dring says: “My station in the boat as we hauled alongside, was exactly + opposite one of the air-ports in the side of the ship. From this aperture + proceeded a strong current of foul vapor of a kind to which I had been + before accustomed while confined on board the Good Hope, the peculiar + disgusting smell of which I then recollected, after a lapse of three + years. This was, however, far more foul and loathsome than anything which + I had ever met with on board that ship, and it produced a sensation of + nausea far beyond my powers of description. + </p> + <p> + “Here, while waiting for orders to ascend on board, we were addressed by + some of the prisoners from the air-ports * * * after some questions whence + we came, and respecting the manner of our capture, one of the prisoners + said that it was a lamentable thing to see so many young men in the prime + of health and vigor condemned to a living grave.” He went on to say that + Death passed over such human skeletons as himself as unworthy of his + powers, but that he delighted in making the strong, the youthful, and the + vigorous, his prey. + </p> + <p> + After the prisoners had been made to descend the hatchways, these were + then fastened down for the night. Dring says it was impossible for him to + find one of his companions in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Surrounded by I knew not whom, except that they were beings as wretched + as myself; with dismal sounds meeting my ears from every direction; a + nauseous and putrid atmosphere filling my lungs at every breath; and a + stifling and suffocating heat which almost deprived me of sense, even of + life. Previous to leaving the boat I had put on several articles of + clothing, for the purpose of security, but I was soon compelled to + disencumber myself of these. * * * Thoughts of sleep did not enter into my + mind.” + </p> + <p> + He discovered a gleam of light from one of the port-holes and keeping hold + of his bag endeavored to make his way to it, but was greeted by curses and + imprecations from those who were lying on the deck, and whom he disturbed. + At length he arrived at the desired spot, but found it occupied. In the + morning he saw himself surrounded by a crowd of forms, with the hues of + death and famine upon their faces. At eight o’clock they were permitted to + ascend on deck, and he found some of his friends. + </p> + <p> + “Pale and meagre, the throng came on deck, to view for a few moments the + morning sun, and then to descend again, to pass another day of misery and + wretchedness. I found myself surrounded by a motley crew of wretches, with + tattered garments and pallid visages. * * * Among them I saw one ruddy and + heathful countenance, and recognized the features of one of my late + companions on the Belisarius. But how different did he appear from the + group around him * * * men who, now shrunken and decayed, had but a short + time before been as strong, as healthful, and as vigorous as himself. * * + * During the night I had, in addition to my other sufferings, been + tormented with what I supposed to be vermin, and on coming upon deck, I + found that a black silk handkerchief, which I wore around my neck, was + completely spotted with them. Although this had often been mentioned as + one of the nuisances of the place, yet as I had never before been in a + situation to witness anything of the kind, the sight made me shudder, as I + knew at once that as long as I should remain on board, these loathsome + creatures would be my constant companions and unceasing tormentors. + </p> + <p> + “The next disgusting object which met my sight was a man suffering from + small-pox, and in a few minutes I found myself surrounded by many others + laboring under the same disease in every stage of its progress.” + </p> + <p> + Dring was obliged to inoculate himself, as that was thought to be the + safest way of taking the disease. He borrowed some virus from a sufferer, + and scarified the skin of his hand with a pin. He then bound up his hand. + Next morning he found that it had festered. He took the disease lightly, + and soon recovered, while a very large proportion of those who contracted + smallpox in the natural manner died of it. + </p> + <p> + All the prisoners from the Belisarius were obliged to fast for twenty-four + hours. Dring had some ship biscuit with him, in his bag. These he + distributed to his companions. They then formed themselves into messes of + six each, and next morning drew their scanty pittance of food. + </p> + <p> + We have said that Dring and the other officers on board solved the problem + of living with <i>comparative</i> comfort on board the Jersey. As they + were officers, the gun-room was given up to their use, and they were not + so terribly crowded as the common sailors. Also the officers had money to + supply many of their wants, but all this will appear in the course of the + narrative. + </p> + <p> + He says that, even on the second day of their confinement, they could not + obtain their allowance of food in time to cook it. No distinction of rank + was made by the jailors on the Jersey, but the prisoners themselves agreed + to allow the officers to occupy the extreme afterpart of the ship, between + decks, called the gun-room. Dring soon became an inmate of this place, in + company with the other officers who were already in possession, and these + tendered him all the little services in their power. + </p> + <p> + The different messes were all numbered. At nine o’clock the steward and + his assistants would take their places at the window in the bulk head in + the steward’s room, and ring a bell. A man from each mess stood ready to + be in time to answer when his number was called. The rations were all + prepared ready for delivery. They were on two-thirds allowance. This is + the full allowance for a British seaman: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sunday—1 lb. biscuit, 1 lb. pork, and half a pint of peas. + Monday—1 lb. biscuit, 1 pint oatmeal, 2 oz. butter. + Tuesday-1 lb. biscuit, and 2 lbs. beef. + Wednesday—1-1/2 lbs. flour, and 2 ounces suet. + Thursday—Same as Sunday. + Friday—Same as Monday. + Saturday—Same as Tuesday. +</pre> + <p> + Two thirds of this allowance for each man would have been sufficient to + sustain life, had it been of moderately good quality. They never received + butter, but a rancid and ill-smelling substance called sweet oil. “The + smell of it, accustomed as we were to everything foul and nauseous, was + more than we could endure. We, however, always received it, and gave it to + the poor, half-starved Frenchmen who were on board, who took it + gratefully, and swallowed it with a little salt and their wormy bread.” + </p> + <p> + Oil had been dealt out to the prisoners on the Good Hope, but there it was + hoarded carefully, for they were allowed lights until nine P.M., so they + used it in their lamps. But on the Jersey, Dring declares that neither + light nor fire was ever allowed. + </p> + <p> + Often their provisions were not dealt out in time to be cooked that day, + and then they had to fast or eat them raw. The cooking was done in the + “Great Copper” under the forecastle. This was a boiler enclosed in + brick-work about eight feet square. It was large enough to contain two or + three hogsheads of water. It was square, and divided into two portions. In + one side peas and oatmeal were boiled in fresh water. On the other side the + meat was boiled in salt water, and as we have already stated the food was + poisoned by copperas. This was the cause, it is believed, of many deaths, + especially as the water was obtained from alongside the ship, and was + extremely unwholesome. + </p> + <p> + The portion of each mess was designated by a tally fastened to it by a + string. Hundreds of tallies were to be seen hanging over the sides of the + brick-work by their strings, each eagerly watched by some member of the + mess, who waited to receive it. + </p> + <p> + The meat was suffered to remain in the boiler a certain time, then the + cook’s bell was rung, and the pittance of food must be immediately + removed, whether sufficiently cooked or not. The proportion of peas and + oatmeal belonging to each mess was measured out of the copper after it was + boiled. + </p> + <p> + The cook alone seemed to have much flesh on his bones. He had been a + prisoner, but seeing no prospect of ever being liberated he had offered + his services, and his mates and scullions were also prisoners who had + followed his example. The cook was not ill-natured, and although often + cursed by the prisoners when out of hearing, he really displayed fortitude + and forbearance far beyond what most men would have been capable of + showing. “At times, when his patience was exhausted, he did, indeed, make + the hot water fly among us, but a reconciliation was usually effected with + little difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “Many of the different messes had obtained leave from His Majesty the Cook + to prepare their own rations, separate from the general mess in the great + boiler. For this purpose a great many spikes and hooks had been driven + into the brick-work by which the boiler was enclosed, on which to suspend + their tin kettles. As soon as we were permitted to go on deck in the + morning, some one took the tin kettle belonging to the mess, with as much + water and as many splinters of wood as we had been able to procure during + the previous day, and carried them to the Galley; and there having + suspended his kettle on one of the hooks or spikes stood ready to kindle + his little fire as soon as the Cook or his mates would permit. It required + but little fire to boil our food in these kettles, for their bottoms were + made concave, and the fire was applied directly in the centre, and let the + remaining brands be ever so small they were all carefully quenched; and + having been conveyed below were kept for use on a future occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Much contention often arose through our endeavors to obtain places around + the brick-work, but these disputes were always promptly decided by the + Cook, from whose mandate there was no appeal. No sooner had one prisoner + completed the cooking for his mess, than another supplicant stood ready to + take his place; and they thus continued to throng the galley, during the + whole time that the fire was allowed to remain under the Great Copper, + unless it happened to be the pleasure of the Cook to drive them away. + *[...] Each man in the mess procured and saved as much water as possible + during the previous day; as no person was ever allowed to take more than a + pint at a time from the scuttle-cask in which it was kept. Every + individual was therefor obliged each day to save a little for the common + use of the mess on the next morning. By this arrangement the mess to which + I belonged had always a small quantity of fresh water in store, which we + carefully kept, with a few other necessaries, in a chest which we used in + common. + </p> + <p> + “During the whole period of my confinement I never partook of any food + which had been prepared in the Great Copper. It is to this fact that I + have always attributed, under Divine Providence, the degree of health + which I preserved on board. I was thereby also, at times, enabled to + procure several necessary and comfortable things, such as tea, sugar, etc. + so that, wretchedly as I was situated, my condition was far preferable to + that of most of my fellow sufferers, which has ever been to me a theme of + sincere and lasting gratitude to Heaven. + </p> + <p> + “But terrible indeed was the condition of most of my fellow captives. + Memory still brings before me those emaciated beings, moving from the + Galley with their wretched pittance of meat; each creeping to the spot + where his mess was assembled, to divide it with a group of haggard and + sickly creatures, their garments hanging in tatters round their meagre + limbs, and the hue of death upon their careworn faces. By these it was + consumed with the scanty remnants of bread, which was often mouldy and + filled with worms. And even from this vile fare they would rise up in + torments from the cravings of unsatisfied hunger and thirst. + </p> + <p> + “No vegetables of any description were ever afforded us by our inhuman + keepers. Good Heaven! what a luxury to us would then have been even a few + potatoes!—if but the very leavings of swine. * * * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Oh my heart sinks, my pitying eyes o’erflow, + When memory paints the picture of their woe + Where my poor countrymen in bondage wait + The slow enfranchisement of lingering fate, + Greeting with groans the unwelcome night’s return, + While rage and shame their gloomy bosoms burn, + And chiding, every hour, the slow-paced sun, + Endure their woes till all his race was run + No one to mark the sufferers with a tear + No friend to comfort, and no hope to cheer, + And like the dull, unpitied brutes repair + To stalls as wretched, and as coarse a fare; + Thank Heaven one day of misery was o’er, + And sink to sleep, and wish to wake no more.” + </pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. — THE NARRATIVE OF CAPTAIN DRING (CONTINUED) + </h2> + <p> + “The quarter-deck of the Jersey covered about one-fourth of the upper + deck, and the forecastle extended from the stern, about one-eighth part of + the length of the upper deck. Sentinels were stationed on the gangways on + each side of the upper deck, leading from the quarter-deck to the + forecastle. These gangways were about five feet wide; and here the + prisoners were allowed to pass and repass. The intermediate space from the + bulkhead of the quarter-deck to the forecastle was filled with long spars + and booms, and called the spar-deck. The temporary covering afforded by + the spar-deck was of the greatest benefit to the prisoners, as it served + to shield us from the rain and the scorching rays of the sun. It was here, + therefore, that our movables were placed when we were engaged in cleaning + the lower decks. The spar-deck was also the only place where we were + allowed to walk, and was crowded through the day by the prisoners on deck. + Owing to the great number of prisoners, and the small space allowed us by + the spar-deck, it was our custom to walk in platoons, each facing the same + way, and turning at the same time. The Derrick for taking in wood, water, + etc., stood on the starboard side of the spar-deck. On the larboard side + of the ship was placed the accommodation ladder, leading from the gangway + to the water. At the head of the ladder a sentinel was also stationed. + </p> + <p> + “The head of the accommodation ladder was near the door of the barricade, + which extended across the front of the quarter-deck, and projected a few + feet beyond the sides of the ship. The barricade was about ten feet high, + and was pierced with loop-holes for musketry in order that the prisoners + might be fired on from behind it, if occasion should require. + </p> + <p> + “The regular crew of the ship consisted of a Captain, two Mates, a + Steward, a Corporal, and about 12 sailors. The crew of the ship had no + communication whatever with the prisoners. No person was ever permitted to + pass through the barricade door, except when it was required that the + messes should be examined and regulated, in which case each man had to + pass through, and go between decks, and there remain until the examination + was completed. None of the guard or of the ship’s crew ever came among the + prisoners while I was on board. I never saw one of her officers or men + except when there were passengers going in the boat, to or from the + stern-ladder. + </p> + <p> + “On the two decks below, where we were confined at night, our chests, + boxes, and bags were arranged in two lines along the decks, about ten feet + distant from the sides of the ship; thus leaving as wide a space + unencumbered in the middle of each deck, fore and aft, as our crowded + situation would admit. Between these tiers of chests, etc., and the sides + of the ship, was the place where the different messes assembled; and some + of the messes were also separated from their neighbors by a temporary + partition of chests, etc. Some individuals of the different messes usually + slept on the chests, in order to preserve their contents from being + plundered in the night. + </p> + <p> + “At night the spaces in the middle of the decks were much encumbered with + hammocks, but these were always removed in the morning. * * * My usual + place of abode being in the Gunroom, I was never under the necessity of + descending to the lower dungeon; and during my confinement I had no + disposition to visit it. It was inhabited by the most wretched in + appearance of all our miserable company. From the disgusting and squalid + appearance of the groups which I saw ascending the stairs which led to it, + it must have been more dismal, if possible, than that part of the hulk + where I resided. Its occupants appeared to be mostly foreigners, who had + seen and survived every variety of human suffering. The faces of many of + them were covered with dirt and filth; their long hair and beards matted + and foul; clothed in rags, and with scarcely a sufficient supply of these + to cover their disgusting bodies. Many among them possessed no clothing + except the remnant of those garments which they wore when first brought on + board; and were unable to procure even any material for patching these + together, when they had been worn to tatters by constant use. * * * Some, + and indeed many of them, had not the means of procuring a razor, or an + ounce of soap. + </p> + <p> + “Their beards were occasionally reduced by each other with a pair of + shears or scissors. * * * Their skins were discoloured by continual + washing in salt water, added to the circumstance that it was impossible + for them to wash their linen in any other manner than by laying it on the + deck and stamping on it with their feet, after it had been immersed in + salt water, their bodies remaining naked during the process. + </p> + <p> + “To men in this situation everything like ordinary cleanliness was + impossible. Much that was disgusting in their appearance undoubtedly + originated from neglect, which long confinement had rendered habitual, + until it created a confirmed indifference to personal appearance. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the gratings had been fastened over the hatchways for the + night, we usually went to our sleeping places. It was, of course, always + desirable to obtain a station as near as possible to the side of the ship, + and, if practicable, in the immediate vicinity of one of the air-ports, as + this not only afforded us a better air, but also rendered us less liable + to be trodden upon by those who were moving about the decks during the + night. + </p> + <p> + “But silence was a stranger to our dark abode. There were continual noises + during the night. The groans of the sick and the dying; the curses poured + out by the weary and exhausted upon our inhuman keepers; the restlessness + caused by the suffocating heat, and the confined and poisonous air, + mingled with the wild and incoherent ravings of delirium, were the sounds + which every night were raised around us in every direction. Such was our + ordinary situation, but at times the consequences of our crowded condition + were still more terrible, and proved fatal to many of our number in a + single night. + </p> + <p> + “But, strange as it may appear, notwithstanding all the * * * suffering + which was there endured I knew many who had been inmates of that abode for + two years, who were apparently perfectly well. They had, as they expressed + it, ‘been through the furnace and become seasoned.’ Most of these, + however, were foreigners, who appeared to have abandoned all hope of ever + being exchanged, and had become quite indifferent with regard to the place + of their abode. + </p> + <p> + “But far different was the condition of that portion of our number who + were natives of the United States. These formed by far the most numerous + class of the prisoners. Most of these were young men, * * * who had been + captured soon after leaving their homes, and during their first voyage. + After they had been here immured the sudden change in their situation was + like a sentence of death. Many a one was crushed down beneath the sickness + of the heart, so well described by the poet:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Night and day, + Brooding on what he had been, what he was, + ‘Twas more than he could bear, his longing fits + Thickened upon him. <i>His desire for Home + Became a madness</i>’ +</pre> + <p> + “These poor creatures had, in many instances, been plundered of their + wearing apparel by their captors, and here, the dismal and disgusting + objects by which they were surrounded, the vermin which infested them, the + vile and loathsome food, and what with <i>them</i> was far from being the + lightest of their trials, their ceaseless longing after their <i>homes</i>, + * * * all combined, had a wonderful effect on them. Dejection and anguish + were soon visible on their countenances. They became dismayed and + terror-stricken; and many of them absolutely died that most awful of all + human deaths, the effects of a <i>broken heart</i>. + </p> + <p> + “A custom had long been established that certain labor which it was + necessary should be performed daily, should be done by a company, usually + called the ‘Working party.’ This consisted of about twenty able-bodied men + chosen from among the prisoners, and was commanded, in daily rotation, by + those of our number who had formerly been officers of vessels. The + commander of the party for the day bore the title of Boatswain. The + members of the Working-party received, as a compensation for their + services, a full allowance of provisions, and half a pint of rum each, + with the privilege of going on deck early in the morning, to breathe the + pure air. + </p> + <p> + “This privilege alone was a sufficient compensation for all the duty which + was required of them. + </p> + <p> + “Their routine of service was to wash down that part of the upper deck and + gangways where the prisoners were permitted to walk; to spread the awning, + or to hoist on board the wood, water, and other supplies, from the boats + in which the same were brought alongside the ship. + </p> + <p> + “When the prisoners ascended to the upper deck in the morning, if the day + was fair, each carried up his hammock and bedding, which were all placed + upon the spar-deck, or booms. The Working-party then took the sick and + disabled who remained below, and placed them in the bunks prepared for + them upon the centre-deck; they then, if any of the prisoners had died + during the night, carried up the dead bodies, and laid them upon the + booms; after which it was their duty to wash down the main decks below; + during which operation the prisoners remained on the upper deck, except + such as chose to go below and volunteer their services in the performance + of this duty. + </p> + <p> + “Around the railing of the hatchway leading from the centre to the lower + decks, were placed a number of large tubs for the occasional use of the + prisoners during the night, and as general receptacles of filth. Although + these were indispensably necessary to us, yet they were highly offensive. + It was a part of the duty of the Working-party to carry these on deck, at + the time when the prisoners ascended in the morning, and to return them + between decks in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + “Our beds and clothing were kept on deck until nearly the hour when we + were to be ordered below for the night. During this interval * * * the + decks washed and cleared of all incumbrance, except the poor wretches who + lay in the bunks, it was quite refreshing after the suffocating heat and + foul vapors of the night to walk between decks. There was then some + circulation of air through the ship, and, for a few hours, our existence + was, in some degree, tolerable. + </p> + <p> + “About two hours before sunset the order was usually issued for the + prisoners to carry their hammocks, etc., below. After this had been done + we were all either to retire between decks, or to remain above until + sunset according to our own pleasure. Everything which we could do + conducive to cleanliness having then been performed, if we ever felt + anything like enjoyment in this wretched abode, it was during this brief + interval, when we breathed the cool air of the approaching night, and felt + the luxury of our evening pipe. But short indeed was this interval of + repose. The Working-party was soon ordered to carry the tubs below, and we + prepared to descend to our gloomy and crowded dungeons. This was no sooner + done than the gratings were closed over the hatchways, the sentinels + stationed, and we left to sicken and pine beneath our accumulated + torments; with our guards above crying aloud, through the long night, + ‘All’s well!”’ + </p> + <p> + Captain Dring says that at that time the Jersey was used for seamen alone. + The average number on board was one thousand. It consisted of the crews of + vessels of all the nations with which the English were at war. But the + greater number had been captured on board American vessels. + </p> + <p> + There were three hospital ships in the Wallabout; the Stromboli, the + Hunter, and the Scorpion. [Footnote: At one time as we have seen, the + Scorpion was a prison ship, from which Freneau was sent to the Hunter + hospital ship.] There was not room enough on board these ships for all the + sick, and a part of the upper deck of the Jersey was therefore prepared + for their accommodation. These were on the after part of the upper deck, + on the larboard side, where those who felt the symptoms of approaching + sickness could lie down, in order to be found by the nurses as soon as + possible. + </p> + <p> + Few ever returned from the hospital ships to the Jersey. Dring knew but + three such instances during his imprisonment. He says that “the outward + appearance of these hospitals was disgusting in the highest degree. The + sight of them was terrible to us. Their appearance was even more shocking + than that of our own miserable hulk. + </p> + <p> + “On board the Jersey among the prisoners were about half a dozen men known + by the appellation of nurses. I never learned by whom they were appointed, + or whether they had any regular appointment at all. But one fact I knew + well; they were all thieves. They were, however, sometimes useful in + assisting the sick to ascend from below to the gangway on the upper deck, + to be examined by the visiting Surgeon who attended from the Hunter every + day, when the weather was good. If a sick man was pronounced by the + Surgeon to be a proper subject for one of the hospital ships, he was put + into the boat waiting alongside; but not without the loss or detention of + his effects, if he had any, as these were at once taken by the nurses, as + their own property. * * * I had found Mr. Robert Carver, our Gunner while + on board the Chance, sick in one of the bunks where those retired who + wished to be removed. He was without a bed or pillow, and had put on all + the wearing apparel which he possessed, wishing to preserve it, and being + sensible of his situation. I found him sitting upright in the bunk, with + his great-coat on over the rest of his garments, and his hat between his + knees. The weather was excessively hot, and, in the place where he lay, + the heat was overpowering. I at once saw that he was delirious, a sure + presage that the end was near. I took off his great-coat, and having + folded and placed it under his head for a pillow, I laid him upon it, and + went immediately to prepare him some tea. I was absent but a few minutes, + and, on returning, met one of the thievish Nurses with Carver’s great-coat + in his hand. On ordering him to return it his reply was that it was a + perquisite of the Nurses, and the only one they had; that the man was + dying, and the great-coat could be of no further use to him. I however, + took possession of the coat, and on my liberation, returned it to the + family of the owner. Mr Carver soon after expired where he lay. We + procured a blanket in which to wrap his body, which was thus prepared for + interment. Others of the crew of the Chance had died before that time. Mr + Carver was a man of strong and robust constitution. Such men were subject + to the most violent attacks of the fever, and were also its most certain + victims.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. — THE INTERMENT OF THE DEAD + </h2> + <p> + Captain Dring continues his narrative by describing the manner in which + the dead were interred in the sand of the Wallabout. Every morning, he + says, the dead bodies were carried to the upper deck and there laid upon + the gratings. Any person who could procure, and chose to furnish, a + blanket, was allowed to sew it around the remains of his departed + companion. + </p> + <p> + “The signal being made, a boat was soon seen approaching from the Hunter, + and if there were any dead on board the other ships, the boat received + them, on her way to the Jersey. + </p> + <p> + “The corpse was laid upon a board, to which some ropes were attached as + straps; as it was often the case that bodies were sent on shore for + interment before they had become sufficiently stiff to be lowered into the + boat by a single strap. Thus prepared a tackle was attached to the board, + and the remains * * * were hoisted over the side of the ship into the + boat, without further ceremony. If several bodies were waiting for + interment, but one of them was lowered into the boat at a time, for the + sake of decency. The prisoners were always very anxious to be engaged in + the duty of interment, not so much from a feeling of humanity, or from a + wish to pay respect to the remains of the dead, for to these feelings they + had almost become strangers, as from the desire of once more placing their + feet on the land, if but for a few minutes. A sufficient number of + prisoners having received permission to assist in this duty, they entered + the boat accompanied by a guard of soldiers, and put off from the ship. + </p> + <p> + “I obtained leave to assist in the burial of the body of Mr. Carver, * * * + and after landing at a low wharf which had been built from the shore, we + first went to a small hut, which stood near the wharf, and was used as a + place of deposit for the handbarrows and shovels provided for these + occasions. Having placed the corpses on the barrows, and received our hoes + and shovels, we proceeded to the side of the bank near the Waleboght. Here + a vacant space having been selected, we were directed to dig a trench in + the sand, of a proper length for the reception of the bodies. We continued + our labor until the guards considered that a sufficient space had been + excavated. The corpses were then laid in the trench without ceremony, and + we threw the sand over them. The whole appeared to produce no more effect + upon our guards than if they were burying the bodies of dead animals, + instead of men. They scarcely allowed us time to look about us; for no + sooner had we heaped the earth upon the trench, than we were ordered to + march. But a single glance was sufficient to show us parts of many bodies + which were exposed to view, although they had probably been placed there + with the same mockery of interment but a few days before. + </p> + <p> + “Having thus performed, as well as we were permitted to do it, the last + duty to the dead, and the guards having stationed themselves on each side + of us, we began reluctantly to retrace our steps to the boat. We had + enjoyed the pleasure of breathing for a few minutes the air of our native + soil; and the thought of return to the crowded prison-ship was terrible in + the extreme. As we passed by the waterside we implored our guards to allow + us to bathe, or even to wash ourselves for a few minutes, but this was + refused us. + </p> + <p> + “I was the only person of our party who wore a pair of shoes, and well + recollect that I took them off for the pleasure of feeling the earth, or + rather the sand, as we went along. * * * We went by a small patch of turf, + some pieces of which we tore up from the earth, and obtained permission to + carry them on board for our comrades to smell them. Circumstances like + these may appear trifling to the careless reader; but let him be assured + that they were far from being trifles to men situated as we had been. The + inflictions which we had endured; the duty which we had just performed; + the feeling that we must, in a few minutes, re-enter the place of + suffering, from which, in all probability, we should never return alive; + all tended to render everything connected with the firm land beneath, and + the sweet air above us, objects of deep and thrilling interest. + </p> + <p> + “Having arrived at the hut we there deposited our implements, and walked + to the landing-place, where we prevailed on our guards, who were Hessians, + to allow us the gratification of remaining nearly half an hour before we + returned to the boat. + </p> + <p> + “Near us stood a house occupied by a miller, and we had been told that a + tide-mill which he attended was in the immediate vicinity, as a + landing-place for which the wharf where we stood had been erected. * * * + It was designated by the prisoners by the appellation of the ‘Old + Dutchman’s,’ and its very walls were viewed by us with feelings of + veneration, as we had been told that the amiable daughter of its owner had + kept an accurate account of the number of bodies that had been brought on + shore for interment from the Jersey and hospital ships. This could easily + be done in the house, as its windows commanded a fair view of the landing + place. We were not, however, gratified by a sight of herself, or of any + other inmate of the house. + </p> + <p> + “Sadly did we approach and re-enter our foul and disgusting place of + confinement. The pieces of turf which we carried on board were sought for + by our fellow prisoners, with the greatest avidity, every fragment being + passed by them from hand to hand, and its smell inhaled as if it had been + a fragrant rose. * * * The first of the crew of the Chance to die was a + lad named Palmer, about twelve years of age, and the youngest of our crew. + When on board the Chance he was a waiter to the officers, and he continued + in this duty after we were placed on board the Jersey. He had, with many + others of our crew, been inoculated for the small-pox, immediately after + our arrival on board. The usual symptoms appeared at the proper time, and + we supposed the appearance of his disorder favorable, but these soon + changed, and the yellow hue of his features declared the approach of + death. * * * The night he died was truly a wretched one for me. I spent + most of it in total darkness, holding him during his convulsions. * * * I + had done everything in my power for this poor boy, during his sickness, + and could render him but one more kind office (after his death). I + assisted to sew a blanket around his body, which was, with others who had + died, during the night, conveyed upon deck in the morning, to be at the + usual hour hurried to the bank at the Walebocht. I regretted that I could + not assist at his interment, as I was then suffering with the small-pox + myself, neither am I certain that permission would have been granted me, + if I had sought it. Our keepers appeared to have no idea that the + prisoners could feel any regard for each other, but appeared to think us + as cold-hearted as themselves. If anything like sympathy was ever shown us + by any of them it was done by the Hessians. * * * The next deaths among + our company were those of Thomas Mitchell and his son-in-law, Thomas + Sturmey. It is a singular fact that both of these men died at the same + time.” + </p> + <p> + THE GUARDS ON BOARD THE JERSEY + </p> + <p> + “In addition to the regular officers and seamen of the Jersey, there were + stationed on board about a dozen old invalid Marines, but our actual guard + was composed of soldiers from the different regiments quartered on Long + Island. The number usually on duty on board was about thirty. Each week + they were relieved by a fresh party. They were English, Hessian, and + Refugees. We always preferred the Hessians, from whom we received better + treatment than from the others. As to the English, we did not complain, + being aware that they merely obeyed their orders, in regard to us; but the + Refugees * * * were viewed by us with scorn and hatred. I do not + recollect, however, that a guard of these miscreants was placed over us + more than three times, during which their presence occasioned much tumult + and confusion; for the prisoners could not endure the sight of these men, + and occasionally assailed them with abusive language, while they, in turn, + treated us with all the severity in their power. We dared not approach + near them, for fear of their bayonets, and of course could not pass along + the gangways where they were stationed; but were obliged to crawl along + upon the booms, in order to get fore and aft, or to go up and down the + hatchways. They never answered any of our remarks respecting them, but + would merely point to their uniforms, as much as to say, ‘We are clothed + by our Sovereign, while you are naked.’ They were as much gratified by the + idea of leaving us as we were at seeing them depart. + </p> + <p> + “Many provoking gestures were made by the prisoners as they left the ship, + and our curses followed them as far as we could make ourselves heard. + </p> + <p> + “A regiment of Refugees, with a green uniform, were then quartered at + Brooklyn. We were invited to join this Royal band, and to partake of his + Majesty’s pardon and bounty. But the prisoners, in the midst of their + unbounded sufferings, of their dreadful privations, and consuming anguish, + spurned the insulting offer. They preferred to linger and to die rather + than desert their country’s cause. During the whole period of my + confinement I never knew a single instance of enlistment among the + prisoners of the Jersey. + </p> + <p> + “The only duty, to my knowledge, ever performed by the old Marines was to + guard the water-butt, near which one of them was stationed with a drawn + cutlass. They were ordered to allow no prisoner to carry away more than + one pint at once, but we were allowed to drink at the butt as much as we + pleased, for which purpose two or three copper ladles were chained to the + cask. Having been long on board and regular in performance of this duty, + they had become familiar with the faces of the prisoners, and could, in + many instances, detect the frauds which we practiced upon them in order to + obtain more fresh water for our cooking than was allowed us by the + regulations of the ship. Over the water the sailors had no control. The + daily consumption of water on board was at least equal to 700 gallons. I + know not whence it was brought, but presume it was from Brooklyn. One + large gondola, or boat, was kept in constant employment to furnish the + necessary supply. + </p> + <p> + “So much of the water as was not required on deck for immediate use was + conducted into butts, placed in the lower hold of the hulk, through a + leather hose, passing through her side, near the bends. To this water we + had recourse, when we could procure no other. + </p> + <p> + “When water in any degree fit for use was brought on board, it is + impossible to describe the struggle which ensued, in consequence of our + haste and exertions to procure a draught of it. The best which was ever + afforded us was very brackish, but that from the ship’s hold was nauseous + in the highest degree. This must be evident when the fact is stated that + the butts for receiving it had never been cleaned since they were put in + the hold. The quantity of foul sediment which they contained was therefore + very great, and was disturbed and mixed with the water as often as a new + supply was poured into them, thereby rendering their whole contents a + substance of the most disgusting and poisonous nature. I have not the + least doubt that the use of this vile compound caused the death of + hundreds of the prisoners, when, to allay their tormenting thirst, they + were driven by desperation to drink this liquid poison, and to abide the + consequences.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. — DAME GRANT AND HER BOAT + </h2> + <p> + “One indulgence was allowed us by our keepers, if indulgence it can be + called. They had given permission for a boat to come alongside the ship, + with a supply of a few necessary articles, to be sold to such of the + prisoners as possessed the means of paying for them. This trade was + carried on by a very corpulent old woman, known among us by the name of + Dame Grant. Her visits, which were made every other day, were of much + benefit to us, and, I presume, a source of profit to herself. She brought + us soft bread and fruit, with various other articles, such as tea, sugar, + etc., all of which she previously put up into small paper parcels, from + one ounce to a pound in weight, with the price affixed to each, from which + she would never deviate. The bulk of the old lady completely filled the + stern sheets of the boat, where she sat, with her box of goods before her, + from which she supplied us very expeditiously. Her boat was rowed by two + boys, who delivered to us the articles we had purchased, the price of + which we were required first to put into their hands. + </p> + <p> + “When our guard was not composed of Refugees, we were usually permitted to + descend to the foot of the Accommodation-ladder, in order to select from + the boat such articles as we wished. While standing there it was + distressing to see the faces of hundreds of half-famished wretches, + looking over the side of the ship into the boat, without the means of + purchasing the most trifling article before their sight, not even so much + as a morsel of wholesome bread. None of us possessed the means of + generosity, nor had any power to afford them relief. Whenever I bought any + articles from the boat I never enjoyed them; for it was impossible to do + so in the presence of so many needy wretches, eagerly gazing at my + purchase, and almost dying for want of it. + </p> + <p> + “We frequently furnished Dame Grant with a memorandum of such articles as + we wished her to procure for us, such as pipes, tobacco, needles, thread, + and combs. These she always faithfully procured and brought to us, never + omitting the assurance that she afforded them exactly at cost. + </p> + <p> + “Her arrival was always a subject of interest to us; but at length she did + not make her appearance for several days, and her appearance was awaited + in extreme anxiety. But, alas! we were no longer to enjoy this little + gratification. Her traffic was ended. She had taken the fever from the + hulk, and died * * * leaving a void which was never afterwards filled up.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. — THE SUPPLIES FOR THE PRISONERS + </h2> + <p> + “After the death of Dame Grant, we were under the necessity of puchasing + from the Sutler such small supplies as we needed. This man was one of the + Mates of the ship, and occupied one of the apartments under the + quarter-deck, through the bulkhead of which an opening had been cut, from + which he delivered his goods. He here kept for sale a variety of articles, + among which was usually a supply of ardent spirits, which was not allowed + to be brought alongside the ship, for sale. It could, therefore, only be + procured from the Sutler, whose price was two dollars per gallon. Except + in relation to this article, no regular price was fixed for what he sold + us. We were first obliged to hand him the money, and he then gave us such + a quantity as he pleased of the article which we needed; there was on our + part no bargain to be made, but to be supplied even in this manner was, to + those of us who had means of payment, a great convenience. * * * + </p> + <p> + “Our own people afforded us no relief. O my country! Why were we thus + neglected in this hour of our misery, why was not a little food and + raiment given to the dying martyrs of thy cause? + </p> + <p> + “Although the supplies which some of us were enabled to procure from the + Sutler were highly conducive to our comfort, yet one most necessary + article neither himself nor any other person could furnish. This was wood + for our daily cooking, to procure a sufficient quantity of which was to us + a source of continual trouble and anxiety. The Cooks would indeed steal + small quantities, and sell them to us at the hazard of certain punishment + if detected; but it was not in their power to embezzle a sufficient + quantity to meet our daily necessities. As the disgust at swallowing any + food which had been cooked in the Great Copper was universal, each person + used every exertion to procure as much wood as possible, for the private + cooking of his own mess. + </p> + <p> + “During my excursion to the shore to assist in the interment of Mr. + Carver, it was my good fortune to find a hogshead stave floating in the + water. This was truly a prize I conveyed the treasure on board, and in the + economical manner in which it was used, it furnished the mess to which I + belonged with a supply of fuel for a considerable time. + </p> + <p> + “I was also truly fortunate on another occasion. I had, one day, commanded + the Working-party, which was then employed in taking on board a sloop-load + of wood for the sailors’ use. This was carefully conveyed below, under a + guard, to prevent embezzlement. I nevertheless found means, with the + assistance of my associates, to convey a cleft of it into the Gunroom, + where it was immediately secreted. Our mess was thereby supplied with a + sufficient quantity for a long time, and its members were considered by + far the most wealthy persons in all this republic of misery. We had enough + for our own use, and were enabled, occasionally, to supply our neighbors + with a few splinters. + </p> + <p> + “Our mode of preparing the wood was to cut it with a jack-knife into + pieces about four inches long. This labor occupied much of our time, and + was performed by the different members of our mess in rotation, which + employment was to us a source of no little pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “After a sufficient quantity had been thus prepared for the next day’s + use, it was deposited in the chest. The main stock was guarded by day and + night, with the most scrupulous and anxious care. We kept it at night + within our enclosure, and by day it was always watched by some one of its + proprietors. So highly did we value it that we went into mathematical + calculation to ascertain how long it would supply us, if a given quantity + was each day consumed.” + </p> + <p> + OUR BY-LAWS + </p> + <p> + “Soon after the Jersey was first used as a place of confinement a code of + by-laws had been established by the prisoners, for their own regulation + and government; to which a willing submission was paid, so far as + circumstances would permit. I much regret my inability to give these rules + verbatim, but I cannot at this distant period of time recollect them with + a sufficient degree of distinctness. They were chiefly directed to the + preservation of personal cleanliness, and the prevention of immorality. + For a refusal to comply with any of them, the refractory person was + subjected to a stated punishment. It is an astonishing fact that any + rules, thus made, should have so long existed and been enforced among a + multitude of men situated as we were, so numerous and composed of that + class of human beings who are not easily controlled, and usually not the + most ardent supporters of good order. There were many foreigners among our + number, over whom we had no control, except so far as they chose, + voluntarily, to submit to our regulations, which they cheerfully did, in + almost every instance, so far as their condition would allow. Among our + rules were the following. That personal cleanliness should be preserved, + as far as was practicable; that profane language should be avoided; that + drunkenness should not be allowed; that theft should be severely punished, + and that no smoking should be permitted between decks, by day or night, on + account of the annoyance which it caused the sick. + </p> + <p> + “A due observance of the Sabbath was also strongly enjoined; and it was + recommended to every individual to appear cleanly shaved on Sunday + morning, and to refrain from all recreation during the day. + </p> + <p> + “This rule was particularly recommended to the attention of the officers, + and the remainder of the prisoners were desired to follow their example. + </p> + <p> + “Our By-laws were occasionally read to the assembled prisoners, and always + whenever any person was to be punished for their violation. Theft or fraud + upon the allowance of a fellow prisoner was always punished, and the + infliction was always approved by the whole company. On these occasions + the oldest officer among the prisoners presided as Judge. It required much + exertion for many of us to comply with the law prohibiting smoking between + decks. Being myself much addicted to the habit of smoking, it would have + been a great privilege to have enjoyed the liberty of thus indulging it, + particularly during the night, while sitting by one of the air-ports; but + as this was inadmissible, I of course submitted to the prohibition. * * * + We were not allowed means of striking a fire, and were obliged to procure + it from the Cook employed for the ship’s officers, through a small window + in the bulkhead, near the caboose. After one had thus procured fire the + rest were also soon supplied, and our pipes were all in full operation in + the course of a few minutes. The smoke which rose around us appeared to + purify the pestilent air by which we were surrounded; and I attribute the + preservation of my health, in a great degree, to the exercise of this + habit. Our greatest difficulty was to procure tobacco. This, to some of + the prisoners, was impossible, and it must have been an aggravation to + their sufferings to see us apparently puffing away our sorrows, while they + had no means of procuring the enjoyment of a similar gratification. + </p> + <p> + “We dared not often apply at this Cook’s caboose for fire, and the surly + wretch would not willingly repeat the supply. One morning I went to the + window of his den, and requested leave to light my pipe, and the + miscreant, without making any reply, threw a shovel full of burning + cinders in my face. I was almost blinded by the pain; and several days + elapsed before I fully regained my sight. My feelings on this occasion may + be imagined, but redress was impossible, as we were allowed no means of + even seeking it. I mention this occurrence to show to what a wretched + condition we were reduced.” + </p> + <p> + THE ORATOR OF THE JERSEY + </p> + <p> + “During the period of my confinement the Jersey was never visited by any + regular clergyman, nor was Divine service ever performed on board, and + among the whole multitude of prisoners there was but one individual who + ever attempted to deliver a set speech, or to exhort his fellow sufferers. + This individual was a young man named Cooper, whose station in life was + apparently that of a common sailor. He evidently possessed talents of a + very high order. His manners were pleasing, and he had every appearance of + having received an excellent education. He was a Virginian; but I never + learned the exact place of his nativity. He told us that he had been a + very unmanageable youth, and that he had left his family, contrary to + their wishes and advice; that he had been often assured by them that the + Old Jersey would bring him up at last, and the Waleboght be his place of + burial. ‘The first of these predictions,’ said he, ‘has been verified; and + I care not how soon the second proves equally true, for I am prepared for + the event. Death, for me, has lost its terrors, for with them I have been + too long familiar.’ + </p> + <p> + “On several Sunday mornings Cooper harangued the prisoners in a very + forcible yet pleasing manner, which, together with his language, made a + lasting impression upon my memory. On one of these occasions, having + mounted upon a temporary elevation upon the Spar-deck, he, in an audible + voice, requested the attention of the prisoners, who having immediately + gathered around him in silence, he commenced his discourse. + </p> + <p> + “He began by saying that he hoped no one would suppose he had taken that + station by way of derision or mockery of the holy day, for that such was + not his object; on the contrary he was pleased to find that the good + regulations established by the former prisoners, obliged us to refrain + even from recreation on the Sabbath; that his object, however, was not to + preach to us, nor to discourse upon any sacred subject; he wished to read + us our By-laws, a copy of which he held in his hand, the framers of which + were then, in all probability, sleeping in death, beneath the sand of the + shore before our eyes. That these laws had been framed in wisdom, and were + well fitted to preserve order and decorum in a community like ours: that + his present object was to impress upon our minds the absolute necessity of + a strict adherence to those wholesome regulations; that he should briefly + comment upon each article, which might be thus considered as the + particular text of that part of his discourse. + </p> + <p> + “He proceeded to point out the extreme necessity of a full observance of + these Rules of Conduct, and portrayed the evil consequences which would + inevitably result to us if we neglected or suffered them to fall into + disuse. He enforced the necessity of our unremitting attention to personal + cleanliness, and to the duties of morality; he dwelt upon the degradation + and sin of drunkeness; described the meanness and atrocity of theft; and + the high degree of caution against temptation necessary for men who were + perhaps standing on the very brink of the grave; and added that, in his + opinion, even sailors might as well refrain from profane language, while + they were actually suffering in Purgatory. + </p> + <p> + “He said that our present torments, in that abode of misery, were a proper + retribution for our former sins and transgressions; that Satan had been + permitted to send out his messengers and inferior demons in every + direction to collect us together, and that among the most active of these + infernal agents was David Sproat, Commissary of Prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “He then made some just and suitable observations on the fortitude with + which we had sustained the weight of our accumulated miseries; of our + firmness in refusing to accept the bribes of our invaders, and desert the + banners of our country. During this part of his discourse the sentinels on + the gangways occasionally stopped and listened attentively. We much feared + that by some imprudent remark, he might expose himself to their + resentment, and cautioned him not to proceed too far. He replied our + keepers could do nothing more, unless they should put him to the torture, + and that he should proceed. + </p> + <p> + “He touched on the fact that no clergyman had ever visited us; that this + was probably owing to the fear of contagion; but it was much to be + regretted that no one had ever come to afford a ray of hope, or to + administer the Word of Life in that terrific abode; that if any Minister + of the Gospel desired to do so, there could be no obstacles in the way, + for that even David Sproat himself, bad as he was, would not dare to + oppose it. + </p> + <p> + “He closed with a merited tribute to the memory of our fellow-sufferers, + who had already passed away. ‘The time,’ said he, ‘will come when their + bones will be collected, when their rites of sepulchre will be performed, + and a monument erected over the remains of those who have here suffered, + the victims of barbarity, and who have died in vindication of the rights + of man.’ + </p> + <p> + “The remarks of our Orator were well adapted to our situation, and + produced much effect on the prisoners, who at length began to accost him + as Elder or Parson Cooper. But this he would not allow; and told us, if we + would insist on giving him a title, we might call him Doctor, by which + name he was ever afterwards saluted, so long as he remained among us. + </p> + <p> + “He had been a prisoner for about the period of three months when one day + the Commissary of Prisoners came on board, accompanied by a stranger, and + inquired for Cooper, who having made his appearance, a letter was put in + his hand, which he perused, and immediately after left the ship, without + even going below for his clothing. While in the boat he waived his hand, + and bade us be of good cheer. We could only return a mute farewell; and in + a few minutes the boat had left the ship, and was on its way to New York. + </p> + <p> + “Thus we lost our Orator, for whom I had a very high regard, at the time, + and whose character and manners have, ever since, been to me a subject of + pleasing recollection. + </p> + <p> + “Various were the conjectures which the sudden manner of his departure + caused on board. Some asserted that poor Cooper had drawn upon himself the + vengeance of old Sproat, and that he had been carried on shore to be + punished. No certain information was ever received respecting him, but I + have always thought that he was a member of some highly influential and + respectable family, and that his release had been effected through the + agency of his friends. This was often done by the influence of the + Royalists or Refugees of New York, who were sometimes the connections or + personal friends of those who applied for their assistance in procuring + the liberation of a son or a brother from captivity. Such kind offices + were thus frequently rendered to those who had chosen opposite sides in + the great revolutionary contest, and to whom, though directly opposed to + themselves in political proceedings, they were willing to render every + personal service in their power.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. — FOURTH OF JULY ON THE JERSEY + </h2> + <p> + A few days before the fourth of July we had made such preparations as our + circumstances would admit for an observance of the anniversary of American + Independence. We had procured some supplies with which to make ourselves + merry on the occasion, and intended to spend the day in such innocent + pastimes as our situation would afford, not dreaming that our proceeding + would give umbrage to our keepers, as it was far from our intention to + trouble or insult them. We thought that, though prisoners, we had a right, + on that day at least, to sing and be merry. As soon as we were permitted + to go on deck in the morning thirteen little national flags were displayed + in a row on the boom. We were soon ordered by the guards to take them + away; and as we neglected to obey the command, they triumphantly + demolished, and trampled them under foot. Unfortunately for us our guards + at that time were Scotch, who, next to the Refugees, were the objects of + our greatest hatred; but their destruction of our flags was merely viewed + in silence, with the contempt which it merited. + </p> + <p> + “During the time we remained on deck several patriotic songs were sung, + and choruses repeated; but not a word was intentionally spoken to give + offence to our guards. They were, nevertheless, evidently dissatisfied + with our proceedings, as will soon appear. Their moroseness was a prelude + to what was to follow. We were, in a short time, forbidden to pass along + the common gangway, and every attempt to do so was repelled by the + bayonet. Although thus incommoded our mirth still continued. Songs were + still sung, accompanied by occasional cheers. Things thus proceeded until + about four o’clock; when the guards were ordered out, and we received + orders to descend between decks, where we were immediately driven, at the + point of the bayonet. + </p> + <p> + “After being thus sent below in the greatest confusion, at that early and + unusual hour, and having heard the gratings closed and fastened above us, + we supposed that the barbarous resentment of our guards was fully + satisfied; but we were mistaken, for they had further vengeance in store, + and merely waited for an opportunity to make us feel its weight. + </p> + <p> + “The prisoners continued their singing between decks, and were, of course, + more noisy than usual, but forbore even under their existing temptations, + to utter any insulting or aggravating expressions. At least, I heard + nothing of the kind, unless our patriotic songs could be thus constructed. + In the course of the evening we were ordered to desist from making any + further noise. This order not being fully complied with, at about nine + o’clock the gratings were removed, and the guards descended among us, with + lanterns and drawn cutlasses in their hands. The poor, helpless prisoners + retreated from the hatchways, as far as their crowded situation would + permit, while their cowardly assailants followed as far as they dared, + cutting and wounding every one within reach, and then ascended to the + upper deck, exulting in the gratification of their revenge. + </p> + <p> + “Many of the prisoners were wounded, but from the total darkness, neither + their number, nor their situation could be ascertained; and, if this had + been possible, it was not in the power of their compatriots to afford them + the least relief. During the whole of that tragic night, their groans and + lamentations were dreadful in the extreme. Being in the Gun-room I was at + some distance from the immediate scene of this bloody outrage, but the + distance was by no means far enough to prevent my hearing their continual + cries from the extremity of pain, their appeals for assistance, and their + curses upon the heads of their brutal assailants. + </p> + <p> + “It had been the usual custom for each person to carry below, when he + descended at sunset, a pint of water, to quench his thirst during the + night. But, on this occasion, we had thus been driven to our dungeon three + hours before the setting of the sun, and without our usual supply of + water. + </p> + <p> + “Of this night I cannot describe the horror. The day had been sultry, and + the heat was extreme throughout the ship. The unusual number of hours + during which we had been crowded together between decks; the foul + atmosphere and sickening heat; the additional excitement and restlessness + caused by the unwonted wanton attack which had been made; above all, the + want of water, not a drop of which could be obtained during the whole + night, to cool our parched lips; the imprecations of those who were half + distracted with their burning thirst; the shrieks and wails of the + wounded; the struggles and groans of the dying; together formed a + combination of horrors which no pen can describe. + </p> + <p> + “In the agonies of their sufferings the prisoners invited, and even + challenged their inhuman guards to descend once more among them, but this + they were prudent enough not to attempt. + </p> + <p> + “Their cries and supplications for water were terrible, and were of + themselves sufficient to render sleep impossible. Oppressed with the heat, + I found my way to the grating of the main hatchway, where on former nights + I had frequently passed some time, for the benefit of the little current + of air which circulated through the bars. I obtained a place on the + larboard side of the hatchway, where I stood facing the East, and + endeavored, as much as possible, to withdraw my attention from the + terrible sounds below me, by watching, through the grating, the progress + of the stars. I there spent hour after hour, in following with my eyes the + motion of a particular star, as it rose and ascended until it passed over + beyond my sight. + </p> + <p> + “How I longed for the day to dawn! At length the morning light began to + appear, but still our torments were increasing every moment. As the usual + hour for us to ascend to the upper deck approached, the Working-party were + mustered near the hatchway, and we were all anxiously waiting for the + opportunity to cool our weary frames, to breathe for awhile the pure air, + and, above all, to procure water to quench our intolerable thirst. The + time arrived, but still the gratings were not removed. Hour after hour + passed on, and still we were not released. Our minds were at length seized + with horror, suspicious that our tyrants had determined to make a + finishing stroke of their cruelty, and rid themselves of us altogether. + </p> + <p> + “It was not until ten o’clock in the forenoon that the gratings were at + last removed. We hurried on deck and thronged to the water cask, which was + completely exhausted before our thirst was allayed. So great was the + struggle around the cask that the guards were again turned out to disperse + the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “In a few hours, however, we received a new supply of water, but it seemed + impossible to allay our thirst, and the applications at the cask were + incessant until sunset. Our rations were delivered to us, but of course + long after the usual hour. During the whole day, however, no fire was + kindled for cooking in the galley. All the food which we consumed that day + we were obliged to swallow raw. Everything, indeed, had been entirely + deranged by the events of the past night, and several days elapsed before + order was restored. This was at last obtained by a change of the guard, + who, to our great joy, were relieved by a party of Hessians. The average + number who died during a period of 24 hours on board the Jersey was about + six, [Footnote: This was in 1782. The mortality had been much greater in + former years.] but on the morning of the fifth of July eight or ten + corpses were found below. Many had been badly wounded, to whom, in the + total darkness of the night, it was impossible for their companions to + render any assistance; and even during the next day they received no + attention, except that which was afforded by their fellow prisoners, who + had nothing to administer to their companions, not even bandages for their + wounds. I was not personally acquainted with any of those who died or were + wounded on that night. No equal number had ever died in the same period of + time since my confinement. This unusual mortality was of course caused by + the increased sufferings of the night. Since that time I have often, while + standing on the deck of a good ship under my command, and viewing the + rising stars, thought upon the horrors of that night, when I stood + watching their progress through the gratings of the Old Jersey, and when I + now contrast my former wretchedness with my present situation, in the full + enjoyment of liberty, health, and every earthly comfort, I cannot but muse + upon the contrast, and bless the good and great Being from whom my + comforts have been derived. I do not now regret my capture nor my + sufferings, for the recollection of them has ever taught me how to enjoy + my after life with a greater degree of contentment than I should, perhaps, + have otherwise ever experienced.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. — AN ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE + </h2> + <p> + It had been for some time in contemplation among a few inmates of the + Gun-room to make a desperate attempt to escape, by cutting a hole through + the stern or counter of the ship. In order that their operations might + proceed with even the least probability of success, it was absolutely + necessary that but few of the prisoners should be admitted to the secret. + At the same time it was impossible for them to make any progress in their + labor unless they first confided their plan to all the other occupants of + the Gun-room, which was accordingly done. In this part of the ship each + mess was on terms of more or less intimacy with those whose little + sleeping enclosures were immediately adjacent to their own, and the + members of each mess frequently interchanged good offices with those in + their vicinity, and borrowed or lent such little articles as they + possessed, like the good housewives of a sociable neighborhood. I never + knew any contention in this apartment, during the whole period of my + confinement. Each individual in the Gun-room therefore was willing to + assist his comrades, as far as he had the power to do so. When the + proposed plan for escape was laid before us, although it met the + disapprobation of by far the greater number, still we were all perfectly + ready to assist those who thought it practicable. We, however, described + to them the difficulties and dangers which must unavoidably attend their + undertaking; the prospect of detection while making the aperture in the + immediate vicinity of such a multitude of idle men, crowded together, a + large proportion of whom were always kept awake by their restlessness and + sufferings during the night; the little probability that they would be + able to travel, undiscovered, on Long Island, even should they succeed in + reaching the shore in safety; and above all, the almost absolute + impossibility of obtaining food for their subsistence, as an application + for that to our keepers would certainly lead to detection. But, + notwithstanding all our arguments, a few of them remained determined to + make the attempt. Their only reply to our reasoning was, that they must + die if they remained, and that nothing worse could befall them if they + failed in their undertaking. + </p> + <p> + “One of the most sanguine among the adventurers was a young man named + Lawrence, the mate of a ship from Philadelphia. He was a member of the + mess next to my own, and I had formed with him a very intimate + acquaintance. He frequently explained his plans to me; and dwelt much on + his hopes. But ardently as I desired to obtain my liberty, and great as + were the exertions I could have made, had I seen any probability of + gaining it, yet it was not my intention to join in this attempt. I + nevertheless agreed to assist in the labor of cutting through the planks, + and heartily wished, although I had no hope, that the enterprise might + prove successful. + </p> + <p> + “The work was accordingly commenced, and the laborers concealed, by + placing a blanket between them and the prisoners without. The counter of + the ship was covered with hard oak plank, four inches thick; and through + this we undertook to cut an opening sufficiently large for a man to + descend; and to do this with no other tools than our jack knives and a + single gimlet. All the occupants of the Gun-room assisted in this labor in + rotation; some in confidence that the plan was practicable, and the rest + for amusement, or for the sake of being employed. Some one of our number + was constantly at work, and we thus continued, wearing a hole through the + hard planks, from seam to seam, until at length the solid oak was worn + away piecemeal, and nothing remained but a thin sheathing on the outside + which could be cut away at any time in a few minutes, whenever a suitable + opportunity should occur for making the bold attempt to leave the ship. + </p> + <p> + “It had been previously agreed that those who should descend through the + aperture should drop into the water, and there remain until all those + among the inmates of the Gun-room who chose to make the attempt could join + them; and that the whole band of adventurers should then swim together to + the shore, which was about a quarter of a mile from the ship. + </p> + <p> + “A proper time at length arrived. On a very dark and rainy night, the + exterior sheathing was cut away; and at midnight four of our number having + disencumbered themselves of their clothes and tied them across their + shoulders, were assisted through the opening, and dropped one after + another into the water. + </p> + <p> + “Ill-fated men! Our guards had long been acquainted with the enterprise. + But instead of taking any measures to prevent it, they had permitted us to + go on with our labor, keeping a vigilant watch for the moment of our + projected escape, in order to gratify their bloodthirsty wishes. No other + motive than this could have prompted them to the course which they + pursued. A boat was in waiting under the ship’s quarter, manned with + rowers and a party of the guards. They maintained a profound silence after + hearing the prisoners drop from the opening, until having ascertained that + no more would probably descend, they pursued the swimmers, whose course + they could easily follow by the sparkling of the water,—an effect + always produced by the agitation of the waves in a stormy night. + </p> + <p> + “We were all profoundly silent in the Gun-room, after the departure of our + companions, and in anxious suspense as to the issue of the adventure. In a + few minutes we were startled by the report of a gun, which was instantly + succeeded by a quick and scattering fire of musketry. In the darkness of + the night, we could not see the unfortunate victims, but could distinctly + hear their shrieks and cries for mercy. + </p> + <p> + “The noise of the firing had alarmed the prisoners generally, and the + report of the attempted escape and its defeat ran like wildfire through + the gloomy and crowded dungeons of the hulk, and produced much commotion + among the whole body of prisoners. In a few moments, the gratings were + raised, and the guards descended, bearing a naked and bleeding man, whom + they placed in one of the bunks, and having left a piece of burning candle + by his side, they again ascended to the deck, and secured the gratings. + </p> + <p> + “Information of this circumstance soon reached the Gun-room; and myself, + with several others of our number, succeeded in making our way through the + crowd to the bunks. The wounded man was my friend, Lawrence. He was + severely injured in many places, and one of his arms had been nearly + severed from his body by the stroke of a cutlass. This, he said, was done + in wanton barbarity, while he was crying for mercy, with his hand on the + gunwale of the boat. He was too much exhausted to answer any of our + questions; and uttered nothing further, except a single inquiry respecting + the fate of Nelson, one of his fellow adventurers. This we could not + answer. Indeed, what became of the rest we never knew. They were probably + all murdered in the water. This was the first time that I had ever seen a + light between decks. The piece of candle had been left by the side of the + bunk, in order to produce an additional effect upon the prisoners. Many + had been suddenly awakened from their slumbers, and had crowded round the + bunk where the sufferer lay. The effect of the partial light upon his + bleeding and naked limbs, and upon the pale and haggard countenances, and + tattered garments of the wild and crowded groups by whom he was + surrounded, was horrid beyond description. We could render the sufferer + but little assistance, being only able to furnish him with a few articles + of apparel, and to bind a handkerchief around his head. His body was + completely covered, and his hair filled with clotted blood; we had not the + means of washing the gore from his wounds during the night. We had seen + many die, but to view this wretched man expire in that situation, where he + had been placed beyond the reach of surgical aid, merely to strike us with + terror, was dreadful. + </p> + <p> + “The gratings were not removed at the usual hour in the morning, but we + were all kept below until ten o’clock. This mode of punishment had now + become habitual with our keepers, and we were all frequently detained + between decks until a late hour in the day, in revenge for the most + trifling occasion. This cruelty never failed to produce the torments + arising from heat and thirst, with all their attendant miseries. + </p> + <p> + “The immediate purpose of our tyrants having been answered by leaving Mr. + Lawrence below in that situation they promised in the morning that he + should have the assistance of a surgeon, but that promise was not + fulfilled. The prisoners rendered him every attention in their power, but + in vain. Mortification soon commenced; he became delirious and died. + </p> + <p> + “No inquiry was made by our keepers respecting his situation. They + evidently left him thus to suffer, in order that the sight of his agonies + might deter the rest of the prisoners from following his example. + </p> + <p> + “We received not the least reprimand for this transaction. The aperture + was again filled up with plank and made perfectly secure, and no similar + attempt to escape was made,—at least so long as I remained on board. + </p> + <p> + “It was always in our power to knock down the guards and throw them + overboard, but this would have been of no avail. If we had done so, and + had effected our escape to Long Island, it would have been next to + impossible for us to have proceeded any further among the number of troops + there quartered. Of these there were several regiments, and among them the + regiment of Refugees before mentioned, who were vigilant in the highest + degree, and would have been delighted at the opportunity of apprehending + and returning us to our dungeons. + </p> + <p> + “There were, however, several instances of individuals making their + escape. One in particular, I well recollect,—James Pitcher, one of + the crew of the Chance, was placed on the sick list and conveyed to + Blackwell’s Island. He effected his escape from thence to Long Island; + from whence, after having used the greatest precaution, he contrived to + cross the Sound, and arrived safe at home. He is now one of the three + survivors of the crew of the Chance.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. — THE MEMORIAL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The body maddened by the spirit’s pain; + The wild, wild working of the breast and brain; + The haggard eye, that, horror widened, sees + Death take the start of hunger and disease. + Here, such were seen and heard;—so close at hand, + A cable’s length had reached them from the land; + Yet farther off than ocean ever bore;— + Eternity between them and the shore!” + —W. Read. +</pre> + <p> + “Notwithstanding the destroying pestilence which was now raging to a + degree hitherto unknown on board, new companies of victims were + continually arriving; so that, although the mortality was very great, our + numbers were increasing daily. Thus situated, and seeing no prospect of + our liberty by exchange, we began to despair, and to believe that our + certain fate was rapidly approaching. + </p> + <p> + “One expedient was at length proposed among us and adopted. We petitioned + General Clinton, who was then in command of the British forces at New + York, for leave to transmit a Memorial to General Washington, describing + our deplorable situation, and requesting his interference in our behalf. + We further desired that our Memorial might be examined by the British + General, and, if approved by him, that it might be carried by one of our + own number to General Washington. Our petition was laid before the British + commander and was granted by the Commissary of Prisoners. We received + permission to choose three from our number, to whom was promised a + pass-port, with leave to proceed immediately on their embassy. + </p> + <p> + “Our choice was accordingly made, and I had the satisfaction to find that + two of those elected were from among the former officers of the Chance, + Captain Aborn and our Surgeon, Mr. Joseph Bowen. + </p> + <p> + “The Memorial was soon completed and signed in the name of all the + prisoners, by a Committee appointed for that purpose. It contained an + account of the extreme wretchedness of our condition, and stated that + although we were sensible that the subject was one over which General + Washington had no direct control, as it was not usual for soldiers to be + exchanged for seamen, and his authority not extending to the Marine + Department of the American service; yet still, although it might not be in + his power to effect an exchange, we hoped he would be able to devise some + means to lighten or relieve our sufferings. + </p> + <p> + “Our messengers were further charged with a verbal commission to General + Washington, which, for obvious reasons, was not included in the written + Memorial. They were directed to state, in a manner more circumstantial + than we had dared to write, the peculiar horrors of our situation; to + discover the miserable food and putrid water on which we were doomed to + subsist; and finally to assure the General that in case he could effect + our release, we would agree to enter the American service as soldiers, and + remain during the war. Thus instructed our messengers departed. + </p> + <p> + “We waited in alternate hope and fear, the event of their mission. Most of + our number, who were natives of the Eastern States, were strongly + impressed with the idea that some means would be devised for our relief, + after such a representation of our condition should be made. This class of + the prisoners, indeed, felt most interested in the success of the + application; for many of the sufferers appeared to give themselves but + little trouble respecting it, and some among the foreigners did not + commonly know that such an appeal had been made, or that it had even been + in contemplation. The long endurance of their privations had rendered them + almost indifferent to their fate, and they appeared to look forward to + death as the only probable termination of their captivity. + </p> + <p> + “In a few days our messengers returned to New York, with a letter from + General Washington, addressed to the Committee of Prisoners who had signed + the Memorial. The prisoners were all summoned to the Spar-deck where this + letter was read. Its purport was as follows:—That he had perused our + communication, and had received, with due consideration, the account which + our messengers had laid before him; that he viewed our situation with a + high degree of interest, and that although our application, as we had + stated, was made in relation to a subject over which he had no direct + control, yet that it was his intention to lay our Memorial before + Congress; and that, in the mean time, we might be assured that no + exertions on his part should be spared which could tend to a mitigation of + our sufferings. + </p> + <p> + “He observed to our messengers, during their interview, that our long + detention in confinement was owing to a combination of circumstances, + against which it was very difficult, if not impossible, to provide. That, + in the first place, but little exertion was made on the part of our + countrymen to secure and detain their British prisoners for the sake of + exchange, many of the British seamen being captured by privateers, on + board which, he understood, it was a common practice for them to enter as + seamen; and that when this was not the case, they were usually set at + liberty as soon as the privateers arrived in port; as neither the owners, + nor the town or State where they were landed, would be at the expense of + their confinement and maintenance; and that the officers of the General + Government only took charge of those seamen who were captured by the + vessels in public service. All which circumstances combined to render the + number of prisoners, at all times, by far too small for a regular and + equal exchange. + </p> + <p> + “General Washington also transmitted to our Committee copies of letters + which he had sent to General Clinton and to the Commissary of Prisoners, + which were also read to us. He therein expressed an ardent desire that a + general exchange of prisoners might be effected; and if this could not be + accomplished, he wished that something might be done to lessen the weight + of our sufferings, that, if it was absolutely necessary that we should be + confined on the water, he desired that we might at least be removed to + clean ships. He added if the Americans should be driven to the necessity + of placing the British prisoners in situations similar to our own, similar + effects must be the inevitable results; and that he therefore hoped they + would afford us better treatment from motives of humanity. He concluded by + saying, that as a correspondence on the subject had thus begun between + them, he ardently wished it might eventually result in the liberation of + the unfortunate men whose situation had called for its commencement. + </p> + <p> + “Our three messengers did not return on board as prisoners, but were all + to remain on parole at Flatbush, on Long Island. + </p> + <p> + “We soon found an improvement in our fare. The bread which we received was + of a better quality, and we were furnished with butter, instead of rancid + oil. An awning was provided, and a wind-sail furnished to conduct fresh + air between the decks during the day. But of this we were always deprived + at night, when we most needed it, as the gratings must always be fastened + over the hatchway and I presume that our keepers were fearful if it was + allowed to run, we might use it as a means of escape. + </p> + <p> + “We were, however, obliged to submit to all our privations, consoling + ourselves only with the faint hope that the favorable change in our + situation, which we had observed for the last few days, might lead to + something still more beneficial, although we saw little prospect of escape + from the raging pestilence, except through the immediate interposition of + divine Providence, or by a removal from the scene of contagion.” + </p> + <p> + <i>Note</i>. From the <i>New Jersey Gazette</i>, July 24th, 1782. “New + London. July 21st. We are informed that Sir Guy Carleton has visited all + the prison ships at New York, minutely examined into the situation of the + prisoners, and expressed his intention of having them better provided for. + That they were to be landed on Blackwell’s Island, in New York harbour, in + the daytime, during the hot season.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. — THE EXCHANGE + </h2> + <p> + “Soon after Captain Aborn had been permitted to go to Long Island on his + parole, he sent a message on board the Jersey, informing us that his + parole had been extended so far as to allow him to return home, but that + he should visit us previous to his departure. He requested our First + Lieutenant, Mr. John Tillinghast, to provide a list of the names of those + captured in the Chance who had died, and also a list of the survivors, + noting where each survivor was then confined, whether on board the Jersey, + or one of the Hospital ships. + </p> + <p> + “He also requested that those of our number who wished to write to their + friends at home, would have their letters ready for delivery to him, + whenever he should come on board. The occupants of the Gun-room, and such + of the other prisoners as could procure the necessary materials were, + therefore, soon busily engaged in writing as particular descriptions of + our situation as they thought it prudent to do, without the risk of the + destruction of the letters; as we were always obliged to submit our + writing for inspection previous to its being allowed to pass from the + ship. We, however, afterwards regretted that on this occasion our + descriptions were not more minute, as these letters were not examined. + </p> + <p> + “The next day Captain Aborn came on board, accompanied by several other + persons, who had also been liberated on parole; but they came no nearer to + the prisoners than the head of the gangway-ladder, and passed through the + door of the barricade to the Quarter-deck. This was perhaps a necessary + precaution against the contagion, as they were more liable to be affected + by it than if they had always remained on board; but we were much + disappointed at not having an opportunity to speak to them. Our letters + were delivered to Captain Aborn by our Lieutenant, through whom he sent us + assurances of his determination to do everything in his power for our + relief, and that if a sufficient number of British prisoners could be + procured, every survivor of his vessel’s crew should be exchanged; and if + this could not be effected we might depend upon receiving clothing and + such other necessary articles as could be sent for our use. + </p> + <p> + “About this time some of the sick were sent on shore on Blackwell’s + Island. This was considered a great indulgence. I endeavored to obtain + leave to join them by feigning sickness, but did not succeed. + </p> + <p> + “The removal of the sick was a great relief to us, as the air was less + foul between decks, and we had more room for motion. Some of the bunks + were removed, and the sick were carried on shore as soon as their + condition was known. Still, however, the pestilence did not abate on + board, as the weather was extremely warm. In the daytime the heat was + excessive, but at night it was intolerable. + </p> + <p> + “But we lived on hope, knowing that, in all probability, our friends at + home had ere then been apprised of our condition, and that some relief + might perhaps be soon afforded us. + </p> + <p> + “Such was our situation when, one day, a short time before sunset, we + described a sloop approaching us, with a white flag at her mast-head, and + knew, by that signal, that she was a Cartel, and from the direction in + which she came supposed her to be from some of the Eastern States. She did + not approach near enough to satisfy our curiosity, until we were ordered + below for the night. + </p> + <p> + “Long were the hours of the night to the survivors of our crew. Slight as + was the foundation on which our hopes had been raised, we had clung to + them as our last resource. No sooner were the gratings removed in the + morning than we were all upon deck, gazing at the Cartel. Her deck was + crowded with men, whom we supposed to be British prisoners. In a few + moments they began to enter the Commissary’s boats, and proceeded to New + York. + </p> + <p> + “In the afternoon a boat from the Cartel came alongside the hulk, having + on board the Commissary of Prisoners, and by his side sat our townsman, + Captain William Corey, who came on board with the joyful information that + the sloop was from Providence with English prisoners to be exchanged for + the crew of the Chance. The number which she had brought was forty, being + more than sufficient to redeem every survivor of our crew then on board + the Jersey. + </p> + <p> + “I immediately began to prepare for my departure. Having placed the few + articles of clothing which I possessed in a bag (for, by one of our + By-laws, no prisoner, when liberated, could remove his chest) I proceeded + to dispose of my other property on board, and after having made sundry + small donations of less value, I concluded by giving my tin kettle to one + of my friends, and to another the remnant of my cleft of firewood. + </p> + <p> + “I then hurried to the upper deck, in order to be ready to answer to my + name, well knowing that I should hear no second call, and that no delay + would be allowed. + </p> + <p> + “The Commissary and Captain Corey were standing together on the + Quarter-deck; and as the list of names was read, our Lieutenant, Mr. + Tillinghast, was directed to say whether the person called was one of the + crew of the Chance. As soon as this assurance was given, the individual + was ordered to pass down the Accommodation ladder into the boat. + Cheerfully was the word ‘Here!’ responded by each survivor as his name was + called. My own turn at length came, and the Commissary pointed to the + boat. I never moved with a lighter step, for that moment was the happiest + of my life. In the excess and overflowing of my joy, I even forgot, for + awhile, the detestable character of the Commissary himself, and even, + Heaven forgive me! bestowed a bow upon him as I passed. + </p> + <p> + “We took our stations in the boat in silence. No congratulations were + heard among us. Our feelings were too deep for utterance. For my own part, + I could not refrain from bursting into tears of joy. + </p> + <p> + “Still there were moments when it seemed impossible that we were in + reality without the limits of the Old Jersey. We dreaded the idea that + some unforeseen event might still detain us; and shuddered with the + apprehension that we might yet be returned to our dungeons. + </p> + <p> + “When the Cartel arrived the surviving number of our crew on board the Old + Jersey was but thirty-five. This fact being well known to Mr. Tillinghast, + and finding that the Cartel had brought forty prisoners, he allowed five + of our comrades in the Gun-room to answer to the names of the same number + of our crew who had died; and having disguised them in the garb of common + seamen, they passed unsuspected. + </p> + <p> + “It was nearly sunset when we had all arrived on board the Cartel. No + sooner had the exchange been completed than the Commissary left us, with + our prayers that we might never behold him more. I then cast my eyes + towards the hulk, as the horizontal rays of the sunset glanced on her + polluted sides, where, from the bend upwards, filth of every description + had been permitted to accumulate for years; and the feeling of disgust + which the sight occasioned was indescribable. The multitude on her + Spar-deck and Fore-castle were in motion, and in the act of descending for + the night; presenting the same appearance that met my sight when, nearly + five months before, I had, at the same hour, approached her as a + prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + It appears that many other seamen on board the Jersey and the Hospital + ships were exchanged as a good result of the Memorial addressed to General + Washington. An issue of the <i>Royal Gazette</i> of New York, published on + the 17th of July, 1782, contains the following statement: + </p> + <p> + “The following is a Statement of the Navy Prisoners who have, within the + last few days, been exchanged and brought to this city, viz: + </p> + <p> + “From Boston, 102 British Seamen. “From Rhode Island, 40 British Seamen. + “From New London, Conn., 84 British Seamen. “From Baltimore, Md, 23 + British Seamen. “Total 249. + </p> + <p> + “The exertions of those American Captains who published to the world in + this <i>Gazette</i>, dated July 3rd, the real state and condition of their + countrymen, prisoners here, and the true cause of their durance and + sufferings, we are informed was greatly conducive to the bringing this + exchange into a happy effect. We have only to lament that the endeavors of + those who went, for the same laudable purpose, to Philadelphia, have not + hitherto been so fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + This was published before the release of Captain Dring and the crew of the + Chance, and shows that they were not the only prisoners who were so happy + as to be exchanged that summer. It is possible that the crew of the Chance + is referred to in this extract from the <i>Pennsylvania Packet</i>, + Philadelphia, Thursday, August 15th, 1782: “Providence, July 27th. Sunday + last a flag of truce returned here from New York, and brought 39 + prisoners.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. — THE CARTEL—CAPTAIN DRING’S NARRATIVE + (CONTINUED) + </h2> + <p> + “On his arrival in Providence Captain Aborn had lost no time in making the + details of our sufferings publicly known; and a feeling of deep + commiseration was excited among our fellow citizens. Messrs. Clarke and + Nightingale, the former owners of the Chance, in conjunction with other + gentlemen, expressed their determination to spare no exertion or expense + necessary to procure our liberty. It was found that forty British + prisoners were at that time in Boston. These were immediately procured, + and marched to Providence, where a sloop owned and commanded by a Captain + Gladding of Bristol was chartered, to proceed with the prisoners forthwith + to New York, that they might be exchanged for an equal number of our crew. + Captain Corey was appointed as an Agent to effect the exchange, and to + receive us from the Jersey; and having taken on board a supply of good + provisions and water, he hastened to our relief. He received much + assistance in effecting his object from our townsman, Mr. John Creed, at + that time Deputy Commissary of Prisoners. I do not recollect the exact day + of our deliverance, but think it was early in the month of October * * * + We were obliged to pass near the shore of Blackwell’s Island, where were + several of our crew, who had been sent on shore among the sick. They had + learned that the Cartel had arrived from Providence for the purpose of + redeeming the crew of the Chance, and expected to be taken on board. + Seeing us approaching they had, in order to cause no delay, prepared for + their departure, and stood together on the shore, with their bundles in + their hands; but, to their unutterable disappointment and dismay, they saw + us pass by. We knew them and bitterly did we lament the necessity of + leaving them behind. We could only wave our hands as we passed; but they + could not return the salutation, and stood as if petrified with horror, + like statues fixed immovably to the earth, until we had vanished from + their sight. + </p> + <p> + “I have since seen and conversed with one of these unfortunate men, who + afterwards made his escape. He informed me that their removal from the + Jersey to the Island was productive of the most beneficial effects upon + their health, and that they had been exulting at the improvement of their + condition; but their terrible disappointment overwhelmed them with + despair. They then considered their fate inevitable, believing that in a + few days they must again be conveyed on board the hulk; there to undergo + all the agonies of a second death. * * * Several of our crew were sick + when we entered the Cartel, and the sudden change of air and diet caused + some new cases of fever. One of our number, thus seized by the fever, was + a young man named Bicknell of Barrington, R. I. He was unwell when we left + the Jersey, and his symptoms indicated the approaching fever; and when we + entered Narragansett Bay, he was apparently dying. Being informed that we + were in the Bay he begged to be taken on deck, or at least to the + hatchway, that he might look once more upon his native land. He said that + he was sensible of his condition; that the hand of death was upon him; but + that he was consoled by the thought that he should be decently interred, + and be suffered to rest among his friends and kindred. I was astonished at + the degree of resignation and composure with which he spoke. He pointed to + his father’s house, as we approached it, and said it contained all that + was dear to him upon earth. He requested to be put on shore. + </p> + <p> + “Our Captain was intimately acquainted with the family of the sufferer; + and as the wind was light we dropped our anchor, and complied with his + request. He was placed in the boat, where I took a seat by his side; in + order to support him; and, with two boys at the oars, we left the sloop. + In a few minutes his strength began rapidly to fail. He laid his fainting + head upon my shoulder, and said he was going to the shore to be buried + with his ancestors; that this had long been his ardent desire, and that + God had heard his prayers. No sooner had we touched the shore than one of + the boys was sent to inform his family of the event. They hastened to the + boat to receive their long lost son and brother, but we could only give + them his yet warm and lifeless corpse.” + </p> + <p> + OUR ARRIVAL HOME + </p> + <p> + “After remaining a few moments with the friends of our deceased comrade we + returned to the sloop and proceeded up the river. It was about eight + o’clock in the evening when we reached Providence. There were no + quarantine regulations to detain us; but, as the yellow fever was raging + among us, we took the precaution to anchor in the middle of the stream. It + was a beautiful moonlit evening, and the intelligence of our arrival + having spread through the town, the nearest wharf was in a short time + crowded with people drawn together by curiosity, and a desire for + information relative to the fate of their friends and connections. + </p> + <p> + “Continual inquiries were made from the anxious crowd on the land + respecting the condition of several different individuals on board. At + length the information was given that some of our number were below, sick + with the yellow fever. No sooner was this fact announced than the wharf + was totally deserted, and in a few moments not a human being remained in + sight. The Old Jersey fever as it was called, was well known throughout + the whole country. All were acquainted with its terrible effects; and it + was shunned as if its presence were certain destruction. + </p> + <p> + “After the departure of the crowd, the sloop was brought alongside the + wharf, and every one who could walk immediately sprang on shore. So great + was the dread of the pestilence, and so squalid and emaciated were the + figures which we presented, that those among us whose families did not + reside in Providence found it almost impossible to gain admittance into + any dwelling. There being at that time no hospital in or near the town, + and no preparations having been made for the reception of the sick, they + were abandoned for that night. They were, however, supplied in a few hours + with many small articles necessary for their immediate comfort, by the + humane people in the vicinity of the wharf. The friends of the sick who + belonged in the vicinity of the town were immediately informed of our + arrival, and in the course of the following day these were removed from + the vessel. For the remainder of the sufferers ample provision was made + through the generous exertions of Messrs. Clarke and Nightingale. + </p> + <p> + “Solemn indeed are the reflections which crowd upon my mind as I review + the events which are here recorded. Forty-two years have passed away since + this remnant of our ill-fated crew were thus liberated from their wasting + captivity. In that time what changes have taken place! Of their whole + number but three are now alive. James Pitcher, Dr. Joseph Bowen, and + myself, are the sole survivors. Of the officers I alone remain.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. — CORRESPONDENCE OF WASHINGTON AND OTHERS + </h2> + <p> + General Washington cannot with justice be blamed for any part of the + sufferings inflicted upon the naval prisoners on board the prison ships. + Although he had nothing whatever to do with the American Navy, or the + crews of privateers captured by the British, yet he exerted himself in + every way open to him to endeavor to obtain their exchange, or, at least, + a mitigation of their sufferings, and this in spite of the immense weight + of cares and anxieties that devolved upon him in his conduct of the war. + Much of his correspondence on the subject of these unfortunate prisoners + has been given to the world. We deem it necessary, in a work of this + character, to reproduce some of it here, not only because this + correspondence is his most perfect vindication from the charge of neglect + that has been brought against him, but also because it has much to do with + the proper understanding of this chronicle. + </p> + <p> + One of the first of the letters from which we shall quote was written by + Washington from his headquarters to Admiral Arbuthnot, then stationed at + New York, on the 25th of January 1781. + </p> + <p> + Sir: + </p> + <p> + Through a variety of channels, representations of too serious a nature to + be disregarded have come to us, that the American naval prisoners in the + harbor of New York are suffering all the extremity of distress, from a too + crowded and in all respects disagreeable and unwholesome situation, on + board the Prison-ships, and from the want of food and other necessaries. + The picture given us of their sufferings is truly calamitous and + deplorable. If just, it is the obvious interest of both parties, omitting + the plea of humanity, that the causes should be without delay inquired + into and removed; and if false, it is equally desirable that effectual + measures should be taken to obviate misapprehensions. This can only be + done by permitting an officer, of confidence on both sides, to visit the + prisoners in their respective confinements, and to examine into their true + condition. This will either at once satisfy you that by some abuse of + trust in the persons immediately charged with the care of the prisoners, + their treatment is really such as has been described to us and requires a + change; or it will convince us that the clamors are ill-grounded. A + disposition to aggravate the miseries of captivity is too illiberal to be + imputed to any but those subordinate characters, who, in every service, + are too often remiss and unprincipled. This reflection assures me that you + will acquiesce in the mode proposed for ascertaining the truth and + detecting delinquency on one side, or falsehood on the other. The + discussions and asperities which have had too much place on the subject of + prisoners are so irksome in themselves, and have had so many ill + consequences, that it is infinitely to be wished that there may be no room + given for reviving them. The mode I have suggested appears to me + calculated to bring the present case to a fair, direct, and satisfactory + issue. I am not sensible of any inconvenience it can be attended with, and + I therefore hope for your concurrence. + </p> + <p> + I should be glad, as soon as possible, to hear from you on the subject. + </p> + <p> + I have the honor to be, etc., George Washington. + </p> + <p> + To this letter, written in January, Admiral Arbuthnot did not reply until + the latter part of April. He then wrote: + </p> + <p> + Royal Oak Office April 2lst. 1781. + </p> + <p> + Sir: + </p> + <p> + If I had not been very busy when I received your letter dated the 25 of + Jan. last, complaining of the treatment of the naval prisoners at this + place, I certainly should have answered it before this time; and, + notwithstanding that I then thought, as I now do, that my own testimony + would have been sufficient to put the truth past a doubt, I ordered the + strictest scrutiny to be made into the condition of all parties concerned + in the victualling and treatment of those unfortunate people. Their + several testimonies you must have seen, and I give you my honor that the + transaction was conducted with such strict care and impartiality that you + may rely on its validity. + </p> + <p> + Permit me now, Sir, to request that you will take the proper steps to + cause Mr. Bradford, your Commissary, and the Jailor at Philadelphia, to + abate the inhumanity which they exercise indiscriminately upon all people + who are so unfortunate as to be carried into that place. + </p> + <p> + I will not trouble you, Sir, with a catalogue of grievances, further than + to request that the unfortunate may feel as little of the severities of + war as the circumstances of the time will permit, that in future they may + not be fed in winter with salted clams, and that they may be afforded a + sufficiency of fuel. + </p> + <p> + I am, Sir, your most obdt and hble srvt M. Arbuthnot. + </p> + <p> + Probably the American prisoners would have been glad to eat salted clams, + rather than diseased pork, and, as has been shown, they were sometimes + frozen to death on board the prison ships, where no fire except for + cooking purposes seems ever to have been allowed. + </p> + <p> + In August, 1781, a committee appointed by Congress to examine into the + condition of naval prisoners reported among other things as follows: “The + Committee consisting of Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Clymer, appointed to + take into consideration the state of the American prisoners in the power + of the enemy report: + </p> + <p> + “That they have collected together and cursorily looked into various + evidences of the treatment our unhappy fellow-citizens, prisoners with the + enemy, have heretofore and do still meet with, and find the subject of so + important and serious a nature as to demand much greater attention, and + fuller consideration than the present distant situation of those confined + on board the Prison-ships at New York will now admit of, wherefor they beg + leave to make a partial representation, and desire leave to sit again. * * + *” + </p> + <p> + PART OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE + </p> + <p> + “A very large number of marine prisoners and citizens of these United + States taken by the enemy, are now closely confined on board Prison-ships + in the harbor of New York. + </p> + <p> + “That the said Prison-ships are so unequal in size to the number of + prisoners, as not to admit of a possibility of preserving life in this + warm season of the year, they being crowded together in such a manner as + to be in danger of suffocation, as well as exposed to every kind of + putrid, pestilential disorder: + </p> + <p> + “That no circumstances of the enemy’s particular situation can justify + this outrage on humanity, it being contrary to the usage and customs of + civilizations, thus deliberately to murder their captives in cold blood, + as the enemy will not assert that Prison-ships, equal to the number of + prisoners, cannot be obtained so as to afford room sufficient for the + necessary purposes of life: + </p> + <p> + “That the enemy do daily improve these distresses to enlist and compel + many of our citizens to enter on board their ships of war, and thus to + fight against their fellow citizens, and dearest connections. + </p> + <p> + “That the said Marine prisoners, until they can be exchanged should be + supplied with such necessaries of clothing and provisions as can be + obtained to mitigate their present sufferings. + </p> + <p> + “That, therefor, the Commander-in-chief be and he is hereby instructed to + remonstrate to the proper officer within the enemy’s lines, on the said + unjustifiable treatment of our Marine prisoners, and demand, in the most + express terms, to know the reasons of this unnecessary severity towards + them; and that the Commander-in-chief transmit such answer as may be + received thereon to Congress, that decided measures for due retaliation + may be adopted, if a redress of these evils be not immediately given. + </p> + <p> + “That the Commander-in-chief be and he is hereby also instructed to direct + to supply the said prisoners with such provisions and light clothing for + their present more comfortable subsistence as may be in his power to + obtain, and in such manner as he may judge most advantageous for the + United States.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Washington wrote to the officer then commanding at New York, + Commodore Affleck, as follows: + </p> + <p> + Headquarters, August 21 1781 + </p> + <p> + Sir: + </p> + <p> + The almost daily complaints of the severities exercised towards the + American marine prisoners in New York have induced the Hon. the Congress + of the United States to direct me to remonstrate to the commanding officer + of his British Majesty’s ships of war in the harbor upon the subject; and + to report to them his answer. The principal complaint now is, the + inadequacy of the room in the Prison-ships to the number of prisoners, + confined on board of them, which causes the death of many, and is the + occasion of most intolerable inconvenience and distresses to those who + survive. This line of conduct is the more aggravating, as the want of a + greater number of Prison-ships, or of sufficient room on shore, can hardly + be pleaded in excuse. + </p> + <p> + As a bare denial of what has been asserted by so many individuals who have + unfortunately experienced the miseries I have mentioned, will not be + satisfactory, I have to propose that our Commissary-general of prisoners, + or any other officer, who shall be agreed upon, shall have liberty to + visit the ships, inspect the situation of the prisoners, and make a + report, from an exact survey of the situation in which they may be found, + whether, in his opinion, there has been any just cause of complaint. + </p> + <p> + I shall be glad to be favored with an answer as soon as convenient. + </p> + <p> + I have the honor to be yr most obdt srvt George Washington + </p> + <p> + AFFLECK’S REPLY + </p> + <p> + New York 30 August 1781 + </p> + <p> + Sir: + </p> + <p> + I intend not either to deny or to assert, for it will neither facilitate + business, nor alleviate distress. The subject of your letter seems to turn + on two points, namely the inconvenience and distresses which the American + prisoners suffer from the inadequacy of room in the Prison-ships, which + occasions the death of many of them, as you are told; and that a + Commissary-general of prisoners from you should have liberty to visit the + ships, inspect the situation of the prisoners, and make a report from an + actual survey. I take leave to assure you that I feel for the distresses + of mankind as much as any man; and since my commission to the naval + command of the department, one of my principal endeavors has been to + regulate the Prison and hospital ships. + </p> + <p> + The Government having made no other provision for naval prisoners than + shipping, it is impossible that the greater inconvenience which people + confined on board ships experience beyond those confined on shore can be + avoided, and a sudden accumulation of people often aggravates the evil. + </p> + <p> + But I assure you that every attention is shown that is possible, and that + the Prison-ships are under the very same Regulations here that have been + constantly observed towards the prisoners of all nations in Europe. Tables + of diet are publicly affixed; officers visit every week, redress and + report grievances, and the numbers are thinned as they can provide + shipping, and no attention has been wanting. + </p> + <p> + The latter point cannot be admitted to its full extent; but if you think + fit to send an officer of character to the lines for that purpose, he will + be conducted to me, and he shall be accompanied by an officer, and become + a witness to the manner in which we treat the prisoners, and I shall + expect to have my officer visit the prisoners detained in your jails and + dungeons in like manner, as well as in the mines, where I am informed many + an unhappy victim languishes out his days. I must remark, had Congress + ever been inclined, they might have contributed to relieve the distress of + those whom we are under the necessity of holding as prisoners, by sending + in all in their possession towards the payment of the large debt they owe + us on that head, which might have been an inducement towards liberating + many now in captivity. I have the honor to be, Sir, with due respect, etc, + </p> + <p> + Edmund Affleck + </p> + <p> + Much correspondence passed between the English and American Commissaries + of Prisoners, as well as between Washington and the commanding officer at + New York on the subject of the naval prisoners, but little good seems to + have been effected thereby until late in the war, when negotiations for + peace had almost progressed to a finish. We have seen that, in the summer + of 1782, the hard conditions on board the prison ships were in some + measure mitigated, and that the sick were sent to Blackwell’s Island, + where they had a chance for life. We might go on presenting much more of + the correspondence on both sides, and detail all the squabbles about the + number of prisoners exchanged; their treatment while in prison; and other + subjects of dispute, but the conclusion of the whole matter was eloquently + written in the sands of the Wallabout, where the corpses of thousands of + victims to British cruelty lay for so many years. We will therefore give + only a few further extracts from the correspondence and reports on the + subject, as so much of it was tedious and barren of any good result. + </p> + <p> + In December of the year 1781 Washington, on whom the duty devolved of + writing so many of the letters, and receiving so many insulting replies, + wrote to the President of Congress as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I have taken the liberty of enclosing the copies of two letters from the + Commissary-general of Prisoners setting forth the debt which is due from + us on account of naval prisoners; the number remaining in captivity, their + miserable situation, and the little probability there is of procuring + their release for the want of proper subjects in our hands. + </p> + <p> + “Before we proceed into an inquiry into the measures that ought to be + adopted to enable us to pay our debt, and to affect the exchange of those + who still remain in captivity, a matter which it may take some time to + determine, humanity and policy point out the necessity of administering to + the pressing wants of a number of the most valuable subjects of the + republic. + </p> + <p> + “Had they been taken in the Continental service, I should have thought + myself authorized in conjunction with the Minister of War to apply a + remedy, but as the greater part of them were not thus taken, as appears by + Mr. Skinner’s representation, I must await the decision of Congress upon + the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Had a system, some time ago planned by Congress and recommended to the + several States, been adopted and carried fully into execution, I mean that + of obliging all Captains of private vessels to deliver over their + prisoners to the Continental Commissioners upon certain conditions, I am + persuaded that the numbers taken and brought into the many ports of the + United States would have amounted to a sufficiency to have exchanged those + taken from us; but instead of that, it is to be feared, that few in + proportion were secured, and that the few who are sent in, are so + partially applied, that it creates great disgust in those remaining. The + consequence of which is, that conceiving themselves neglected, and seeing + no prospect of relief, many of them entered into the enemy’s service, to + the very great loss of our trading interest. Congress will, therefore, I + hope, see the necessity of renewing their former, or making some similar + recommendation to the States. + </p> + <p> + “In addition to the motives above mentioned, for wishing that the whole + business of prisoners of war might be brought under one general + regulation, there is another of no small consideration, which is, that it + would probably put a stop to those mutual complaints of ill treatment + which are frequently urged on each part. For it is a fact that, for above + two years, we have had no occasion to complain of the treatment of the + Continental land prisoners in New York, neither have we been charged with + any improper conduct towards those in our hands. I consider the sufferings + of the seamen, for some time past, as arising in great measure from the + want of that general regulation which has been spoken of, and without + which there will constantly be a great number remaining in the hands of + the enemy. * * *” + </p> + <p> + Again in February of the year 1782 Washington wrote to Congress from + Philadelphia as follows: + </p> + <p> + Feb. 18, 1782. + </p> + <p> + * * * “Mr. Sproat’s proposition of the exchange of British soldiers for + American seamen, if acceded to, will immediately give the enemy a very + considerable re-enforcement, and will be a constant draft hereafter upon + the prisoners of war in our hands. It ought also to be considered that few + or none of the Continental naval prisoners in New York or elsewhere belong + to the Continental service. I, however, feel for the situation of these + unfortunate people, and wish to see them relieved by any mode, which will + not materially affect the public good. In some former letters upon this + subject I have mentioned a plan, by which I am certain they might be + liberated nearly as fast as they are captured. It is by obliging the + Captains of all armed vessels, both public and private, to throw their + prisoners into common stock, under the direction of the Commissary-general + of prisoners. By this means they would be taken care of, and regularly + applied to the exchange of those in the hands of the enemy. Now the + greater part are dissipated, and the few that remain are applied + partially. * * *” + </p> + <p> + James Rivington edited a paper in New York during the Revolution, and, in + 1782, the American prisoners on board the Jersey addressed a letter to him + for publication, which is given below. + </p> + <p> + “On Board the Prison-ship Jersey, June 11, 1782. + </p> + <p> + “Sir: + </p> + <p> + Enclosed are five letters, which if you will give a place in your + newspaper will greatly oblige a number of poor prisoners who seem to be + deserted by our own countrymen, who has it in their power, and will not + exchange us. In behalf of the whole we beg leave to subscribe ourselves, + Sir, yr much obliged srvts, + </p> + <p> + “John Cooper “John Sheffield “William Chad “Richard Eccleston “John Baas” + </p> + <p> + ENCLOSURES OF THE FOREGOING LETTER + </p> + <p> + David Sproat, Commissary of Prisoners, to the prisoners on board the + Jersey, New York. + </p> + <p> + “June 11 1782 + </p> + <p> + “This will be handed you by Captain Daniel Aborn, and Dr, Joseph Bowen, + who, agreeable to your petition to his Excellency, Rear-Admiral Digby, + have been permitted to go out, and are now returned from General + Washington’s Head-quarters, where they delivered your petition to him, + representing your disagreeable situation at this extreme hot season of the + year, and in your names solicited his Excellency to grant your speedy + relief, by exchanging you for a part of the British <i>soldiers</i> in his + hands, the only possible means in his power to effect it. Mr. Aborn and + the Doctor waits on you with his answer, which I am sorry to say is a flat + denial. + </p> + <p> + “Enclosed I send you copies of three letters which have passed between Mr. + Skinner and me, on the occasion, which will convince you that everything + has been done on the part of Admiral Digby, to bring about a fair and + general exchange of prisoners on both sides. I am + </p> + <p> + “your most hble Srvt, “David Sproat “Comm. Gen. for Naval Prisoners.” + </p> + <p> + ENCLOSURES SENT BY D. SPROAT + </p> + <p> + David Sproat to Abraham Skinner, American Commissary of Prisoners. + </p> + <p> + New York lst June 1782 + </p> + <p> + “Sir: + </p> + <p> + “When I last saw you at Elizabeth Town I mentioned the bad consequences + which, in all probability, would take place in the hot weather if an + exchange of prisoners was not agreed to by the commissioners on the part + of General Washington. His Excellency Rear-Admiral Digby has ordered me to + inform you, that the very great increase of prisoners and heat of the + weather now baffles all our care and attention to keep them healthy. Five + ships have been taken up for their reception, to prevent being crowded, + and a great number permitted to go on parole. + </p> + <p> + “In Winter, and during the cold weather, they lived comfortably, being + fully supplied with warm cloathing, blankets, etc, purchased with the + money which I collected from the charitable people of this city; but now + the weather requires a fresh supply—something light and suitable for + the season—for which you will be pleased to make the necessary + provision, as it is impossible for them to be healthy in the rags they now + wear, without a single shift of cloathing to keep themselves clean. + Humanity, sympathy, my duty and orders obliges me to trouble you again on + this disagreeable subject, to request you will lose no time in laying + their situation before his Excellency General Washington, who, I hope, + will listen to the cries of a distressed people, and grant them, (as well + as the British prisoners in his hands) relief, by consenting to a general + and immediate exchange. + </p> + <p> + “I am, sir, etc, “David Sproat.” + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to point out to the intelligent reader the + inconsistencies in this letter. The comfortable prisoners, abundantly + supplied with blankets and clothing in the winter by the charity of the + citizens of New York, were so inconsiderate as to go on starving and + freezing to death throughout that season. Not only so, but their abundant + supply of clothing was reduced to tattered rags in a surprisingly short + time, and they were unable to be healthy, “without a single shift of + clothing to keep themselves clean.” + </p> + <p> + We have already seen to what straits they were in reality reduced, in + spite of the private charity of the citizens of New York. We do not doubt + that the few blankets and other new clothing, if any such were ever sent + on board the Jersey, were the gifts of private charity, and not the + donation of the British Government. + </p> + <p> + No one, we believe, can blame General Washington for his unwillingness to + add to the British forces arrayed against his country by exchanging the + captured troops in the hands of the Americans for the crews of American + privateers, who were not in the Continental service. As we have already + seen, the blame does not rest with that great commander, whose compassion + never blinded his judgment, but with the captains and owners of American + privateers themselves, and often with the towns of New England, who were + unwilling to burden themselves with prisoners taken on the ocean. + </p> + <p> + The next letter we will quote is the answer of Commissary Skinner to David + Sproat: + </p> + <p> + “New York June 9th. 1782 + </p> + <p> + “Sir: + </p> + <p> + From the present situation of the American naval prisoners on board your + prison-ships, I am induced to propose to you the exchange of as many as I + can give you British naval prisoners for, leaving the balance already due + you to be paid when in our power. I could wish this to be represented to + his Excellency, Rear Admiral Digby, and that the proposal could be acceded + to, as it would relieve many of these distrest men and be consistent with + the humane purposes of our office. + </p> + <p> + “I will admit that we are unable at present to give you seaman for seaman, + and thereby relieve the prison-ships of their dreadful burthen, but it + ought to be remembered there is a large balance of British soldiers due to + the United States, since February last, and that as we have it in our + power we may be disposed to place the British soldiers who are now in our + possession in as disagreeable a situation as those men are on board the + prison ships. + </p> + <p> + “I am yr obdt hble srvt “Abraham Skinner” + </p> + <p> + COMMISSARY SPROAT’S REPLY + </p> + <p> + “New York June 9th 1782 + </p> + <p> + “Sir: + </p> + <p> + “I have received your letter of this date and laid it before his + Excellency Rear Admiral Digby, Commander in charge, etc, who has directed + me to give for answer that the balance of prisoners, owing to the British + having proceeded, from lenity and humanity, on the part of himself and + those who commanded before his arrival, is surprized you have not been + induced to offer to exchange them first; and until this is done can’t + consent to your proposal of a partial exchange, leaving the remainder as + well as the British prisoners in your hands, to linger in confinement. + Conscious of the American prisoners under my direction, being in every + respect taken as good care of as their situation and ours will admit. You + must not believe that Admiral Digby will depart from the justice of this + measure because you have it in your power to make the British prisoners + with you more miserable than there is any necessity for. I am, Sir, + </p> + <p> + “yr hble servt “David Sproat.” + </p> + <p> + The prisoners on board the Jersey published in the <i>Royal Gazette</i> + the following + </p> + <p> + ADDRESS TO THEIR COUNTRYMEN + </p> + <p> + “Prison Ship Jersey, June 11th 1782 + </p> + <p> + “Friends and Fellow Citizens of America: + </p> + <p> + “You may bid a final adieu to all your friends and relatives who are now + on board the Jersey prison ships at New York, unless you rouse the + government to comply with the just and honorable proposals, which has + already been done on the part of Britons, but alas! it is with pain we + inform you, that our petition to his Excellency General Washington, + offering our services to the country during the present campaign, if he + would send soldiers in exchange for us, is frankly denied. + </p> + <p> + “What is to be done? Are we to lie here and share the fate of our unhappy + brothers who are dying daily? No, unless you relieve us immediately, we + shall be under the necessity of leaving our country, in preservation of + our lives. + </p> + <p> + “Signed in behalf of prisoners + </p> + <p> + “John Cooper “John Sheffield “William Chad “Richard Eccleston “George + Wanton “John Baas. + </p> + <p> + “To Mr James Rivington, Printer N. Y.” + </p> + <p> + This address was reproduced in Hugh Gaines’s <i>New York Gazette</i>, June + 17, 1782. + </p> + <p> + Whether the John Cooper who signed his name to this address is the Mr. + Cooper mentioned by Dring as the orator of the Jersey we do not know, but + it is not improbable. Nine Coopers are included in the list, given in the + appendix to this volume, of prisoners on the Jersey, but no John Cooper is + among them. The list is exceedingly imperfect. Of the other signers of the + address only two, George Wanton and John Sheffield, can be found within + its pages. It is very certain that it is incomplete, and it probably does + not contain more than half the names of the prisoners who suffered on + board that dreadful place. David Sproat won the hatred and contempt of all + the American prisoners who had anything to do with him. One of his most + dastardly acts was the paper which he drew up in June, 1782, and submitted + to a number of American sea captains for their signature, which he + obtained from them by threats of taking away their parole in case of their + refusal, and sending them back to a captivity worse than death. This + paper, <i>which they signed without reading</i> was to the following + effect: + </p> + <p> + LETTER PURPORTING TO BE FROM A COMMITTEE OF CAPTAINS, NAVAL PRISONERS OF + WAR TO J. RIVINGTON, WITH A REPRESENTATION OF A COMMITTEE ON THE CONDITION + OF THE PRISONERS ON BOARD THE JERSEY + </p> + <p> + New York, June 22, 1782. + </p> + <p> + Sir: + </p> + <p> + We beg you will be pleased to give the inclosed Report and Resolve of a + number of Masters of American Vessels, a place in your next Newspaper, for + the information of the public. In order to undeceive numbers of our + countrymen without the British lines, who have not had an opportunity of + seeing the state and situation of the prisoners of New York as we have + done. We are, Sir, + </p> + <p> + yr most obdt, hble srvts, + </p> + <p> + Robert Harris, Captain of the sloop Industry John Chace Charles Collins, + Captain of the Sword-fish Philemon Haskell Jonathan Carnes + </p> + <p> + REPORT + </p> + <p> + We whose names are hereunto subscribed, late Masters of American vessels, + which have been captured by the British cruisers and brought into this + port, having obtained the enlargement of our paroles from Admiral Digby, + to return to our respective homes, being anxious before our departure to + know the true state and situation of the prisoners confined on board the + prison ships and hospital ships for that purpose, have requested and + appointed six of our number, viz, R. Harris, J. Chace, Ch. Collins, P. + Haskell, J. Carnes and Christopher Smith, to go on board the said prison + ships for that purpose and the said six officers aforesaid having gone on + board five of the vessels, attended by Mr. D. Sproat, Com. Gen. for Naval + Prisoners, and Mr. George Rutherford, Surgeon to the hospital ships, do + report to us that they have found them in as comfortable a situation as it + is possible for prisoners to be on board of ships at this season of the + year, and much more so than they had any idea of, and that anything said + to the contrary is false and without foundation. That they inspected their + beef, pork, flour, bread, oatmeal, pease, butter, liquors, and indeed + every species of provisions which is issued on board his British Majesty’s + ships of war, and found them all good of their kind, which survey being + made before the prisoners, they acknowledged the same and declared they + had no complaint to make but the want of cloaths and a speedy exchange. We + therefore from this report and what we have all seen and known, <i>Do + Declare</i> that great commendation is due to his Excellency Rear Admiral + Digby, for his humane disposition and indulgence to his prisoners, and + also to those he entrusts the care of them to; viz: To the Captain and + officers of his Majesty’s prison-ship Jersey, for their attention in + preserving good order, having the ship kept clean and awnings spread over + <i>the whole</i> of her, fore and aft: To Dr Rutherford, and the Gentlemen + acting under him * * *, for their constant care and attendance on the + sick, whom we found in wholesome, clean sheets, also covered with awnings, + fore and aft, every man furnished with a cradle, bed, and sheets, made of + good Russia linen, to lay in; the best of fresh provisions, vegetables, + wine, rice, barley, etc, which was served out to them. And we further do + declare in justice to Mr. Sproat, and the gentlemen acting under him in + his department, that they conscientiously do their duty with great + humanity and indulgence to the prisoners, and reputation to themselves; + And we unanimously do agree that nothing is wanting to preserve the lives + and health of those unfortunate prisoners but clean cloaths and a speedy + exchange, which testimony we freely give without restriction and covenant + each with the other to endeavor to effect their exchange as soon as + possible: + </p> + <p> + For the remembrance of this our engagement we have furnished ourselves + with copies of this instrument of writing. Given under our hands in New + York the 22 of June, 1782. + </p> + <p> + Signed: + </p> + <p> + Robert Harris John Chace Charles Collins Philemon Haskell ]. Carnes + Christopher Smith James Gaston John Tanner Daniel Aborn Richard Mumford + Robert Clifton John McKeever Dr. J. Bowen. + </p> + <p> + The publication of this infamously false circular roused much indignation + among patriotic Americans, and no one believed it a trustworthy statement. + The <i>Independent Chronicle</i>, in its issue for August, 1782, had the + following refutation: [Footnote: This letter is said to have been written + by Captain Manly, <i>five times</i> a prisoner during the Revolution.] + </p> + <p> + “Mr Printer: + </p> + <p> + “Happening to be at Mr. Bracket’s tavern last Saturday, and hearing two + gentlemen conversing on the surprising alteration in regard to the + treatment our prisoners met with in New York, and as I have had the + misfortune to be more than once a prisoner in England, and in different + prison-ships in New York, and having suffered everything but death, I + cannot help giving all attention to anything I hear or read relative to + the treatment our brave countrymen met with on board the prison-ships of + New York. One of the gentlemen observed that the treatment of our + prisoners must certainly be much better, as so many of our commanders had + signed a paper that was wrote by Mr. David Sproat, the commissary of naval + prisoners in New York. The other gentleman answered and told him he could + satisfy him in regard to the matter, having seen and conversed with + several of the Captains that signed Mr. Sproat’s paper, who told him that, + although they had put their names to the paper that Mr. Sproat sent them + on Long Island, where they were upon parole, yet it was upon these + conditions they did it: in order to have leave to go home to their wives + and families, and not be sent on board the prison-ships, as Mr. Sproat had + threatened to do if they refused to sign the paper that he sent them. + These captains further said, that they did not read the paper nor hear it + read. The gentleman then asked them how they could sign their names to a + paper they did not read; they said it was because they might go home upon + parole. He asked one of them why he did not contradict it since it had + appeared in the public papers, and was false: he said he dare not at + present, for fear of being recalled and sent on board the prison-ship, and + there end his days: but as soon as he was exchanged he would do it. If + this gentleman, through fear, dare not contradict such a piece of + falsehood, I dare, and if I was again confined on board the prison-ship in + New York, dare again take the boat and make my escape, although at the + risk of my life. + </p> + <p> + “Some of the captains went on board the prison-ship with Mr. Sproat, a few + moments, but did not go off the deck. + </p> + <p> + “In justice to myself and country I am obliged to publish the above. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Rover.” + </p> + <p> + Besides this refutation of Sproat’s shameful trick there were many others. + The <i>Pennsylvania Packet</i> of Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1782, published an + affidavit of John Kitts, a former prisoner on board the Jersey. + </p> + <p> + “The voluntary affidavit of John Kitts, of the city of Phila., late mate + of the sloop Industry, commanded by Robert Harris, taken before the + subscriber, chief justice of the commonwealth of Pa., the 16th day of + July, 1782.—This deponent saith, that in the month of November last + he was walking in Front St. with the said Harris and saw in his hand a + paper, which he told the deponent that he had received from a certain + Captain Kuhn, who had been lately from New York, where he had been a + prisoner, and that this deponent understood and believed it was a + permission or pass to go to New York with any vessel, as it was blank and + subscribed by Admiral Arbuthnot: that he does not know that the said + Robert Harris ever made any improper use of said paper.” + </p> + <p> + AFFIDAVIT OF JOHN COCHRAN, DENYING THE TRUTH OF THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED + IN THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CAPTAINS + </p> + <p> + From the <i>Pennsylvania Packet</i>, Phila., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1782. + </p> + <p> + “The voluntary Affidavit of John Cochran, of the city of Phila., late mate + of the ship, Admiral Youtman, of Phila., taken before the subscriber, the + 16 day of July, 1782. + </p> + <p> + “The said deponent saith, that he was taken prisoner on board the + aforesaid ship on the 12 of March last by the ship Garland, belonging to + the king of Great Britain, and carried into the city of New York, on the + 15 of the same month, when he was immediately put on board the prison-ship + Jersey, with the whole crew of the Admiral Youtman, and was close confined + there until the first day of this month, when he made his escape; that the + people on board the said prison-ship were very sickly insomuch that he is + firmly persuaded, out of near 1000 persons, perfectly healthy when put on + board the same ship, during the time of his confinement on board, there + are not more than but three or four hundred now alive; that when he made + his escape there were not three hundred men well on board, but upward of + 140 very sick, as he understood and was informed by the physicians: that + there were five or six men buried daily under a bank on the shore, without + coffins; that all the larboard side of the said ship was made use of as a + hospital for the sick, and was so offensive that he was obliged constantly + to hold his nose as he passed from the gun-room up the hatchway; that he + seen maggots creeping out of a wound of one Sullivan’s shoulder, who was + the mate of a vessel out of Virginia; and that his wound remained + undressed for several days together; that every man was put into the hold + a little after sundown every night, and the hatches put over him; and that + the tubs which were kept for the use of the sick * * * were placed under + the ladder from the hatchway to the hold, and so offensive day and night, + that they were almost intolerable, and increased the number of the sick + daily. The deponent further saith, that the bilge water was very injurious + in the hold, was muddy and dirty, and never was changed or sweetened + during the whole time he was there, nor, as he was informed and believes + to be true, for many years before; for fear, as it was reported, the + provisions might be injured thereby; that the sick in the hospital part of + the said ship Jersey, had no sheets of Russia, or any other linen, nor + beds nor bedding furnished them; and those who had no beds of their own, + of whom there were great numbers, were not even allowed a hammock, but + were obliged to lie on the planks; that he was on board the said prison + ship when Captain Robert Harris and others, with David Sproat, the + commissary of prisoners, came on board her, and that none of them went or + attempted to go below decks, in said ship, to see the situation of the + prisoners, nor did they ask a single question respecting the matter, to + this deponent’s knowledge or belief; for that he was present the whole + time they were on board, and further the deponent saith not. + </p> + <p> + “John Cochran” + </p> + <p> + “Theodore McKean C. J. + </p> + <p> + It seems singular that Sproat should have resorted to such a contemptible + trick, which deceived few if any persons, for the reputation of the Jersey + was too notorious for such a refutation to carry weight on either side. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the mortality on board continued, and, by a moderate + computation, two-thirds of her wretched occupants died and were buried on + the shore, their places being taken by fresh victims, from the many + privateers that were captured by the British almost daily. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. — GENERAL WASHINGTON AND REAR ADMIRAL DIGBY—COMMISSARIES + SPROAT AND + </h2> + <p> + SKINNER + </p> + <p> + Washington’s best vindication against the charge of undue neglect of + American prisoners is found in the correspondence on the subject. We will + therefore give his letter to Rear Admiral Digby, after his interview with + the committee of three sent from the Jersey to complain of their treatment + by the British, and to endeavor to negotiate an exchange. + </p> + <p> + GENERAL WASHINGTON TO REAR ADMIRAL DIGBY + </p> + <p> + Head-Quarters, June 5 1782 + </p> + <p> + Sir: + </p> + <p> + By a parole, granted to two gentlemen, Messrs. Aborn and Bowen, I perceive + that your Excellency granted them permission to come to me with a + representation of the sufferings of the American prisoners at New York. As + I have no agency on Naval matters, this application to me is made on + mistaken grounds. But curiosity leading me to enquire into the nature and + cause of their sufferings, I am informed that the prime complaint is that + of their being crowded, especially at this season, in great numbers on + board of foul and infected prison ships, where disease and death are + almost inevitable. This circumstance I am persuaded needs only to be + mentioned to your Excellency to obtain that redress which is in your power + <i>only</i> to afford, and which humanity so strongly prompts. + </p> + <p> + If the fortune of war, Sir, has thrown a number of these miserable people + into your hands, I am certain your Excellency’s feelings for fellowmen + must induce you to proportion the ships (if they <i>must</i> be confined + on board ships), to their accommodation and comfort, and not, by crowding + them together in a few, bring on disorders which consign them, by half a + dozen a day, to the grave. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers of his British Majesty, prisoners with us, were they (which + might be the case), to be equally crowded together in close and confined + prisons, at this season, would be exposed to equal loss and misery. I have + the honor to be, Sir + </p> + <p> + Yr Excellency’s most obt Hble srvt George Washington + </p> + <p> + REAR-ADMIRAL DIGBY’S ANSWER + </p> + <p> + N. Y. June 8 1782 + </p> + <p> + Sir: + </p> + <p> + My feelings prompted me to grant Messrs. Aborn and Bowen permission to + wait on your Excellency to represent their miserable situation, and if + your Excellency’s feelings on this occasion are like mine, you will not + hesitate one moment in relieving both the British and Americans suffering + under confinement. + </p> + <p> + I have the Honor to be your Excellency’s Very obdt Srvt + </p> + <p> + R. Digby + </p> + <p> + FROM COMMISSARY SKINNER TO COMMISSARY SPROAT + </p> + <p> + Camp Highlands, June 24th 1782 + </p> + <p> + Sir: + </p> + <p> + As I perceive by a New York paper of the 12 inst, the last letters which + passed between us on the subject of naval prisoners have been committed to + print, I must request the same to be done with this which is intended to + contain some animadversions on those publications. + </p> + <p> + The principles and policy which appear to actuate your superiors in their + conduct towards the American seamen who unfortunately fall into their + power, are too apparent to admit of a doubt or misapprehension. I am sorry + to observe, Sir, that notwithstanding the affectation of candour and + fairness on your part, from the universal tenor of behaviour on your side + of the lines, it is obvious that the designs of the British is, by + misrepresenting the state of facts with regard to exchanges, to excite + jealousy in the minds of our unfortunate seamen, that they are neglected + by their countrymen, and by attempting to make them believe that all the + miseries they are now suffering in consequence of a pestilential sickness + arise from want of inclination in General Washington to exchange them when + he has it in his power to do it; in hopes of being able by this + insinuation and by the unrelenting severity you make use of in confining + them in the contaminated holds of prison-ships, to compel them, in order + to avoid the dreadful alternative of almost inevitable death, to enter the + service of the King of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + To show that these observations are just and well grounded, I think it + necessary to inform you of some facts which have happened within my + immediate notice, and to put you in mind of others which you cannot deny. + I was myself present at the time when Captain Aborn and Dr. Bowen * * * + waited on his Excellency General Washington, and know perfectly well the + answer his Excellency gave to that application: he informed them in the + first place that he was not directly or indirectly invested with any power + of inference respecting the exchange of naval prisoners; that this + business was formerly under the direction of the Board of Admiralty, that + upon the annihilation of that Board Congress had committed it to the + Financier (who has in charge all our naval prisoners) and he to the + Secretary at war. That (the General) was notwithstanding disposed to do + everything in his power for their assistance and relief: that as + exchanging seamen for soldiers was contrary to the original agreement for + the exchange of prisoners,—which specified that officers should be + exchanged for officers, soldiers for soldiers, citizens for citizens, and + seamen for seamen; as it was contrary to the custom and practice of other + nations, and as it would be, in his opinion, contrary to the soundest + policy, by giving the enemy a great and permanent strength for which we + could receive no compensation, or at best but a partial and temporary one, + he did not think it would be admissible: but as it appeared to him, from a + variety of well authenticated information, the present misery and + mortality which prevailed among the naval prisoners were almost entirely, + if not altogether produced by the <i>mode of their confinement</i>, being + closely crowded together in infected prison-ships, where the very air is + pregnant with disease, and the ships themselves (never having been cleaned + in the course of many years), a mere mass of putrefaction, he would + therefor, from motives of humanity, write to Rear-Admiral Digby, in whose + power it was to remedy this great evil, by confining them on shore, or + having a sufficient number of prison-ships provided for that purpose, for, + he observed, it was as preposterously cruel to confine 800 men, at this + sultry season, on board the Jersey prison-ship, as it would be to shut up + the whole army of Lord Cornwallis to perish in the New Goal of + Philadelphia, but if more commodious and healthy accommodations were not + afforded we had the means of retaliation in our hands, which he should not + hesitate, in that case, to make use of, by confining the land prisoners + with as much severity as our seamen were held.—The Gentlemen of the + Committee appeared to be sensible of the force of these reasons, however + repugnant they might be to the feelings and wishes of the men who had + destruction and death staring them in the face. + </p> + <p> + His Excellency was further pleased to suffer me to go to New York to + examine into the grounds of the suffering of the prisoners, and to devise, + if possible, some way or another, for their liberation or relief. With + this permission I went into your lines: and in consequence of the + authority I had been previously invested with, from the Secretary at War, + I made the proposition contained in my letter of the ninth instant. + Although I could not claim this as a matter of right I flattered myself it + would have been granted from the principles of humanity, as well as other + motives. There had been a balance of 495 land prisoners due to us ever + since the month of February last, when a settlement was made; besides + which, to the best of my belief, 400 have been sent in, (this is the true + state of the fact, though it differs widely from the account of 250 men, + which is falsely stated in the note annexed to my letter in the New York + paper:) notwithstanding this balance, I was then about sending into your + lines a number of land prisoners, as an equivalent for ours, who were then + confined in the Sugar House, without which (though the debt was + acknowledged, I could not make interest to have them liberated), this + business has since been actually negotiated, and we glory in having our + conduct, such as will bear the strictest scrutiny, and be found consonant + to the dictates of reason, liberality, and justice. But, Sir, since you + would not agree to the proposals I made, since I was refused being + permitted to visit the prison-ships: (for which I conclude no other reason + can be produced than your being ashamed or afraid of having those graves + of our seamen seen by one who dared to represent the horrors of them to + his countrymen,) Since the commissioners from your side, at their late + meeting, would not enter into an adjustment of the accounts for supplying + your naval and land prisoners, on which there are large sums due us; and + since your superiors will neither make provision for the support of your + prisoners in our hands, nor accommodation for the mere existence of ours, + who are now languishing in your prison-ships, it becomes my duty, Sir, to + state these pointed facts to you, that the imputations may recoil where + they are deserved, and to report to those, under whose authority I have + the honor to act, that such measures as they deem proper may be adopted. + </p> + <p> + And now, Sir, I will conclude this long letter with observing that not + having a sufficient number of British seamen in our possession we are not + able to release urs by exchange:—this is our misfortune, but it is + not a crime, and ought not to operate as a mortal punishment against the + unfortunate—we ask no favour, we claim nothing but common justice + and humanity, while we assert to the whole world, as a notorious fact, + that the unprecedented inhumanity in the <i>mode</i> of confining our + naval prisoners, to the amount of 800 in one old hulk, which has been made + use of as a prison-ship for more than three years, without ever having + been once purified, has been the real and sole cause of the deaths of + hundreds of brave Americans, who would not have perished in that untimely + and barbarous manner, had they, (when prisoners,) been suffered to breathe + a purer air, and to enjoy more liberal and convenient accommodations + agreeably to the practice of civilized nations when at war, (and) the + example which has always been set you by the Americans. You may say, and I + shall admit, that if they were placed on islands, and more liberty given + them, that some might desert; but is not this the case with your prisoners + in our hands? And could we not avoid this also, if we were to adopt the + same rigid and inhuman mode of confinement you do? + </p> + <p> + I beg, Sir, you will be pleased to consider this as addressed to you + officially, as the principal executive officer in the department of naval + prisoners, and not personally, and that you will attribute any uncommon + warmth of style that I may have been led into to my feeling and animation + on a subject with which I find myself so much interested, both from the + principles of humanity and the duties of office. I am, Sir, + </p> + <p> + yr most obdt Srvt Abraham Skinner + </p> + <p> + Letters full of recriminations continued to pass between the commissaries + on both sides. In Sproat’s reply to the letter we have just quoted, he + enclosed a copy of the paper which he had induced the thirteen sea + captains and other officers to sign, obtained as we have seen, in such a + dastardly manner. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the naval prisoners continued to die in great numbers on + board the prison and hospital-ships. We have already described the + cleansing of the Jersey, on which occasion the prisoners were sent on + board of other vessels and exposed to cold and damp in addition to their + other sufferings. And while negotiations for peace were pending some + relaxation in severity appears to have taken place. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. — SOME OF THE PRISONERS ON BOARD THE JERSEY + </h2> + <p> + We have seen that the crew of the Chance was exchanged in the fall of + 1782. A few of the men who composed this crew were ill at the time that + the exchange was affected, and had been sent to Blackwell’s Island. Among + these unfortunate sufferers was the sailing-master of the Chance, whose + name was Sylvester Rhodes. + </p> + <p> + This gentleman was born at Warwick, R. I., November 21, 1745. He married + Mary Aborn, youngest sister of Captain Daniel Aborn, and entered the + service of his country, in the early part of the war, sometimes on land, + and sometimes as a seaman. He was with Commodore Whipple on his first + cruise, and as prize-master carried into Boston the first prize captured + by that officer. He also served in a Rhode Island regiment. + </p> + <p> + When the crew of the Jersey was exchanged and he was not among the number, + his brother-in-law, Captain Aborn, endeavored to obtain his release, but, + as he had been an officer in the army as well as on the privateer, the + British refused to release him as a seaman. His father, however, through + the influence of some prominent Tories with whom he was connected, finally + secured his parole, and Captain Aborn went to New York to bring him home. + But it was too late. He had become greatly enfeebled by disease, and died + on board the cartel, while on her passage through the Sound, on the 3rd of + November, 1782, leaving a widow and five children. Mary Aborn Rhodes lived + to be 98, dying in 1852, one of the last survivors of the stirring times + of the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + WILLIAM DROWNE + </p> + <p> + One of the most adventurous of American seamen was William Drowne, who was + taken prisoner more than once. He was born in Providence, R. I., in April + 1755. After many adventures he sailed on the 18th of May, 1780, in the + General Washington, owned by Mr. John Brown of Providence. In a Journal + kept by Mr. Drowne on board of this ship, he writes: + </p> + <p> + “The cruise is for two months and a half, though should New York fetch us + up again, the time may be protracted, but it is not in the bargain to pay + that potent city a visit <i>this bout</i>. It may easily be imagined what + a <i>sensible mortification</i> it must be to dispense with the delicious + sweets of a Prison-ship. But though the Washington is deemed a prime + sailor, and is well armed, I will not be too sanguine in the prospect of + escape, as ‘the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the + strong.’ But, as I said before, it is not in the articles to go there this + time, especially as it is said the prisoners are very much crowded there + already, and it would be a piece of unfeeling inhumanity to be adding to + their unavoidable inconvenience by our presence. Nor could we, in such a + case, by any means expect that Madam Fortune would deign to smile so + propitiously as she did before, in the promotion of an exchange so much + sooner than our most sanguine expectations flattered us with, as ‘tis said + to be with no small difficulty that a parole can be obtained, much more an + exchange.” + </p> + <p> + This cruise resulted in the capture by the Washington of several vessels, + among them the Robust, Lord Sandwich, Barrington, and the Spitfire, a + British privateer. + </p> + <p> + In May, 1781, Mr. Drowne sailed on board the Belisarius, commanded by + Captain James Munro, which vessel was captured on the 26th of July and + brought into the port of New York. Browne and the other officers were sent + to the Jersey, where close confinement and all the horrors of the place + soon impaired his vigorous constitution. Although he was, through the + influence of his friends, allowed to visit Newport on parole in November, + 1781, he was returned to the prison ship, and was not released until some + time in 1783. His brother, who was a physician, nursed him faithfully, but + he died on the 9th of August, 1786. Letters written on board the Jersey + have a melancholy interest to the student of history, and this one, + written by William Drowne to a Mrs. Johnston, of New York, is taken from + the appendix to the “Recollections of Captain Dring.” + </p> + <p> + Jersey Prison Ship Sep. 25 1781 + </p> + <p> + Madam: + </p> + <p> + Your letter to Captain Joshua Sawyer of the 23d Inst, came on board this + moment, which I being requested to answer, take the freedom to do, and + with sensible regret, as it announces the dissolution of the good man. It + was an event very unexpected. Tis true he had been for some days very ill, + but a turn in his favor cancel’d all further apprehension of his being + dangerous, and but yesterday he was able without assistance to go upon + deck; said he felt much better, and without any further Complaints, at the + usual time turned into his Hammock, and as was supposed went to sleep. + Judge of our Surprise and Astonishment this morning at being informed of + his being found a lifeless Corpse. + </p> + <p> + Could anything nourishing or comfortable have been procured for him during + his illness, ‘tis possible He might now have been a well man. But Heaven + thought proper to take him to itself, and we must not repine. + </p> + <p> + A Coffin would have been procured in case it could be done seasonably, but + his situation render’d a speedy Interment unavoidable. Agreeably to which + 10 or 12 Gentlemen of his acquaintance presented a petition to the + Commanding Officer on board, requesting the favor that they might be + permitted, under the Inspection of a file of Soldiers, to pay the last sad + duties to a Gentleman of merit; which he humanely granted, and in the + Afternoon his remains were taken on shore, and committed to their native + dust in as decent a manner as our situation would admit. Myself, in room + of a better, officiated in the sacred office of a Chaplain and read + prayers over the Corpse previous to its final close in its gloomy mansion. + I have given you these particulars, Madam, as I was sensible it must give + you great satisfaction to hear he had some friends on board. Your + benevolent and good intentions to him shall, (if Heaven permits my return) + be safely delivered to his afflicted wife, to give her the sensible + Consolation that her late much esteemed and affectionate Husband was not + destitute of a Friend, who had wish’d to do him all the good offices in + his power, had not the hand of fate prevented. + </p> + <p> + If you wish to know anything relative to myself—if you will give + Yourself the trouble to call on Mrs. James Selhrig, she will inform You, + or Jos. Aplin, Esqre. + </p> + <p> + You will please to excuse the Liberty I have taken being an entire + stranger. I have no Views in it but those of giving, as I said before, + satisfaction to one who took a friendly part towards a Gentleman + decease’d, whom I very much esteemed. Your goodness will not look with a + critical eye over the numerous Imperfections of this Epistle. + </p> + <p> + I am, Madam, with every sentiment of respect + </p> + <p> + yr most Obdt Servt + </p> + <p> + Wm. Drowne + </p> + <p> + The next letter we will give was written by Dr. Solomon Drowne to his + sister Sally. This gentleman was making every effort to obtain his + brother’s release from captivity. + </p> + <p> + Providence, Oct. 17 1781 + </p> + <p> + Dear Sally: + </p> + <p> + We have not forgot you;—but if we think strongly on other objects + the memory of you returns, more grateful than the airs which fan the + Summer, or all the golden products of ye Autumn. The Cartel is still + detained, for what reason is not fully known. Perhaps they meditate an + attack upon some unguarded, unsuspecting quarter, and already in idea glut + their eyes, with the smoke of burning Towns and Villages, and are soothed + by the sounds of deep distress. Forbid it Guardian of America!—and + rather let the reason be their fear that we should know the state of their + shattered Navy and declining affairs—However, Bill is yet a + Prisoner, and still must feel, if not for himself, yet what a mind like + his will ever feel for others. In a letter I received from him about three + weeks since he mentioned that having a letter to Mr. George Deblois, he + sent it, accompanied with one he wrote requesting his influence towards + effecting his return the next Flag,—that Mr. Deblois being + indisposed, his cousin Captain William Deblois, taken by Monro last year, + came on board to see him, with a present from Mr. Deblois of some Tea, + Sugar, Wine, Rum, etc, and the offer of any other Civilities that lay in + the power of either:—This was beneficence and true Urbanity,—that + he was not destitute of Cash, that best friend in Adversity, except some + other best friends,—that as long as he had health, he should, he had + like to have said, be happy. In a word he bears up with his wonted + fortitude and good spirits, as we say, nor discovers the least repining at + his fate. But you and I who sleep on beds of down and inhale the + untainted, cherishing air, surrounded by most endeared connexions, know + that his cannot be the most delectable of situations: therefor with + impatience we look for his happy return to the Circle of his Friends. + </p> + <p> + Yr aff Bro. + </p> + <p> + Solomon Drowne + </p> + <p> + DR. S. DROWNE TO MRS. MARCY DROWNE + </p> + <p> + Newport Nov. 14 1781 + </p> + <p> + Respected Mother, + </p> + <p> + I found Billy much better than I expected, the account we received of his + situation having been considerably exaggerated: However we ought to be + thankful we were not deceived by a too favorable account, and so left him + to the care of strangers, when he might most need the soothing aid of + close relatives. He is very weak yet, and as a second relapse might + endanger his reduced, tottering system, think it advisable not to set off + for home with him till the wind is favorable. He is impatient, for the + moment of its shifting, as he is anxious to see you all. + </p> + <p> + The boat is just going, Adieu, yr aff son + </p> + <p> + Solomon Drowne + </p> + <p> + We have already quoted from the Recollections of Jeremiah Johnson who + lived on the banks of Wallabout Bay during the Revolution. He further + says: “The prisoners confined in the Jersey had secretly obtained a + crow-bar which was kept concealed in the berth of some confidential + officer among the prisoners. The bar was used to break off the <i>port</i> + gratings. This was done, in windy nights, when good swimmers were ready to + leave the ship for the land. In this way a number escaped. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Doughty, a friend of the writer, had charge of the bar when he + was a prisoner on board of the Jersey, and effected his escape by its + means. When he left the ship he gave the bar to a confidant to be used for + the relief of others. Very few who left the ship were retaken. They knew + where to find friends to conceal them, and to help them beyond pursuit. + </p> + <p> + “A singularly daring and successful escape was effected from the Jersey + about 4 o’clock one afternoon in the beginning of Dec. 1780. The best boat + of the ship had returned from New York between 3 & 4 o’clock, and was + left fast at the gangway, with the oars on board. The afternoon was + stormy, the wind blew from the north-east, and the tide ran flood. A + watchword was given, and a number of prisoners placed themselves + carelessly between the ship’s waist and the sentinel. At this juncture + four Eastern Captains got on board the boat, which was cast off by their + friends. The boat passed close under the bows of the ship, and was a + considerable distance from her before the sentinel in the fo’castle gave + the alarm, and fired at her. The second boat was manned for a chase; she + pursued in vain; one man from her bow fired several shots at the boat, and + a few guns were fired at her from the Bushwick shore; but all to no + effect,—and the boat passed Hell-gate in the evening, and arrived + safe in Connecticut next morning. + </p> + <p> + “A spring of the writer was a favorite watering-place for the British + shipping. The water-boat of the Jersey watered from this spring daily when + it could be done; four prisoners were generally brought on shore to fill + the casks, attended by a guard. The prisoners were frequently permitted to + come to the (Johnstons’) house to get milk and food; and often brought + letters privately from the prisoners. From these the sufferings on board + were revealed. + </p> + <p> + “Supplies of vegetables were frequently collected by Mr. Remsen (the + benevolent owner of the mill,) for the prisoners; and small sums of money + were sent on board by the writer’s father to his friends by means of these + watering parties.” + </p> + <p> + AN ESCAPE FROM THE JERSEY + </p> + <p> + “I was one of 850 souls confined in the Jersey in the summer of 1781, and + witnessed several daring attempts to escape. They generally ended + tragically. They were always undertaken in the night, after wrenching or + filing the bar off the port-holes. Having been on board several weeks, and + goaded to death in various ways, four of us concluded to run the hazard. + We set to work and got the bars off, and waited impatiently for a dark + night. We lay in front of Mr. Remsen’s door, inside of the pier head and + not more that 20 yards distant. There were several guard sloops, one on + our bow, and the other off our quarter a short distance from us. The dark + night came, the first two were lowered quietly into the water; and the + third made some rumbling. I was the fourth that descended, but had not + struck off from the vessel before the guards were alarmed, and fired upon + us. The alarm became general, and I was immediately hauled on board (by + the other prisoners). + </p> + <p> + “They manned their boats, and with their lights and implements of death + were quick in pursuit of the unfortunates, cursing and swearing, and + bellowing and firing. It was awful to witness this deed of blood. It + lasted about an hour,—all on board trembling for our shipmates. + These desperadoes returned to their different vessels rejoicing that they + had killed three damned rebels. + </p> + <p> + “About three years after this I saw a gentleman in John St., near Nassau, + who accosted me thus: ‘Manley, how do you do?’ I could not recollect him. + ‘Is it possible you don’t know me? Recollect the Old Jersey?’ And he + opened his vest and bared his breast. I immediately said to him—‘You + are James McClain.’ ‘I am,’ said he. We both stepped into Mariner’s public + house, at the corner, and he related his marvellous escape to me. + </p> + <p> + “‘They pursued me:—I frequently dived to avoid them, and when I came + up they fired on me. I caught my breath, and immediately dived again, and + held my breath till I crawled along the mud. They no doubt thought they + killed me. I however, with much exertion, though weak and wounded, made + out to reach the shore, and got into a barn, not far from the ship, a + little north of Mr. Remsen’s house. The farmer, the next morning, came + into his barn,—saw me lying on the floor, and ran out in a fright. I + begged him to come to me, and he did, I gave an account of myself, where I + was from, how I was pursued, with several others. He saw my wounds, took + pity on me; sent for his wife, and bound up my wounds, and kept me in the + barn until night-fall,—took me into his house, nursed me secretly, + and then furnished me with clothing, etc., and when I was restored, he + took me with him, into his market-boat to this city, and went with me to + the west part of the city, provided me with a passage over to Bergen, and + I landed somewhere in Communipaw. Some friends helped me across Newark + Bay, and then I worked my way, until I reached Baltimore, to the great joy + of all my friends.” [Footnote: “Recollections of Captain Manley”.] + </p> + <p> + Just what proportion of captives died on board of the Jersey it is now + impossible to determine. No doubt there were many escapes of which it is + impossible to obtain the particulars. The winter of 1779-80 was + excessively cold, and the Wallabout Bay was frozen over. One night a + number of prisoners took advantage of this to make their escape by + lowering themselves from a port hole on to the ice. It is recorded that + the cold was so excessive that one man was frozen to death, that the + British pursued the party and brought a few of them back, but that a + number succeeded in making their escape to New Jersey. Who these men were + we have been unable to discover. Tradition also states that while + Wallabout Bay was thus frozen over the Long Island market women skated + across it, with supplies of vegetables in large hampers attached to their + backs, and that some of them came near enough to throw some of their + supplies to the half-famished prisoners on board the Jersey. + </p> + <p> + It would appear that these poor sufferers had warm friends in the farmers + who lived on the shores of the Wallabout. Of these Mr. A. Remsen, who + owned a mill at the mouth of a creek which empties into the Bay, was one + of the most benevolent, and it was his daughter who is said to have kept a + list of the number of bodies that were interred in the sand in the + neighborhood of the mill and house. In 1780 Mr Remsen hid an escaped + prisoner, Major H. Wyckoff, for several days in one of his upper rooms, + while at the same time the young lieutenant of the guard of the Jersey was + quartered in the house. Remsen also lent Captain Wyckoff as much money as + he needed, and finally, one dark night, safely conveyed him in a sleigh to + Cow Neck. From thence he crossed to Poughkeepsie. + </p> + <p> + Although little mention is made by those prisoners who have left accounts + of their experiences while on board the Jersey, of any aid received by + them from the American government the following passage from a Connecticut + paper would seem to indicate that such aid was tendered them at least for + a time. It is possible that Congress sent some provisions to the + prison-ships for her imprisoned soldiers, or marines, but made no + provision for the crews of privateers. + </p> + <p> + “New London. September 1st. 1779. D. Stanton testifies that he was taken + June 5th, and put in the Jersey prison ship. An allowance from Congress + was sent on board. About three or four weeks past we were removed on board + the Good Hope, where we found many sick. There is now a hospital ship + provided, to which they are removed and good attention paid.” + </p> + <p> + The next extract that we will quote probably refers to the escape of + prisoners on the ice referred to above. + </p> + <p> + “New London. Conn. Feb. 16th. 1780. Fifteen prisoners arrived here who + three weeks ago escaped from the prison-ship in the East River. A number + of others escaped about the same time from the same ship, some of whom + being frost-bitten and unable to endure the cold, were taken up and + carried back, one frozen to death before he reached the shore.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Rivington’s Gazette</i>, Dec. 19th 1780. George Batterman, who had + been a prisoner on board the prison ship at New York, deposes that he had + had eight ounces of condemned bread per day; and eight ounces of meat. He + was afterwards put on board the Jersey, where were, as was supposed, 1,100 + prisoners; recruiting officers came on board and finding that the American + officers persuaded the men not to enlist, removed them, as he was told, to + the Provost. The prisoners were tempted to enlist to free themselves from + confinement, hopeless of exchange. * * * The prisoners had a pint of water + per day:—the sick were not sent to the hospitals until they were so + weak and ill that they often expired before they got out of the Jersey. + The commanding officer said his orders were that if the ship took fire we + should all be turned below, and left to perish in the flames. By accident + the ship took fire in the steward’s room, when the Hessian guards were + ordered to drive the prisoners below, and fire among them if they resisted + or got in the water.” + </p> + <p> + Talbot in his Memoirs stated that: “When the weather became cool and dry + in the fall and the nights frosty the number of deaths on board the Jersey + was <i>reduced</i> to an average of ten per day! which was <i>small</i> + compared with the mortality for three months before. The human bones and + skulls yet bleaching on the shore of Long Island, and exposed by the + falling down of the high bank, on which the prisoners were buried, is a + shocking sight.” (Talbot, page 106.) + </p> + <p> + In May, 1808, one William Burke of New York testified that “He was a + prisoner in the Jersey 14 months, has known many American prisoners put to + death by the bayonet. It was the custom for but one prisoner at a time to + go on deck. One night while many prisoners were assembled at the grate, at + the hatchway to obtain fresh air, and waiting their turn to go on deck, a + sentinel thrust his bayonet down among them, and 25 next morning were + found to be dead. This was the case several mornings, when sometimes six, + and sometimes eight or ten were found dead by wounds thus received.” + </p> + <p> + A Connecticut paper, some time in May, 1781, stated that. “Eleven hundred + French and American prisoners died in New York last winter.” + </p> + <p> + A paper published in Philadelphia, on the 20th of February, 1782, says: + “Many of our unfortunate prisoners on board the prison ships in the East + River have perished during the late extreme weather, for want of fuel and + other necessaries.” + </p> + <p> + “New London. May 3rd. 1782. One thousand of our seamen remain in prison + ships in New York, a great part in close confinement for six months past, + and in a most deplorable condition. Five hundred have died during the past + five or six months, three hundred are sick; many seeing no prospect of + release are entering the British service to elude the contagion with which + the prison ships are fraught.” + </p> + <p> + Joel Barlow in his Columbiad says that Mr. Elias Boudinot told him that in + the Jersey 1,100 prisoners died in eighteen months, almost the whole of + them from the barbarous treatment of being stifled in a crowded hold with + infected air; and poisoned with unwholesome food, and Mr Barlow adds that + the cruelties exercised by the British armies on American prisoners during + the first years of the war were unexampled among civilized nations. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONCLUSION + </h2> + <p> + Such of the prisoners as escaped after months of suffering with health + sufficient for future usefulness in the field often re-enlisted, burning + for revenge. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Scharf, in his “History of Western Maryland,” speaks of Colonel + William Kunkel, who had served in Prussia, and emigrated to America about + the year 1732. He first settled in Lancaster, Pa., but afterwards moved to + Western Maryland. He had six sons in the Revolution. One of these sons + entered the American army at the age of eighteen. Taken prisoner he was + sent on board the Jersey, where his sufferings were terrible. On his + return home after his exchange he vowed to his father that he would return + to the army and fight until the last redcoat was driven out of the + country. He did return, and from that time, says Mr Scharf, his family + never heard from him again. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crimmins in his “Irish-American Historical Miscellany,” says: “An + especially affecting incident is told regarding one prisoner who died on + the Jersey. Two young men, brothers, belonging to a rifle corps were made + prisoners, and sent on board the ship. The elder took the fever, and in a + few days became delirious. One night as his end was fast approaching, he + became calm and sensible, and lamenting his hard fate, and the absence of + his mother, begged for a little water. His brother with tears, entreated + the guard to give him some, but in vain. The sick youth was soon in his + last struggles, when his brother offered the guard a guinea for an inch of + candle, only that he might see him die. Even this was denied.” + </p> + <p> + The young rifleman died in the dark. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said his brother, drying his tears, “if it please God that I ever + regain my liberty, I’ll be a most bitter enemy!” + </p> + <p> + He was exchanged, rejoined the army, and when the war ended he is said to + have had eight large and one hundred and twenty-seven small notches on his + rifle stock. The inference is that he made a notch every time he killed or + wounded a British soldier, a large notch for an officer, and a small one + for a private. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lecky, the English historian, thus speaks of American prisoners: “The + American prisoners who had been confined in New York after the battle of + Long Island were so emaciated and broken down by scandalous neglect or ill + usage that Washington refused to receive them in exchange for an equal + number of healthy British and Hessian troops. * * * It is but justice to + the Americans to add that their conduct during the war appears to have + been almost uniformly humane. No charges of neglect of prisoners, like + those which were brought, apparently with too good reason, against the + English, were substantiated against them. The conduct of Washington was + marked by a careful and steady humanity, and Franklin, also, appears to + have done much to mitigate the war.” + </p> + <p> + Our task is now concluded. We have concerned ourselves with the prisoners + themselves, not much with the history of the negotiations carried on to + effect exchange, but have left this part of the subject to some abler + hand. Only a very small part of the story has been told in this volume, + and there is much room for future investigations. It is highly probable + that if a systematic search is made many unpublished accounts may be + discovered, and a great deal of light shed upon the horrors of the British + prisons. If we have awakened interest in the sad fate of so many of our + brave countrymen, and aroused some readers to a feeling of compassion for + their misfortunes, and admiration for their heroism, our task has not been + in vain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX A + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_LIST" id="link2H_LIST"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LIST OF 8000 MEN WHO WERE PRISONERS ON BOARD THE OLD JERSEY + </h2> + <p> + PRINTED BY PERMISSION OF THE SOCIETY OF OLD BROOKLYNITES + </p> + <p> + This list of names was copied from the papers of the British War + Department. There is nothing to indicate what became of any of these + prisoners, whether they died, escaped, or were exchanged. The list seems + to have been carelessly kept, and is full of obvious mistakes in spelling + the names. Yet it shall be given just as it is, except that the names are + arranged differently, for easier reference. This list of prisoners is the + only one that could be found in the British War Department. What became of + the lists of prisoners on the many other prison ships, and prisons, used + by the English in America, we do not know. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Garret Aarons + John Aarons (2) + Alexander Abbett + John Abbett + James Abben + John Abbott + Daniel Abbott + Abel Abel + George Abel + Jacob Aberry + Jabez Abett + Philip Abing + Thomas Abington + Christopher Abois + William Aboms + Daniel Abrams + Don Meegl (Miguel) Abusure + Gansio Acito + Abel Adams + Amos Adams + Benjamin Adams + David Adams + Isaac Adams + John Adams (4) + Lawrence Adams + Moses Adams + Nathaniel Adams + Pisco Adams + Richard Adams + Stephen Adams + Thomas Adams + Warren Adams + Amos Addams + Thomas Addett + Benjamin Addison + David Addon + John Adlott + Robert Admistad + Noah Administer + Wm Adamson (2) + John Adobon + James Adovie + Sebastian de Aedora + Jean Aenbie + Michael Aessinis + Frances Affille + Joseph Antonio Aguirra + Thomas Aguynoble + John Aires + Robert Aitken + Thomas Aiz + Manuel Ajote + Jacob Akins + Joseph Aker (2) + Richard Akerson + Charles Albert + Piere Albert + Robert Albion + Joachin Alconan + Joseph de Alcorta + Juan Ignacid Alcorta + Pedro Aldaronda + Humphrey Alden + Fred Aldkin + George Aldridge + Jacob Alehipike + Jean Aleslure + Archibald Alexander + John Alexander (2) + Lehle Alexander + William Alexander + Thomas Alger + Christopher Aliet + Joseph Aliev + George Alignott + Joseph Allah + Gideon Allan + Hugh Allan + Francis Allegree + Baeknel Allen + Bancke Allen + Benjamin Allen + Bucknell Allen + Ebeneser Allen + George Allen + Gideon Allen + Isaac Allen + John Allen (5) + Josiah Allen + Murgo Allen + Richard Allen (2) + Samuel Allen (7) + Squire Allen + Thomas Allen (3) + William Allen (4) + Jean Allin + Caleb Allis + Bradby Allison + Bradey Allison + James Allison + Frances Alment + Arrohan Almon + Aceth Almond + William Alpin + Jacob Alsfrugh + Jacob Alsough + Jacob Alstright + Jacob Alsworth + Thomas Alvarey + Miguel Alveras + Don Ambrose Alverd + Joseph Alvey + James Alwhite + George Alwood + James Alwood + Charles Amey + Anthony Amingo + Manuel Amizarma + Nathaniel Anabel + Austin Anaga + Jean Ancette + Charles Anderson + Joseph Anderson + Robert Anderson + William Anderson (3) + George Andre + Benjamin Andrews + Charles Andrews + Dollar Andrews + Ebeneser Andrews + Francis Andrews + Frederick Andrews + Jerediah Andrews + John Andrews (4) + Jonathan Andrews + Pascal Andrews + Philany Andrews + Thomas Andrews + William Andrews + Guillion Andrie + Pashal Andrie + Dominique Angola + Andre D. C. Annapolen + Joseph Anrandes + John Anson + William Anster + David Anthony + Davis Anthony + Samuel Anthony + Pierre Antien + Jacques Antiqua + Jean Anton + Francis Antonf + John Antonio + Daniel Appell + Daniel Apple + Thomas Appleby + Samuel Appleton + Joseph Aquirse + —— Arbay + Abraham Archer + James Archer + John Archer + Stephen Archer + Thomas Arcos + Richard Ariel + Asencid Arismane + Ezekiel Arme + Jean Armised + James Armitage + Elijah Armsby + Christian Armstrong + William Armstrong + Samuel Arnibald + Amos Arnold + Ash Arnold + Samuel Arnold + Charles Arnolds + Samuel Arnolds + Thomas Arnold + Andres Arral + Manuel de Artol + Don Pedro Asevasuo + Hosea Asevalado + James Ash + Henry Ash + John Ashbey + John Ashburn + Peter Ashburn + John Ashby + Warren Ashby + John Ashley + Andrew Askill + Francis Aspuro + John Athan + George Atkins + John Atkins + Silas Atkins + John Atkinson + Robert Atkinson + William Atkinson + James Atlin + Duke Attera + Jean Pierre Atton + John Atwood + Henry Auchinlaup + Joseph Audit + Anthony Aiguillia + Igarz Baboo Augusion + Peter Augusta + Thomas Augustine + Laurie Aujit + George Austin + Job Avery + Benjamin Avmey + Francis Ayres + Don Pedro Azoala +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + B + + Franklin Babcock + William Babcock + James Babel + Jeremiah Babell + Jean Babier + Abel Baboard + Vascilla Babtreause + Francis Bachelier + Jonathan Bachelor + Antonio Backalong + Francis Backay + Benjamin Bacon + Esau Bacon + Judah Bacon + Stephen Badante + Laurence Badeno + William Badick + Jonathan Baddock + John Baggar + Barnett Bagges + Adam Bagley + Joseph Bahamony + John Bailey (2) + William Bailey + Moses Baird + Joseph Baisolus + William Baison + William Batho + Christopher Baker + Ebenezer Baker + John Baker (2) + Joseph Baker + Judah Baker + Lemuel Baker + Nathaniel Baker + Pamberton Baker + Pemberton Baker + Pembleton Baker + Thomas Baker (3) + David Baldwin + James Baldwin + John Baldwin + Nathaniel Baldwin + Ralph Baldwin + Thomas Ball + Benjamin Ballard + John Ballast + Joseph Balumatigua + Ralf Bamford + Jacob Bamper + Peter Banaby + James Bandel + Augustine Bandine + Pierre Bandine + John Banister (2) + Matthew Bank + James Banker + John Banks + Matthew Banks + Jean Rio Bapbsta + Jean Baptista + Gale Baptist + Jean Baptist + John Barber + Gilbert Barber + John Barden + William Barenoft + Walter Bargeman + Joseph Bargeron + Charles Bargo + Mabas Bark + Benjamin Barker + Edward Barker + Jacom Barker + John Barker + Peter Barker + Thomas Barker + Benjamin Barkly + Joseph Barkump + John Barley + James Barman + Ethiem Barnell + Charles Barnes + Henry Barnes + Wooding Barnes + John Barnett + Henry Barney + Mons Barney + Samuel Barney + William Barnhouse + James Barracks + Pierre Barratt + Abner Barre + Dennis Barrett + Enoch Barrett + Francis Barrett + Samuel Barrett + William Barrett + Robert Barrol + Bernard Barron + Enoch Barrott + Francis Barsidge + William Bartlet + Joseph Bartley + Charles Barthalemerd + Charles Bartholemew + Joseph Bartholomew + —— Bartholomew + Benjamin Bartholoyd + Petrus Bartlemie + Michael Bartol + Thomas Barton + John Basker + William Bason + Donnor Bass + Juvery Bastin + Michael Bastin + Louis Baston + Asa Batcheler + Benjamin Bate + Benjamin Bates + Henry Bates + James Bates + William Batt + John Battersley + John Battesker + Adah Batterman + Adam Batterman + George Batterman (2) + Joseph Batterman + —— Baumos + Thomas Bausto + Benjamin Bavedon + George Baxter + Malachi Baxter + Richard Bayan + Joseph Bayde + Thomas Bayess + John Bayley + Joseph Baynes + Jean Baxula + John Bazee + Daniel Beal + Samuel Beal + Joseph Beane + James Beankey + James Bearbank + Jesse Bearbank + Morgan Beard + Moses Beard + Daniel Beatty + Benjamin Beasel + Joseph Beaufort + Perri Beaumont + Andrew Beck + Thomas Beck + William Beckett + Jonathan Beckwith + Francis Bedell + Frederick Bedford + Joseph Bedford + Thomas Bedford + Benjamin Beebe + Elias Beebe + Joshua Beebe + Benjamin Beeford + James Beekman + Walter Beekwith + Lewis Begand + Joseph Begley + Joseph Belcher + John Belding + Pierre Belgard + Aaron Bell + Charles Bell + Robert Bell + Uriah Bell + Alexander Bellard + Joseph Belter + Julian Belugh + Jean Bengier + Joseph Benloyde + John Benn + George Bennett + John Bennett + Joseph Bennett + Peter Bennett + Pierre Bennett + Anthony Benson + Stizer Benson + David Benton + John Benton + Peter Bentler + Nathaniel Bentley (2) + Peter Bentley + William Bentley + Joshua M Berason + Joseoh Berean + Julian Berger + Lewis Bernall + Francis Bernardus + Francis Bercoute + Jean Juquacid Berra + Abner Berry + Alexander Berry + Benjamin Berry + Daniel Berry + Dennis Berry + Edward Berry + John Berry + Peter Berry (2) + Philip Berry + Simon Berry + William Berry (3) + Philip Berrycruise + William Berryman + Jean Bertine + Martin Bertrand + John Bertram + Andrew Besin + Jean Beshire + John Beszick + James Bett + Samuel Bevan + Jean Bevin + Benjamin Beverley + Robert Bibbistone + John Bice + Andrew Bick + John Bickety + Charles Bierd + David Bierd + Joshua Bievey + Benjamin Bigelow + Oliver Bigelow + Thomas Biggs + Jean Bilarie + Charles Bill (2) + Garden Bill + John Bill (2) + Pierre Bill + John Billard + James Biller + Samuel Billing + Benjamin Billings + Bradford Billings + Ezekiel Billings + Robert Billings + David Billows + Frarey Binnen + Cirretto Biola + Pierre Biran + Alexander Birch + Nathaniel Birch + Joseph Bird + Weldon Bird + Thomas Birket + Samuel Birmingham + Ezekiel Bishop + Israel Bishop + John Bishop (2) + John Bissell + Jack Bissick + Osee Bissole + Pierre Bitgayse + Peter Bitton + Daniel Black + James Black (3) + John Black + Joseph Black + Robert N Black + Samuel Black (2) + Timothy Black + William Black + John Blackburn + Alexander Blackhunt + William Blackpond + V C Blaine + John Blair + Charles Blake + Increase Blake + James Blake + Samuel Blake + Valentine Blake + David Blanch + Robert Blanch + Joseph Blancher + William Blanchet + John Blanney + Gideon Blambo + Jesse Blacque + Joseph Blateley + Lubal Blaynald + Asa Blayner + Edward Blevin + Benjamin Blimbey + William Blimbey + Joseph Blinde + William Bliss + Samuel Blissread + Juan Blodgett + Seth Blodgett + John Blond + Lewis Blone + Louis Blong + Peter Bloome (2) + Samuel Bloomfield + Jomes Blossom + James Blowen + John Bloxand + William Bluard + George Blumbarg + George Blunt (4) + William Blythe + Matthew Boar + John Bobier + John Bobgier + Joseph Bobham + Jonathan Bocross + Lewis Bodin + Peter Bodwayne + John Boelourne + Christopher Boen + Purdon Boen + Roper Bogat + James Boggart + Ralph Bogle + Nicholas Boiad + Pierre Boilon + William Boine + Jacques Bollier + William Bolt + William Bolts + Bartholomew Bonavist + Henry Bone + Anthony Bonea + Jeremiah Boneafoy + James Boney + Thomas Bong + Barnabus Bonus + James Bools + William Books + John Booth + Joseph Borda + Charles Borden + John Borman + James Borrall + Joseph Bortushes + Daniel Borus (2) + Joseph Bosey + Pierre Bosiere + Jacques Bosse + Ebenezer Boswell + Gustavus Boswell + Lewis Bothal + Charles Bottis + James Bottom + Walter Bottom + Augustin Boudery + Augustus Boudery + Anthony Bouea + Theophilus Boulding + Pierre Bounet + Lewis Bourge + John Boursbo + Lawrence Bourshe + Jean Boutilla + Lewis Bouton + Edward Boven + Elijah Bowden + Arden Bowen + Elijah Bowen + Ezekiel Bowen + Paldon Bowen + Thomas Bowen (3) + William Bowen + Willis Bowen + James Bowers + Thomas Bowers + Fulbur Bowes + James Bowles + Daniel Bowman + Benjamin Bowman + Elijah Bowman (2) + John Bowman + Michael Bowner + John Bowrie + P I Bowree + Jean Bowseas + John Boyau + Thomas Boyd + John Boyde + David Boyeau + Francis Boyer + Joseph Boyne + Thomas Bradbridge + Samuel Bradbury + William Braden + James Brader + Samuel Bradfield + William Bradford + Abijah Bradley + Alijah Bradley + Daniel Bradley + James Bradley + Abraham Bradley + John Brady + James Bradyon + Ebenezer Bragg (2) + William Bragley + 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(3) + Hugh Brown (2) + Jacob Brown + James Brown (3) + Jonathan Brown + John Brown (12) + Joseph Brown (3) + Michael Brown + Nathaniel Brown + Patrick Brown + Peter Brown + Samuel Brown (3) + William Brown (5) + W. Brown + William Boogs Brown + Willis Brown + Essick Brownhill + Wanton Brownhill + Charles Brownwell + Gardner Brownwell + Pierre Brows + James Bruding + Lewis Brun + Daniel Bruton + Edward Bryan + John Bryan + Matthew Bryan + Nathaniel Bryan + William Bryan + Benjamin Bryand + Ephraim Bryand + James Bryant + William Bryant + Nicholas Bryard + Francis Bryean + Richard Bryen + Berr Bryon + Thomas Bryon + Simon Buas + Thomas Buchan + Francis Buchanan + Elias Buck + Elisha Buck + John Buck + Joseph Bucklein + Philip Buckler + Cornelius Buckley + Daniel Buckley (2) + Francis Buckley + Jacob Buckley + John Buckley (3) + Daniel Bucklin (2) + Samuel Buckwith + David Buckworth + Benjamin Bud + Nicholas Budd + Jonathan Buddington + Oliver Buddington + Waller Buddington + William Budgid + John Budica + Joshua Buffins + Lawrence Buffoot + John Bugger + Silas Bugg + John Buldings + Jonathan Bulgedo + Benjamin Bullock + Thomas Bullock + Benjamin Bumbley + Lewis Bunce + Norman Bunce + Thomas Bunch + Antonio Bund + Obadiah Bunke + Jonathan Bunker + Timothy Bunker + William Bunker + Richard Bunson (2) + Murdock Buntine + Frederick Bunwell + Thomas Burch + Michael Burd + Jeremiah Burden + Joseph Burden + William Burden + Jason Burdis + Daniel Burdit + Bleck Burdock + Robert Burdock + Vincent Burdock + Henry Burgess + Theophilus Burgess + Barnard Burgh + Prosper Burgo + Jean Burham + James Burke + Thomas Burke + William Burke + Michael Burkman + William Burn + Frederick Burnett + James Burney + James Burnham + Daniel Burnhill + Archibald Burns + Edward Burns (2) + Henry Burns + John Burns + Thomas Burns + Stephen Burr + Pierre Burra + Francis Burrage + John Burrell + Lewis Burrell + Isaac Burrester + Jonathan Burries + Nathaniel Burris + John Burroughs + Edward Burrow + James Burton + John Burton + Jessee Byanslow + Bartholomew Byi + John Bylight +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + C + + Abel Cable + Louis Cadat + Louis Pierre Cadate + Michael Cadate + John Caddington + Nathan Caddock + Jean Cado + John Cahoon + Jonathan Cahoone + Thomas Caile + David Cain (2) + Thomas Cain + Samuel Caird + Joseph Caivins + Pierre Cajole + Thomas Calbourne + James Calder + Caplin Calfiere + Nathaniel Calhoun + Charles Call + Barnaby Callagham + Daniel Callaghan + William Callehan + James Callingham + Andrew Caiman + Francis Calon + Parpi Calve + Nicholas Calwell + Joseph Cambridge + Edward Cameron + Simon Came + Oseas Camp + Alexander Campbell + Frederick Campbell + James Campbell + Jesse Campbell + John Campbell (2) + Joseph Campbell + Philip Campbell (2) + Robert Campbell + Thomas Campbell (2) + James Canady + Joseph Canana + Satarus Candie + Jacob Canes + Richard Caney + Jacob Canmer + William Cannady + William Canner + Charles Cannon + Francis Cannon + John Cannon + Joseph Cannon + Samuel Cannon + Jean Canute + Francis Cape + Timothy Cape + Daniel Capnell + William Caransame + Robert Carbury + Juan Fernin Cardends + Joseph Carea + Isaac Carelton + Joseph Carender + Ezekiel Carew + Daniel Carey + John Carey (4) + Joshua Carey + Richard Carey + William Cargall + Joseph Cariviot + Edward Garland + Antonio Carles + William Carles + Jean Carlton + Thomas Carlton + John Carlisle + Justan Carlsrun + Benjamin Carman + Benjamin Carmell + William Carmenell + Edward Carmody + Anthony Carney + Hugh Carney + David Carns + Jean Carolin + Pierre Carowan + John Carpenter + Miles Carpenter + Richards Carpenter + Edward Carr + Isaac Carr + John Carr (2) + Philip Carr + William Carr + Robert Carrall + —— Carret + Thomas Carrington + Jean Carrllo + James Carroll + John Carroll + Michael Carroll + Perance Carroll + William Carrollton + John Carrow + Peter Carroway + Avil Carson + Batterson Carson + Israel Carson + James Carson + Robert Carson (2) + Samuel Carson + William Carson + Levi Carter + Thomas Carter + William Carter (2) + John Carvell + Joseph Casan + Joseph Casanova + John Case + Thomas Case + Thomas Casewell + Edward Casey + John Casey + William Casey + Stephen Cash + Jacob Cashier + Jean Cashwell + Gosper Cassian + Samuel Casson + John Casp + Anthony Casper + Michael Cassey + John Castel + Joseph Castile + Thomas Castle (2) + John Caswell (3) + Baptist Cavalier + Francis Cavalier + George Cavalier + James Cavalier + Thomas Cavalier + Joseph Augustus Cavell + Gasnito Cavensa + Thomas Caveral + Pierre Cawan + John Cawrier + John Cawrse + Edward Cayman + Anthony Cayner + Oliver Cayaran + John Cerbantin + —— Chabbott + Perrie Chalier + Samuel Chalkeley + Hurbin Challigne + John Challoner + William Challoner + Pierre Chalore + Benjamin Chamberlain + Bird Chamberlain + Charles Chamberland + Nancy Chambers + Dore Champion + Lines Champion + Thomas Champion + Clerk Champlin + Isaac Champlin + James Chapin + Joseph Chapley + Joseph Chaplin + Josiah Chaplin + Lodowick Chaplin + Daniel Chapman + James Chapman + Jeremiah Chapman + John Chapman (2) + Lion Chapman + Samuel Chapman + Charles Chappel + Frederick Chappell + John Chappell + John Charbein + Ichabod Chard + William Charfill + James Charles + John Charles + Jean Charoner + Aaron Chase + Augustus Chase (2) + Earl Chase (2) + George Chase (2) + Lonie Chase + Samuel Chase + Jean Chatfield + Jovis Chaurine + John Cheavelin + Christopher Chenaur + Louis Chenet + Andrew Cheesebrook + David Cheesebrook + James Cheesebrook + Pierre Cheesebrook + Samuel Cheesebrook + Britton Cheeseman + James Cheevers + Christopher Chenaur + Benjamin Chencey + Louis Chenet + John Cherry + William Cherry + John Chese + Hiram Chester + Benjamin Chevalier + John Chevalier + Jean Gea Chevalier + Julian Chevalier + Edward Cheveland + Lasar Chien + Silas Childs + Cadet Chiller + Thomas Chilling + Abel Chimney + David Chinks + Leshers Chipley + William Christan + Henry Christian + John Christian (2) + James Christie + Benjamin Chittington + Bartholomew Chivers + Benjamin Chopman + Matthew Chubb + David Chueehook + Benjamin Church (2) + Israel Church + Thomas Church + John Churchill + Pierre Clabe + Edward Clamron + Benjamin Clannan + Edward Clanwell + Supply Clap (2) + Supply Twing Clap + Edward Claring + Charles Clark + Church Clark + James Clark (2) + John Clark + Jubal Clark + William Clark (2) + Emanuel Clarke + Daniel Clarke + Jacob Clarke + James Clarke + Joshua Clarke + Lewis Clarke + Nicholas Clarke + Noel Clarke + Stephen Clarke + Theodore Clarke + Timothy Clarke + William Clarke (2) + Samuel Clarkson + Samuel Claypole + Edward Clayton + William Clayton + David Cleaveland + Michel Clemence + Clement Clements + Alexander Clerk + Gambaton Clerk + Isaac Clerk + Jacob Clerk + Jonathan Clerk + John Clerk (3) + Lardner Clerk + Nathaniel Clerk + Peleg Clerk + Thomas Clerk (3) + Tully Clerk + William Clerk + Thomas Clever + Jean Clineseau + David Clinton + Philip Clire + John Cloud + John Coarsin + Christian Cobb + Christopher Cobb + Francis Cobb + John Cobb + Jonathan Cobb + Nathaniel Cobb + Richard Cobb + Thomas Cobb + Christopher Cobbs + Raymond Cobbs + Timothy Cobley + Moses Cobnan + Eliphas Coburn + James Cochran + John Cochran (2) + Richard Cochran + John Cocker + John Cocklin + Equatius Code + Lewis Codean + Christopher Codman + James Codner + Abel Coffin + Edward Coffin + Elias Coffin + Elisha Coffin (2) + Obadiah Coffin (2) + Richard Coffin + Simon Coffin (2) + Zechariah Coffin + William Cogeshall + John Coggeshall + Robert Coghill + John Cohlen + David Coisten + Guilliam Cokill + James Colbert + Abial Cole + Benjamin Cole (2) + John Cole (2) + Joshua Cole + Rilhard Cole + Thomas Cole (2) + Waller Cole + David Coleman + James Coleman + Nicholas Coleman + Stephen Coleman + James Colford + Miles Colhoon + Lewis Colinett + Alexander Colley + Basquito Colley + Septor en Collie + Candal Collier + John Collings + Joseph Collingwood + Doan Collins + James Collins (2) + John Collins (3) + Joseph Collins + Powell Collins + William Collins + Daniel Collohan + Thomas Collough + Joseph Colloy + Elisha Colman + John Colney + Frederick Colson + James Colting + Julian Columb + Julian Colver + David Colvich + Nathaniel Colwell + Nathaniel Combick + Joseph Combs + Matthew Combs + Joseph Comby + Gilbert Comick + Patrick Condon + Stafford Condon + Philip Cong + Strantly Congdon + Muller Congle + John Connell + John Connelly + George Conner + James Conner + John Conner (2) + Robert Conner + Patrick Connelly + Samuel Connelly + John Connor + William Connor + George Conrad + Frederick Contaney + William Convass + John Conway + Thomas Conway + Robert Conwell + Amos Cook + Anthony Cook + Benjamin Cook + Eashak Cook + Esbric Cook + Ezekiel Cook (2) + Frederick Cook + George Cook + James Cook (3) + John Cook (4) + Joseph Cook + Richard Cook + Samuel Cooke + Stephen Cooke + Abraham Cooper + Ezekiel Cooper + Matthew Cooper (2) + Mot Cooper + Nathaniel Cooper (3) + Richard Cooper + Warren Cooper + William Cooper + Aaron Cooping + Joseph Copeland + Andrew Cord + Joseph Cornean + Peter Cornelius + John Cornell + Matthew Cornell + James Corner + Benjamin Corning + Robert Cornwell + William Cornwell + Bernard Corrigan + John Corrigan + John Corroll + Battson Corson + Pomeus Corson + Lewis Cortland + Robert Corwell + Joseph de Costa + Antonio Costo + Noel Cotis + Anghel Cotter + David Cotteral + David Cottrill + James Couch + John Couch + Thomas Coudon + John Coughin + Pierre Coulanson + Nathaniel Connan + Francis Connie + Perrie Coupra + Jean de Course + Leonard Courtney + Louis Couset + Joseph Cousins + Frances Cousnant + Jean Couster + John Coutt + Vizenteausean Covazensa + John Coventry + John Coverley + Peter Covet + Zechariah Coward + James Cowbran + James Cowen + John Cowins + Edward Cownovan + Enoch Cox + Jacob Cox + John Cox + Joseph Cox (2) + Portsmouth Cox + William Cox + Thurmal Coxen + Asesen Craft + Joseph Craft + Matthias Craft (2) + James Craig + Thomas Craig + Henry Crandall + Oliver Crane + Philip Crane + Samuel Crane + William Cranston + Abel Crape (2) + Thomas Craton (2) + Joshua Cratterbrook + Alias Crawford + Benjamin Crawford + John Crawford (4) + Richard Crawford + Samuel Crawford + William Crawford + Basil Crawley + Cornelius Crawley + Isaac Crayton (2) + James Crayton + Amos Creasey + Richard Creech + Thomas Creepman + William Cresean + William Cresley + Henry Cressouson + Michael Crider + John Crim + Others Cringea + William Crispin (2) + George Cristin + Benjamin Crocker + James Crocker + John Crocker + Joshua Crocker (2) + John Croix + Oliver Cromell + Oliver Cromwell (4) + Richmond Cromwell + Robert Cromwell + Hugh Crookt + John Croppen + Bunsby Crorker + Peter Crosbury + Daniel Crosby (3) + William Crosley + Joseph Cross + Thomas Crough + Christian Crowdy + Matthew Crow + Bissell Crowell + Seth Crowell + William Crowell + George Crown + Michael Crowyar + William Crozier + Janeise Cubalod + Benjamin Cuffey + Philip Cuish + Thomas Culbarth + Daniel Culbert + William Cullen (2) + David Cullett + Willis Culpper + Levi Culver + Samuel Culvin + Josea Comnano + Cornelius Cumstock + Isaac Cuningham + James Cunican + Barnabas Cunningham + Cornelius Cunningham + John Cunningham + Jacob Currel + Anthony Curry + Augustine Curry + Robert Curry + Daniel Curtis + Frederick Curtis + Joseph Curtis + Henry Curtis + Joseph Cushing + Robert Cushing + Eimnan Cushing +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + D + + Guilliam Dabuican + Jean Dabuican + John Daccarmell + Isaac Dade (2) + Jean Dadica + Silas Daggott + John Dagure + Benjamin Dail + James Daily (2) + Patrick Daily + Robert Daily + Samuel Daily (2) + William Daily + James Dalcahide + Jeremiah Dalley + Reuben Damon + Thomas Danby + Christopher Daniel + John Daniel (3) + Samuel Daniss + Benjamin Dannison + William Dannison + William Dannivan + Benjamin Darby + William Darby + W Darcey + Thomas Darley + Henry Darling (2) + Richard Darling + William Darling + Charles Darrough + Robert Dart + Samuel Daun + Basteen Davan + James Daveick + Lot Davenport + Christopher Davids + John Davidson + Samuel Davidson + Pierre Davie + Benjamin Davies (2) + Christopher Davies + Edward Davies + Eliga Davies + Elijah Davies + Felton Davies + John Davies (9) + Henry Davies + Lewis Davies + Richard Davies (2) + Samuel Davies (3) + Thomas Davies (3) + William Davies (3) + Benjamin Davies (2) + Charles Davis + Christopher Davis + Curtis Davis + Henry Davis + Isaac Davis + James Davis + John Davis (2) + Lewis Davis + Samuel Davis + Thomas Davis + William Davis + Thomas Dawn + Henry Dawne + Samuel Dawson + John Day + Joseph Day + Michael Day + Thomas Day (2) + William Day + Joseph Days + William Dayton + Demond Deaboney + Jonathan Deakons + Isaac Deal + John Deal + Elias Deale (2) + Daniel Dealing + Benjamin Deamond + Benjamin Dean + Levi Dean + Lewis Dean + Orlando Dean + Philip Dean + Archibald Deane + George Deane + Joseph Deane + Thomas Deane + Michael Debong + James Debland + Peter Deboy + Benorey Deck + Joseph de Costa + Jean de Course + Francis Dedd + —— Defourgue + Jean Degle + Pierre Degoniere + Pierre Guiseppe Degue + William Degue + Louis Degune + Pratus Dehango + Jacob Dehart + Jasper Deinay + Domingo Delace + Zabulon Delano + Gare Delare + Gaspin Delary + Anthony Delas + Amos Delavan + Pierre Delavas + Joseph Delcosta + Francis Delgada + Henry Delone + Anthony Delore + James Demay + David Demeny + Israel Deming + Josiah Demmay + Element Demen + Jean Demolot + Richard Dempsey + Avery Denauf + Daniel Denica + Beebe Denison + Deverick Dennis + James Dennis + John Dennis (3) + Jonas Dennis + Joseph Dennis (2) + Moses Dennis + Paine Dennis + Lemuel Dennison + John Denoc + David Denroron + John Denronons + Lewis Depue + Manuel Deralia + John Derboise + Daniel Deroro + Daniel Derry + William Derry + Louis Deshea + John Desiter + Jacob Dessino + Jeane Devaratte + Isaac Devay + Gabriel Devay + James Devereux + Robert Devereux + James Deverick + John Devericks + Honor Devey + Joseph Deville + Frances Devise + Daniel Devoe + Thomas Devoy + Aaron Dexter + Benjamin Dexter + Simon Dexter + Elerouant Diabery + Jonah Diah + David Diber + Archibald Dick + Benjamin Dickenson + Benjamin Dickinson + Edward Dickinson + Ichabod Dickinson + John Dickinson + Edward Dickerson + Joseph Diers + Thomas Diggenson + Rone Digon + Joseph Dillons + John Dillow + Benjamin Dimon + Charles Dimon + James Dimon + Robert Dingee + Elisha Dingo + John Dingo + Pierre Disaablan + Mitchael Dissell + John Diver + Victoire Divie + Christian Dixon + Christopher Dixon + Daniel Dixon + James Dixon (2) + John Dixon + Nicholas Dixon + Robert Dixon (2) + William Dixon + Etamin Dluice + John Doan + Joseph Dobbs + John Dobiee + Henry Docherty + Hugh Docherty + William Dodd (2) + James Dodge + George Doget + Matthew Doggett + Samuel Doggett (2) + Timothy Doggle + John Doherty (2) + Thomas Doherty + Josiah Dohn + Samuel Dohn + Robert Doin + Frances Doisu + John Dolbear + Elisha Dolbuy + John Dole + Elisha Doleby + Nathaniel Dolloway + Pierre Dominica + Jean Domrean + Barton Donald + Anthony Donalds + Daniel Donaldson + Mc Donalm + Solomon Donan + John Dongan + Peter C Dongue + Anthony Dongues + Benjamin Donham + Devereux Donies + George Donkin + Francis Dora + John McDora Dora + Nathaniel Dorcey + Patrick Dorgan (3) + Timothy Dorgan + Joseph Dority + Paul Paulding Dorson + Joseph Doscemer + Jay Doudney + Francis Douglas + Robert Douglass + William Douglass + Iseno Douting + Thomas Douval + James Dowdey + William Dowden + Hezekiah Dowen (2) + John Dower + Henry Dowling + Francis Downenroux + Henry Dowling + John Downey + John Downing + Peter Downing + John Dowray + James Doxbury + Peter Doyle + Murray Drabb + Thomas Drake + Jean Draullard + James Drawberry + Samuel Drawere + James Drayton + William Dredge + Abadiah Drew + John Drew (2) + Thomas Drewry + John Driver + Simeon Drown + William Drown + Jean Dubison + Tames Dublands + Thomas Dubois + Henry Dubtoe + Michael Duchaee + Archibald Ducker + Jean Duckie + Martin Ducloy + Abner Dudley + Doulram Duffey + Ezekiel Duffey + Thomas Duffield + Michael Duffin + Thomas Duffy + Jacques Duforte + Franes Dugree + Chemuel Duke + John Duke + William Duke + Isaac Dukerson + Michael Duless + Terrence Dumraven + James Dunbar + George Duncan + John Duncan + James Duncan + William Duncan + Thomas Dung + John Dunhire + John Dunison + James Dunkin + Pierre Dunkwater + Thomas Dunlope + John Dunlope + Thomas Dunlope + Archibald Dunlopp + Allan Dunlot + John Dunmerhay + Arthur Dunn + Joseph Dunn + Peter Dunn + Sylvester Dunnam + John Dunning + Peter Dunning + Thomas Dunnon + Edene Dunreas + Allen Dunslope + William Dunton + Stephen Dunwell + Ehenne Dupee + Thomas Duphane + Francis Duplessis + France Dupue + Charles Duran + Henry Duran + Lewis Duran + Glase Durand + Jacques Durant + Sylvester Durham + Israel Durphey + Jonathan J Durvana + Robert Duscasson + Anthony Duskin + Andrew Duss + William Dussell + Raoul Dutchell + James Duverick + Timothy Dwier + William Dwine + John Dwyer + Timothy Dwyer (2) + William Dwyman + Alexander Dyer + Fitch Dyer + Hat Dyer + Hubert Dyer + Jonathan Dyer + Nathan Dyer + Patrick Dyer + Robert Dyer + Roger Dyer + Samuel Dyer +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + E + + David Each + Simon Eachforsh + David Eadoe + Benjamin Earle + Isaac Earle + Lewis Earle + Pardon Earle (2) + Michael Eason + Amos Easterbrook + Charles Easterbrook + John Eaves + Joseph Ebben + John Ebbinstone + Avico Ecbeveste + Joseph Echangueid + Francis Echauegud + Amorois Echave + Lorendo Echerauid + Francis Echesevria + Ignatius Echesevria + Manuel de Echeverale + Fermin Echeuarria + Joseph Nicola Echoa + Thoman Ecley — Edbron + Thomas Eddison + William Ede + Butler Edelin + Jessie Edgar + John Edgar + Thomas Edgar + William Edgar (2) + James Edgarton + Philip Edgarton + Doum Edmondo + Henry Edmund + John Edmund + Alexander Edwards + Charles Edwards + Daniel Edwards + Edward Edwards + Henry Edwards + James Edwards + John Edwards + Michael Edwards + Rollo Edwards + Thomas Edwards + William Edwards (2) + James Eggleston + Samuel Eggleston + James Egrant + James Ekkleston + Jonathan Elbridge + Nathan Elder + Luther Elderkin + Daniel Elderton + Aldub Eldred + Daniel Eldridge (2) + Ezra Eldridge + James Eldridge + Thomas Eldridge + William Eldridge + William Eleves + Richard Elgin + John Eli + Benjamin Elias + Benjamin Elith + James Elkins + Nicholas Ellery + Cornelius Elliott + Daniel Elliott + John Elliott + Joseph Elliott + Nathaniel Elliott + Jonathan Ellis + John Ellison (2) + Theodore Ellsworth + Stephen Elns + Nathaniel Elridge + Isaac Elwell + John Elwell + Samuel Elwell (3) + James Emanuel (2) + George Emery + Jean Emilgon + John Engrum + John Eoon + Samuel Epworth + John Erexson + Ignaus Ergua + Martin Eronte + James Esk + Walford Eskridge + Antony Esward + Anthony Eticore + Joseph Eton + Francis Eugalind + Joseph Eugalind + Nicholas Euston + Alias Evans + Pierre Evans + Francis Eveane + Lewis Eveane + Lewis Even + Peni Evena + Pierre Evena + Even Evens + William Evens + Jeremiah Everett + Ebenezer Everall + Robert Everley + George Everson + John Everson + Benjamin Eves + David Evins + John Evins + Peter Ewen + Thomas Ewell + William Ewell + Peter Ewen + Thomas Ewen + James Ewing + Thomas Ewing + Juan Vicente Expassa + Christian Eyes +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + F + + Jean Paul Fabalue + John Faber + Ashan Fairfield + Benjamin Fairfield + John Fairfield (2) + William Faithful + Henry Falam + Ephraim Falkender + George Falker + Robert Fall + Thomas Fallen + Henry Falls + Francis Fanch + Jean Fanum + John Farland + William Farmer + John Faroe + Michael Farrean + William Farrow + Thomas Fary + Henry Fatem + Jacob Faulke + Robert Fauntroy + Joseph Feebe + Martin Feller + James Fellows + Nathaniel Fellows + John Felpig + Peter Felpig + Benjamin Felt + David Felter + Thomas Fennall + Cable Fennell + John Fenton + Cable Fenwell + Joseph Ferarld + Domigo Ferbon + David Fere + Matthew Fergoe + Pierre Fermang + Noah Fernal + Francis Fernanda + Thomas Fernandis + Matthew Fernay + Ephraim Fernon + Fountain Fernray + Ehemre Ferote + Joseph Ferre + Lewis Ferret + Toseph Ferria + Kennedy Ferril + Conway Ferris + Paul Ferris + William Fester + Elisha Fettian + Manuel Fevmandez + Frederick Fiarde + John Ficket + Charles Field + John Fielding + W Fielding + William Fielding + John Fife + Edwin Fifer + Nathaniel Figg + Benjamin Files + Jean Francis Fillear + Patrick Filler + Ward Filton + John Fimsey + Bartholomew Finagan + David Finch + John Fincher + George Finer + Dennis Finesy + Francis Finley + James Finley + Dennis Finn + John Finn + Jeremiah Finner + Jonathan Finney (3) + Seth Finney + Thomas Finney + Robert Firmie + Joseph Firth + Asel Fish + Daniel Fish + Ezekiel Fish + John Fish + Nathaniel Fish (2) + John Fisham + Abraham Fisher + Archibald Fisher + Isaac Fisher + Jonathan Fisher + Nathan Fisher + Robert Fisher (3) + Simon Fisher + William Fisher (2) + William Fisk + John Fist + Solomon Fist + Ebenezer Fitch + Jedeiah Fitch + Josiah Fitch + Peter Fitch + Theopilus Fitch + Timothy Fitch + Henry Fitchett + William Fithin + Cristopher Fitts + Patrick Faroh Fitz + Edward Fitzgerald + Patrick Fitzgerald + Thomas Fleet + John Fletcher + John Fling + William Fling + John Flinn + Berry Floyd + Michael Fluort + Thomas Fogg + Francis Follard + Jonathan Follett + Stephen Follows + John Folsom + John Folston + Joseph Fomster + Louis Fongue + Daniel Foot + Samuel Foot + Zakiel Foot + John Footman + Peter Forbes + Bartholomew Ford (3) + Daniel Ford + George Ford (2) + John Ford + Philip Ford + William Ford + Benjamin Fordham + Daniel Fore + Hugh Foresyth + Vancom Forque + Matthew Forgough + George Forket + Samuel Forquer + Nathaniel Forrest + Francis Forster + Timothy Forsythe + John Fort + Anthony Fortash + Emanuel Fortaud + Tohn Fortune + Thomas Fosdick + Andrew Foster + Asa Foster + Boston Foster + Conrad Foster + Edward Foster + Ephraim Poster + Henry Foster (2) + George Foster + Jacob Foster + Jebediah Foster + Josiah Foster (2) + John Foster (6) + Nathaniel Foster + Nicholas Foster + William Foster + Ephraim Fostman + John Fouber + Francis Foubert + William Foulyer + Edward Fousler + Pruden Fouvnary + Gideon Fowler + James Fowler (2) + John Fowler (2) + Joseph Fowler + Michael Fowler + John Butler Foy + William Foy + Jared Foyer + Ebenezer Fox + William Fox (3) + Jacob Frailey (2) + Fortain Frances + John Frances + Joseph Frances + Scobud Frances + John Francis + Thomas Francis (2) + William Francis + Manuel Francisco + Jean Franco + Jean Francois + Anthony Frankie + Pernell Franklin + Christopher Franks + Michael Franks + John Frasier + Thomas Frasier + Nathaniel Frask + John F Fravers + John Fravi + William Frey + Andrew Frazer + Thomas Frazier + Pierre Freasi + Iman Frebel + William Freebal + Charles Freeman + David Freeman + Henry Freeman + Humphrey Freeman + John Freeman + Thomas Freeman (2) + Zebediah Freeman + James French + Jonathan French + Michael French + Josias Frett + John Fretto + Juban Freway + Anthony Frick + Post Friend + Shadrach Friend + James Frieris + Ebenezer Frisby + Isaac Frisby + Josiah Frith + John Frost + Joseph Frost (2) + Peter Frume + James Fry (2) + Robert Fry + Abijah Fryske + Joseph Fubre + Joseph Fuganey + Joshua Fulger + Reuben Fulger + Stephen Fulger + Benjamin Fuller + James Fuller + Joseph Fuller + Thaddeus Fuller + Thomas Fuller (2) + George Fullum + James Fulton + Thomas Fulton + Abner Furguson + Samuel Furguson + John Furse + John Fury + Iman Futter +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + G + + Eudrid Gabria + Francis Gabriel + Franes Gabriel + Hernan Gage + Isaac Gage + Matthew Gage + Stephen Gage + Jonas Gale + Joseph Galina + Andrew Gallager + John Gallard + John Gallaspie + Richard Galley + William Gallway + Anthony Gallys + James Gamband + James Gamble + Joseph Gamble + Peter Gambo + Pierre Ganart + William Gandee + William Gandel + Francis Gandway + John Gandy + Hosea Garards + Antony Gardil + Silas Gardiner + William Gardiner + Alexander Gardner (3) + Dominic Gardner + James Gardner (3) + Joseph Gardner (5) + Larry Gardner + Robert Gardner + Samuel Gardner + Silas Gardner + Thomas Gardner + Uriah Gardner + William Gardner + Dominico Gardon + John Garey + Manolet Garico + James Garish + Paul Garish + John Garland (2) + Barney Garlena + Joseph Garley + —— Garner + Silas Garner + John Garnet + Sylvester Garnett + Isaac Garret + Michael Garret + John Garretson + Antonio Garrett + Jacques Garrett + Richard Garrett + William Garrett + Louis C. Garrier + Jacob Garrison (2) + Joseph Garrison (3) + Joseph Garrit + Thomas Garriway + Jean Garrow + Roman Garsea + William Garty + Job Gascin + Daniel Gasett + Jacob Gasker + Simon Gason (2) + Manot Gasse + John Gassers + Francis Gater + Charles Gates + Peter Gaypey + John Gault + Paul Gaur + Thomas Gaurmon + Thomas Gawner + Solomon Gay + William Gay + Charles Gayford + John Gaylor + Robert Geddes + George George (2) + George Georgean + Hooper Gerard + Riviere de Ggoslin + George Gill + John Gibbens + Edward Gibbertson + John Gibbons + Charles Gibbs (3) + John Gibbs (2) + Andrew Gibson + Benjamin Gibson + George Gibson + James Gibson + William Gibson + Stephen Giddron + Archibald Gifford + George Gilbert + Timothy Gilbert + George Gilchrist + Robert Gilchrist + John Giles + Samuel Giles (2) + Thomas Giles + William Giles + John Gill + Philip Gill + William Gill + John Gilladen + Jean B. Gillen + Richard Gilleny + William Gillespie + John Gillis + John Gillison + David Gillispie + David Gillot + Toby Gilmay + John Gilmont + Nathaniel Gilson + Thomas Gimray + Peter Ginnis + Jean Ginnow + Baptist Giraud + Joseph Girca + William Gisburn + Francis Gissia + Jean Glaied + Charles Glates + Jean Glease + Jean Gleasie + Gabriel Glenn + Thomas Glerner + William Glesson + James Gloacque + William Glorman + Edward Gloss + Michael Glosses + Daniel Gloud + Jonathan Glover + William Glover + Thomas Goat + Ebenezer Goddard + Nicholas Goddard + Thomas Goddard + Joseph Godfrey + Nathaniel Godfrey + Samuel Godfrey + Simon Godfrey + Thomas Godfrey + William Godfrey (4) + Francis Godfry + Pierre Godt + Vincent Goertin + Patrick Goff + John Going + Ebenezer Gold + John Golston + William Golston + Robert Gomer + Pierre Goodall + George Goodby + Simon Goodfrey + Eli Goodfry + Lemuel Gooding + George Goodley + Francis Goodman + Eli Goodnow + Elizer Goodrich + Jesse Goodrich + Solomon Goodrich + James Goodwick + Charles Goodwin + Daniel Goodwin + George Goodwin + Gideon Goodwin + Ozeas Goodwin + Abel Goose + James Gootman + Abel Goove + —— Goquie + Jonathan Goram (2) + John Gord + Andrew Gordan + Andrew Gordon + James Gordon (2) + Peter Gordon + Stephen Gordon + Jesse Gore + Jonathan Goreham + James Gorham + Jonathan Gorham + Shubert Gorham + Joseph Gormia + Christian Goson + William Goss + Jean Gotea + George Gothe + Charles Gotson + Francis Goudin + Lewis Gouire + Augustus Goute + Francis Goutiere + Joseph Goveir + Sylverter Govell + George Gowell (2) + Henry Gowyall + Jean Goyear + Matthew Grace + William Grafton + Alexander Graham + Robert Graham + Samuel Graham + David Graines + Robert Grame + L. A. Granada + William Granby + Adam Grandell + Alexander Grant + Thomas Grant + William Grant + Thomas Grassing + William Gratton + Ebenezer Graub + Dingley Gray + Franes Gray + Joseph Gray (2) + James Gray + Samuel Gray + Simeon Gray + Simon Gray + William Gray + Isaac Greeman + Allen Green + Elijah Green (2) + Elisha Green + Henry Green + John Green (9) + Joseph Green (2) + Robert Green + Rufus Green + William Green (3) + Green Greenbury + Enoch Greencafe + James Greene (3) + John Greene (4) + Samuel Greene + John Greenes + Richard Greenfield + Abner Greenleaf + John Greenoth + William Greenville + Barton Greenville + Malum Greenwell + Robert Greenwold + Jacob Greenwood + David Gregory + Stephen Gregory (2) + Ebenezer Grenach + William Grennis + Ebenezer Grenyard + Samuel Grey + Charles Grier + Isaac Grier + Mather Grier + William Grierson + Moses Griffen + Alexander Griffin + Daniel Griffin + Elias Griffin + James Griffin (2) + Jasper Griffin + Joseph Griffin + Moses Griffin (2) + Peter Griffin + Rosetta Griffin + James Griffith + William Griffith + James Grig + John Griggs + Thomas Grilley + Peter Grinn + Philip Griskin + Edward Grissell + Elijah Griswold + Jotun Griswold + John Grogan + Joseph Grogan + Josiah Grose + Peter Grosper + Benjamin Gross + Michael Gross + Simon P. Gross + Tonos Gross + Peleg Grotfield + John Grothon + Andrew Grottis + Joseph Grouan + Michael Grout + Stephen Grove + Thomas Grover (2) + John Gruba + Samuel Grudge + Peter Gruin + George Grymes + John Guae + Cyrus Guan + Elisha Guarde + John Guason + John Guay + Bense Guenar + Nathaniel Gugg + Pierre Guilber + John Guilley + Peter Guin + William Guinep + Joseph Guiness + Joseph Guinet + William Gulirant + Joseph Gullion + Souran Gult + Jean Gumeuse + Antonio Gundas + Julian Gunder + William Gunnup + Jean Gunteer + Pierre Gurad + Anthony Gurdell + Franes Gusboro + George Guster + Jean Joseph Guthand + Francis Guvare + William Gwinnup +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + H + + Samuel Hacker + John Hackett + Benjamin Haddock + Caraway Hagan + Anthony de la Hage + James Haggarty + John Haglus + Ebenezer Hail + David Halbort + William Haldron + Matthew Hales + Aaron Hall + Ebenezer Hall + Isaac Hall + James Hall + John Hall (3) + Joseph Hall + London Hall + Lyman Hall + Millen Hall + Moses Hall + Nathan Hall + Samuel Hall + Spence Hall + Thomas Hall (3) + William Hall + Willis Hall + Thomas Hallahan + James Hallaughan + Benjamin Hallett (2) + James Hallett (2) + Ephraim Halley + John Halley + Joseph Halley (2) + Samuel Halley + Richard Halley + Charles Hallwell + Henry Halman + William Halsey + Moses Halton + Jesse Halts + Byron Halway + Benjamin Halwell + James Ham + Levi Ham + Reuben Hambell + William Hamber + Empsen Hamilton + Henry Hamilton (2) + John Hamilton (2) + William Hamilton (2) + Flint Hammer + Charles Hammond + Elijah Hammond + Homer Hammond + James Hammond + Joseph Hammond + Thomas Hamsby + James Hanagan + Stephen Hanagan + Henry Hance + Abraham Hancock + Samuel Hancock + Elias Hand + Elijah Hand + Gideon Hand + Joseph Hand (2) + Thomas Hand + William Hand + Levi Handy + Thomas Handy (3) + John Hanegan + Josiah Hanes + Patrick Hanes + Samuel Hanes + John Haney + Gideon Hanfield + Peter Hankley + Every Hanks + John Hannings + Hugh Hanson + James Hanwagon + Jonathan Hanwood + John Hanwright + Neil Harbert + John Harbine + Daniel Harbley + Augustus Harborough + Peter Harcourt + Jean Hard + Lewis Harden + Richard Harden + William Harden + Turner Hardin + Frances Harding + Nathaniel Harding (2) + George Hardy + James Hardy + Joseph Hardy (2) + Thomas Harens + John Harfun + Joel Hargeshonor + Jacob Hargous + Abraham Hargus + Thomas Harkasy + John Harket + Solomon Harkey + Thomas Harkins + Charles Harlin + Selden Harley + Solomon Harley + Byron Harlow + John Harman + Richard Harman + John Harmon + Joseph Harner + William Harragall + John Harragall + Lewis Harrett + Bartholomew Harrington + Daniel Harrington + Charles Harris + Edward Harris + Francis Harris + George Harris + Hugh Harris + James Harris (2) + John Harris (2) + Joseph Harris + Nathaniel Harris (2) + Robert Harris + William Harris + Charles Harrison + Elijah Harrison + Gilbert Harrison + John Harrison + William Harron + Charles Harroon + Cornelius Hart + Jacob de Hart + John Hart + Samuel Hartley + Jacob Hartman + James Hartshorne + Thomas Hartus + John Harwood + John Harvey + Peter Haselton + Michael Hashley + Philip Hashton + John Hasker + Jacob Hassa + John Hassett + John Hassey + Benjamin Hatam + Charles Hatbor + Edward Hatch + Jason Hatch + Nailor Hatch + Prince Hatch + Reuben Hatch + William Hatch + Edward Hatchway + Burton Hathaway + Jacob Hathaway + Russell Hathaway + Woolsey Hathaway + Andrew Hatt + Shadrach Hatway + Michael Haupe + Jacob Hauser + William Hawke + Jacob Hawker + John Hawker + John Hawkin + Christopher Hawkins + Jabez Hawkins + John Hawkins (2) + Thomas Hawkins + Jacob Hawstick + John Hawston + George Haybud + Benjamin Hayden + Nicholas Hayman + David Hayne + Joseph Haynes + Peter Haynes (2) + Thomas Haynes + William Haynes + David Hays + Patrick Hays + Thomas Hays + William Hays + William Haysford + Benjamin Hazard + John Hazard + Samuel Heageork + Gilbert Heart + Samuel Heart + Joseph Hearth + Charles Heath + Joseph Heath + Seren Heath + Seson Heath + Jack Hebell + Heraclus Hedges + George Heft + Edmund Helbow + Matthias Hellman + Lacy Helman + Thomas Helman + Odera Hemana + Daniel Hemdy + Jared Hemingway + Alexander Henderson + Ephraim Henderson + Joseph Henderson + Michael Henderson + Robert Henderson + William Henderson + Archibald Hendray + Robert Hengry + Leeman Henley + Butler Henry + James Henry + John Henry (3) + Joseph Henry + Michael Henry (2) + William Henry (2) + John Hensby + Patrick Hensey (2) + Enos Henumway + Dennis Henyard + Samson Herart + Thomas Herbert + Philip Herewux + Ephraim Herrick + John Herrick (2) + William Herrick + Michael Herring + William Herring + Robert Herrow + Robert Herson + Robert Hertson + Augustin Hertros + Stephen Heskils + John Hetherington + John Hewengs + Lewis Hewit + William Heysham + Diah Hibbett + John Hibell + Michael Hick + Daniel Hickey + Baptist Hicks + Benjamin Hicks + John Hicks + Isaac Higgano + George Higgins + Ichabod Higgins + Samuel Higgins + Stoutly Higgins + William Higgins (3) + Henry Highlander + John Highlenede + John Hill (2) + James Hill + Joshua Hill (2) + Thomas Hill (2) + Edward Hilley + James Hilliard + Joseph Hilliard + Nicholas Hillory + Hale Hilton + Nathaniel Hilton + Benjamin Himsley + Peter Hinch + James Hines + William Hinley + Aaron Hinman + William Hinman + Nathaniel Hinnran + Jonathan Hint + John Hirich + Christian Hiris + Samuel Hiron + John Hisburn + Nathaniel Hise + Samuel Hiskman + John Hislop + Philip Hiss + Loren Hitch + Robert Hitch + Joseph Hitchband + Edward Hitchcock + Robert Hitcher + John Hitching + Arthur Hives + Willis Hoag + Edwin Hoane + Henry Hobbs + William Hobbs + Jacob Hobby + Nathaniel Hobby + Joseph Hockless + Hugh Hodge + Hercules Hodges (2) + Benjamin Hodgkinson + Samuel Hodgson + Conrad Hoffman + Cornelius Hoffman + Roger Hogan + Stephen Hogan + Stephen Hoggan + Alexander Hogsart + Jacob Hogworthy + Ephraim Hoist + Humphrey Hoites + Lemuel Hokey + William Hold + William Holden + Thomas Holdridge + John Holland + Michael Holland + William Holland (2) + Nicholas Hollen + William Holliday + Michael Holloway + Myburn Holloway + Grandless Holly + Henry Holman + Isaac Holmes + James Holmes + Joseph Holmes + Nathaniel Holmes + Thomas Holmes (3) + George Holmstead + Charles Hole + Samuel Holt + James Home + Jacob Homer + William Homer + William Honeyman + Simon Hong + Warren Honlap + Daniel Hood (2) + Nicholas Hoogland (2) + George Hook + John Hook (2) + George Hooker + Ezekiel Hooper + John Hooper (3) + Michael Hooper (3) + Sweet Hooper + Caleb Hopkins + Christopher Hopkins + John Hopkins + Michael Hopkins + Stephen Hopkins + William Hopkins + Edward Hopper + John Hopper + Richard Hopping + Levi Hoppins + Joseph Horn (2) + Jacob Horne + John Horne + Ralph Horne + Samuel Horne + Augusta Horns + Michael Horoe + Charles Horsine + Ephraim Hort + Jean Hosea + John Hosey + Jean Hoskins + James Hottahon + Ebenezer Hough + Enos House + Seren House + Noah Hovard + Joseph Hovey + John Howe + Absalom Howard + Ebenezer Howard + John Howard + Richard Howard + Thomas Howard + William Howard (3) + James Howburn + Edward Howe + John Howe + Thomas Howe + Ebenezer Howell + Jesse Howell + Jonathan Howell + John Howell + Luke Howell + Michael Howell + Thomas Howell + Waller Howell + William Howell + Daniel Howland + Joseph Howman + Benjamin Hoyde + Dolphin Hubbard + Jacob Hubbard + James Hubbard + Joel Hubbard + Moses Hubbard + William Hubbard + Abel Hubbell + William Huddle + John Hudman + Fawrons Hudson + John Hudson + Phineas Hudson + John Huet + Conrad Huffman + Stephen Huggand + John Huggins + Abraham Hughes + Felix Hughes + Greenberry Hughes + Greenord Hughes + Jesse Hughes + John Hughes + Peter Hughes + Thomas Hughes + Pierre Hujuon + Richard Humphrey + Clement Humphries + W W Humphries + Ephraim Hunn + Cephas Hunt + John Hunt (2) + Robert Hunt + Alexander Hunter + Ezekiel Hunter + George Hunter + Robert Hunter + Turtle Hunter + Rechariah Hunter + Elisha Huntington + Joseph Harand + Benjamin Hurd + Joseph Hurd + Simon Hurd + Asa Hurlbut + George Husband + John Husband + Negro Huson + Charles Huss + Isaac Huss + Jesse Hussey + James Huston + Zechariah Hutchins + Esau Hutchinson + John Hutchison + Abraham Smith Hyde + Vincent Hyer +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I. — Joseph Ignacis + Ivede Sousis Illiumbe + Benjamin Indecot + Isaac Indegon + John Ingersall + Henry Ingersoll (2) + John Ingraham + Joseph Ingraham + Joshua Ingraham + Philip Ignissita + Joseph Irasetto + David Ireland + James Ireland + Joseph Ireland + Michael Irvin + George Irwin + Michael Irwin + Isaac Isaacs + George Ismay + Gospar Israel + James Ivans + John Ivington + Francis D Izoguirre +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + J + + Michael Jacen + Black Jack + John Jack (2) + John Jacks (2) + Frederick Jacks (2) + George Jacks (2) + Henry Jacks + John Jacks + John Jackson + James Jackson + Josiah Jackson + Nathaniel Jackson + Peter Jackson + Robert Jackson + Jean Jacobs + Bella Jacobs + Joseph Jacobs + Wilson Jacobs + Andrew Jacobus + Guitman Jacques + Guitner Jacques + Lewis Jacques + Peter Jadan + John Jaikes + Benjamin James + John James (2) + Ryan James + William James + Daniel Jamison + Josiah Janes + Jean Jardin + Francis Jarnan + Edward Jarvis + Petuna Jarvis + Negro Jask + John Jassey + Francis Jatiel + Clement Jean + Joseph Jean + William Jean + Benjamin Jeanesary + Roswell Jeffers + Samuel Jeffers + James Jeffrey + John Jeffries + Joseph Jeffries + Philip Jeffries + George Jemrey + Pierre Jengoux + David Jenkin + Enoch Jenkins + George Jenkins + Solomon Jenkins + George Jenney + John Jenney + Langdon Jenney + Langhorn Jenney + Nathaniel Jennings + Thomas Jennings + William Jennings + John Jenny + Langhorn Jenny + Frances Jerun + Abel Jesbank + Oliver Jethsam + Germain Jeune + Silas Jiles + Nathan Jinks + Moses Jinney + Verd Joamra + Manuel Joaquire + Robert Job + —— Joe + Thomas Joel + Elias Johnson (2) + Francis Johnson + George Johnson + James Johnson (3) + John Johnson (3) + Joseph Johnson + Major Johnson + Samuel Johnson + Stephen Johnson + William Johnson (8) + Ebenezer Johnston + Edward Johnston + George Johnston + John Johnston (2) + Joseph Johnston + Major Johnston + Michael Johnston + Miller Johnston + Paul Johnston + Peter Johnston + Robert Johnston (3) + Samuel Johnston + Simon Johnston + Stephen Johnston + William Johnston (8) + William B. Johnston + James Johnstone + John Joie + Thomas Joil + Adam Jolt + —— Joan + Benjamin Jonas + Abraham Jones + Alexander Jones + Benjamin Jones (3) + Beal Jones + Clayton Jones + Darl Jones + Edward Jones (2) + James Jones + Jib Jones + John Jones (7) + Thomas Jones (2) + Richard Jones (2) + Samuel Jones (3) + William Jones (10) + Jean Jordan + John Jordan + Philip Jordan + Nicholas Jordon (2) + Anthony Joseph + Antonio Joseph + Emanuel Joseph + Thomas Joseph + William Joslitt + Antonio Jouest + Thomas Joulet + Jean Jourdana + Mousa Jousegh + Jean Jowe + Thomas Jowe + Curtis Joy + Josiah Joy + Peter Joy (2) + Samuel Joy + Samuel Joyce + Conrad Joycelin + Randon Jucba + Manuel Joseph Jucerria + Peter Julian + Henry Junas + Henry Junus (2) + Jacques Jurdant + George Juster + Samuel Justice + Simeon Justive + George Justus + Philip Justus +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + K + + Mark Kadoody + Jonn Kam + Lewis Kale + Barney Kane + Edward Kane + John Kane + Patrick Kane + Thomas Kane + Sprague Kean + Thomas Kean + Nathaniel Keard + William Keary + Tuson Keath + Daniel Keaton + Samuel Kelbey + Samuel Kelby + John Keller + Abner Kelley + John Kelley (5) + Michael Kelley (2) + Oliver Kelley + Patrick Kelley + Samuel Kelley + William Kelley + Roy Kellrey + Abner Kelly (2) + Hugh Kelly + James Kelly + John Kelly + Roger Kelly + Seth Kelly + Timothy Kelly + Nehemiah Kelivan + Olgas Kilter + William Kemplin + Simon Kenim + Charles Kenneday + James Kenneday + Jonathan Kenneday + Nathaniel Kenneday + Robert Kenneday (2) + Thomas Kenneday + William Kenneday (2) + David Kennedy + James Kennedy + John Kenney (2) + William Kensey + Elisha Kenyon + Joson Ker + John Kerril + William Kersey (2) + Edward Ketcham + Samuel Ketcham + William Keyborn + Anthony Keys + John Keys + Michael Keys + Jean Kiblano + James Kickson + George Kidd + John Kidd + James Kidney + Manuel Kidtona + Thomas Kilbourne + John Kilby + Lewis Kildare + John Kilfundy + Samuel Killen + William Killenhouse + Samuel Killer + Charles Killis + Gustavus Killman + Daniel Kilray + John Kilts + Nathaniel Kimberell + Charles King + Gilbert King + Jonathan King + John King (4) + Joseph King (4) + Michael King + Richard King + William King + Nathaniel Kingsbury + William Kingsley + Samuel Kinney + Josiah Kinsland + Benjamin Kinsman + Charles Kirby + John Kirk + William Kirk + Jacob Kisler + Edward Kitchen + John Kitler + Ebenezer Knapp + James Knapp + Benjamin Knight (2) + Job Knight + Reuben Knight + Thomas Knight (2) + James Knowles (2) + Nathaniel Knowles + James Knowls + Edward Knowlton + William Knowlton + Jeremiah Knox (2) + John Knox + Ezekiel Kuthoopen + Louis Kyer +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + L + + Basil Laban + Pierre Labon + Francois Labone + Deman Labordas + Fortne Laborde + Frederick Laborde + Anton Laca + Michael La Casawyne + John Lack + Christopher Lacon + Oliver Lacope + Guilham La Coque + Anthony Lafart + Dennis Lafferty + Pierre La Fille + Anthony Lagarvet + Jeff Laggolf + Samuel Laighton + Thomas Laigue + Peter Lain + Christopher Laird (3) + John Laird (2) + Simon Lake + Thomas Lake + Nathan Lakeman + Thomas Laley + Samson Lalley + John Lalour + David Lamb + William Lamb + Pierre Lambert + Richard Lambert (2) + Cayelland Lambra + Thomas Lambuda + Evena Lame + Thomas Lame + Jean Lameari + Michael Lameova + Alexander Lamere (2) + Roque Lamie + Henry Land + Stephen Landart + George Landon + Peter Landon + William Lane + John Langdon + Jonathan Langer + Darius Langford + William Langford + John Langler + Obadiah Langley + Thomas Langley (2) + James Langlord + Joseph Langola + Andrew Langolle + Thomas Langstaff + Franes Langum + Francois Lan Hubere + Samuel Lanman + Nicholas Lanmand + William Lanvath + David Lapham + Bundirk Laplaine + Joseph La Plan + James Lapthorn + Pierre Laquise + Francis Larada + Matthew La Raison + Charles Larbys + Thomas Larkin + James Larkins + Gillian Laroache + Bundirk Larplairne + Pierre Larquan + Benjamin Larrick + Lewis Larsolan + Guillemot Lascope + Julian Lascope + Joseph Laselieve + John Lasheity + William Lasken + Jachery Lasoca + David Lassan + Michael Lassly + Pierre Lastio + David Latham + Edward Latham + James Latham + Thomas Latham + Elisha Lathrop + John Lathrop + Hezekiah Lathrop + Solomon Lathrop + James Latover + Lorenzo Lattam + Peter Lattimer + Thomas Lattimer + William Lattimer + William Lattimore + Frederick Lasker + William Lathmore + Samuel Laura + John Laureny + Homer Laury + Michael Lased + Daniel Lavet + Pierre Lavigne + Michael Lavona + Ezekiel Law (2) + John Law + Richard Law + Thomas Law + Michael Lawbridge + Thomas Lawrance + Antonio Lawrence + Isaac Lawrence + James Lawrence + John Lawrence (2) + Joseph Lawrence + Michael Lawrence + Robert Lawrence + Samuel Lawrence (3) + Thomas Lawrence + William Lawrence (2) + John Lawrie + Andrew Lawson + Joseph Lawson + Joseph Lawton + Edward Lay + Lenolen Layfield + William Layne + John Layons + Colsie Layton + Jessie Layton + Anthonv Layzar + Ezekiel Leach + Thomas Leach (3) + William Leach + William Leachs + John Leafeat + Cornelius Leary + John Leasear + John Leatherby + Louis Leblanc + Philip Le Caq + William Le Cose + Baptist Le Cour + Benjamin Lecraft + Joseph Lecree + Aaron Lee + Adam Lee + David Lee + Henry Lee + James Lee + John Lee + Josiah Lee + Peter Lee + Richard Lee (3) + Stephen Lee + Thomas Lee (3) + James Leech + John Leech (2) + George Leechman + Jack Leeme + Joseph Leera + Jean Lefant + —— Le Fargue + Michael Lefen + Samuel Le Fever + Nathaniel Le Fevere + Alexander Le Fongue + Jean Le Ford + Hezekiah Legrange + Thomas Legrange + Joseph Legro + Samuel Legro + George Lehman + Gerge Lehman + George Leish + Jacob Lelande + Jeremiah Leman + John Lemee + Rothe Lemee + Abraham Lemon + Peter Lernonas + Pierre Lemons + John Lemont + Powell Lemosk + John Lemot + James Lenard + Joseph Lenard + John Lenham + Tuft Lenock + Joseph Lenoze + John Leonard + Simon Leonard + Louis Le Pach + Joshua Le Poore + Pierre Le Port + Francis Lepord + Pierre Lepord + Pierre Lerandier + Jean Le Rean + Joseph Peccanti Lescimia + John Lessington + John Lessell + Christian Lester + Henry Lester + Lion Lesteren + Ezekiel Letts (2) + James Leuard + Anthony Levanden + Thomas Leverett + John Leversey + Joseph Levett + Nathaniel Levi + Bineva Levzie + Jean Baptiste Leynac + Nicholas L’Herox + Pierre Liar + John Lidman + George Lichmond + Charles Liekerada + Charles Liekeradan + Louis Light + John Lightwell + Homer Ligond + Joseph Lilihorn + Jonathan Lillabridge + Joseph Lillehorn + Thomas Lilliabridge + Armistead Lillie + John Lilling + John Limberick + Christopher Limbourne (2) + Lewis Lincoln + Samuel Lindsay + James Lindsey + Matthew Lindsley + William Lindsley + Lamb Lines + Charles Linn + Lewis Linot + Richard Linthorn + Nicholas Linva + Samuel Linzey + William Linzey + Jesse Lipp + Henry Lisby + Francis Little + George Little + John Little (3) + Philip Little + Thomas Little + Thomas Littlejohn + William Littleton + Thomas Livet + Licomi Lizarn + James Lloyd + Simon Lloyd + William Lloyd + Lones Lochare + John Logan + Patrick Logard + Eve Logoff + Samuel Lombard + John London + Richard London + Adam Lone + Christian Long + Enoch Long + Jeremiah Long + William Long + Martin Longue + Emanuel Loper + Joseph Lopez + Daniel Loran + John Lorand + Nathaniel Lord + William Loreman + Francis Loring + John Lort + Thomas Lorton + Jean Lossett + William Lott + David Louis + John Love (2) + Stephen Love + Thomas Love + John Loveberry + William Loverin + James Lovett + Thomas Lovett (2) + James Low + William Low + John Lowe + Abner Lowell (2) + Israel Lowell + Jonathan Lowell + John Lowering + Jacob Lowerre + Robert Lowerre (2) + Robert Lowerry + John Lowery + Philip Lowett + John Lowring + Pierre Lozalie + Jacques Lubard + James Lucas + Lucian Lucas + Jean Lucie + William Lucker + William Luckey (2) + W. Ludds + Samuel Luder + David Ludwith + Peter Lumbard + Francois Lumbrick + Joseph Lunt (3) + Skipper Lunt + Philip Lute + Nehemiah Luther + Reuben Luther + Benjamin Luyster + Augustin Luzard + Alexander Lyelar + Charles Lyle + Witsby Linbick + Jean Lynton + Peter Lyon + Samuel Lyon + Archibald Lyons + Daniel Lyons + Ephraim Lyons + Ezekiel Lyons + Jonathan Lyons + Samuel Lyons +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + M + + Jean Franco Mabugera + John Macay + Nicholas McCant + John Mace + Anthony Macguire + Pierre Marker + William Macgneol + Romulus Mackroy + John Madding (2) + Peter Madding + Peter Maggot + John Maginon + Stringe Mahlan + Peter Mahrin + Jean Maikser + William Main + Joseph Mainwright + Simon Majo + Pierre Malaque + John Maleon + Lewis Malcom + Maurice Malcom + John Male + William Malen + Francis Maler + Matthew Malkellan + Enoch Mall + Daniel Malleby + Thomas Malleby + Frederick Malleneux + John Mallet + Daniel Mallory + John Malone + Paul Malory + Thomas Makend + Nathaniel Mamford + —— Mamney + Peter Manaford + Josiah Manars + John Manchester + Silas Manchester + Thaddeus Manchester + Edward Mand + Edward Manda + Jonathan Mandevineur + Sylvester Manein + Pierre Maneit + Etien Manett + George Manett + George Mangoose + John Manhee + William Manilla + Anthony Mankan + Jacob Manlore + William Manlove + John Manly + James Mann + John Manor + Isaac Mans + Benjamin Mansfield + Hemas Mansfield + William Mansfield + Joseph Mantsea + Jonathan Maples + Jean Mapson + Auree Marand + —— Marbinnea + Mary Marblyn + Etom Marcais + James Marcey + Jean Margabta + Jean Marguie + Timothy Mariarty + John Mariner (2) + Hercules Mariner (2) + Elias Markham + Thomas Marle + James Marley + Jean Marlgan + Francis Marmilla + David Marney + James Marriott + Zachary Marrall + William Marran + James Marriott + Alexander Marse + Jarnes Marsh + Benjamin Marshall + James Marshall + John Marshall + Joseph Marshall + Samuel Marshall + Thomas Marshall + Timothy Marson + Thomas Marston + Adam Martellus + Antonio Marti + Ananias Martin + Damon Martin + Daniel Martin + Daniel F. Martin + Emanuel Martin + Embey Martin + Francis Martin + George Martin + Gilow Martin + Jacob Martin + James Martin + Jesse Martin + John Martin (4) + Joseph Martin (3) + Lewis Martin + Martin Martin + Michael Martin + Peter Martin + Philip Martin + Samuel Martin (2) + Simon Martin + Thomas Martin (2) + William Martin (3) + Jose Martine (2) + Thomas Martine + Pierre Martinett + Philip Marting + Martin Martins + Oliver Marton + John Marton + Baptist Marvellon + Anthony Marwin + Andrew Masar + Thomas Mash + Matthew Maskillon + Thomas Masley + Jean Maso + Augustus Mason + Francis Mason + Gerard B. Mason + Halbert Mason + James Mason + Louis Mason + Charles Massaa + James Massey + James Maston + Pierre Mathamice + James Mathes + Jeffrey Mathews + John Mathews + Joseph Mathews (2) + Josiah Mathews + Richard Mathews (2) + Robert Mathews + Thomas Mathews + William Mathews (2) + Thomas Mathewson + Robert Mathias + Joseph Matre + James Matson + William Matterga + George Matthews + Joseph Matthews + Josiah Matthews + Richard Matthias + Thomas Maun + James Maurice + John Mawdole + Patrick Maxfield + Daniel Maxwell + David Maxwell + George Maxwell + James Maxwell (6) + John Maxwell (3) + William Maxwell (5) + George May + John Maye (3) + John Maygehan + Pierre Maywer (3) + Parick McAllister + Charles McArthur + John McArthur + Peter McCalpan + Nathaniel McCampsey + William McCanery + Edward McCann + Daniel McCape (2) + Andrew McCarty + Cornelius McCarty + William McCarty + John M. McCash + Francis McClain + James McClanagan + Daniel McClary + Henry McCleaf + Patrick McClemens + John McClesh + Patrick McCloskey + Murphy McCloud + Peter McCloud + James McClure + William McClure + Johnston McCollister + James McComb + Paul McCome + James McConnell + Hugh McCormac + James McCormick + William McCowan + Donald McCoy + George McCoy + Peter McCoy + Samuel McCoy + John McCrady + Gilbert McCray + John McCray + Roderick McCrea + Patrick McCuila + Francis McCullam + William McCullock + Daniel McCullough + William McCullough + Patrick McCullum + Caleb McCully + Archibald McCunn + James McDaniel (3) + John McDaniel + John McDavid + William McDermott + Alexander McDonald + Donald McDonald + John McDonald + Petre McDonald + William McDonald (2) + Patrick McDonough (2) + William McDougall + Ebenezer McEntire + John McEvan + John McFaggins + James McFall + Bradford McFarlan + Daniel McFarland + William McFarland (2) + Bradford McFarling + Bushford McFarling + John McFamon + William McGandy + John McGee (2) + Andrew McGelpin (3) + James McGeer + John McGey (3) + Arthur McGill + James McGill + Henry McGinness + James McGinniss + John McGoggin + Robert McGonnegray + James McGowan + John McGoy + Barnaby McHenry + Duncan Mclntire + Patrick McKay + Matthew McKellum + Barnaby McKenry + John McKensie + Thomas McKeon + Patrick McKey + James McKinney (2) + John McKinsey + George McKinsle + William McKinsley + Benjamin McLachlan + Edward McLain + Lewis McLain + Philip McLaughlin + Daniel McLayne + James McMichael + Philip McMonough + Francis McName + John McNauch + Archibald McNeal + John McNeal + James McNeil + William McNeil + John McNish + Molcolm McPherman + William McQueen + Charles McQuillian + Samuel McWaters + Samuel Mecury + John Medaff + John Mede + Joshua Medisabel + Joseph Meack + John Meak + Usell Meechen + Abraham Meek + Joseph Meek + Timothy Meek + John Mego + Springale Meins + William Melch + Joseph Mellins + Harvey Mellville + William Melone + Adam Meltward + George Melvin + Lewis Meneal + John Menelick + Jean Baptist Menlich + William Mellwood + John Mercaten + James Mercer + Robert Mercer (2) + Jean Merchant (2) + John Merchant + Peter Merchant + William Merchant + John Merchaud + Sylvester Mercy + Bistin Mereff + Jean Meritwell + Francis Merlin + John Merlin + Augustus Merrick + John Merrick + Joseph Merrick + Samuel Merrick + Nimrod Merrill + John Merritt + John Merry + John Mersean + Clifton Merser + John Mersey + Abner Mersick + William Messdone + Thomas Messell + George Messingburg + George Messmong + Thomas Metsard + Job Meyrick + Roger Mickey + Thomas Migill + James Migley + Jean Milcher + John Miles (2) + Segur Miles + Thomas Miles + Timothy Miles + George Mildred + James Millbown + Robert Millburn + John Millen + Christopher Miller + David Miller + Ebenezer Miller + Elijah Miller (2) + George Miller + Jacob Miller + John Miller (3) + John James Miller + Jonathan Miller + Michael Miller + Peter Miller + Samuel Miller (2) + William Miller (2) + Maurice Millet + Thomas Millet + Francis Mills + John Mills (2) + William Mills + Dirk Miners + John Mink + Renard Mink + Lawrence Minnharm + Arnold Minow + Kiele Mires + Koel Mires + Anthony Mitchell + Benjamin Mitchell + James Mitchell + Jean Mitchell + John Mitchell (2) + Joseph Mitchell + David P. 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Antonio Olive + Anthony Oliver + James Oliver (5) + Zebulon Oliver + Ebenezer Onsware + Allan Ord + John Ord + John Orgall + Sebastian Orman + Edward Ormunde + William Orr + John Orrock + Emanuel Orseat + Patrick Orsley + John Osborn + Joseph Osbourne + John Oseglass + Stephen Osena + John Osgood + Gabriel Oshire + Jean Oshire + Louis Oshire + John Osman + Henry Oswald + Gregorian Othes + Andre Otine (2) + Samuel Otis + Benjamin Otter + John Oubler + Charles Ousanon + Samuel Ousey + William Ousey + Jay Outon + John Outton + Jonathan Ovans + Samuel Ovell + Vincent Overatt + Samuel Overgorm + Lewis Owal + John Owen + Anthony Owens + Archibald Owens + Barnick Owens + James Owens + John Owens + Samuel Owens +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + P + + Jean Packet + Abel Paddock + Joseph Paddock + Silas Paddock + Daniel Paddock + Journey Padouan + B. Pain + Jacob Painter + Henry Painter + John Palicut + Daniel Palmer + Elisha Palmer + Gay Palmer + George Palmer + James Palmer + John Palmer + Jonas Palmer + Joshua Palmer + Lemuel Palmer + Matthew Palmer + Moses Palmer + Philip Palmer + William Palmer (4) + Peter Palot + Moses Palot + Nicholas Pamphillion + Emea Panier + Anthony Panks + Joseph Parde + Christopher Pardindes + Jacob Pardley + John Parish + George Park + John Parkard + Thomas Parkard + George L. 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Pitts + Nathaniel Plachores + Elton Planet + Etena Planett + John Platte + William Plemate + Francis Plenty + John Ploughman + Thomas Plunkett + James Plumer + John Plumstead + Thomas Plunkett + Motthew Poble + Henry Pogan + Daniel Poges + Salvador Pogsin + Michael Poinchet + Gilman Poirant + William Poke + John Poland + John Pollard + Peter Pollard + Jonathas Pollin + Elham Poloski + Samuel Polse + William Polse + Charles Pond + Pennell Pond + Peter Pond + Culman Poni + Fancis Ponsard + Hosea Pontar + Joseph Pontesty + Robert Pool + David Poole + Hosea Poole + John Poole + Richard Poole + Robert Poole + Morris Poor + Thomas Poor + Henry Poore + Morris Poore + William Poore + Alexander Pope + John Pope + Etienne Porlacu + Nathaniel Porson + Anthony Port + Charles Porter (3) + David Porter (3) + Edward Porter + Frederick Porter + Howard Porter + John Porter (2) + Thomas Porter + William Porter + Frank Portois + Seren Poseter + Jeremiah Post + Jean Postian + Edward Posture + Thomas Posture + Thomas Poteer + Abijah Potter + Charles Potter + Ephraim Potter + Rufus Potter + Mark Pouchett + Jean Poullain + Mark B Poullam + William Powder + John Powell + Thomas Powell + William Powder + Patrick Power + Richard Powers + Stephen Powers + Nicholas Prande (2) + Benjamin Prate + James Prate + Ebenezer Pratt + Ezra Pratt (2) + Andre Preno + Nathaniel Prentiss + Robert Prentiss + Stanton Prentiss + Andrew Presson + Isaac Presson + Benjamin Prettyman + John Pribble (2) + Edward Price (2) + Joseph Price + Nathaniel Price + Reason Price (2) + Richard Price + Samuel Price + William Price + John Prichard + Jonathan Pride + William Priel + Henry Primm + Edward Primus + Charles Prince + Negro Prince + Nicholas Priston + James Proby + James Proctor + Joseph Proctor + Samuel Proctor + Claud Provost + Paul Provost + John Proud (2) + Joseph Proud + Joseph Prought + Lewis de Pue + James Pullet + Pierre Punce + Peter Purlett + William Purnell + Edward Pursell + Abraham Putnam + Creece Putnam +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Q + + James Quality (3) + Joseph Quality + Josiah Quality + Samuel Quamer + Thomas Quand + Louis Quelgrise + Duncan Quigg (2) + James Quinch + Samuel Quinn + Charles Quiot + Samuel Quomer +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + R + + Thomas Race + Antonio Rackalong + Patrick Rafferty + Daniel Raiden + Michael Raingul + Richard Rainham + Thomas Rainiot + George Rambert + Peter Ramlies + Joseph Ramsdale + Abner Ramsden + Jean C. 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Samuel Round + Andrew Rouse + Claud Rouse + Daniel Roush + Hampton Rowe + John Rowe + William Rowe + George Rowen + George Rowing + Patrick Rowland + John Rowley + Shter Rowley + John Frederick Rowlin + William Rowsery + James Rowson + Augustus Royen + John Royster + Richard Royster + Blost Rozea + Lawrence Rozis + Peter Ruban + Ebenezer Rube + Thomas Rubin + Eden Ruddock + Ezekiel Rude + John Ruffeway + Lewis Ruffie + Henry Rumsower + Joseph Runyan + Nathaniel Ruper + John Rupper + Daniel Ruse + Daniel Rush + Edward Russell + Jacob Russell + Pierre Russell + Samuel Russell + Valentine Russell + William Russell + John Rust + William Rust (2) + John Ruth (2) + Pompey Rutley + Pierre Ryer + Jacob Ryan + Frank Ryan + Michael Ryan + Peter Ryan + Thomas Ryan + Renee Ryon +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + S + + Francisco Sablong + John Sachel + Jonathan Sachell + George Sadden + George Saddler + John Sadens + Abraham Sage + Edward Sailly + John Saint + Elena Saldat + Gilbert Salinstall + Luther Salisbury + Michael Sallibie + John Salmon + John Salter + Thomas Salter + Edward Same + Pierre Samleigh + Jacob Sammian + Stephen Sampson (2) + Charles Sand + Henry Sanders + Manuel Sandovah + Ewing Sands + Stephen Sands + Daniel Sanford + Anthony Santis + Thomas Sarbett + Louis Sarde + Peter Sarfe + Juan Sassett + David Sasson + Jonathan Satchell + William Saterly + Johns Sathele + Joseph Satton + Edward Sauce + Augustus Saunders + Daniel Saunders + John Saunders + Allen Savage + Belias Savage + Nathaniel Savage(2) + Joseph Savot + Benjamin Sawyer + Daniel Sawyer + Ephraim Sawyer(3) + James Sawyer + Jeremiah Sawyer + John Sawyer + Peter Sawyer + Thomas Sawyer + William Sawyer + Cuffy Savers + Joseph Sayers + Henry Scees + Peter Schafer + Melchior Scheldorope + Peter Schwoob + Julian Scope + Christopher Scott + George Scott + James Scott + John Scott (4) + Robert Scott + Thomas Scott + William Scott + Daniel Scovell + David Scudder + Nutchell Scull + Lamb Seabury + Samuel 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+ Woodbury Starkweather + John Stearns + William Stearny + Daniel Stedham + Thomas Steele + James Steelman + John Steer + Stephen Sleevman + John Stephen + Benjamin Stephens + John Stephens (2) + Henry Stephens + William Stephens (3) + David Stephenson + John Stephenson + John Sterns + William Sterry + David Stevens + James Stevens + Joseph Stevens + Levert Stevens + William Stevens + Robert Stevenson + Charles Steward + Joseph Steward + Lewis Steward + Samuel Steward + Daniel Stewart + Edward Stewart (2) + Elijah Stewart + Hugh Stewart + Jabez Stewart (2) + John Stewart + Samuel Stewart + Stephen Stewart + Thomas Stewart + William Stewart + John Stiger + John Stikes + Daniel Stiles + Israel Stiles + John Stiles + Joshua Stiles + Josiah Stiles + Ashley Stillman + Theodore Stillman + Enoch Stillwell + John Stillwell + Jacob Stober + Hugh Stocker + William Stocker + Simeon Stockwell + Israel Stoddard + Noah Stoddard + Thomas Stoddard + Edward Stoddart + Israel Stoddart + Nathaniel Stoey + Abney Stone + Amos Stone + Donald Stone + Elijah Stone + Richard Stone + Thomas Stone (5) + William Stone + Boston Stoneford + Job Stones + John Stones + Matthew Stoney + Jonathan Stott + Seren Stott + John Stoughton + Daniel Stout + George Stout + William Stout + Andrew Stowers + Blair Stove + Joseph Strand + James Strange + Joshua Bla Stratia + James Stridges + John Stringe + John Stringer + Joseph Stroad + Samuel Stroller + Joseph Stroud + Benjamin Stubbe + John Sturtivant + Smith Stutson + James Suabilty + Benjamin Subbs + Jacquer Suffaraire + Manuel Sugasta + Miles Suldan + Parks Sullevan + Dennis Sullivan + Patrick Sullivan + Thomas Sullivan + George Summers + Rufus Sumner + Amos Sunderland + Edward Sunderland (3) + Francis Suneneau + John Suneneaux + Andre Surado + Godfrey Suret + Jack C. Surf + Francis Surronto + Hugh Surtes + John Surtevant + John Sussett + Franco Deo Suttegraz + Louis John Sutterwis + George Sutton + John Sutton + Thomas Sutton + Jacob Snyder + Roman Suyker + Simon Swaine + Zacharias Swaine + Thomas Swapple + Absolom Swate + James Swayne + Isaac Swean + Peter Swean (2) + Enoch Sweat + John Sweeney (2) + Benjamin Sweet + Godfrey Sweet (2) + Nathaniel Sweeting + Joshua Swellings + Daniel Swery + Martin Swift + William Swire +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + T + + Anthony Tabee + John Taber (2) + Thomas Taber + Samuel Table + John Tabor + Pelack Tabor + Ebenezer Tabowl + Ebenezer Talbot + Silas Talbott + Ebenezer Talbott + Wilham Talbut + James Talketon + Archibald Talley + John Tankason + Caspar Tanner + John Tanner + William Tant + Thomas Tantis + Samuel Tapley + Isaac Tappin + Antonio Tarbour + Townsend Tarena + Edward Target + John Tarrant + Lewis Tarret + Domingo Taugin + Edward Tayender + Samuel Taybor + Alexander Taylor + Andrew Taylor (2) + 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+ John Tritton + Ebenezer Trivet + Jabez Trop + John Trot + John Troth + William Trout + John Trow + Benjamin Trowbridge + David Trowbridge + Stephen Trowbridge + Thomas Trowbridge + Joseph Truck + Peter Truck + William Trunks + Joseph Trust + Robert Trustin + George Trusty + Edward Tryan + Moses Tryon + Saphn Tubbs + Thomas Tubby + John Tucke + Francis Tucker + John Tucker (4) + Joseph Tucker (2) + Nathan Tucker + Nathaniel Tucker + Paul Tucker + Robert Tucker (2) + Seth Tucker + Solomon Tucker + George Tuden + Charles Tully + Casper Tumner + Charles Tunkard + Charles Turad + Elias Turk + Joseph Turk + Caleb Turner + Caspar Turner + Francis Turner + George Turner + James Turner + John Turner (3) + Philip Turner + Thomas Turner (4) + William Turner (2) + Lisby Turpin (2) + Peter Turrine + John Tutten + Daniel Twigg + Charles Twine + Joseph Twogood + Daily Twoomey + Thomas Tyerill + Jean Tyrant + John Tyse +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + U + + Urson Ullaby + Thomas Umthank + Benjamin Uncers + Joseph Union + Obadiah Upton + John Usher + Andre Utinett + Abirnelech Uuncer +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + V. — Peter Vaidel + Pierre Valem + Joseph Valentine + George Vallance + David Vallet + John Valpen + Nathan Vamp + William Vance + Thomas Vandegrist + Francis Vandegrist + Patrick Vandon + John Vandross + Eleazar Van Dyke + John Van Dyke + Nathaniel Van Horn + William Van Horn + Christain Vann + Jean Van Orse + James Vanoster + Barnabus Varley + Patrick Vasse + Richard Vaugh + Aaron Vaughan + Andrew Vaughan + Christian Vaughan + David Veale + Elisha Veale + Toser Vegier + Bruno Velis + David Velow + William Venable + Moses Ventis + Samuel Ventis + Joseph Verdela + Julian Verna + Peter Vesseco + Justin Vestine + Pierre Vettelet + John Vial + Jean Viauf + William Vibert + Anare Vic + John Vickery + Roger Victory + David Viegra + Daniel Viero + William Vierse + Jean Vigo + John Vilvee + Lange Vin + Peter Vinane + Francis Vincent + William Vinnal + Robert Virnon + Jean Vissenbouf + Andrew Vitena + Joseph Vitewell + Juan Albert Vixeaire + John Voe + John Vonkett + William Von Won + Nicholas Vookly + John Vorus + Henry Voss + George Vossery +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + W + + Christian Wadde + Benjamin Wade + Thomas Wade (2) + Christopher Wadler + Richard Wagstaff + Joseph Wainwright + Jacob Wainscott + Matthew Wainscott + Charles Waistcoott + Ezekiel Waistcoat + Jabez Waistcoat + Jacob Waistcoat + John Waistcoat + Joseph Waiterly + Joseph Wakefield + Joseph Walcot + Asa Walden + George Walding + John Waldrick + Ephraim Wales + Samuel Wales + Baldwin Walker + Daniel Walker + Ezekiel Walker + George Walker + Hezekiah Walker + John Walker + Joseph Walker + Michael Walker (4) + Nathaniel Walker (4) + Richard Walker + Samuel Walker (2) + Thomas Walker (2) + William Walker (3) + James Wall + Bartholomew Wallace + John Wallace + Joseph Wallace + Thomas Wallace (2) + Ebenezer Wallar + Joseph Wallen + Caleb Waller + George Wallesly + 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Willson + William Willson + Samuel Wilmarth + Luke Wilmot + Benjamin Wilson (2) + Edward Wilson + George Wilson + John Wilson + Lawrence Wilson + Nathaniel Wilson + Patrick Wilson + William Wilson + George Wiltis + Vinrest Wimondesola + Guilliam Wind + Edward Windgate + Joseph Windsor + Stephen Wing + Jacob Wingman + Samuel Winn + Jacob Winnemore + Seth Winslow + Charles Winter + George Winter + Joseph Winters + David Wire + John Wise + Thomas Witham + John Witherley + Solomon Witherton + William Withpane + William Witless + Robert Wittington + W. Wittle + John Woesin + Henry Woist + Henry Wolf + John Wolf + Simon de Wolf + Stephen de Wolf + Champion Wood + Charles Wood (3) + Daniel Wood (4) + Edward Wood (2) + George Wood + Jabez Wood + John Wood + Jonathan Wood + Joseph Wood (2) + Justus Wood + Matthew Wood + Samuel Wood (2) + William Wood + Herbert Woodbury (3) + Jacob Woodbury + Luke Woodbury + Nathaniel Woodbury + Robert Woodbury + William Woodbury + Thomas Woodfall + David Woodhull + Henry Woodly + Nathaniel Woodman + James Woodson + Joseph Woodward + Gideon Woodwell + Abel Woodworth + Edward Woody + John Woody + Michael Woolock + Michael Woomstead + James Woop + William Wooten + James Worthy + John Wright + Robert Wright + Benjamin Wyatt + John Wyatt (2) + Gordon Wyax + Reuben Wyckoff + William Wyer + Henry Wylie +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + X. — John Xmens +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Y + + Joseph Yalkington + Joseph Yanger + Joseph Yard + Thomas Yates + Francis Yduchare + Adam Yeager + Jacob Yeason + Jacob Yeaston + Pender Yedrab + George Yoannet + Edward Yorke + Peter Yose + Alexander Young + Archibald Young + Charles Young + George Young + Ichabod Young + Jacob Young + John Young (2) + Marquis Young (2) + Seth Young + William Young + Charles Youngans + Louis Younger +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Z + + Jean Peter Zamiel + Pierre Zuran +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE2" id="link2H_APPE2"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX B + </h2> + <p> + THE PRISON SHIP MARTYRS OF THE REVOLUTION, AND AN UNPUBLISHED DIARY OF ONE + OF THEM, WILLIAM SLADE, NEW CANAAN, CONN., LATER OF CORNWALL, VT. + </p> + <p> + The following extremely interesting article on the prisoners and prison + ships of the Revolution was written by Dr. Longworthy of the United States + Department of agriculture for a patriotic society. Through his courtesy I + am allowed to publish it here. I am sorry I did not receive it in time to + embody it in the first part of this book. + </p> + <p> + D D + </p> + <p> + Doubtless all of us are more or less familiar with the prison ship chapter + of Revolutionary history, as this is one of the greatest, if not the + greatest, tragedies of the struggle for independence. At the beginning of + the hostilities the British had in New York Harbor a number of transports + on which cattle and stores had been brought over in 1776. These vessels + lay in Gravesend Bay and later were taken up the East River and anchored + in Wallabout Bay, and to their number were added from time to time vessels + in such condition that they were of no use except as prisons for American + troops The names of many of these infamous ships have been preserved, the + Whitby, the Good Hope, the Hunter, Prince of Wales, and others, and worst + of all, the Jersey. + </p> + <p> + It was proposed to confine captured American seamen in these ships, but + they also served as prisons for thousands of patriot soldiers taken in the + land engagements in and about New York. The men were crowded in these + small vessels under conditions which pass belief. They suffered untold + misery and died by hundreds from lack of food, from exposure, smallpox and + other dreadful diseases, and from the cruelty of their captors. The + average death rate on the Jersey alone was ten per night. A conservative + estimate places the total number of victims at 11,500. The dead were + carried ashore and thrown into shallow graves or trenches of sand and + these conditions of horror continued from the beginning of the war until + after peace was declared. Few prisoners escaped and not many were + exchanged, for their conditions were such that commanding officers + hesitated to exchange healthy British prisoners in fine condition for the + wasted, worn-out, human wrecks from the prison ships. A very large + proportion of the total number of these prisoners perished. Of the + survivors, many never fully recovered from their sufferings. + </p> + <p> + In 1808, it was said of the prison ship martyrs: “Dreadful, beyond + description, was the condition of these unfortunate prisoners of war. + Their sufferings and their sorrows were great, and unbounded was their + fortitude. Under every privation and every anguish of life, they firmly + encountered the terrors of death, rather than desert the cause of their + country. * * * + </p> + <p> + “There was no morsel of wholesome food, nor one drop of pure water. In + these black abodes of wretchedness and woe, the grief worn prisoner lay, + without a bed to rest his weary limbs, without a pillow to support his + aching head—the tattered garment torn from his meager frame, and + vermin preying on his flesh—his food was carrion, and his drink foul + as the bilge water—there was no balm for his wounds, no cordial to + revive his fainting spirits, no friend to comfort his heart, nor the soft + hand of affection to close his dying eyes—heaped amongst the dead, + while yet the spark of life lingered in his frame, and hurried to the + grave before the cold arms of death had embraced him. * * * + </p> + <p> + “‘But,’ you will ask, ‘was there no relief for these victims of misery?’ + No—there was no relief—their astonishing sufferings were + concealed from the view of the world—and it was only from the few + witnesses of the scene who afterwards lived to tell the cruelties they had + endured, that our country became acquainted with their deplorable + condition. The grim sentinels, faithful to their charge as the fiends of + the nether world, barred the doors against the hand of charity, and + godlike benevolence never entered there—compassion had fled from + these mansions of despair, and pity wept over other woes.” + </p> + <p> + Numerous accounts of survivors of the prison ships have been preserved and + some of them have been published. So great was popular sympathy for them + that immediately after the close of the Revolutionary War an attempt was + made to gather the testimony of the survivors and to provide a fitting + memorial for those who had perished. So far as I have been able to learn + most of the diaries and journals and other testimony of the prison ship + victims relates to the later years of the war and particularly to the + Jersey, the largest, most conspicuous, and most horrible of all the prison + ships. + </p> + <p> + I have been so fortunate as to have access to a journal or diary kept by + William Slade, of New Canaan, Conn, a young New Englander, who early + responded to the call of his country and was captured by the British in + 1776, shortly after his enlistment, and confined on one of the prison + ships, the Grovner (or Grovesner). From internal evidence it would appear + that this was the first or one of the first vessels used for the purpose + and that Slade and the other prisoners with him were the first of the + American soldiers thus confined. At any rate, throughout his diary he + makes no mention of other bands of prisoners in the same condition The few + small pages of this little diary, which was always kept in the possession + of his family until it was deposited in the Sheldon Museum, of Middlebury, + Vt, contain a plain record of every-day life throughout a period of great + suffering. They do not discuss questions of State and policy, but they do + seem to me to bring clearly before the mind’s eye conditions as they + existed, and perhaps more clearly than elaborate treatises to give a + picture of the sufferings of soldiers and sailors who preferred to endure + all privations, hardships, and death itself rather than to renounce their + allegiance to their country and enlist under the British flag. + </p> + <p> + The first entry in the Slade diary was made November 16, 1776, and the + last January 28, 1777, so it covers about ten weeks. + </p> + <p> + The entries were as follows: + </p> + <p> + Fort Washington the 16th day November A.D. 1776. This day I, William Slade + was taken with 2,800 more. We was allowed honours of War. We then marched + to Harlem under guard, where we were turned into a barn. We got little + rest that night being verry much crowded, as some trouble [illegible]. * * + * + </p> + <p> + Sunday 17th. Such a Sabbath I never saw. We spent it in sorrow and hunger, + having no mercy showd. + </p> + <p> + Munday 18th. We were called out while it was still dark, but was soon + marchd to New York, four deep, verry much frownd upon by all we saw. We + was called Yankey Rebbels a going to the gallows. We got to York at 9 + o’clock, were paraded, counted off and marched to the North Church, where + we were confind under guard. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday 19th. Still confind without provisions till almost night, when we + got a little mouldy bisd [biscuit] about four per man. These four days we + spent in hunger and sorrow being derided by everry one and calld Rebs. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, 20th. We was reinforsd by 300 more. We had 500 before. This + causd a continual noise and verry big huddle. Jest at night drawd 6 oz of + pork per man. This we eat alone and raw. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 21st. We passd the day in sorrow haveing nothing to eat or drink + but pump water. + </p> + <p> + Friday, 22nd. We drawd 3/4 lb of pork, 3/4 lb of bisd, one gil of peas, a + little rice and some kittels to cook in. Wet and cold. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 23rd. We had camps stews plenty, it being all we had. We had now + spent one week under confinement. Sad condition. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 25th. We drawd 1/2 lb of pork a man, 3/4 of bisd, a little peas + and rice, and butter now plenty but not of the right kind. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 26th. We spent in cooking for wood was scarce and the church was + verry well broke when done, but verry little to eat. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, 27th. Was spent in hunger. We are now dirty as hogs, lying any + and every whare. Joys gone, sorrows increase. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 28th. Drawd 2 lbs of bread per man, 3/4 lb of pork. A little + butter, rice and peas. This we cooked and eat with sorrow and sadness. + </p> + <p> + Friday, 29th. We bussd [busied] ourselves with trifels haveing but little + to do, time spent in vain. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 30th. We drawd 1 lb of bread, 1/2 lb of pork, a little butter, + rice and peas. This we eat with sorrow, discouragd. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 1st of Decembere 1776. About 300 men was took out and carried on + board the shipping. Sunday spent in vain. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 2nd. Early in the morning we was calld out and stood in the cold, + about one hour and then marchd to the North River and went on board The + Grovnor transport ship. Their was now 500 men on board, this made much + confusion. We had to go to bed without supper. This night was verry long, + hunger prevaild much. Sorrow more. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 3rd. The whole was made in six men messes. Our mess drawd 4 lb of + bisd, 4 oz of butter. Short allow. We now begin to feel like prisoners. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, 4th. We drawd 4 lb of bisd. After noon drawd 2 quarts of peas + and broth without salt, verry weak. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 5th. We drawd 4 lb of bisd at noon, a little meat at night. Some + pea broth, about one mouthful per man. We now feel like prisoners. + </p> + <p> + Friday, 6th. of Decr. 1776. We drawd 1/2 of bisd, 4 oz of butter at noon + and 2 quarts of provinder. Called burgo, poor stuff indeed. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 7th. We drawd 4 lb of bisd at noon, a piece of meat and rice. + This day drawd 2 bisd per man for back allowance (viz) for last Saturday + at the church. This day the ships crew weighd anchor and fell down the + river below Govnors Island and saild up the East River to Turcle Bay + [Turtle Bay is at the foot of 23rd street], and cast anchor for winter + months. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 8th. This day we were almost discouraged, but considered that + would not do. Cast off such thoughts. We drawd our bread and eat with + sadness. At noon drawd meat and peas. We spent the day reading and in + meditation, hopeing for good news. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 9th. We drawd bisd and butter at noon, burgo [a kind of porrige] + the poorest trade ever man eat. Not so good as provinder or swill. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 10th. We drawd bisd at noon, a little meat and rice. Good news. + We hear we are to be exchangd soon. Corpl. Hawl verry bad with small pox. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, 11th. We drawd bisd. Last night Corpl Hawl died and this + morning is buryd. At noon drawd peas, I mean broth. Still in hopes. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 12th. We drawd bisd. This morning is the first time we see snow. + At noon drawd a little meat and pea broth. Verry thin. We almost despair + of being exchangd. + </p> + <p> + Friday, 13th of Decr. 1776. We drawd bisd and butter. A little water + broth. We now see nothing but the mercy of God to intercede for us. + Sorrowful times, all faces look pale, discouraged, discouraged. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 14th. We drawd bisd, times look dark. Deaths prevail among us, + also hunger and naked. We almost conclude (that we will have) to stay all + winter At noon drawd meat and rice. Cold increases. At night suffer with + cold and hunger. Nights verry long and tiresome, weakness prevails. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 15th. Drawd bisd, paleness attends all faces, the melancholyst day + I ever saw. At noon drawd meat and peas. Sunday gone and comfort. As + sorrowfull times as I ever saw. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 16th of Decr. 1776. Drawd bisd and butter at noon. *Burgo poor. + Sorrow increases. The tender mercys of men are cruelty. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 17th. Drawd bisd. At noon meat and rice No fire. Suffer with cold + and hunger. We are treated worse than cattle and hogs. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, 18th. Drawd bisd and butter. At noon peas. I went and got a + bole of peas for 4. Cole increases Hunger prevails. Sorrow comes on. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 19th., Drawd bisd the ship halld in for winter quarters. At noon + drawd meat and peas. People grow sick verry fast. Prisoners verry much + frownd upon by all + </p> + <p> + Friday, 20th. of Decr. 1776. Drawd bisd and butter this morn. Snow and + cold. 2 persons dead on deck. Last night verry long and tiresom. At noon + drawd burgo Prisoners hang their heads and look pale. No comfort. All + sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 31st. Drawd bisd. Last night one of our regt got on shore but + got catched. Troubles come on comfort gone. At noon drawd meat and rice. + Verry cold Soldiers and sailors verry cross. Such melancholy times I never + saw. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 22nd. Last night nothing but grones all night of sick and dying. + Men amazeing to behold. Such hardness, sickness prevails fast. Deaths + multiply. Drawd bisd. At noon meat and peas. Weather cold. Sunday gone and + no comfort. Had nothing but sorrow and sadness. All faces sad. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 23rd. Drawd bisd and butter. This morning Sergt Kieth, Job March + and several others broke out with the small pox. About 20 gone from here + today that listed in the king’s service. Times look verry dark. But we are + in hopes of an exchange. One dies almost every day. Cold but pleasant. + Burgo for dinner. People gone bad with the pox. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 24th. Last night verry long and tiresom. Bisd. At noon rice and + cornmeal. About 30 sick. (They) Were carried to town. Cold but pleasant. + No news. All faces gro pale and sad. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, 25th. Lastnight was a sorrowful night. Nothing but grones and + cries all night. Drawd bisd and butter. At noon peas. Capt Benedict, Leiut + Clark and Ensn Smith come on board and brought money for the prisoners. + Sad times. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 26th. Last night was spent in dying grones and cries. I now gro + poorly. Terrible storm as ever I saw. High wind. Drawd bisd. At noon meat + and peas. Verry cold and stormey. + </p> + <p> + Friday, 27th. Three men of our battalion died last night. The most + malencholyest night I ever saw. Small pox increases fast. This day I was + blooded. Drawd bisd and butter. Stomach all gone. At noon, burgo. Basset + is verry sick. Not like to live I think. + </p> + <p> + Saturday 28th. Drawd bisd. This morning about 10 cl Josiah Basset died. + Ensn Smith come here about noon with orders to take me a shore. We got to + shore about sunset. I now feel glad. Coffee and bread and cheese. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 29th. Cof. and bread and cheese. This day washed my blanket and + bkd my cloathes. The small pox now begins to come out. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 30th. Nothing but bread to eat and coffee to drink. This day got a + glass of wine and drinkd. Got some gingerbread and appels to eat. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 31st. Nothing good for breakt. At noon verry good. I grow + something poorly all day. No fire and tis cold. Pox comes out verry full + for the time. The folks being gone I went into another house and got the + man of the same to go and call my brother. When he came he said I wanted + looking after. The man concluded to let me stay at his house. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday 1st of Jany 1777. Pox come out almost full. About this time Job + March and Daniel Smith died with the small pox. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 2nd. Ensn Smith lookd about and got something to ly on and in. A + good deal poorly, but I endeavourd to keep up a good heart, considering + that I should have it (the small pox) light for it was verry thin and + almost full. + </p> + <p> + Friday 3d. This morning the pox looks black in my face. This day Robert + Arnold and Joshua Hurd died with the small pox. This day Ensn Smith got + liberty to go home next morning, but omitted going till Sunday on account + of the prisoners going home. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 4th. Felt more poor than common. This day the prisoners come on + shore so many as was able to travel which was not near all. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 5th. This morning Ensn Smith and about 150 prisoners were set out + for home. The prisoners lookd verry thin and poor. + </p> + <p> + Monday 6th. Pox turnd a good deal but I was very poorly, eat but litte. + Drink much. Something vapery. Coughd all night. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday 7th. Nothing reml [remarkable] to write. No stomach to eat at all. + Got some bacon. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, 8th. Feel better. This day I went out of doors twice. Nothing + remarkl to write. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 9th. Tryd to git some salts to take but could not. Begin to eat + a little better. + </p> + <p> + Friday, 10th. Took a portion of salts. Eat water porrage. Gain in strength + fast. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 11th. Walk out. Went and see our Connecticut officers. Travld + round. Felt a good deal better. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 12th. Went and bought a pint of milk for bread. Verry good dinner. + Gain strength fast. Verry fine weather Went and see the small-pox men and + Samll. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 13th. Feel better. Went and see the officer. Talk about going + home. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 14th. Went to Fulton market and spent seven coppers for cakes. + Eat them up. Washd my blanket. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday 15. Cleand up all my cloathes. Left Mr. Fenixes and went to the + widow Schuylers. Board myself. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 16th. Went to Commesary Loring. Have incouragement of going + home. Signd the parole. + </p> + <p> + Friday, 17th. In expectation of going out a Sunday. Verry cold. Buy milk + and make milk porrage. Verry good liveing. Had my dinner give. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 18t. Verry cold. Went to see Katy and got my dinner. Went to Mr. + Loring. Some encouragement of going hom a Munday, to have an answer + tomorrow morning. Bought suppawn (some corn?) meal and Yankey. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 19th. Went to Mr. Lorings. He sd we should go out in 2 or 3 days. + The reason of not going out now is they are a fighting at Kingsbridge. + Went to Phenixes and got my dinner. Almost discouraged about going home. + To have answer tomorrow. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 20th. Nothing remarkable. Mr. Loring sd we should have an answer + tomorrow. An old story. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 21st. Still follow going to Mr. Lorings. No success. He keeps a + saying come tomorrow. Nothing remarkable. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, 22. Mr. Loring says we should have a guard tomorrow, but it + fell through. The word is we shall go out in 2 or 3 days. + </p> + <p> + Thursday, 23d. Nothing remarkl. Almost conclude to stay all winter. + </p> + <p> + Friday, 24th. Encouragement. Mr. Loring say that we shall go tomorrow. We + must parade at his quaters tomorrow by 8 oclok. + </p> + <p> + Saturday, 25th. We paraded at Mr. Lorings by 8 or 9 oclk. Marchd off about + 10 oclk. Marchd about 6 miles and the officers got a waggon and 4 or 5 of + us rid about 4 miles, then travl’d about 1-1/2, then the offr got a waggon + and broght us to the lines. We were blindfolded when we come by Fort + Independency. Come about 4/5 of a mile whare we stay all night. Lay on the + floor in our cloathes but little rest. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, 26th. We marchd by sun rise. March but 8 miles whare we got supper + and lodging on free cost. This day gave 18 pence for breekft, 19 pence for + dinner. + </p> + <p> + Munday, 27th. Marchd 2 miles. Got breekft cost 19 pence. Travld 2 or 3 + miles and a waggon overtook us a going to Stamford. We now got chance to + ride. Our dinner cost 11 count lawful. About 3 oclok met with Capt Hinmans + company. See Judea folks and heard from home. This day come 13 miles to + Horse neck. Supper cost 16. Lodging free. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday, 28th. Breekft cost 11. Rode to Stamford. Dinner 16. Travld 3 + miles, supr and lodg free. + </p> + <p> + Here the diary ends when Slade was within a few miles of his home at New + Canaan, Conn., which he reached next day. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Perhaps a few words of his future life are not without interest. He was + one of the early settlers who went from Connecticut to Vermont and made a + home in what was then a frontier settlement. He lived and died at + Cornwall, Vt., and was successful and respected in the community. From + 1801 to 1810 he was sheriff of Addison County. Of his sons, one, William, + was especially conspicuous among the men of his generation for his + abilities and attainments. After graduation from Middlebury College in + 1810, he studied law, was admitted to the bar, and filled many offices in + his town and county. After some business reverses he secured a position in + the State Department in Washington in 1821. He was on the wrong side + politically in General Jackson’s campaign for the presidency, being like + most Vermonters a supporter of John Quincy Adams. Some time after + Jackson’s inauguration, Slade was removed from his position in the State + Department and this so incensed his friends in Vermont that as soon as a + vacancy arose he was elected as Representative to Congress, where he + remained from 1831 to 1843. On his return from Washington he was elected + Governor of Vermont in 1844, and in his later years was corresponding + secretary and general agent of the Board of National and Popular + Education, for which he did most valuable work. He was a distinguished + speaker and an author of note, his Vermont State Papers being still a + standard reference work. + </p> + <p> + To revert to the prison ship martyrs, their suffering was so great and + their bravery so conspicuous that immediately after the War a popular + attempt was made in 1792 and 1798 to provide a proper resting place for + the bones of the victims, which were scattered in the sands about + Wallabout Bay. This effort did not progress very rapidly and it was not + until the matter was taken up by the Tammany Society that anything + definite was really accomplished. Owing to the efforts of this + organization a vault covered by a small building was erected in 1808 and + the bones were collected and placed in the vault in thirteen large + coffins, one for each of the thirteen colonies, the interment being + accompanied by imposing ceremonies. In time the vault was neglected, and + it was preserved only by the efforts of a survivor, Benjamin Romaine, who + bought the plot of ground on which the monument stood, when it was sold + for taxes, and preserved it. He died at an advanced age and was, by his + own request, buried in the vault with these Revolutionary heroes. + </p> + <p> + Early in the last century an attempt was made to interest Congress in a + project to erect a suitable monument for the prison ship martyrs but + without success. The project has, however, never been abandoned by + patriotic and public spirited citizens and the Prison Ship Martyrs’ + Society of the present time is a lineal descendant in spirit and purpose + of the Tammany Club effort, which first honored these Revolutionary + heroes. The efforts of the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Association have proved + successful and a beautiful monument, designed by Stanford White, will soon + mark the resting place of these prison ship martyrs. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE3" id="link2H_APPE3"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX C + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_BIBL" id="link2H_BIBL"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BIBLIOGRAPHY + </h2> + <p> + The writer of this volume has been very much assisted in her task by Mr. + Frank Moore’s Diary of the Revolution, a collection of extracts from the + periodicals of the day. This valuable compilation has saved much time and + trouble. Other books that have been useful are the following. + </p> + <p> + Adventures of Christopher Hawkins. + </p> + <p> + Adventures of Ebenezer Fox. Published in Boston, by Charles Fox, in 1848. + </p> + <p> + History of Brooklyn by Stiles. + </p> + <p> + Bolton’s Private Soldier of the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + Bigelow’s Life of B. Franklin, vol II, pages 403 to 411. + </p> + <p> + Account of Interment of Remains of American Prisoners. Reprint, by Rev. + Henry R. Stiles. + </p> + <p> + Elias Boudinot’s Journal and Historical Recollections. + </p> + <p> + Watson’s Annals. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Dring’s Recollections of the Jersey Prison Ship, re-edited by H. B. + Dawson, 1865. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Andros’s Old Jersey Captive, Boston, 1833. + </p> + <p> + Lossing’s Field Book of the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + Memoirs of Ethan Allen, written by himself. + </p> + <p> + Journal of Dr. Elias Cornelius. + </p> + <p> + Dunlap’s New York. + </p> + <p> + Narrative of Nathaniel Fanning. + </p> + <p> + Narrative of Jabez Fitch. + </p> + <p> + Valentine’s Manual of New York. + </p> + <p> + The Old Martyrs’ Prison. A pamphlet. + </p> + <p> + Jones’s New York. + </p> + <p> + Poems of Philip Freneau. + </p> + <p> + Prison Ship Martyrs, by Rev. Henry R. Stiles. + </p> + <p> + A Relic of the Revolution, by Rev. R. Livesey, Published by G. C. Rand, + Boston, 1854. + </p> + <p> + Memoirs of Alexander Graydon. + </p> + <p> + Memoir of Eli Bickford. + </p> + <p> + Martyrs of the Revolution, by George Taylor, 1820. + </p> + <p> + Memoirs of Andrew Sherburne. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ellet’s Domestic History of the Revolution, pages 106-116. + </p> + <p> + Irving’s Life of Washington, vol. III, p. 19. + </p> + <p> + Experiences of Levi Handford. C. I. Bushnell, New York, 1863. + </p> + <p> + Onderdonk’s Suffolk and King’s Counties, New York. + </p> + <p> + Philbrook’s Narrative in Rhode Island Historical Society’s Proceedings, + 1874 and 1875. + </p> + <p> + Harper’s Monthly, vol. XXXVII. + </p> + <p> + Historical Magazine, vol. VI, p. 147. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lamb’s New York. + </p> + <p> + Jeremiah Johnson’s Recollections of Brooklyn and New York. + </p> + <p> + Life of Silas Talbot, by Tuckerman. + </p> + <p> + Ramsey’s History of the Revolution, vol. II, p. 9. + </p> + <p> + Narrative of John Blatchford, edited by Charles I, Bushnell, 1865. + </p> + <p> + Irish-American Hist. Miscellany, published by the author, 1906, by Mr. + John D. Crimmins. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of American Prisoners of the Revolution, by +Danske Dandridge + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMERICAN PRISONERS *** + +***** This file should be named 7829-h.htm or 7829-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/8/2/7829/ + + +Text file produced by Dave Maddock, Charles Franks and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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