The ships and sailors of old Salem

by Ralph Delahaye Paine

FOOTNOTES:

[12] From manuscripts in the possession of the Essex Institute, Salem.

[13] The commitment proceedings in the case of William Russell were conducted by two justices, and their findings read in part as follows:

“For as much as appears unto James Young and Ralph Mitchell, two of the Justices of our Lord the King, assigned to keep the Peace within the said county (of Devon) on the examination of William Russell, Mariner late of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay in North America, a Prisoner brought before us, charged with being found in Arms and Rebellion on the High Seas on board the Jason ship American Privateer, sailed out of Boston in North America, and commissioned by the North American Congress, which was taken by the Surprise, English Frigate;

“That the said William Russell was taken at Sea in the High Treason Act committed on the High Seas, out of the Realm on the 29th day of September last, being then and there found in Arms levying War, in Rebellion and aiding the King’s Enemies, and was landed in Dartmouth in the County of Devon, and the said William Russell now brought before in the Parish of Stock Demereall aforesaid, charged with and to be committed for the said offense to the Old Mill Prison in the Borough of Plymouth.”

[14] In his “History of Prisons,” published in 1792, John Howard, the philanthropist, mentions in an account of a visit to Forton Prison near Portsmouth during the Revolution:

“The American prisoners there had an allowance from the States paid by order of Dr. Franklin.”

The small payments of cash doled out to the American seamen in Mill Prison were entrusted to this Miles Saurey, of London, by Benjamin Franklin, at that time in France as Minister.

[15] Under date of “Passy, 25 June, 1782,” Franklin wrote his friend Robert R. Livingston:

“I have long suffered with these poor brave men who with so much public virtue have endured four or five years’ hard imprisonment rather than serve against their country. I have done all I could toward making their situation more comfortable but their numbers were so great that I could do little for each, and that very great villain, Diggs, defrauded them of between three and four hundred pounds, which he drew from me on their account.”

[16] The diarist, oddly enough, fails to explain how Captain Manley secured “his pistols with ammunition” while in prison.

[17] William Russell had organized a school among the prisoners soon after his arrival at Plymouth. This school he taught during the two years of his captivity and the small store of pence received as “tuition fees” enabled him to buy many extras in the way of food and clothing. There were many youngsters in the prison who had been taken out of privateers as cabin-boys, powder-boys, etc., and lads of twelve and thirteen were then shipping as full-fledged seamen to “fight the British.” The prison schoolmaster helped keep these small firebrands out of mischief.

[18] Meaning that the lashings of his hammock were cut.

CHAPTER VIII
THE JOURNAL OF WILLIAM RUSSELL (concluded)
(1779-1783)

June 5, 1782. Yesterday was ‘George the Foolish’s’ Birthday. The Shipping and Forts fired Salutes at noon; Cowdry hoisted an English Jack, and a French one under it, and fired his Battery. In the afternoon the Officers of the Guard took some of their men, and fired the Cannon a number of times. In loading a piece, they did not stop the vent, and fire took the cartridge before the rammer was out, and killed one and wounded three of their men. A very melancholy circumstance has happened, two to three hundred of us taken ill with a violent cold, myself included. I still remain unwell, but something better; the men in general are improving. I was taken with a violent pain in my head, back, stomach and legs with a dry cough, but knowing the Doctor would give me but one sort of medicine, let the ail be what it may, I thought to use none of his drugs, but to trust the Physician of Physicians, and use such means as I might think proper.

“One of our Men said to the Doctor,

“‘Doctor, I’ve a violent pain in my Head.’

“Reply: ‘Take some Mixture.’

“‘Doctor, I’ve a sour Stomach.’

“Reply: ‘Take some Mixture.’

“Doctor, ‘I’ve a violent Fever on me every Night.’

“Reply: ‘Take some Mixture.’

“In short let the disease be what it will, you must take his Mixture, or Electuary. N. B.,—This Medicine is Salts and Jalap; his Electuary, Conserve of Roses and Balsam. However, we have styled it Doctor Ball’s Infallable Cure for all Manner of Diseases.

“6th. This morning the Doctor came and bled one of our men, and went out without doing up his arm, or even saying what quantity of blood should come from him. This is the second man he has stuck his lance in, and left bleeding. I remain very ill, and the whole Prison is put on Hospital diet, which is: 1 lb. of white bread, ½ pint of milk, ½ lb. of mutton, ½ lb. of cabbage, and 1 quart of beer. By not hearing anything of the Transports and with the violent pain in my head, I am almost beside myself.”

Under date of Dec. 22, 1781, William Russell had set down in his journal: “Mr. Burke in the House of Commons, speaking of Hon. Mr. Lauren’s ill treatment in the Tower, was told by Lord Newhaven, that if he (Newhaven) had said as much, he should have expected to be put in Mr. Lauren’s place. To whom Mr. Burke replied that he did not aspire to such places, being a poor man he could not afford it; as for his Lordship, he being a man of Fortune, such places would suit him best, but a meaner prison would do for him, and he should think himself very happy in any place, if he had such agreeable Companions with him as Mr. Laurens and Doctor Franklin.

“General Burgoyne being asked in the House of Commons concerning his not being Exchanged for Mr. Laurens said he would sooner return to America, and spend his days in a Dungeon there than ask a favor of the Ministry.”

After his surrender at Saratoga Major General Burgoyne was permitted to return to England as a prisoner of war on parole. When the British Government refused to release Henry Laurens from his imprisonment in the Tower of London, the Congress of the United States demanded that General Burgoyne be summoned to return to America to save his parole. This retaliatory measure and the unusual circumstances of Mr. Lauren’s confinement were discussed in Parliament in the debate referred to in the foregoing entry of the journal.

“8th. This morning we had a quarrel with the old Guard. The Sergeant was very insolent and went out and brought in a number of the Guard, primed and loaded, but we did not value them, but took our own time in turning out, after which we stoned and hooted them out of the Yard. They presented twice but the Officer would not let them fire. We had a sermon preached to us from the 22d Chap. 21st verse of Job, by My Lady Huntingdon’s Chaplain, who came down from London on purpose to preach our farewell sermon. Mr. Miles Saurey came with him, and brought letters from Mr. Laurens to Captain Greene, informing him that Lord Shelborn says we are to be sent away as soon as possible to our respective States, and that such as have property in France are to be paroled to leave for France.

“Mr. Laurens is to be Exchanged for Lord Cornwallis,[19] and will leave the Kingdom in a few days. Mr. Laurens writes that we are to be provided with necessaries for our voyage, and wishes us a good passage, and safe return to our Native Land.

“14th. Mr. Saurey brought a letter from the Rev. Mr. Wren of Portsmouth; the purport of which is that a Ship is Victualed and at Portsmouth to carry the Americans belonging to the North to Boston, and the men belonging to the Southward are to come around to Plymouth and join the men in our Prison. They are expected to embarque in a week or ten days.

“Mr. Pollard received a letter from Mr. John Joy formerly of Boston, informing him that the Cartels were fitting out and were to sail the next day, wind permitting. We are in high spirits, and hope soon to be delivered from this Castle of Despair. I’m afraid we shall be detained by contrary winds, for the wind keeps to the Westward and blows fresh, which is against the vessels coming from the Downs.

“15th. We are informed by a letter from Mr. Joy to Jacob Homer, that His Majesty has been pleased to pardon us, in order for our Exchange, and that we are to be immediately delivered from this Awful place of Confinement.

“We had an excellent sermon, by the Rev. Mr. Sampson, a Dissenter, belonging in Cornwall, from 61 Chap. of Isaiah, 1st and 2d verses. In reading the last Hymn, when he came to the word Rebel, he made a stop, and compar’d the Rebel to the Prodigal spoken of in the New Testament, and lest we should be offended at using the Word, altered it to Children and Stubborn. His discourse was very suitable to our circumstances. The manner in which he delivered himself drew the greatest attention. When he spoke of our Parents, Wives and Children and the tears they had shed for us whilst in this deplorable place, and when I come to reflect on the precarious situation we were in some months gone, in a strange land, not knowing what might happen, and then to comprehend the reality of the Transporting News, of being released from this dismal place of exile and suffering, I am compelled to cry out, O God, in the midst of Thy Judgments, Thou has remembered Mercy!

“9th. Capt. Malcolm came to see us, and informed us that the air is infected with this Disorder that is among us. Some persons have experimented by flying a kite in the air with a piece of beef to the tail. When it came down the beef was tainted. I desire to thank God that the pain in my head is somewhat abated, and the people in general are getting better.

“No news from any Quarter. Dark times, low in Spirits and low in purse.

“17th. Fair, a grand wind E. by N. for our Transports to come from Torbay. This morning Thomas Adams of Old York died in the Hospital. I have greatly recovered from my sickness, and find myself able to embarque, was the vessel ready to receive me.

“19th. Only one Cartel has arrived, and she is for the Southward, her Captain named Maxwell, who informed me that the Cartel for the North (the Lady’s Adventure) could not get out of Torbay last Monday. We are in daily expectation of seeing them as a signal is now hoisted for a Fleet from the East.

“This day I am thirty months a Prisoner in this disagreeable place.

“We have had the happiness of receiving the joyful news of the arrival of the Northern Cartel. The men for the Southward embarque on Saturday, and the men for the North on Monday or Tuesday next. The long-looked for day is come at last for us to leave these Gloomy Walls, where nothing but Horror and Despair reigns. This afternoon we were Honor’d with a visit from the Duke of Richmond, and a number of generals and other Officers.

“His Grace asked if we had any complaints against Mr. Cowdry. Capt. Greene reply’d to the Duke ‘that Cowdry was a dirty fellow.’ The Duke reply’d: ‘Government keeps dirty fellows, to do their dirty Work.’

“His Grace said to us, that we had gained what we had been fighting for, and we should find it so when we arrived in America.

“21st. This morning Mr. Cowdry ordered the Men bound South to get ready to embarque to-morrow at 10 o’clock. Slops are to be served this afternoon, and the Prisoners to be examined at 6 o’clock in the morning.

“I desire to bless God that I once more have my health, but I am in a Miserable condition for want of cash, and what I am to do for Sea-stores I am at a loss.

“22d. Yesterday the Cloathing was served out to the South’ard Men, and instead of 20 shillings they drew only 16/3. One O’Hara and John Cooper abused the Agent and broke his Windows for which they were put in the Black Hole. Mr. Cowdry embarqued 215 men on board the Cartel for the South’ard.

“23d. We are to hold ourselves in readiness to embarque to-morrow at 2 o’clock. Cowdry sent a Paper into the Prison for our People to sign, that he had used us with marks of kindness, &c. It was immediately torn up.

“June 24th. The Escort came and the Agent opened the Gate of the Castle of Despair, and 400 Americans marched out to the Water side, where we found four Launches, and a Cutter waiting to receive us, I went on board the Cutter, and in a short time was on board the Good Ship Lady’s Adventure, a Cartel bound to Boston. We had our complement on board by 6 o’clock. The Agent came off and received a Receipt for 400 Men and wished us a good Voyage.

“We immediately hove up anchors, and at 8 o’clock made sail. I was transported with Joy at my deliverance from a loathsome Prison, where I’ve been confined thirty Months and five days, almost despairing of ever seeing my Native Country, my Loving Wife and Dear Children and my relatives and friends who are so dear to me; but ‘Glory to God in the Highest’ for His goodness unto us. I thank God I’ve a prospect now before me of seeing America, that Land of Liberty, and on my arrival of finding all connected with me in health and happiness.

“The Rev. Robert Heath and Mr. Saurey took their leave of us. The Ship is 700 Ton with accommodations, and well found, the Captain and crew are very civil, and now I’ve taken my departure from Old Mill Prison, and hope never to see it again.

“We have fine Wind, and May God grant us a quick passage, and guide the Ship to her desired Port.”

Thus ends the Journal written in Mill Prison. During the voyage to the United States, William Russell kept a detailed diary, or log, of the working of the Lady’s Adventure, which makes dry reading for landlubbers. Here and there, however, he jotted down a paragraph having to do with the company on board the Cartel, after the manner of the following extracts:

“Thursday, July 4, 1782. Our People requested the Owner to let them have an allowance of Brandy, it being the Anniversary of our Independence. Accordingly it was granted, and he gave two quarts to a man to a Mess. I was desired to acquaint the Captain that we meant to give thirteen cheers for the thirteen United States of America, if agreeable to him. He was agreed and accordingly the men came on deck, and manned the Yards and Tops, and gave thirteen Cheers, and then three cheers for the Captain. He was very polite and sent for me down to the Cabin, where I was kindly entertained. The People behaved very well, and very few drunk: Myself Merry. I desired one Lieutenant Weeks and Captain Henfield to take the command, but they refused and I was obliged to officiate myself. Whether Lieutenant Weeks thought himself too good or not, I can’t say, but Captain Henfield was very excusable.

The Salem Custom House, built in 1818

“July 9th. Hoisted out the boat to catch turtle. Captains Henfield and Hamilton very angry because we kept the ship on her course and did not heave to. Captain Hamilton said he was a lousy rascal that kept her away. Mr. John Washburn replied: ‘I was at the wheel and am no more lousy than your Honour.’ Upon that Captain Hamilton struck Mr. Washburn, and Mr. Brewer resented it and made a strike at Hamilton.

“August 7th. Discovered land under our leebow, and made it to be Cape Sable. A man at the Mast Head discovered a Light House off Cape Sambro bearing East by South, and a number of Islands around us, from the weather bow to the lee quarter. Set jib, foretopmast staysail and spritsail topsail. Captain Trask (one of our Company) took charge of the ship as Pilot, filled the topsails and bore down for the northern part of the Rock bound Island. Saw a small vessel under the lee of the Island (a privateer) which immediately made sail and ran out. Later saw a boat (Shallop) with three men which made a Signal of Distress. They came alongside but their Skipper was very much afraid, and wouldn’t believe we were a Cartel until he was taken into the cabin. The Captain had some discourse with him by which we were informed that the American War is not over, that five American Privateers from Salem lately demolished the Forts at Chester[20] and Malagash,[20] and plundered the town, but used the prisoners with humanity. Came to anchor in seven fathoms. The American Sod appears very comforting to a person whose anxious desires for three years past have been to see the land where Freedom reigns.

“Dined on Halibut, went on shore and picked and ate Gooseberries. Washed and Loused myself, and made great fires in the woods. The boats were employed in bringing the People on board.”

The party spent several days ashore, catching and cleaning fish, cutting spars, gathering firewood and enjoying their freedom after the long and trying voyage. At length the foretopsail was cast loose as a signal for sailing, the ensign hoisted with a wisp to recall the boats and the Lady’s Adventure got under way for the southward. William Russell’s journal relates under date of August 12th:

“Spoke a fishing schooner three days out from Plymouth which enquired for John Washburn. We told the captain he was on board whereupon the old man gave three cheers with his Cap and then threw it overboard. No tongue can express the Heart-feeling Satisfaction it is unto us to have the happiness of a few moments’ conversation with an American so short from Home. Cheer up, my Heart, and don’t despair for thy Deliverance draweth near.

“August 13th. At one half past six o’clock discovered land, Cape Cod over our lee quarter. Stood in for Boston Light House Island. The men are very uneasy, and clamour, some for Marblehead, some for Boston, and can’t agree. Captain Humble is very willing the ship should go to Boston this evening, if any man will take charge of her. None will venture, so Captain Humble ordered the Ship to stretch off and on till morning.”

Thus ends the sea journal of William Russell, but the Salem Gazette of August 15, 1782, contains the following item under the head of Shipping Intelligence:

“By an arrival of two Cartel Ships at Marblehead from England, 583 of our Countrymen have been restored to their Families and Friends. One of the Ships which arrived on Sunday last had an eight weeks’ passage from Portsmouth and brought in 183 prisoners. The other which arrived in fifty-two days from Plymouth sailed with 400 and one died on the passage.”

It makes the story of this humble sailor of the Revolution much more worth while to know that after three years of the most irksome captivity, he was no sooner at home with his “dear wife and family” than he was eager and ready to ship again under the Stars and Stripes. Ill-fated as was his superb devotion to his Country, he had suffered his misfortunes in Old Mill Prison with a steadfast courage. It was so ordered, however, that he should be free no more than thirty days after his glad homecoming in the Lady’s Adventure. He must have re-entered the American naval service a few days after reaching Boston, for we know that he was captured in a privateer on September 16th, by a British Man of War and taken into Halifax. On November 28th he was committed to the Jersey Prison ship in New York harbor. Here he found himself in a far worse plight than in Mill Prison with its genial routine of escape and its friendly relations with the Agent, the Guard, and the French and Spanish prisoners. All that is known of this final chapter in the case of William Russell, patriot, must be gleaned from a few letters to his wife and friends. The first of these is addressed to “Mrs. Mary Russell, at Cambridge,” and says in part:

“On Board the Jersey Prison ship, New York, November 21st, 1782.

“I write with an aching heart to inform you of my miserable condition. I’m now in the worst of places and must suffer if confined here during the Winter, for I am short of cloathing and the provisions is so scant that it is not enough to keep body and soul together. I was two months on board the Man of War and have been almost to Quebec. This is the awfullest place I ever saw, and I hope God will deliver me from it soon. I conclude, praying for your support in my absence, and the prosperity of an Honoured Mother and family.”

To his mother, “Mistress Mary Richardson, Light House Tavern, Cambridge,” he wrote on November 25th:

“Honoured Mama:

“I present these Lines with my Duty to you hoping they’l find you with the family and all connected in perfect health. I was taken on the 16th Sept. and brought to New York, the 13th inst., and put out on board this ship the 18th. Indeed it is one of the worst places in the World, and the Prisoners are suffering; Sickly and dying daily, not having the common necessaries of life. I have seen Mr. Welsh who promised to assist me but have heard no more from him since the 18th inst. Mr. Chadwell has tried to get me exchanged but has not made out. He talks of taking Mr. Stone and me ashore and will assist us whilst confined. You will give my kind love to my Wife and family, likewise to my Brothers and Sisters, and desire Moses to write to me, and try to get me exchanged. My love to all relations and friends.

“May God preserve you in health and all with whom we are connected, is the earnest prayer

“of your Dutiful Son
“Wm. Russell.”

Two weeks later the Captain addressed to his friends, “Messrs. Edes and Sons, Printers, Boston,” a moving appeal for help in the following words:

“Jersey Prison Ship, New York Harbor,
“Dec. 7th, 1782.

“Mr. Edes,
“Dear Friend:

“I write you a few lines to inform you of my miserable situation, and at the same time to beg your assistance. I am again by the fortune of War thrown into the Enemies’ hands, where our scanty allowance is not sufficient to support nature, and part of that we are cheated out of. I had the promise of a Gentleman’s friendship at York, to get me Paroled or Exchanged but find that Admiral Digby is so inveterate against Privateersmen that he’ll not allow any Paroles. Therefore, Sir, I most earnestly intreat of you to use your influence with Maj. Hopkins to send to Mr. Sproat Commissioner of Prisoners at New York, for Mr. John Stone and me, which he may do very easily, and pray send in the first Flag some British Prisoner to release me. I suppose my Brother has arrived and brought some in.”

Some happy shift of fortune seems to have bettered the situation of the prisoner in January of 1783, for he wrote to his wife in a wholly different strain to inform her of his deliverance from “that horrid pit” below the decks of the prison ship. Although still confined aboard the Jersey, he was able to say:

“My Dear, my situation is greatly altered. I am aft with a gentleman where I want for nothing, but live on the best, with good Tea night and morning and fresh meat every day. In short I am used like a gentleman in every respect both by Mr. Emery and his wife. Indeed, my Dear, I am happy in getting from between decks, out of that horrid pit where nothing but Horror is to be seen. My duty to my Mother, love to my Brothers and Sisters, and hope ere long to enjoy your agreeable company.

Your affectionate husband,
“Wm. Russell.”

On March 21, 1783, after more than six months of this second term of imprisonment, the influence and persistency of his friends in Boston obtained for him a three months’ parole.[21] Without going home William Russell at once endeavored to repair his shattered fortunes by embarking in a “venture” aboard a merchant vessel in order that he might return to Boston with money for the support of his family. The following letters to his wife explain his plans and purposes. He had obtained passage from New York to New Haven in the Lady’s Adventure, the same merchant vessel which had fetched him from Plymouth six months before. Her Master, Captain Humble, proved himself a staunch friend of our most unfortunate but undaunted seafarer. Writing from New Haven on March 23, 1783, William Russell told his wife:

“New Haven, Connecticut, 23d March, 1783.

“Mrs. Russell:

“By the assistance of good friends I am once more in the land of Freedom and Independence, for which I’ve fought, Bled and Suffered as much as any without exception on the Continent, but the greatest of my concern has (as ever) been for you and our little ones.

“On the 20th inst. Capt. D. Adams came on board the Lady’s Adventurer (Capt. Humble) with an order from the Admiral for me. You can’t think the joy I must feel (without you had been in my place) on seeing my townsman, my Captain and Friend. True friendship is never known till we are in adversity, and then experience the assistance of the Advocate, who steps forward to our defence. Capt. Adams has been at great cost in getting me from New York, and I have no way to make satisfaction without my remaining on Board his vessel will effect it. Our circumstances are such that for me to come home with my fingers in my mouth would be of little consolation to those who have been without my help for almost four years. Therefore I think it my duty to try what I can do, and hope by the assistance of Capt. Adams to obtain a small Adventure and try my luck at a Merchant Voyage, and if Fortune smiles, expect to see you in a short time.

“I recover my health slowly, and hope that Salt water will do what the Physician could not effect.

“I am grieved at not hearing from you. Though out of sight, and the enjoyment of liberty might make you forgetful, I’m not so.”

(To Mrs. Mary Russell, Cambridge.)

“Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 16, 1783.

“I doubt not you thought it strange I did not come home when Paroled from New York, but the fever left me so low I could not stand the fatigues of so long a journey, and at the same time was destitute of money to support me on the road.

“Capt. Daniel Adams gave me a kind offer to go with him and laid me in a Venture which don’t at present seem to succeed so well as I would wish. However, I shall bring you home something for yourself and hope to see you soon. I desire if any person should make any inquiry where we are, you would answer at the Eastwd. for I don’t know whether the trade is opened among you or not. However, we are not the only vessel that’s here from the Thirteen States.

“We are treated very politely by his Excellency, and the Inhabitants, and I’ve a number of old friends here, and shall give you an acct. of them on my return.”

During the summer of 1783, William Russell returned to Cambridge, broken in health, with a scanty reward from his trading venture. He tried to gather together enough pupils to form a small school in his living quarters at the “Light House Tavern,” Cambridge. This endeavor was short-lived, for he was fast wasting with consumption. He died in the spring following his return from the sea whereon he had suffered greatly for his Country. He was no more than thirty-five years old when his untimely end came, but his life was exceedingly worth while even though it was his lot rather to endure than to achieve. Nor could he have desired any more worthy obituary, nor wished to preach a more inspiring doctrine to later generations of free-born Americans than was voiced in these words sent to his wife from Old Mill Prison, England, one hundred and twenty-six years ago:

“I think many in the Yard will enter into the King’s service. And I should myself, was it not that (by so doing) I must sell my Country, and that which is much more dearer to me, yourself and my children, but I rely wholly on God, knowing He will deliver me in His own good time.”