28. Sunday. Warm weather, as it is natural in this country and different from what it is in America, at this season of the year.
29. For a month past, I send out every few days and buy half a pound of tobacco, and retail it out, so that I can afford to sell better measure than can be bought at public market at the gate, and thus oblige myself and my neighbors.
30. To-day we had clothes served out to us, and some who were almost naked received a jacket, breeches, and two shirts, two pairs of stockings, a pair of shoes, and a cap. I received only a pair of shoes. Although I have been a prisoner more than twelve months, I have received only a pair of shoes from government; for we have reason to think that the clothes and bedding which were served to our company on board the Burford, were given us by the captain of the ship.
31. Those who did not receive clothes yesterday, had them to-day, except shoes, which they are to have in a few days; and those who petitioned the Board to go on board His Majesty’s ships, received an answer from the Lord of the Admiralty, that all those who are legally committed to prison could not be bailed. However, our long-wished-for day draws near, for to-morrow the Act will expire, by which we were committed to prison. But we hear that it is likely to be renewed again; God forbid it should be so.
1778. January 1. I wish myself and all my brother fellow-sufferers a very happy new year. I do not know how to express my joy for so good a beginning, but by hoping that it will end better. No sooner is this very impolitic Act out, than our friends make themselves known to us, which before they dared not do. To-day we had sent to us a plum pudding, and a sixpenny white loaf, to each mess, as a new year’s gift, which, with our allowance, was sufficient for one day. Some gentlemen, also, who are friends, came to see us, and among the number was one Mr. Hancock, cousin of John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress. They inform us that upwards of £800 sterling have been raised in London for the relief of the prisoners here, and that they are daily raising more. They further told us, that we should not want for any thing, so long as we are prisoners in England. Transporting words! We have found friends in adversity. “Friends in need, are friends indeed.”
2. To-day we received nothing but our usual allowance.
3. To-day we had sent to us a pound of soap to each man!
4. Sunday. We had sent to us a four pound loaf, and about six ounces of shag tobacco, to each mess, which we are told was given us by private gentlemen.
5. We had sent us a gallon of potatoes, to each mess, and oatmeal to thicken our broth.
6. To-day we had half a pint of peas instead of greens, to each mess; by order from the Board, we are to have peas four times a week, which we like very much. Again, also, we had a white loaf sent us to each mess, and a small number of books. To-day two boys, in prison, were tied up and whipped, a dozen each, for making game of the provision, because it was not cooked well.