17. Clear and cold. It is now we find the benefit of our great coats. We hear that the two soldiers that deserted and went off with the before-mentioned officers, from the prison, have been taken; which I am sorry to hear, for they will undoubtedly both be shot; and not only so, but I am afraid that their being taken will be followed with other bad consequences.
18. The chimney, in a separate prison, is so far completed, that we have a fire in it. To-day about twelve o’clock, the Governor of Plymouth and his lady, came to see us, and bought some of our wooden ware, and tasted of our broth; he said it was very fine, as indeed it has been, ever since we have had it thickened, and leeks put into it.
19. We are told by almost every one that comes to the gate, that a French war is near at hand, and cannot be avoided.
20. To-day each man in prison had a check linen handkerchief sent to him, which was given us by the donation. Also, to-day the officers in this prison moved into another, which has been preparing for them, so that all the officers who were committed to prison, as such, are in a prison by themselves.
21. Some time ago we had two fourpenny loaves to each mess, per day, but one of them was soon taken off; and as they told us we should have as much provision as we wanted, we made it known to them, that we were desirous of having a sixpenny loaf instead of the fourpenny one, which they granted, and to-day we received a sixpenny loaf to each mess.
22. Sunday. We hear that General Gates sent a letter to one of the Parliament, in which he deplores the state of Great Britain, and advises them to make peace, before the Americans form alliance with any other nation. But he states that they will accept of nothing short of independence.
23. We have been informed several times, lately, that all the Acts since the year 1763, are likely to be repealed. “Peace with America and war with France,” is the cry of almost every Briton. We have a paper in prison wherein is Lord North’s speech in the House. He confesses that the English troops in America, have been beaten by inferior numbers. For several evenings past, we have had candles burning in prison, unknown to the agent, turnkey or guard; but I expect it will not be long before we shall be allowed to burn them, as we have written to the Board concerning it. We hear that a proclamation is issued for public fast throughout England, Ireland and Scotland.
25. We hear that commissioners are appointed to go to America to treat with Congress; and they are to be considered a legal body while in treaty with them.
26. Last night the snow fell about two inches deep, on a level, which is more than it has snowed, put it all together, during the winter.
27. This day is kept as a public fast, throughout the united kingdom. I suppose they did not think it worth while to proclaim a fast before, as I do not remember that there has been one since I have been a prisoner, except a yearly fast. It is the opinion of many in prison, that if the proposals have not already gone to America, that we shall be sent with them, to give an assurance that they are real.