18. To-day another was sent to the Black-hole, for selling the clothes which were given to him; which is no more than right. We are informed that we are to be removed very soon and carried to Chester castle, but we pay no regard to it; for I believe two-thirds in prison expect to be sent to America within three months.
19. We hear again that we are to be carried to Chester, but pay no regard to it, as I said before.
20. We are informed that last night two or three hundred men were pressed in Plymouth, and Dock; even the lamp-lighter who tends the lamps about the prison, was pressed; but as he was in the King’s service he was released. A lieutenant of one of the King’s ships came to prison and advised those who had a mind to go on board the men-of-war to petition immediately. Accordingly a petition was written and signed by six old countrymen, and sent to the commissioners.
21. Dull, thick weather, some rain, so that we keep house.
22. Sunday. Some time ago we heard that some troops were to be sent to America this spring, but to-day we hear that their orders are countermanded.
23. To-day four or five large ships sailed from the Sound, bound to Spithead to join a fleet. We were found out to-day in conveying bread to the half allowance men in the Black-hole; so there is now a stop put to it.
24. Pleasant, for the season of the year. We received a letter from two of the officers that made their escape from prison on the 31st of January last; they inform us that they were taken up in London, and are now on board a guard ship in Portsmouth, waiting to come round.
25. We were informed that a few days ago a large ship accidentally ran down a French brig in the Sound; eleven men were drowned, and her mainmast carried away.
26. Last evening the guards discovered our lights in the prison, so that I am afraid there will be a stop put to it.
27. There are many in prison who have sold all their clothes that were given them by subscription, to get a little money to gamble with, and buy strong beer; some of these have been found out, and justice is likely to be done them.