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.