I have, Gentlemen, thought it prudent to mention these circumstances to you, as I am firmly of opinion, that unless some clothing is issued to the Prisoners who are now destitute many of them will die should the Winter be severe.
I have the Honour to be, &c.
(Signed) D. Woodriff.
Commissioners for the Transport Service.
London
7th Brumaire 9th Year of the French Republick 29th October 1800
The Commissary of the French Republick in England, To the Commissioners of the Transport Office.
Gentlemen,
I have had the honour of making various Representations to you relative to the insufficiency of the Ration allowed by the British Government to the French Prisoners whom the Fortune of War has thrown into its hands. The fatal effects of this Diminution of Food are already but too sensibly felt. I have now before me a list of those who have died and I perceive that the Number is almost Four times greater than that of last year at the same period, for during the course of One month only, the number of deaths has amounted to One Hundred And Ten while they did not exceed twenty during the same month of the preceding year. But this comparison however afflicting it may appear is only the first outline of the Picture, I shall be obliged to lay before you in a few months unless the most effectual means are speedily adopted in order to prevent the consequences which must otherwise result from the wretched situation of the Prisoners. Indeed it is impossible to look at the state of the different depots without being convinced of the fate which infallibly awaits them.
“It would be useless to state the misery endured by the Prisoners here (writes my Correspondent at Norman Cross) many of them hasten by their own Imprudence or Misconduct the Fate which awaits them all, if things remain in the state they now are. Hunger compels them to sell everything they possess and in so doing they only add to their own wretchedness. Many are literally naked. Amongst those who by their Fortitude and good Conduct have avoided these excesses are to be perceived the melancholy and slow, but certain Effects of a ruined constitution, and if an immediate remedy is not applied, a cruel death must soon terminate their sufferings.”
These details, Gentlemen, are accompanied by bitter Reflections which I forbear to repeat. I shall also pass over in Silence the Accounts received from the other Depots which would only be an afflicting repetition of what you have just read. The Ration issued to the Prisoners proved insufficient even during the fine weather. On this Point I appeal to Persons who have seen the Prisons and experience is a sufficient Proof of it. Urged by the most pressing wants, the Prisoners have employed their small Resources in making up the Deficiency of the Ration. Those who were without pecuniary means Sold even their Clothing. They are now naked and enfeebled by Privations of every kind. The keen air of Winter will sharpen the cravings of Hunger and they must soon experience the Severity of cold Weather without possessing the means of defending themselves against it.