A Revolutionary War Privateer Journal - The Story of Jacob Nutter

March 23. 1777
Our diet is none too bad as Captain Bowyer allows us the same rations as the common ship’s hand. Throughout the week we have pork and peas, birgu and cheese, beef and pudding, and small beer. We are not allowed rum which is probably just as well considering some of the trouble makers in our company.

I miss my conversations with Joseph however I have made the acquaintance of a number of the Newbury men and I have been friends with many of the Piscataqua men for years. I find most of us were motivated by patriotic concern for America and desire to earn ourselves extra money when we signed onto the Dolton. In fact several of our Portsmouth men set their name to the Association Test in March of last year, pledging their loyalty to the United American Colonies and promising to risk their lives against the British army and navy. This resolution also moved to disarm all who were not loyal to the American cause. I would have signed this too had I still resided in Portsmouth but Rebecca and I removed ourselves to Kittery during the previous year. Most of the boys were looking for adventure. But it becomes plain now there are others in our number that were only motivated by profit and would just as soon take an American vessel as British if it would profit them. I do not trust them and will watch my speech around them as they would likely turn informant on us to improve their condition. I cannot abide those that would betray America for a few shillings.