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Thursday, November 30, 2006

November 30. 1777
Last night I was prepared to escape from this prison along with many of the other people. Our plan was to dig a hole under the back wall of the Long Prison and escape through the adjoining field during stormy weather. However, when we first broke through the turf outside the wall we found a lamppost nearby illuminating the surrounding area and thought better of it. I was detemined to go along with Joseph and Guppy despite our lack of currency to pay our way. We have heard that there are a number of British citizens that sympathize with our American cause and would aid us in our flight.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

November 25. 1777
One year ago this day we sailed from Portsmouth for a 3 month cruise. We all fully expected to return to our home ports with pockets full of prize money. Instead one year hence we remain forgotten in this hole of a prison with little hope of seeing our wives and families again but rather the end of a hangman’s noose or the muzzle of a British musket.

Our bread is so bad that most of us would swear it be made from straw, not flour. We complained about it to little effect as the prison master is a tyrant who we are convinced is lining his pockets while letting us starve.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

November 15. 1777
It is one year to the day since the Dolton sailed from Newburyport and the Newbury men have spent much of the day remembering their families and homes amongst themselves. We could not have imagined a year ago that we would find ourselves in such circumstances one year hence. We still have no indication whether we shall see the end of a hangman’s noose or our homes.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

November 14. 1777
Today the guards discovered our hole in the Long Prison and then treated several of our number roughly when they did not answer quickly enough.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

November 11. 1777
Yesterday six men from the other yard were sent to the black hole after being discovered in their attempt to escape by digging their way out of a drain.

Today two of the guards who had become friendly to us were dismissed from their duties.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

November 5. 1777
Two days ago a newspaper was smuggled into the prison telling of General Burgoyne losing 2000 men. This is our first major victory against British army and we are greatly encouraged by it.

We have had more trouble with theft and a youth was caught and punished by being made to run the guantlet today.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

November 2. 1777
The guards told us today that the British navy is pressing 1500 men into service.