May 31. 1778
The guards discovered another hole that we had started yesterday. They declare that four men shall be committed to the Black Hole or all of us shall be placed on half allowance.

May 29. 1778
Today is Royal Oak day and guns were fire throughout the area surrounding the prison in recognition.

May 28. 1778
There is still no punishment for the hole discovered yesterday. The British fleet laying in the Sound is in such need of mariners that all of the local fishermen have been pressed into service the day before yesterday.

May 27. 1778
The guards caught us unawares today as we had a hole started in the wall of our prison. Someone shall be sent to the Black Hole but so far no one has been.

May 22. 1778
Two days ago Mr. Welch, 2nd lieutenant of the Lexington crew escaped with the aid of one of the sentries. That night and yesterday a ruse was played on the guards to cover his escape by having a boy counted twice when entering the prison. The guards entered the officer’s quarters a second time last night and found Mr. Welch missing upon which they made a search for him, to no avail. We were mustered this morning to look for any other missing prisoners. John Adair tried to make his escape over the wall today but was soon captured and committed to the Black Hole. Because of this we were all punished by being sent into the prison at mid-afternoon.

May 18. 1778
We learn by a paper that William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham died on the 10th instant.

May 16. 1778
A French fleet of 12 sail commanded by Count d’Estang is said to have sailed from Toulon on the 13th of last month for America to assist our cause. Today a French privateer was brought here after being captured. She had a crew of 80, bound for America and with a commission to take British ships.

May 14. 1778
This afternoon, a Scot named Joseph Kensington of the Lexington privateer died from consumption in the prison hospital.

May 12. 1778
We have been digging a hole in the Long Prison during this past week and yesterday it collapsed. This was quite disappointing as we have expended much work in this hole, carrying the dirt to the vaults in the yard under our great coats. Today we distracted the guard so that we could block up the hole.

May 8. 1778
Today, three prisoners from the privateer Revenge’s prize were brought to the prison. They were taken off the Grand Banks. Because the British Navy is so short handed they were offered the choice of the Navy or prison. Those entering the prison told us that the William Heysham, the prize’s mate, took the offer of the Navy.

May 7. 1778
Today a fight broke out in the yard between some Americans and old countrymen who were all disguised with small beer. As we have access to money some of the men choose to spend it on beer sold at the front gate. The mood in this prison has turned sour with the availability of this beer.

May 6. 1778
Today John Fowler from Ipswich of the Brigantine Fancy died in the hospital of the pleurisy. There was a jury called to investigate his death as it was thought he was ill treated, but no fault was to be found.

May 1. 1778
Today the Torbay, our old prison ship, burned while laying at her mooring just days after coming out of the docks. She is so badly damaged that we are told she will not be repaired. I am happy to hear of her demise.