March 31. 1779
Fair weather, light breezes. Winds WNW. Course SW under full sail. We raised the French mainland and now sail under a flag of truce.

March 30. 1779
Squally weather off and on. Winds variable but now NW. Course SSW. Today we spoke several British transports bound for Plymouth England from America with wounded soldiers. Several other sails spotted.

March 28. 1779
Fair weather with fresh breezes. Course SW with the Lizard on our starboard beam at meridian.

March 27. 1779
We are finally under way. The wind came about last night and we warped out of the creek at 6AM. We have made our way into the Sound and will soon make the Channel. We expect a passage to France of about seven days.

March 22. 1779
The wind continues contrary and delays our departure from this place. We are able to talk freely amongst ourselves now and we discuss what we shall do when we arrive in France. Some of our number wish to find a ship and continue privateering while others like me now wish to make our way home to our families as quickly as possible.

March 19. 1779
We still lay here waiting for a change of wind. The prison doctor came on board today to inform us that our crew mate Bonner Darling, a negro has died.

March 16. 1779
We wait here still for the wind to haul about but it is good to be back on the water. We are able to move about the ship as we wish and we have good food, beds and cabins to sleep in. Lt. Knox told us that our destination shall be Nantz in France where we will be exchanged for a like number of British prisoners held by the French and Americans.

March 15. 1779
Late this morning those of us to be exchanged said farewell to our mates remaining behind. Each of us carries letters and messages to friends and family at home. As we exited the prison gate they gave us a rousing cheer. We then were marched down the path to Stonehouse Creek where we have embarked on the Milford transport with little more than the clothing we wear and perhaps a small sack. As free men we sit here now looking back up the hill to Mill Prison waiting for a fair wind and the tide. We were told we shall be carried to France where we should be able to engage ourselves on an American merchantman to carry us home.

March 10. 1779
Those of us who are to be exchanged were mustered in the yard today to meet with Lt. Knox. He informed us we should expect to sail early next week. He has brought the Milford up the nearby creek within sight of our prison. Despite our joy at the prospect of leaving this place several of our Dolton crew shall be left behind which shall be a hard thing to bear for all.

March 5. 1779
We have received excellent news today that the cartel has now arrived in Plymouth. Perhaps it will not be so long now until I can see my family again. We now wait until Lt. Knox, the commander of the Cartel, comes for us.