USA > New York > Kings County > Revolutionary incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties; with an account of the Battle of Long Island and the British prisons and prison-ships at New York > Part 19
USA > New York > Suffolk County > Revolutionary incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties; with an account of the Battle of Long Island and the British prisons and prison-ships at New York > Part 19
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Correspondence of Washington and Howe, on the cruel treatment of American prisoners, taken from Sparks's Washington.
Dec. 20, '76. Washington says a Commissary of prisoners should be appointed ; for prisoners from all quarters are pushed in our camp without notice. They are also travelling all over the country with certificates of Committees, without control, and some have even gone in the enemy's camp.
Washington writes to Howe, Jan. 13, '77, on the cruel treatment of prisoners in the Ships at N.Y. " I hope the miseries of cold, disease, and famine, may not be added to their other misfortunes. You may call us rebels, and say we deserve no better treatment, but remember we have feelings keen and sensible, as loyalists, and will retaliate on the unjust invaders of our rights, liberties, and properties. My injured countrymen have long called on me to obtain redress of their grievances. I am sorry I am again under the necessity of remonstrating to you on the treatment, which our prisoners continue to receive in N. Y. Those who have lately been sent out, giving the most shocking accounts of their barbarous usage, which their miserable emaciated countenances confirm. If a real scarcity of provisions and fuel, at this inclement
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INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS
season, is the cause that our prisoners are debarred from them, common humanity points out a mode, which is, to suffer them to go home under parole, not to serve during the war, or until an equal number are re- leased by us. Most of the prisoners who have returned home, have in- formed me they were offered better treatment, provided they would en- list in your service.
[Wm. Gamble deposes, (Conn. Gaz., Feb. 8, '77,) that prisoners were huddled together with negroes ; had weak grog ; no swab to clean the ship ; bad oil ; raw pork ; seamen refused them water ; called them d -- d rebels ; dead not buried, &c. Lt. Wm. Sterret, taken Aug. 27, his clothing stolen ; abused by soldiers ; stinted in food ; slight wounds became mortal by neglect ; recruiting officers seduced prisoners, &c. -Ed.]
Howe replies to Washington, Jan: 17,'77. That Capt. Gamble's re- port is exaggerated. The prisoners were confined with the more general liberty of the prison ship, till a successful attempt was made to escape. The rest were then restrained within such narrow limits as left the more commanding parts of the ship in possession of the guard. Provi- sions were the same as given to British sailors ; the want of cleanliness is owing to the prisoners, who have had constant attendance of a surgeon and medicines from the King's store. The fleet physician has also attend- ed and prescribed, 7 have died of 500 sufferers. The prisoners petitioned for enlargement, but did not complain of ill treatment. The prisoners from different Provinces, were set free in separate corps, in compassion to their unnvoidable sufferings, and the confined situation of the fleet and army. 104 not taken in arms, were landed in Conn. last month, 38 landed in Penn., 30 set free here.
Jan. 20, '77. Washington proposes Lewis Pintard, a merchant of N. Y., to reside there as an agent for prisoners.
Ap. 21, 77. Howe (in reply to Washington of 9th inst.).says all pri- soners are confined in the most airy buildings, and largest transports, being the healthiest places. Near half the prisoners were received in British hospitals, and their own surgeons without restriction supplied with medicines, till they disposed of large quantities at private sale. Clothing and money are all the prisoners want.
May 17, '77. Washington disapproves of Gen. Parson's proposition of a descent on Flatbush, to release American officers, prisoners there on parole. [The British in apprehension of a rescue, had removed the American officers to elose prison in N. Y .- Ed.]
217
.
AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK.
May 28, '77. Washington says a great proportion of prisoners sent out by British are not fit subjects of exchange, and being made so by the severity of their treatment and confinement, a deduction should be made.
June 10, '77. Washington says (in a long reply to Howe,) he gave . clothing to British prisoners ; did not hear of the sufferings of Ame- rican prisoners till too late ; he was refused a procuring agent at N. Y. to purchase what was necessary to supply the prisoners' wants.
Nov. 14, '77. Washington complains to Howe of cruelties exercised on American prisoners, without Howe's knowledge or approbation, proceeding from the inhumanity of Mr. Cunningham, Provost Marshal.
Nov. 23, '77. Washington threatens retaliation, if Howe does not accede to his letter of Nov. 14, '77, and was about giving orders to Boudinot, when he received Howe's letter of Nov. 27.
Mrs. White left N. Y., Jan. 20, "77, says Bridewell, College, New Jail, Baptist Meeting, and the tavern lately occupied by Mr. De la Montaigne, and several other houses, are filled with sick and wounded of the enemy. Gen. Lee was under guard, in a small mean-looking house, at the bottom of Kings street. Jour. 789.
Wm. Slade says 800 prisoners taken at Ft. Washington and Lee, were put in the North hurch. Dec. 1st, 300 were taken from the church to the prison ship. Dec. 2d, he with others was march- ed to the Grosvenor transport in the N. River ; 500 were crowded on board ; he had to lay down before sunset to secure a place.
Trumbull Papers, VII. 135.
Henry Franklin affirms, Jan. 16, '77, that about two days after the taking of Fort Washington, he was in N. Y., and went to the North Church, in which were about 800 prisoners taken in said Fort. He inquired into their treatment, and they told him they fared hard on account both of provisions and lodging, for they were not allowed any bedding or blankets, and the provision not been regularly dealt out, the modest and backward could get little or none, nor had they been allowed any fuel to dress their victuals. The prisoners in N. Y. were very sickly, and died in considerable numbers.
Cor. 411.
Joshua Loring, Commissary of prisoners, says, but little pro- visions had been sent in by the rebels for their prisoners.
Feb. 11, '77.
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INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS
Forty-six prisoners from the Glasgow, transport ship, were land- ed at. N. Haven, where Capt. Craige died, and was buried. Their names are published in Con't Courant. March 7, '77.
Ap. 30, '77. Con't Assembly sent to N.Y. a sufficient quantity of tow shirts and trowsers for her prisoners, also £35 to Col. Ethan Allen, by his brother Levi.
Lt. Thos. Fanning, now on parole from L. I. at Norwich, a pri- soner to Gen. Howe, will be at Hartford on his return to N. Y., about Sep. 8, '77, whence he proposes to keep the public road to Kings bridge. Letters and money left at the most noted public houses, in the different towns, will be conveyed safe to the prisoners. Extraordinaries excepted. Conn. Gaz., Aug. 15, '77.
Jan. 4, '77. Prisoners went into the Sugar House. N. Murray says 800 men were in Bridewell. The doctor gave poison powders to prisoners, who soondied. Some were sent to Honduras to cut log- wood ;- women came to the prison gate to sell gingerbread.
Trumbull Papers, IX. 203.
A flag of truce vessel arrived at Milford, after a tedious passage of 11 days, from N. Y., having above 200 prisoners, whose rueful countenances too well discovered the ill treatment they received while in N. Y. 20 died on the passage and 20 since they landed, (names of sick follow.)
N. Haven, Jan. 8, '77.
Dec. 1, '77. The American prisoners on L. I. were on account of a suspected descent on that place, put on board a prison ship and detained there two weeks. A boat one evening happened to be fastened to the vessel's side. The chance of escaping in her was immediately suggested by Lts. Forrest and Woodside, but previously they stepped between decks, for some papers or clothing in their trunks. Meantime Major Jack Stewart, and one or two others [with Lt. Col. Livingston taken at Ft. Montgomery,] quietly let themselves down into the boat, cast her off, and let her drift astern of the ship. They were lucky enough to get clear of her unper- ceived, and at length to reach the Jersey shore in safety, notwith- standing their elopement was soon discovered. It being dark, pur- suit and random shot were unavailing. The disappointment of For- rest and Woodside was extreme.
Graydon.
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AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK.
Memorandum in the Provost Jail, N. Y., from Ap. 23, 1777, to
Jan. 7, 1778, by John Fell, one of the Council for N. Jersey.
Ap. 23. Last night I was taken prisoner from my house by 25 armed men, who brought me down to Col. Buskirk's, Bergen Pt., and from him sent to Gen. Pigot, at N. Y., who sent me with Capt. Van Allen to the Provost jail.
24. Received from Mrs. Curson, by the hands of Mr. Amiel, $16, 2 shirts, 2 stocks, some tea, sugar, pepper, towels, tobacco, pipes, paper, and a bed and bedding.
May 1. Dr. Lewis Antle and Capt. Thos. Colden (his son-in-law ?) at the door-refused admittance.
2. 6, 10 m. P. M., died John Thomas, Esq., of small-pox, aged 70 ; inoculated.
5. Capt. Colden has brought from Mr. Curson, $16.
11. Dr. Antle came to visit me ; Nero (his slave ?) at the door.
13. Cold weather.
20. Lewis Pintard came per order of Elias Boudinot to offer me money ; refused admittance. Capt. Colden came to visit me.
21. Capt. and Mrs. Corne came to visit me, and I was called down stairs to see them.
23. Lewis Pintard came as Commissary to take account of officers in order to assist them with money.
24. Every person refused admittance to the Provost.
25. All prisoners paraded in the hall, supposed to look for deserters.
27. Rev. Mr. Hart and Col. Smith brought to Provost from L. I.
29. Stormy in Provost.
30. Not allowed to fetch good water.
31. Bad water ; proposed buying tea water, but refused. This night 10 prisoners from opposite room ordered into ours ; in all 20.
June 1. Continued same to-day.
2. The people ordered back to their own room.
3. Capt. Van Zandt sent to dungeon for resenting Capt. Cunning- ham's abusing and insulting me.
4. Capt. Adams brought in our room ; at 9 P. M. candles ordered out.
7. Capt. Van Zandt returned from dungeon.
8. All prisoners paraded and called over, and delivered to care of Sergeant Keath, (O'Keefe ?) and told we were all alike. No distinction to be made.
10. Prisoners very sickly.
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INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS
11. Mr. Richards from Conn. exchanged.
12. Exceeding strict and severe-" out lights."
13. Melancholy scene, women refused speaking to their sick hus- bands, and treated cruelly by sentries.
14. Mr. Jas. Ferris released on parole ; people in jail very sickly, and not allowed a doctor.
17. Capt. Corne came to speak to me-not allowed.
18. Letter from prisoners to Sergeant Keath, requesting more privi- leges.
19. Received 6 bottles claret and sundry small articles, but the note not allowed to come up.
20. Memorandum sent by prisoners to General Pigot with list of grievances.
21. Ans. Grant no requests made by prisoners.
22. Mrs. Banta refused speaking to her son.
23. Mr. Haight died.
24. 19 prisoners from Brunswick ; 18 sent to Sugar House.
25. Dr. Bard came to visit Justice Moore, but his wife was refused though her husband was dying.
26. Justice Moore died and was carried out.
27. Several sick people removed below.
30. Provost very sickly, and several die.
July 3. Received from Mrs. Curson per Mrs. Marrener, 2 half Joes.
6. Received of Elias Boudinot per Pintard, 10 half Joes.
7. Capt. Thos. Colden came to the grates to see me.
9. 2 men carried out to be hung for desertion, reprieved.
11. Mr. Langdon brought into our room.
13. The Sergeant removed a number of prisoners from below.
14. Messrs. Demarests exchanged. Dr. Romaine ordered to visit sick.
15. A declaration of more privileges, and prisoners allowed to speak at the windows.
17. Peter Zabriskie had an order to speak with me and let me know that all was well at home.
19. . Sergeant from Sugar House came to take account of affairs in Provost. Capt. Cunningham in town.
21. Sergeant took another account of officers. Capt. Jas. Lowry died.
22. Mr. Miller died. Capt. Lowry buried.
Aug. 1. Very sick-weather very hot.
5. Barry sent to dungeon for bringing rum for Mr. Philips without leave of Sergeant. Every thing looks stormy.
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AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK.
6. Warm weather-growing better. Mr. Pintard came to supply prisoners of war with clothes.
10. 2 prisoners from L. I., and 4 Lawrences from near Tappan ..
11. John Coven Cromwell from White Plains. Freeland from Pol- ly ? Fly whipped about salt.
12. Sergeant Keath took all pens and ink out of each room, and for- bid the use of any on pain of dungeon.
13. Abm. Miller discharged.
14. Jacobus Blauvelt died in morning-buried at noon.
16. Capt. Ed. Travis brought in our room from dungeon, where he has long been confined and cruelly treated.
17. Mr. Keath refused me liberty to send a card to Mr. Amiel for pound of tobacco.
21. Capt. Hyer discharged from Provost.
25. Berry brought up from dungeon, and Capt. Travis sent down again without any provocation.
26. Badcock sent to dungeon for cutting wood in evening. Locks put on all the doors and threatened to be locked up. Col. Ethan Allen brought to Provost from L. I., and confined below.
27. Badcock discharged from below.
30. 5 p. M., all rooms locked up close.
31. A. M., Col. Allen brought in our room.
Sep. 1. Pleasant weather-bad water.
4. Horrid scenes of whipping.
6. Lewis Pintard brought some money for officers. P. M., Major Otho H. Williams brought from L. I., and confined in our room, Major Wells, from same place, confined below. A. M., Wm. Lawrence of Tappan died.
8. Campbell, Taylor, John Cromwell, and Buchanan from Phila- delphia, discharged.
10. Provisions exceeding ordinary-pork very rusty, biscuit bad.
12. Capt. Travis, Capt. Chatham, and others, brought out of dun- geon.
14. 2 prisoners from Jersey, viz. : Thos. Canfield of Newark, and Joralemon.
16. Troops returned from Jersey. Several prisoners brought to Pro- vost, viz .: Capt. Varick, Wm. Prevost, Brower, &c.
17. Prisoners from L. I.
22. Nothing material. Major Wells brought from below up stairs.
24. Received from Mr. Curson per Mr. Amiel, 4 guineas, 6 bottles wine, and 1 lb. tobacco.
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INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS
26. Mr. Pintard carried list of prisoners and account of grievances to the general. Capt. Chatham and others carried to dungeon.
28. Yesterday number of soldiers sent below, and several prisoners brought out of dungeon. State of grievances presented to Gen. Jones, which much displeased Sergeant, who threatened to lock up rooms.
29. Last night Sergeant locked up all the rooms. Rev. Mr. James Sears admitted up stairs.
30. Sent Mr. Pintard list of clothing wanted per continental and state prisoners in Provost. Sergeant locks up all the rooms.
Oct. 2. Candles ordered out at 8-not locked up.
4. Locked up. Great number of ships went up N. River. Received sundries from Grove Bend-3 pair ribbed hose, 3 towels.
5. Garret Miller of Smith's Clove signed his will in prison, in pre- sence of Benj. Goldsmith, Abr. Skinner, and myself.
6. G. Miller died of small-pox-P. M. buried.
7. Wm. Prevost discharged from Provost.
8. Capt. Chatham and Lewis Thitcher brought out of dungeon.
10. Mr. Pintard sent up blankets, shoes, and stockings for pri- soners.
11. Several prisoners from N. River.
12. Lt. Col. Livingston and upwards of 20 officers from Ft. Mont- gomery and Clinton, all below.
13. Received from Mr. Pintard a letter by flag from Peter R. Fell. A. M. Mr. Noble came to the grates to speak to me.
14. Sergeant Keath sent Lt. Mercer and Mr. Nathl. Fitzrandolph to the dungeon for complaining their room had not water sufficient.
15. Mr. Pintard brought sundry articles for prisoners.
17. Mr. Antonio and other prisoners brought here from up N. River.
19. Ben. Goldsmith ill of small-pox, made his will and gave it to me. Died 2 A. M., Oct. 20.
21. Glorious news from Northward.
22. Confirmation strong as Holy Writ. Beef, loaf-bread and butter, drawn to-day.
23. Weather continues very cold ; ice in the tub in hall. Number of vessels came down North River. Mr. Wm. Bayard at the door to take out old Mr. Morris.
24. Prisoners from Sugar House sent on board ships.
25. Rev. Mr. Hart admitted on parole in the city. Serg. Woolley from Sugar House came to take names of officers, and says an exchange is expected.
28. Last night and to-day storm continues very. severe. Provost
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AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK.
in a terrible condition. Lt. Col. Livingston admitted up stairs a few minutes.
Nov. 1 .- Lt. Callender of the train ordered back on L. I .; also several officers taken at Ft. Montgomery sent on parole to L I.
3. In evening my daughter Eliz. Colden came to see me, accompa- . nied by Mayor Matthews.
5. E. Colden came to let me know she was going out of town. Yesterday Sergeant refused her liberty of speaking to me. Gen. Ro- bertson's Aid-de-camp came to inquire into grievances of prisoners.
16. Jail exceeding disagreeable-many miserable and shocking ob- jects nearly starved with cold and hunger-miserable prospect before us.
18. Town Major and Town Adjutant came with a pretence of view- ing jail.
19. Peter and Cor. Van Tassel, two prisoners from Tarrytown in our room.
20. Mr. Pintard sent three barrels of flour to be distributed among prisoners.
21. Mr. Pintard came for account of what clothing prisoners wanted.
24. Six tailors brought here from prison ship to work in making clothes for prisoners. They say people on board very sickly ; 300 sent on board reduced to 100.
25. Mr. Dean and others brought to jail from the town.
26. Dean locked up by himself, and Mr. Forman brought up stairs attended by Rev. Mr. Inglis, and afterwards ordered down stairs. New order-one of prisoners ordered to go to commissary's and see provi- sions dealt out for prisoners. Vast number of people assembled at Pro- vost in expectation of seeing an execution.
27. John, the milkman, locked up stairs with sentry at his door. A report by Mr. Webb that a prisoner, Herring, was come down to be exchanged for Mr. Van Zandt or me.
30. Capt. Cunningham came to Provost.
Dec. 1. Capt. Money came down with Mr. Webb to be exchanged for Major Wells.
2. Col. Butler visited Provost, and promised a doctor should at- tend. Received from Mr. Bend cloth for a great coat, &c. Mr. Pin- tard took list of clothing wanting for prisoners.
3. Several prisoners of war sent from here on board prison ship, and some of sick sent to hospital. Dr. Romaine being ordered by Sir H. Clinton to examine the sick. Prisoners sickly ; cause, cold. Prisoners scanty clothing in upper rooms, and only two bushels coal for a room of 20 men, a week.
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INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS
5. Mr. Blanch ordered out ; said to be to go to Morris Town to get prisoners exchanged. Cold.
7. Mr. Webb came to acquaint Major Wells his exchange was agreed to with Capt. Money.
8. Maj. Gen. Robertson with Mayor, came to Provost to examine prison. I was called and examined, and requested my parole. Gen. said I had made bad use of indulgence granted me, in letting my daugh- ter come to see me ; by ordering Mr. Parker and Mr. Ruderford con- fined.
9. Major Wells exchanged.
10. Mr. Pintard sent 100 loaves for prisoners. A. M., Walter Thurston died. Prisoners very sick, and die very fast from hospitals and prison ships.
11. Some flags from N. River.
13. Abel Wells died-a tailor from prison ship.
12. Mr. Pintard brought letters for sundry people.
14. Sunday-guards more severe than ever, notwithstanding Gen. Robertson's promise of more indulgence. Capt. Van Zandt brought from L. I.
16. Sent message to Mr. Pintard for wood. Cold, and entirely out of wood.
17. Commissary Winslow came and released Major Williams on his parole on L. I.
18. Mr. Pintard sent four cords wood for prisoners.
19. Capt. John Paul Schoot released on parole. Mr. Pintard with clothing for the people.
21. A paper found at door of Provost, intimating that three prison- ers had a rope concealed in a bag in one of the rooms, in order to make their escape. The Sergeant examined all the rooms, and at night we were all locked up.
22. Received from Mr. Pintard 100 loaves bread and quarter beef.
24. Distributed clothing, &c., to prisoners.
28. Gen. Robertson sent a doctor to examine me in consequence of the petition sent by Col. Allen for my releasement. The Dr. reported to Dr. Mallet.
29. Gen. Robertson sent me word I should be liberated in town, pro- vided I procured a gentleman in town to be responsible for my appear- ance. In consequence I wrote to Hon. H. Wh te, Esq.
30. Dr. Romaine, with whom I sent the letter, said Mr. White had a number of objections, but the Dr. hoped to succeed in the afternoon. Mr. Winslow came and told me the same story I heard the day before.
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AND PRISON-SHIPS AT NEW-YORK.
31. Sergeant Keath brought a message from the General to the same purpose as yesterday.
N. B. I lost the memorandum from this date to the time of my be- ing liberated from Provost, on Jan. 7, 1778.
N. Y., Feb. 11, 1778. Received a letter from Jos. Loring, Esq., Com. of Prisoners, with leave from Gen. Robertson, for my having the bounds of the city allowed me.
Mar. 23. Wrote to Maj. Gen. Robertson, and told him this was the eleventh month of my imprisonment.
My Note to General Robertson -(See Journal Dec. 28.)
I received your Excellency's message this morning per Sergeant Keath, respecting the condition of my being liberated on account of my ill state of health. If your Excellency will be so obliging as to let me out, I make not the least doubt of giving you all the satisfaction you can desire ; but to write to a gentleman whom I have not seen for up- wards of two years, I am afraid will answer no end. Therefore, I do most earnestly entreat your Excellency to grant this my humble request, and give orders to the Sergeant to liberate me to the house of Mrs. Marrener, from whence I can have an opportunity to send to such gen- tlemen as I think will satisfy your Excellency. I am, &c.
Card from Gen. Robertson .-- (See Journal Dec. 29.)
Gen. Robertson has received Mr. Fell's note ; finds it impossible to comply with his request till Mr. Fell's friends give him sufficient secu- rity that he will not attempt to escape. A Mr. Langdon having broken his faith in like circumstances, has given rise to a rule, which it is out of Gen. Robertson's power to dispense with.
My Letter to Hon. Henry White, Esq .- (See Journal Dec. 30.)
SIR :- Being in a very ill state of health, Gen. Robertson, on ex- amination, has consented that I be liberated to a house in town on se- curity ; for which purpose I have taken the liberty to request that you will be so obliging as to be responsible for me. I conceive it a happi- ness to be released on such terms, and shall esteem your friendship as a singular favor. On your appearing at the General's, I may be permitted to a house in town. I am, &c.
Feb. 4, 1778. I delivered Lewis Pintard the wills of Garret Miller and Benj. Goldsmith, to be forwarded to their respective families. Pre- sent, E. Boudinot.
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INCIDENTS OF THE BRITISH PRISONS
May 20, '78. I had my parole extended by order of Gen. Daniel Jones, to my own house in Bergen county, for 30 days. June 20. I left home and arrived at Paulus Hook, Col. Turnbull not being at home ; I was detained till night, and then sent with an officer to N. Y. to Maj. Gen. Val. Jones, who ordered me to wait on Commissary Winslow next morning, who waited on Gen. Dan'l Jones, and by his order I was de- tained in town till July Ist, when the Commissary was ordered to make out my parole, not to return till sent for. July 2d I left town, and next day arrived safe home.
Nov. 15. I received from Abm. Skinner, Dep. Com. of Prisons, a certificate of my being exchanged for Gov. Skene. Signed by Joshua Loring, Com. Gen. of Prisons, dated N. Y., Oct. 26, 1778.
The following persons were my security for £100 each, being de- manded by Gen. Robertson on my release from Provost to lodgings in N. Y., on my parole. Jan. 7, 1778.
Lawrence Kortright,
Henry Haydock,
Richard Yates,
Jas. Jauncey,
St. Skinner,
Henry White,
Dr. McAdam,
John Amiel,
Wm. Seton,
Grove Bend.
Grievances that the Prisoners are under, sent to Gen. Jones per Mr. Pintard .- (See Journal, Sep. 26 and 28.)
" Close confined in jail without distinction of rånk or character, amongst felons, (a number of whom are under sentence of death,) with- out their friends being suffered to speak to them, even through the grates. On the scanty allowance of 2 lbs. hard biscuit and 2 lbs. raw pork per man per week, without fuel to dress it. Frequently supplied with water from a pump where all kinds of filth is thrown that can ren- der it obnoxious and unwholesome, (the effects of which are too often felt,) when good water is as easily obtained. Denied the benefit of a hospital, not allowed to send for medicine, nor even a doctor permit- ted to visit them when in the greatest distress ; married men and others who lay at the point of death, refused to have their wives or relations admitted to see them, and for attempting it often beat from the prison. Commissioned officers and other persons of character, without a cause, thrown into a loathsome dungeon, insulted in a gross manner, and vilely abused by a Provost Marshal, who is allowed to be one of the basest characters in the British army, and whose power is so unlimited, that he has caned an officer on a trivial occasion, and frequently beats the
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