THE JOURNAL OF WILLIAM RUSSELL (_concluded_)
(1779-1783)
June 5, 1782. Yesterday was ‘George the Foolish’s’ Birthday. The
Shipping and Forts fired Salutes at noon; Cowdry hoisted an English
Jack, and a _French_ one under it, and fired his Battery. In the
afternoon the Officers of the Guard took some of their men, and fired
the Cannon a number of times. In loading a piece, they did not stop the
vent, and fire took the cartridge before the rammer was out, and killed
one and wounded three of their men. A very melancholy circumstance has
happened, two to three hundred of us taken ill with a violent cold,
myself included. I still remain unwell, but something better; the men
in general are improving. I was taken with a violent pain in my head,
back, stomach and legs with a dry cough, but knowing the Doctor would
give me but one sort of medicine, let the ail be what it may, I thought
to use none of his drugs, but to trust the _Physician of Physicians_,
and use such means as I might think proper.
“One of our Men said to the Doctor,
“‘Doctor, I’ve a violent pain in my Head.’
“Reply: ‘Take some Mixture.’
“‘Doctor, I’ve a sour Stomach.’
“Reply: ‘Take some Mixture.’
“Doctor, ‘I’ve a violent Fever on me every Night.’
“Reply: ‘Take some Mixture.’
“In short let the disease be what it will, you must take his Mixture,
or Electuary. N. B.,—This Medicine is Salts and Jalap; his Electuary,
Conserve of Roses and Balsam. However, we have styled it Doctor Ball’s
Infallable Cure for all Manner of Diseases.
“6th. This morning the Doctor came and bled one of our men, and went
out without doing up his arm, or even saying what quantity of blood
should come from him. This is the second man he has stuck his lance in,
and left bleeding. I remain very ill, and the whole Prison is put on
Hospital diet, which is: 1 lb. of white bread, ½ pint of milk, ½ lb. of
mutton, ½ lb. of cabbage, and 1 quart of beer. By not hearing anything
of the Transports and with the violent pain in my head, I am almost
beside myself.”
Under date of Dec. 22, 1781, William Russell had set down in his
journal: “Mr. _Burke_ in the House of Commons, speaking of Hon. Mr.
Lauren’s ill treatment in the Tower, was told by Lord Newhaven, that if
he (Newhaven) had said as much, he should have expected to be put in
Mr. Lauren’s place. To whom Mr. Burke replied that he did not aspire
to such places, being a poor man he could not afford it; as for his
Lordship, he being a man of Fortune, such places would suit him best,
but a meaner prison would do for him, and he should think himself very
happy in any place, _if he had such agreeable Companions with him as
Mr. Laurens and Doctor Franklin_.
“General Burgoyne being asked in the House of Commons concerning his
not being Exchanged for Mr. Laurens said he would sooner return to
America, and spend his days in a Dungeon there than ask a favor of the
Ministry.”
After his surrender at Saratoga Major General Burgoyne was permitted
to return to England as a prisoner of war on parole. When the British
Government refused to release Henry Laurens from his imprisonment in
the Tower of London, the Congress of the United States demanded that
General Burgoyne be summoned to return to America to save his parole.
This retaliatory measure and the unusual circumstances of Mr. Lauren’s
confinement were discussed in Parliament in the debate referred to in
the foregoing entry of the journal.
“8th. This morning we had a quarrel with the old Guard. The Sergeant
was very insolent and went out and brought in a number of the Guard,
primed and loaded, but we did not value them, but took our own time in
turning out, after which we stoned and hooted them out of the Yard.
They presented twice but the Officer would not let them fire. We had
a sermon preached to us from the 22d Chap. 21st verse of Job, by My
Lady Huntingdon’s Chaplain, who came down from London on purpose
to preach our farewell sermon. Mr. Miles Saurey came with him, and
brought letters from Mr. Laurens to Captain Greene, informing him that
Lord Shelborn says we are to be sent away as soon as possible to our
respective States, and that such as have property in France are to be
paroled to leave for France.
“Mr. Laurens is to be Exchanged for Lord Cornwallis,[19] and will
leave the Kingdom in a few days. Mr. Laurens writes that we are to be
provided with necessaries for our voyage, and wishes us a good passage,
and safe return to our Native Land.
“14th. Mr. Saurey brought a letter from the Rev. Mr. Wren of
Portsmouth; the purport of which is that a Ship is Victualed and at
Portsmouth to carry the Americans belonging to the North to Boston, and
the men belonging to the Southward are to come around to Plymouth and
join the men in our Prison. They are expected to embarque in a week or
ten days.
“Mr. Pollard received a letter from Mr. John Joy formerly of Boston,
informing him that the Cartels were fitting out and were to sail the
next day, wind permitting. We are in high spirits, and hope soon to be
delivered from this Castle of Despair. I’m afraid we shall be detained
by contrary winds, for the wind keeps to the Westward and blows fresh,
which is against the vessels coming from the Downs.
“15th. We are informed by a letter from Mr. Joy to Jacob Homer, that
His Majesty has been pleased to pardon us, in order for our Exchange,
and that we are to be immediately delivered from this Awful place of
Confinement.
“We had an excellent sermon, by the Rev. Mr. Sampson, a Dissenter,
belonging in Cornwall, from 61 Chap. of Isaiah, 1st and 2d verses.
In reading the last Hymn, when he came to the word _Rebel_, he made
a stop, and compar’d the Rebel to the Prodigal spoken of in the New
Testament, and lest we should be offended at using the Word, altered
it to _Children_ and _Stubborn_. His discourse was very suitable to
our circumstances. The manner in which he delivered himself drew the
greatest attention. When he spoke of our Parents, Wives and Children
and the tears they had shed for us whilst in this deplorable place,
and when I come to reflect on the precarious situation we were in some
months gone, in a strange land, not knowing what might happen, and then
to comprehend the reality of the Transporting News, of being released
from this dismal place of exile and suffering, _I am compelled to cry
out, O God, in the midst of Thy Judgments, Thou has remembered Mercy_!
“9th. Capt. Malcolm came to see us, and informed us that the air
is infected with this Disorder that is among us. Some persons have
experimented by flying a kite in the air with a piece of beef to the
tail. When it came down the beef was tainted. I desire to thank God
that the pain in my head is somewhat abated, and the people in general
are getting better.
“No news from any Quarter. Dark times, low in Spirits and low in purse.
“17th. Fair, a grand wind E. by N. for our Transports to come from
Torbay. This morning Thomas Adams of Old York died in the Hospital.
I have greatly recovered from my sickness, and find myself able to
embarque, was the vessel ready to receive me.
“19th. Only one Cartel has arrived, and she is for the Southward, her
Captain named Maxwell, who informed me that the Cartel for the North
(the _Lady’s Adventure_) could not get out of Torbay last Monday. We
are in daily expectation of seeing them as a signal is now hoisted for
a Fleet from the East.
“_This day I am thirty months a Prisoner in this disagreeable place._
“We have had the happiness of receiving the joyful news of the arrival
of the Northern Cartel. The men for the Southward embarque on Saturday,
and the men for the North on Monday or Tuesday next. The long-looked
for day is come at last for us to leave these Gloomy Walls, where
nothing but Horror and Despair reigns. This afternoon we were Honor’d
with a visit from the Duke of Richmond, and a number of generals and
other Officers.
“His Grace asked if we had any complaints against Mr. Cowdry. Capt.
Greene reply’d to the Duke ‘that Cowdry was a dirty fellow.’ The Duke
reply’d: ‘Government keeps dirty fellows, to do their dirty Work.’
“His Grace said to us, that we had gained what we had been fighting
for, and we should find it so when we arrived in America.
“21st. This morning Mr. Cowdry ordered the Men bound South to get
ready to embarque to-morrow at 10 o’clock. Slops are to be served this
afternoon, and the Prisoners to be examined at 6 o’clock in the morning.
“_I desire to bless God that I once more have my health_, but I am
in a Miserable condition for want of cash, and what I am to do for
Sea-stores I am at a loss.
“22d. Yesterday the Cloathing was served out to the South’ard Men, and
instead of 20 shillings they drew only 16/3. One O’Hara and John Cooper
abused the Agent and broke his Windows for which they were put in the
Black Hole. Mr. Cowdry embarqued 215 men on board the Cartel for the
South’ard.
“23d. We are to hold ourselves in readiness to embarque to-morrow at 2
o’clock. Cowdry sent a Paper into the Prison for our People to sign,
that he had used us with marks of kindness, &c. It was immediately torn
up.
“June 24th. The Escort came and the Agent opened the _Gate of the
Castle of Despair_, and 400 Americans marched out to the Water side,
where we found four Launches, and a Cutter waiting to receive us,
I went on board the Cutter, and in a short time was on board the
Good Ship _Lady’s Adventure_, a Cartel bound to Boston. We had our
complement on board by 6 o’clock. The Agent came off and received a
Receipt for 400 Men and wished us a good Voyage.
“We immediately hove up anchors, and at 8 o’clock made sail. I was
transported with Joy at my deliverance from a loathsome Prison, where
I’ve been confined thirty Months and five days, almost despairing of
ever seeing my Native Country, my Loving Wife and Dear Children and
my relatives and friends who are so dear to me; but ‘Glory to God in
the Highest’ for His goodness unto us. I thank God I’ve a prospect
now before me of seeing _America_, that _Land of Liberty_, and on my
arrival of finding all connected with me in health and happiness.
“The Rev. Robert Heath and Mr. Saurey took their leave of us. The Ship
is 700 Ton with accommodations, and well found, the Captain and crew
are very civil, and _now I’ve taken my departure from Old Mill Prison,
and hope never to see it again_.
“We have fine Wind, and May God grant us a quick passage, and guide the
Ship to her desired Port.”
Thus ends the Journal written in Mill Prison. During the voyage to
the United States, William Russell kept a detailed diary, or log, of
the working of the _Lady’s Adventure_, which makes dry reading for
landlubbers. Here and there, however, he jotted down a paragraph having
to do with the company on board the Cartel, after the manner of the
following extracts:
“Thursday, July 4, 1782. Our People requested the Owner to let
them have an allowance of Brandy, it being the Anniversary of our
Independence. Accordingly it was granted, and he gave two quarts to
a man to a Mess. I was desired to acquaint the Captain that we meant
to give thirteen cheers for the thirteen United States of America, if
agreeable to him. He was agreed and accordingly the men came on deck,
and manned the Yards and Tops, and gave thirteen Cheers, and then three
cheers for the Captain. He was very polite and sent for me down to the
Cabin, where I was kindly entertained. The People behaved very well,
and very few drunk: _Myself Merry_. I desired one Lieutenant Weeks
and Captain Henfield to take the command, but they refused and I was
obliged to officiate myself. Whether Lieutenant Weeks thought himself
too good or not, I can’t say, but Captain Henfield was _very excusable_.
[Illustration: The Salem Custom House, built in 1818]
“July 9th. Hoisted out the boat to catch turtle. Captains Henfield and
Hamilton very angry because we kept the ship on her course and did
not heave to. Captain Hamilton said he was a lousy rascal that kept
her away. Mr. John Washburn replied: ‘I was at the wheel and am no
more lousy than your Honour.’ Upon that Captain Hamilton struck Mr.
Washburn, and Mr. Brewer resented it and made a strike at Hamilton.
“August 7th. Discovered land under our leebow, and made it to be Cape
Sable. A man at the Mast Head discovered a Light House off Cape Sambro
bearing East by South, and a number of Islands around us, from the
weather bow to the lee quarter. Set jib, foretopmast staysail and
spritsail topsail. Captain Trask (one of our Company) took charge of
the ship as Pilot, filled the topsails and bore down for the northern
part of the Rock bound Island. Saw a small vessel under the lee of the
Island (a privateer) which immediately made sail and ran out. Later saw
a boat (Shallop) with three men which made a Signal of Distress. They
came alongside but their Skipper was very much afraid, and wouldn’t
believe we were a Cartel until he was taken into the cabin. The Captain
had some discourse with him by which we were informed that the American
War is not over, that five American Privateers from Salem lately
demolished the Forts at Chester[20] and Malagash,[20] and plundered the
town, but used the prisoners with humanity. Came to anchor in seven
fathoms. The American Sod appears very comforting to a person whose
anxious desires for three years past have been to see the land where
Freedom reigns.
“Dined on Halibut, went on shore and picked and ate Gooseberries.
Washed and Loused myself, and made great fires in the woods. The boats
were employed in bringing the People on board.”
The party spent several days ashore, catching and cleaning fish,
cutting spars, gathering firewood and enjoying their freedom after the
long and trying voyage. At length the foretopsail was cast loose as a
signal for sailing, the ensign hoisted with a wisp to recall the boats
and the _Lady’s Adventure_ got under way for the southward. William
Russell’s journal relates under date of August 12th:
“Spoke a fishing schooner three days out from Plymouth which enquired
for John Washburn. We told the captain he was on board whereupon the
old man gave three cheers with his Cap and then threw it overboard. No
tongue can express the Heart-feeling Satisfaction it is unto us to have
the happiness of a few moments’ conversation with an American so short
from Home. Cheer up, my Heart, and don’t despair for thy Deliverance
draweth near.
“August 13th. At one half past six o’clock discovered land, Cape Cod
over our lee quarter. Stood in for Boston Light House Island. The men
are very uneasy, and clamour, some for Marblehead, some for Boston,
and can’t agree. Captain Humble is very willing the ship should go to
Boston this evening, if any man will take charge of her. None will
venture, so Captain Humble ordered the Ship to stretch off and on till
morning.”
Thus ends the sea journal of William Russell, but the Salem _Gazette_
of August 15, 1782, contains the following item under the head of
Shipping Intelligence:
“By an arrival of two Cartel Ships at Marblehead from England, 583 of
our Countrymen have been restored to their Families and Friends. One
of the Ships which arrived on Sunday last had an eight weeks’ passage
from Portsmouth and brought in 183 prisoners. The other which arrived
in fifty-two days from Plymouth sailed with 400 and one died on the
passage.”
It makes the story of this humble sailor of the Revolution much
more worth while to know that after three years of the most irksome
captivity, he was no sooner at home with his “dear wife and family”
than he was eager and ready to ship again under the Stars and Stripes.
Ill-fated as was his superb devotion to his Country, he had suffered
his misfortunes in Old Mill Prison with a steadfast courage. It was
so ordered, however, that he should be free no more than thirty days
after his glad homecoming in the _Lady’s Adventure_. He must have
re-entered the American naval service a few days after reaching Boston,
for we know that he was captured in a privateer on September 16th,
by a British Man of War and taken into Halifax. On November 28th he
was committed to the _Jersey_ Prison ship in New York harbor. Here he
found himself in a far worse plight than in Mill Prison with its genial
routine of escape and its friendly relations with the Agent, the Guard,
and the French and Spanish prisoners. All that is known of this final
chapter in the case of William Russell, patriot, must be gleaned from a
few letters to his wife and friends. The first of these is addressed to
“Mrs. Mary Russell, at Cambridge,” and says in part:
“On Board the _Jersey_ Prison ship, New York, November 21st, 1782.
“I write with an aching heart to inform you of my miserable condition.
I’m now in the worst of places and must suffer if confined here during
the Winter, for I am short of cloathing and the provisions is so scant
that it is not enough to keep body and soul together. I was two months
on board the Man of War and have been almost to Quebec. This is the
awfullest place I ever saw, and I hope God will deliver me from it
soon. I conclude, praying for your support in my absence, and the
prosperity of an Honoured Mother and family.”
To his mother, “Mistress Mary Richardson, Light House Tavern,
Cambridge,” he wrote on November 25th:
“HONOURED MAMA:
“I present these Lines with my Duty to you hoping they’l find you
with the family and all connected in perfect health. I was taken on
the 16th Sept. and brought to New York, the 13th inst., and put out
on board this ship the 18th. Indeed it is one of the worst places in
the World, and the Prisoners are suffering; Sickly and dying daily,
not having the common necessaries of life. I have seen Mr. Welsh who
promised to assist me but have heard no more from him since the 18th
inst. Mr. Chadwell has tried to get me exchanged but has not made out.
He talks of taking Mr. Stone and me ashore and will assist us whilst
confined. You will give my kind love to my Wife and family, likewise
to my Brothers and Sisters, and desire Moses to write to me, and try
to get me exchanged. My love to all relations and friends.
“May God preserve you in health and all with whom we are connected, is
the earnest prayer
“of your Dutiful Son
“WM. RUSSELL.”
Two weeks later the Captain addressed to his friends, “Messrs. Edes
and Sons, Printers, Boston,” a moving appeal for help in the following
words:
“JERSEY PRISON SHIP, New York Harbor,
“Dec. 7th, 1782.
“Mr. EDES,
“Dear Friend:
“I write you a few lines to inform you of my miserable situation, and
at the same time to beg your assistance. I am again by the fortune
of War thrown into the Enemies’ hands, where our scanty allowance is
not sufficient to support nature, and part of that we are cheated out
of. I had the promise of a Gentleman’s friendship at York, to get me
Paroled or Exchanged but find that Admiral Digby is so inveterate
against Privateersmen that he’ll not allow any Paroles. Therefore,
Sir, I most earnestly intreat of you to use your influence with Maj.
Hopkins to send to Mr. Sproat Commissioner of Prisoners at New York,
for Mr. John Stone and me, which he may do very easily, and pray send
in the _first Flag some British Prisoner to release me. I suppose my
Brother has arrived and brought some in._”
Some happy shift of fortune seems to have bettered the situation of
the prisoner in January of 1783, for he wrote to his wife in a wholly
different strain to inform her of his deliverance from “that horrid
pit” below the decks of the prison ship. Although still confined aboard
the _Jersey_, he was able to say:
“My Dear, my situation is greatly altered. I am aft with a gentleman
where I want for nothing, but live on the best, with good Tea night
and morning and fresh meat every day. In short I am used like a
gentleman in every respect both by Mr. Emery and his wife. Indeed, my
Dear, I am happy in getting from between decks, out of that horrid pit
where nothing but Horror is to be seen. My duty to my Mother, love to
my Brothers and Sisters, and hope ere long to enjoy your agreeable
company.
Your affectionate husband,
“WM. RUSSELL.”
On March 21, 1783, after more than six months of this second term of
imprisonment, the influence and persistency of his friends in Boston
obtained for him a three months’ parole.[21] Without going home
William Russell at once endeavored to repair his shattered fortunes
by embarking in a “venture” aboard a merchant vessel in order that he
might return to Boston with money for the support of his family. The
following letters to his wife explain his plans and purposes. He had
obtained passage from New York to New Haven in the _Lady’s Adventure_,
the same merchant vessel which had fetched him from Plymouth six months
before. Her Master, Captain Humble, proved himself a staunch friend of
our most unfortunate but undaunted seafarer. Writing from New Haven on
March 23, 1783, William Russell told his wife:
“NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, 23d March, 1783.
“MRS. RUSSELL:
“By the assistance of good friends I am once more in the land of
_Freedom and Independence_, for which I’ve fought, Bled and Suffered
as much as any without exception on the Continent, but the greatest of
my concern has (as ever) been for you and our little ones.
“On the 20th inst. Capt. D. Adams came on board the _Lady’s
Adventurer_ (Capt. Humble) with an order from the Admiral for me. You
can’t think the joy I must feel (without you had been in my place) on
seeing my townsman, my Captain and Friend. True friendship is never
known till we are in adversity, and then experience the assistance of
the Advocate, who steps forward to our defence. Capt. Adams has been
at great cost in getting me from New York, and I have no way to make
satisfaction without my remaining on Board his vessel will effect it.
Our circumstances are such that for me to come home with my fingers in
my mouth would be of little consolation to those who have been without
my help for almost four years. Therefore I think it my duty to try
what I can do, and hope by the assistance of Capt. Adams to obtain a
small Adventure and try my luck at a Merchant Voyage, and if Fortune
smiles, expect to see you in a short time.
“I recover my health slowly, and hope that Salt water will do what the
Physician could not effect.
“I am grieved at not hearing from you. Though out of sight, and the
enjoyment of liberty might make you forgetful, I’m not so.”
(To Mrs. Mary Russell, Cambridge.)
“HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, May 16, 1783.
“I doubt not you thought it strange I did not come home when _Paroled_
from New York, but the fever left me so low I could not stand the
fatigues of so long a journey, and at the same time was destitute of
money to support me on the road.
“Capt. Daniel Adams gave me a kind offer to go with him and laid me in
a Venture which don’t at present seem to succeed so well as I would
wish. However, I shall bring you home something for yourself and hope
to see you soon. I desire if any person should make any inquiry where
we are, you would answer at the Eastwd. for I don’t know whether the
trade is opened among you or not. However, we are not the only vessel
that’s here from the _Thirteen States_.
“We are treated very politely by his Excellency, and the Inhabitants,
and I’ve a number of old friends here, and shall give you an acct. of
them on my return.”
During the summer of 1783, William Russell returned to Cambridge,
broken in health, with a scanty reward from his trading venture. He
tried to gather together enough pupils to form a small school in his
living quarters at the “Light House Tavern,” Cambridge. This endeavor
was short-lived, for he was fast wasting with consumption. He died in
the spring following his return from the sea whereon he had suffered
greatly for his Country. He was no more than thirty-five years old
when his untimely end came, but his life was exceedingly worth while
even though it was his lot rather to endure than to achieve. Nor
could he have desired any more worthy obituary, nor wished to preach
a more inspiring doctrine to later generations of free-born Americans
than was voiced in these words sent to his wife from Old Mill Prison,
England, one hundred and twenty-six years ago:
“I think many in the Yard will enter into the King’s service. And I
should myself, was it not that (by so doing) _I must sell my Country,
and that which is much more dearer to me, yourself and my children_,
but I rely wholly on God, knowing He will deliver me in His own good
time.”
FOOTNOTES:
[19] “Mr. Laurens having been constituted one of the five Commissioners
to negotiate a Peace, the New Administration consulted with Mr.
Laurens, and after the first conference he was released from his
Parole, as well as his securities. Earl Cornwallis was released from
his parole in consideration of the favors granted Mr. Laurens.” (From a
London Newspaper of May 8th, 1782.)
In a letter from Sir Guy Carelton and Admiral Digby to General
Washington, dated at New York August 2, 1782, they stated:
“With respect to Mr. Laurens we are to acquaint you that he has been
discharged from all engagements without any conditions whatever; after
which he declared of his own accord, that he considered Lord Cornwallis
as free from his Parole.”
[20] “In the month of July, 1782, four privateers, two of them, the
_Hero_ and the _Hope_ of Salem, attacked Lunenburg in Nova Scotia. They
landed ninety men who marched to the town against a heavy discharge
of musketry, burnt the commander’s dwelling and a blockhouse. Their
opponents retreated to another blockhouse upon which one of the
privateers brought her guns to bear and forced them to surrender. The
captors carried a considerable quantity of merchandise to their vessel
and ransomed the town for one thousand pounds sterling. The Americans
had three wounded.” (From Felt’s “Annals of Salem.”)
[21] The following is the text of the parole issued, granted to William
Russell:
“We the Subscribers, having been captured in American Vessels and
brought into this Port, hereby acknowledge ourselves Prisoners of
War to the King of Great Britain; and having permission from His
Excellency, Rear Admiral Digby, Commander in Chief, etc., etc., etc.,
to go to Rhode Island, Do Pledge our Faith and most Sacredly promise
upon our Parole of Honour that we will not do, say, or write, or cause
to be done, said, or written, directly or indirectly, in any Respect
whatever, anything to the Prejudice of His Majesty’s Service; and that
we will return to this Place unless Exchanged in three Months from the
date hereof, and deliver up again to the Commissary General for Naval
Prisoners, or to the Person acting for or under him; And do further
promise upon our Honour that we will not in future enter on Board, or
otherwise be concerned in an American Privateer.
“In Testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals, at New
York, this 21st day of March, 1783.
“Present
WM. RUSSELL (seal)
SAMUEL THOMPSON (seal)
“WM. WEIR
“Bachus, a Negro Boy, their Servant, is also to go with them.
“These are to certify that the above is a true Copy of the Original
Parole, signed by the Persons above named and filed in this Office; and
that they have leave to pass by the way of Long Island to Connecticut.
“Commisary’s Office for Naval Prisoners at New York.
“March 21, 1783.
“To Whom it may Concern. THOS. D. HEWLINGS,
“D. C. M. P.