[Mill Prison, Plymouth, 1778]
JULY 17. There are a number of very quarrelsome, lawless men in prison, who have been the occasion of a great deal of mutiny and disturbance amongst us, which has obtained for us the ill-will of our friends;1 and we have been informed that unless there is an alteration among us, our donations will be stopped; so that we thought it proper to have Articles among ourselves. These were drawn up to-day;2 they forbid all gambling, and blackguarding, which have caused great disturbance in the yard, and occasioned much fighting. They also forbid any improper language to any officer or soldier, who are now, or may hereafter be, appointed to preside over us.3 These articles were read in the yard before all the prisoners, and then stuck up in prison, and two men out of each ship’s company were appointed to see them put into execution.4
Herbert, Relic of the Revolution, pp. 145-46.
1. In his journal entry of this date, Jonathan Haskins added that these “fellows who as Often as they Receive donation Money are disguised with Beer.” MeHi.
2. According to Haskins, the articles were drawn up by residents of the Long Prison and then submitted to the entire American prisoner population. Ibid.
3. According to Haskins, the articles also forbade getting “Disguised with Liquor.” Ibid.
4. According to Haskins, penalties for violating the articles were to be imposed by a “Committee Chosen Out of every Crew.” Ibid.
