[H.M.S. Burford, in Hamoze]
[1777. February] 24. Mr. Holland, the master-at-arms of the ship, has been on shore; he informs us of the death of one of our company—Ebenezer Hunt. He died on the 20th of this month, in the Royal Hospital; he was one of the nine that were sent on shore the 15th inst.
25. This morning Mr. Holland came into our apartment inquiring for a joiner. I offered myself, and went upon deck to work for him. He obtained the liberty of the carpenter's bench and tools, and I went to work, getting, also, permission for one of my acquaintances to come upon deck and work with me. We made him a table, for which he gave us a bag to put our clothes in, half of a §alt fish, a quart of potatoes, six biscuits, and butter to eat with our fish, besides a good hot supper.
26. I had an opportunity of reading a newspaper wherein was a confirmation, in several different places, of General Lee's being taken. I saw, also, an Act that was moved in Parliament and passed in the affirmative, 112 to 35; according to which we are guilty of high treason, and are sentenced to prison, there to lay, without bail, until the first of January, 1778, and then to have a trial.
As we are prisoners in a cage, |
God grant that we may live to see |
It's our misfortune sure; |
Once more our native place, |
'Tis folly to be in a rage, |
For to enjoy our liberty, |
Though hardships we endure. |
Before we've run our race. |