Bridewell, [New York] Monday, April 1st, 1776.
Sir ー I take the opportunity of doing myself the honour of acquainting you with my disagreeable situation, heving been close prisoner ever since I have been in York. I must do the New-England people justice under whose care I have been, that they behaved extremely well. Since their departure, the Yorkers took possession of the barracks, kept me much closer confined, and on Saturday afternoon gave me three days allowance that was due of pork and bread only, and conducted me safe in Bridewell since. I understand my allowance is to be five pence sterling per day, Bridewell allowance. I am beholden to the goodness of the jailer for my bed and blanket, or else I believe I might perish. I shall not, sir, trouble you will a detail of all my misfortunes, as they are in no wise pleasant, but take the liberty to-subscribe myself, [&c.] CS. Smith 2
P.S. King [Isaac] Sears, on my first arrival, called me rascal, and pushed me on to jail with his sword. As to the sailors, I am sorry to inform you they are gone to Philadelphia, to go on board the privateers.