[Mill Prison, Plymouth, June 1778]
19. I hear, privately, that the soldiers have orders not to fire on the prisoners if they see any making their escape; to fire only clear powder to alarm the guard; and they are not to strike any of us, nor offer a bayonet to us: thus their rigor has been abated since Burgoyne1 has been taken.2
Herbert, Relic of the Revolution, p. 136.
1. Maj. Gen. John Burgoyne and his army had been captured by the Americans at Saratoga, N.Y., on 17 October 1777.
2. Dr. Jonathan Haskins wrote similarly in his prison journal this same date: “We’ve Intelligence that the Guard have Orders not to fire upon us if we Attempt to to make our Escape; but to take us Unhurt if Possible.” MeHi, Jonathan Haskins Journal.
