Newspaper cuttings for 1814.
Hereford Journal, 9 February 1814
A body of American prisoners were on Monday last marched from the prison ships in Hamoaze to Dartmoor Depot. The cold on Dartmoor has been intolerable, and the snow prevented all communication for some time, with Plymouth, by which means the prisoners were put on short allowance ; which contrary to their usual custom – they bore with great cheerfulness. They also assisted in clearing the roads.
A body of American prisoners were on Monday last marched from the prison ships in Hamoaze to Dartmoor Depot. The cold on Dartmoor has been intolerable, and the snow prevented all communication for some time, with Plymouth, by which means the prisoners were put on short allowance ; which contrary to their usual custom – they bore with great cheerfulness. They also assisted in clearing the roads.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, 19 February 1814
(Extract of letter from Lord Sidmouth to Commanding Officer Second or Roseland Regiment of Militia of Cornwall.)
That they must hold themselves in readiness to march when called upon to Plymouth, to assist the regular and militia forces, in performing Garrison Duty of that place, and in guarding the Depot of French prisoners, there and at Dartmoor.
(Extract of letter from Lord Sidmouth to Commanding Officer Second or Roseland Regiment of Militia of Cornwall.)
That they must hold themselves in readiness to march when called upon to Plymouth, to assist the regular and militia forces, in performing Garrison Duty of that place, and in guarding the Depot of French prisoners, there and at Dartmoor.
At this time many Militia Regiments were being disbanded, it seems that this letter was issued to extend the existence of this Regiment and to re-state the duties which it was expected to carry out.
Morning Post, 3 March 1814
PLYMOUTH.
The East Norfolk Militia arrived here from Dartmoor prison duty.
PLYMOUTH.
The East Norfolk Militia arrived here from Dartmoor prison duty.
Exeter Flying Post, 24 March 1814
(Rev. J. H. Mason of Torr Royal, Dartmoor, listed as being among subscribers to “Distress in Germany” relief fund.)
(Rev. J. H. Mason of Torr Royal, Dartmoor, listed as being among subscribers to “Distress in Germany” relief fund.)
Exeter Flying Post, 5 May 1814
TO be SOLD, at Dartmoor Barracks, (the property of an officer going to Ireland,) an Irish Chestnut MARE, six years old, nearly thorough bred. - She is an excellent huntress, a remarkably good roadster, and extremely gentle.
Price 150 Guineas.
Dartmoor, 1st May, 1814.
TO be SOLD, at Dartmoor Barracks, (the property of an officer going to Ireland,) an Irish Chestnut MARE, six years old, nearly thorough bred. - She is an excellent huntress, a remarkably good roadster, and extremely gentle.
Price 150 Guineas.
Dartmoor, 1st May, 1814.
Chester Chronicle, 6 May 1814
The general disposition of the prisoners in Hamoaze and at Dartmoor, is stated to have been violently in favor of Bonaparte. The intelligence of his disasters, as given in the English newspapers, was treated with contempt. The arrival of French papers, however, at length removed their suspicion, and the white flag has been hoisted, and white cockades worn. - It is expected that the great Dartmoor depot, will be appropriated to the reception of convicts who are to be employed in the cultivation of the waste lands surrounding it.
The general disposition of the prisoners in Hamoaze and at Dartmoor, is stated to have been violently in favor of Bonaparte. The intelligence of his disasters, as given in the English newspapers, was treated with contempt. The arrival of French papers, however, at length removed their suspicion, and the white flag has been hoisted, and white cockades worn. - It is expected that the great Dartmoor depot, will be appropriated to the reception of convicts who are to be employed in the cultivation of the waste lands surrounding it.
It is interesting to see that the idea of converting Dartmoor Prison into a Convict Prison was mooted as early as 1814.
But on the other hand...
Worcester Journal, 12 May 1814
It is rumoured that the Prince Regent, with that munificence which distinguishes him, has suggested the converting of the depot at Dartmoor, into a Royal Asylum for the widows and orphans who may have been left unprovided for by the 300,000 of our brave countrymen, who according to the last returns have fallen during the last war ; and there to be employed in such manufactures as are suited to their sex and age.
It is rumoured that the Prince Regent, with that munificence which distinguishes him, has suggested the converting of the depot at Dartmoor, into a Royal Asylum for the widows and orphans who may have been left unprovided for by the 300,000 of our brave countrymen, who according to the last returns have fallen during the last war ; and there to be employed in such manufactures as are suited to their sex and age.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, 21 May 1814
(Original illegible)
Two French Frigates and a Corvette arrived Plymouth on Friday last, under the Bour ?? flag, having on board 941 British prisoners. The French Officers were very politely received by Admiral Domett, and Lady Keith. Reciprocal invitations were given and received by those gentlemen and the British Naval offers of Plymouth, between whom the utmost ?? happily subsists. Those vessels sailed again on Wednesday with liberated prisoners from Dartmoor, Mill Bay, and the prison ships in Hamoaze, but are expected to return soon with fresh parties of our restored countrymen.
(Original illegible)
Two French Frigates and a Corvette arrived Plymouth on Friday last, under the Bour ?? flag, having on board 941 British prisoners. The French Officers were very politely received by Admiral Domett, and Lady Keith. Reciprocal invitations were given and received by those gentlemen and the British Naval offers of Plymouth, between whom the utmost ?? happily subsists. Those vessels sailed again on Wednesday with liberated prisoners from Dartmoor, Mill Bay, and the prison ships in Hamoaze, but are expected to return soon with fresh parties of our restored countrymen.
The beginning of the release of the French prisoners from Dartmoor.
Morning Chronicle, 1 June 1814
The great prison of Dartmoor, in Devonshire, is to be entirely cleared of foreign prisoners, except about one thousand Americans.
The great prison of Dartmoor, in Devonshire, is to be entirely cleared of foreign prisoners, except about one thousand Americans.
Caledonian Chronicle, 2 June 1814
Five hundred French prisoners marched into Plymouth on Thursday last, and 1000 on Friday, from the depot at Dartmoor, who are all embarked. On Tuesday morning the last division of prisoners will embark.
Five hundred French prisoners marched into Plymouth on Thursday last, and 1000 on Friday, from the depot at Dartmoor, who are all embarked. On Tuesday morning the last division of prisoners will embark.
Exeter Flying Post, 23 June 1814
By Order of the Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors, the Petition of JOHN LAKEMAN, late of Princes' Town, Dartmoor, in the county of Devon, licensed victualler and keeper of the Canteen, at Dartmoor, now a prisoner in the Fleet Prison, in the city of London, will be heard on the 15th day of July next, at the hour of nine in the morning, at the Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors, to be holden at the Guildhall of the city of Westminster. The Schedule and Petition are filed in the Office of the said Court, at No.59, Millbank-street, Westminster.
List of CREDITORS of the said JOHN LAKEMAN:
Joshua Rowe, esq. Dartmoor, Devon, brewer ; Samuel Martin Cole, near Plymouth, Devon, farmer ; Messrs. Bennet and Co. Plymouth, Devon, spirit merchants ; Messrs. Kennaway and Co., Exeter, Devon, wine and spirit merchants ; Messrs. Langmead an Co. Plymouth, Devon, brewers ; Messrs. Gill and Rundle, Tavistock, Devon, grocers ; Henry Windsor, Dartmoor, Devon, grocer ; George Abbott, Dartmoor, Devon, grocer ; Thomas Phillips, Tavistock, Devon, farmer ; Messrs. Crockett and Davis, Exeter, Devon, spirit merchants ; John Snell, Tavistock, Devon, spirit merchant.
JOHN LAKEMAN.
By Order of the Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors, the Petition of JOHN LAKEMAN, late of Princes' Town, Dartmoor, in the county of Devon, licensed victualler and keeper of the Canteen, at Dartmoor, now a prisoner in the Fleet Prison, in the city of London, will be heard on the 15th day of July next, at the hour of nine in the morning, at the Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors, to be holden at the Guildhall of the city of Westminster. The Schedule and Petition are filed in the Office of the said Court, at No.59, Millbank-street, Westminster.
List of CREDITORS of the said JOHN LAKEMAN:
Joshua Rowe, esq. Dartmoor, Devon, brewer ; Samuel Martin Cole, near Plymouth, Devon, farmer ; Messrs. Bennet and Co. Plymouth, Devon, spirit merchants ; Messrs. Kennaway and Co., Exeter, Devon, wine and spirit merchants ; Messrs. Langmead an Co. Plymouth, Devon, brewers ; Messrs. Gill and Rundle, Tavistock, Devon, grocers ; Henry Windsor, Dartmoor, Devon, grocer ; George Abbott, Dartmoor, Devon, grocer ; Thomas Phillips, Tavistock, Devon, farmer ; Messrs. Crockett and Davis, Exeter, Devon, spirit merchants ; John Snell, Tavistock, Devon, spirit merchant.
JOHN LAKEMAN.
It seems that despite having a captive clientele, Mr. Lakeman was unable to make a go of selling beer and wine to a thirsty Garrison.
Exeter Flying Post, 23 June 1814
Saturday last 180 American prisoners were escorted through here, on their march from Bristol to the Royal Prison Dartmoor, and were followed by the like number this morning, for the same place.
Saturday last 180 American prisoners were escorted through here, on their march from Bristol to the Royal Prison Dartmoor, and were followed by the like number this morning, for the same place.
Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser, 23 June 1814
The depot at Dartmoor, and the prison ships in Hamoaze, are nearly clear of prisoners. The prison ships are to be paid off.
The depot at Dartmoor, and the prison ships in Hamoaze, are nearly clear of prisoners. The prison ships are to be paid off.
Morning Chronicle, 13 August 1814
DEVON ASSIZES.
THE KING AGAINST TWYNAM, HAGEMAN, PUTT, AND DRAKE.
This was a prosecution, by information, at the suit of His Majesty's Attorney-General, against these Defendants, for a conspiracy and Fraud, in having, during the year 1813, supplied inferior articles to be made into bread, for the prisoners of war at Dartmoor, in order to obtain payment for the good article specified in the Contract, namely, Meal the entire produce of British or Foreign Wheat, with intent thereby to defraud the King.
The trial came on before Chief Justice Sir VICARY GIBBS, and a Special Jury, at the late Assizes for Devon.
Mr. Serjeant LENS addressed the Jury, in a most eloquent and able speech, feelingly deploring that, after the utmost care had been taken to secure to the prisoners a due supply of good and wholesome provisions, by Contracts, defining with all the exactness that language could admit of, the nature and description of their food. It should be in the power of a set of dishonest men to confederate together, to frustrate the salutary intentions of the Government, furnish to the nations of Europe, with whom we had lately unhappily been at war, a pretext for complaints against us for the treatment of our prisoners and thereby to tarnish the honour of the British name. He then briefly stated the facts of the case, which were afterwards proved in evidence, and were to the following effect: -
Billing, the original Contractor with the Transport Board, entrusted the Defendants Twynam and Hageman with the performance of the Contract ; Twynam supplied the articles himself for three months only. Hageman sold his first three months to PUTT for 500l. ; during both periods Drake was the baker, and Hageman then went on again with the Contract, during the remainder of the year. The bread described by the witnesses was made up of materials consisting of about one half of wheat meal, and the other half of barley-sharps, corn-meal, bean-meal, &c. the quantity per day about 36 sacks made into 8300 loaves. In order to deceive the officers at the prisons, a batch of bread made of a finer mixture, was placed in the fore and after part of the waggons, and out of these a sample loaf was taken.
The Counsel for the Defendants were about to adduce evidence, to shew that, notwithstanding the Contract had not been strictly performed, the articles substituted were with the knowledge and approbation of the prisoners themselves, but they were told by the Judge that such proof would be no answer to the present charge; and that millers who assisted in, and persons in office (if any) who had a knowledge of the frauds, and connived at them, were all likely to be prosecuted, jointly with the present Defendants.
The Learned Judge, in summing up the evidence to the Jury, expounded with clearness and precision the law of conspiracy. To constitute that offence, it was not necessary that the parties should all be brought together, it was not even necessary that they should know each other ; it was sufficient that they had one end in view, at one and the same time. The evidence as to Twynam and Drake was complete. The question was how far Hageman was guilty of the conspiracy. During the last six months he supplied barley-meal in considerable quantities, but it did not appear he had any connection with Twynam at that period. He was guilty of a fraud, but not implicated in the conspiracy. With respect to Putt, although there was no doubt that he took a part in the Contract, and must have participated in its profits, it did not appear he had ever been present, so as to fix on him a knowledge of the materials served in. The Jury returned their Verdict – Twynam and Drake Guilty. Hageman and Putt – Not Guilty.
THE KING AGAINST HAGEMAN.
This was a second prosecution against this Defendant, for a similar fraud, in the performance of the Contract under Messrs. Lindsay and Co. of London, in 1809. It appeared, he had served in large quantities of barley-sharps, and had, at one time, sent 700 loaves of condemned bread from Mill Prison, Plymouth to Dartmoor, facetiously remarking “that they did not know that they had two strings to his bow.” During a period of unusual sickness among the prisoners, when medical Gentlemen were sent out from Plymouth, the quality of the bread was improved for a short period, and then returned to its old quality. The Counsel for the prosecution very properly explained; that the sickness of the prisoners was not imputable to the bread, but originated in other distinct causes. In this case the Defendant was found Guilty.
Twynam, Drake, and Hageman will have to receive sentence by the Court of King's Bench next Michaelmas Term.
DEVON ASSIZES.
THE KING AGAINST TWYNAM, HAGEMAN, PUTT, AND DRAKE.
This was a prosecution, by information, at the suit of His Majesty's Attorney-General, against these Defendants, for a conspiracy and Fraud, in having, during the year 1813, supplied inferior articles to be made into bread, for the prisoners of war at Dartmoor, in order to obtain payment for the good article specified in the Contract, namely, Meal the entire produce of British or Foreign Wheat, with intent thereby to defraud the King.
The trial came on before Chief Justice Sir VICARY GIBBS, and a Special Jury, at the late Assizes for Devon.
Mr. Serjeant LENS addressed the Jury, in a most eloquent and able speech, feelingly deploring that, after the utmost care had been taken to secure to the prisoners a due supply of good and wholesome provisions, by Contracts, defining with all the exactness that language could admit of, the nature and description of their food. It should be in the power of a set of dishonest men to confederate together, to frustrate the salutary intentions of the Government, furnish to the nations of Europe, with whom we had lately unhappily been at war, a pretext for complaints against us for the treatment of our prisoners and thereby to tarnish the honour of the British name. He then briefly stated the facts of the case, which were afterwards proved in evidence, and were to the following effect: -
Billing, the original Contractor with the Transport Board, entrusted the Defendants Twynam and Hageman with the performance of the Contract ; Twynam supplied the articles himself for three months only. Hageman sold his first three months to PUTT for 500l. ; during both periods Drake was the baker, and Hageman then went on again with the Contract, during the remainder of the year. The bread described by the witnesses was made up of materials consisting of about one half of wheat meal, and the other half of barley-sharps, corn-meal, bean-meal, &c. the quantity per day about 36 sacks made into 8300 loaves. In order to deceive the officers at the prisons, a batch of bread made of a finer mixture, was placed in the fore and after part of the waggons, and out of these a sample loaf was taken.
The Counsel for the Defendants were about to adduce evidence, to shew that, notwithstanding the Contract had not been strictly performed, the articles substituted were with the knowledge and approbation of the prisoners themselves, but they were told by the Judge that such proof would be no answer to the present charge; and that millers who assisted in, and persons in office (if any) who had a knowledge of the frauds, and connived at them, were all likely to be prosecuted, jointly with the present Defendants.
The Learned Judge, in summing up the evidence to the Jury, expounded with clearness and precision the law of conspiracy. To constitute that offence, it was not necessary that the parties should all be brought together, it was not even necessary that they should know each other ; it was sufficient that they had one end in view, at one and the same time. The evidence as to Twynam and Drake was complete. The question was how far Hageman was guilty of the conspiracy. During the last six months he supplied barley-meal in considerable quantities, but it did not appear he had any connection with Twynam at that period. He was guilty of a fraud, but not implicated in the conspiracy. With respect to Putt, although there was no doubt that he took a part in the Contract, and must have participated in its profits, it did not appear he had ever been present, so as to fix on him a knowledge of the materials served in. The Jury returned their Verdict – Twynam and Drake Guilty. Hageman and Putt – Not Guilty.
THE KING AGAINST HAGEMAN.
This was a second prosecution against this Defendant, for a similar fraud, in the performance of the Contract under Messrs. Lindsay and Co. of London, in 1809. It appeared, he had served in large quantities of barley-sharps, and had, at one time, sent 700 loaves of condemned bread from Mill Prison, Plymouth to Dartmoor, facetiously remarking “that they did not know that they had two strings to his bow.” During a period of unusual sickness among the prisoners, when medical Gentlemen were sent out from Plymouth, the quality of the bread was improved for a short period, and then returned to its old quality. The Counsel for the prosecution very properly explained; that the sickness of the prisoners was not imputable to the bread, but originated in other distinct causes. In this case the Defendant was found Guilty.
Twynam, Drake, and Hageman will have to receive sentence by the Court of King's Bench next Michaelmas Term.
Remarkable. I don't know how many countries at that time would have been so scrupulous as to prosecute people for supplying sub-standard food to prisoners of war, but I suspect the number is small.
Northampton Mercury, 27 August 1814
About 500 American prisoners, brought to Plymouth from Portsmouth, have been marched to the general depot at Dartmoor.
About 500 American prisoners, brought to Plymouth from Portsmouth, have been marched to the general depot at Dartmoor.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, 24 September 1814
TORR ROYAL IN DEVON.
TO be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT, for a Term of 99 Years, (absolute)
The MANSION HOUSE and PREMISES of TORR ROYAL,
In the Parish of LIDFORD, the property and late the residence of Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, Knight,
With SWINCOMBE LODGE adjoining, and between Two and Three Thousand Acres of Land contiguous thereto, well fenced in, and for the greater part receiving the advantage of the foul leat from the Prison of War on Dartmoor.
If not Sold within three months, will be LET to a responsible Person for a Term.
Further Particulars may be known on application, (by letter, post-paid) to BENJAMIN TUCKER, Esq. Trematon Castle; CHARLES CARPENTER, Esq. Moditonham; or
John Rowe, Actioneer, Saltash
Saltash, 14th Sept. 1814
TORR ROYAL IN DEVON.
TO be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT, for a Term of 99 Years, (absolute)
The MANSION HOUSE and PREMISES of TORR ROYAL,
In the Parish of LIDFORD, the property and late the residence of Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, Knight,
With SWINCOMBE LODGE adjoining, and between Two and Three Thousand Acres of Land contiguous thereto, well fenced in, and for the greater part receiving the advantage of the foul leat from the Prison of War on Dartmoor.
If not Sold within three months, will be LET to a responsible Person for a Term.
Further Particulars may be known on application, (by letter, post-paid) to BENJAMIN TUCKER, Esq. Trematon Castle; CHARLES CARPENTER, Esq. Moditonham; or
John Rowe, Actioneer, Saltash
Saltash, 14th Sept. 1814
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 3 October 1814
PLYMOUTH.
On Thursday came in the President, of 38 guns, the Niobe, of 38 guns, and the Chesapeake, of 36 guns, from Portsmouth, with about 800 prisoners, for the Depot at Dartmoor.
PLYMOUTH.
On Thursday came in the President, of 38 guns, the Niobe, of 38 guns, and the Chesapeake, of 36 guns, from Portsmouth, with about 800 prisoners, for the Depot at Dartmoor.
Northampton Mercury, 5 November 1814
The immense prison at Dartmoor is nearly full of Americans. Nothing can exceed their antipathy against this country, and their exultation at our late disasters.
The immense prison at Dartmoor is nearly full of Americans. Nothing can exceed their antipathy against this country, and their exultation at our late disasters.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 7 November 1814
The disembodying of the Dorset and first Somerset regiments of militia, which have lately returned from Ireland, has been postponed. The Somerset regiment has marched to Dartmoor prison, to do duty over the American prisoners there.—It is said that the prisoners, who are very numerous, are far from being orderly and quiet; they are continually laying plans of escape, not occupying themselves as their the French, did, in different works and amusements. The troops of the line being wanted for foreign service, it has been found necessary have an efficient militia force there.
The disembodying of the Dorset and first Somerset regiments of militia, which have lately returned from Ireland, has been postponed. The Somerset regiment has marched to Dartmoor prison, to do duty over the American prisoners there.—It is said that the prisoners, who are very numerous, are far from being orderly and quiet; they are continually laying plans of escape, not occupying themselves as their the French, did, in different works and amusements. The troops of the line being wanted for foreign service, it has been found necessary have an efficient militia force there.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, 12 November 1812
The First Somerset Regiment of Militia, which lately marched into Taunton, from Ireland, for the purpose of being disembodied; marched in two divisions on Monday and Tuesday last, for the Royal Prison, Dartmoor, to do duty over the American prisoners. The first division passed through Exeter on Wednesday morning. This fine body of soldiers who have ever been distinguished for the excellence of their discipline and good conduct, marched on this service in the highest spirits.
The First Somerset Regiment of Militia, which lately marched into Taunton, from Ireland, for the purpose of being disembodied; marched in two divisions on Monday and Tuesday last, for the Royal Prison, Dartmoor, to do duty over the American prisoners. The first division passed through Exeter on Wednesday morning. This fine body of soldiers who have ever been distinguished for the excellence of their discipline and good conduct, marched on this service in the highest spirits.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 14 November 1814
Many Officers at Plymouth, lately belonging to the prison-ships there, are frequently recognizing, in the debarkations of American prisoners and their marches to Dartmoor, Frenchmen who were lately in captivity in Hamoaze. These fellows are in the habit of entering into American privateers ; so that the latter are not only permitted to refit in French ports, but to recruit their crews with Frenchmen.
Many Officers at Plymouth, lately belonging to the prison-ships there, are frequently recognizing, in the debarkations of American prisoners and their marches to Dartmoor, Frenchmen who were lately in captivity in Hamoaze. These fellows are in the habit of entering into American privateers ; so that the latter are not only permitted to refit in French ports, but to recruit their crews with Frenchmen.
How sickening it must have been for those Frenchmen, who having escaped from the prison-ships in Hamoaze, so soon found themselves once more guests of His Majestys' Transport Board?
Morning Post, 25 November 1814
COURT OF KING'S BENCH, Nov. 24.
THE KING V. FRANCIS DRAKE.
The Defendant was convicted of a fraud, in mixing barley and bean flower in the bread, which was supplied by contract to the French Prisoners at Dartmoor. It appeared by the report, that a person of the name Billing, was the Contractor, with the Transport Board, but that he left his contract to a sub-contractor, at a premium of 50l. per month. The defendant was one of them, and instead of using pure wheaten flour, which was stipulated by the contract, he mixed up a composition of barley, beans, and Indian corn flour. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment.
COURT OF KING'S BENCH, Nov. 24.
THE KING V. FRANCIS DRAKE.
The Defendant was convicted of a fraud, in mixing barley and bean flower in the bread, which was supplied by contract to the French Prisoners at Dartmoor. It appeared by the report, that a person of the name Billing, was the Contractor, with the Transport Board, but that he left his contract to a sub-contractor, at a premium of 50l. per month. The defendant was one of them, and instead of using pure wheaten flour, which was stipulated by the contract, he mixed up a composition of barley, beans, and Indian corn flour. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment.
The wheels of justice...