Newspaper cuttings from 1809
Morning Chronicle 27 January 1809
TRANSPORT OFFICE, Jan 27, 1809.
"The Commissioners for conducting his Majesty's Transport Service, for taking care of Sick and Wounded Seamen, and for the Care and Custody of Prisoners of War, do hereby give notice.
That they will be ready at this Office, on Thursday the 16th of February, to receive sealed Tenders, and treat with such Persons as may be willing to contract for VICTUALLING PRISONERS of WAR in HEALTH at NORMAN CROSS and DARTMOOR ; and PRISONERS of WAR in SICKNESS, at PORTON PRISON, PORTSMOUTH, for Six Months certain, from the 1st of April next.
No Tender will be received after one o'clock on the day of treaty, nor any noticed unless the Party, or an Agent for him, personally attend. Each tender must be accompanied by a letter from two respectable persons engaging to become bound with the person tendering in the sum of 2000l. for the due performance of the contract. - Further particulars may be known by applying at this Office ; or to Captain Pressland, Norman Cross, Captain Colgrave Dartmoor ; and Captain Woodriff, Portsmouth."
TRANSPORT OFFICE, Jan 27, 1809.
"The Commissioners for conducting his Majesty's Transport Service, for taking care of Sick and Wounded Seamen, and for the Care and Custody of Prisoners of War, do hereby give notice.
That they will be ready at this Office, on Thursday the 16th of February, to receive sealed Tenders, and treat with such Persons as may be willing to contract for VICTUALLING PRISONERS of WAR in HEALTH at NORMAN CROSS and DARTMOOR ; and PRISONERS of WAR in SICKNESS, at PORTON PRISON, PORTSMOUTH, for Six Months certain, from the 1st of April next.
No Tender will be received after one o'clock on the day of treaty, nor any noticed unless the Party, or an Agent for him, personally attend. Each tender must be accompanied by a letter from two respectable persons engaging to become bound with the person tendering in the sum of 2000l. for the due performance of the contract. - Further particulars may be known by applying at this Office ; or to Captain Pressland, Norman Cross, Captain Colgrave Dartmoor ; and Captain Woodriff, Portsmouth."
Since the last time this noticed was issued the sick prisoners to be supplied at Dartmoor seem to have been transferred to Portsmouth
Exeter Flying Post 22/02/1809
EXETER, Wednesday, Feb. 22
"Lately was married at the parish church of Lidford, in this county, by the Rev. William Hole, minister of that parish, William Dorey, Esq. Surgeon to Miss Eliza Smith, both of Prince Town, on the Forest of Dartmoor."
EXETER, Wednesday, Feb. 22
"Lately was married at the parish church of Lidford, in this county, by the Rev. William Hole, minister of that parish, William Dorey, Esq. Surgeon to Miss Eliza Smith, both of Prince Town, on the Forest of Dartmoor."
William Dorey may have been a Naval surgeon. One for a genealogist to follow.
Exeter Flying Post 25 May 1809
Port News
PLYMOUTH, May 23, 1809
Monday. This morning 500 French prisoners embarked in the Tamar for Dartmoor prisons, and were landed at Lap-hill, on the banks of that beautiful river. They were escorted to the prison by a party of the West York regiment.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 27 May 1809
Saturday morning a detachment of the First York Militia, consisting of 200 men, marched from Plymouth-Dock, to take the duty ot Dartmoor barracks ; and Monday further detachment of 300 men from the same regiment proceeded to escort 500 French prisoners, the first who are to take their confinement at that extensive depot.
Kentish Gazette 2 June 1809
Plymouth Dock, May 29. This morning early, about 500 more French prisoners were landed from prison-ships in Hamoaze, and marched to the new prison at Dartmoor under an escort of the First West York Militia. Carts and other vehicles were provided for the conveyance of the sick.
Stamford Mercury 2 June 1809
Monday night, upwards of 700 French prisoners were sent from Plymouth for Dartmoor and on Wednesday and Thursday 2000 more followed to the same place, accompanied by detachments from the First West York Militia. As a striking contrast of the treatment experienced by the prisoners of war in this country and France, we need only to mention, that the baggage belonging to the prisoners of the Bienfaisant, lately captured, exclusively of what they carried with them, filled thirty-five carts – while our countrymen, prisoners in that country, are not allowed to possess any other property than the clothes they wear.
Port News
PLYMOUTH, May 23, 1809
Monday. This morning 500 French prisoners embarked in the Tamar for Dartmoor prisons, and were landed at Lap-hill, on the banks of that beautiful river. They were escorted to the prison by a party of the West York regiment.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 27 May 1809
Saturday morning a detachment of the First York Militia, consisting of 200 men, marched from Plymouth-Dock, to take the duty ot Dartmoor barracks ; and Monday further detachment of 300 men from the same regiment proceeded to escort 500 French prisoners, the first who are to take their confinement at that extensive depot.
Kentish Gazette 2 June 1809
Plymouth Dock, May 29. This morning early, about 500 more French prisoners were landed from prison-ships in Hamoaze, and marched to the new prison at Dartmoor under an escort of the First West York Militia. Carts and other vehicles were provided for the conveyance of the sick.
Stamford Mercury 2 June 1809
Monday night, upwards of 700 French prisoners were sent from Plymouth for Dartmoor and on Wednesday and Thursday 2000 more followed to the same place, accompanied by detachments from the First West York Militia. As a striking contrast of the treatment experienced by the prisoners of war in this country and France, we need only to mention, that the baggage belonging to the prisoners of the Bienfaisant, lately captured, exclusively of what they carried with them, filled thirty-five carts – while our countrymen, prisoners in that country, are not allowed to possess any other property than the clothes they wear.
Dartmoor Prison was being filled rapidly at this time.
Manchester Mercury 4 July 1809
(This advertisement was printed in many newspapers around the country on or about this date.)
"Annual Letting of the
BARRACK CANTEENS
Barrack Office, London, 1st July, 1809.
Notice is hereby given, that the Canteens in the undermentioned Barracks are to be let to the highest bidders, for one year, from the 30th September next, to the 29th September, 1810.
No person but of unexceptional character, not any person for more than one Canteen, or who will not undertake bona-fide to reside in the Canteen, and conduct the business thereof in his own person will be approved, and two sureties will be required for the regular payment of the rent, and all sums which may become due in respect of the said Canteen, and for the due performances of the several conditions and stipulations of the lease.
The person whose proposal shall be accepted, and his sureties must execute the indenture of lease and covenants relating thereto, the particulars whereof may be known by applying to this office, or to the Barrack-masters at the several Barracks.
The names of two respectable persons with their christian names, professions, and places of abode who will join the tenant in executing the indenture as his sureties, must be inserted in the proposals, and the tenant to pay for the stamps, and the Commissioners for the offices of barrack can in no way interfere in procuring the tenant a licence.
Sealed proposals, with the word “Intent for Canteen”, written on the outside cover, and post paid, will be received at this office, on or before 12 o'clock at noon of Tuesday, the 1st of August next, after which hour, any proposal received cannot be noticed.
By the Mutiny Act of 49 Geo 3. Cap. 12, Sect. 41, Canteens are not liable to have troops billeted upon them.
The Form of the Proposals to be as follows:
To the Commissioners for the Affairs of Barracks, I hereby offer for the Canteen, at ----- for one year, from the 30th September 1809, to 29th September 1810, the sum of ----- pounds as rent, and ----- pounds for the privilege of selling liquors, &c. therein making together ----- pounds, and propose Mr. ----- of ----- and Mr. ----- of ----- as my sureties for the same."
(List of Barracks including Dartmoor follows)
(This advertisement was printed in many newspapers around the country on or about this date.)
"Annual Letting of the
BARRACK CANTEENS
Barrack Office, London, 1st July, 1809.
Notice is hereby given, that the Canteens in the undermentioned Barracks are to be let to the highest bidders, for one year, from the 30th September next, to the 29th September, 1810.
No person but of unexceptional character, not any person for more than one Canteen, or who will not undertake bona-fide to reside in the Canteen, and conduct the business thereof in his own person will be approved, and two sureties will be required for the regular payment of the rent, and all sums which may become due in respect of the said Canteen, and for the due performances of the several conditions and stipulations of the lease.
The person whose proposal shall be accepted, and his sureties must execute the indenture of lease and covenants relating thereto, the particulars whereof may be known by applying to this office, or to the Barrack-masters at the several Barracks.
The names of two respectable persons with their christian names, professions, and places of abode who will join the tenant in executing the indenture as his sureties, must be inserted in the proposals, and the tenant to pay for the stamps, and the Commissioners for the offices of barrack can in no way interfere in procuring the tenant a licence.
Sealed proposals, with the word “Intent for Canteen”, written on the outside cover, and post paid, will be received at this office, on or before 12 o'clock at noon of Tuesday, the 1st of August next, after which hour, any proposal received cannot be noticed.
By the Mutiny Act of 49 Geo 3. Cap. 12, Sect. 41, Canteens are not liable to have troops billeted upon them.
The Form of the Proposals to be as follows:
To the Commissioners for the Affairs of Barracks, I hereby offer for the Canteen, at ----- for one year, from the 30th September 1809, to 29th September 1810, the sum of ----- pounds as rent, and ----- pounds for the privilege of selling liquors, &c. therein making together ----- pounds, and propose Mr. ----- of ----- and Mr. ----- of ----- as my sureties for the same."
(List of Barracks including Dartmoor follows)
Essentially these advertisements were for the highest bidder to sell drink (and food) to the soldiers stationed at these barracks.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal 24 July 1809
Port News.
PLYMOUTH, July 21. Several hundreds of French prisoners were marched this morning from the Mill prison to the prison at Dartmoor ; they were escorted by a detachment from the Lancashire Militia.
Oxford Journal 26 August 1809
An order has been received at Mill Prison to prepare for the reception of 2200 prisoners of war. The Transport Board has given directions to remove 1000 from the respective prison ships in Hamoaze to Dartmoor
Morning Post 28 August 1809
SHIP NEWS.
PLYMOUTH, AUG. 24. - The York, 74, Captain Banton, is hourly expected here with 700 prisoners from the isle of Zealand ; and to make room for them in the prison ships in Hamoaze, 1000 went up the river and landed at Laps Hill, and were escorted to the prisons at Tor Royal, Dartmoor, by a party of troops from this garrison.
Hampshire Chronicle 28 August 1809
The Transport Board have given directions for the removal of 1000 prisoners from the respective ships in Hamoaze, to Dartmoor.
Morning Chronicle 30 August 1809
Yesterday 1000 men, French prisoners, from the prison ship, were escorted to Dartmoor prison, by a party of the West Essex Regiment, now in Frankfort barracks.
Exeter Flying Post 31 August 1809
PORT NEWS.
PLYMOUTH, AUGUST 29, 1809.
Saturday, Aug. 26. This day 1000 French prisoners were landed at Luphill, and escorted to the prisons of Tor-Royal, Dartmoor Forest, by a party of the West Essex regiment of militia.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 23 September 1809
For several days past large bodies of French prisoners have been marched off for Dartmoor prison, under an escort of troops.
Port News.
PLYMOUTH, July 21. Several hundreds of French prisoners were marched this morning from the Mill prison to the prison at Dartmoor ; they were escorted by a detachment from the Lancashire Militia.
Oxford Journal 26 August 1809
An order has been received at Mill Prison to prepare for the reception of 2200 prisoners of war. The Transport Board has given directions to remove 1000 from the respective prison ships in Hamoaze to Dartmoor
Morning Post 28 August 1809
SHIP NEWS.
PLYMOUTH, AUG. 24. - The York, 74, Captain Banton, is hourly expected here with 700 prisoners from the isle of Zealand ; and to make room for them in the prison ships in Hamoaze, 1000 went up the river and landed at Laps Hill, and were escorted to the prisons at Tor Royal, Dartmoor, by a party of troops from this garrison.
Hampshire Chronicle 28 August 1809
The Transport Board have given directions for the removal of 1000 prisoners from the respective ships in Hamoaze, to Dartmoor.
Morning Chronicle 30 August 1809
Yesterday 1000 men, French prisoners, from the prison ship, were escorted to Dartmoor prison, by a party of the West Essex Regiment, now in Frankfort barracks.
Exeter Flying Post 31 August 1809
PORT NEWS.
PLYMOUTH, AUGUST 29, 1809.
Saturday, Aug. 26. This day 1000 French prisoners were landed at Luphill, and escorted to the prisons of Tor-Royal, Dartmoor Forest, by a party of the West Essex regiment of militia.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 23 September 1809
For several days past large bodies of French prisoners have been marched off for Dartmoor prison, under an escort of troops.
Cheltenham Chronicle 28 September 1809
Deaths.
At Dartmoor, General Jago, a black Frenchman. - For his extraordinary valour he had been appointed by Bonaparte but had not received his commission. The prisoners in general speak highly of his bravery, and deeply lamented his death ; he had upwards of 20 wounds, that he had received in various actions.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 30 September 1809
DIED. - at Dartmoor Prison where he had been confined for breach of parole, General Jago, a Frenchman of colour, who had risen from the ranks and received 20 wounds.
(This death also noted in the Hampshire Telegraph 2/10/1809, S. & W. J. 2/10/1809, Hereford Journal 4/10/1809)
Deaths.
At Dartmoor, General Jago, a black Frenchman. - For his extraordinary valour he had been appointed by Bonaparte but had not received his commission. The prisoners in general speak highly of his bravery, and deeply lamented his death ; he had upwards of 20 wounds, that he had received in various actions.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 30 September 1809
DIED. - at Dartmoor Prison where he had been confined for breach of parole, General Jago, a Frenchman of colour, who had risen from the ranks and received 20 wounds.
(This death also noted in the Hampshire Telegraph 2/10/1809, S. & W. J. 2/10/1809, Hereford Journal 4/10/1809)
Exeter Flying Post 5 October 1809
(An advertisement posted identical to the one of 4th July 1809, but for the canteen of Dartmoor Prison only.)
(An advertisement posted identical to the one of 4th July 1809, but for the canteen of Dartmoor Prison only.)
It seems as though the esteemed position of running the canteen for Dartmoor Prison hadn't attracted many offers.
Lancaster Gazette 21 October 1809
"On the 6th inst. a division of the Royal Lancashire Militia, marched from Plymouth for the Royal Prison at Dartmoor, to relieve the West York Militia ; and the next morning another division marched for the same place."
"On the 6th inst. a division of the Royal Lancashire Militia, marched from Plymouth for the Royal Prison at Dartmoor, to relieve the West York Militia ; and the next morning another division marched for the same place."
Exeter Flying Post 26 October 1809
"Several of the French prisoners lately got beyond the boundaries of the prison walls, into the military pass, an alarm was immediately given, when an officer's servant of the Royal Lancashire Militia unfortunately came without his usual accoutrements, and being mistaken for one of the Frenchmen, was stabbed by his comrade in so desperate a manner, that he expired two days after."
"Several of the French prisoners lately got beyond the boundaries of the prison walls, into the military pass, an alarm was immediately given, when an officer's servant of the Royal Lancashire Militia unfortunately came without his usual accoutrements, and being mistaken for one of the Frenchmen, was stabbed by his comrade in so desperate a manner, that he expired two days after."
Stamford Mercury 27 October 1809
"A considerable number of counterfeit 7s. Pieces, and Bank of England one pound notes, are now in circulation in Plymouth and the surrounding towns; and incredible as it may appear, they are stated to be the manufacture of the Frenchmen confined in the Royal Prison at Dartmoor."
"A considerable number of counterfeit 7s. Pieces, and Bank of England one pound notes, are now in circulation in Plymouth and the surrounding towns; and incredible as it may appear, they are stated to be the manufacture of the Frenchmen confined in the Royal Prison at Dartmoor."
Cheltenham Chronicle 2 November 1809
"A few days past, a curious circumstance happened near Tor Royal Prison, Dartmoor. A dung cart had loaded near the prison; two prisoners who had contrived to get in the cart, and covered themselves with the dung. The carter drew off to his place of destination. When he was about two miles off, the Frenchmen, wanting fresh air, popped up their heads, and began to chatter in French; the carter screamed out, left his cart, and ran off on the moor; the prisoners did the same, and escaped for some days, but were again re-taken, and lodged in the dungeons for six weeks."
"A few days past, a curious circumstance happened near Tor Royal Prison, Dartmoor. A dung cart had loaded near the prison; two prisoners who had contrived to get in the cart, and covered themselves with the dung. The carter drew off to his place of destination. When he was about two miles off, the Frenchmen, wanting fresh air, popped up their heads, and began to chatter in French; the carter screamed out, left his cart, and ran off on the moor; the prisoners did the same, and escaped for some days, but were again re-taken, and lodged in the dungeons for six weeks."
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 2 November 1809
"A considerable number of counterfeit 7s. pieces and Bank of England one pound notes are now in circulation at Plymouth and the neighbouring towns. They are said to be the manufacture of the Frenchmen confined in the royal prison at Dartmoor. The 7s. Pieces are of the date 1801, rather larger than the good new ones, paler, very light, and will not pass the test of ringing. The notes may be detected by the coarseness of the paper, which also feels rough and spongy."
"A considerable number of counterfeit 7s. pieces and Bank of England one pound notes are now in circulation at Plymouth and the neighbouring towns. They are said to be the manufacture of the Frenchmen confined in the royal prison at Dartmoor. The 7s. Pieces are of the date 1801, rather larger than the good new ones, paler, very light, and will not pass the test of ringing. The notes may be detected by the coarseness of the paper, which also feels rough and spongy."
For all the talk of these counterfeit coins and notes originating from Dartmoor I have yet to come across proof of them being issued by French prisoners. A brief history of the short-lived 7 shilling coin (1/3 Guinea) can be found here.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 11 November 1809
"A number of Prussian and Danish prisoners from Dartmoor who have volunteered themselves in the British, service, have been redistributed among the various hulks at Plymouth."
"A number of Prussian and Danish prisoners from Dartmoor who have volunteered themselves in the British, service, have been redistributed among the various hulks at Plymouth."
Royal Cornwall Gazette 23 December 1809
PLYMOUTH JOURNAL
"Sunday. Came in from Dartmoor prisons, yesterday, the 2nd Royal Lancashire regiment, Colonel Houlton. This fine regiment was relieved on that station by the Royal Cheshire regiment, which are to stay there two months on a turn of duty."
Royal Cornwall Gazette 23 December 1809
"The Militia detachments doing duty at Dartmoor Prison, relieve each other every two months. It is rumoured that the South Devon Regiment of Militia will do duty there."
PLYMOUTH JOURNAL
"Sunday. Came in from Dartmoor prisons, yesterday, the 2nd Royal Lancashire regiment, Colonel Houlton. This fine regiment was relieved on that station by the Royal Cheshire regiment, which are to stay there two months on a turn of duty."
Royal Cornwall Gazette 23 December 1809
"The Militia detachments doing duty at Dartmoor Prison, relieve each other every two months. It is rumoured that the South Devon Regiment of Militia will do duty there."