Newspaper cuttings for 1810
Royal Cornwall Gazette 3 February 1810
"We are sorry to learn, that sickness to a very serious degree prevails in the Prison, at Dartmoor."
"We are sorry to learn, that sickness to a very serious degree prevails in the Prison, at Dartmoor."
Morning Post 22 March 1810
"ACCIDENTS, OFFENCES, &c.
Friday last, an affray took place between two French prisoners in the Royal Prison at Dartmoor in which one of them drew his knife and stabbed the other through the heart."
"ACCIDENTS, OFFENCES, &c.
Friday last, an affray took place between two French prisoners in the Royal Prison at Dartmoor in which one of them drew his knife and stabbed the other through the heart."
Morning Post 23 March 1810
"The Coroner's Inquest which sat on the body of the French prisoner stabbed by his companion in the prison at Dartmoor, as mentioned in a former Paper, brought in a verdict of wilful murder; and the culprit, Pierre Ayes, has been committed for trial at Exeter."
"The Coroner's Inquest which sat on the body of the French prisoner stabbed by his companion in the prison at Dartmoor, as mentioned in a former Paper, brought in a verdict of wilful murder; and the culprit, Pierre Ayes, has been committed for trial at Exeter."
No further mention of this case has yet come to light.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 14 April 1810
"Plymouth Journal
The West Essex regiment is in order to take the turn of Dartmoor prison duty on the 12th instant, to relieve the North Devon regiment, now on that service."
"Plymouth Journal
The West Essex regiment is in order to take the turn of Dartmoor prison duty on the 12th instant, to relieve the North Devon regiment, now on that service."
Royal Cornwall Gazette 21 April 1810
"Plymouth Journal
Monday. The North Down regiment, commanded by Major Lee, have returned from a two months' duty at Dartmoor Prison, and were received on their entrance into the Citadel with hearty cheers.
The West Essex Militia marched on Friday morning from Mill Bay barracks, to do duty at Dartmoor prison, in the room of the North Devon militia, who are returned to their former quarters in the Citadel, Plymouth."
"Plymouth Journal
Monday. The North Down regiment, commanded by Major Lee, have returned from a two months' duty at Dartmoor Prison, and were received on their entrance into the Citadel with hearty cheers.
The West Essex Militia marched on Friday morning from Mill Bay barracks, to do duty at Dartmoor prison, in the room of the North Devon militia, who are returned to their former quarters in the Citadel, Plymouth."
I think 'North Down' is a typo for North Devon.
Morning Chronicle 19 May 1810
"Four cartels sailed from Plymouth on Tuesday evening for Morlaix, having near 300 French prisoners on board, many of whom had been in this country for several years. The situation of the prisoners confined at the Royal Depot on Dartmoor, has also been greatly ameliorated within the last few days; they have now liberty, in detachments, to breathe the fresh air outside the prison, to a certain distance."
"Four cartels sailed from Plymouth on Tuesday evening for Morlaix, having near 300 French prisoners on board, many of whom had been in this country for several years. The situation of the prisoners confined at the Royal Depot on Dartmoor, has also been greatly ameliorated within the last few days; they have now liberty, in detachments, to breathe the fresh air outside the prison, to a certain distance."
Prisoners were being exchanged between Britain and France at this time.
Morning Post 25 August 1810
"A Writ of Inquiry was executed on Tuesday last at the Castle of Exeter, before the Coroner and a Special Jury, in an action brought by Sir MANASSEH LOPEZ, Bart. Against Mr. ISBELL, the contractor for building the prison on Dartmoor, for taking stone for that purpose from Walkhampton Common, without the leave of Sir M. LOPEZ, the proprietor; and the damages were assessed at 500l."
"A Writ of Inquiry was executed on Tuesday last at the Castle of Exeter, before the Coroner and a Special Jury, in an action brought by Sir MANASSEH LOPEZ, Bart. Against Mr. ISBELL, the contractor for building the prison on Dartmoor, for taking stone for that purpose from Walkhampton Common, without the leave of Sir M. LOPEZ, the proprietor; and the damages were assessed at 500l."
Sir Manasseh Lopez had an 'interesting' career in politics. An excellent precis can be found on Wikipedia here.
Cheltenham Chronicle 6 September 1810
"… the total amount paid for the erection of Dartmoor Prison was, in March last, 116,297l. The building at present contains 5562 prisoners, and a military guard of 500 men."
"… the total amount paid for the erection of Dartmoor Prison was, in March last, 116,297l. The building at present contains 5562 prisoners, and a military guard of 500 men."
Hull Packet 9 October 1810
"ACCOUNT OF THE NEW PRISON OF WAR AT DARTMOOR.
The Royal Prison of War at Dartmoor, in Devonshire, is one of the most extensive establishments of the kind in this kingdom; and at the same time, demands a just tribute of applause to the judicious regulations which ensure kind treatment and humane attention to the unfortunate victims of war. Here, under the humane arrangement and control of the Transport Board, ably seconded by the resident agent, Isaac Cotgrave, Esq. an old Post Captain, every comfort is administered to alleviate the prisoners' unhappy lot, as far as the nature of circumstances will allow. Un-biassed by motives foreign to their duty, and to the innate liberality and feelings of their heart, these gentlemen (some of whom are well acquainted with French prisons, and have personally experienced what they are) pursue an undeviating system of philanthropy, honourable to themselves, and beneficial to the objects of their care and exertions.
DARTMOOR, which was originally a forest, but now one of the wildest and most barren wastes in England, is an extensive lully tract in the western part of Devonshire, being 20 miles long, 13 broad, and containing upwards of 80,000 acres. - On a granite declivity, fifteen miles from Plymouth, and seven from Tavistock, is situated the prison for the reception of prisoners of war, recently erected at the expense of 300,000l; a structure combining solidity of fabric with security and convenience. Perhaps a more healthy spot might have been selected; but the surrounding advantages which it possesses in other reports, and the great national objects which the projector had in contemplation, seem to have decided the eligibility of the situation. Indeed, it is presumed, when the hand of cultivation shall have reclaimed this vast tract of moor (and, under the auspices of Mr. Tywhitt, considerable progress has been made), the existing insalubrity of the air will cease.
The structure is of stone, which the neighbourhood affords in immense quantities. The floors are a composition, very little timber being used in any part of the building appropriated to the habitation of the prisoners. It is of a circular form, enclosed by a massy iron railing and two solid walls, the space between which is termed “the military way”. On the inner wall are platforms, which enable the sentries to observe what is passing in the prison-yard. At each platform on the outer edge of the wall, are hung large bells, which, communicating by a strong wire, alarm the sentinels, should a prisoner, by scaling in the night-time, endeavour to effect his escape.
This depot is amply supplied with the most excellent water, which flows it through in various directions. It contains 6000 prisoners, who, under the superintendence of five turnkeys, assisted by a captain's picket of soldiers, are, every evening at sun-set, counted into their separate prisons, secured by strong bars of iron, and double doors. At sun-rise they are released and again counted. Their bedding is immediately exposed to the air, and the rooms properly ventilated, if the weather is favourable.
The hospital is kept in the most exact state of cleanliness and order. Every patient, previous to admission, undergoes a proper ablution in the bath. Medicines, wines, &c. are furnished unsparingly. No regimental hospital or medicine chest in the British service is so liberally supplied with the most costly drugs.
The prisoners of war are universally clothed clothed and fed at the expence of Government. They wear a yellow uniform, occasionally striped with blue. So conspicuous and unique a dress renders their escape impracticable, supposing them at large beyond the prison walls. Few are so far fortunate, although bribery has, in some solitary instances, availed; but they are invariably retaken. Their rations, of the best quality, are served out warm and comfortable in the short space of two hours.
They elect, from their own body, presidents, who are their organs with the agent, and through whom all complaints are made, and grievances redressed. They inspect the bread, meat, vegetables, and other necessaries furnished by the contractor, and represent to the agent should any by unfit for use. If the latter differs in opinion, the officer of the guard is summoned as umpire, whose decision is final. They also keep the peace within the prison, and promulgate the agent's regulations.
A well-supplied daily market is held in the agent's square, where provisions of every kind are sold at a moderate price. For one hour the market people are admitted within the first iron gates for the prisoners' benefit, who, by their own ingenuity and industry, are thus enabled to indulge in many trifling luxuries. Captain Cotgrave is indefatigable in discountenancing exorbitant price and extortion. Whoever sells articles of inferior quality, or charges excessively, is for ever excluded the market It is not in this point alone, but in every department of the depot over which he presides, that Captain Cotgrave directs his most sedulous attention, and laboriously endeavours faithfully and strictly to discharge his duty to his country and to his fellow-creatures.
Strangers, accompanied by a military officer, are allowed to walk round the military way; but, except the agent, officers on duty, surgeon, and turnkeys, no person, however high his rank, can procure admittance within the second iron gates, unless provided with a pass or special order from the Transport Board.
The barracks, detached about a quarter of a mile to the southward of the prison, contain between five and six hundred men. The accommodations for both officers and privates are unequalled. Each regiment in Plymouth garrison takes the duty in succession for two months. In this exile their duty is severe; 180 men and five officers constantly mount guard; and during the night, these five officers and eight serjeants are individually going the rounds, during which time they are challenged, give, and receive the countersign not less than sixty times.
It is said to be in contemplation by Government, to convert, at the termination of the present war, the vast buildings now erected at Dartmoor, as a receptacle for convicts, whose labours are to be devoted to the cultivation of the immense waste which now surrounds this prison. This is at once one of the most laudable and economical plans for promoting the interests of agriculture, and the benefit of the public, that we have ever known; and we most heartily give the projectors that applause which they merit.
It is well known that the expence of every convict transported to Botany Bay, where his labours are entirely useless to the mother country, amounts to upwards of 100l.; to render these outcasts of society useful, by reducing into cultivation 80,000 acres of a desolate and barren tract, and by means of productive labour to add considerably to the supplies of grain, must tend greatly to secure the people of the country against that scarcity which they have sometimes but too much reason to apprehend.
"ACCOUNT OF THE NEW PRISON OF WAR AT DARTMOOR.
The Royal Prison of War at Dartmoor, in Devonshire, is one of the most extensive establishments of the kind in this kingdom; and at the same time, demands a just tribute of applause to the judicious regulations which ensure kind treatment and humane attention to the unfortunate victims of war. Here, under the humane arrangement and control of the Transport Board, ably seconded by the resident agent, Isaac Cotgrave, Esq. an old Post Captain, every comfort is administered to alleviate the prisoners' unhappy lot, as far as the nature of circumstances will allow. Un-biassed by motives foreign to their duty, and to the innate liberality and feelings of their heart, these gentlemen (some of whom are well acquainted with French prisons, and have personally experienced what they are) pursue an undeviating system of philanthropy, honourable to themselves, and beneficial to the objects of their care and exertions.
DARTMOOR, which was originally a forest, but now one of the wildest and most barren wastes in England, is an extensive lully tract in the western part of Devonshire, being 20 miles long, 13 broad, and containing upwards of 80,000 acres. - On a granite declivity, fifteen miles from Plymouth, and seven from Tavistock, is situated the prison for the reception of prisoners of war, recently erected at the expense of 300,000l; a structure combining solidity of fabric with security and convenience. Perhaps a more healthy spot might have been selected; but the surrounding advantages which it possesses in other reports, and the great national objects which the projector had in contemplation, seem to have decided the eligibility of the situation. Indeed, it is presumed, when the hand of cultivation shall have reclaimed this vast tract of moor (and, under the auspices of Mr. Tywhitt, considerable progress has been made), the existing insalubrity of the air will cease.
The structure is of stone, which the neighbourhood affords in immense quantities. The floors are a composition, very little timber being used in any part of the building appropriated to the habitation of the prisoners. It is of a circular form, enclosed by a massy iron railing and two solid walls, the space between which is termed “the military way”. On the inner wall are platforms, which enable the sentries to observe what is passing in the prison-yard. At each platform on the outer edge of the wall, are hung large bells, which, communicating by a strong wire, alarm the sentinels, should a prisoner, by scaling in the night-time, endeavour to effect his escape.
This depot is amply supplied with the most excellent water, which flows it through in various directions. It contains 6000 prisoners, who, under the superintendence of five turnkeys, assisted by a captain's picket of soldiers, are, every evening at sun-set, counted into their separate prisons, secured by strong bars of iron, and double doors. At sun-rise they are released and again counted. Their bedding is immediately exposed to the air, and the rooms properly ventilated, if the weather is favourable.
The hospital is kept in the most exact state of cleanliness and order. Every patient, previous to admission, undergoes a proper ablution in the bath. Medicines, wines, &c. are furnished unsparingly. No regimental hospital or medicine chest in the British service is so liberally supplied with the most costly drugs.
The prisoners of war are universally clothed clothed and fed at the expence of Government. They wear a yellow uniform, occasionally striped with blue. So conspicuous and unique a dress renders their escape impracticable, supposing them at large beyond the prison walls. Few are so far fortunate, although bribery has, in some solitary instances, availed; but they are invariably retaken. Their rations, of the best quality, are served out warm and comfortable in the short space of two hours.
They elect, from their own body, presidents, who are their organs with the agent, and through whom all complaints are made, and grievances redressed. They inspect the bread, meat, vegetables, and other necessaries furnished by the contractor, and represent to the agent should any by unfit for use. If the latter differs in opinion, the officer of the guard is summoned as umpire, whose decision is final. They also keep the peace within the prison, and promulgate the agent's regulations.
A well-supplied daily market is held in the agent's square, where provisions of every kind are sold at a moderate price. For one hour the market people are admitted within the first iron gates for the prisoners' benefit, who, by their own ingenuity and industry, are thus enabled to indulge in many trifling luxuries. Captain Cotgrave is indefatigable in discountenancing exorbitant price and extortion. Whoever sells articles of inferior quality, or charges excessively, is for ever excluded the market It is not in this point alone, but in every department of the depot over which he presides, that Captain Cotgrave directs his most sedulous attention, and laboriously endeavours faithfully and strictly to discharge his duty to his country and to his fellow-creatures.
Strangers, accompanied by a military officer, are allowed to walk round the military way; but, except the agent, officers on duty, surgeon, and turnkeys, no person, however high his rank, can procure admittance within the second iron gates, unless provided with a pass or special order from the Transport Board.
The barracks, detached about a quarter of a mile to the southward of the prison, contain between five and six hundred men. The accommodations for both officers and privates are unequalled. Each regiment in Plymouth garrison takes the duty in succession for two months. In this exile their duty is severe; 180 men and five officers constantly mount guard; and during the night, these five officers and eight serjeants are individually going the rounds, during which time they are challenged, give, and receive the countersign not less than sixty times.
It is said to be in contemplation by Government, to convert, at the termination of the present war, the vast buildings now erected at Dartmoor, as a receptacle for convicts, whose labours are to be devoted to the cultivation of the immense waste which now surrounds this prison. This is at once one of the most laudable and economical plans for promoting the interests of agriculture, and the benefit of the public, that we have ever known; and we most heartily give the projectors that applause which they merit.
It is well known that the expence of every convict transported to Botany Bay, where his labours are entirely useless to the mother country, amounts to upwards of 100l.; to render these outcasts of society useful, by reducing into cultivation 80,000 acres of a desolate and barren tract, and by means of productive labour to add considerably to the supplies of grain, must tend greatly to secure the people of the country against that scarcity which they have sometimes but too much reason to apprehend.
Stamford Mercury 19 October 1810
"The Nottinghamshire Militia have marched from Frankfort barracks, Plymouth, to take the duty at Dartmoor prison, in the place of the Shropshire regiment, returned to Plymouth."
"The Nottinghamshire Militia have marched from Frankfort barracks, Plymouth, to take the duty at Dartmoor prison, in the place of the Shropshire regiment, returned to Plymouth."
The Nottingham regiment of Militia would later leave Dartmoor with their reputation somewhat tarnished...
Kentish Gazette 26 October 1810
"Vessels, with French prisoners, are constantly arriving at Portsmouth and Plymouth ; the prisons and prison-ships at both these ports, and at Dartmoor are now quite full."
Hereford Journal 7 November 1810
"Since the repeated failures of the exchange of prisoners, on account of the extravagant demands of Napoleon, we are sorry to hear, that owing to desperation, the French prisoners in this country have shown a most refractory and determined spirit in the principle prisons in the kingdom, and have made such formidable attempts, that an increase of the military force has been called for in every quarter, and much alarm has been excited amongst the neighbourhood of the prisons. In Dartmoor, Bristol, and Mill prisons, and on board the different prison ships, at Plymouth, last week the prisoners were very turbulent ; the same was the case at Porchester Castle, at Forton prison, and in the different prison ships at Portsmouth, where the Governor found it necessary to double all the guards."
"Vessels, with French prisoners, are constantly arriving at Portsmouth and Plymouth ; the prisons and prison-ships at both these ports, and at Dartmoor are now quite full."
Hereford Journal 7 November 1810
"Since the repeated failures of the exchange of prisoners, on account of the extravagant demands of Napoleon, we are sorry to hear, that owing to desperation, the French prisoners in this country have shown a most refractory and determined spirit in the principle prisons in the kingdom, and have made such formidable attempts, that an increase of the military force has been called for in every quarter, and much alarm has been excited amongst the neighbourhood of the prisons. In Dartmoor, Bristol, and Mill prisons, and on board the different prison ships, at Plymouth, last week the prisoners were very turbulent ; the same was the case at Porchester Castle, at Forton prison, and in the different prison ships at Portsmouth, where the Governor found it necessary to double all the guards."
The prisoner exchange scheme with France seems to have broken down around this time.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 24 November 1810
PLOT AT DARTMOOR
"We are sorry to hear that three men of the Nottinghamshire Militia, doing duty at Dartmoor, have been seduced by bribes from the French prisoners at that depot, to forego their duty. At the moment when the Frenchmen were about to quit the prison, the plot was discovered and the men secured.The amount of bribes (says our informant) was one hundred guineas and a gold watch, but it was paid in base coin! Two of the soldiers (privates) had gone to Plymouth and bought gunpowder, ball, swords, and fire-arms for the French prisoners, whilst the third (a serjeant) received the money. The culprits were on trial before a court martial on the 22nd, at Plymouth. The regiment is removed from Dartmoor, and replaced by the East Kent."
PLOT AT DARTMOOR
"We are sorry to hear that three men of the Nottinghamshire Militia, doing duty at Dartmoor, have been seduced by bribes from the French prisoners at that depot, to forego their duty. At the moment when the Frenchmen were about to quit the prison, the plot was discovered and the men secured.The amount of bribes (says our informant) was one hundred guineas and a gold watch, but it was paid in base coin! Two of the soldiers (privates) had gone to Plymouth and bought gunpowder, ball, swords, and fire-arms for the French prisoners, whilst the third (a serjeant) received the money. The culprits were on trial before a court martial on the 22nd, at Plymouth. The regiment is removed from Dartmoor, and replaced by the East Kent."
Morning Chronicle 6 December 1810
DARTMOOR, Dec. 1.
"I have just returned from Plymouth, where I was present at the trial of the four soldiers belonging to the Nottingham Militia, for aiding the escape of six French prisoners of war at this place, when on duty on the 14th of November, at ten at night. Early next morning, two American prisoners informed the agent of the escape, when the hue and cry was immediately raised, and one taken the second day, at a place called Jump, nine miles from this ; and on the 19th, the other five were taken at King's bridge, 23 miles distant.
The morning after the escape, the four soldiers were taken into custody on suspicion, when one of them confessed that the Frenchmen gave them eight pounds each, and that they left their post, and put them on the direct road to the coast, and then returned. In a shaving-box belonging to one of the soldiers, was found 30 guineas, covered with soap.
The trial began on Monday last, and finished on Friday ; the charge was fully proved against three of them, and the proceedings were sent up to the Commander in Chief. It is expected that they will be shot. -
The Coroner's Inquest sat last Friday week on the body of the Frenchman who destroyed himself, and gave a verdict of Delirious. He had stabbed himself with a pair of scissors, which penetrated his heart an inch and a half."
DARTMOOR, Dec. 1.
"I have just returned from Plymouth, where I was present at the trial of the four soldiers belonging to the Nottingham Militia, for aiding the escape of six French prisoners of war at this place, when on duty on the 14th of November, at ten at night. Early next morning, two American prisoners informed the agent of the escape, when the hue and cry was immediately raised, and one taken the second day, at a place called Jump, nine miles from this ; and on the 19th, the other five were taken at King's bridge, 23 miles distant.
The morning after the escape, the four soldiers were taken into custody on suspicion, when one of them confessed that the Frenchmen gave them eight pounds each, and that they left their post, and put them on the direct road to the coast, and then returned. In a shaving-box belonging to one of the soldiers, was found 30 guineas, covered with soap.
The trial began on Monday last, and finished on Friday ; the charge was fully proved against three of them, and the proceedings were sent up to the Commander in Chief. It is expected that they will be shot. -
The Coroner's Inquest sat last Friday week on the body of the Frenchman who destroyed himself, and gave a verdict of Delirious. He had stabbed himself with a pair of scissors, which penetrated his heart an inch and a half."
Worcester Journal 6 December 1810
The Court Martial, on a serjeant and two privates of the Nottingham regiment of Militia, for assisting in the escape of several French prisoners, from the Royal Prison, on Dartmoor, finished on Friday. An American, who overheard the arrangements, had insisted on joining party, and having been taken, was the principal evidence. The other prisoners have not yet been taken. The sentence of the Court is not yet known.
Exeter Flying Post 13 December 1810
Tuesday. The sentence on the three soldiers of the Nottingham regiment, for letting some French prisoners go from Dartmoor prison, is sent up the Commander in Chief; but the result cannot be known during the present melancholy indisposition of his Majesty.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette
The court-martial on the four privates of the Nottingham militia, accused of having assisted six French prisoners in their escape from Dartmoor prison, closed on Friday for'night, when three of them were found guilty, and it is supposed they will be shot.
The Court Martial, on a serjeant and two privates of the Nottingham regiment of Militia, for assisting in the escape of several French prisoners, from the Royal Prison, on Dartmoor, finished on Friday. An American, who overheard the arrangements, had insisted on joining party, and having been taken, was the principal evidence. The other prisoners have not yet been taken. The sentence of the Court is not yet known.
Exeter Flying Post 13 December 1810
Tuesday. The sentence on the three soldiers of the Nottingham regiment, for letting some French prisoners go from Dartmoor prison, is sent up the Commander in Chief; but the result cannot be known during the present melancholy indisposition of his Majesty.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette
The court-martial on the four privates of the Nottingham militia, accused of having assisted six French prisoners in their escape from Dartmoor prison, closed on Friday for'night, when three of them were found guilty, and it is supposed they will be shot.
A salutary tale of bribery. As is usual with these newspaper reports there are a number of discrepancies. Were there three soldiers or four involved? I'm guessing the original record of the Court Martial will still exist somewhere. It'll be great to add it to these reports when it turns up.
Kentish Gazette 14 December 1810
The Governor of Dartmoor Prison, having observed the too great predilection of the prisoners for gaming, ordered some strict measures for its prevention. It was however found impossible, as the ingenuity of the French overcame every obstacle. Among other attempts to frustrate the intentions of the Governor, was the tying of mice by their tales, and betting on their comparative speed.
The Governor of Dartmoor Prison, having observed the too great predilection of the prisoners for gaming, ordered some strict measures for its prevention. It was however found impossible, as the ingenuity of the French overcame every obstacle. Among other attempts to frustrate the intentions of the Governor, was the tying of mice by their tales, and betting on their comparative speed.