HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 339

permitted to go upon deck, “to view for a few moments the morning sun, and then to descend again, to pass another day of misery and wretchedness.”

“On every side, dire objects met the sight,
And pallid forms, and murders of the night.”

Dring gives the following minute description of the interior accommodations of the “Jersey”: “The quarter-deck covered about one-fourth part of the upper deck from the stern, and the forecastle extended from the stern about one-eighth part the length of the upper deck. Sentinels were stationed at the gangways on each side of the upper deck, leading from the quarter-deck to the forecastle. These gangways were about five feet wide, and here the prisoners were allowed to pass and repass. The intermediate space from the bulkhead of the quarter-deck to the forecastle was filled with long spars or booms, and called the spar-deck. The temporary covering afforded by the spar-deck was of the greatest benefit to the prisoners, as it served to shield us from the rain and the scorching rays of the sun. The spar-deck was also the only place where we were allowed to walk, and was therefore continually crowded through the day by those of the prisoners who were upon deck. Owing to the great number of the prisoners, and the small space afforded us by the spar-deck, it was our custom to walk in platoons, each facing the same way, and turning at the same time. The derrick, for taking in wood, water, etc., stood on the starboard side of the spar-deck. On the larboard side of the ship was placed the accommodation ladder, leading from the gangway to the water. At the head of this ladder a sentinel was also stationed. The head of the accommodation ladder was near the door of the barricade, which extended across the front of the quarter-deck, and projected a few feet beyond the sides of the ship. The barricade was about ten feet high, and was pierced with loop-holes for musketry, in order that the prisoners might be fired on from behind it, if occasion should require. The regular crew of the ship consisted of a captain, two mates, a steward, a cook, and about twelve sailors. The crew of the ship had no communication whatever with the prisoners. No prisoner was ever permitted to pass through the barricade door, except when it was required that the messes should be examined and regulated; in which case, each