362 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

to furnish them with articles necessary to promote their comfort;1 correspondence, under proper restrictions, was allowed with their families; in some cases they were allowed to visit their homes, on their simple word of honor to return at a specified time;2 and even the reading of the funeral-service was not refused when desired.3 From these well-substantiated facts, it is evident that the cruelties endured by the unfortunate inmates of the prison-ships, were not systematized aggravations practised by a great and civilized Government; but the result, generally, of avarice, indolence, indifference, and unwarrantable abuse of power by hirelings, “clothed with a little brief authority,”—a class proverbially despotic, cruel, and inhuman in their treatment of the helpless.

Time has softened the asperities engendered by the conflict of the Revolution; and our own recent national experiences in the suppression of a similar revolt, have largely tended to dispel the historic glamour which has hitherto veiled the events of that period. Deplorable as some of these events were, and totally inexcusable on the ground either of justice or humanity, we can, at this time, better appreciate their causes, and understand—although we cannot excuse—the motives of the real actors therein. And, although History cannot blot out from her imperishable pages the sad story of the prison-ships, yet Charity forbids that Vengeance should dictate the record against those whoÑhowever harshly their actions may be judged by man—have gone to receive their judgment before a Superior Tribunal.

Although not in strict chronological sequence, we deem it appropriate to conclude this chapter with a narrative of the numerous abortive attempts to secure for the remains of these untold and unknown heroes of the prison-ships, a fitting and permanent Place of sepulchre.

1 Sherburne (p. 116) mentions that, through the kindness of some of the benevolent citizens of New York, all the sick on board the Frederick were constantly supplied with a pint each of Bohea tea (well-sweetened with molasses) each day. See, also, the Drowne correspondence, in Dawsons Dring, 173, and others.

2 See Drowne correspondence, 168; also other authorities in manuscript.

3 Ibid., 171.