23. We have been informed several times, lately, that all the Acts since the year 1763, are likely to be repealed. “Peace with America and war with France,” is the cry of almost every Briton. We have a paper in prison wherein is Lord North’s speech in the House. He confesses that the English troops in America, have been beaten by inferior numbers. For several evenings past, we have had candles burning in prison, unknown to the agent, turnkey or guard; but I expect it will not be long before we shall be allowed to burn them, as we have written to the Board concerning it. We hear that a proclamation is issued for public fast throughout England, Ireland and Scotland.
25. We hear that commissioners are appointed to go to America to treat with Congress; and they are to be considered a legal body while in treaty with them.
26. Last night the snow fell about two inches deep, on a level, which is more than it has snowed, put it all together, during the winter.
27. This day is kept as a public fast, throughout the united kingdom. I suppose they did not think it worth while to proclaim a fast before, as I do not remember that there has been one since I have been a prisoner, except a yearly fast. It is the opinion of many in prison, that if the proposals have not already gone to America, that we shall be sent with them, to give an assurance that they are real.
28. We are credibly informed that America has formed an alliance with France, for the space of twenty-one years; but whether it is any thing more than an alliance for trade, we have not yet learned. We hear that it took place the 26th of this month. We also hear that the money raised in England for the Americans here, amounted to £7000 sterling.
March 1. Wet, dirty weather, which obliges us to keep house most of the time. To-day is the first day of spring, and I have some secret expectations of being liberated before the season is expired, as there is a fleet of transports, with provision, bound to America, which will be ready to sail by the last of this month, or the first of April. Some think it probable that we may be sent with them.
2. Warm and pleasant for the season. We received an answer to the petition we wrote for the liberty to burn candles in the evening, but the answer was that we could not be allowed the privilege.