19th November 1796. Tom’s imprisoned as an Englishman. This must have been thoroughly depressing for him. He manages to get drink and hits the bottle. Due to this conduct the Governor transfers him to a cell in the Castle. He’s frustrated, stressed and ill and is banged up for 4 months. He sleeps in damp dirty conditions leading to rheumatic pain. Perhaps via friendships he’d developed on the mainland he did receive some support from a humane Spaniard who sent clean linen at one point and because of deteriorating health they transfer him to the military hospital but the governor doesn’t like his politics so he scrupulously keeps him out of circulation.
If you live close to this location and would like to help visualise this piece of Tom’s journey please contact me.