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If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Two Voyages to New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land - -Author: Thomas Reid - -Release Date: December 1, 2016 [EBook #53643] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TWO VOYAGES TO NEW SOUTH WALES *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - TWO VOYAGES - - TO - - NEW SOUTH WALES - - AND - - VAN DIEMEN’S LAND, - - WITH - - A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THAT INTERESTING COLONY: - - INCLUDING - - FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO THE STATE AND MANAGEMENT - - OF - - CONVICTS OF BOTH SEXES. - - ALSO - - REFLECTIONS ON SEDUCTION - - AND - - ITS GENERAL CONSEQUENCES. - - BY THOMAS REID, - - MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN LONDON, AND SURGEON IN THE - ROYAL NAVY. - -“He who thinks he sees many around him, whom he esteems and loves, -labouring under a fatal error, must have a cold heart, or a most -confined notion of benevolence, if he could withhold his endeavours to -set them right, from an apprehension of incurring the imputation of -officiousness.”-—WILBERFORCE. - - London: - - PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, - PATERNOSTER-ROW. - - 1822. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TO - MRS. ELIZABETH FRY. - - - _MADAM_, - -_My late voyage in the Morley, female convict ship, having been -undertaken chiefly at your instance; an account of it could not with -propriety, in my opinion, be addressed to any person but yourself. A -faithful relation of every circumstance connected with the voyage has -rendered occasional mention of your name unavoidable, for which I have -to entreat your indulgence. In soliciting your protection to the -following pages, I am anxious to secure for them an attention and -respect which, perhaps, their own intrinsic merit could not justly -claim: of their object few are better qualified to judge than you are, -and certainly none will feel a livelier interest in promoting it._ - -_Much of your valuable time has been devoted to the cause of humanity; -and the results of your efforts, with those of your amiable coadjutors, -need no assistance from the journalist or historian to give them -durability; they live in the grateful hearts of those who were blest -with your salutary instructions: and from the solicitude evinced by many -of those unfortunate persons, as I have often seen, to impress this -feeling on the pliant minds of their children, it is not, I think, -presuming too much to say that it will be cultivated and cherished, in -distant parts of the world, by generations yet unborn._ - -_To appreciate duly the benevolent and happy labours of the LADIES’ -COMMITTEE, one must have witnessed human misery in its pitiable -extremes; in all the pollution and loathsomeness of the licentious gaol; -and patiently contemplated the benign influence of moral precept, -meliorating such condition, as reflected in the melting heart and the -hallowed tear of the sincere penitent, retracing the devious path that -first led from innocence and peace._ - -_Admiration of that zeal which urged you, regardless of all personal -inconvenience, to explore the long neglected recesses of the friendless -prison; to awaken the minds of its forlorn inmates; to rouse the dormant -principles of virtue; to teach them to reflect;—and veneration for that -unwearied philanthropy which has lifted from despair so many drooping -hearts; impelled me to give your grand experiment a fair trial; to prove -how far the system of kindness and confidence, so auspiciously commenced -in Newgate, could be made to answer under other circumstances. -Accordingly, the measures employed in the Morley were, as nearly as -possible, the same as those used by the Committee; with what success, it -is not for me to determine. If however, it be found that my -observations, as detailed in the present volume, should contribute in -any degree to facilitate the truly Christian design of the Committee, it -will afford me lasting satisfaction to know that my endeavours have not -been in vain._ - - _I remain_, - _Madam_, - _Your faithful servant_, - - _THOMAS REID._ - - - - - INTRODUCTION. - - -The general state and condition of those unfortunate persons whose -crimes had brought them under the severe cognisance and judgement of the -laws, and whose lives only had been spared by the late happily -increasing liberality of modern opinion and feeling, have for a long -series of years occupied little public attention. Those, indeed, who -bestowed any thought at all upon the final treatment of convicts, -viewing the provision made for safely securing them on board of Hulks, -or within the walls of Houses of Correction, or having them afterwards -removed altogether to remote countries, thus restrained apart from -general society for a certain time, and so long withheld at least from -depredation, seem to have indulged with a degree of selfishness in the -idea of personal security only as affecting themselves, or at most as -extending to the other branches of the community. It seems to have -appeared to the minds of such people, quite generous enough that the -offender’s absolute wants were provided for, and that all was effected -when he was put out of the way of doing further harm: beyond that, the -condition of the convict was without consideration[1]. - -Who can fail to observe without pleasurable emotion and interest, that a -far different spirit is now stirring in the minds of mankind, and that -the times have become happily enlightened, not by the dissemination of -irreligious, under pretended philosophical principles, but in the -diffusion of Christian truth and knowledge? The present age will ever be -distinguished by the temperate, disinterested, and steady efforts made -to communicate to the great mass of the population the blessings of -Gospel instruction; and in the forcible example of persons in elevated -life, on every public occasion, attended with important advantages; and -under the auspices of some members of the present Administration, who -have lent the aid of power to this great undertaking, the -all-interesting cause of morality is firmly and rapidly advancing. It is -not for the writer of this, perhaps, to indulge in eulogium, though, in -the present instance, the cause would strongly invite to grateful and -liberal expression. - -The same benevolence which shed a ray of celestial light over the poor -African’s horizon, has also held up the Gospel beacon to the benighted -sinner of its own climes, and forbidden despair. Mercy, commuting -capital punishment for transportation, had snatched the criminals from -the vengeance of the statute law; and it then became matter of inquiry, -whether imprisonment in Hulks, or Houses of Correction, or mere -transmission to distant colonies, was not the ultimate and only good, -which, in due regard to the permanent security of society, could be -fitly provided for those degraded and unhappy persons. But that wakeful -care which ever attends the proceedings of the truly good, sought out -with anxiety a further means of relieving their miserable condition; and -thus that useful employment on board the Hulks, and, latterly, a better -regulated management in the Houses of Correction, have originated and -tended to produce the present visible beneficial effects. - -The societies for the propagation of the Scriptures, and of moral and -religious tracts, have opened the ready means of putting useful -publications into the hands of the prisoners, which have also so much -tended to soften down their obduracy, and generally to meliorate their -disposition and manners. The lot of the convicts meanwhile under -sentence of transportation was not quite so happy. - -Cooped up in prison, waiting for the period at which they were to be -shipped off, these hapless creatures of either sex remained immersed in -all the turpid influence of that guilt which had brought them to such a -state, and still wholly occupied their minds. The listlessness of mind -resulting from their escape of capital punishment, the dreadful suspense -of death removed, and their poignant oscillations of hope and fear -subsided, produced a calm and satisfaction bordering on pleasure; and to -the unrestrained indulgence of this they freely gave way. But their -thoughts long inured in the ways of wickedness, and too willingly -withdrawn from reflection on their recent danger, presented no other -mental employment than again traversing in idea the schemes they had -practised, the gains they had successfully secured, and the merry scenes -which those guilty gains enabled them to enjoy. No friendly counsel was -near to hold up to their view the enormity of their crimes; even the -humane admonitions of the venerable judge who found relief in assigning -to their offences the mild punishment of transportation,—all was -forgotten where no sort of industrious employment was found to fill up -the wasteful vacuum of imprisonment till the time of their departure. - -Their conversation and conduct became thus daily more depraved and -corrupt. The same inclination to riot and licentiousness continued -unabated, and in most instances seemed refined to a more subtle and -pernicious degree. The voice of admonition, if its warnings reached -them, was received with insult or contemptuous derision; and every means -and opportunity was sought for the indulgence of the wildest depravity. -The suggestion of religious reflection only excited impious raillery, or -blasphemous mockery; and in this polluted state did they remain -contaminating and corrupting each other, until the order from Government -ultimately came for their departure. - -This was an event always desired by the keepers, yet in a certain degree -dreaded on account of the disorders which the convicts usually committed -on the occasion. It was their practice then to give a fling to all kinds -of frantic violence, tearing down every thing within their reach, -destroying their beds, breaking the prison windows, and with hideous -clamour effecting as much mischief as possible. Handcuffs and chains -became indispensable to restrain their fury; and thus secured they were -conveyed on board the transport ship, in a manner truly more like -ferocious wild beasts than human beings. This latter regulation was -invariably observed in male convict ships, and has never yet been -departed from. With regard to female convicts, the precaution of a -military guard was not thought necessary: yet, in some instances of -daring violence, it has been held out as a threat in case of continued -non-submission. - -In the latter end of 1817, I received orders to take charge of the -_Neptune_, as Surgeon and Superintendent of the male convicts put on -board for transportation to New South Wales, and entered on the duties -of that situation immediately, though at the time fully aware of its -embarrassing and difficult nature. It was indeed generally known and -acknowledged, that a convict ship presented such constant scenes of -violence, and even systematic insubordination, that the management was -not without extreme hazard, while all idea of producing a moral change -amongst these unhappy beings was utterly hopeless. This, however, was -not a representation capable of causing me to shrink from the attempt: I -was strongly actuated by a desire to exert my humble endeavours to put -in practice a system which I had devised long before, for bettering the -condition of convicts generally; on which account I the more eagerly -acted upon the commands of Government. - -On my return from this first voyage, I found a great many of my friends -and acquaintances anxious to obtain information respecting the general -management of convicts during transportation, which the opportunities of -ordinary conversation would not permit me fully to satisfy. Glad to -observe such interest evinced by persons whose opulence and well-known -worth must give weight and respectability to any cause they may espouse, -I determined that my humble mite should not be withheld, where the great -and desirable object in view was to meliorate the condition, and to -resuscitate the forgotten virtue, of wretched beings, for whom -philanthropists had long indulged in feelings of commiseration. I -therefore formed the resolution that, whatever inconvenience might arise -to my private affairs, from loss of time or otherwise, I would give to -the public all the information I had acquired on the subject. - -My private representations on this subject having proved to the -satisfaction of all those of my friends who find pleasure in doing good, -and experience having furnished evidence abundantly, that even convicts -are not dead to the feelings of gratitude, or destitute of many other -estimable qualities, evincing that vice has not always an indissoluble -tie upon the heart, I was very warmly urged to try what could be done -towards improving the deplorable condition of _female_ convicts. To this -solicitation I consented with the less reluctance, as it would afford -the best opportunity of proving unequivocally, to what extent hope might -be indulged as to the possibility, from due exertion, of lessening the -wretchedness of their lot, and allowing them to become again useful in -society. I was influenced also by a desire thus to have the ability of -gratifying the promoters of this design, with an impartial account of -the management of female as well as male convicts. For this reason only -was the account of the former voyage deferred, in order that both might -appear together before the public, faithfully, in an associated view. - -The success which happily attended the measures employed in the Neptune, -was sufficiently encouraging to induce me to give a full trial how far a -similar system might avail with the females, under such modifications as -a regard to their sex, and attention to occasional circumstances, might -render necessary. For several years my thoughts had been directed to -every investigation that could contribute to the stock of information -previously acquired, and consequently assist in the development of -vicious principle in some of its most powerful and mischievous -ramifications, to be enabled thus possibly to trace it step by step to -its primary source. The results of some of these inquiries appeared to -me important; and I thought their connexion with the present subject so -close, that its interest would be lessened had they all been suppressed. -These considerations have led to discussions which at first sight may -seem extraneous or irrelevant, such as _Seduction_, &c.; but I hope, on -reflection, the present arrangement will not be found objectionable. - -I had been very early in life impressed with the conviction that the -bountiful hand of the Creator implants in the mind of man the seeds of -virtue, which seldom totally perish during his lifetime, although they -may remain long unproductive: an experience of the world more than -commonly extensive, perhaps, has every day tended to confirm the -justness of that conviction. This position I have always considered as -involving a question of the first interest to society, whether it be -taken in a moral, political, or philosophical point of view; and I hope -it is not arrogating too much to say, that the opportunities I have had, -opportunities not unimproved, of making observations, give me a claim to -form an opinion not wholly without authority. - -In the authenticity of the sources whence my information has been -derived, and the identity of facts as occurring in real life, thus -following with the observations from actual experience, the peculiar -merit of the following pages consists, if indeed any merit shall be -allowed them. It would afford but little interest to know the -difficulties by which I was surrounded, and the many distressing -feelings by which I was harassed, during the composition. I may, -however, obtain some indulgence from the liberal-minded, by stating, as -I can with great truth, that my time was almost incessantly occupied in -attendance to professional duties and the avocations of superintendence, -with many intervening hours of painful indisposition, and other -unavoidable circumstances, during the voyage, by which my thoughts were -distracted and attention diverted. The haste with which I was often -obliged to write, or lose the impressions of the occasion, leaves me -little hope but that incorrectness of style, with rough and inartificial -periods, will be exposed occasionally. I beg, however, that it may be -distinctly understood, that my opinions have, at least, not been formed -from crude, superficial, or transient observation; but, on the contrary, -are grounded on due application of patient reflection and laborious -determination. - -Although it may appear that advantage has been taken of the thoughts of -some eminent authors, yet it can by no means be admitted that the -present work is the offspring of a library. Any one acquainted with the -space allotted for the Surgeon’s use in a small convict ship, must know -the impossibility of having books of reference always at hand; and even -had this want not existed, my time would not allow of consulting them. -Many of the quotations are from memory,—some, indeed, of very distant -recollection. I am sensible that critical vigilance may find abundant -materials for animadversion: nor do I wish that the reader should glance -superficially over it; on the contrary, a hope is indulged, that the -candid critic will examine its principles minutely, and point out its -errors. The frequent mention made of myself, and the introduction of -letters written by the convicts of whom I had charge, will incur, -perhaps too justly, the imputation of vanity and egotism;—the coarseness -of description necessarily used in the sketches made of crime from -actual observation, may be censured as improper in a work addressed to a -lady;—and the journal will exhibit numerous instances of repetition of -the subject; of these objections I was fully aware at the time of -writing, but found them unavoidable. I had pledged myself to record -facts exactly as they occurred, without decoration or disguise; and in -no instance has truth been sacrificed to courtesy or private feeling. - -To promote the happiness both temporal and eternal of an unfortunate -portion of the community,—a class too long neglected,—is my only aim. In -the management of convicts I am not wedded to any particular system; I -have described that which at present appears to me preferable, and I -believe I may fairly consider it my own, no other, so far as I know, -having been proposed or acted on before: but if any one will bring -forward a better, so far from regarding him with an eye of jealousy as a -rival, I shall hail him as a fellow-labourer, a benefactor, and a -friend. - -Without further trespassing on the reader’s patience, the following -sheets are now submitted, with all due deference, to public revision. My -object is to excite inquiry, and draw to the subject the attention of -those who can command the means of redressing the evils pointed out, a -task which every good man, surely, will consider of vital importance to -the morals and happiness of the community. Animated with a wish only to -be useful in the humble station in which it has pleased Providence to -place me, I shall thankfully acknowledge such improvements as the more -extended experience of the benevolent, intelligent, and liberal may -henceforth enable them to communicate. - - Vigo Lane, Dec. 1821. - ------ - -Footnote 1: - - As there appears a strong coincidence between this opinion and one - expressed in the preface to the “Rules for the Government of Gaols,” I - beg leave to add an extract from that excellent publication, which - appeared in 1820, but had not been seen by me until long after the - above was written. “It must be apparent to all who have directed their - attention to this subject, that the system of Prison Discipline too - generally prevalent in England was confined to a single object, the - safe custody of the prisoner; and to one method of accomplishing that - object, severe and sometimes unnecessary coercion: if the prisoner - could be retained within the walls of a gaol by bars, by chains, or by - subterraneous and unventilated dungeons, by the use of any rigour or - privation, this plan, aiming only at his personal security, was deemed - sufficient: the possibility of reforming the criminal seems never to - have been contemplated; no rule was in force, no arrangement existed, - which could be referred to such a purpose: the attempt to disengage - the culprit from long formed habits of vice, and to rekindle in his - breast the latent sparks of virtue, were schemes known indeed by the - writings of Howard, but generally regarded as the visionary efforts of - an excessive philanthropy.” - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. - - ON TRANSPORTATION. - - Capital punishment, 1. Royal mercy, 2. Origin of transportation, - 3. Convicts become settlers in America,—American Revolution, 4. - Hulks and houses of correction instituted, 5. First expedition to - New South Wales, 6. Colony established, 7. Progressive - arrangements, 8. Judicious regulations, 9. Encouragement to - convicts,—crimes often committed for the purpose of getting - transported, 10. Convicts liberally fed and clothed during the - voyage, 11. Victualling scheme, 12. Prison sufficiently roomy, 13. - Extra stores, 14. Hospital furniture, 15. Articles of comfort in - female ships, 16. Clothing and books provided for children, 17. - Military guard allowed too much spirits, 18. Scheme for - victualling guard, 19. Convicts’ regret on leaving the ship, 20. - Arrangements for juvenile offenders, 21. Efforts to reform them, - 22. Many of them grossly ignorant, 23. Effects of previous - idleness, 24. Employment considered, 25. Probability of mutiny - among convicts considered, 26. Their gratitude and attachment, 27. - Ladies’ Committee, 28. Their humane attention to prisoners, 29. - School established, 30. - - - CHAPTER II. - - VOYAGE IN THE NEPTUNE. - - Influence of moral principle, 31. Abstract view of the Convicts’ - crimes and characters, 33. Convicts considered irreclaimable, 34. - Mutiny in a male convict ship, 35. Insubordination among females, - 36. Repentance and reformation, how and when to be aimed at, 37. - Regulations, 39. System of management commenced, 40. False alarm - of the convicts rising, 41. Religious worship, its apparent - effects, 42. Punishment inflicted, 43. Prisoners reconciled to - their banishment, 44. A school formed for young offenders, 45. - Their progress in learning, 47. Inherent love of liberty, 48. - Refractory conduct of a sailor, 49. Laws respecting seamen, 51. - Relative situation of the guards and prisoners, 52. Soldiers - intoxicated, 53. Conduct of their wives, 54. Quarrel between the - guards and sailors, 56. Bad behaviour of a convict, 59. Allowance - of spirits to the guard recommended to be reduced, 60. Women and - children to have none, 61. Improvement among the boys, 62. The - convicts generally behave well, 63. Their letter to Lord SIDMOUTH, - 64. Two mutinous seamen discharged, 67. Interview with Lord - CHARLES SOMERSET, 68. Interview with the _Deputy Colonial - Secretary_, 69. _Agent for Transports_ visits the _Neptune_, 70. - Sixteen convicts are embarked, 71. Apprehensions of disease from - this increased number, 72. Official application not noticed, 74. - Precautions to prevent communication between the new and old - prisoners, 75. The latter generously share their wine with the - former, 76. Prisoners express their gratitude for being kindly - treated, 77. Neptune’s arrival at Sydney; the convicts write a - letter, 79. Governor MACQUARIE’S opinion of the voyage, 80. - Observations in the colony, 81. Departure with dispatches, 82. - Loss sustained by a hurricane, 83. Return to England,—letter to - Navy Board, 84. - - - CHAPTER III. - - VOYAGE IN THE MORLEY. - - Mrs. FRY’S exertions, 93. Visit to the Morley, 94. Arrangements - for a school, 95. Religious books liberally supplied, 96. - Regulations, 98. Crimes, 100. Characters, 101. Sentence, 102. - Address, 103. Mrs. PRYOR visits the convicts, 116. Application to - the Secretary of State to permit a convict’s child, above the - regular age, to be embarked; which is granted, 118. Convicts - appear too familiar with the sailors, 119. Some of the convicts - behave ill, 120. Captain YOUNG visits the ship, 122. Mr. CAPPER’S - visit, 123. Bank Solicitor gives five pounds to every woman under - sentence for forged notes, 124. The Keeper of Newgate gives half a - crown to each convict from that prison, 126. Mrs. FRY visits the - ship, and admonishes the prisoners, 127. Improved behaviour of the - prisoners, 128. Two ladies and a gentleman visit a young prisoner, - to whom they give good advice, 129. Their perilous situation after - leaving the ship, 130. Three invalid females removed by order of - the Navy Board, 131. Dispatches and sailing-orders arrive; riotous - behaviour of some of the convicts, 132. Morley sails, 133. Arrives - in the Downs, where the pilot leaves her, 134. Boisterous weather, - 135. Address to the convicts after leaving their native country, - 138. They request permission to copy it, 156. Death and interment - of two convicts’ children, 157. Feelings of the convicts during a - violent squall, 159. Inflammatory fever appears among the - prisoners, 164. A quarrel, 165. Death of a convict’s child, 166. - Great improvement in a convict, produced by employment, 168. Two - old enemies become reconciled, 171. Sailors attempt to break into - the prison, 172. They threaten to murder one of the women, 173. - Captain BROWN remonstrates with them, 174. They make another - effort to communicate with the women, 175. First prize won, 177. - Continued impropriety of the sailors, 179. Second and third prizes - won, 182. A violent quarrel between two women, 184. The sailors - open a passage into the prison, 187. Exertions of Captain BROWN to - discover and defeat their purpose, 189. They behave with more - caution, 190. Conduct of the chief officer, 191. Capt. BROWN - musters the refractory sailors, and admonishes them, 193. Effects - of keeping watch in the prison, 195. Cooking prevented by rough - weather, 196. Conduct of the prisoners from Newgate, 198. A - letter, 199. Injury done to the prison, 201. A sermon read by the - Rev. Mr. REDDALL, 203. A letter from the convicts, 204. Arrival at - Van Diemen’s Land, 205. The sailors get four females out of the - prison, 207. The Lieutenant Governor visits the ship, 207. A - police magistrate and military guard sent on board, 208. Farewell - admonition, 210. Humane attention of the Lieutenant Governor to - the convicts, 238. Fifty convicts landed, 239. Lieutenant - Governor’s certificate, 240. Seven women sent on board the Morley - to be conveyed to the Factory at Parramatta on account of bad - conduct, 241. Departure from Hobart-Town, 242. The seven females - behave well, and receive encouragement, 243. Arrival at Sydney, - 245. His Excellency the GOVERNOR and the Honourable COMMISSIONER - OF INQUIRY visit the Morley, and inspect the convicts, 246. - Convicts are mustered, 247. Progress of the school on board, 248. - - - CHAPTER IV. - - MANNER OF DISPOSING OF CONVICTS. - - The principal Superintendent takes charge of the prisoners, 251. - His extensive knowledge, 252. The manner in which the duties of - his office are discharged, 253. Convicts readily form connections, - 254. Persons of indifferent character chosen to act as turnkeys, - 256. Public-houses too numerous, 257. Convicts’ reception at the - Factory, 258. Want of order in that establishment, 259. Two women - sent back to England, being too bad to remain in the colony, 262. - Proposed marriage of a female, 264. Reduced number of - public-houses, 266. Little hope of reformation, 268. Manner of - disposing of male convicts, and their general condition, 270. Want - of regulation in the barrack, 273. Convicts purchase their liberty - from their masters, 275. Punishment, 276. - - - CHAPTER V. - - SITUATION AND DUTIES OF THE SURGEON SUPERINTENDENT. - - Government contract for the conveyance of convicts, 278. Former - manner compared with the present, 281. Difficulty of managing - convicts, 283. Surgeon Superintendent unsupported, 284. His - numerous duties, 285. Obstacles opposed to his return after - landing the convicts, 287. Character of the commanders and medical - men in convict ships, 289. The Surgeon Superintendent not allowed - a servant, 290. Liability to disagreement between him, the Master, - and military officer, 291. - - - CHAPTER VI. - - GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. - - Proposed alteration in prisons, 294. Other opinions, 295. Moral - instruction hitherto neglected, 296. State of female prisons - further considered: possibility of reformation contended for, 299. - Behaviour of the prisoners in the colony, who went out in the - Neptune, 301. Employment recommended, 303. Check to population, - 304. Proportion of males to females, 305. Unhappy connexions often - formed, 306. The assertion that women from Newgate behave worse - than those from other prisons, examined, 307. State of the rising - generation, 311. Formation of Bible and other useful Institutions, - 313. Cursory view of the French revolution, 314. Early education - recommended, 316. Devotedness of Governor MACQUARIE to the welfare - of the colony, 317. Inaptitude of the Factory establishment to the - reformation of its wretched tenants, 318. Alterations suggested, - 319. CONCLUSION, 320. - - - APPENDIX. - - REFLECTIONS ON SEDUCTION. - - Influence of the British Constitution, 321. The characters of a - felon and seducer, compared, 323. The history of a seducer, from - real life, 326. His birth and prospective talent, 328. Education, - 329. Character of his travelling companion, 330. Exploits in - Paris, 331. Occurrences in Bourdeaux, 333. Journey to Marseilles - and Toulon, 336. Thence to Naples, 337. Description of a - hurricane, 338. Lands at Leghorn, 341. Visits Naples; returns to - England; and is about to be married, 342. Excessive grief - occasioned by the death of a friend, 344. Goes to London, and - thence to Scotland, 345. His father’s death, 349. Interview with - his mother, 350. Base attempt, 352. Change of disposition, 354. - Extreme misery, 355. Extravagant conduct, 357. Elopement with a - young lady, 361. His dying moments, 362. Law of honour and men of - the world, 364. The seducer’s character further sketched, 366. - Sufferings of unhappy women, 370. Murder sometimes committed, 371. - The victim of seduction generally abandoned, 372. Notorious rakes - received and countenanced in society, 377. Prostitution an - inevitable consequence, 378. Waste of happiness, 380. Remedy - proposed by Doctor COLQUHOUN, examined, 386. State of morals in - Holland, Italy, and India, 388. - - - - - TWO VOYAGES - - TO - - NEW SOUTH WALES, - - _&c._ - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - ON TRANSPORTATION. - - -The frequency of capital punishment in this country has long excited a -general feeling of abhorrence, not merely from the removal of a -malefactor from the stage of life, but the distress produced in the -display of a scene relieving the unfortunate sufferer from worldly -troubles, yet leaving a too painful impression on the mind of the -spectator. There is a hallowed reverence thrown around the grave of even -the hardiest offender whose crimes have been expiated by his death. The -execution of his sentence protects not only against insult and -upbraiding, but also secures a degree of pity for his sad condition. But -when the Royal mercy, expunging the severe sentence of the law, and -obliterating the obnoxious record, bids the wretch to live and “sin no -more,” all the more pleasing ideas arising from seeing him restored to -society and alienated from crime, are indulged by the humane. Hence -arose a question of solicitude, whether the offender might not be made, -in all possible cases, some way useful to society, or at least have the -chance of effecting some expiation; thus securing to him the means of -amendment in this life, and the hope of future mercy by a sincere -repentance and sorrow for his past crimes. - -In the place of Death, the punishment of Transportation to remote lands -under the dominion of the British Government, at first to North America, -and subsequently to New South Wales, was adopted. To these places of -banishment all persons were sent whose sentence had been commuted from -death for transportation, as next in degree of severity in the criminal -code, which (in happy as absolute rejection of all barbarous refinement -in punishment) admitted no middle term between actual removal of the -offender in loss of life, and the political annihilation of all his -rights as a member of the state, for the term of his natural life, or a -determinate period, during which, consequently, his services were to be -useless but to the Crown or its assigns; and his condition, therefore, -and its comfort altogether independent of his own arbitrament and -volition. - -The convict was thus torn from every tie of relationship; and as even -the depraved have their kindred affinities and private affections -softened by some of the endearments of life, the separation rendered the -fulfilment of the sentence painful, and in this respect satisfied one -intention of the law. Indeed the very worst offender seems not so -divested of the character of humanity, but that the possession of life -is still held by some link of nature to him of strong association. - -The transport with which the condemned malefactor receives the reprieve -or the news of pardon, proves the estimation in which he holds life, not -more on his own account, than as it concerns his future hopes of -benefiting his children or relations. With what rapturous emotion must -the robber feel his bosom swell, when informed that his pardon was given -because the life of the person he had robbed was spared!—that because in -the career of his maddening plunder, whilst with one hand he grasped the -purse, and with the other the devoted throat of his unresisting victim, -a sudden thought of his own little ones flashed across his brain, and -made him cast away the deadly pistol!—Grateful for the extension of -life, one cannot but think he will carry with him in his exile a strong -tendency to amendment, and impress on the mind of other offenders that -sense of humanity which saved and opened to him so great a consolation. - -The original intention of disposing of convicts by transportation was -most likely to break off all existing connexions, and to estrange the -mind from all former associations, so as to render the prisoner as -abstracted as possible from every consideration but that of the -immediate duty or discipline imposed. The expense attending their -removal made it necessary that it should be repaid out of the convicts’ -labour; and every possible chance of a return before their time, and all -thought of home, or as much as could be, were carefully removed, that -their whole time should be given for the above purpose. The punishment -of exile had other terrors for the convicts themselves, which served to -render their banishment a temporary slavery. - -The ingenious Doctor Colquhoun gives the following on the origin of -_Transportation_: “Parliament authorized this species of punishment in -1718, when the general plan of sending convicts to the American -plantations was first adopted. This system continued for 56 years, -during which period, and until the commencement of the American war in -1775, great numbers of felons were sent chiefly to the province of -Maryland. The rigid discipline which the colonial laws authorized the -masters to exercise over servants, joined to the prospects which -agricultural pursuits, after some experience was acquired, afforded to -those _outcasts_, tended to reform the chief part; and after the -expiration of their servitude, they mingled in the society of the -country, under circumstances highly beneficial to themselves, and even -to the colony. Possessed in general (as every adroit thief must be) of -good natural abilities, they availed themselves of the habits of -industry they acquired in the years of their servitude; became farmers -and planters on their own account; and many of them succeeding in those -pursuits, not only acquired that degree of respectability which is -attached to property and industry, but also in their turn became -masters, and purchased the servitude of future transports sent out for -sale.” - -When the American revolution prevented the further transmission of -convicts to that country, the system of the _Hulks_ and _Houses of -Correction_ was substituted. However, from the increasing number of -delinquents, arising not only from the increase of vice but that of -population, that mode soon became inadequate to the augmented demands -for disposing of the prisoners, as of course to the enforcement of that -labour to which for their offences they had been sentenced. Plans were -then acted upon for building extensive prisons, penitentiaries, and -asylums for their reception: but the enormous expense and comparative -inefficacy of those establishments, which it appears were mostly -conducted in the old miserable mode of gaol discipline, the evils of -which became now universally acknowledged, soon raised loud complaints -against the system. - -The attention of Government, still directed to this necessary and -important relief of the community from those who would subvert its -comforts and security, caused the coast of Africa to be explored for a -fit situation for a colony: but that research proved fruitless, on -account of the unhealthiness of the climate, or hostility of the natives -of those situations which remained unoccupied by other European nations, -rendering it imprudent to risk an establishment in that country. The -discovery of the vast territory of New South Wales by Captain COOK in -1770 and 1777, opened a new field for disposing of those refractory -characters. The following is recorded by COLLINS as the commencement of -the present colony there: - -“The Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy, toward the end of the year -1786, advertised for a certain number of vessels to be taken up for the -purpose of conveying between seven and eight hundred male and female -felons to Botany Bay, in New South Wales, on the eastern coast of New -Holland, whither it had been determined by Government to transport them, -after having sought in vain upon the African coast for a situation -possessing the requisites for the establishment of a colony. - -“Six transports and three store-ships were accordingly engaged to convey -the persons designed to form the new settlement, with the stores and -provisions necessary for their use and consumption. Of the latter, -sufficient for two years were put on board; and among the former were -tools, implements of agriculture, and such other articles as were -considered necessary to a colonial establishment. - -“The government of the country was intrusted by His Majesty to Arthur -Phillip, Esq. a Post Captain in the service.—The convicts for whose -disposal this speculation was undertaken, consisted of 565 men and 192 -women; and every necessary arrangement having been made by the naval and -military commanders, which seemed best calculated to ensure a fortunate -termination to the voyage, on Sunday the 13th of May 1787, the little -fleet, which had previously collected at the Mother Bank, sailed with a -leading wind through the Needle passage, accompanied by the Hon. Captain -de Courcy in the Hyena frigate. - -“This expedition anchored in Botany Bay, after a voyage of eight months -and one week. The Governor employed a short time in examining, but had -not seen any spot to which some strong objection did not apply. If in -one place he met with a promising soil, it was deficient in that grand -essential, fresh water, and was besides too confined for their numbers. -He therefore determined on examining the adjacent harbours of Port -Jackson and Broken Bay, and for that purpose set off in three open boats -accompanied by some of the officers of the settlement. - -“The coast as he drew near Port Jackson wore a most unpromising -appearance, and the natives every where greeted the fleet with shouts of -defiance and prohibition, the words “Warra, warra,” Go away, go away, -resounding wherever they appeared. The Governor’s utmost expectation, as -he drew near the harbour, being to find what Captain Cook, as he passed -by it, thought might be found, shelter for a boat, he was most agreeably -surprised at discovering, on his entrance, a harbour capable of -affording security for a much larger fleet than would probably ever seek -shelter or security within its limits. - -“In one of the coves of this noble and capacious harbour, he determined -to fix the future seat of his government, it having been found to -possess a sufficiency of water and soil. Having completed his research -in three days, he returned to Botany Bay, and gave directions for an -immediate removal thence; a circumstance which gave general -satisfaction, as nothing had been discovered in that place which could -excite a wish to pass another day in it.” - -The place of settlement thus fixed on is the present town of Sydney, -which has since then increased in a very remarkable degree. In Van -Diemen’s Land, also under the jurisdiction of the Governor of New South -Wales, a similar establishment has been subsequently formed. Both these -colonies are increasing rapidly; moderate encouragement having been held -out to free settlers, and many of them have become highly prosperous -there: the convicts too, after the termination of their banishment, -having become accustomed to the country, and informed of its great -natural advantages, induced also by the fineness of the climate and the -luxuriance of its soil, have, rather than return home, determined to -become settlers,—and wisely so, as some of them are already in a very -thriving way. - -The original mode of transportation was, that merchants, or -agriculturists of property, might contract for the conveyance of the -convicts to their destination, under an act of parliament, removing them -to their estates in the colony; and appropriating to their own benefit -their services, they found their work in the plantations during the term -of their sentence an indemnification for the expenses incurred by their -voyage, clothing, and subsequent maintenance. - -It seems, however, that Government did not finally approve of contracts -made in this manner by private individuals, as the authority of such -persons, or its management, was found too weak to enforce proper -obedience, and secure from the evils of insubordination. Moreover, the -management of the convicts remaining exclusively in the hands of the -contractors, the convicts might, at the expiration of their time, -feeling themselves no longer restrained by their former task-masters, -have emancipated themselves with regard to their employers, and, if -opposed violently, have shaken off all submission to their jurisdiction. -Hence anarchy might ensue, and the bad disposition of the convicts would -then burst forth with increased violence, and the peaceable and -industrious settlers around be annoyed and plundered. Such incidents -have occurred in Van Diemen’s Land, where convicts, denominated -Bush-rangers, who had broken away from the restraint placed over them, -have for several years led a vagabond, marauding life, harassing and -plundering the peaceful colonists. - -On Government, therefore, would devolve, in consequence of the -feebleness or incapacity of private management, the unpleasant duty of -beginning the work of reformation over again, to reclaim the convicts -from their mad schemes, make them honest subjects, and thoroughly -obedient to the laws; or allow the laws again, in all the severity of -former measures, to visit them with summary punishment. - -In order to obviate this inconvenience, and to avoid the expenses which -under such circumstances must be thrown away, Government itself has -taken the contracts for transportation, and, from the superior national -resources, provides a more comfortable supply of necessaries and -accommodations than any which could have been obtained under the former -arrangement. - -After the sentence of the law has been fulfilled in the colony, those -who remain are still amenable of course to the authority of the local -Government. During their servitude, care is taken to promote their -habits of industry, if they have acquired or shown any such; and, -particularly if they manifest an improvement in moral character, and -conduct themselves with propriety, every facility is afforded them to -become settlers, and useful members of the colony; or, if they be -desirous of returning to Europe, a passage home is readily permitted, -but at their own expense, and a certificate granted descriptive of -character during the term of transportation. - -Lately this benignant purpose has been carried further; for, if the -father of a family have had the misfortune to fall under the frowns of -justice, and should his conduct subsequently in New South Wales merit -the approbation of the Governor, he will obtain His Excellency’s -recommendation, and is sure of being favoured with an order from the -Government at home for his wife and children to go out to him in that -country, where in a short time they have been known to form comfortable -and prosperous establishments. A very liberal provision is made for the -free women and children during the voyage, for which no charge whatever -is made against them, or their father, on the part of the Government. - -The inducements to form a settlement in New South Wales are so numerous, -and the advantages so great and inviting, particularly to laborious -industry, that numbers have applied for the sanction of Government to be -sent out to that country; but, having no apparent sufficient funds, have -been refused, on account of the great length of the voyage, and the -necessary and unavoidable expense. It is however well known, and the -fact has been ascertained beyond question, that many instances have -occurred of persons, so refused, having afterwards committed some -offence which subjected them to transportation, and thus effected their -purpose at the expense of the Government. - -The liberality with which convicts destined for transportation are -clothed and victualled for the voyage, now usually of four months -duration, is highly deserving of praise, many of the persons so -circumstanced, or rather the majority of them, living more comfortably, -by many degrees, during that period, than they had been used to do for -many years before. Although, according to the present regulations, they -unfortunately have nothing in the way of employment to occupy their time -on the way out; still as the greatest care is taken of their health, at -the same time that they are abundantly fed, they generally look well, -and are in perfect health, by the period of their arrival, and fully -capable of proceeding to any work without delay. - -As the public may not, perhaps, be generally informed of the minor -particulars of the preparations and reception of convicts, and the -outfit necessary for the voyage, it may not be deemed out of place to -set forth here the comforts provided for them during their conveyance to -New South Wales or Van Diemen’s Land. Every convict received on board -the ship which is to convey the number determined by Government for -transportation, is provided with one suit of clothes and a change of -linen, besides a flock bed, pillow, and blanket; and the following -weekly supply of provisions is regularly served out to a mess of six -persons in each. - - - _Plan of Rations for each Mess per Week._ - - ┌─────────┬─────┬─────┬────┬────┬──────┬────┬────┬────┬──────┬──────┬────┐ - │ Days of │Bread│Flour│Beef│Pork│ Peas │But-│Rice│Suet│ Rai- │Oat^l.│Sug-│ - │the week.│lbs. │lbs. │lbs.│lbs.│pints.│ter │ozs.│lbs.│s^{ns}│pints.│ ar │ - │ │ │ │ │ │ │lbs.│ │ │ lbs. │ │oz. │ - ├───────┬─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤ - │Sunday │1│ 4│ 4│ 8│ │ │ │ │ ½│ 1│ │ │ - ├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤ - │Monday │2│ 4│ │ │ │ 3│ ½│ 4│ │ │ 2│ 2│ - ├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤ - │Tuesday│3│ 4│ 4│ │ │ │ │ │ ½│ 1│ │ │ - ├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤ - │Wednes-│4│ 4│ │ │ 6│ 3│ ½│ │ │ │ │ │ - │day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - ├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤ - │Thurs- │5│ 4│ 4│ │ │ │ │ │ ½│ 1│ 2│ │ - │day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - ├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤ - │Friday │6│ 4│ │ 8│ │ 3│ ½│ │ │ │ │ │ - ├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤ - │Satur- │7│ 4│ │ │ │ 3│ │ 4│ │ │ 2│ 2│ - │day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - ├───────┴─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤ - │ Total │ 28│ 12│ 16│ 6│ 12│ 1½│ 8│ 1½│ 3│ 6│ 4│ - └─────────┴─────┴─────┴────┴────┴──────┴────┴────┴────┴──────┴──────┴────┘ - -Besides the above liberal allowance, there is a further issue, each -week, of one quart of vinegar to each mess, and after the ship has been -at sea three or four weeks, one ounce of lemon juice and an equal -quantity of sugar is also to be issued to each convict daily. The period -for which it has been usual to put the provisions on board the transport -ships has been eight months; besides this, each convict is allowed one -hundred and twenty gallons of water, and two gallons of wine, the latter -to be distributed specially at the Surgeon’s discretion, and under his -immediate superintendence. The women are allowed wine in the same -proportion as the men convicts, and subject to the same restriction in -its use: they have also a like proportion of provisions, with an -addition of three pounds of muscovado sugar, and half a pound of black -tea, per week, for each mess of six women. - -When fresh beef is issued, one pound is equal to a pound of salt beef, -and one pound and a half of fresh beef to one pound of pork. If -vegetables are supplied on pork days, then no peas are to be issued; but -if not, the peas are to be served. There can be no mistake as to the -correctness of this statement, as it is copied from the printed document -called the Victualling Scheme, which is addressed to the Master of the -Convict Ship from the Transport Office, Deptford, regularly before the -voyage is begun. - -The sleeping place assigned the convicts is within that part of the ship -called the prison, taking the whole space of the ship between decks, -except the necessary accommodation for the Master, Officers, and Seamen, -expressly fitted up for their reception: it is divided into, what in -sea-phrase are termed, _births_, each to contain four persons, for which -purpose, whatever has been represented, it is sufficiently roomy. The -bedding is carefully brought upon deck every morning to be aired, when -the weather will permit, and is stowed regularly for that purpose in the -netting, where it may be kept dry, should any rain unexpectedly fall. - -Besides the suit of clothes given to each prisoner on coming aboard, -another is provided, which is intended to be given them on landing at -their place of destination: this, as well as the former, is of a uniform -fashion and colour, to distinguish them from the free settlers, and to -render them easily recognisable by the police. It should be also -mentioned, that the free women sent out to join their husbands, are -allowed two thirds of a seaman’s ration _per diem_, and the children one -half the women’s allowance. - -There is, besides the ample stock of provisions, a liberal supply of -extra stores shipped at the same time, for the use and accommodation of -the convicts, and also for such as may become sick during the voyage. -As, however, the quantity of these articles is not always the same, -varying in each ship according to the number of prisoners on board, I -shall submit for full satisfaction a list of such as came under my own -observation, as a proportionate view of the manner in which the extra -supply is generally made. The following is a correct copy of the list of -extra stores and necessaries allowed on board the _Neptune_, in which -ship I was surgeon and superintendent in 1817, and is an undeniable -proof of the humane concern Government takes in the welfare of those -unfortunate persons. - -[Sidenote: _Navy Office, - 28th Nov. 1817._] - - A List of Stores shipped on board the Neptune Convict Ship, Robert - Carns Master, for the use of 170 male convicts, guard and - passengers, during their voyage to New South Wales. And of - clothing for the use of the convicts upon their arrival at the - colony. - - - _Articles of Comfort for Use during the Voyage._ - - Mustard, 170 lbs.: Soap, 510: combs, 31 large, 31 small, No. 62: - razors, 10: hone, 1: strop, 1: preserved meats, 476 lbs., value - 42_l._ 10_s._: lemon juice, 242 gallons: sugar to mix with it, - 1,939 lbs. - - - _Articles in case of Sickness._ - - Tea, 34 lbs.: sugar, 170: chocolate, 10: sago, 20: Scotch barley, - 340: ginger, 1: black pepper, 3: allspice, 6: red port wine, 102 - bottles: rice, 24 lbs.: pearl barley, 24. - - - _Fumigating Articles._ - - Tar, 1 barrel: crude brimstone, 60 lbs.: vinegar, 60 gallons: - fumigating lamps, 2: extra wicks, 2 boxes: oil, 4 gallons: oil of - tar, 10. - - - _Hospital Furniture._ - - Duck frocks, 10: flannel trowsers, 10 pairs: flannel waistcoats, - 10: cotton hose, ——: pocket-handkerchiefs, 20: night-caps, 20: - towels, 20: sheets, 34: calico pillow-cases, 34: pewter pans, 2: - urinals, 2: spitting-pots, 2: pans and buckets, of each 2: tin - teakettles, 4: tin saucepans, of sorts, 10: tin japanned drinking - mugs, 20: knives and forks, 20 of each: water purifier, 1: - charcoal, 20 bushels: bathing tub, 1: airing stove, ventilating, - and swing, each 1: pails 4: kegs (three gallon), 28: spare - bedding, 17 sets. - - - _Clothing for the Use of the Convicts on their Arrival._ - - Yellow kersey jackets, 170: waistcoats, 170: raven duck trowsers, - 170 pairs: for use during voyage, 170: shirts, 510: stockings, 340 - pairs: shoes, 170: woollen caps, 170: and neck-handkerchiefs, 170. - - In addition to the above, 2 cots were also supplied in case of - fractured limbs, besides a proper stock of medicines from the - Apothecaries’ Hall. - - The extra articles furnished for the female convicts on board the - _Morley_ in the last voyage, and for the free women and children - embarked at the same time were as follow. - -[Sidenote: _Navy Office, - Transport Department, - 20th April 1820._] - - A List of Stores shipped on board the Morley Convict Ship, Robert - Brown Master, for the use of 120 female convicts, passengers, and - 50 children, during their voyage to New South Wales, or Van - Diemen’s Land, and of clothing for the use of the convicts upon - their arrival at the colony. - - - _Articles of Comfort for Use during the Voyage._ - - Mustard, 157 lbs.: soap, 785: combs, large and small, of each 22: - needles, 1,200: scissors, 12 pairs: moist sugar, 2,072 lbs.: - souchong, 452: preserved meats, 439 and 10 ounces: lemon juice, - 252 gallons: sugar to mix with it, 1,792 lbs.: white thread, 12: - coloured thread, 12: towels, 240. - - - _Articles in case of Sickness._ - - Tea, 31 lbs.: sugar, 157: chocolate 9½: sago, 18: Scotch barley, - 314: ginger, ¾: allspice, 6: black pepper, 3: red port wine, 94 - bottles. - - - _Hospital Furniture._ - - Calico bed-gowns, 8: petticoats, 8: cotton hose, 15 pairs: linen - pocket-handkerchiefs, 15: night-caps, 15: towels, 15: linen - sheets, 12 pairs: pillow-cases, 24: pewter pans and urinals, of - each 2:, and bucket, of each 2: spitting-pots, 2: tin saucepans, - 2: teakettles, 2: ditto to serve as teapots, 21: knives and forks, - 15 of each: bathing tub, 1: water purifier, 1: childbed linen, 12 - sets: charcoal, 20 bushels: water pails, 3: airing stove, 1: half - pint tin japanned mugs, 120: swing stove, 1: spare beds, 12: - kegs[2] (three gallons), 27. - - - _Clothing for the Use of the Convicts upon their Arrival._ - - Brown serge jackets, 120: petticoats, 120: linen shifts, 240: - linen caps, 120: stockings, 120 pairs: shoes, 120 pairs: - neck-handkerchiefs, 120: beds complete, 170: cots, 4: hammocks - slung, 6. - - - _Clothing for 17 Male Children._ - - Blue kersey jackets, 17: waistcoats, 17: raven duck trowsers, 17 - pairs: shirts, 51: stockings, 34 pairs: woollen caps, 17: - neck-handkerchiefs, 17: shoes, 17 pairs. - - - _Clothing for 33 Female Children._ - - Brown serge jackets, 33: petticoats, 33: linen shifts, 66: linen - caps, 33: stockings, 33 pairs: shoes, 33: neck-handkerchiefs, 33. - - - _Books._ - - New Testaments, 33: prayer books, 46: psalters, 46: Bibles[3], 12: - manuals of instruction and devotion for the use of the prisoners, - 11. - -The above ample and truly liberal supply of provisions and extra -articles for the use of the convicts is well worthy of notice, as it is -fully equal to every want to which they are liable; and the minute -particulars are attended to with a concern highly laudable to the -directors of this supply. Indeed, many persons emigrating to distant -countries would consider themselves exceedingly at ease were they -individually as well circumstanced, though driven by the pressure or -dread of domestic distress to seek relief far from their early homes, -with an honest name, and unreproving conscience, yet supplied with -accommodations infinitely short of those thought necessary in providing -for the transmission of the idle, dissolute and criminal, branded with -infamy and crime for which they are driven from society. - -The land forces sent to guard the convicts have a daily allowance of -spirits, but are not so well provided for as the prisoners in respect of -several extra articles served to the prisoners, though the use of -spirits on the voyage (an allowance certainly contributing to no good -purpose whatever, and productive of very serious bad consequences, -particularly as the quantity issued is too great by one half, allowing -even of so unnecessary an indulgence) is happily not suffered to the -convicts. The wives of soldiers also, and their children, have a -proportionate ration of this baneful liquid, which over their weaker -minds may be said to exert a most dangerous influence, injurious to -their health and morals, and subversive of good order. - -Although the matter be not immediately, it is remotely and intimately -connected with the subject of transportation. I shall therefore place it -here, to show how generously convicts fare comparatively with others. At -the same time I am anxious that nothing advanced in this comparison may -prove injurious to the unfortunate exile, who is lying at the mercy of -that power which directs his removal to a new world, and an almost new -state of existence, nor withdraw from him a tittle of that bountiful -support he now enjoys. - - “Rules to be observed by Masters and Commanders of His Majesty’s - hired Transports, in victualling Land Forces. - - - _Six Soldiers’, or four Seamen’s Allowance for every Day in the - Week._ - - ┌───────┬──────┬─────┬──────┬──────┬──────┬──────┬───────┬───────┬─────┐ - │Days of│Bread:│Beer,│Beef: │Pork: │Peas: │ Oat- │Butter:│Cheese:│Vine-│ - │the │ lbs. │gal- │pieces│pieces│pints.│meal: │ lbs. │ lbs. │gar. │ - │week. │ │lons:│ of 8 │ of 4 │ │pints.│ │ │ │ - │ │ │ or │ lbs. │ lbs. │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │half │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │pint │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │spir-│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │its: │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ or │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │pints│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │wine.│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - ├───────┼──────┼─────┼──────┼──────┼──────┼──────┼───────┼───────┼─────┤ - │Sunday │ 4 │ 4 │ │ 1 │ 2 │ │ │ │ One │ - │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │Monday │ 4 │ 4 │ │ │ │ 4 │ ½ │ 1 │quart│ - │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │Tuesday│ 4 │ 4 │ │ │ │ │ │ │ in │ - │ │ │ │——————│ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │Wednes-│ 4 │ 4 │ 1 │ │ 2 │ 4 │ ½ │ 1 │ a │ - │day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │ or 6 │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │ lbs. │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │ of │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │Thurs- │ 4 │ 4 │flour,│ 1 │ 2 │ │ │ │week.│ - │day │ │ │½ lb. │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │ of │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │suet, │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │ & 1 │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │ lb. │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │Friday │ 4 │ 4 │ of │ │ 2 │ 4 │ ½ │ 1 │ │ - │ │ │ │rais- │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │ ins. │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │ │ │ │——————│ │ │ │ │ │ │ - │Satur- │ 4 │ 4 │1 or as above│ │ │ │ │ │ - │day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ - └───────┴──────┴─────┴─────────────┴──────┴──────┴───────┴───────┴─────┘ - - “The above are to be served out by full weights and measures. - - “When flour, suet, and raisins are put on board, they are to be - served in equal proportion with beef, viz. one half in beef, the - other in flour, suet, and raisins, on each beef day. - - “Half a pound of rice is equal to a pint of oatmeal; half a pound - of sugar is equal to half a pound of butter, and a pint of rice is - equal to a pound of cheese; a pint of oil is equal to 1 pound of - butter, or to two pounds of cheese, that is, a pint of oil for the - proportion of butter and cheese. - - “A pint of wine, or half a pint of brandy, rum or arrack, is equal - to a gallon of beer. - - “One pound of fresh beef is equal to one pound of salt beef, and - one pound and a half of fresh beef equal to one pound of pork.” - -The seamen above alluded to, to whom the rations of the convict guard -are proportioned, are those serving on board His Majesty’s ships and -vessels of war. All that long list of extra comforts, before mentioned, -to which convicts by their regulations are entitled, are in the case of -the soldiers entirely withheld; for which reason, and indeed for a great -many others, the situation of the prisoners is much more comfortable -than that of their guard. Of this superiority in point of living, -considering the casualties and uncertainty of supply many of them had -formerly experienced, most of them express usually a strong regret at -the termination of their voyage, persuaded that few situations on shore -could equal the comfort they had enjoyed on board. When, after the -boisterous stir of stormy passion has subsided, and that religious and -moral instruction have stifled the last gasp of the insidious serpent -which would whisper them back again to sin and wickedness, this -expression of regret, as I have known it from the people on board the -Neptune, is infinitely more strong, and the sense of separation from the -favourite scene of their reformation more acute. - -Many circumstances connected with the present system of transportation -appear, in my opinion, so much deserving of attention, that it may be -allowed to introduce them here, in a cursory manner, leaving their -elucidation to the progress of incident, during the voyage to which they -belong. - -In the first instance I consider the situation of juvenile offenders, -under the present regulations on board of male convict ships, as less -fitly directed than their peculiar circumstances require. This is, that -a portion of the prison be set apart for them, and confined so as to -prevent any intercourse between them and the men. The reasons advanced -in favour of this separation seemed to me at first view so plausible, -that I unhesitatingly gave the measure my warm approbation. It has -fallen to me, however, to witness its pernicious effects, and to know -that nothing can be contrived to injure them more both in health and -morals, than that very regulation; that, so far from being corrupted by -an intercourse with the men, they are more likely to be checked and -improved by their society. With this conviction on my mind, I would, in -all deference to superior authority, presume to advise that on board a -male convict ship there should be no separate prison for boys. - -Any person acquainted with the general depravity which characterizes -most of the boys who are banished after a few months confinement in -prison, will not hesitate to acknowledge that they are usually more -corrupt and vicious than many of the grown up, and display traits of -acuteness and refinement in knavery sufficient to astonish older adepts. -These boys in general are very deeply conversant with immorality and -turpitude; and the boys on board the Neptune, according to information I -received which left no room for doubt, exhibited this disposition in a -manner at once shocking to delicacy, and subversive of every principle -of virtue. - -Taking advantage of the separation, they indulged in certain wicked -practices, and from the privacy thus secured to them, they became every -day more and more prevalent, and, had the matter not been discovered in -proper time, would have ended in the inevitable destruction of the -unfortunate youths. In this critical moment I had the separating bars -pulled down immediately, and threw both the prisons into one. I thought -it a further necessary proceeding to break up the boys’ messes, which -before were distinct, and divide them among the messes of the men; all -which was done without apprizing any of them of my knowledge of the -disgusting cause. One of the most steady members of each mess was -instructed to have a sharp look-out after his young companion, and let -me know the most minute particulars of his conduct. - -In this manner a visible change was soon effected, which was further -improved by separating them still more from each other, placing them to -sleep, one in each of the men’s berths, sending some men at the same -time to sleep in their places with those who remained in that part which -before was the boys’ prison. Although this cautionary proceeding -effectually put an end to the odious practice which first drew my -attention to the particular state of the boys, still the work remained -in my mind far from being accomplished. - -The seeds of vice having once taken root are not easily removed; some of -the fibres will still remain, and the tares and weeds will again and -again, we know, spring forth and disfigure the best of soils. I made the -theatre of their wickedness a place for their reformation. Having formed -all the boys into a school, I obtained a number of Bibles and -Testaments, there being no other books of any kind on board fit for the -purpose, and with these I tried to ascertain how many of them could -read. To my utter amazement, I found that of all these boys, who were so -ripe in knavery and fraud, and were ready and fluent in their own forms -of speech, and were of course totally ignorant of the contents of the -sacred volumes, because not able to read a syllable of their contents, -few of them could distinguish the letters of the alphabet. - -One of the elder convicts, whose conduct had secured my approbation, was -selected to be their schoolmaster, and by his patient perseverance they -were soon brought surprisingly forward. I encouraged them by -representing the great advantages they would derive from application; -and had the pleasure of seeing them all eagerly engaged in one of the -roads at least to religion and virtue. In this gratifying scene I took -particular interest, and made it an uniform practice to set apart an -hour each day from professional engagements personally to instruct them. - -Many advantages were thus obtained by finding sufficient employment for -the greater part of their time; while, from the nature of the subject -which they were engaged to study, they became regularly acquainted with -moral and religious truths. By this simple proceeding, also, these boys’ -minds became every day more enlightened, and a visible change for the -better in every respect grew more evident, until at the end of the -voyage I had the high satisfaction of seeing them, as far as general -conduct went, considerably if not completely reformed; their vicious -habits appearing quite subdued, and the greater number able to read the -Scriptures correctly and fluently. They had also the advantage of taking -with them to their new modes of life, a knowledge at least of reading -well, which could not fail in some way or other to promote their future -welfare. - -Nothing is more hurtful, it is well known, to the human mind than -idleness; it is at variance with every good and noble purpose, depriving -the most highly gifted of their natural energy, and derogating more -almost than any other vice from the dignity of our nature. The most -intelligent and active becomes under its drowsy power feeble, and in -time brutalized: the brightest portion of intellectual fire which has -risen from the bidding of benignant Deity, becomes dim, and dwindles in -its damping medium. If then the loftier faculties of the soul lose their -fine tone and tension when paralysed by this humiliating influence, how -easily must the vulgar and selfish fall supine and unresisting to its -mandates! Involved in habits tending chiefly to the gratifications of -sense, the uneducated and thoroughly depraved relish nothing which does -not pamper their passions, insensible as the swine in the mire of -sensuality into which they plunge, rarely to rise again. The habits and -scenes familiar to life in common society generally form the subjects of -pleasing reflection or agreeable conversation: it is natural to the -memory actively on all occasions to bring up its brightest stores to -divert the passing hour of contemplation or association. What with -virtuous minds is thus conducive to the advance of virtue, becomes in -those of vicious life and disposition a source of further mischief. - -A voyage of four months, for instance, is to be taken by a number of -convicts; its effects will vary undoubtedly in age, sex, and moral -character. During that period, what are one hundred and seventy, or two -hundred persons to do? The authority which dismisses to exile, takes -certainly a generous concern for their bodily health, and no pains are -spared to prevent them from feeling any want. Yet the most essential -part of economical polity, _employment_, belongs not to the system, and -is without consideration. Without that simple adjunct, one which most -obviously should suggest itself to the present regulations in the -transmission of convicts to New South Wales, the prisoners must during -the voyage become subject to sickness, or sink a degree deeper in -depravity. - -That this result is uniformly anticipated I have very little reason to -doubt; rather I might say I have very good proofs to establish my belief -that such an opinion prevails amongst many who derive their information -from the highest intelligence existing on the subject. It is not -therefore matter of surprise, that such persons should deride, or rather -disbelieve, the possibility of those degraded beings ever being saved -from the evils of their lot, and becoming better than before. - -It would doubtless be gratifying to those to direct at once the removal -of the evil of idleness, in devising and devoting the vacant hours of -the convicts to useful employment during the period of the voyage. I say -useful, for if the employment be of a nugatory character, the prisoners -will feel no desire to proceed with it: indeed the object might be -considerably promoted, were the work of such a nature as to give them a -personal concern in the execution by allowing them a small interest in -the profits. - -It must be confessed that the difficulty of finding proper employment -during a voyage of about four or five months may in some degree occasion -embarrassment. The greater number of those who are subjected to -transportation are of the working class, and many of them have at one -time or other of their lives exercised some mechanical art, which may -perhaps be resumed with ease. All then who are acquainted with sedentary -trades, might, one would think, be properly so employed, and also -instruct others at the work, or such parts of it in which their -assistance might be rendered useful. - -When a man finds himself restored to the exercise of accustomed -employment, his cheerfulness, we find, returns, and his captivity sits -more lightly. Such a man will become of himself orderly in his conduct, -and exert himself to keep others so. The alarm about prisoners rising -upon their guards will be as problematical in theory, as it is now in -reality; making persons of weak mind and _hobgoblin_ imagination -miserable at the bare mention of its possibility. In fact, convicts so -circumstanced can never be guilty of an action so truly foolish in its -intent, and fruitless and absurd in its proposed advantages. They will -have time for reflection, thus best excited and promoted in such -characters, on the futility of their former designs, and on the just -value of blessings enjoyed in the good effects arising from obedience -and implicit observance of the regulations by which they are governed. - -Feeling themselves treated with moderation and humanity, and that their -lives are preserved to them for rational and useful purposes, they will -maintain a respect for themselves, and take care to avoid reproof, which -to men enduring disgrace, and therefore ever testy and impatient, ought -to be applied as seldom as possible. Let them be made sensible that -their own welfare is solely in view, and they will listen cheerfully to -the voice of authority, and knowing that in the moral and religious -truths inculcated their peace of mind and future happiness are intended, -they will turn an attentive ear to instruction. - -They will evince their gratitude for such care by submission and -deference to every command, and the transition from that state of mind -to attachment is more easy, and its results more permanent, than may be -supposed. Let not this be considered illusory, or the offspring merely -of imagination; for I have proved it, and refer in affirmation of the -above result confidently to the narrative of the voyage in the Neptune -as extracted from the journal of daily occurrences. Of this termination -of well applied measures in the management of convicts during their -transmission to the colonies, am I so fully assured, that I would not -hesitate to commit myself in a ship manned by _convicts only_, and, -provided they understood the management of the vessel, with confidence -trust to their conducting her safely without other assistance to Port -Jackson. - -A good deal has been advanced against intrusting mechanics with the -implements of their trades for the purpose of employment. Establish but -once the orderly conduct which is so easy of accomplishment; attach the -people by the ties of gratitude, of their susceptibility of which -satisfactory proofs will be given; take a prudent care that your -confidence in them will be felt, and the most timorous need not -hesitate, I affirm, to allow them the free use of their tools, and -permit the full exercise of their trades. - -The aptitude which boys usually display may also be usefully turned to -account, and by instructing and having them to work in the interval -between the hours of school, they can be made industrious, and harmless -at least on the voyage outwards, and may afterwards follow on shore the -trades they may have learned on board the ship. At all events, what can -be objected to the experiment being fairly tried of employing the -convicts during their voyage to New South Wales, as to the success of -which I entertain no doubt? - -The remarks which suit the condition of male convicts may apply with -equal, if not with greater force to that of females. The happy effects -of the memorable results produced by the LADIES’ COMMITTEE in Newgate, -are so fully corroborative of this advantage of employment over -idleness, that it must appear superfluous to detail the proceedings of -that benevolent association, of which satisfactory evidence has already -been made known. - -As, however, there was provided no stock of materials with which the -women on board the Morley could apply the industry they had exercised in -Newgate, no preparations being contemplated, by the regulations, for any -sort of employment, the voyage would have been rendered extremely -irksome and injurious both to their moral principles and health, as -consequent upon relaxed habits, if they had been supposed wholly to -remain idle. - -Fortunately the benevolent watchfulness of the Committee foresaw this -inconvenience, and in a considerable degree provided against it by -sending on board a supply of straw materials for bonnets, hats, and the -like, and other things calculated to employ their time, to which the -closest attention has been occasionally given. Many other of the -prisoners, whose circumstances could afford it, had provided themselves -with unmade dresses, and these afforded work to fill up many otherwise -more tedious hours. - -The beneficial effects would undoubtedly be more obvious, were full work -marked out for them with materials provided before the voyage; for -instance, linen and cotton yarn for stockings, which, to prevent any -imposition, could be weighed out to the workers, and the manufactured -article, which is always certain of sale, weighed in the same manner -when returned. Numerous contrivances of the same kind could be -suggested, all productive of much advantage to the prisoners, while the -wrought goods could be brought to a ready and profitable market, so as -to suffer no loss in the application of the raw materials. - -As my aim is solely practical improvement in the condition of these -unfortunate persons, I would not have a moment lost in setting them, -young and old, to some sort of employment, and turning their time to -useful account. With this view, and in direct compliance with the -suggestions and co-operation of Mrs. FRY, a school was established on -board the Morley for all the children, as well belonging to the convicts -as to the free women; and one of the latter, whose qualifications -recommended her to the approval of the Committee, by whom she was -employed and remunerated, undertook to instruct them, male and female, -in reading and a knowledge of the Scriptures. In the course of the -following remarks, the progress of the children in their school -business, and other improvements, will not pass unobserved. - -By these regulations a saving might be made as to the colonial -expenditure, inasmuch as the convicts, by following their different arts -with industry, some those they had long known previously to their -misfortunes, and others such as they had acquired during their voyage, -or in the time of their preceding confinement, might provide abundantly -for themselves. They would therefore be less burdensome to the local -government, and the improvements they will thus necessarily have made in -morality, will ensure a peaceful and steady demeanour; nor is it -extravagant to assert, that men and women so treated and instructed, -will continue long sensible of the advantages they have derived from -such a rational and judicious management, reflected in exemplary and -generally correct conduct. There may be one or more still found -disorderly; but upon the whole the best results may with perfect -confidence be anticipated. - ------ - -Footnote 2: - - It has been hitherto the custom to withhold these from the female - convict ships. - -Footnote 3: - - There ought to be at least one Bible for each mess. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - VOYAGE IN THE NEPTUNE. - - -On being appointed Surgeon and Superintendent on board the Neptune, Male -Convict Ship, in 1817, I was anxious to avail myself of the opportunity -which appeared favourable for forming a correct opinion on the actual -state of that duty, and its concerns. It appeared the more necessary -that I should come to a just understanding of the influence which the -moral principle held over the prisoners’ minds, as on that I intended to -ground my future proceedings. A brief summary of the crimes marked -against the names of those prisoners committed to my care, extracted -from the list which accompanied them on board, and on which I made my -private observations, is subjoined for the satisfaction of the reader; -and the accuracy of the statement may be relied on, as it came to me -officially notified. - -The punishment of transportation for life, undoubtedly severe, yet less -so, one gladly allows, than that absolute forfeiture of life which the -existing laws demand, affords a melancholy picture of human depravity, -and the lamentable prevalence of crime, which makes its frequent -recurrence necessary, the convicts transported for life being actually -one half, it will be seen, of the entire number in this instance sent -out of the country. The major part of that number most probably were -respited from capital punishment by the royal clemency, or owe their -lives to the compassion of the Juries that tried them. - - - _List of the Crimes of the Male Convicts per the Neptune, 1817._ - - Convicts. - Forgery 8 - Housebreaking 6 - Robbery in a dwelling house 3 - Stealing in a dwelling house 10 - Burglary 28 - Highway robbery 7 - Horse stealing 8 - Felony 44 - Sheep stealing 7 - Cow stealing 1 - Frame breaking 1 - Desertion 2 - Assault and robbery 1 - Having forged notes 6 - Stealing from a person 1 - Stealing—various small thefts 17 - Grand larceny 10 - Larceny 1 - Capital respite (one of these an infidel) 6 - Obtaining goods by false pretences 1 - Breaking out of prison 1 - Aiding in ditto 1 - ——— - Total 170 - ——— - -The enormity of the offences, of which these men had been found guilty, -may be estimated by a glance to the punishments annexed to their names. - - Convicts. - Transported for life 85 - Transported for fourteen years 33 - Transported for seven years 52 - ——— - Total 170 - ——— - -The different offences with which they had been charged, and for which -they were sentenced, were less a criterion, perhaps, than a report of -characters with which they came accompanied from the Hulks, whence they -were shipped for transportation. Of these the following is a concise -view, being an abstract of the Report then given. - - - _Abstract View of Convicts as to Character._ - - Convicts. - Bad character 34 - Old offenders 17 - Good 1 - Very bad character 10 - Orderly 43 - Very orderly 2 - Indifferent 4 - An infidel 1 - New prisoners not reported on, transported for life 24 - New prisoners not reported on, transported for 14 years 10 - Transported before 6 - Second sentence, orderly 6 - Belonging to a gang, bad 2 - Old thief, orderly 1 - Noted pickpockets, behaved well 5 - Behaved very well, convicts for felony 4 - ——— - Total 170 - ——— - -These were the materials on which a system of amendment was to be tried; -and it must be confessed that when every circumstance was considered, -the task could not but be deemed repugnant. A general character of -violence and desperate daring had long been identified with the inmates -of prisons; and here were presented crimes of a description not likely -to remove such an unfavourable impression. - -The opinion universally prevailing for many years of the irreclaimable -state of convicts, both male and female, rendered the superintendence of -them on board the vessels which conveyed them to the colony, in every -respect a heartless undertaking, if any thing like reform were had in -contemplation. If at any time an experiment to that effect had been -made, its failure only contributed to make a renewal of the attempt -useless, or even mischievous; for the depraved, watchful of failure in -the endeavours to restrain their bad passions, rarely abstain from -enjoying it as a victory and converting it to wicked purposes. - -For many reasons, therefore, that situation was looked upon as one of -extreme difficulty, and in many instances of hazard. The convicts were -on this account treated as irrational beings; in dens like wild beasts; -like them fed and kept in the closest restraint consistent with their -health. The conduct of the prisoners in general seemed to justify severe -measures of precaution and confinement. Many accounts of their having -made attempts to regain their liberty; rising on their guards; and -endeavouring to take possession of the ship, for the purpose of -proceeding to a port remote from their place of destination, had been in -circulation; but in no instance have any of those daring enterprises -even in part succeeded, except in one which occurred about the beginning -of 1798. - -At that time the system of transportation, it appears, was not so well -organized as at present; for when a ship had been taken up for female -convicts, if the proper number were not ready, the vacant portion was -filled with male convicts to be secured in a separate prison. The _Lady -Shore_ was engaged as a convict transport on such an occasion, and the -consequences of placing male and female prisoners in the same ship -unfortunately became evident, although the number of women was -inconsiderable. In the course of the voyage an illicit intercourse had -taken place between the female convicts and the sailors, of which it -seems the male convicts, together with the recruits for the New South -Wales corps which were on board, took advantage, by making the women -induce the sailors to assist them in taking the ship. - -The plan was so well laid that the design was not at all suspected, -until one night, when the sailors had liberated the prisoners both male -and female, and were joined by the recruits, a general mutinous rising -took place. The commander and his first mate were murdered; and the -ship, containing, besides the public stores, a great deal of private -property, (which was a heavy loss to the colony,) was taken and carried -away to the river _La Plata_, where she was delivered up to the -Spaniards. The prisoners, however, I believe, most of them, were -afterwards sent again in pursuance of their sentence. - -Even when in any attempts of such a nature the convicts have been -disappointed, their plans being detected before they were ripe for -execution, their licentious and abandoned conduct still frequently -continued to excite alarm, and to keep the guards on constant and -harassing duty. The various artifices to which some of those desperate -and dangerous characters had recourse, if detailed, would run to great -length; but it is sufficient merely to mention the above incident, to -show that the conveyance of convicts to the colonies is an undertaking -not free from care and anxiety. - -Instances too have been mentioned, in which some have risen _en masse_ -in female convict ships, to commit personal violence on the surgeon -superintendent for the restraint which his sense of duty compelled him -to impose. In one of those it became necessary for the surgeon to carry -pistols for his defence, in consequence of an attack meditated against -him by the women, who had provided themselves with sharpened knives for -the purpose of performing a surgical operation of a very unpleasant -nature, which would have entailed upon the gentleman the most dangerous -and melancholy consequences. In other cases the conduct of the abandoned -women has been so unmanageable, that it was deemed necessary, as in the -instance of the ship _Janus_ at Cork in 1819, to require a military -guard to keep them in subordination and security. In fact, the -undertaking has been ever attended with circumstances which made the -duty at all times extremely repulsive, and rendered this branch of the -public service disagreeable and irksome. - -Being fully aware of these circumstances, it became necessary for me to -act upon some method of treating the convicts committed to my charge, so -as to obviate as much as might be disorders generally prevailing during -the voyage; and, by establishing an undeviating order, if possible, in -their management, prepare their minds for that moral change which was -materially in view. - -In the present state of their feelings, humbled in some degree by shame, -and the comparative misery brought upon them by their own folly and -unrestrained passions; when reflection on their degraded state bitterly -and poignantly occupied all their serious moments; there appeared then -the most favourable occasion to draw them back to a sense of virtue, -which, although it might have been long banished from the breasts of -some, the example of others more awake to its influence might assist in -reviving. To excite a feeling of repentance, was the first step: this -once gained would lead to a train of sober reflections; for no heart can -be so thoroughly corrupt as not to exhibit some pure spot for virtuous -reflection to take root, and produce its salutary blossoms. - -It is not when the feverish glow of successful plunder excites the -bacchanalian roar around the fell-grouped table, that the wholesome -intrusion of the still small voice of conscience can reach the ear; when -the drunken participators of his crime inflame the vulgar vanity of the -intemperate wretch, and some vile _Thais_ intoxicates him with passion. -Vain would be the effort to reclaim the infuriated savage at such a time -as that. But when the dark cell of the prison has shut out his -associates, the mind may involuntarily turn back upon itself, and the -culprit, under the pressure of infamy, want, and punishment, may open -his heart to the language of religious admonition, inviting with its -peculiar consolations. No longer buoyed up with speculations, he is -naturally disposed to throw himself on the first humane help that -presents itself, and to seek in moral and religious truths a repose and -security to which he may have been heretofore a stranger. - -Many such characters are every day passing before the watchful eye of -justice, and, without a single humane effort assisting in the way of -reformation, moving on almost imperceptibly to a disgraceful termination -of their career. To many so circumstanced, death is a relief from that -mental suffering which must attend their neglected and miserable lot; -whilst, if the unhappy being has unexpectedly received a capital -respite, and is allowed afterwards to have his sentence commuted for -transportation, he becomes even more than before a fit subject for -ascertaining whether amendment be then possible. The number of convicts -on board the Neptune presented abundant materials for such an -experiment; and, although the task appeared discouraging, I was -determined on the undertaking. - -The first object worthy of attention was the establishment of a fixed -system of order and regularity in the prison. In this respect I have to -acknowledge the favour of some suggestions received from the Rev. Mr. -PRICE at Sheerness. I drew up, therefore, the following regulations for -their guidance; and on reading them over before the convicts, assembled -for that purpose, I had the satisfaction of finding none at least -expressed a dissentient voice; on the contrary, the most cordial -concurrence assented to their propriety. - - - _Regulations._ - - I.— You are not to curse or swear,—use obscene or filthy - conversation,—fight, quarrel, or steal from one another,—use - provoking words,—or call any one but by his proper name. - - II.— You are to be respectful and obedient at all times to the officer - and guards. - - III.— Cleanliness being essentially necessary to the health, comfort, - and well being of every person on board, it is particularly desired - that the strictest attention be paid to it on every occasion. - - IV.— Those to whom the management and care of the messes may be - intrusted, are desired to be careful in attending to their duties, as - they will be held responsible, and, in case of failure, punished - severely. - - V.— Any one refusing to obey the directions of those who have the - charge of messes, &c. will, on being detected, receive such - punishment as the circumstance may deserve. A faithful report will be - made of every man’s conduct; and those who behave well, though they - may have come here with bad characters, will be favourably - represented. - - VI.— The prisoner that shall dare to break through the above rules - will be punished in proportion to his offence; and any one so - offending must never expect to be recommended to the notice of the - Governor of New South Wales. - - N.B. Any one found defacing or destroying these rules will be punished - severely. - - * * * * * - -Copies of the above were placed in conspicuous parts of the prison, and -there they continued throughout the voyage without the least injury. The -convicts had been previously classed in messes, six persons in each, one -of whom was appointed to superintend the mess. This sub-division of duty -among themselves, was calculated to inspire confidence in the measures -to be adopted, and gave those temporary officers a considerable degree -of authority among their companions. The result was satisfactory. Each -monitor served as a check upon the others, whilst the reactive -watchfulness upon one another’s actions produced a kind of rivalry -amongst them in observing my injunctions most strictly. - -It remained to commence some moral and religious system, on which could -be safely founded any expectation of ultimate success: first, if -possible, by conciliation and persuasion; or, that failing, by any such -coercive means as might be prudently adopted on such an occasion. The -native beauty of religion’s truths is best conveyed to such minds in -language of mild and temperate remonstrance: harsh censure, and severe -reproof, are of too repulsive a nature, and throw a gloom over the -irradiated prospects of repentance, reconciliation, and reward, held -forth in religious influence. - -Accordingly, having received from Captain Young, of Deptford, a box -containing bibles, prayer books, and a few tracts, for the use of the -prisoners, I distributed them among the messes; and, at my request, the -Rev. Mr. Price came on board from the _Retribution_ Hulk at Sheerness, -and, after divine service, delivered an exhortation which very much -affected the minds of the prisoners. This was evident, from many of them -subsequently retiring apart from their companions, and reading with -serious and apparently devout attention the religious books given to -them. - -The utmost care was taken at all times to preserve cleanliness as much -as possible in every part of the ship, and particularly in the prison; -for which purpose the decks were regularly scraped, scoured, and washed; -and the interior of the ship and prison ventilated or warmed by stoves -as occasion required. This latter proceeding tended greatly to the -preservation of the convicts’ health; although in spite of every -precaution, and the utmost vigilance, some dangerous complaints, such as -dysentery, appeared at intervals. - -The conduct of the convicts continued to give much satisfaction, being -in general very orderly; yet the apprehension of some attempt at rising -was never lulled altogether. This circumstance is brought to my -recollection by the following memorandum which I find in my journal, and -transcribe it with all the _alarm_ it excited at the time. - -“1818. _January_ 7th.—Was alarmed by a cry on deck, about 2 o’clock this -morning, that the prisoners were rising. The guards and sailors were -immediately called out, and the carpenter and myself went into the -prison to examine whether any attempt to cut, or get out, had been made; -but nothing of the kind appeared. Indeed, on the contrary, the prisoners -were all in bed, and every thing seemed quiet. After breakfast, a strict -search was made in the prison, which was conducted with the greatest -vigilance and minuteness; but nothing was discovered to excite the -slightest suspicion of any mischief having been meditated. At 4 P. M. -half a pint of wine was served to each convict, and in the evening I -read them one of _Blair’s_ sermons, at which the Master and some of the -officers attended, during which the utmost regularity and attention -prevailed.” - -The prisoners expressed no sense of dissatisfaction at the above -scrutiny, but rather appeared more submissive in order to preclude all -possibility of suspicion; and in reference to the attention paid to -their health and comforts, they unanimously declared that their -treatment far exceeded their expectations. Having distributed a further -supply of testaments and religious tracts to all the messes, I soon -after had the gratifying pleasure of noticing that many of the convicts -perused them with earnestness and attention. - -In conformity with my instructions, I transmitted to the Navy Office a -weekly return of the sick, and accompanied it with a statement of the -plan adopted for the management of the convicts, together with -observations on the good effects likely to result from _having the -duties of religion frequently and invariably performed_. It could not be -expected that the manners of confirmed reprobates, long established by -habit, could be suddenly reformed. Such an alteration could only be -expected from the combined effects of time and perseverance: of course, -many instances occurred of departure from strict discipline, which, in -some cases, were necessary to be restrained by putting on handcuffs, and -sometimes by inflicting slight corporal punishment upon the juvenile -offenders. - -This occasional resorting to punishment was shown, chiefly with an -intent to let them understand, that it would certainly be inflicted if -any should be rash enough to provoke it. On one occasion a convict, -named Samuel Marriott, was detected fighting with one of his messmates; -which being contrary to the regulations, and his character being -quarrelsome and insolent, he was punished with twelve lashes. - -In order to extend the benefits of the system, if possible, to the -guards and sailors, with a view to harmonize the minds of all on board, -I read occasionally upon deck a sermon of Dr. Blair’s to the seamen and -soldiers: encouraged by the attention they showed, I determined to -persevere, and frequently on the same day read to them some religious -discourse after having done so to the prisoners below. That these were -not without good effects, seemed obvious from the reading of religious -books on every occasion observable. In this manner the state of their -moral improvement was attempted; the demeanour of every one of the -convicts certainly became serious and thoughtful; and religious reading -became every day more desirable and in use generally amongst them. - -On the 16th December 1817, final orders having been received, the -Neptune put to sea, and proceeded on her voyage. Some days afterwards I -was desirous of ascertaining the state of the convicts’ feelings on the -prospect of a long and lasting separation from home and kindred. Many of -them were fathers of families, upon whom a deep concern for the fate of -their offspring would naturally weigh heavily:—the younger delinquents, -whose attachments must have been warm and lively, would also suffer much -from the idea of their inevitable loss of many a tender tie; for even -the most depraved cannot be divested of those feelings, which, in -dispositions better regulated and guided by virtuous precept, constitute -the happiness of social life. Even the infidel, whom unhappy waywardness -has rendered unfit for Christian society, may have had some connexion to -sweeten his cup of misery, and enlighten the gloom that shrouds his -soul;—the dissipated felon, whose lightly-acquired wealth procured him -many an hour of delusive jollity, must, at such a prospect, sigh after -his idle and profligate companions:—all seemed to me likely to have -their particular grounds of sorrow, grief, regret, or lamentation. On -visiting them, with the intention of administering consolation to those -whom I presumed to find distressed, to my very great surprise, and -indeed pleasure, all seemed thoroughly reconciled to their situation, -and almost to a man signified the satisfaction, and even pleasure, they -felt at the idea of the voyage, removed from temptations and dangers of -the worst kind, surrounded as they were with every comfort, and every -want bountifully supplied. - -I took this opportunity of reading to them an appropriate sermon, and -never have I witnessed more respectful attention, correctness and -regularity of conduct, than on that occasion. I remarked with much -satisfaction the daily visible improvement which every individual -appeared to make in morals and behaviour. Having adopted and put in -effect the only means of reformation, I left its perfection to time and -circumstances, watching their progress with the most anxious care. Of -one point, however, I was always very mindful, never to fatigue their -attention with tedious harangue, or sour their disposition by -unnecessarily finding fault, or seeking out trivial or unnecessary -causes for censure. I rather wished to encourage them always to have a -good opinion of themselves; which, if not strictly deserved, at least -urged them to attain it. - -The next great object of my concern was to attend to the state of the -junior convicts, who amounted to twenty-three, most of whom were mere -boys, the whole of them being under twenty years of age, and some of -them so young as thirteen. Whilst the elder convicts, to whom -particularly the system applied, were receiving the benefit of religious -instruction, it would appear cruel and highly censurable to withhold -similar advantages from those unfortunate children. I therefore had them -all mustered, and examined them individually, to ascertain if any of -them could read: to my great surprise and disappointment, as has been -already mentioned, not more than five out of the entire number were -found possessed of that attainment, and but few of the others could -distinguish the letters of the alphabet. This discovery, however, did -not discourage my purpose; I immediately formed them into a school, -under the care of a convict whose remarkable regard of good order at the -time induced me to trust him, he accordingly superintended the school, -and taught the boys regularly every day. To give as much vigour as -possible to the work, I regularly attended, and taught lessons from 11 -till 12 every day, encouraging them by all the means in my power to -exert themselves, and vie with each other in application. - -The deplorable neglect shown to the early state of the minds of those -boys forcibly excited compassion. They never had had the slightest -attention paid to their education; if they had been instructed in aught, -it was in those infamous arts which brought them into their present -situation. The profligate wretches who were the means of giving -existence to those children, had their pursuits most likely directed to -gain possession of other persons’ property unjustly, and had neither -leisure nor inclination to attend to the cultivation of their youthful -minds; but rather shrunk from the contrast they must have observed, if -they were capable of so judging, between their children and themselves. -They must then be sensible of their own miserable degradation in -character, from their vicious mode of living, and would tremble with -horror at the superiority of their offspring above themselves, had they -been blessed with a virtuous education. To avoid even this tacit -condemnation of their conduct, their little ones are generally neglected -by their brutal father, or flung into the vortex of their unhappy -mother’s vices and gross indulgences. Little can the grief of those -unnatural parents avail, or excite sympathy, when their children, in -imitation, perhaps, of their parents’ pernicious example, or probably -instigated by their bidding, have committed those acts which bring them -rapidly into disgrace and punishment. - -However rude and unpromising the state of these miserable young -creatures appeared, still a lingering hope was cherished of doing -something for their good, and the business of the school was carried on -without intermission. The result of the design far exceeded expectation. -From the assiduous attention of the person appointed as schoolmaster, -and my own constant attendance every day at noon, a strong emulation was -excited amongst them. Although a few copies of the Bible and Testament -formed the only medium of instruction I could command, yet, in a space -of time incredibly short, I succeeded in having all the members of this -little community not only able to read the Scriptures with tolerable -facility, but also enjoyed the greater gratification of believing that -their minds were impressed with the wholesome truths of the sacred -volumes. - -This improvement continued progressively to the end of the voyage; and -at the time they were delivered over to the authority at Sydney, each of -these boys could read the Bible fluently, and many of them in a superior -manner, also evincing a familiar acquaintance with the principles of the -Christian gospel. By this measure I had the sincere hope of leading -these youthful votaries of vice into the paths of knowledge and -happiness, enabling them to become hereafter useful to the community, by -exhibiting in their conduct the good effects of religious education. - -With regard to the progress of morality, meantime, among the senior -sinners, I find in my journal the following memorandum; and as the -record of those occurrences was written at the moment, under full and -active impression, it may be allowed perfect credit for accuracy. - -“1818. _January_ 25th.—Mustered the convicts’ clothing, &c., and those -who were not dressed clean were not permitted to receive this day’s -allowance (half a pint) of wine, which was given to the others. -Mustered, also, the bibles, prayer books, &c. At noon, read a sermon in -the prison, during which the attention and feeling evinced by many of -the convicts gratified me exceedingly. On all occasions of this kind -their conduct has been marked by the utmost regularity; and I cannot -avoid expressing the heartfelt satisfaction it gives me to find my -efforts to lead many of these deluded victims of vice from misery, to -reflect seriously and with tranquillized minds regarding a future state, -and to administer the healing balm which revealed religion is capable of -imparting to the soul, have not been entirely unsuccessful.” - -All my watchfulness, notwithstanding, could not prevent some portion of -the old leaven from bursting forth. Some would occasionally quarrel and -fight: one of these turbulent and troublesome characters being detected -in a flagrant instance of delinquency of this kind, twelve lashes were -inflicted on him with salutary effect. - -Reconciled as the prisoners were to their immediate condition, still the -love of liberty naturally clung to them, imbittered recollection, and -made many anticipate that severer evils awaited them than any they had -been accustomed to endure. Although convinced of the justice of their -sentence, and the leniency of the laws, and that they really merited the -captivity to which they were consigned, yet an instance occurred which -showed that their doom was irksome to them, and that liberty was the -feeling most near to their heart under circumstances of any kind. - -Private information had been conveyed to me that a sailor had been -tampering with one of the convicts. I had the convict brought -immediately into the cabin, and on being interrogated he acknowledged -that _Waterson_ (the seaman) had frequently sought for opportunities of -speaking to him when brought on deck for air and exercise; that a few -days previous he had said, that for twenty pounds he would procure his -escape from New South Wales, by concealing him in a secret part of the -ship, and giving him half of his own allowance of provisions and grog. - -The sailor above mentioned had been confined for daring misconduct about -three weeks before, and had been released on his expressing contrition -for his fault and promising to amend in future. It is very probable that -he had a more dangerous object ulteriorly in view, if he could calculate -on finding successfully means of tampering in this way with the -prisoners. To all his plans Captain Carns thought it advisable to appear -blind, as the ruffian was both daring and dangerous: and as nothing -could be gained by driving him into open mutiny, we determined, to keep -a strict watch upon his future actions, and further agreed on the -propriety of giving him up to the Governor on our arrival at the Cape of -Good Hope. - -The security of convicts going to New South Wales, or elsewhere on a -long voyage, has a much greater dependence on the regularity and -integrity of the seamen than may at first view be supposed, and even -more than upon the vigilance of the guards. The careless, easy, and -familiar manner of the seaman sooner enables him to form an intimacy -with the convicts, than the stiff, formal, and forbidding air the -soldier assumes, whose unbending attention to his duty forms his chief -characteristic. The mutinous disposition just noticed was not confined -to Waterson alone; for I had an opportunity of witnessing myself conduct -exceedingly reprehensible in another of the seamen, which I cannot -refrain from relating. - -About noon on the 24th of February, I heard Serjeant _Bisset_ (one of -the troops) complaining to Captain Carns of some foul language which he -said one of the sailors (_Wraite_) had used to his wife. The Captain -ordered the sailor on deck to have the matter investigated; and when he -came, nothing could be more disrespectful or subversive of good order -than his behaviour was towards the Master. He blustered, and said there -was no living with these soldiering *—*, and used a great deal of other -infamous expressions to the same effect. He was joined by _Anderson_, -who was then at the helm, and used language if possible still more -abominable than the other had done; and although repeatedly desired by -Captain Carns to be silent, he paid no attention whatever. His conduct -became outrageous, and he offered to fight any of the soldiers, and -swore he would be revenged of them. - -This Anderson had been for some time showing marks of discontent, and -seemed very desirous of making a quarrel. His manner on this occasion -was altogether violent, and, in my opinion, most decidedly mutinous. He -said all he could to excite a general misunderstanding and immediate -quarrel between the soldiers and sailors; but by the prompt and united -efforts of Captain Carns and Lieutenant _Bunney_, commanding the troops, -peace was at length restored, and all attempts at violence completely -suppressed. - -The nature of a seaman’s engagement on board a merchant ship is a -certain source of mischief and insubordination; for, should the -situation not be agreeable to his mind, which it certainly will not if -he be of a depraved and vicious disposition, a wide door is open to -disorder, and no provision is made by law to curb his licentiousness, -and punish him for disobedience. It is true that the seaman enters into -a written engagement with the Master, before the voyage is begun, by -which he consents to a forfeiture of his wages in case of disobedience: -but as that regards the ship’s duty only, the sailor, if so inclined, -can be very troublesome to the Master personally, and by a due exercise -of cunning, for which many of that class are remarkable, may interrupt -the peace of the ship without subjecting himself to loss of wages. - -The law is more severe if the seaman attempt to control the actions of -the Master, by laying violent hands on his person, or offering him any -opposition in his proper duties: such a case would amount to felony; but -to determine that offence, a regular trial before a competent authority, -is indispensable: until that can be had, the Captain has to endure the -refractory conduct of the sailor, without any means of repressing it, -unless he choose to hazard exposure to a prosecution, to which the -sailor may have recourse on shore, and to which many interested dabblers -in the law are ever ready to urge. - -As this appears to me matter of much concern to the mercantile and -shipping interest, and as it involves much of the security and comfort -of the convict service, I would willingly pursue its further discussion -to an extent commensurate with its importance, but for the present must -defer that subject, and pass to others of more immediate consideration. -Another circumstance, however, regarding the behaviour of the military -placed over the convicts to maintain order, and prevent any attempt at -violence, is of such a nature that it cannot escape remark. - -The relative situation of the guards and their prisoners, as to their -opportunities of conversation, being placed in immediate contact with -each other throughout the voyage, makes it extremely necessary to watch -the slightest communication that may take place between them, or in -which either of them may be concerned. The serious consequences, arising -at first probably from some insignificant affair, might have been easily -prevented, had a due discretion been employed in time; but from a -neglect undeserving of exculpation, or in a false security, the evil may -be allowed to proceed,—the mischief at length becomes very serious. - -It has been customary, doubtless originating in mere indulgence, to give -an allowance of spirits, most commonly rum, to the soldiers on duty in -convict ships: by referring to the scheme given in a former chapter, -this quantity will be found half a pint _per diem_ to each man. In -merchant ships there is no stipulation, it seems, for seamen to receive -any such allowance: in this branch of service at least, although usually -given for particular services of hardship or hazard performed, it is -always in the Master’s power to withhold this favour at discretion, or, -in the sailor’s phrase, “to stop his grog,” in case of neglect or -disobedience. - -Sobriety has at all times been strictly insisted on with soldiers; and -it seems somewhat problematical to understand how a quantity of spirits, -admitted only to be necessary under the severities of a campaign, can be -deemed equally so, allowing it so to be, to a soldier on board a ship, -surrounded with every accommodation, and furnished with a plentiful -supply of food. It cannot be even imagined, without violating -probability, that a man of previously sober habits can be as steady a -guardian of propriety of conduct with half a pint of maddening spirits -hurrying through his veins, and running away with his reason, as when -full of cool determination, and awake in his sobriety to the duties -assigned him. A sentinel is quite a different man when intoxicated or -sober: the one will break his duty, and his officer’s head; and -afterwards get sorry and repent of what he has done; but the other will -do nothing unbecoming the character of his proper duty. - -Were the evil to be limited to the soldiers, even reflection, or some of -the repressing passions, might in some degree operate as an antidote -against the consequences of intoxication: an apprehension of incurring -the displeasure of their officer might also prevent an abuse of this -indulgence. It is not, however, considered enough that this ill-directed -allowance should be given to the soldiers on duty, in “the hour of -honour stirring watch;” the women, forsooth, must be taken _care_ of in -the same way, and the effects may be easily foreseen. - -The married females permitted to accompany their husbands on board of -convict ships, and the women of choice, whom the laxity of public morals -permits to take the name of wives, are indulged with spirits in half the -proportion given to the men; and the children belonging to them are -besides allowed one half the quantity of the women: so that the latter, -who are careful to be store-keepers to their infants, (for the youngest -baby is allowed the same as those children grown strong in years,) can -easily appropriate to their individual use every day a quantity of -spirits only one fourth less than what is permitted to be consumed by -the men; and if she happen to have several children, the expenditure -will be enormous. - -Imagination can scarcely form such a picture as one of these females -when indulged with this immoderate supply of spirits. In a word, one of -these women gets drunk, dead drunk, and is harmless only until the first -effects of the narcotic poison have subsided, and then—But in honour to -the sex, and out of respect to delicacy which virtue only knows, I shall -forbear a description. Scenes which I have been compelled to witness in -this way might lead to a minuteness of delineation, to do them justice -in all their exquisite loathsomeness, as neither the eye of the reader -could bear to scan, nor would recital produce aught but disgust and -distress. - -Few mothers could avoid shuddering to see such a female lay her infant -baby across her lap, and pour the liquid poison, (rum) into the poor -thing’s vitals, continuing that diabolical nursing until the nerves of -the unconscious and miserable child are incapable of sensation, and it -drops senseless from the hands of its inhuman parent. The counterpart to -such a monstrous picture, which also is unfortunately, like that, too -often true, is that of the husband, who meantime mounts guard in his -turn, having very probably just partaken of the deleterious draught with -his spouse, with whom he has had, perhaps, quite sufficient bickering to -set his bad passions at work, and in a disposition to be quarrelsome. - -There is little of cordiality generally between a soldier and a sailor. -The wife of the soldier under the stimulus of drink, is in the way of -the sailor’s ready joke; willing or unwilling to understand or seem to -hear it, the pride of this Lucretia takes fire, easily no doubt when in -that situation; she announces herself the wife of a soldier, and a -man—one who is able to take her part, and knows how to defend his -wife:—with such sentiments and expressions, the husband becomes -infuriated against the sailor, and quarrels are every now and then -produced. - -I wish I could stop here to avoid exposing the shameless want of reserve -with these women towards the sailors. Those occurrences almost entirely -are to be attributed to that unwise use of spirits. From this erroneous -indulgence I am perfectly convinced that all the evils alluded to arise: -the consequences, if placed fully before the authority that permits the -custom, must excite those conclusions which will ensure its recall. I am -unwilling to acknowledge it, but must however declare, that on every -occasion wherein a misunderstanding has occurred on board the Neptune, -during this voyage, its origin could be instantly traced to the mischief -or jealous disposition of those troublesome, drunken frail ones. - -A record or two from my journal will serve to elucidate this assertion -and maintain its accuracy, and exhibit the singular ingenuity with which -the principal movers of the scene generally contrived to keep themselves -screened from personal recognition. - -“_February_ 4th.—At 8 P. M. the ship was disturbed by Serjeant Bisset -quarrelling with one of the soldiers (Taylor). On inquiry, it appeared -that Taylor had just come off deck and was quietly going to bed, when -Bisset struck him: I had occasion to be in the barrack-room on -professional duty about five minutes before the riot happened; Serjeant -Bisset was then talking in a very loud and angry tone, and certainly -appeared to me not sober. The commanding officer settled the matter as -he thought sufficiently, and Bisset went to his birth. At 9, cries and -screams issued from the soldiers’ sleeping-place, which were audible all -over the ship; this was occasioned by Bisset beating his wife. He swore -the most dreadful oaths that he would “massacre her.” So much noise and -disorderly conduct attracted many of the convicts to the after-hatchway -to witness the scene. The second and third mates went below to endeavour -to restore tranquillity, but the serjeant seized the third mate and -struck him several times. At this moment I went to the hatchway, and saw -one of the sailors lay hold of Bisset, saying he would not allow his -officer to be struck; upon which Corporal Kerr came to the assistance of -Bisset, and swore he would take his serjeant’s part. Fortunately, at -this moment the commanding officer interfered, and put an end to the -affray, which had like to be attended with more serious consequences. It -is to be observed, that the corporal who volunteered in the support of -Bisset used to have frequent quarrels with him.” - -“_March_ 8th.—About 5 in the evening Lieutenant Bunney was engaged in -endeavouring to suppress riot and disorder amongst the soldiers, several -of whom were confined for drunkenness. Here was a proof of the bad -effects of allowing such a mischievous quantity of spirits to the men, -whose duty was comparatively light and easy,—full half a gill each day -beyond what is distributed to the guards on duty in a transport ship. -One of the above put himself in an attitude of offence, and showed all -the inclination in his power to strike me, in the presence of Captain -Carns, for having in the mildest manner remonstrated with him on the -impropriety of his conduct.” - -“_March_ 25th.—At half past 5 this evening, on coming out of the prison, -I found the commanding officer and Captain Carns trying to suppress a -quarrel that had arisen among the soldiers’ wives, which was likely to -become serious from the husbands’ interfering. Serjeant Bisset seemed -transported with passion, and in my hearing talked something of a sword -to Captain Carns, and said he would be d—d if he would obey any of his -orders. Inquiring into the cause of this outrageous conduct, I was -informed that Captain Carns, who is remarkable for a humane and kind -disposition, in trying to pacify Bisset, took hold of his coat gently, -on which the intoxicated man with fury swore that if he had his sword he -would run him through. This part of Bisset’s behaviour I had not an -opportunity of witnessing; but I came sufficiently in time to see him -act in the most disrespectful and insolent manner towards Captain -Carns.” - -These are a few of the mischievous effects arising from the unnecessary -allowance of liquor among men whose lives and habits may have been -previously sober and orderly. The evil was undoubtedly increased by the -women’s participating in the intoxication, as they were under no -restraint whatever, except the brutal correction inflicted by their -infuriated husbands. These women _having no employment_, and influenced -by drink, have too much leisure to indulge in licentiousness; disorderly -quarrels must be the constant and inevitable consequence. - -Here it may be asked, Will convicts witnessing those excesses, remain -indifferent spectators of what is passing before them? Such is the -manner in which a convict ship is laid out, that every thing almost -occurring among the soldiers between deck, is within view of the -prisoners. Will any of them in whose bosom there still lurks the spirit -of licentiousness, fail to catch at the opportunity of again indulging -in his favourite propensity? One cannot help shuddering to contemplate -the horrible consequences which follow the footsteps of a female of -those abandoned habits in such a situation. If not at once successful in -his plans, either to secure a base gratification, or carry into effect a -conspiracy for escaping; still circumstances will grow out of this -guilty correspondence with the women, which will overturn all endeavours -to produce moral impressions, and the inveterate habits of crime will -again be cherished. The contagion did not remain among the soldiers and -sailors alone, as will appear from the following extract from my -journal, which more fully explains my meaning. - -“_April_ 10th.—Numerous complaints were made this morning in the prison -against William Bamford, (bad character, convicted of forgery, -transported for life), for being drunk the previous night, and -conducting himself in a most riotous and disorderly manner, to the great -annoyance of every one near him. At half past 10 A. M. I had him and his -accusers brought upon deck, in order to give the matter an ample and -fair investigation. It was clearly proved, that Bamford was in the state -complained of, and had used expressions of the most shocking and -abominable nature; and had, in other respects, behaved most shamefully -and disgracefully. He was interrogated respecting the way he had -obtained the liquor; but on this head he would give no information -whatever. For this multiplied offence he was punished with three dozen -lashes.” - -On this case of Bamford I have to remark, that I subsequently obtained -proof of his having received the spirits from the wife of one of the -soldiers; that between these two there existed a guilty understanding, -which was plainly evinced after the convicts had been landed in the -colony. This Bamford had been one of the persons engaged in the traffic -of forged notes; and, like all those who follow that iniquitous -occupation, was possessed of abundance of money. The soldier’s wife -above mentioned, on the arrival of the ship at Sydney, contrived to -conceal herself from her husband all the time the vessel remained at -that place, until it sailed with the detachment for India. This woman -was afterwards known to join Bamford and live with him in a domestic -way, thereby consummating her abandoned character with the additional -crime of adultery. - -Little doubt remains on my mind, that all these unhappy results might -have been prevented by regulations regarding the allowance of rum, -better than those at present adopted. Were I permitted to offer a -suggestion on a subject connected with the military service,—and I would -obtrude an opinion only respecting this particular department,—I would -advise the quantity of spirits distributed to each soldier on duty in a -convict ship to be but one half of that now given; and that the women, -if any were suffered to embark, should not be allowed spirits on any -account, as they have not to undergo any fatigue or distressing labour; -above all, that no share whatever should be set apart for the children. - -By this simple regulation the disorders complained of as now prevailing -would be prevented, and the health of the soldiers preserved; which was -not the case during the voyage in question, as scarcely a day passed -without the name of one or more soldiers appearing in the sick list. -This circumstance was the more remarkable, as the disposition to disease -continued as long as the rum lasted; but a visible improvement in their -general health became evident as soon as the spirits were expended, -which happily took place shortly after leaving the Cape of Good Hope. - -One circumstance, which hitherto escaped my recollection, I shall here -introduce as being in some measure connected with the preceding facts. -The irregularities arising from a practice the soldiers had of conveying -below the spirits they received as their ration, and there bartering -them with one another, or with the women, became seriously great: many -of the soldiers were observed to be orderly and sober; but in proportion -as these were correct, the others and the women were the more drunken -and dissolute,—the poisonous beverage having been in the former case not -swallowed at all, and in the latter drunk beyond all moderation. An -expedient was of necessity adopted, which was found somewhat beneficial -in correction of the above improper behaviour. This was, that each -soldier was obliged to come to the tub for his allowance of grog, there -to remain until he drank it: by this means no unfair transfer of the -spirits could take place. - -With regard to the women and children, I would recommend a moderate -supply of wine to be placed in charge with the Surgeon Superintendent, -to be distributed at his discretion, according to their necessities or -wants in sickness; this, I will venture to say, will in a great measure -put a stop to the evils which now so deplorably exist. - -I now revert to the more cheerful task of recording the advancement of -the convicts in the paths of order, decency, and religious duty. No -occasion was let slip to seize upon every moment when any circumstance -presented itself conducive to the main object in view. I read to them -regularly every Sunday, and on other suitable days, a sermon selected -for the occasion, and adapted as much as possible to the state of -existing circumstances; and afterwards generally read the same discourse -to the guards and sailors upon deck, as I considered that the surest -means of preventing them from making an ill use of such opportunities as -they should chance to have of conversing with the prisoners, and -therefore maintaining any improper communication. I have much reason to -believe that the wholesome moral arguments of Dr. Blair, and other -divines whose writings I made use of, carried a degree of lasting -conviction to the minds of the prisoners, and that the good impressions -were afterwards improved during the moments of reflection. - -The boys, too, continued to advance considerably in the reading of the -holy scriptures, and the happiest results might be presaged from their -assiduity, and their observance of the strict discipline instituted in -the school. I had also the heartfelt satisfaction to find that their -behaviour, at such hours as they were not engaged in the school, was -correct; that the persons whom I had appointed to watch over them -reported favourably of them; and, above all, that the unfortunate cause -which induced me to separate them from each other no longer existed,—in -fact, every trace of it had disappeared. There was a silent -submissiveness in their manner, which formed a pleasing contrast to that -forwardness and unblushing confidence for which they were before -remarkable; nor was an indecent expression, oath, or obscene song, ever -heard amongst them. - -Many of the convicts continued sickly, and afflicted with chronic -diseases, which were often aggravated by the damp occasioned by the -heavy working of the ship through high seas and boisterous weather. The -greatest care was taken to stop the temporary leaks which thus appeared; -and the stoves were kept in daily and constant use, to prevent any bad -consequences arising from wet decks and damp bedding. - -A certain number of the healthy prisoners were allowed to exercise a -sufficient time every day upon deck, for the benefit of the fresh air; -these were regularly succeeded by another division, usually one third of -the whole; these afterwards by another, so that all enjoyed air and -exercise a certain number of hours every day. This arrangement also -produced a good deal of bustle amongst them, by removing from the prison -to the deck, and relieving each other in a manner from the irksomeness -of confinement; and formed a sort of substitute for employment during -the day, by the temporary movements and changes it created among -themselves. The convalescents were not limited to any particular number -of hours upon deck, and whenever the weather would permit, they were -allowed to remain as long as they liked. - -The conduct of the convicts generally was such in every respect as to -merit approbation. A muster of the different articles, books, &c. -belonging to each mess was regularly observed; and on such occasions -correctness and cleanliness were so observable as almost invariably to -preclude censure; rarely was there any necessity of now withholding -their allowance of wine, or inflicting any other punishment. - -On approaching the Cape of Good Hope, I was agreeably surprised by a -request, very respectfully made by the convicts, to take charge of a -letter written by some of themselves, and signed by the entire number, -addressed to Lord Sidmouth, and to forward it as soon as might be -convenient. With this request I cheerfully complied; and as the letter -may afford the reader as much pleasure as it has done myself, it is -imparted freely, being copied from the original by one of the convicts, -and presented to me at the same time. Its contents are as follow. - - “On board the Neptune, - Cape of Good Hope, March 3, 1818. - - “MY LORD, - - “Degraded as we are in our own estimation, it is with feelings of - diffidence and respect that we presume to obtrude ourselves upon - your Lordship’s notice. Trusting to that liberality of sentiment - which has so long characterized your lordship’s conduct, both in - public and private life, we hope your lordship will pardon this - trespass on your valuable time. It is not our intention to try to - extenuate those crimes for which we are justly driven from the - society and endearments of our native country. Deeply feeling our - situation as convicts, having violated laws both human and divine, - it behoves us to reflect seriously on our past conduct, and - endeavour to make such reparation as is still within our humble - power. Animated with these sentiments, we consider it our first - and paramount duty to pay that homage and adoration to the supreme - Ruler of the universe, which the Creator expects from the - creature. When all our visionary plans had terminated in - disappointment, shame, and misery, the just sentence of exile made - our wretched condition incapable of receiving any increase. In - this situation many of us received consolations from religion - which we had never before experienced. It is with joyful feelings - we acquaint your Lordship of the encouragement we have received at - all times from the officers of this ship to persevere in religious - duties. The countenance and example of the Captain and Surgeon - have preserved respect for those who were seriously disposed, - drawn some from the paths of vice, and maintained order and - regularity throughout. Since the time of our embarkation, divine - service or a discourse from Dr. Blair’s Sermons has been read to - us every Sunday by the Surgeon, the beneficial effects of which - are most conspicuous; and we doubt not will continue to be felt by - some of us for the remainder of our lives. There is nothing which - tends to soften stubborn dispositions, and inspire the mind with - such awe and reverence, as a constant attention to those duties - which we owe to our Maker. It is he alone who can subdue and - console the human heart; and most of us, my Lord, are now - persuaded of this great truth, that if we are constantly and - habitually in the practice of violating his commandments, we - cannot reasonably expect prosperity in this world, or happiness in - the next. It would be great presumption in us to point out to your - Lordship the advantages and blessings of having the mind even a - little enlightened by education; but we cannot suppress the - pleasure it gives us to notice that a school has been established - under the auspices of the Surgeon, who has appointed people - properly qualified to instruct the boys, of whom there are upwards - of twenty in the ship. What exertions and progress have been made - in releasing these children of nature from the darkness of - ignorance, we submit to the opinion of the Surgeon, who - superintends them; and in his official report of us we are well - convinced that impartial justice will be done to the conduct and - character of every one; and we confidently hope and think, that - that report will be as satisfactory to His Majesty’s Government, - as creditable to those who are the objects of it. We further hope, - that by the time we reach our ultimate destination there will be - very few of us unacquainted with the consoling truths of revealed - religion. The idea of being instrumental in effecting so happy a - change will be a rich reward for any pains or assiduity it may - cost. That it may be our lot, is the sincere and ardent prayer of - our hearts; so that all of us may exclaim in the language of the - publican, ‘Lord, be merciful to us sinners.’ We would here, my - Lord, take the liberty of expressing our most sincere and grateful - acknowledgements for those comforts that have been provided for - us, which, with the unwearied attention and assiduity of the - Surgeon and Captain, have proved so truly beneficial to our - health. With great deference and respect we humbly subscribe - ourselves - - “Your Lordship’s - “Most obedient and truly devoted servants.” - - (_Signed by one hundred and seventy._) - - “To the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Sidmouth, - Secretary of State, &c.” - -The above may afford a tolerably correct idea of the state of mind in -which these people were, even at that part of their voyage, and of the -benefits which they derived from the moral system instituted. It -certainly exhibits proof of considerable feeling, and no small share of -talent, existing among this degraded community. To the above document -were affixed one hundred and seventy signatures; and as the matter was -altogether of their spontaneous doing, I wished to encourage the spirit -in which it originated: to their wish, therefore, to have it forwarded -as they desired, as it became to me a pleasing duty to comply with it, I -acceded, the more willingly, from a feeling of humanity towards their -unfortunate situation. - -The above letter was forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Home -Department by an early conveyance from the Cape of Good Hope, where the -Neptune stopped for some short time for the purpose of recruiting her -stock of water, and obtaining a supply of fresh provisions for the -convicts and guards. An application was made in person by Captain Carns -to the Governor at the Cape, to have the two mutinous seamen, Waterson -and Anderson, put on shore, as it was dangerous to take them any -further; but the Governor did not seem to think that the matter came -under his cognizance. However, some time after this, the business was so -arranged that those dangerous men were allowed to take their discharge, -and being paid their wages were set on shore at Cape Town, and finally -dismissed. - -The great object I had in view, and the system adopted for the -management and well-being of the convicts on board, were seriously -affected, and in some degree materially embarrassed, by an occurrence -which took place whilst the Neptune was lying at the Cape. As this -matter appears to me to concern the situation of the prisoners, the -relation, taken from the journal in the precise manner in which the -transaction passed, is here introduced. - -“_March_ 5th.—At 11 P. M. the master having signified that it was the -Governor’s wish to see us on shore, we waited on His Excellency. His -Lordship’s manner at this interview, for such it may be strictly called, -as conversation was out of the question, appeared so singular that it -seems well worthy of a place in this journal. On our being announced, -the doors were thrown open and we advanced, when we had the honour of -_seeing_ His Lordship, who on the instant waved his hand,—turned on his -heel,—muttered something about ‘Colonel Bird,’—and disappeared: such was -the substance of our interview with the Governor by his own -appointment.”——“It might be asked, Would His Excellency have treated his -_groom_ and his _jockey_ with that sort of politeness as on this -occasion he thought proper to show towards a respectable master of a -London merchant ship and a surgeon of His Majesty’s navy, engaged to -attend him, at his own desire, in an affair of public duty?” - -On being thus referred to Colonel Bird, then deputy secretary to the -colony, that gentleman acquainted us of the Governor’s intention of -sending on board the Neptune _sixteen convicts_ who had escaped from New -South Wales, in the _Harriet_ just arrived from that country. We -represented the impossibility of accommodating so many. The agent for -transports was sent for to have his opinion on the case, and he -confirmed the report we had made. About an hour after this we again saw -Colonel Bird, who said the Governor had made up his mind to send us the -sixteen convicts. To this I replied, The instructions of the Navy Board -neither required nor authorized me to receive more prisoners than I -thought the ship could accommodate. The Colonel then observed that the -Governor would give a positive order for them to be received, and take -all the responsibility on himself. I lost no time in writing to the -colonial secretary, stating my decided opinion, that the ship had -neither room nor accommodation for so many, and requesting a survey to -be held on board of her before the additional number of convicts should -be sent. - -“Of this letter no notice whatever was taken, as it appears, nor any -answer returned. Our application to the Government naval commissioner, -and fiscal, for the removal of the mutinous seamen had been equally -unsuccessful, every one in authority evading these necessary and -important requests by shifting the matter from one to another’s -hands,—every one saying that the affair did not come within his -department; so that, in fact, an applicant at any office of those -‘departments’ would find it necessary to make himself acquainted with -all their etiquette and routine, before he could understand how to -prefer a petition properly for the redress of any grievance or the -removal of any inconvenience how pressing soever, or the rectification -of any error however urgent its nature might be. Let this mode of -conducting public business be applied to the concerns of the port of -London, or any of the great commercial towns, and say what would be its -consequence.” - -“_March_ 6th.—At half past six this morning the under sheriff brought -two colonial convicts on board, for whom accommodation had been -provided, though even that was effected with considerable inconvenience. -The above officer stated, that the Governor had altered his intention, -and had sent those two instead of the sixteen deserters who had come in -the Harriet. The master gave the usual receipt for them, and they were -victualled accordingly. About 3 P. M. the same person returned to the -ship, saying the fiscal had ordered him to take the two prisoners back; -but this was refused until an order was produced from some one legally -empowered by the Government to do so. - -“_March_ 7th.—At half past 10 A. M. the agent for transports came on -board and informed me, that he was desired by the commissioner to get a -copy of the charter-party and my instructions, both of which and a copy -of Captain Carns’s I procured for him. He also brought with him a -carpenter from the shore to build an apartment in the prison, for the -sixteen convicts already mentioned. In the same boat with the agent came -a Captain Gill, who delivered to the master the order of the Governor to -receive those men. The colonial secretary left altogether unnoticed, my -letter to him requesting a survey of the ship to be made before any -order should be issued for sending so great an additional number of -convicts on board. In this manner was I reluctantly compelled to -acquiesce, against my judgement, in receiving more convicts than the -ship could accommodate; which involved the manifest risk of exposing the -whole to much inconvenience, if not serious danger, during the remainder -of the voyage.” - -“_March_ 8th.—Several carpenters from the shore employed in building a -bulk-head in the prison. At 10 A. M. seven private invalid soldiers from -the shore belonging to the 83d regiment came on board, as an extra -guard. At 12 I read a sermon in the prison, at which Captain Carns and -the commanding officer attended; after which I expressed to the -prisoners my entire approbation of their conduct, and exhorted them to -persevere; at the same time stating it as our determination to give them -every indulgence in our power. They all expressed their thanks, and -seemed highly grateful.” - -“_March_ 11th.—At half past 10 A. M., the weather having moderated a -little, a boat was manned and armed, in which I went to the Harriet to -arrange for the conveyance of the convicts to the Neptune. The master of -the Harriet either could not or would not afford a boat, consequently we -were obliged to make two trips between the ships before the transfer was -accomplished. When they were all on board, I had their hair cut off, and -ordered them each to be washed in the bathing tub. After this very -needful operation they all received, according to the Governor’s order, -two suits of slop clothing, and the rags in which they came were thrown -into the sea.” - -Several reasons offer themselves to justify one in pronouncing this -proceeding at the Cape, on the part of the local authorities, respecting -the obtrusion of the sixteen additional prisoners, as being, at the very -least that may be said of it, _harsh_. This is stated not from any -personal inconvenience which could arise to myself from an increase of -professional duty; but the term is applied to that proceeding from -reference to the former number of convicts even more than the ship’s -proper number,—the Neptune in a subsequent voyage having carried out -only one hundred and fifty-six, that being, it appears, the complement -proper for her accommodation. - -Lest my opinion of this transaction should seem in any respect unjust, I -am desirous of explaining why I consider the putting such an -extraordinary number into a vessel already overcrowded, as must appear -from her having one hundred and seventy prisoners on board, instead of -her proper complement of one hundred and fifty-six, highly injudicious -and dangerous. A convict ship laid out for a certain number of prisoners -cannot prudently be altered for the reception of more, without a -manifest risk of inconvenience and danger;—the former, on account of -confining their sleeping-places, seats, exercise, &c. and the latter, -from the foulness of the atmospheric medium, in which the crowd must -respire the doubtful or perhaps diseased exhalations from each other’s -lungs. - -In the present case this was the more striking, as even with all the -care, regular exercise, and the most careful attention to the daily -state of the convicts; even with all my experience of their -constitutions and disorders, during the time the ship was proceeding -from the Thames to the Cape of Good Hope; still an extreme hazard was -incurred by the admission of a fresh number of men, besides including -the seven invalids, all of course strangers to the regimen previously -used; and perhaps, as might be suspected, tainted with infectious -diseases. - -These sixteen men having escaped from New South Wales, must have endured -such hardships and privations as would be likely to superinduce -contagious disease, and the miserable state in which they were when -taken on board, excited strong apprehensions to that effect. Having made -minute inquiry from one of the number, I learned that these wretched men -had contrived to secrete themselves in the hold of the Harriet, where -they lay concealed for more than a month before they were discovered; -having subsisted that time on some miserable matters they had brought -away with them, and on a small store belonging to the owner, to which -they had penetrated privately. In this wretched state they continued in -a horrible and disgusting condition, so that they were of an appearance -extremely forbidding when brought on board. - -But a circumstance more imperative on my attention was, how to dispose -of them in such a way as to guard against the principles they might -possess, and to prevent their commixture with such seeds of error and -vice as might be only suppressed in the original convicts. All these -unpleasant consequences grew out of the crude intimation of the -Governor’s,—for His Excellency does not seem to have thoroughly known -his own intentions, even after it was signified that he had “made up his -mind” to send the sixteen convicts on board the Neptune. How else can it -be comprehended, that the positive order of sending sixteen prisoners, -as was spoken of, had been altered for the shipment of the two colonial -convicts from the Cape district only? Can it be that the sheriff in -bringing those two on board acted under the single authority of the -fiscal?—or was that authority of such preponderating power, at the seat -of government, as to weigh down against every other? - -This latter unaccountable experiment having been tried, another was -resorted to, to obtain from the ship’s charter-party whether any -objection lurked in that instrument, or in the copy of my instructions. -Special care was taken that the person sent for that purpose should be -allowed to copy those documents freely, as it was the desire of the -Naval Commissioner; and the spirit of accommodation went further, by -giving also a copy of the Master’s instructions: for all this, what -complaisance was shown in turn? My letter, requesting a survey of the -ship to be made before the Governor’s “_positive_” should be issued, was -not at all attended to, although it was exclusively on the public -service; nor was it treated with that common politeness which every -communication of the sort is generally entitled to. - -His Excellency deigned to convey his intentions through the agency of a -third person, who was allowed to express them in his stead, although I -had the honour of waiting on him for that purpose, it is presumed, by -his own appointment. His pleasure, when made known, was issued in the -teeth of the report made by the agent for transports, “That the ship -could not accommodate the increased number which was intended to be -sent;” yet were sixteen, besides the additional guard of seven invalids, -thrust upon a crowded ship, without the least deference to the judgement -of those who were most competent to decide on an affair in which the -lives of one hundred and eighty-six prisoners were concerned. - -I am at a loss to think whether it be proper or not to state the strange -yet bold declaration of His Excellency Lord Charles Somerset, the -governor at the Cape of Good Hope, when he understood that my objections -to the reception of the deserters were not to be removed unless by the -power of a “positive order,” that His Excellency was pleased to signify -his willingness to take upon himself the responsibility of the affair, -and “_were all the prisoners to die, he would be answerable for the -consequences_.” Thank Heaven! the men all came safe to their -destination, and I had the gratification to leave His Excellency to -enjoy in full security the pleasure of having so nobly enforced a -measure, which appears to have engaged much of his serious intentions as -to a determined exercise, at any risk, of his supreme authority. - -Every precaution was now adopted to prevent communication with the -deserters. This was desirable for two motives: to prevent either moral -or physical contagion, and to preclude conversation altogether between -the old and new prisoners. The body of the prison was occupied by the -old prisoners, and the usual attention to bathing, exercise in the fresh -air, airing beds, &c. was observed; they were strictly enjoined to -abstain from all communication with the sixteen on any account, and this -I never knew one of them to violate. The deserters were kept confined in -a separate prison by themselves, and were totally and effectually -excluded from the society and conversation of the others. Books of a -religious kind were supplied to them, and they also had the benefit of -bathing and exercise in the open air, but always at times when the other -convicts were put out of the way. Indeed the prison door of the -deserters was never upon any occasion opened but when I was present. By -this arrangement the whole prisoners were kept firm in the moral -improvement they had made, and served as a pattern to the new ones, -whose conduct became so good as to exceed every hope I had formed -respecting them. The poor fellows had smarted sorely for their rash -imprudence in withdrawing from the colony, and now returned back -execrating the folly which had seduced them, declaring their determined -purpose to make every atonement for their offence, and to endeavour at a -thorough amendment in future. - -The sixteen were not allowed any wine during their return to New South -Wales; I was therefore agreeably surprised one day when a paper was put -into my hand, in a very respectful manner, by one of the old prisoners, -as they were called, in which they unanimously and earnestly requested -permission to share their allowance of wine with the new prisoners. -Being much pleased with this generous and considerate offer, I indulged -them accordingly in their humane effort of contributing to the comfort -of their brethren in bondage. - -By this strict management the conduct of the sixteen convicts became -correct and even exemplary. To them also I addressed some select moral -discourse regularly, and every individual among them seemed to vie with -his companions in avoiding every thing verging on impropriety; and the -language of passion, anger, or indecency, became quite strange among -them. - -The boys had made a considerable advancement in their school business, -and it was pleasing and edifying to observe their demeanour, and the -correctness with which they read the holy Scriptures. Constant -application had made many of them familiar with the sacred pages; and it -was to be hoped that the divine truths contained in them had imparted -happy influence to their hearts, as not a word of a corrupt, obscene, or -improper nature was now heard uttered by any one of them. - -The conduct of one young man was particularly praiseworthy; and although -it may be looked upon as rather trifling, I beg leave to say something -of it here. This youth, William Roberts, urged by an ardent desire to -make himself useful, wrote a letter marked by an uncommon neatness of -expression, in which he entreated to be allowed at some time out of the -school hours, to read to the younger boys who appeared least proficient, -and by his additional exertions enable them to get forward more rapidly -in the study of the Bible. This young man had also produced much good -effect by a remarkable willingness of manner, as the rest were in a -great measure led by his example. - -The gratitude constantly expressed by these unfortunate youths fully -testified their sincerity, and proved their sense of the valuable -advantages derived from the kind treatment showed them, and the -instructions they had received. Nor was their example lost upon the men, -who were unanimous in declaring how much happier they felt themselves in -the circumstances of their exile, than they had ever known, even when -most successful in the career of crime. Their minds seemed now at -ease,—their wants were alleviated by a liberal provision,—while a sense -of their good behaviour encouraged them to hope for a favourable -reception from the Governor of New South Wales. - -In this improved and comparatively happy state the Neptune proceeded -without any accident to her destination, and on the fifth of May we saw -Botany Bay. At half past 10 the same day we entered the Heads of Port -Jackson, and shortly after received a pilot on board. At noon we -anchored to wait for the tide, and in half an hour the Naval Officer -came on board. Captain Carns accompanied me to wait on the Governor with -the dispatches from England. Soon after I had the few remaining invalids -removed to the hospital on shore, and some days afterwards the principal -superintendent of convicts came on board, and received the sixteen whom -we had from the Harriet at the Cape of Good Hope. - -The convicts whom I originally brought out from England, had among -themselves agreed to express their sentiments as to the voyage, in a -letter which was delivered to me by one of them. A copy of this document -is subjoined, not from any consideration of its value with regard to -myself, but merely to show the state of mind in which these people -arrived at their place of exile. This letter was communicated previously -to the landing of the sixteen deserters, who signed it in common with -their other fellow prisoners. - - “On board the Neptune, - “Sydney Cove, 8th May, 1818. - - “SIR, - - “Being now safely arrived, through the merciful dispensation of an - all-wise Providence, at the place of destination to which the laws - of our country have consigned us; and being perfectly sensible of - the great attention you have on every occasion paid us during this - long and tedious passage, we cannot help availing ourselves of the - present opportunity of presenting to you our unfeigned and - grateful acknowledgements for the kind, condescending and - benevolent disposition you have invariably manifested to supply - our wants, redress our grievances, and render our situation as - happy and comfortable as circumstances would admit of: that in the - faithful discharge of your public duty as Surgeon and - Superintendent of this ship, we must beg leave to bear ample - testimony of your assiduous care, and unremitting attention, which - has ever been guided by the dictates of humanity, and which we are - well convinced must and does emanate from a noble mind, and - generous heart. These, Sir, are not the ebullitions of flattery, - but the genuine sentiments of our hearts, filled with admiration - of your eminent virtues and transcendent abilities, which cannot - be obliterated from our memory till time itself shall be no more. - We take the liberty, Sir, of requesting you to accept our sincere - wishes for your health, happiness, and prosperity, being the only - tribute within our humble power. May the Almighty, in his infinite - goodness and mercy, shower down his blessings upon you, is our - sincere and ardent prayer. With every sentiment of deference and - respect, we are, Sir, - - “Your ever obliged and grateful servants.” - - (_Signed by one hundred and eighty six._) - - “To Mr. Thomas Reid, - “Surgeon and Superintendent.” - -Shortly after the arrival of the ship, Mr. Secretary _Campbell_ came on -board and mustered the whole of the prisoners. He interrogated them -individually respecting their health and their usage on board, to which -their answers were most satisfactory and gratifying. The usual regular -exercises of religious reading, and occasional exhortation, were -continued as before without intermission until the convicts were finally -removed to the shore, and disposed of according to the Governor’s -commands. It was at their departure from the ship that they first seemed -to feel the distressing effects of banishment: they left it with tears -and sorrow, as if it had been their cherished home; and moved away in -silent grief like the members of a family which had been overwhelmed -with a sudden calamity. - -His Excellency was pleased to express his opinion of this voyage in the -following terms, which he wrote himself in my journal. - - “I have perused with peculiar interest and satisfaction the - foregoing journal of Thomas Reid, Esq., Surgeon and Superintendent - of the Neptune male convict ship.” - - (Signed) “L. MACQUARIE.” - - “Government House, Sydney, - “New South Wales, 6 June, 1818.” - -Thus happily terminated a voyage of considerable length, the -circumstances of which were of deep interest, as involving the solution -of a problem, whether male convicts are susceptible of being reclaimed -from long established habits of idleness, immorality, and wickedness. -Here was obtained irrefragable proof that the human heart never can be -so thoroughly debased by vice, but still a portion remains -uncontaminated; and that there are still left the seeds of improvement -in the human breast, which require only a timely and careful cultivation -to bring again into the state of reproducing good and wholesome fruits. - -During my stay in the colony, which was only for a few weeks, in order -to prosecute some inquiries on subjects of Natural History with which -that country is eminently abundant, many of my leisure hours were passed -in the society of men distinguished by their elevated situations, and -still more by their very engaging manners, fund of useful knowledge, and -that urbanity which bids the stranger feel himself at home. - -I should deem myself to act most unworthily, did I not here declare my -obligations to Governor MACQUARIE for the truly polite and invariable -attention I received during my stay. Indeed I shall never forget the -acknowledgements I stand indebted for his kindness in affording to my -inquiries every desirable facility in the researches I had occasion to -make. For His Excellency’s hospitable reception, and the numerous -friends with whom I thus enjoyed the social converse, and the happy -absence of reserve, make me look upon and value that short period as -among the most pleasant days of my existence. - -I made many excursions from Sydney into the interior of the country, and -found my researches well rewarded by valuable specimens in almost every -branch of Natural History, particularly Geology, to which my principal -attention was then directed. Of these specimens I made a very -considerable collection for the gratification of some esteemed friends -in London. The observations made on those occasions I had thrown into a -concise arrangement in the form of notes, suited to the collection of -each day’s excursion, intending to transcribe them at large in a -scientific form, during the voyage home. An awful occurrence, however, -defeated my intentions in that respect. - -Having been intrusted with the dispatches of Governor Macquarie to the -Government at home, it was necessary to return to Europe with as little -delay as possible: accordingly, taking advantage of the opportunity -afforded by the Neptune, which was going to India, I went thither, and -there embarked in the first vessel which was about to sail for England. -Near the island of Mauritius a dreadful hurricane came on, which nearly -caused the destruction of the vessel, and reduced her to a wreck. Almost -every thing on board was destroyed, and with the greatest difficulty -were my exertions sufficient to preserve the Government dispatches at -the utmost risk of my life. My whole collection of specimens was -unfortunately lost; my clothes, books, and papers, except some private -memoranda, shared the same fate; and I found myself on the shore of Port -Louis destitute of every personal comfort, and deprived of many very -valuable matters independently of the losses above enumerated. Among -these I had to regret the loss of my remarks on the Natural History of -New South Wales, collected from my own observations during the time I -had remained in that country. A very valuable set of surgical -instruments also was unfortunately carried away during the awful -visitation of that storm.—The recollection of this misfortune always -brings distressing thoughts to my mind. - -With respect to my losses on that occasion, I felt some consolation in -the hope that the Government would direct some indemnification for them, -as I might, perhaps, have saved some things of value belonging to myself -during the tempest, had not my endeavours been exclusively devoted to -the preservation of the dispatches. With the result of my expectations -of being thus indemnified I have no reason to congratulate myself; for, -although the claim was couched and urged in the most respectful -language, it did not appear to be considered a fit application, and I -was obliged to reconcile myself to the loss and disappointment[4]. - -Previously to that unfortunate occurrence, I had made notes of some -observations regarding the treatment of the convicts during the voyage, -and the effects of the system which I found it proper to employ. Those -papers being of considerable extent occupied much of my time and -attention on the passage from New South Wales; but they too became -involved in the above disaster off the Mauritius. I had the greater -reason to regret this latter circumstance, as my intention was thereby -defeated of laying before the Commissioners of the Navy a full and -detailed account of the voyage, for the “information of His Majesty’s -Secretary of State.” - -I considered it, however, an indispensable duty to draw up a statement -from such materials as memory could furnish, agreeably to the -instructions received from the Navy Board; and in compliance, -immediately on my return to London, I made a hasty sketch of my remarks -in the form of a letter addressed to that Board; but as I have not since -been favoured with any intimation of its ever having been received, I am -compelled to think that it never came to hand. As this document may be -interesting to those who bestow consideration on the subject of these -remarks, I beg leave to subjoin a copy of it from the rough draught -which happened to remain with me. - - “GENTLEMEN, - - “London, 3rd September, 1819. - - “I have the honour to acquaint you of my return from New South - Wales, whither you were pleased to send me as Surgeon and - Superintendent of the late convict ship Neptune. In obedience to - your instructions, I took occasion to give a sketch or outline of - the measures I employed for the management of the convicts, in a - letter I had the honour to address you from the Cape of Good Hope, - dated 8th March 1818. On this head I have only to add, that we - received sixteen more convicts at that colony, and seven soldiers - additional guard, which crowded us considerably; but I am happy to - say we performed the voyage without losing a man. - - “In the letter above alluded to, I mentioned having formed - twenty-three of our juvenile depredators into a school, of whom - only three knew the alphabet. I found it an agreeable relaxation - from other duties, to instruct, and to the best of my power - reclaim, these children of error; and I am glad to say my - endeavours were not unavailing; for, before we arrived at Sydney, - they could all read the Scriptures gracefully, some indeed - elegantly. - - “In forming a few regulations for the guidance of the convicts - while on board, I was desirous of trying the influence of - religious exhortation; and I thought the dejected state of mind - into which vice and folly had plunged them, a favourable - opportunity for evincing its powers. I did not aim at too much at - first; but by endeavouring to recall known truths to their minds, - and impress a firm belief that the exercise of those virtues which - still remained within their power, would contribute to meliorate - their condition in a future state, I proceeded with facility and - success far beyond the most earnest hope I had ever entertained. - Indeed, so much did this plan improve their conduct and morals, - that during the last two months they were on board, I am confident - half a dozen oaths or obscene expressions were not uttered in the - prison. - - “It may not be irrelevant to mention, that such exemplary - behaviour enabled us with safety to increase their comforts. - Accordingly we had their irons struck off, and allowed the prison - doors to be left open during the day, as marks of confidence which - it was their interest to merit, and which they never abused. I do - not mean to say that this plan might always be followed with - impunity, or that the same means would always produce the same - effects; but certain I am, that even convicts are susceptible of - gratitude, which, when sincere, is not less binding than chains; - and I think the subject thus attached is more likely at some - future period to be useful to society, than he whose mind, unused - to the language of consolation, sinks into pitiable imbecility, or - too often is driven by despair to horrible deeds. I shall urge - this subject no further than simply to state, that if your Board - wish for a more detailed account of my system, it will give me - great pleasure to particularize every circumstance that occurred - during the voyage, that may appear worthy of its notice. - - “I owe it to justice here to state, that during the voyage I - received every possible assistance from Mr. Robert Carns, Master - of the Neptune. On every occasion, his humanity and readiness to - promote the comforts of the prisoners were most eminently - conspicuous; and I am glad to have an opportunity of - acknowledging, that, without his willing co-operation and - excellent discipline, my endeavours could not have been so - successful:—indeed, no man could have discharged a public duty - with more zeal and fidelity. - - “In obedience to the sixteenth article of Instructions furnished - by your Honourable Board, I beg permission humbly and earnestly to - solicit your attention to a few observations which, I think, would - in some measure tend to reduce the mass of wretchedness that - generally exists in a convict-ship. What I have to propose has - this recommendation, That, while it contributes to suppress vice - and immorality, it will also be some little diminution of the - public expenses. I therefore trust that the following remarks will - not be deemed entirely destitute of interest, how trifling soever - they may appear. - - “_First_:—I think the allowance of spirits to the soldiers - composing the guard in a convict-ship is too much by half. I am - confident there was not a night, while they had full allowance in - the Neptune, but some were intoxicated; and on some occasions more - than half of them were found quite unfit for duty, notwithstanding - their commanding officer did all he could to keep them in good - order. This scene of debauchery was heightened by the very - abandoned conduct of their wives, who, in fits of intoxication, - would offer themselves indiscriminately for prostitution; which - kept up constant jealousy, and excited quarrels between the - soldiers and sailors that often assumed a very serious aspect. The - commanding officer of the guard at length found it necessary to - order the spirits to be drunk on deck at the tub, and none to be - carried from thence; which certainly had a good effect; though I - have seen the mothers urge their children to drink till they fell - down totally insensible. These disgraceful excesses, which - undermine and corrode every noble faculty of the soul, would be - most effectually prevented by lessening the quantity of spirits to - the soldiers, and allowing their wives and children none at all. I - am sure it never improves their health; and it undoubtedly - corrupts their morals. It is difficult to conceive what necessity - a young child can have for spirits; and yet, in this service, it - is allowed a certain quantity from the hour of its birth[5]. The - fact is, the child’s allowance helps to make the mother drunk, in - which state the dearest ties of nature are forgotten, and too - often the wretched offspring falls a victim to the worse than - brutal intemperance, and consequent neglect, of its unnatural - parent. I shudder to say that two infants in the Neptune were - sacrificed in this manner. - - “I must beg leave to relate one fact, which I hope will be - considered a satisfactory proof that this evil might be avoided. A - few days after the Neptune sailed from the Cape of Good Hope, it - was discovered that the quantity of spirits put on board for the - guard was nearly expended, and it was then impossible to procure - more: the consequence was, that for the last five weeks of the - voyage they had none at all; and it was really surprising how much - better they behaved during this period than they had done before. - I took occasion to mention these facts to Governor Macquarie, who - requested me to lay a statement of them before your Board. I had - the honour of bearing his dispatches to Earl Bathurst, in which I - am willing to hope he has enforced something on this subject. - - “_Secondly_:—The next thing on which I would beg permission to - remark, is the quantity of water allowed to a convict, viz. two - quarts per day, which in warm latitudes is by no means sufficient; - and, agreeably to the scheme for victualling, the Surgeon cannot - direct any more to be given, let the necessity be ever so great. - That a number of men crowded together in a prison, and panting - under a vertical sun, will suffer more inconvenience from thirst - than others differently circumstanced, is a truth too obvious to - need any illustration; and its force may be increased by stating, - that the mercury of a thermometer in the prison uniformly ranged - nine degrees higher than in any other part of the ship, though - ventilation and every other cooling means were attended to very - carefully, and upwards of fifty prisoners were always on deck - twelve hours in the day. As every ship is required to have eight - months’ water on board before she sails from England, this - inconvenience might easily be obviated. - - “While on this subject, it may not be improper to say a word or - two on the quality of the water, to which sufficient attention is - seldom or never paid. The filling of it in the river is always - intrusted to the mate of the ship, who generally consults his own - convenience, without much regarding the state of the tide, or - whether it is salt or muddy; and in very many cases before the - ship has been three weeks at sea it becomes both putrid and - offensive. I would therefore humbly recommend, that not a cask be - suffered to be filled without being carefully inspected by the - Surgeon Superintendent. I have seen so much mischief result from - inattention to this simple precaution, that humanity obliges me to - represent it as an indispensable duty. I am persuaded no medical - man who is anxious for the welfare of his charge, and values his - own reputation, will think this remark unimportant or - superfluous:—a strict observance of it would in the end spare him - a great deal of trouble, and save many lives. - - “_Thirdly_:—Two pudding-bags ought to be allowed to each mess. At - present there is only one, which is always worn out before the - voyage is half over,—sometimes before it is commenced; and the - poor creatures are exposed to much inconvenience. As prisoners, - they are secluded from all the little resources of which a sailor - can avail himself; and often their allowance of flour is rendered - useless for want of something to boil it in. - - “_Fourthly_;—I am of opinion that in every ship there ought to be - separate cooking places for the guards and convicts. To save a - little expense, the owners generally provide but one boiler with a - partition in it, one end of which is intended for the guards, the - other for the convicts; but this very ill answers the purpose. - Both dinners cannot be cooked at the same time, and in bad weather - it is difficult to cook one; consequently some party must wait - till an uncomfortably late hour every day, and sometimes go - without entirely; which is sure to produce discontent. - - “_Fifthly_:—Were hammocks used in the hospital in lieu of the - cradles, which hitherto have been fitted up, they would be found - very convenient. The cradles are unwieldy things, and so - completely fill the sick apartment, that room is not left for a - patient to move a step from his bed, and cleanliness is thereby - prevented. On the other hand, hammocks could be sent on deck in - the morning, which would enable the Surgeon to employ ventilation, - and ensure cleanliness whenever he pleased, on the efficacy of - which I need not expatiate. Certain it is, that no sick person can - ever be considered a fit subject for proving the powers of - medicine, if the strictest attention be not given to air, diet, - and cleanliness. - - “It is with much diffidence that I have ventured to submit the - foregoing remarks, which are deduced from faithful and accurate - observation. I sincerely hope it will not be thought that I have - offered my opinion with unbecoming confidence, or represented my - own humble endeavours too presumptuously. My most ambitious wish - is to contribute my mite to promote the cause of morality and - Christian virtue; and should any thing I have here proposed be - fortunate enough to meet with public approbation, and be carried - into effect, I shall consider it a reward far beyond any other - gratification I can derive from the service. - - “I am sorry for having trespassed so long on your time; and it is - with deep regret that I feel it necessary to solicit your further - indulgence, to state the cause of my very tedious voyage from - Sydney hither. When I received Governor Macquarie’s dispatches, he - left it to my own judgement to proceed to Europe by the shortest - route. I left Sydney the 9th June 1818 in the Neptune, and arrived - at Madras in the middle of September, where, in consequence of the - Canadian war, ships were wanted to carry troops to Ceylon, and she - was chartered for that purpose. This would necessarily detain her - in India two or three months; and as there was no ship about to - sail for England, I proceeded to Calcutta, where I found one - nearly ready to sail for Liverpool, in which I engaged a passage; - but off the island of Mauritius she was overtaken by a violent - hurricane, totally dismasted, and reduced to a complete wreck. - With extreme difficulty I preserved Governor Macquarie’s - dispatches, and a few private papers; but every other article in - my possession perished. The ship was got into Port Louis a few - days after, and I reported myself to the commanding naval officer; - but no opportunity offered to enable me to proceed for nine weeks, - when another hurricane came on that drove on shore or sunk every - vessel in the harbour, which increased my detention sixteen days - longer. Since that time a series of calms and contrary winds - retarded my progress much beyond the time in which the voyage is - generally performed. - - “I take the liberty to inclose two certificates, that I hope will - show the anxious desire I had to avoid delay, which, however, has - unfortunately been too great; but, so far from serving any private - end, has been attended with expense, inconvenience and distress, - that I feel I shall long have occasion to deplore. - - “I have the honour to be, &c. - (Signed) “THOMAS REID, - “Surgeon and Superintendent.” - -The article alluded to in the above letter forms a part of the -Instructions given from the Navy Board to every Surgeon in the convict -service, and is as follows: - -“In case any remark should occur to you respecting the general -management of convicts on their passage, with a view still better to -preserve their health, you are to communicate them to this Board for the -information of the Secretary of State.” - ------ - -Footnote 4: - - Since my late return from New South Wales, I laid a statement of my - losses before the Commissioners for victualling His Majesty’s Navy; - and I am truly grateful for the kindness and attention with which they - were pleased to treat me. The only remuneration _they_ could grant - was, to order the value of my surgical instruments to be paid; which - they did most readily. - -Footnote 5: - - Since my last return to England, I have heard with sincere pleasure - that this subject has engaged the attention of the Navy Board; who, - with great propriety, have directed tea and sugar to be issued to the - women and children in lieu of spirits. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - VOYAGE IN THE MORLEY. - - -Having in duty reported to the proper authority the account of my voyage -in the Neptune, I was requested frequently to explain to several persons -interested in the cause of humanity many particulars of my system of -management in the superintendence of convicts during transportation. The -commands of Mrs. FRY in this respect met my warmest wishes; and as that -lady’s exertions were then most actively devoted to effect a virtuous -change in the female prisoners in Newgate, it was suggested that taking -charge of a female convict ship to New South Wales might be productive -of similar consequences. - -As this subject, therefore, occupied the benignant mind of that -benefactress of the unfortunate of her sex, and through them of mankind, -and in consequence of the good likely to result from the endeavour, I -determined to contribute my humble aid in support of a cause so highly -interesting in design, and noble in its end. It is a characteristic of -the truly good and great, never to relax until the object deemed worthy -of attention is attained. Mrs. Fry lost not a moment in waiting on the -Comptroller of the Navy, who, instantly coinciding in her views, gave -his full support and encouragement; and ordered my appointment -immediately to the next female transport ship to be taken up for New -South Wales. In many particulars this gentleman’s attention to -arrangements more directly affecting the comforts of the convicts was -conspicuous. In every instance, indeed, which has come within my -knowledge, a prompt regard to the concerns of humanity has distinguished -the conduct of Sir T. BYAM MARTIN. - -The _Morley_, a ship of four hundred and ninety-two tons register, was -taken up for the above purpose, and ordered down to Deptford to undergo -the necessary preparations. Whilst fitting up at that place, I was -honoured by an invitation from Mrs. Fry, in compliance with which I -accompanied that lady and two others, Mrs. PRYOR and Miss SAUNDERSON, -members of the Committee, to visit the vessel and see the preparations -going forward. Here the benevolent wishes of the ladies were met by -polite and ready attention from Captain YOUNG, R. N., agent for -transports, under whose direction and superintendence these ships are -fitted up, and whose zeal in the faithful discharge of every public duty -is too well known to receive any additional honour from my feeble -tribute of well-meant and honest approbation. - -Many highly useful arrangements had already been made in the prison and -hospital under Captain Young’s directions, which with some few -exceptions were perfectly approved of; but the plan of an appropriate -place for a school which the Committee were anxious to have established -on board, to be continued throughout the voyage, had not as yet been -attended to: however, on the suggestions of Mrs. Fry and her friends, as -soon as the matter was fully made known to Captain Young, that -intelligent officer instantly proposed a mode by which the desired point -might be gained, and on consideration this plan was adopted and put into -execution. - -In these arrangements, the object of the ladies to have some convenient -place set apart for the school was fully attained; but unfortunately the -general plan of fitting up female convict ships could not be departed -from, and _security_ was therefore entirely lost sight of. - -In a short time the Morley was fully prepared for the reception of the -convicts, and soon after was ordered down to Woolwich to remain in the -river, at anchor in _Galleons Reach_, until her complement should be -received, convicts having been ordered to be forwarded thither from -several prisons in England and Scotland. - -The liberality of Government had allowed a free passage to a number of -females who were permitted to join their husbands and relatives in New -South Wales; and these, according to order from the office of the _Home -Department_, were all on board within a certain day appointed. A -considerable time had elapsed before the convicts, passengers, children, -&c., were completely embarked, during which interval Mrs. Fry visited -the ship occasionally to see her intentions fully effected; and this -attention to the unhappy objects of her solicitude was the more -valuable, as her time was then of the most pressing importance to her -own interest and feeling, some valued relatives of hers being -dangerously ill. Her absence, when unavoidable, was unremittingly -supplied to the convicts by the care and watchfulness of Mrs. Pryor, -whom not the roughest weather or greatest personal inconvenience could -deter from the work of humanity. Her kind impressive admonitions and -consoling advice were given to the unfortunate exiles without reserve, -and several articles of comfort and convenience, which had been provided -by the Committee, were then distributed by this amiable character. - -Whilst these attentions to their personal wants were sedulously given, a -due regard to their spiritual welfare was not forgotten. Bibles and -Testaments, besides those supplied by the Navy Board, were furnished -from the Committee, and also other books of a religious and moral -description, peculiarly selected for their circumstances. The kindness -of other benevolent persons contributed sermon books and religious -tracts in the same manner, and merits particular mention for such -generosity. My acknowledgements in this respect are especially due to -Mrs. WILKINSON of _Clapham Common_, ROBERT MARSDEN of _Doughty Street_, -Esq., and J. L. NICHOLAS of _Southampton Row_, Esq. By several other -persons also whom I have not the pleasure to know, their names having -been concealed, religious books and useful tracts were sent me through -the same praiseworthy motives. The number of these publications -altogether was so considerable, as to allow of a liberal distribution to -the convicts and free passengers, who, by the good use made of their -contents, have given ample proof of their grateful sense of the favours -thus conferred[6]. - -A supply of books and other things fit for the children was carefully -sent on board from the Ladies’ Committee; and, to complete their -benevolent design, a quantity of straw for plaiting, and some materials -for knitting and sewing, were purchased, as their funds would allow, in -order to afford the convicts employment on the voyage. - -Having well considered the mode in which the conduct of the convicts -should be best submitted to the public, as the voyage was undertaken -that the progress of reformation among these women should be -undisguisedly laid open to observation, be the event favourable or -otherwise to the wishes entertained of its success; it appeared the most -candid course to state the whole train of occurrences, as they were -entered daily in the journal, with that undeviating observance of truth -which became the general design, and the most scrupulous attention to -accuracy in the circumstances recorded. In this manner, every change for -better or worse must pass successively under review, and a correct -judgement of the whole be the more satisfactorily determined. - -In consequence of this mode of detail, there will doubtless appear many -instances of repetition, nor can much variety be expected to occur where -the subject is of necessity so extremely limited. Nothing extraneous to -the great object in view (the best means of reclaiming convicts from -their vicious habits) has been suffered to hold a place in this journal, -which is therefore as much as possible abstracted from my professional -attentions during the voyage, being exclusively and literally a history -of their minds, as well as it could be ascertained by incessant and -close investigation; and a faithful record of every trait of amendment, -as the system progressively evolves itself in its effects, discoverable -in their behaviour. - -The plan adopted is founded on strict impartiality. Where there has -appeared cause for censure, reprehension has not been withheld; and -wherever the behaviour merited approbation, they have received a just -share of praise; but in no regard whatever has strict justice been -intentionally departed from. - -The efficacy of proper regulations having been proved on board the -Neptune, in restraining the turbulent from licentiousness, and bringing -all under the influence of order, I drew up the following Regulations, -which being fixed up conspicuously in the prison, presented daily -admonition, and took away all excuse, at least on the plea of ignorance, -for breach of discipline; and the ready and cheerful manner they were -generally acquiesced in afforded me much satisfaction. - - - _Regulations._ - -With a view to ensure the health and comfort of the prisoners, as also -to establish a system of good order, decency, and religious conduct -during the voyage, the _Surgeon Superintendent_ has drawn up the -following regulations, which must be most strictly observed. - - I.— The care and management of each mess shall be intrusted to a - Monitor, who will be held responsible for any irregularities - committed by those under her direction: it is expected that every one - will behave respectfully, and be obedient to the monitor of her - particular mess. - - II.— Cursing and swearing,—obscene and indecent language,—fighting and - quarrelling,—as such practices tend to dishonour GOD’S holy name, and - corrupt good manners, will incur the displeasure of the Surgeon - Superintendent, and be visited with punishment and disgrace. - - III.— Cleanliness being essentially necessary to the health, comfort, - and well-being of every person on board, it is desired that the most - scrupulous attention in this respect shall be observed on every - occasion. - - IV.— The monitors are particularly enjoined the utmost vigilance in - taking care that nothing disorderly shall appear among the members of - their respective messes. - - V.— Any one convicted of disturbing others whilst engaged in reading - the holy Scriptures, or other religious exercise, will incur special - animadversion, and such misconduct will be entered in the journal. - - VI.— A proper reserve towards the sailors will be held indispensable, - and all intercourse with them must be avoided as much as possible. - - VII.— A daily account will be kept, and a faithful report made to His - Excellency the Governor of New South Wales of the conduct of each - individual during the voyage, and those who behave well, though they - may have come here with bad characters, will be represented - favourably: the _Surgeon Superintendent_ pledges to use his utmost - effort to get every one settled in a comfortable manner whose - behaviour shall merit such friendly interference. - - N. B. Any breach of the above regulations, or any attempt to deface or - destroy this paper, will be punished severely; and the person so - offending must not expect to be recommended to the kind notice of the - Governor of New South Wales. - - * * * * * - -Before commencing the journal, I shall insert here a statement of the -various offences for which these women had been sentenced to banishment, -with a view of the characters given with them from the proper authority -as they came on board. This will serve to show the proportionate -expectation, as to moral reformation, which was to continue connected -with their general and individual conduct, throughout a long voyage of -at least several months. The names of the individuals are not mentioned, -as matter comparatively of little interest. - - - _Crimes._ - Convicts. - Burglary 4 - Grand larceny 8 - Petit larceny 11 - Felony 3 - Stealing in a dwelling house 6 - Stealing furniture 2 - Stealing from the person 7 - Stealing a watch 3 - Stealing linen 1 - Stealing cheese 1 - Stealing sheets 1 - Stealing earthenware 1 - Stealing wheat 1 - Stealing two pieces of carpet 1 - Stealing a purse and money 1 - Sheep stealing 3 - Shop-lifting 10 - Forged notes 41 - Receiving stolen goods 10 - Highway robbery 5 - Robbing her employers 1 - ——— - Total 121 - ——— - - _Characters._ - - Good 6 - Bad 61 - Not known 17 - Old offenders 9 - Three times in custody on charges of felony 1 - Common utterers of forged notes 6 - Disorderly characters 7 - Fifth conviction 2 - Kept houses of bad fame 5 - Second offence 1 - Fifth offence 1 - Confirmed thieves 5 - ——— - Total 121 - ——— - -Several of those ill-fated creatures had been capitally respited; -_twenty-three_ were sentenced to transportation for life; _fifty_ for -fourteen, and _forty eight_ for seven years. - - * * * * * - -“1820. _March_ 24th.—This day I joined the Morley at Deptford, where she -was taking in stores; and carpenters from the Dock-yard were employed in -fitting her for the voyage[7]. - -“_April_ 12th.—Cast off the moorings and dropped down to Galleons Reach. - -18th.—About noon four female prisoners from Devon Gaol were brought on -board, and to them were immediately given that day’s allowance of -provisions, and beds, with other necessary articles. - -21st.—Seven convicts were brought, at 5 P. M., from Horsemonger-lane, -who were disposed of in messes along with the former, and the proper -attention in every other respect paid them. - -22nd.—Two prisoners arrived from the county gaol of Kent. - -23rd.—At noon a lighter came alongside with forty female convicts from -Newgate; and shortly afterwards three more from Exeter were brought on -board, and one also from the Justitia Hulk at Woolwich, all of whom were -classed and victualled. - -24th.—At 11 A. M. assembled the convicts in the prison, and distributed -among them some religious tracts; after which I read to them a moral -discourse which I had prepared for the occasion; when the orderly and -respectful conduct they evinced gave me strong hopes of success in -future. I distributed printed copies of the Address, one to each, in -order that, by considering the subject more at leisure in private, they -might better understand its tendency, and avail themselves of its -design.” - -The following is a correct copy of the Address, which comprehends some -of the fundamental principles by which it is my intention they shall be -regulated during the voyage. - - - ADDRESS. - -The object of my calling you together at this time, is to make a few -observations regarding the voyage which, under Providence, we are about -to commence. On your good and correct behaviour during this voyage your -future happiness will depend in an infinitely greater degree than, I -apprehend, any of you can form the least conception; let me, therefore, -entreat your undivided attention, and most serious consideration, to -what I am about to offer, as it materially concerns your own welfare. - -Your peculiar situation, it is true, excites compassionate -consideration, and the performance of any duty which requires rigid -restraint, and perhaps measures of severity, must always be painful to a -benevolent mind. It is distressing to contemplate the situation of the -wretched or unfortunate, even at a distance; and to meliorate their -condition must be the first wish and the most gratifying work of -humanity. - -I trust there is no need of employing arguments to prove that vicious -conduct invariably leads to disgrace and misery; the unhappy -circumstances in which you are all placed here, must be a more -convincing proof of this than any other I can adduce, though many -thousands might be mentioned. It is far from my intention to add to your -distress by upbraiding you with the errors of your past life; none of us -can recall the past; but, for the consolation of human nature, we -possess, with the divine aid, over the future an unlimited and absolute -control: to this latter point I am particularly desirous of directing -your attention. - -The word exile, or banishment, sounds harshly on the ear, and must ever -convey to the heart the most acute feeling of anguish. Our native land, -containing the scenes of youthful amusements and innocent pleasures, -abandoned perhaps for ever! the dear ties by which nature had united you -to your families, relations and friends must become lacerated; yes, to -be compelled to separate from parents, children and husbands, dear as -life, and to be parted from them for ever, is, it must be confessed, a -truly bitter thought. Under this accumulated load of misery is there no -ray of hope, no relief to be obtained? Yes, my unfortunate friends, not -only relief, but consummate happiness, even joys unspeakable are within -the reach of every one of you. - -The Holy Scriptures abound with merciful promises of forgiveness, and -gracious invitations to sinners of every sect and degree. Our blessed -Redeemer addresses his consolations more immediately to those who are -languishing under the horrors of a guilty conscience. His language is -that of a tender father earnestly soliciting a wayward child, on whom -his fond affection is lavished, to return to its duty and avert the -punishment awarded to disobedience. Who can meditate on his boundless -offers of mercy and forgiveness without being filled with grateful -admiration of the divine attributes? In the xith chap. of St. Matthew, -28th verse, we hear this most consoling invitation, “_Come unto me, all -ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest_.” It is -impossible to appreciate fully the intrinsic value of these heavenly -words; many times, in my own person, have I experienced their soothing -effects on the pillow of sickness, and their tranquillizing power in -moments of the keenest affliction: I wish, from my soul, that every one -of you may derive as much happiness from those words as I have done. - -The word of a mortal creature may deceive; but the promise of Christ, -who died for our salvation, must stand: it is utterly impossible for any -one, how incredulous soever he may pretend to be, to doubt that a single -jot of God’s promises will be left unperformed. - -With a firm conviction, then, of divine righteousness, let us piously -meditate on the words of the text, and endeavour to apply to our minds -the healing balm they convey. I shall explain, according to the best of -my judgement, what preparation is most advisable and necessary to enable -us to avail ourselves of this most gracious invitation. The first great -step towards it is _Repentance_. By repentance I do not wish you to -understand that fleeting and pitiful grief, which suffuses us in tears -for the crimes of yesterday, and, soon evaporating, will allow us -to-morrow to resume the practice of iniquity. The Almighty is not to be -deceived by mockery and external show; “_A sacrifice to God is that of -an humble and a contrite heart_;” nor will that temporary piety which is -produced by distress or fear, render us acceptable before him: it is -humility from a sense of our unworthiness, and profound contrition of -heart for past offences, with sincere purpose of amendment, and a -resolute determination to resist the slightest approach of temptation, -and to return from the paths of evil, that will gain us favour in his -sight. - -If, with these sentiments in our minds, we supplicate the throne of -mercy, we have every encouragement to confide in the divine clemency; -for we are assured that “_None who come unto Christ will he in any wise -cast out_[8].” Consoling promise! Suppose any one under sentence of -death were offered a pardon, the errors of his past life to be for ever -buried in oblivion, and honours and riches to be liberally bestowed upon -him, on condition that he confessed his crime and pledged himself to -lead a virtuous life in future; surely such a person must be considered -mad, should he obstinately persist in guilt, and allow the sentence of -the law to be carried into execution, when the means of preservation and -of averting his dreadful fate were in his own hands! Let me ask any of -you, whether you would not gladly have undertaken to renounce for ever -those errors by which you were first led astray from the pleasing paths -of virtue, to prevent your being now separated from your native country? -Undoubtedly you would. Yet how trifling, how insignificant are loss of -life and separation from the dearest objects of affection, compared with -an eternal exile from your heavenly Father, and the destruction of the -immortal soul! The thought is overwhelming. - -There are some, unfortunately, to be found, who tell you their lives -have been so bad, they have trespassed so frequently and so enormously, -they have gone so far in vice, that it is useless to think of receding, -as there can be no chance of their being saved, and that they may, -therefore, as well go on to the end. Such is the degrading, humiliating -language that sin dictates when it has attained its haughty ascendancy -over the human mind, and influences every action. Let us follow these -wretched creatures a step further in their senseless career; let us view -them on a sick bed, which guilt has converted into a couch of torture; -their fancied pleasures have vanished like a shadow, and the terrific -prospect of a future state is forcibly and awfully presented to their -distempered imagination; no relief is then in hope, because they had -rejected it before. It has fallen to my lot more than once, nay more -than twenty times, to witness the dying moments of men whose lives had -been misspent; but I earnestly hope in the divine mercy, that I may -never again be exposed to scenes where my feelings should be so torn as -they were on those melancholy occasions. It is difficult to imagine any -thing equal to the gloom and horror with which those miserable mortals -viewed their approach to the presence of a just God from whom they -expected no favour. Ten thousand worlds would they have given for a -week, a day, even an hour, to be added to their existence on earth, an -existence which sin and conscious guilt had rendered exquisitely -wretched, and insupportable. It is really shocking to contemplate the -situation of the hopeless sinner “whose ungodly race is nearly run, and -he verging fast to the brink of eternity. The awful idea of meeting that -God whom he has so often offended, tortures his already distracted mind. -Conscience is at this moment his bitterest enemy, it fills his drooping -heart with poignant remorse, and self-condemned, his hell begins even -before life ends.” Infatuated, unthinking beings! how could guilty -passions, or the allurements of sinful pleasures, so much blind your -reason as never to allow you a moment of serious reflection on a future -state, until you are incompassed by the jaws of death, until you hear -those appalling words thunder in your ears, “Give an account of thy -stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward!” - -Let me admonish you, my friends, not to reserve repentance for a -death-bed; depend upon it that the pangs of dissolution will be enough -for human nature to bear, without adding the indescribable tortures of a -troubled conscience: besides, the efficacy of repentance at the moment -of death has been questioned, doubted, and denied by some of our ablest -and most learned divines. In all cases of doubt or difficulty it is wise -and prudent to choose the safe side; we have the declaration of the -Saviour himself expressly, that “Except ye be converted and become as -little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven[9].” We -have, moreover, the divine authority that our efforts will receive -divine aid, and be ultimately crowned with success. “Come now, and let -us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they -shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be -as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good things of -the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the -sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it[10].” - -Hence you may clearly understand how all those who labour and are heavy -laden may come unto Christ and find rest. Let me exhort you to implore -unceasingly God’s mercy with penitent and humble hearts, and you will -assuredly find comfort in your souls; for you will experience his -bounteous mercy, ever open to receive and cherish the truly repentant -wanderer. He is more ready to give than the sinner is to ask; in chap. -lv. 7th verse of Isaiah, he says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and -the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and he -will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly -pardon.” - -By keeping these consoling truths constantly before your minds, and -losing not a moment in cultivating the precious opportunities of being -reconciled to your heavenly Father, you will doubtless soon experience -an ineffable delight and tranquillity infused into your souls: but, that -great good being effected, I think it my duty to offer you some further -advice, lest you should lose the advantages you will have acquired by -repentance. - -It would not, I think, be difficult to show, that even were there to be -no future state, virtuous actions tend more, infinitely more, to promote -our happiness in this world, than the most successful career of vice. -For proofs of this assertion I will confidently appeal to the experience -of your own lives. Let any one present look back to the days of peaceful -innocence, and compare them with the present. Her meal may have been -frugal, perhaps it was scanty, and necessity may have compelled her to -unceasing toil; but conscious innocence secured a blessing, and diffused -a comfort, that may be sought for in vain at the guilty banquet, or in -the useless and baneful luxury of sinful dissipation. On this subject Dr -Blair has with equal truth and beauty made the following apposite -observations: - -“Were the sinner bribed with any certain and unquestionable advantage, -could the means he employs ensure his success, and could that ensure his -comfort, he might have some apology for deviating from the paths of -virtue. But he is not only liable to that disappointment of success, -which so often frustrates all the designs of men, but also liable to a -disappointment still more cruel, that of being successful and miserable -at once. The advantages of this world, even when innocently gained, are -uncertain blessings; when obtained by criminal means, they carry a curse -in their bosom.” - -I hope enough has been said to relieve your minds from all doubt as to -the influence of religion on our happiness in this world and that which -is to come. The sincere penitent is commanded to hope for salvation, and -it is criminal to despair. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no -pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his -way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil way, for why will ye die, -O house of Israel[11]?” - -It is now time to direct our attention more immediately to the situation -in which you are placed here as prisoners, and to point out the best -possible means by which you may be not only comfortable, but -comparatively respectable. It ought to afford you great gratification to -hear that the means of obtaining both these desirable objects are -perfectly and entirely within your own reach. Your behaviour during the -short period of the present voyage will, in a great measure, decide your -future destiny. The prospect before you may now wear a forlorn and -gloomy aspect; some, perhaps, think they are inevitably consigned to -shame and misery; but it shall be my care to lay before you a correct -and more cheering view of the case. Call to your remembrance the -consoling language of him whose blood was shed for the remission of all -our sins, and cherish it in your hearts. “The sufferings of this present -time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be -revealed[12].” - -In the first place, I may assure you that the country to which you are -going is healthy and delightful beyond description. New connexions and -friendships may there be formed to supply the place of such as have been -just dissolved; and to those who were plunged in vices which ruin both -soul and body, separation at this instant is perhaps the greatest -blessing that heaven could bestow: “Lead us not into temptation, but -deliver us from evil;” so may those repeat with thanksgiving of heart -who have been so unfortunate. An opportunity is now offered to bury in -oblivion the errors of your past lives. The instructions furnished by -Government require me to keep a journal, in which must be inserted the -occurrences of every day; and whether the conduct of an individual be -good or bad, it is imperiously my duty to record it as such. In this -arduous task I shall have the watchful and zealous co-operation of -Captain Brown; so that not the slightest movement can possibly take -place without our immediate knowledge. This journal will be perused by -the Governor of New South Wales before any of you can be admitted into -his presence; and I do most sincerely hope that you will all leave it in -my power to give such an account as will ensure for you his approbation -and favour. In addition to this, it is my intention to present to the -Governor a private list also of all those who behave eminently well, and -strongly to recommend them to his friendly notice. I have the pleasure -to inform you, for your encouragement, that, on a former occasion, there -was not one whom I recommended in that manner that did not receive some -mark of his kindness. - -I am unwilling to wound the delicacy of any of you by adverting to a -vice, the commission of which will imperatively and inevitably require -the painful necessity of inflicting immediate punishment, and cut off -every possibility of intercession with the Governor in behalf of the -offender. I mean _prostitution_, a crime the enormity of which it is -painful to explain, but which, it must be obvious, is peculiarly -reprehensible and disgraceful to any one in your present unhappy -situation, and of which, I trust, you all _now_ entertain a strong -abhorrence. It is sufficient to know that it is a direct violation of -the laws of God, of which I persuade myself in the hope that none of you -can be ignorant. The words of God are expressly against it, and a single -word from the divine authority is conclusive. “For out of the heart -proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false -witness, blasphemies; these are the things which defile a man[13].” -“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? -Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor effeminate, nor -abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor -drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of -God[14].” In the fifth chapter to the Galatians, 19th and following -verses, are these words: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which -are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, -witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, -heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revilings, and such like: of -the which I tell you now, as I have also told you in time past, that -they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” And -again, in the 13th chapter to the Hebrews, and 4th verse, he says, -“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers -and adulterers God will judge.” - -Reflect seriously on those tremendous denunciations of the vengeance of -offended Heaven: give them the consideration their importance deserves. -Put this question to yourselves individually: “Shall I gratify a gross -and silly propensity, and thereby consign my immortal soul to perdition? -or shall I resist the brutal importunity of a sensual human beast, and -by a virtuous life ensure the inconceivable joys of an endless -eternity?” O my friends! death and eternity are awful sounds to an -unrepenting, woe-stricken sinner. Picture to yourselves the life of a -prostitute, lost to shame, in the streets; abandoned by her seducer, and -her soul harrowed by remorse for her fall from innocence, and the infamy -of her abject state; her tender frame shrunk with the ceaseless gnawings -of hunger; houseless, friendless and unpitied! After a little time, and -a series of necessitous guilt, behold this metamorphosed wretch, almost -consumed by disease, crawling into some dismal hovel to yield up her -life of pain and sorrow, without a creature to administer the _last_ sad -office of friendship. No father nor mother near to shed the hallowed -tear of sympathetic commiseration! her undutiful behaviour most likely -has sent them both to an untimely grave.—I cannot longer pursue the -dreadful detail; my soul sickens and recoils from the contemplation of -such complicated misery. - -I can state, for your comfort, that I know of many women in New South -Wales who are happily married, and mix in the most respectable society; -and those estimable females were formerly unfortunate, and once placed -in the same situation as yourselves. I think, were there no other -inducement, the knowledge of this circumstance alone ought to stimulate -you to the practice of morality and virtue. Should there be, however, -any one present so hardened in guilt, so abandoned to all sense of -propriety, as to persist in this profligate vice, I must now inform her -that the utmost vigilance of both myself and Captain Brown will be -directed to the detection of that odious violation of Christian -propriety, and of our determination to restrain by prompt and efficient -means its detestable occurrence. Although this painful portion of our -duty shall be unremittingly attended to, as well as every other -inviolably discharged, still it is my desire that you should apprehend -no unnecessary measures of severity; do not deserve them; but rather -look to me, as your friend anxious to promote your comforts; and from -the humane attention of the commander, I am confident you may anticipate -so much alleviation as is in his power to bestow. If you have any -complaints or grievances at _any_ time, make them known to me -immediately, and you may rest assured that it will always afford me -pleasure to redress them to the utmost of my power. You shall have every -indulgence that can possibly be granted; my happiness will be increased -by seeing you all comfortable; but I must solemnly declare myself an -enemy to the vice above mentioned, nor will I allow the commission of it -to escape punishment. - -To snatch from the overwhelming gulf of destruction an unthinking, -unrepenting fellow-being, is a duty which I owe to my God, to my -country, to humanity, and to myself: to that effect shall my utmost -efforts be ever exerted, so long as Providence spares me the power of -exertion. - -I sincerely hope you will not allow the foregoing observations to be -lost or thrown away: if you treasure them in your hearts, and make a -right application of them, they will give life to feelings of pleasure -and self-approbation in moments of affliction; and at the hour of death, -a consolation which the united riches of the earth could not purchase. -If I can be the instrument, under Heaven, of rendering you any real -service, and leading your minds to a just sense of religion and virtuous -action, the feelings of my own heart will be a rich reward for any pains -it may cost me: whether I succeed or fail in my endeavours, the -consciousness of having faithfully discharged my duty (which with regard -to you I consider most weighty in a moral sense), to the best of my -ability, will console me through life, and in the close will accompany -my spirit to another and, I hope, a happier world. - -One word further for your good. In the treasures of the sacred -Scriptures you will find exhaustless sources of comfort to your souls; -for which purpose copies of the Holy Bible will be distributed amongst -you, and the use each of you shall be observed to make of it will be -_strictly_ recorded in the journal. - - THOMAS REID. - - * * * * * - -25th.—At noon this day Mrs. Pryor came on board; and after expressing -her regret for the disorderly conduct of the female prisoners, -previously to their leaving Newgate, and reproving them for their -ingratitude in that respect, as well as the injury their unruly -behaviour had done to the cause of benevolence, she distributed a -considerable number of check aprons to each, with haberdashery and other -needful articles. Having performed this charitable act, she examined the -prison, hospital, &c., and was much pleased with the regularity that -every where prevailed. She then read to them a suitable portion of -Scripture, and dismissed them with good moral advice. - -Two women from York were brought on board, and a few minutes afterwards -three more from Winchester. - -This forenoon I had the messes arranged, also the sleeping-places -allotted, the bedding, bags, and other things belonging to the convicts -permanently marked, to prevent confusion and irregularity hereafter; I -also distributed to each individual some religious book or tract. - -At 6 P. M. three women from Newcastle were brought, one of whom was old, -and so infirm as to require assistance to get up the ship’s side. About -7, a person arrived, saying he had brought four children belonging to -Browning Owen, a convict, but had left them at Woolwich, being uncertain -whether they would be received on board. One of them unfortunately -happened to be three years above the age permitted by the Secretary of -State. The case of this poor woman seems one of aggravated distress: -About nine months since, her husband incited her to commit crime; and, -after involving her in guilt and misery, left her with a helpless family -without a friend in the world. Her conduct having been exceedingly good -since she came on board, induced me to lay a statement of her case -before Mr. Capper, for the consideration of the Secretary of State, -whose benevolence granted permission for all the children to be embarked -and accompany their mother. - -26th.—The whole of this day has been spent in arranging the messes and -sleeping-places of several convicts who arrived from various prisons. -Opportunity was taken to impress upon their minds the necessity of good -conduct during the voyage, and the advantages that would assuredly -result from such behaviour. Many of the women who arrived to-day, as -well as some who had been heretofore received, appeared to think that -the most licentious behaviour would be the surest plan to procure -countenance and favour in a ship: this opinion was indicated by the -flighty actions and indecorous expressions of a great many of them, at -the very first moment they got on board. It is hardly necessary to say, -that in these deviations from rectitude they were always interrupted -with rebuke or admonition, as the occasion best required, and always -with immediate good effects; those lately arrived usually taking their -tone of conduct from those already under the influence of discipline. - -It affords me great gratification to be able to state that considerable -progress already appears to have been made in the moral system. The -first three or four nights after the women began to increase in number, -I was mortified to hear among them, after they had been locked up for -the night, songs of a licentious and wicked nature: but in every case of -such occurrence, when taking the female the next day to task for the -part she had performed, and representing to her in the kindest manner -the impropriety of such practices, they have been discontinued, and -during the last two nights there has occurred in the prison nothing of -which the best regulated family need be ashamed. - -27th.—Nothing can exceed the regularity that prevails in the prison; not -a whisper having been heard, or any singing last night. At 11 A. M. I -selected a sermon out of Dr. Blair’s, and read it to them, explaining, -to the best of my power, such parts of it as they appeared not to -understand, and expressed my approbation of their conduct respecting -those things in which I expected an amendment. After this, pamphlets on -subjects of devotion were delivered to the women who arrived yesterday, -together with a copy of my Address, and a religious tract to each of the -others. They were reminded of the Prison Regulations, and enjoined a -close observance of them. - -About 5 this evening, there arrived three convicts from Shrewsbury, two -from Carlisle, and four from Lancaster, all of whom were cold and wet, -the day having been rainy and exceedingly boisterous. They were ordered -to change their clothes, and after some refreshment to retire to rest. - -In the course of this day I took occasion to speak privately to three or -four young, giddy creatures, whom I had observed conversing rather -familiarly with some of the sailors, and exhorted them to shun every -approach to intimacy with those men. They all expressed their grateful -thanks for the private and delicate manner in which this advice was -communicated, and promised solemnly that I should not again have -occasion to reprove them upon the same subject. - -28th.—Eighteen women have arrived to-day, some of whom while alongside -in the boats, and even after they came on board, exhibited violent -indications of riotous conduct. Those of mischievous disposition were -principally from Lancaster. It required much to convince them that such -behaviour would meet with certain and serious punishment; and at length -they yielded to remonstrance, becoming somewhat orderly. - -About half past 12 five convicts arrived from Ilchester, of a more -decent and modest appearance than any yet seen, and their demeanour was -such as to excite a hope that in them at least virtue may be found not -entirely extinguished. Having observed some of the prisoners making -advances towards an intimacy with the sailors, I checked them at the -moment, and afterwards admonished the thoughtless creatures, privately, -against every thing of that kind, and advised them to have a watchful -guard over themselves in future. - -29th.—Eight prisoners arrived to-day from different country prisons; the -conduct of three or four of them, as they approached the ship, was wild, -extravagant, and disgusting, from its singular wickedness and disregard -of shame: this, however, was readily suppressed the moment they came on -board. - -Our number is now nearly complete, and the behaviour of all is kept -within such good bounds that moral feeling and good order generally -prevail, and life is given to the pleasing hope that success will attend -the endeavours made to lead those deluded and unfortunate women back to -virtue. - -30th.—Shortly after retiring to rest last night, I was called up to go -to the prison, whence, I was informed, very alarming cries and violent -screams were issuing. I found most of the women so much frightened, as -to make it difficult to ascertain from any one of them what had -occasioned their trepidation. At length, the assertions of several gave -me reason to believe, that some one of the convicts had out of frolic -walked round the prison, and touched the faces of some of them with her -cold hand. I treated the whole as an affair of no note, rather as the -effects of imagination; but at the same time severely reprobated the -idle attempt at disturbing the hours of sleep; and assured them that any -recurrence of the kind would be visited with marks of severe -displeasure. - -At 11 A. M. this day, Sunday, I read a sermon in the prison, and -expressed a merited approbation of their general conduct, with a view to -show them that I was anxious to find cause for commendation rather than -censure; thus to make them, on their side, desirous to merit good -opinion, as out of this endeavour I hoped to see good order result. -Afterwards I distributed religious books and tracts to all those who had -not been previously supplied. - -_May_ 1st.—About 10 A. M. Mrs. Pryor came on board, and distributed -amongst forty of the prisoners, two aprons, a black cap, a canvas bag, a -pair of scissors, and articles of haberdashery to each as presents. This -donation was accompanied by sound moral instruction, delivered with the -kindness of maternal advice, and conveyed in language of encouragement, -which seemed to produce the intended effect on all to whom it was -addressed: from the impression it made upon their minds, of which I was -a silent and minute observer, it may be fairly said, that not one of -those unhappy females was insensible at least to what they heard, or -withheld the tear of penitence and sorrow, more precious in the -resolution to amend. - -At 11 A. M. Captain Young paid us a visit; and, after inspecting the -state of the prisoners very attentively, expressed his approbation of -every thing that had been done, in terms somewhat more marked than those -of common place assent. - -Some little misunderstanding and trifling squabbles took place between -some of the prisoners this day, which on inquiring into, when the -momentary fervour had subsided, were readily adjusted to the -satisfaction of all the parties. Occurrences of this nature are to be -expected in a community in which inclinations and habits so diversified -must coalesce so as to form something like one mind uniformly obedient -to a settled authority. - -It was also found necessary to remonstrate privately in a more serious -manner with some of the women, whom I observed at times conversing -familiarly with the sailors. Such familiarities, although at present -perhaps divested of criminal intention, might, if not discountenanced in -time, lose their character of innocence, and lead to more intimate and -censurable acquaintance. It is justly considered more easy by far, and -better, to prevent crimes, than to seek redress or atonement for them -after they have been committed. - -2nd.—This morning, before the prisoners had breakfasted or were allowed -to come upon deck, I took an opportunity of addressing a few short -observations to them collectively, by way of general admonition; in -which I expressed a strong disapprobation of the light and thoughtless -behaviour of some of them towards the sailors. I pointed out the decided -rule on this head in the Prison Regulations; explained the delicate -manner in which it was expressed, and informed them, that, -notwithstanding that delicacy, my determination in that regard was -peculiarly strong. I stated, that I had observed with much concern the -misconduct of six or seven, who seemed unmindful of the regulation; and -assured them that a repetition of such folly would impose on me the very -painful necessity of excluding such offenders from the privilege of the -deck, and be productive of other unpleasant consequences. This timely -admonition called forth their serious attention, and all evinced its -effects in a satisfactory manner; all became silence, order, industry, -and decorous reserve. - -Such indeed did their demeanour appear to some gentlemen who visited -Captain Brown in the course of the day, that it was facetiously -observed, “Half the same number of fashionables at a ball or rout would -render a drawing-room more noisy than the Morley was at that time.” - -3rd.—Nothing of a novel nature has this day occurred in the behaviour of -the convicts. One prisoner was brought in from Coventry, and some of the -free passengers with their children came on board. - -About 4 P. M. Mr. CAPPER paid us a visit; and having minutely inspected -the prison, and conversed with several of the prisoners, he expressed -his entire approbation of what he saw. - -6th.—Nothing of importance has occurred since last report. Quietness and -decorum appear now manifestly to result from the system laid down: and -so far has it answered my expectations, and so subjected are they -already to discipline, that within the last two days a frown expressive -of my displeasure has been sufficient to prevent every impropriety. - -At 11 A. M. Mrs. Pryor and Mrs. Coventry, accompanied by the Solicitor -to the Bank of England, came on board. _The Solicitor was commissioned -by the Bank Company to make a present of five pounds to every woman who -had been convicted of uttering forged notes, or of having them in -possession._ The amount of the money thus gratuitously expended in -favour of the unhappy women, was two hundred and five pounds sterling, -there being _forty-one_ persons at this time sent out of the country for -that offence alone. - -This donation to the female convicts,—for it is not given to males in -the same predicament,—has, I am informed, existed for a considerable -time, and doubtless originated in worthy feelings,—to alleviate in some -degree the distresses and want brought upon them by their prosecution. -Whilst one is compelled to approve this philanthropic condescension in -favour of these unfortunate creatures, many of them surrounded by groups -of children, a suggestion naturally forces itself into consideration, -how far such a proceeding is consistent with political or moral -propriety. It may be asked, Is honest principle encouraged by such -gratuity? Is the offender moved to reformation by such an inducement, or -is the property of the donors rendered more secure by their -postliminious generosity? - -The prosecutions carried on by the Bank of England for many years past, -for forged imitations of their notes, are too much matter of perfect -notoriety. The victims, as well male as female, that have been immolated -to the demon of gain, have been accumulated to a truly appalling amount. -Human nature shudders at the numerous sacrifices offered on this altar. -Although the Bank, it is asserted, virtually lose nothing, still the -Moloch is to be appeased; and the Druidical idols mentioned by Julius -Cæsar, in which numbers of human beings were burned alive, were not more -rapacious than this remorseless spirit. The cry of blood has at length -ascended, and good men are startled at this destructive system: to the -eternal credit of later Bank Directors, those sanguinary proceedings -have been in a great measure relaxed. In cases now of simply uttering -forged notes, unless under circumstances of an aggravating character, -upon trial, the judgement Not Guilty to the capital charge is admitted -upon the plea of Guilty to the minor offence of having them in -possession knowing them to be so: thus many lives are saved under that -certain conviction which would subject them to death: their punishment -on the latter plea is, in general, Transportation for fourteen years to -New South Wales. - -The two ladies with bountiful hands dispensed their truly charitable -gifts among those prisoners whom they had not before supplied; and the -countenances of these unfortunates, gratefully affected by being thus -noticed in their outcast state, gave stronger evidence of their feelings -than could have been conveyed by the most successful eloquence. - -About 2 P. M. Mr. Brown, Governor of Newgate, came on board, and gave to -each of the women who came from that prison, half a crown, from what -fund I know not; and I am equally unacquainted with what motive, or for -what object, the donation was made. The effects produced by it, which -were almost instantaneously developed, would argue very unfavourably of -its consequences, as, almost the moment after that trifle was received, -general misunderstanding took place among them, and this was followed by -blows before I could interpose and put an end to the affray. The -termination of this disgraceful scene was effected only by confining the -combatants from each other, (two of them were sisters,) and allowing the -irritation to subside: afterwards representing how improper and -disgraceful their behaviour had been, they showed proofs of shame and -contrition, which I am inclined to hope will long secure me from the -pain of witnessing such another scene. - -In the afternoon I collected the Monitors of all the messes, and -explained the line of conduct I expected them to follow during the -voyage, and admonished them to secure obedience from their respective -messes by showing themselves a good example; to each Monitor I then -delivered a Bible, Prayer Book, New Testament, and Psalter, for the use -of the mess to which each belonged. - -7th.—This day passed in uninterrupted tranquillity, and the utmost -regard to good order was observable amongst the convicts. At 11 A. M. I -read a moral discourse to them, and addressed some pointed -animadversions on the occurrence of the preceding day, which affected -the whole of them most sensibly, and the offenders, with tears, -expressed their sincere compunction for the misconduct of which they had -been guilty, giving every assurance that the like should not again take -place. - -8th.—At 10 A. M. I mustered all the children, and arranged them in -classes for the purpose of carrying into effect the intentions of the -Ladies’ Committee with respect to the formation of a school, for which -they had taken special care to provide a woman, one of the free -passengers, as a teacher; and had also furnished a very liberal -provision of juvenile books of every suitable description. Mrs. Pryor -visited this morning and distributed useful gifts among the prisoners, -and some also among the free passengers. - -About noon Mrs. Fry came on board; and, having inspected the state of -the prisoners, had those from Newgate assembled separately, and -addressed them in the most feeling manner respecting their conduct when -leaving Newgate. This discourse had visibly great effect, which appeared -strongly impressed upon their minds. Observing the remarkable order -maintained in this unfortunate community, this lady hinted that some -preparation must have been made previously to her coming on board: to -this I could not avoid remarking, in reply, that such was by no means -the case, for the history of one hour’s conduct of those women might -serve as the history of a month. This remark I thought due in strict -justice to their merits; nor could it be considered at all -complimentary, as not one of them was present at the moment. - -9th.—At noon this day, the five women,—for I have since determined the -actual number of offenders,—who were noticed to use rather too much -familiarity towards the sailors, were called apart, and reminded in -forcible terms of their rash conduct in breaking through that reserve -which was enjoined by the Prison Regulations; and that every tittle of -their improper behaviour, however secret they might suppose it to be, -was thoroughly known, and liable to the exposure and punishment it so -deservedly merited. They seemed to feel the sense of disgrace poignantly -at being so detected, of which they were not at first aware; they -promised most faithfully, in the hope of forgiveness, to avoid the -conversation of the sailors as much as possible; and requested with -fervent solicitation to be allowed the trial, assuring me that I should -find them sincere and firm in that resolution. - -11th.—The latter part of yesterday passed in a manner the most decorous -and tranquil; and the system of discipline assumes a good portion of -organized character. An understanding seems now to pervade the minds of -the convicts, that the more submissive and circumspect they are, the -sooner will their situation become truly comfortable, as indulgence must -be the fruit of good behaviour only: many of them besides, by -contrasting their present circumstances with what they had recently -experienced in the prisons where they had been, feel increased -gratification from the manner in which they are treated on board the -ship. - -About 3 P. M. two ladies and a gentleman came to inquire after a -misguided young creature, one of the convicts, the daughter of a man who -had lived in their family (I think they said) upwards of thirty years, -having always maintained an unspotted character. The girl, Eliza Nixon, -was sent for to them in the cabin, when the admonition of these good -ladies to the object of their humane attentions, was of that kind and -conciliatory description which ever finds a ready way to the heart. The -young culprit shed tears abundantly; an indication of repentant feeling -I had never before observed in her, though she had been many times -reproved for levity and flippant behaviour, and on such -occasions,—indeed not three hours before,—she bore rebuke without the -least emotion. - -The purpose of their visit being accomplished, these ladies inquired -more particularly into the system employed for the government of the -convicts generally; which being explained, they expressed a wish to -visit them below, and were not a little gratified by seeing the -regularity every where prevailing; but their admiration was particularly -engaged in observing the children at school.—It is not indeed matter of -surprise that this novel institution should elicit the noblest feelings -of a generous and virtuous mind. To witness attentively the first -dawning and gradual expansion of the mind, is, in my opinion, more -deserving of the attention of philosophers who study the true interests -of humanity, as more important and conducive to the welfare of society, -than all the wordy lucubrations with which metaphysical writers have for -ages amused themselves and the world. - -It is impossible not to admire the benevolent zeal that could induce -ladies of rank to undertake a journey of some length, and venture on the -water in a very boisterous day, for no other purpose than to awaken a -vitiated mind to a just and lively sense of its error. At the time these -visitors left the ship, both wind and tide happened unfortunately to be -contrary to their return, and the watermen were unable to make any -progress; their efforts were further frustrated by their boat getting -aground, which rendered the situation of the passengers alarming and -dangerous. In this state of things the active humanity of Captain Brown -was strongly displayed;—he immediately ordered his own boat to be -manned, and went off himself to extricate the amiable sufferers; which -he effected, and towed their boat up to Woolwich, though he was at the -time labouring under severe indisposition. - -12th.—About 4 P. M. the Bank Solicitor came on board, and completed the -distribution of the donation to certain of the prisoners. This money had -been expected for some time, and several of the women had even made -purchase of various useful articles on the faith of its being paid them; -these debts they afterwards correctly discharged. - -13th.—At noon Mrs. Pryor came to visit the convicts; and, having -exhorted them in a very impressive manner, distributed moral tracts, and -many useful necessaries intended as materials for industrious -employment, a proceeding in every point of view most advantageous and -important to the prisoners. - -14th.—This day Mr. Capper paid a short visit at the ship, to ascertain -fully and finally the state of the prisoners, children, free passengers, -&c., and to make arrangements for removing to the convict hospital ship -some sick women whom I considered quite unable to undergo the fatigues -of the voyage. - -15th.—The women this day received another visit from Mrs. Pryor, -accompanied by Lord Lilford and the Rev. Mr. Hornby, a magistrate of -Lancashire. Those gentlemen came to inquire into some alleged abuses, -which were said to have occurred in the gaol of Lancaster, previously to -the removal of the female convicts from that place. Having ascertained -that such abuses had existed, they departed, the Rev. Mr. Hornby -pledging himself to prevent a recurrence of the like abuses in future. -Agreeably to the directions of the Navy Board, three sick convicts, -Frances Alcock, Frances Pattison, and Isabella Dennison, were removed to -the convict hospital ship. - -16th.—This day was productive of no incident worthy of record, except a -trifling event that happened to one of the sailors, whom I remarked -taking improper liberties with one of the prisoners. On mentioning the -circumstance to Captain Brown, he immediately decided on the propriety -of discharging him, and accordingly the thoughtless fellow was sent on -shore this evening. - -18th.—Regularity and good order prevail undisturbed. The prisoners are -at present employed in making up the articles supplied by the Committee -of Ladies, or in perusing the religious books sent for that purpose by -private friends. The apprehension that the industry of these creatures -must be soon suspended for want of materials to work upon, damps in some -measure the sanguine expectation I had formed of keeping them out of -mischief. - -About half past 8 this morning, the Rev. Mr. _Reddall_ with his wife and -family came on board, passengers to New South Wales. The weather is very -boisterous, rendering every approach to the vessel extremely dangerous. -Captain Brown came down from London, where he had been to sign the -necessary documents for the Government, preparatory to sailing, and was -nearly swamped as he came alongside. - -19th.—About noon this day arrived dispatches from Earl Bathurst for New -South Wales, also directions from the Navy Board to proceed on the -voyage. - -20th.—At 3 this morning weighed anchor and proceeded to Gravesend, where -we arrived about 7 A. M. The state of the convicts was steady and -orderly until about noon, when a _bum-boat_ came alongside, managed by -one old man, who offered beer, milk, and other such articles for sale. -An understanding was made, I am informed, between this old man and some -of the prisoners, who clubbed, it appears, a subscription of thirty or -forty shillings, and with that money purchased spirits from the old man -clandestinely and in spite of every risk. They unfortunately eluded -vigilance, and succeeded in smuggling this dangerous poison into the -ship in bottles and bladders. - -The effects broke out in the evening at rather a late hour, when many of -them were stupidly intoxicated, and some gave way to their old -licentious habits,—quarrelling among themselves, exhibiting the most -deplorable and hideous features of drunkenness and depravity. Although -excessively ill at the time, I was obliged personally to interfere, and -put a stop to a shameful boxing between Mary Kelly, a Newgate girl, and -a woman whose character previously had advanced much in my estimation. - -Both the combatants were pinioned and confined; at length tranquillity -and order were restored, but for a short time only. About 10 P. M. the -most horrible screams issued from the prison, to which place I -immediately proceeded accompanied by Captain Brown. We soon came to the -place where the disturbance was going forward, and found Sarah Downes -and Elizabeth Cheatham both nearly exhausted from a battle in which they -had just been engaged. These women were both intoxicated and furiously -riotous, declaring themselves determined to murder one another; on which -we bound them back to back, and fastened them to a post in the hospital. -All my endeavours were insufficient, however, to quell their disposition -to noise, which during several hours they continued with ceaseless -annoyance to every one near them peaceably disposed. - -21st.—About 1 A. M. weighed anchor and stood down the river with a light -breeze. This day I found myself exceedingly indisposed; but having -several patients ill of the measles, I made an effort to see them about -half past 4 in the morning, but was soon compelled to retire to bed. -Being Sunday, my indisposition was the more distressing: however, the -Rev. Mr. Reddall offered to read to the prisoners, which relieved me -from all anxiety as to neglecting that most important duty. The reading -was followed by an exhortation, in which their behaviour on the -preceding evening was forcibly reprehended, which I understand excited -unaffected feelings of shame and sorrow. - -22nd.—Arrived in the Downs about 4 P. M., where the pilot left us; and -the wind being fair, we continued our course under all possible sail. - -I thank God, my health is sufficiently recovered to-day to enable me to -resume my duties in the prison and the hospital. Two women and seven -children are now labouring under the measles. On entering the prison -this morning, I was surrounded by those women who had behaved -irregularly on Saturday night, whom I had ordered to be released from -their confinement as soon as their violence should have subsided. They -confessed with tears the enormity of their misconduct, and besought -forgiveness, which I felt every disposition to concede; but with regard -to three of them who had been most distinguished in their display of -pugilistic prowess, I deemed it indispensably necessary to fix on them -some mark of disapprobation, and accordingly ordered them not to go on -deck any more. - -23d.—The breeze still continues fair, but very light: unusual -tranquillity now reigns in the prison. I have made it an invariable -rule, that every one of the prisoners should bring up her bedding every -morning, to have it exposed to the air upon deck whenever the weather -will permit; and as the beds, &c. are all marked, this daily exercise is -conducted with the greatest regularity. - -24th.—About 2 A. M. the breeze died away, and shortly afterwards sprung -up from the WNW: in consequence of this change, the weather has become -wet, cloudy, and rather boisterous, with a rough sea, which occasioned -sufficient motion to make most of the women sick: on this account, and -the wet state of the weather, I allowed their beds to remain below. - -26th.—During these two days the weather has been boisterous, rainy, and -uncomfortable, with a heavy sea. The women are all affected with sea -sickness, and utterly incapable of making any exertion. Every precaution -has been used to prevent the prison from getting wet, as that would have -rendered their situation very distressing. - -27th.—The same unpleasant state of weather still continues;—most of the -women are in bed, suffering severely from the sea-sickness. Ordered one -quarter of a pound of mustard to be served to each mess. - -28th.—The weather is, if possible, still more severe than before, and -the wind has become contrary. At 11 A. M. I mustered together as many -women as were able to get out of bed, and read them a sermon; afterwards -made some observations on their general behaviour, and stated my -intention to allow each of them, as an indulgence, a gill of wine twice -a week, on Sunday and Thursday, with a hope that they would endeavour to -improve their conduct, and confirm sincere disposition to amendment: -should the contrary appear in any individual, I assured them that the -whole mess would be deprived of it; to which they all agreed, seeming -quite satisfied with the conditions proposed. - -29th.—The wind still continuing unfavourable, the motion of the ship is -very rough, and distressing in the extreme to most of the prisoners, who -still remain much affected with the sea sickness,—many of them to an -alarming degree, in consequence of debility brought on by incessant -retching; so that not any thing, even a necessary dose of medicine, can -be found to remain on the stomach for an instant. The barometer, -however, indicates a favourable change of weather, which may assist in -affording them some relief. The measles are spreading among the children -very rapidly, thirteen of whom are at present affected. - -30th.—No change in the weather promises alleviation to the distress -which the prisoners continue to feel:—two are so much debilitated as to -be quite incapable of voluntary motion, and their stomachs so -excessively irritable that medicine and food continue to be rejected in -a moment after swallowing. - -31st.—The weather is somewhat more favourable, but the ship’s motion is -still considerable, and the distress of the women is very little abated: -the two mentioned in yesterday’s journal are very ill. Warm fomentation -to the region of the stomach, and frictions with anodyne liniment have -afforded a good deal of relief,—still they suffer very much. - -_June_ 1st.—This day the weather is clear and exhilarating; but the -motion of the vessel, which rolls and pitches very much, is still -productive of uneasiness among the women. The two who were most affected -are recovering by the means employed, and are now able to take some -nutritive preparations given them in small quantity, with judicious -care. - -At the accustomed hour I read a sermon to the prisoners, during which -their conduct individually was decent, serious, and attentive. The -system established is now advancing without any sensible interruption, -and its success, as I must candidly acknowledge, thus far has exceeded -the most sanguine expectation I had ventured to entertain of it. So -regular and excellent is the behaviour of all the prisoners, that -scarcely any incident now occurs to afford subject for a journal. - -4th.—This day an address, written in a manner adapted to the immediate -condition of the convicts, according to my best understanding of the -subject, and touching on many points most worthy of notice in their -circumstances, particularly the moral improvement evinced by them since -the commencement of the voyage, was read in the prison, in presence of -the Reverend Mr. Reddall. The religious seriousness and respectful -demeanour of the whole, who were all cleanly dressed, became the -occasion. Nothing could exceed the earnestness with which every word of -the address was received, and it was gratifying to observe the course of -its effects upon their minds. - -To the gospel truths quoted in the address the most lively attention was -displayed, whilst their flooded cheeks and sobbings evidently and -forcibly exhibited the sincerity of that impression which was produced -by the moral deductions and observations made on the sacred words. Their -minds were, at times, drawn to the consideration of their past -transgressions, and a call made on their feelings, to ascertain their -different states as to repentance and rejection of sin, which was -answered by the most lively expressions of sorrow among them, testified -individually, without regard to the chilling influence of having any -witness of their feelings. - -But when allusion was made to the probability of an eternal separation -from kindred, friends, and home, their feelings, wound to the highest -pitch by the poignancy of reflection, exhibited a scene of distress of -the deepest interest.—The thoughtless, giddy votary of vice became a -Magdalen in heart; and no sacrifice, it may be confidently said, would -have then been deemed too great to redeem, were that possible, the -opportunities of grace they had lost or spurned, and the happiness which -it was evident they were conscious of having compromised by their -insensate conduct. - -The scene was altogether to me the most edifying; and, however vain the -declaration may cause me to be considered, I felt at this instant well -rewarded for the labours I had taken for the good of these forlorn -females. Now that the minds of these “outcast” creatures seem subdued by -repentance and gospel precept, and aware that nearly one third of the -voyage has been completed, there is satisfactory cause to presume that -they will continue in the way of improvement, and endeavour not only to -qualify themselves to appear fully deserving of good opinion, but to lay -up a store of virtuous resolution, from the instructions they have -received, for a happy and correct guidance of their future conduct. The -following is a copy of the Address which I read on this occasion. - - - ADDRESS. - -At our first meeting I took occasion to lay before you a few -observations, which a leisure hour had allowed me to put together, for -your guidance during the present voyage; and I fondly indulged the hope -that they might awaken in your minds the principles of virtue, which a -longer or a shorter career in the devious paths of vice had suffered to -slumber too long. Since that time, many eventful circumstances have -occurred to produce in my mind reflections of a very serious nature, -which, as they tend to strengthen and improve every estimable virtue, it -may not be quite unprofitable to myself or you to give a sketch of. - -Many of the observations, which I now intend to offer to your -consideration, have arisen out of your own behaviour; while the -remainder owe their existence to a lively feeling of humility in my own -breast, and of dependence upon the Author of all good, lately elicited -by a sick bed. I refrain from adverting to the cause of my recent -illness, because I am unwilling to give any of you unnecessary pain even -for a moment, and because your behaviour since that time convinces me, -that most of you are sorry for the error you then so thoughtlessly -committed[15]. On a sick bed the mind is forcibly led to the -contemplation of a future state; and a question, of the first degree of -importance, will very frequently present itself to the languishing -sufferer, which, if I may judge from my own feelings, he will find -extremely difficult, if not quite impossible, to get rid of, unless the -actions of his past life furnish him with an answer. The question, as it -forced itself upon my mind, is this—“Should it please Heaven to remove -me from this sinful world, what is to be my lot in the next?” I here -take it for granted that you all truly believe in a future state beyond -the grave, and in a just God who will punish the wicked and reward the -righteous. Indeed, I think it would be a mere waste of words and time to -urge any arguments on this subject; for there is no fact, either moral -or physical, of which I am more firmly convinced than this, that there -is not a human being this day living, who in his heart sincerely doubts -the existence of an all-protecting Deity. Although the contrary of this -has sometimes been asserted by learned men, who have only disgraced the -human shape and character, yet I firmly believe in my soul, that not one -of them ever succeeded in deceiving himself into a belief of the gloomy -doctrines he had so long and so zealously laboured to propagate. It -would be no very difficult task to expose the weakness, and entirely -refute the principles, of this false philosophy; but the argument would -be uninteresting to you, and a victory over those who have degraded the -dignity of the human character so low as to consider themselves no -better than a dog or an ass, and like them entirely to perish with -death, would, in my opinion, afford but a puny triumph. - -Without any further notice of infidels, or their dark doctrines, I shall -endeavour to point out a few plain thoughts in the order, as nearly as I -can, they occurred to my own imagination. It has afforded me great -pleasure to notice that most of you have perused my former little -Address with care and attention; and it gives me infinite gratification -to be assured, as I am, that it has been the means of bringing more than -one or two amongst you to repentance, who are now leaning for support -upon their Heavenly Father, and, having fixed their hope on that -immoveable rock, are now enjoying tranquillity and peace of mind, to -which they were before strangers. The knowledge of this happy change has -encouraged me to devote another hour to your service; and if God shall -be pleased so far to bless my feeble endeavours as to make me -instrumental in reclaiming another wanderer, and restoring her to the -fold of Christ, the proudest wish of my heart will be gratified. - -It has been to me matter of surprise, to observe that mankind generally -are unwilling to indulge in reflections on death and a future state, as -if, by excluding the subject from their thoughts, they expect to secure -themselves from the unwelcome visits of this all-destroying enemy. For -my own part, I have often passed a solitary hour very profitably in -meditating upon this subject, and considering how death might be -entirely divested of terror. Amidst the many uncertain events which -every where surround human life, and in which we are all here -particularly involved, there is one thing we have too much reason to -believe, namely, that of us who have commenced this voyage, and who are -now present, there are some, I fear, who shall not survive to see it -finished; but which of us it may please God to call, he alone can tell. - -Respecting the certainty of death, all the nations of the earth are -agreed, however opposite their sentiments may be in other respects. -Since, then, “it is appointed unto all men once to die[16],” and as no -power on earth can reverse or retard this decree, it behoves us, one and -all, timely to prepare for an event concerning which we only know, that -happen soon it must; but whether within a few years, a month, or a day, -we are totally ignorant. Who amongst us can say with confidence that we -shall live to see the sun rise to-morrow, or set this evening? If life -at best is but a span, and in every case uncertain; and if our happiness -or misery hereafter is to depend upon our actions during this life, -which I shall endeavour presently to prove they do, how very important -must its concerns appear! - -I candidly confess to you, that I cannot help sometimes shuddering at -the thought of eternity; it is impossible that any one can reflect on it -seriously, and be unmoved. If the torments of hell were to last but a -week, a month, or a hundred years, they might be endured; but, alas! -when hundreds, thousands, and millions of ages shall have crept slowly -away, how agonizing the thought that our misery is hardly then -commenced! O my friends! this is not an imaginary picture, invented by -man to frighten sinners from their evil ways, and induce them to repent; -it has been proclaimed a thousand times by the voice of God, and who -dares to doubt his authority? How ought the following declarations to -appall the heart of an unrepenting sinner, whose conscience terribly -assures him that he is included in the awful denunciation, Acts, 17th -chapter 31st verse, “Because He hath appointed a day in the which he -will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; -whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him -from the dead!” Again; 2nd Corinthians, 5th chapter, 10th verse, “For we -must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may -receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, -whether it be good or bad.” Again; John, 5th chapter, 28th & 29th -verses, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all -that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth: they -that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have -done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” Again; Matthew, 13th -chapter, 49th & 50th verse, “So shall it be at the end of the world: the -angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and -shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and -gnashing of teeth.” Again; Matthew, 25th chapter, 31st and following -verses, “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy -angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and -before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one -from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he -shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then -shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my -Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the -world: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye -gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye -clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came -unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we -thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw -we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or -when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King -shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you -have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it -unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from -me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his -angels: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and -ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and -ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then -shall they also answer him saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or -athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not -minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto -you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it -not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the -righteous into life eternal.” Again; Romans, 2nd chapter, 6th and -following verses, “who will render to every man according to his deeds: -to them who by patience in well doing seek for glory and honour and -immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do -not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, -tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the -Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour and peace to every -man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.” -Again; Psalm ix. verse 17, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and -all the nations that forget God.” - -Who is so hardened in iniquity as to hear these threats without -trembling, ignorant, as he must be, what moment the thunderbolt of God’s -judgement may descend upon his guilty head? Can any of you doubt the -purity or truth of that fountain whence these terrible assurances -flow?—Suppose it should so happen, that the unembodied spirit of some -departed friend were this night permitted to appear before you;—some one -who had been the bosom companion of your earliest youth, before the fair -blossoms of innocence were blasted and consumed by the pestilential -breath of iniquity: or suppose the apparition of a father, mother, -sister, brother, or husband, whose death was occasioned by your -undutiful, graceless, or ungrateful behaviour, should present itself to -your imagination, and assure you, in a voice of thunder, that a life of -sin tends to misery on earth, and endless torments after death; would -not such a visitation make a deep impression on your minds, and a total -change in your lives? I really fear that with some of you it would not; -for, if you will not believe the word of God, we are assured, “You would -not believe, though one rose from the dead[17].” - -Were it in the power of eloquence to pourtray, or could fancy represent, -the horrors of that gloomy dungeon which is prepared for the punishment -of condemned souls, “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not -quenched[18];” where a single ray of joy will never be permitted to -illumine the dark abode of the hopeless captive; where the wrath and -indignation of a justly offended God will burn for time everlasting, -without consuming the wretched sufferer; could any power of human -language bring these things fairly before the imagination, the picture -would be too shocking for the contemplation even of the most callous -depravity. Should any of you give this tremendous situation a moment’s -serious thought, you would surely be induced to renounce sin for ever. - -In the foregoing observations I have endeavoured to address myself to -sinners in general; but I have a few remarks to offer, which apply -peculiarly to yourselves. Respecting the errors which have led to your -present misfortunes I shall be silent. There are few or none of us, on -taking a retrospective glance of life, but will perceive many wonderful -instances of God’s goodness, many unmerited mercies. This, perhaps, some -of you are unable to recognise, or unwilling to acknowledge, erroneously -imagining that, because sin and folly have subjected you to disgrace and -punishment, all the other favours of Heaven are withheld. But, my -friends, we ought not to forget the many innumerable blessings and -privileges we are still permitted to enjoy. We ought to be earnest in -thanksgiving to the Author of all mercies, for bearing with our -infirmities so long, and granting us time for repentance. - -I cannot avoid reminding you of the great advantages you have enjoyed -since you came to this ship: the means of grace are of inexpressible -value, and I think you have had them in great abundance. The Scriptures -have been constantly read and expounded to you according to the best of -my ability; the utmost facility and encouragement have been held out to -every one of you to persevere in religious worship; and all the avenues -to vice and immorality have been guarded with vigilant care. Whenever we -are visited with the dispensations of Heaven, we may rest assured that -it is for wise purposes; and in the afflictions which you are now -enduring, the warning hand of Divine Providence has been obviously -stretched forth. Let me now ask you, What influence have all these had -upon your minds? Are you more enlightened? Are your affections more -raised from the world, and fixed on your Father in heaven? Have you -ever, at the close of a day, or the end of a week, examined your own -hearts to ascertain whether you had broken any of those cruel chains by -which you were so fatally bound to iniquity? Believe me, my friends, -frequent self-examination is of infinite value. It will stimulate you to -acts of virtue, and insensibly lead to repentance, without which you -cannot advance a single step towards a merciful Redeemer. Let it be -engraven upon your minds, that in proportion as your opportunities of -salvation have been numerous, so will your condemnation be grievous, if -you allow them to pass unimproved and unheeded. Remember that the doors -of mercy will not always be open. Oh! let me admonish you to draw near -to God while he has promised to be gracious. The parable of the Fig-tree -is wonderfully applicable in the present case[19]: “A certain man had a -fig-tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, -and found none. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, -these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none: -cut it down; why cumbreth it the ground?” In this you may observe that -God marks attentively how long we have been unprofitable and unfruitful. -The fig-tree evidently had reference to sinners, who for a certain time -disregarded the means of grace, and obstinately resisted his frequent -invitations; which induced him at length to direct that the tree should -be cut down, that is, that those sinners should be destroyed. - -I said, in a former part of this discourse, that your situation was -peculiar; it does indeed differ widely from that of most persons to whom -divines have had opportunities of addressing the consoling doctrines of -Jesus Christ. You have now bid adieu to your native land, the pleasures -of which most of you must make up your minds to relinquish for ever. It -is indeed very natural that the land which gave us birth, the spot where -we first beheld the light of Heaven, should long be remembered with -tenderness the most endearing. That we should cherish the finest -feelings of affection for our native land, is directed by a great and -irresistible law of nature, which was first implanted in our breasts by -the hand of the Creator himself; and I can easily fancy the emotions -that must swell your hearts, when the fond recollection of youthful -joys, and innocent pleasures, returns upon your memory. To be thus cut -off from your country, relations, friends, and acquaintances, is indeed -a heavy affliction; and if your hope be placed on nothing above this -earth, I pity you from my soul: but, if you can repose on the promises -of God, and seek refuge in the merits of his blessed Son, our Redeemer, -the proudest individual in this world has cause to envy you. - -I think enough is comprised in the foregoing observations, to deter all -rational beings from the commission of crime, and thereby exposing -themselves to the vengeance of that awful Majesty that can crush them in -an instant. Before I quit this subject, it may be expected that I -mention a few of the motives that ought to incite us to virtue. These -are so obvious, even to the most superficial observer, that it is hardly -possible for any one who thinks at all, to hesitate which is to be -chosen in preference, vice or virtue—happiness or misery. A good life is -the surest pledge of a happy death. The promises of God are not less -encouraging to the righteous, than disheartening to the wicked. In the -3d chapter and 33d verse of Proverbs, we read, “The curse of the Lord is -in the house of the wicked, but he blesseth the habitation of the just.” -Again, of the same 13th chapter, and 21st verse, “Evil pursueth sinners: -but to the righteous, good shall be repaid.” The faith of a righteous -man drawing towards the close of life, is beautifully expressed in the -23d Psalm, 4th and following verses. The Psalmist, reposing securely -under the shelter of divine protection, says, “Yea, though I walk -through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou -art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a -table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head -with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me -all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for -ever.” By the Scripture term _faith_, I understand the inspired writers -to mean, that a sinner, after forsaking the corruptions of sin and the -flesh, and steadily persevering in the course of virtue and obedience, -which the Christian religion points out, shall place entire reliance in -the mediation of Christ, for pardon of his offences, and acceptance with -God. - -It might here very properly be asked, whether you ever knew of any one -who, having led a virtuous life, had cause to repent of it at the hour -of death? But, on the contrary, have you not all seen many flying to God -in the hour of sickness and keen affliction, as the only certain source -whence the true penitent may always derive consolation? Even in this -life the righteous man has cause to believe that the blessing of Heaven -will be extended to him. This expectation is confirmed to him by the -assurance of the Psalmist, who says, in the 37th Psalm, 23d and -following verses, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and -he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast -down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and -now am old; yet have I _not_ seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed -begging bread.” In the 16th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, 22d and -succeeding verses, we have a wonderful instance of God’s providence, in -the protection and deliverance of two of his servants, which I consider -highly deserving of your notice: “And the multitude rose up against -them; and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat -them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into -prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely; who having received -such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet -fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang -praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a -great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and -immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were -loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and -seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have -killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul -cried out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm; for we are all -here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and -fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, -what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus -Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” - -Would my time admit of making further extracts from Scripture, I could -fill a multitude of pages with accounts of the loving-kindness and -patient forbearance continually exercised by God towards his creatures; -but the Bible is in the hands of you all, and I earnestly entreat you to -make yourselves acquainted with the salutary and cheering precepts which -you will find inculcated in every line of that sacred volume. It abounds -in consolations with which the thirsty soul of the weary traveller, who -is seeking salvation, may be feasted and refreshed. The careful perusal -of this most excellent book is not only granted to us as a privilege, -but God enjoins it as a duty: He says, in the Gospel according to St. -John[20], “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal -life: and they are they which testify of me.” - -I fear I have already trespassed too long on your patience; but I feel a -resistless impulse to give you a brief account of the dying moments of -two persons with whom I was acquainted, and from which, beyond all -doubt, the most impressive moral lesson may be learned. I select these -from a great many similar cases which came under my observation in the -course of professional avocation in various parts of the world. - -These men through life professed sentiments very different from each -other; and at the awful hour of dissolution, their feelings were indeed -very opposite. They were both snatched away in the prime of life, one -being twenty-four, and the other twenty-seven years old. A long and -disinterested friendship with the former, induced him to request my -attendance professionally; but all human skill was vain: the cold hand -of death had seized him. Never, in my life, did I see the cheering -effects of a religious life more strongly exemplified than on this -occasion. His wife, his mother, and his five sisters, with myself, were -present. Observing his female relations in tears, he requested them to -come near, and, after a little pause, addressed them in nearly the -following words: “Beloved friends, I perceive with regret the anguish of -your souls; I say regret, because I had promised myself nothing but -tranquillity and happiness, while the partition is breaking down that -separates me from my God. I am entering on my last journey, which, so -far from being terrible, is inviting and delightful.” A paroxysm of pain -here interrupted the interesting account, and for a minute he lay -apparently insensible; but opening his eyes again, with a placid smile, -he said, “I feel the infirmity of nature, but my sense of pain is lost -in my ardent hope of salvation. I have heartily repented of all my sins, -and firmly believe, through the benignant mercies of my God, and the -redeeming merits of my _blessed Saviour_, I shall in a few minutes be -numbered with the chosen of God. O my wife! my mother! my beloved -sisters! I beseech you not to mourn my departure. I feel happiness -unspeakable opening on my soul, as it bursts from this wretched -tenement.” Then grasping my hand, he faintly exclaimed, “Ah, my friend! -virtue is its own reward. See the effect of a religious life, and the -blessed composure of a dying Christian:” he continued, “My lamp is -nearly out; but, blessed be God, I feel that it has not burned in vain, -O Lord God! excuse my impatience, I am ready to obey thy call, and -anxious to receive thy promised rest.” Here his voice failed,—his tongue -faltered,—and his spirit took its flight to the bosom of its Father in -heaven. - -The picture of my other unhappy friend was just the reverse of the -above. He had indulged freely in all the fashionable gaieties of the -world; and if ever a serious or useful thought obtruded on his -disordered fancy, it was immediately stifled by some idle debauchery. In -this mad career he quaffed away life to the dregs, and, before he -arrived at the meridian of manhood, he was verging fast to the brink of -eternity. A bacchanalian surfeit in a distant country brought on a -fever, which threatened a speedy dissolution of life; and in this state -I saw him for the first time for several years, and I am certain I shall -never forget the painful feelings I endured throughout this melancholy -interview. It is absolutely impossible to give even a faint idea of the -horror, the agony, the heart-rending terror that harrowed up his soul, -whenever the thought of death flashed across his mind. He received me -with phrensied ardour, in which hope and fear were strongly depicted. -“Alas!” he exclaimed, “you have come too late, for I am lost—_every way -lost_.” I immediately perceived that life was ebbing fast; and being -convinced that nothing short of divine interposition could retard his -fate, I endeavoured to console him by drawing his attention to the -mercies of God, and the saving mediation of a gracious Redeemer: to -which he replied, with asperity and violence, “If you have any -friendship left for a degraded, self-polluted wretch, torture not his -last moments. My life has been spent in iniquity—foolishly spent, -because it never yielded one hour of solid happiness. I have lived -without thinking of God, and why should he _now_ think of me, unless it -be to judge me—to damn me?—Oh, God!—I shall go distracted!” A fainting -fit intervened, and fortunately broke this mournful chain of reflection; -but, alas! sensibility too soon returned, and with it fresh trains of -gloomy despondency. He stared wildly, and roared out, “I have broken -from him—but he is coming again—there—there—death!—Oh! save me—save me.” -After nearly an hour passed in this dreadful state, he again became -capable of reflecting; but every moment added to his dejection. “I have -been so bad,” he exclaimed, “that God can never forgive me. I have -blasphemed and dishonoured his holy name a hundred times, when my heart -inwardly smote me. I have ridiculed and denied his existence, that my -companions in error might think well of me; but I never was sincere in -my wickedness.” His mind became so agitated that all reasoning was -lost:—he was unable to repent; and the thought of death rent his very -soul. In this perturbed state he languished for about four hours, from -the time of my first seeing him; till at length, overwhelmed by despair, -a paroxysm of fever closed the tragic scene. The last words he uttered, -that I could distinctly hear, were, “God will not, cannot forgive!—” The -remainder was lost in a murmuring groan. - -Oh! my friends, could I convey to you any idea of the awful feelings -which the wretched death of this wretched man produced upon my mind, it -would, I think, deter the most thoughtless of you from those practices -which ruin both soul and body. Would to God that you had been present! -My description may not penetrate beyond the ear: but had you witnessed -the dreadful original, it would have pierced your hearts. - -Before concluding these observations, I cannot refrain from indulging -myself in a single remark on your conduct lately, which I have infinite -pleasure in saying merits the highest approbation of both Captain Brown -and myself. Believe me, I lost no opportunity of acquainting all my -benevolent friends of your good behaviour before we left England; and if -you persevere to the end of the voyage in this praiseworthy manner, I -promise you that all the well disposed inhabitants of the country to -which you are going shall be informed of it; and in my best offices with -the Governor you may most religiously confide. - - * * * * * - -5th.—At the earnest solicitation of several of the prisoners, I allowed -copies of the above address to be taken by them, having the greater -inclination to comply with this request, as I wished to see its effects -rendered permanent. Their general conduct continues exemplary. - -8th.—The same unvarying scene now presents itself every day. The women -show no inclination whatever to hold conversation with the sailors. In -every part of the ship to which the prisoners are allowed access, I have -the gratifying opportunity of seeing some one of them reading a portion -of Scripture, or some religious tract, to a group of her companions -collected round to hear the consoling doctrines of the gospel. It now -requires little or no entreaty to induce them to the practice of -religious worship, in which I am persuaded many of them engage with -sincere piety. - -At 11 A. M. being somewhat indisposed, the Rev. Mr. Reddall did me the -favour to read a sermon in the prison, during which I was summoned to a -child that had long lingered from water on the brain, and was then -dying. When the sermon was finished, I took occasion to address the -women on the subject of death, as mentioned in my last address. The -child’s dissolution, which had just taken place, gave an opportunity of -impressing the subject on their minds; and, if one may judge by the -burst of feeling it produced, it will not be speedily obliterated, the -circumstances of life and death being immediately present to the -imagination of each every moment of the voyage. Between 4 and 5 P. M. -the funeral service was read by the Rev. Mr. Reddall, and the body of -the child was committed to the deep. - -10th.—About half past 10 last night, an infant belonging to one of the -prisoners died from the effects of a blood-vessel of the lungs ruptured -about five weeks previously. About half past 3 this evening the reverend -Mr. Reddall read the funeral service, and the body was committed to the -deep. The reverend gentleman afterwards addressed the women (who were -present as well on this as the former occasion) in an impressive moral -exhortation, to which they paid the most respectful attention. Their -conduct has been generally so good as to admit of no opportunity of -using one word of animadversion as heretofore. - -11th.—At 11 A. M. the Rev. Mr. Reddall read to the women in the prison a -sermon which he had written for the particular occasion, admirably -adapted to their situation. It was intended as an appeal to their -feelings, and realized the expectations formed of its effects: there was -not in fact a dry eye present. When he had concluded, I made a few -observations expressive of my approbation of their general behaviour, -and how much it gratified me to observe their gradual reformation. I now -entertain scarcely a shadow of doubt that the great design of the -_Ladies’ Committee_ will be crowned with complete success. - -14th.—Nothing remarkable has occurred since last date, the conduct of -the prisoners being uniformly correct. The increasing heat of the -weather,—the ship having advanced considerably within the -tropics,—together with the full diet, have produced inflammatory -symptoms among the prisoners, which it was necessary to treat with -copious depletion, and other advisable means. I have satisfaction in -observing them relieved by the above treatment. - -15th.—This day, according to the usual rule, the prisoners were -assembled to hear religious instruction; but as the weather was very -hot, it appeared most proper that I should read the discourse to them on -deck, where the Reverend Mr. Reddall, Captain Brown, and his officers, -attended. The behaviour of the women was discreet and orderly: their -manners have assumed a certain sedateness which recommends them to -particular notice. Several have been employed in plaiting straw, and -doing needle-work; many are quite devoted to reading and conversing on -the Scriptures, thus filling up their time very usefully. - -16th.—This day, about 11 A. M., there came on a heavy squall from the -S.E., which blew with tremendous fury for nearly an hour, accompanied -with very heavy and incessant rain. Being aware of its approach, I had -ordered the beds to be carefully covered in the netting. As this was the -first appearance of any thing like a storm, many of the women from a -motive of curiosity remained upon deck until the hurrying exertions of -the sailors, and the loud voices of the Captain and officers giving the -necessary commands for the management of the ship, excited their terror -and drove them all below drenched with rain. - -I had been occupied in the hospital with the sick patients when the -confusion on deck was in its height, and on coming into the prison was -presented with a sight which, I must confess, gave me inexpressible -gratification. Most of the women were on their knees devoutly engaged in -prayer;—they did not appear to notice me, so great was their -abstraction;—all was silence, and religious awe. The apprehended danger -seemed to have brought forth the feelings of fervent devotion, and their -appearance, as they were then to be viewed, was similar to that of a -well ordered assembly at church. - -The matter, altogether, made an impression on my mind which will not -soon be removed; because at that instant I had the most satisfactory -proof of the results I had always anticipated from the system adopted. -Here, for instance, was a moment to try their faith. All the feelings -seemed now absorbed in religious thought, and they appeared firm in -reliance on the protection of Divine Providence;—an idea to which many -of them had been hitherto strangers, and the majority of them did not -dare to indulge. The shallow sceptic, who would despair of producing -religious impression on the minds of convicts, might, in this happy and -unexpected occurrence, find enough to convince him of his error, and to -make him change his opinion, were his ignorance formed even of the most -stubborn materials. - -A subsequent circumstance also persuaded me that the alarm created by -the squall was the means of calling up in their minds more lasting -reflections of a religious nature; for, about 4 in the evening, Sidney -Williams, whose conduct in Newgate was so extravagantly wicked as to -induce the Surgeon of that establishment to propose her removal to -Bethlehem Hospital, came to me with a hymn, which I had given her some -time before to learn, with a promise of some mark of approbation in case -of attention, and recited the whole with feeling and correctness. I -engaged her immediately to commit to memory my first address, and have -very little doubt of her performing the task. - -The example of Sidney Williams was followed by many others, to the -number of twenty nearly, who have also undertaken to commit the same -address to memory, in expectation of gaining the proposed reward. I must -not omit to mention here another trait of improvement noticed and -reported to me by Captain Brown:—Within the last few days some of the -younger convicts, who appeared more volatile than others, were in the -habit of using sacred words in ordinary conversation, not as oaths, but -as harmless expletives: but now, however, all such expressions have been -laid aside. - -18th.—Sunday.—The weather being fine, the convicts were assembled on -deck, and a sermon read to them by the Reverend Mr. Reddall, to which -they gave undivided attention, and appeared to acknowledge the force of -the arguments by correspondent feeling. After sermon I addressed them in -a concise exhortation on the necessity of frequent self-examination, -urging its important advantages in the guidance of every part of their -conduct, and have reason to hope the admonition was not lost upon them. - -Having long considered that some mode of keeping their minds in constant -action could not fail of producing good moral effects, and as a state of -idleness had been generally attended with injurious consequences when -they were imprisoned in England, it appeared to me manifest that nothing -could be more desirable than to devise some means of producing that -activity with as little delay as possible. As every day now seemed to -bring forth in their conduct the dawning of some good quality which had -been obscured in the darkness of their former lives, and as their minds -appeared strongly attached to religious reflection, I thought it most -expedient to employ them in committing to memory some short moral or -religious composition, proposing, as an inducement, a copy of the Bible -with the name of the successful candidate for the first place of merit, -in my own hand-writing; and to the two next, a copy of some religious -book, one to each, marked in the same manner; also to the next seven, -another small favour, with a similar mark of approbation. - -I further informed them, that an account of their success should be -entered in the journal with their respective names, which would be -submitted to the Governor at Sydney, backed with particular commendation -from myself, as they deserved; and that a copy of those names should -also be transmitted to London. They unanimously and cheerfully presented -themselves in competition for the proposed reward; and I had the -pleasure of understanding that many would undertake the task purely from -a sense of duty, and gratitude for the care which they experienced -during the voyage. This latter feeling was evinced by many of the -Newgate prisoners, among whom I was particularly gratified in seeing -Sidney Williams. The change in this girl is astonishing, not only as it -regards herself individually, but as her altered conduct serves as an -useful lesson and example to others. - -I cannot refrain from repeating my firm conviction, that the very best -consequences would be found to result, during the voyage to New South -Wales, were the convicts provided with means of constant employment in -some useful and light way befitting their sex; as I find uniformly their -minds much more tractable and obedient when they are so employed. One -obvious benefit would attend such a provision,—they would thereby, -having their attention profitably engaged, avoid allurements to improper -or useless conversation, and would rather turn their thoughts, as these -do at present, to religious or moral subjects. This latter intention -might be promoted by grouping the workers into certain classes, -according to their employment, and appointing one of their number best -qualified to read from some edifying book, instructive discourses, or -such passages of moral entertainment as might be selected for that -purpose; in time, use would render this custom familiar and pleasing. - -Some time after the women had been sent below this evening,—which is a -proceeding always observed at a certain hour, and attended to by them -with the utmost decorum,—Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Reddall walking on deck to -enjoy the delightful cool, which was made more pleasing by moonlight and -a gentle breeze,—their ears were struck with agreeable sounds coming -from the prison. On approaching cautiously, not to disturb any person -below, they found the sounds were produced by several of the women -singing hymns in symphony in a very low key. The stillness of the hour, -and the contrast of a religious exercise of that pleasing character -among women heretofore the objects of pity, punishment, or contempt, -were calculated to produce a combined effect of the most satisfactory -kind. - -20th.—At 9 this morning a complaint was made against Mary James for -abusing a fellow prisoner without provocation. On investigating the -case, the statement was found to be correct, and also that she had -wantonly used the most foul and disgusting language. I represented to -her the impropriety of such behaviour, and rebuked her for it, -threatening her with punishment if it were repeated. So far from -expressing any regret for her irregularity, she declared her intention -to do so as often as any one gave her cause, nor would she listen to the -consequences of such insubordination. She was proceeding with some -indecent and offensive language in my presence, and would not desist in -spite of every remonstrance. I therefore tied her hands and gagged her, -declaring she should not be loosed until she returned to a proper sense -of her duty. In about an hour afterwards, she signified deep sorrow for -her error; on which she was immediately released, and pardoned formally -on promise of more regular behaviour in future. At noon the prison, -having been cleaned out as usual, was sprinkled with vinegar. - -21st.—This day was given to cleaning and fumigating the prison. Being -desirous to let the women have the benefit of bathing, the _tub_ was -sent below for that purpose, but was found rather large for admission by -the doors; which being of slight materials, and hastily put together, -were unable to withstand the most trifling shock, and were, -consequently, much shaken and injured by forcing in the bathing-tub. -This is not the only instance in which the carpentry work of the prison -was found deficient;—the locks are usually of the commonest kind, and -insecure, as well as liable to be put out of order by the most simple -accident,—even by the pressure of the adjacent woodwork, when the vessel -happens to roll heavily. - -22nd.—At 11 this day, according to custom, I read a sermon to the -convicts, whose whole behaviour on the occasion merited praise. In their -general conduct they are decent and orderly, while their constant -cheerfulness makes them appear not to feel their separation from former -acquaintance very heavily. Many of the prisoners are every day employed -in working straw plait, and in various other light occupations, such as -sewing and knitting,—the materials of which were supplied by the Ladies’ -Committee. - -23rd. Many of the women are attacked with inflammatory fever. - -25th.—Sunday. This day severe illness prevented me from reading to the -prisoners according to custom; and, as I was confined to bed, the -Reverend Mr. Reddall kindly officiated on the occasion, and read to them -one of his own sermons, their attention to which afforded much -satisfaction. Mr. Reddall alluding to my illness, excited strong marks -of feeling and concern amongst them on that account. In the afternoon I -made an effort to see the sick persons, and administered the necessary -remedies. - -26th.—The inflammatory fever has been subdued in the cases mentioned, -and the other patients in the hospital are doing well. The women are -constantly engaged upon deck in the usual industrious employments. - -27th.—This day passed as heretofore in the most orderly and decent -manner on the part of the prisoners, although my illness interrupted -that watchfulness which I wished invariably to observe. Their conduct, -indeed, has been so uniformly correct as to present a sameness of record -too tiresome, were it not for the pleasure afforded by witnessing their -regular advancement in those principles of religion and virtue which I -was anxious to see established in full influence amongst them. - -This evening, after the beds had been sent below, a scene of rather a -novel nature presented itself, and served to convince me that perfection -had not as yet been attained by the convicts. The circumstance is -inserted, as presenting an alteration of feature in this journal, rather -than from its appearing seriously worthy of notice. Ann Williams being -in familiar conversation with the elder Farrell, had contrived to pick -her pocket, but was instantly detected; when all the bitter upbraiding -of Farrell’s merciless tongue was levelled at the delinquent. This was -resented in a way rather rude, as soon as they were all sent below to -bed; and the clamour brought Captain Brown and the Reverend Mr. Reddall -to the spot, when the assailant was secured, and tied up during the -night, and every thing became tranquil. - -28th.—On opening the prison this morning at daylight, according to -custom, I released Williams without speaking much to her, reserving my -observations until my health might allow of the exertion. The women have -been all this day grave, silent, and evidently concerned for the -occurrences of last evening. - -29th.—This day Samuel Brown, a convict’s child, died in the hospital; -and the funeral service having been read as usual by the Reverend Mr. -Reddall, the body was committed to the deep. At 11 A. M. the same -gentleman read a moral discourse to the women, at which, though -extremely ill, I endeavoured to be present, and, after it was ended, -addressed them briefly on the very disgraceful conduct of some of them -on Tuesday evening. My observations were tempered with mildness, and -were chiefly directed to the warm concern which I was informed they had -expressed for my illness, which I assured them had made a strong -impression on my mind. I exhorted them to persevere in good and virtuous -conduct; as, to see them moral, and happy from that cause, was my -greatest comfort; that the only reward I sought was that very sense of -gratitude which they had shown for my attentions, and that, so long as -health would permit, I should exert myself for their welfare. They all -appeared orderly, attentive, and respectful, and seemed generally to -censure the conduct of the late offenders. - -30th.—Frequent squalls, with rain, occurring this day, kept the -prisoners for the greater part below, where they were all usefully -employed, and such as had no work to do, filled up the vacant hours by -religious reading. - -_July_ 2nd.—Sunday. This day the Reverend Mr. Reddall read a sermon on -deck to the women, at which I endeavoured to be present, although my -state of health was very indifferent. The orderly behaviour of the -women, and their decent, and even neat appearance, afforded me much -pleasure. - -6th.—The preceding four days have passed in uninterrupted -tranquillity;—not a single circumstance having occurred to excite -disapprobation. It is extremely gratifying to observe little groups of -the prisoners, both in the prison and upon deck, reading the Scriptures, -and devoutly worshiping their Maker. At first many of them showed -considerable reluctance and shyness to be seen in acts of devotion; but -that false shame has happily disappeared. This day, at the usual hour, I -read to them a sermon, which was followed by an exhortation by the -Reverend Mr. Reddall of a serious, impressive, and appropriate nature. - -8th.—The occurrences of these two days correspond with those of the -preceding, except that hence a manifest argument for the necessity of -employment among the convicts may be drawn, as to the advantages -obtainable by daily occupation, in the singular alteration for the -better in the conduct of Ann Newton, who, since she commenced working -articles of straw manufacture, seems entirely to have lost her -disposition to licentious romping and careless expressions, for which -she, more than any of her companions, used to be remarked. Her demeanour -now is much more steady, and that activity of mind which would have -vented itself in mischief, is now in a very particular manner directed -to industry; her appearance also, which used to be that of a slattern, -and exhibited almost a studied want of cleanliness, is become, even in -her plainest dress, neat and decent;—every thing about her, in fact, -bespeaks a marked amendment. Another circumstance in the conduct of this -young woman is particularly deserving of notice; she every day chooses a -retired seat apart from her companions, where she assiduously pursues -her work in silence and remarkable reserve, yet appearing cheerful and -contented. - -9th.—This day, Sunday, being wet and uncomfortable, the prisoners were -unable to enjoy the advantages of the air on deck, as usual; and this -disappointment seemed to be felt considerably, as they had all dressed -themselves very neatly, many wearing new dresses which they had made up -during the week. At the accustomed hour the Reverend Mr. Reddall -accompanied me to the prison, where he read to them an excellent -discourse written for the occasion, on the advantages arising from -perseverance in “well-doing,” which contained some affecting allusions -to their situation, of which they testified the most lively feeling, -particularly of gratitude towards their good friends of the Committee, -and all those whose kind attentions were exerted for their welfare. I -offered a few observations approving of their general conduct, and -holding out inducements for further improvement: the burst of strong -feeling universally expressed throughout this penitent community was -overwhelming; their sobs and tears were to me the best reward I could -possibly be presented with, nor could I proceed without a painful -emotion mingled with pleasure. Were the benevolent ladies, who have done -so much for these poor contrite sufferers, then present, they would -doubtless have been much gratified. These women are no longer the wild -and abandoned creatures known throughout the prisons of England;—they -are now an orderly company, more like sisters in one family than persons -thrown together by accident or misfortune. - -13th.—Throughout the last few days the weather has continued boisterous, -cold, and wet, proving extremely uncomfortable to the prisoners; for -which reason they mostly remain below, exercising themselves in such -work as they can,—cleaning the prison and making every thing dry and -snug about them. The greater number were engaged at times to-day in -learning hymns, or reciting, and afterwards singing them with grave -attention. It having blown a violent gale during the night, they were -all greatly harassed, and many of them are still seriously alarmed by -the extraordinary rolling of the ship. - -At the accustomed hour I read to them a short discourse, and followed it -up with some observations applicable to the state of their fears on the -preceding night, with which they were much affected. As a mark of -approbation for their care in studying the hymns, and so laudably -singing them, one copy of Watts’s Collection of Hymns was given to each -mess, accompanied with such remarks as were likely to confirm their -pious purposes. This little favour was gladly and gratefully received: -hence the full assurance that they will derive much benefit from having -those small books, as they have ever since been collected in groups to -hear them read. - -As further marks of encouragement, I distributed among the most -deserving some more straw, and such other materials for industry as had -been supplied by the Committee: from their great diligence in working -these, I feel the more strongly impressed with a conviction of the -propriety and necessity of putting on board for the voyage a sufficient -quantity of materials to provide constant employment for the convicts on -the passage to the colony. The best proof of this is the superior -correctness of conduct manifested by such as are so employed, even on -the present very limited scale. - -14th.—This day the prisoners were confined below by the severity of the -weather, the wind still continuing to blow a heavy gale. Their situation -was rendered the more uncomfortable, from the wet occasioned by the sea -sometimes breaking over the netting, and making its way into the prison: -besides, the wind having carried away the cover of the boiler, it became -very difficult, almost impossible, to get any thing cooked: to those -little hardships, however, they submitted without a murmur. An extra -allowance of wine was issued, to relieve as much as possible these -inconveniences. - -15th.—Nothing of importance has occurred this day. The weather having -become more favourable, the convicts were employed in cleaning the decks -of the prison, and making themselves as comfortable as possible. - -16th. Sunday.—The Rev. Mr. Reddall and Captain Brown accompanied me this -day to the prison, where Mr. Reddall read to the convicts a discourse on -the conversion of St. Paul. Some thoughts having suggested themselves as -appropriately applying to their immediate condition, I offered a few -brief observations to that effect, which I have reason to hope were -heard by them with serious interest. - -A recent circumstance may here be introduced, to show the happy -influence already extending over the minds of these forlorn females. -Mary Hough, one of those sent from Stockport, was married to a man of -dissolute character, who not only, as she asserted, induced her to -commit the offence for which she was sentenced to her present -punishment, but had taken up with another female, whose misfortune in -knowing him was similar to her own; for the same woman is also a convict -in this ship, with a young child by the same man, of which she was -pregnant at the time of her commitment to prison. Mary Hough was at -first, she acknowledges, full of resentment and rage against this -unfortunate woman; but she has latterly become so altered in her mind, -from the effects of religious exercises, that she has made the most -sincere declarations of forgiveness to the object of her jealous enmity, -and even sends a part of her own ration of wine to assist the poor -mother in supporting the infant in health. This Hough is exemplary in -her behaviour, and frequently expresses anxious wishes for her wicked -husband’s reformation. - -17th.—The sameness which has hung over the reports in the preceding -weeks, has at length met some variation from an occurrence which has -just taken place. In consequence of a regulation which had been long -organized and established, I had, at the earliest moment possible after -opening the prison this morning, intelligence of a transaction which -happened shortly after last midnight. During yesterday a secret -arrangement, it appears, had been made by three of the sailors, in -pursuance of which they watched a convenient opportunity of going down -to the prison-door at the fore hatchway, which is always secured with -two locks, and there endeavoured to open a passage for three of the -convicts, Ann Farrell, Ann Newton, and Ann Harwood, who had consented to -accompany them below. After some feeble endeavours, the sailors, fearing -detection, desisted, and retired in savage disappointment. - -Having received this information, on the truth of which I could rely, I -lost not an instant to confer with Captain Brown, who offered the most -prompt assistance. I sent for the three offending prisoners, who, with -the utmost plausibility and perseverance, insisted that they had no -participation in the design. Being, however, convinced of their criminal -intention in the affair, I placed them in strict confinement, positively -forbidding any one of them to appear again on deck during the remainder -of the voyage; which must operate upon them as a heavy punishment. - -The greatest precautions were used at the same time, by Captain Brown, -to place a grating, and more secure fastenings, over the hatchway, where -the attempt had been made; and more strict regulations were issued for -the conduct of the sailors. It may be recollected that Newton, one of -the offenders in the present instance, had lately shown strong -inclination to amendment, having applied herself assiduously to working -straw-plait; but, unfortunately, the materials being all worked up, the -mischief of idleness returned upon her volatile disposition, and the -effects are, her being involved in the above improper conspiracy. Let -this suffice, without further comment, to prove the unhappy consequences -that result from the convicts not having means of permanent employment -during the voyage. - -19th.—This morning a woman, who conducted herself throughout the voyage -with exemplary propriety, solicited my protection against the insulting -abuse and infamous threats of two of the sailors, which she declared had -been quite unprovoked. Having investigated the case, I found her -statement correct. These fellows, who had attempted to break into the -prison on the night of the 16th, believing it was this woman who -communicated to me the facts of that infamous transaction, took this -opportunity of venting their low malice against her, using the most -dreadful oaths and imprecations, that they would throw her overboard -before the voyage was over; or that they would most certainly kill her -in the colony; one of them at the same time seizing her as if he was -about to put the threat into execution. - -I soothed the poor woman’s alarms, as well I could, with promises of -protection to the utmost of my ability, and represented the affair to -Captain Brown, declaring to him, that any injury done to the prisoners -should be followed with punishment, to the utmost extent and rigour of -the law, on our arrival in the colony:—from him I experienced the most -ready and friendly co-operation, in no degree marked by the lukewarm -impulse of mere duty, but by the elevated principle of moral rectitude. -He represented to the men what I had said, and assured them, that such -disgraceful and unmanly behaviour should not only be discountenanced, -but be visited with all the punishment he had the power to inflict. -Unfortunately, however, in vessels of this description, the law has -provided no remedy against the most unbridled licentiousness; and -sailors may, in fact, commit any crime short of mutiny, or injury to the -ship’s concerns, without the least apprehension of penal consequences, -while they almost always act up fully to the extent of this unreasonable -immunity. - -The rest of the prisoners expressed their feelings respecting the -misconduct of the three thoughtless females in terms of bitter -indignation;—they declared such behaviour unworthy and disgraceful to -beings on whom such care had been lavished. Scoffs and insults from -every part of the prison were poured on the now mournful offenders, who -complained piteously of their sufferings, and declared they were so -wretched that life was not worth preserving. I had to entreat and -command the others to desist from persecuting them; but on this occasion -my authority had weight no longer than I was present to enforce it, -although on every other occasion my orders met with the most prompt -obedience. To screen them from personal violence, and preserve peace -among them, I found it necessary to remove the offenders into the -hospital. This circumstance proved the strong feeling that habit, if not -a better state of mind, had given birth to. - -20th.—An effort was made last night, by two of the sailors, to break -into the prison, to communicate with the three girls in confinement; but -it does not appear that any effort on their side was made to encourage -such proceeding: one of the fellows threw down a letter through an -opening in the deck made for the admission of air to the hospital, but -it was torn without having been read. I have strong expectations that -these weak creatures are becoming again sincerely steady, having -conversed with them almost every hour since their separation from the -others, and found them constantly in tears, without expressing a wish to -have their confinement relaxed. - -At noon, Captain Brown and the Rev. Mr. Reddall accompanied me to the -prison, where I read a sermon, and made a few remarks, approving of -their prudent behaviour in avoiding such solicitations as had involved -the others in the disgrace of the late transaction, and commending them -for the reserve shown generally towards those who sought only to lead -them again astray from virtuous obedience. I advised them also to -cultivate that peaceful and friendly disposition towards one another, -which heretofore formed so praiseworthy a feature in the character of -their little community. This appeared to allay all acrimonious feeling, -and appease every discontent: a spirit of harmony is again restored, to -experience, it is hoped, no further interruption: still, however, it -seems prudent, under every consideration of the circumstances, to keep -the three offenders in duresse. - -23rd.—These last three days proceeded without any further annoyance from -the sailors, who appear to conduct themselves with a greater regard to -decency, acting more under controul, seemingly, than might be expected -from persons ignorant in the extreme of moral virtue, slaves to their -passions, and amenable in scarcely any degree to discipline of any form, -evidently aware of their power to act in every manner as suits their -inclination. The exertions of Captain Brown, in finding the sailors -constant employment, which their selfishness forbids them to refuse, and -the vigilance constantly exercised over both them and the women, have -changed the scene very much for the better. - -The conduct of the three secluded females is, generally speaking, marked -with sincere repentance, their manner being sorrowful and extremely -submissive. Their confinement is still continued, in order to keep them -in this state of mind, and to render the amendment already manifested -secure and permanent. They were admitted to-day into the prison, and had -the benefit of a religious discourse and exhortation from the Rev. Mr. -Reddall, at which Captain Brown attended. The little assembly was -remarkable for an appearance of cleanliness, and their demeanour showed -evident signs of advancement in religious and moral feeling. It is -barely justice to them to say, that in no part of the voyage had I -greater reason to approve of their conduct, than since the affair of -their three companions took place. - -After sermon I spoke a few words, recommending to their strict attention -the subject of the sermon they had just heard, adding a very brief -admonition on their religious duties generally, to which they gave a -marked and silent hearing: that they carry these things constantly in -mind, is evident from the tenour of all their actions, almost every one -of them being seen occupied with some of the religious books given them; -nor is levity of manner in the slightest degree observable amongst them. - -This day I had the pleasure of conferring the promised mark of -approbation, proposed some time since, as a reward to the one who should -first commit to memory the address with which the voyage was commenced. -It is peculiarly gratifying to say, that the successful candidate is -Sidney Williams, who, it may be recollected, was characterized in most -alarming colours for her conduct in Newgate. Now, however, let the -change in her behaviour be considered, and surely every one who loves to -see the erring sinner reclaimed, advancing first in the path to virtue -and excellence, must feel a sympathy in her misfortunes, and rejoice in -her extraordinary recovery from wickedness. - -On Friday last this girl applied to me with modest confidence to repeat -the Address, requesting me to hear her in the attempt; which being -complied with, she recited it with ease and accuracy. I deferred to give -the promised reward till the present day; and after sermon I called -Sidney Williams forward by name (a circumstance quite unusual), and -having read aloud the inscription, which, according to promise, was in -my own hand-writing, I presented her with a large copy of the Bible, -accompanying it with expressions of warm approbation, and of -encouragement to further virtuous endeavours. The effect of this little -affair upon the other prisoners was, as it were, electric: they hastened -to give assurances of their desire for the like distinction, but at the -same time expressed no envy of Sidney Williams’s success. - -27th.—This day, Thursday, at the usual hour, I read a sermon to the -prisoners: the behaviour of all was as usual sedate and attentive. Their -minds seem now, as far as it can be discerned, completely abstracted -from all those pernicious subjects of a vicious nature which formerly -occupied their thoughts, and a fixed and settled manner, according to -their various tempers, characterizes every one of them. The three -offenders were admitted to the sermon, and their appearance is quite -lowly, and strongly bespeaks repentance. Every means that can be -resorted to is employed to prevail on me to alter their sentence, and -withdraw the prohibition of their appearing upon deck, promising the -most rigid observance of decorum and prudent conduct, if once more -tried:—but, every circumstance being duly considered, it appears most -advisable to continue them still longer in their present place of -security. - -28th.—The behaviour of the prisoners continues orderly, sedate, and -tranquil; all seeming anxious to arrive at their destination, rather -from a desire to commence industrious and honest occupations than from a -weariness of the voyage. Their whole conduct is such as to call forth -approbation in every instance; and I find their attention and -watchfulness particularly exerted to avoid any blameable action, since -the late misfortune of their three companions. These latter are still -continued in confinement, avoiding the frequent attempts of the sailors -to induce them to a conversation. - -Another gross instance of impropriety on the part of these men has this -day been discovered, which is as strongly marked for its unmanly -meanness as it is for its barbarity. Having no longer the opportunities -of conversing with the women, as formerly they used to do in spite of -every restraint, and in violation of their commander’s positive -orders,—not content with annoying the confined females with their gross -assiduities, they now direct their cowardly malice against the other -women, watching the opportunities of the night-time,—stamping over the -prison about the fore-hatchway,—making hideous noises, and crying out -“The ship is sinking,”—and in every possible way disturbing the -prisoners’ sleep, in alarming their fears. Sometimes their vulgar -ingenuity tries the idea of a ghost stalking about the prison, and this -they endeavour to communicate to them through the prison-grating, to the -great distress of such as are weak enough to believe them; but the -majority of the women have too much good sense to notice such rude and -idle attacks. - -As these malignant ruffians in this manner insult and torment the poor -prisoners, who have no means of resisting or avoiding the abuse, is it -not to be deemed unfortunate that no power exists to punish, or at least -control, such base conduct? When spoken to concerning such proceedings, -they make light of the matter, saying they merely jump about for nothing -but amusement,—not offering to deny that they have done so. Were no -other proof existing, the fact of such things having occurred, ought to -make the establishment of some appropriate and efficient regulations in -these circumstances as sure of adoption as they are imperiously -requisite. - -Captain Brown has severely reprimanded the sailors for their misconduct; -but to this they showed the most careless indifference, still -persevering in their shameful practices in defiance of his strict -injunctions, and in open opposition to the officer of the watch; so that -the disposition of those men, so obstinately evinced, may be productive -of consequences still more serious, as no means of compelling them to -alter their behaviour can be resorted to at present. Having consulted -with the commander on this state of things, we have determined to avoid -openly censuring them as much as possible, and allow the affair to pass -without further notice, as the least mischievous proceeding they may put -in practice. - -30th.—This day a discourse was read in the prison. The decent appearance -of the prisoners, who were as clean and neat as their circumstances -would permit, was highly praiseworthy. After sermon I remarked on the -necessity there was for an active co-operation on their part, by -reflection and meditation, to give effect to the discourses they heard -from time to time, as otherwise it would be a useless application of -those valuable compositions barely to hear them read, unless they turned -them to good account;—that the reading of sermons would, in fact, become -an idle ceremony, should they not with earnestness and attention -endeavour to benefit by the excellent advice they contained;—that in -this way their time would be most profitably exercised, and every hour -thus devoted would be found of increased value. I was gratified in -observing, by their manner, that these hints were not thrown away, as -they gave evident signs of being impressed with their truth. - -Their general behaviour is in every respect unexceptionable, and I more -certainly than ever, nay I may venture to say decidedly, calculate on -final success in landing them, with the help of a kind providence, -perfectly in health, and furnished with some sound and lasting -principles of moral rectitude, and religious knowledge, in future to -guide them in all their actions. The three confined females continue -extremely submissive in their behaviour, and the reserve they show every -day gives me greater cause to be satisfied of the propriety of keeping -them still confined, the good effects of the mild yet cautious treatment -they receive being so very evident. As little intercourse as possible -now occurs between the other women and the sailors, although the latter -seem but little ashamed of their disgraceful conduct, and behave with -insolent freedom towards the prisoners whenever they can, though they -meet with silent disregard. The insolence, however, of some of these men -carries them frequently beyond the bounds of toleration, threatening the -women and making use of infamous language without any just cause or -pretence whatever. - -_August_ 1st.—This day the competition for the other prizes was -decided,—Mary Broom, about ten years old, daughter of a convict, having -gained the second; whilst the third was won by Mary St. John, a -respectable-looking elderly prisoner, both of whom recited the address -without making a mistake. The success of this trial, which was made as a -substitute for employment, is the more remarkable from the previous -history of the competitors;—Sidney Williams having been notorious for -her profligacy,—the second worthy of notice from her youth, and -unfortunate situation,—and the third, a grave matronly woman, whose -example has some influence: yet, far from producing envy among the rest, -these examples have served to stimulate them to similar exertions, and -forty others, at least, are now busily engaged in committing the address -to memory. Their endeavour to succeed affords a good deal of employment, -which is the most difficult matter to invent, as all the materials -furnished from the Ladies’ Committee have been long since worked up: -this exercise, besides filling up some of their time, helps of course to -keep in their minds a lively remembrance of the principles inculcated -from the beginning. - -Were it not for this lamentable want of employment, I would encourage -myself to hope that the great work of their reformation might be fully -effected. They are now as much under the regulation of religious precept -and moral propriety, almost, as they are capable of being brought; it -only remaining to be shown, as I apprehend, by their actions when again -introduced into the world, that they are seriously determined on -continuing this new life, heartily renouncing all their former -unfortunate habits and inclinations. Of this I have satisfactory and -gratifying assurances in many communications conveyed to me from several -of these poor penitents, hitherto considered intractable, and who are -indeed still looked upon by their less reflective companions as if they -were the same giddy thoughtless beings as formerly. In these -communications I am requested to continue my care of them as usual, and -explain to them, at a convenient leisure, portions and texts of -Scripture which they could not of themselves comprehend. It is needless -almost to add, that I lose no opportunity of cultivating this -disposition, and encouraging them by every means in my power to -persevere in their good purposes. - -Ann Newton and her companions continue to prove the sincerity of their -amendment by the most correct behaviour: yet still my determination -remains unchanged, not to have them exposed to the same risk again, and -therefore they are constantly secluded in the hospital. Some of the -sailors continue the nocturnal annoyance over the prison, as before, in -defiance of remonstrance. Were it not for the misfortune of having to -guard against the wicked daring of these men, I should now have nothing -to concern myself about, relative to the moral conduct of the prisoners, -as I may, without presumption, consider that I have, with the assistance -of a gracious Providence, redeemed my engagement with regard to this -truly important object. It would be a task of some difficulty to depict -in true and just colours the detail of their state as it at present -stands. They seem all of one family,—perfectly coalescing, and -harmonized to a simplicity and reciprocal gentleness of manner, that, -considering their former lives, would seem almost foreign to their -nature. - -2nd.—In the record of the preceding day I congratulated myself on the -state of improvement for which the prisoners were remarkable, and -described their demeanour as being more gentle than seemed indicated by -their natural disposition. Whilst I would iterate the same opinion with -confidence respecting the behaviour of the generality of them, it must -not be denied that there are some few among them, whose characters I -have studied to know, but whose stubborn temper there is reason to fear -has not been as yet subdued, or scarcely can be so, although their minds -are undoubtedly much under the influence of moral discipline. - -Shortly after opening the prison this morning, I had painful evidence of -this uncontrollable disposition, finding Mary Linch, a woman of -ferocious character, mauling and abusing a fellow prisoner, of timid -disposition and peaceful conduct, for some trifling matter of dispute; -but so enraged had the latter become by the attack, as almost to equal -the other in fury; and both proved so ungovernable, that I was compelled -to resort to the only effectual means of coercion within my reach, that -of tying the combatants together. This process in a short time brought -them to reflection; they acknowledged their offence in the most humble -terms, and prayed forgiveness; which, after some delay, was allowed, -with an admonition in the public hearing of the other prisoners. This -trifling irregularity, by disturbing the sameness of the scene, may be -productive of some good, as it will make the whole more strictly -observant of decent and orderly behaviour. - -3rd.—This day, as usual, I read an appropriate discourse in the prison, -all appearing attentive to the subject, as also to the remarks which it -occurred to me to make on Linch’s late conduct. The same opportunity -served to contrast her behaviour with that of the child and woman to -whom I presented the prizes they had so meritoriously obtained. This -affair has increased an emulative spirit among the others, who are -exerting themselves to gain similar distinction. - -The manner in which the three hospital prisoners are going on affords me -much satisfaction; but I still consider them most securely placed out of -the way of temptation where they are; and there they shall remain, as I -am anxious to land them at their place of destination in a state of mind -as pure as it is in my power to effect. Little doubt is on my mind that -they might be safely set at large again: but for example’s sake it is -best their confinement should continue; the situation of the hospital -renders them healthy and comfortable. Linch also, for her savage -conduct, is forbidden to appear on deck. - -6th.—At the usual hour, this day, I read a sermon in the prison; and as -the subject was chosen with reference to the recent misconduct of Mary -Linch, and was calculated to enforce peaceable and quiet disposition -generally, it was heard with remarkable attention. I alluded to the -circumstances of the late affray, but avoided making it appear -extravagantly wicked; my design being rather to make them love good -order and meekness of mind, and to excite a dislike of discord and -quarrelling. The observations were therefore of a mild and conciliatory -nature;—That, as they were all driven by an irresistible necessity to -continue together for a certain time, and as they must less or more feel -themselves the children of misfortune and misery, it would better become -them as Christians to love one another, than by indecent and useless -discontents add to each others distress;—that nothing was so likely to -create unhappiness as dissentions and disputes among themselves; and -that the continuance of such silly squabbling would infallibly sour -their minds, and deprive them of that tranquillity and decent steadiness -which would secure them credit and comfort, and particularly dispose -them for those different situations which awaited them among strangers, -who would receive them with friendly and paternal care if they showed -themselves well conducted and good, but who would naturally look upon -them with abhorrence or distrust if their character appeared otherwise. -These remarks had a tendency which did not disappoint expectation, and -the desired effect could be easily perceived. On turning to go away, in -a direction not usual, I was surprised and pleased to find an -individual, who was looked upon as one of the least careful, sitting as -retired as possible behind her companions and bathed in tears of -repentance for her errors; I have since received from her a letter -expressive of such being the state of her mind, and soliciting -forgiveness for her faults. It is in this manner the effects of the -system, incessantly pursued from the beginning, may be perceivable in -consequences such as these. - -7th.—With indignation and painful concern I must acknowledge a -conviction possesses my mind, that the barriers of propriety which now -so long protected the prisoners from the evil designs of the sailors are -broken down, as, in spite of every precaution, and ever wakeful -exertion, some of those men have succeeded in seducing four of the -prisoners from their duty. The mischief having taken place, I owe it to -truth and justice to state the facts as they have this day been detailed -to me. - -The sailors had contrived to effect a passage secretly from their own -_birth_ into the store-room beneath, through which, by opening a way in -a manner completely eluding suspicion, they got forward into the ship’s -hold, and ascended to the entrance of the prison at the fore-hatchway, -where, by means of a duplicate key, (which to locks of this description -was easily procured,) or by picking the locks, they met the females, who -had previously consented to accompany them if they succeeded in getting -them out. It may be recollected that the former attempt of this kind, -which failed, was made at this very place; but all endeavours to get -into the prison from the deck that way had been frustrated by the -caution used in fastening it down every evening. - -The state of the locks at this door of the prison, and indeed at the -other also,—for in this respect they are alike,—made this precaution of -fastening down the hatchways necessary; for the padlocks, which alone -had been put on by the Government carpenters,—one only to each -door,—were soon rendered useless by the action of the weather: besides, -they were fitted up in such a wretched, slovenly manner, that the force -of a man’s finger applied to the staple could draw it from the wood. -When the women first began to come on board, there was not any lock for -the doors of the prison, and I was under the necessity of fitting on two -which had been sent with the medicine chests. Captain Young with great -kindness supplied two stock-locks of plain construction, although the -matter did not belong to his department: besides these, there were other -padlocks put on, furnished by Captain Brown, as those in use became -spoiled with wet and rust, to which they were constantly exposed. By the -former attempt at the fore hatchway, the locks there were rendered -useless; and as others furnished by Captain Brown were set on in their -stead, I considered every thing secure. - -In that opinion, however, I have been unfortunately mistaken, deceived -by the ingenuity and perseverance of the persons against whom I was -endeavouring to guard. I cannot sufficiently express my sense of -satisfaction at the spirited and prompt activity of Captain Brown on -this, as well as on the former occasion. Every search which I suggested, -as necessary to be made in the interior of the ship in reference to the -information I had received, was instantly and personally made by him -with prudence and vigilance; when with much difficulty he discovered the -secret passage, and the confirmation of the transaction was made -manifest. With readiness and earnestness, which marked the benevolence -of his character and his kind disposition, he offered to accompany me -when I signified my determination to remain in the prison every night -till the termination of the voyage, to defend the prisoners from every -further violence, even at the peril of my life;—and in this -determination I am immoveably resolved. - -_Thus_ are we placed completely at the mercy of these vile men, who now, -incited by their worst passions and this success, may further extend -their daring to acts of mutiny, and gratify themselves by open violence, -considering us, as they may, unable to oppose any effectual resistance -to any such villainous design. Moreover, the whole of the sailors, with -a doubtful exception of four, seem to be all of one mind; they having, -as I understand, refused yesterday their Sunday’s allowance of grog -ordered by the Captain. - -It would be unjust to withhold the fact, that four of the women only -were concerned in this affair, not one of the others being in any way -whatever implicated. In order to come at the full evidence of this -transaction, I was obliged to make promise of some concession to one of -the females who went below from the prison on that occasion, and by that -means discovered the whole, and was the better prepared to defeat -further attempts. The most secure means were used to shut up the secret -passage, and the door of the prison was made fast with a thorough iron -bolt, and closed up for the remainder of the voyage. The carpenter of -the ship, who had been concerned, was of necessity employed in securing -these fastenings,—a duty which he performed with evident reluctance. The -offending females are in confinement. - -11th.—The weather yesterday being exceedingly rough, and the state of -the ship highly inconvenient and uncomfortable to the prisoners, a -violent gale blowing, I was constrained to merely read a religious -discourse as usual, deferring my remarks on the occurrences of the -passing time until another opportunity, as during the reading of the -sermon the vessel shipped some heavy seas, much of which made its way -into the prison. - -The conduct of the sailors, since the late affair, having assumed a more -cautious appearance, and information having been given that another -attempt upon the prison was intended, I found it necessary, therefore, -to redouble my vigilance, in order to unmask any design they might have -formed. They had been heard to use the most violent language regarding -myself, accompanied with threats, all which I despised; but seeing the -safety of the prisoners about to be assailed, a sense of duty, and a -determination to protect them at any hazard, made me form the resolution -of keeping watch in the prison during the night, armed with a brace of -pistols to repel intrusion. This appeared the more imperiously -necessary, as no security could be placed in their commander’s authority -over them, further than as concerned their immediate duty in the -management of the ship: accordingly I took my station below. - -I remained there with a light during the night, but no attempt was made -to enter: the fellows, however, amused themselves the whole night with -making hideous noises through the grating at the fore hatchway, and -endeavouring to provoke my angry feelings by their rude abuse. It was -shocking to decency to hear their beastly language, which was much too -gross for expression even in writing. It was evident they felt sore with -disappointment, which makes me more than ever determined on keeping -watch. - -Notwithstanding the rancour with which these headstrong men persecute -the prisoners by alarming their minds as much as they can, the assurance -of protection they receive from my presence tranquillizes their minds -considerably. Many of them of delicate constitution, whose minds were -under the strong influence of religious feeling, no longer hardened by -sinful habits long and sincerely renounced, felt undoubtedly all the -natural concern of returning virtue, and consequently dreaded the -threatened visits of the sailors, who must in such case enter the prison -with open violence, and might therefore seriously abuse them;—even, as -they expressed it, murder every one, and throw me overboard. I must, in -justice, acknowledge that this evil is in some measure partial, one -division of the men showing less active disposition to annoy, than is -observable in the other. To the steady, correct and unceasing endeavours -of Mr. John Moncrief, chief officer, in repressing licentiousness and -maintaining good order, in support of my views, it gives me sincere -pleasure to bear testimony; and to his unwearied vigilance and -gentlemanly conduct throughout the voyage, not a little of the -beneficial results are owing. - -12th.—The sailors last night continued the noise, with additional -circumstances of malicious intent, which argue a determination to -persevere:—for instance, forcing a cat down to the door of the fore -hatchway, fastened by a cord, they contrived to torture the animal, -causing it to make the most piteous cries so as to disturb the women’s -rest. Their daring disposition went much further; for, by means of a -boat-hook staff, they broke down two of the bars which inclose the -prison at the fore hatchway, making a considerable opening, which might -be taken advantage of at that moment, perhaps, but that they were -apprized of my being on the watch below, determined to fire on any one -who should have the temerity to venture in. - -In this almost defenceless state are the prisoners still obliged to -remain, because no other means of security can be devised besides what -have been employed, and no resource appears at hand to oppose the -outrage, if the sailors _choose_ to be so criminally adventurous. -Captain Brown, being much concerned for the existence of abuses which he -has not power either to restrain or punish, shows every desire to aid my -intentions, even proposing to watch with me in turn, to share the -fatigue, and let me have repose occasionally; but his attention to the -navigation and management of the ship is so constantly required, that I -cannot with propriety avail myself of his obliging offer. - -This morning the Captain mustered the second mate’s watch upon deck, and -in an animated manner reproved them very severely for their cowardly and -shameful attacks on poor female prisoners, which they would not dare to -do if the objects of their annoyance had the power of resistance. The -behaviour of some of these men, on this occasion, was singularly -insolent, audaciously denying the whole charge, the proofs of which it -was not then thought fit or necessary to open to them. I candidly warned -them of the danger they incurred if any of them were found attempting -the injury of the prisoners, or breaking into the prison; so that if any -of them met with misfortune in such circumstances, he would have himself -alone to blame. Captain Brown advised them in the most impressive manner -to desist for the future, and dismissed them. It remains to be seen how -they mean to act after this caution; but my resolution is as fixed as -ever to persevere in keeping watch and protecting the prisoners at any -risk, according to my sense of duty. - -13th.—Last night was spent as before; but the warning they had received -operating on their fears kept them from repeating the annoyance, and the -night passed without disturbance. This day, in consequence of fatigue, I -felt unable to read in the usual manner to the prisoners, and the -Reverend Mr. Reddall kindly officiated. I seized the moment after its -conclusion, and addressed them, charging them with laxity of manners, as -unfortunately witnessed in some of them on a recent occasion;—pointed -out to them the unhappy state of mind which must attend a relapse from -virtue, and the misery which those women must now feel for having -forsaken their duty;—showed, that vice and virtue, as they must well -know, are irreconcileable, and that the hearts of those unhappy frail -ones must now make them painfully sensible how degraded and wretched -their misconduct must have rendered them. A burst of sorrowful feeling -announced their conviction of this truth, and one would gladly at least -suppose, that with this impression on their minds, nothing could induce -them to transgress again. - -They appeared to reproach themselves for the sacrifice of rest and -comfort they made me endure. Taking advantage of this state of mind, I -entreated them to reflect seriously on their duty, keeping constantly in -mind the absolute necessity there was, now more than ever, to avoid, -under every pretence whatsoever, the company and conversation of the -sailors. I assured them that any found unmindful of this line of -conduct, should be instantly confined, and not allowed a moment from the -prison until they were handed over to their sentence, which should visit -them in all its heaviness, as no effort would be made to lighten the -burden of their misfortunes,—and that they must go forth to their lot -tainted with characters more black and odious than what their former -crimes had brought upon them. I was afterwards under the necessity of -using harsh measures with one of the late offenders, Mary Linch, who, -disregarding the injunction imposed on her for beating one of her -fellow-prisoners, had the temerity to break through her confinement and -go upon deck. - -15th.—The personal inconvenience to which I have subjected myself by -keeping watch in the prison, and which I mean to continue in order to -defeat every machination which the licentiousness of the sailors may -attempt, however distressing in its effects upon myself it may prove, -has been attended with much advantage; as, by breaking up any plans they -may have formed, their insolence has been repressed, and their -forwardness to mischief overawed. Besides, the conduct of the women, -such I mean as may have had a leaning towards a dereliction of duty, and -of those sentiments of returning virtue acquired on the voyage, were -checked in their relapse, and brought by a sense of shame to a proper -recollection and recovery of themselves; so that nothing at present -exists to disturb a harmony as perfect seemingly as what I had recently -congratulated myself upon, previously to the late occurrence. On account -of the severe weather, a heavy gale blowing with constant rain, the -women could not get their cooking done, and to show them a little -indulgence I issued an additional ration of wine. - -16th.—The restoration of order and proper conduct among the prisoners, -the sailors also having discontinued their nocturnal annoyance, had led -me to think my watching in the prison any longer was unnecessary; but -accident has put in my way a paper which has considerably altered my -mind on that point. This paper, which I found last night in the prison, -appears to have been written to one of the prisoners by a sailor -concerned in the late attempted breach into the prison: the hand-writing -is evidently disguised, but the contents betray a determination to break -down the bars of the prison as soon as they should perceive that I was -become weary of watching. “_There are plenty of us to do it_,” says this -curious document, and its intimations in general are so direct, that I -think myself imperatively bound to persevere in the arduous duty I have -proposed to myself. - -The contents of this paper should have been inserted here at length, but -that many expressions in it are too indecent for publicity: however, if -any person have a wish to inspect it, I have preserved it for that -purpose, as the best evidence of the fact, that violence may be -threatened with impunity on such an occasion. It contains also a threat -against myself, which of course I despise;—in this respect, however, -they appear to have an eye towards my pistols, as the same important -paper plainly shows. - -17th.—At the usual hour this day I read a sermon to the prisoners, to -which they were all exceedingly attentive. The remarks which it appeared -necessary to make on passing occurrences, produced a strong impression -on their minds, and many shed tears of painful remembrance over those -crimes which brought them to their present wretched state, and found in -their sorrow relief from their reflections. - -The weather being excessively cold and inclement from the nature of the -season, and the high latitudes through which the ship’s course lay, the -cooks found it difficult to dress the victuals: I therefore signified my -intention to allow them wine four times a week, should their conduct -merit such indulgence. - -Many of the prisoners had worked up the straw and the other materials -for industrious employment;—some into decent bonnets for -themselves,—others the like for sale, out of which they hoped to make as -much as would help to equip them respectably on landing, and for that -purpose solicited my interference to procure them purchasers. - -20th.—The constant system of keeping watch at night in the prison, has -completely disconcerted the designs of the sailors, who, having -committed themselves in a wilful breach of propriety which they cannot -now turn to the base purposes they had proposed, are evidently filled -with disappointment and vexation, and they appear the more annoyed as -there is no possible way for venting their dastardly malice. Besides, -they are ashamed of their late behaviour in worrying the women during -the night, from the contempt cast upon such unmanly tricks. At all -events, they seem to have given up that part of their plan, as no -disturbance now takes place during the night: yet I have sufficient -cause to believe they will renew their attempts on the prison, should -any opportunity offer. - -This day a discourse on the mischiefs of idleness was delivered in the -prison, and the remarks with which it was followed appeared to act -forcibly upon their minds, if a judgement may be formed from the tears -of contrition which some of the late delinquents copiously shed, when I -desired them to ask themselves—whether it was not in a moment of -idleness they had unfortunately given way to that temptation which led -them into their late transgression against religion, virtue, and order. -To the others I addressed some advice on the value of time, and the -necessity of not letting a moment pass without doing something useful; -and to avoid every thing which could tend to disunite them, or sour -their minds against one another, as by cultivating good-will and -friendly feeling among themselves, now, they would be the better fitted -for those employments which they will have to resort to during the term -of their sentence. The transition to the idea of their unfortunate -circumstances drew reflection to their situation, and gave a favourable -moment to impress upon them a thorough sense of those duties by which -they must be regulated in that country in which they were now nearly on -the point of being landed. The behaviour of the sequestered females is -satisfactorily humble and correct. - -21st.—The tranquillity of the prison continues undisturbed by the -sailors at night, although circumstances occurring during the day betray -their intention of further mischief, should an opportunity be open to -encourage the attempt. The conduct of the penitent offenders continues -to exhibit unequivocal marks of sincere return to virtuous reflection; -and in proportion as the voyage draws near to its termination, the -interest excited by their compunction increases. - -Their companions from Newgate, who have remained unblemished, and -progressively improving, use the most earnest intercession for the -offenders, praying to have them united with them once more. In this -instance, the recollection of the danger they had incurred made me -unwilling to listen to this charitable advocacy; but they, with a kind -perseverance which does them credit, applied to the Reverend Mr. -Reddall, and this amiable man lent his assistance to their wishes, -putting into writing the prisoners’ sentiments, which he this day -presented to me in the form of a letter, in the name of all the females -from Newgate, signed also by the penitents. - -With this entreaty my compliance was easy, both in compliment to the -intercessor, and from a wish to cultivate the disposition shown by the -petitioners. I accompanied the reverend gentleman to the hospital, -where, having called them together, I remarked with much earnestness on -their general state, gave them my hearty forgiveness, and promised to -befriend them in every possible way. It would be difficult to express -the feelings of gratitude they displayed;—it was signified in sobs and -tears;—it was eloquent in the interruption of their emotions. One, the -most distinguished for habitual levity, was the most fervent in her -expressions of mingled joy, shame, and sorrow; she fell on her knees, -and repeatedly asked for that pardon which had already been pronounced. -The scene was affecting to those present. I encouraged them to persevere -in their present resolutions, and told them that they were now at -perfect liberty to mix with their companions, but forbade them -positively to go on deck, which I assured them was purely for their own -welfare. They with one voice requested to be continued in their present -sequestered situation, as best suiting their state of mind; to which -request they had my ready consent. The following is a copy of their -letter: - - “Morley, at Sea, Aug. 21, 1820. - - “HONOURED SIR, - - “It is in the deepest sorrow of soul we presume to pray your - regard to our wretched situation. We never till now knew what it - was to be completely unfortunate, because we have drawn it all - upon ourselves by listening to the false persuasions of the wicked - sailors, who have led us astray from our duty to God and you. We - scarcely dare ask your forgiveness, our crime has been so bad, and - our ingratitude so great; and yet we cannot bear the distress we - are in at the thought of having acted as we have done. - - “If our repentance can at all wipe away our offence, we beg most - earnestly that you will bear witness to its sincerity; and at - least be assured that we will not any more give you cause to be - offended with us. But if your goodness will pardon our weakness, - and overlook this transgression, our whole lives shall be given to - make amends for what we have unfortunately done. We do not desire - to go upon deck any more, but we humbly hope you will not send us - away in anger; and although we merit a poor character from you, we - hope you will pity us, and be as lenient as you can. - - “We venture to offer our most grateful thanks for the goodness and - care you have always shown to, - - “Honoured Sir, - “Your penitent and unhappy servants.” - (Signed by seven.) - - “Thomas Reid, Esq. - Surgeon, &c. Ship Morley.” - -22nd.—About two hours past the last midnight, the men of the same watch, -whose indecent and unlawful doings have been so often already noticed, -being on deck in turn, prepared to avail themselves of an advantage -arising from an injury done to the bars of the prison, at the -fore-hatchway, which had been crushed and displaced by the striking of a -small cask, as it was hoisting from the hold. This damage, which -occurred yesterday, could not then be effectually repaired, and _this -almost paper edifice_ had no protection except the wretched locks upon -the hatchway. Of this I was aware, and remained on the alert in case of -any attack. - -At the hour above mentioned I heard the hatchway locks at the grating -distinctly opened and shut, no doubt by means of duplicate keys, and -afterwards a rustling noise was heard as if the fellows were descending. -This noise suddenly ceased,—no attempt further was made, nor any more -annoyance given during the rest of the night. During this affair the -utmost tranquillity prevailed throughout the prison, not one of the -women having stirred; nor does it appear that any of them were aware of -the circumstance. - -24th.—At the usual hour I read a sermon in the prison, and have much -cause to bestow commendation on the propriety generally evinced by the -women. In my remarks I adverted to their behaviour latterly, bestowing -merited praise on those who continued to observe the rules of moral and -religious instruction which they had heard so frequently and with such -evident benefit, since the beginning of the voyage, and who had -uniformly testified their love for good conduct by never swerving from -their duty. To those who had unfortunately relapsed, but whose -subsequent contrition had cancelled their offence, I held forth the -language of commiseration and forgiveness, exhorting them never to -confide again in themselves alone to guard against sin, but with fervent -and frequent prayer to entreat the aid of divine grace, when their -reformation could not fail to be perfect, and their peace of mind -ensured. - -The sailors in appearance show less hostility than heretofore, and no -further annoyance is offered during the night; the women also seem in no -instance whatever to hold communication with them, even in passing -conversation. - -27th.—Matters continue progressively interesting, as the period -approaches when the final separation is to take place between those -intended for the colony at Van Diemen’s Land, and those proceeding -afterwards to Sydney. A thoughtfulness marks every turn and action, -mingled with sadness in some, and resignation in others; whilst many -openly regret the termination of the voyage, as putting an end to -comforts of mind and condition which they had not before enjoyed, and -had not to expect in the place to which they were going. Still, however -rarely, a trace of wild temper breaks in spite of all sincerity of -intention to the contrary. This unhappy tendency of early habit was -shown this morning by one of the younger prisoners, (Ann Farrell,) who -for some very trifling cause quarrelled with and beat one of her -companions. In the fervour of the confusion my presence put an end to -animosity, which was instantly succeeded by tears of sorrow. - -A sermon on the immortality of the soul was this day read in the prison -by the Reverend Mr. Reddall. After its conclusion, I drew their -attention forcibly to the subject, by reminding them of a similar -discourse having been addressed to many of them in Newgate by Mrs. FRY. -This allusion to their beloved benefactress called forth a flood of -tears, with the strongest expression of feelings I ever witnessed among -them, the whole exhibiting a scene highly complimentary to the revered -object of their affectionate remembrance, and creditable to the poor -women themselves: the effusion was spontaneous, full, and general; for -most of them had known the lady’s goodness and humane exertions from -their own experience, and the others mingled sympathetic tears with -theirs. One moment such as this, even in the minds of those proud ones -whose disdain for their former offences would spurn the unhappy -wretches, would restore them surely to pity and protection. The -haughtiest contemner of the sinner must, in this genuine display of -gratitude and sorrow blended together, have instantly forgotten the -errors of the past, and have felt confidence in the renovated purity -bespeaking such humble declarations of contrition and fervent affection -towards that bright and happy benevolence, which with sweet persuasion -first led them back from the ways of sin and death, and taught them to -cherish a hope of happy immortality. - -28th.—In a former part of this volume I stated my firm belief, that even -convicts are susceptible of gratitude; and in this opinion am I further -confirmed by the feelings of the unfortunate creatures committed to my -care, as expressed in the following letter addressed to me, and -presented by the Reverend Mr. Reddall. The zealous and unwearied -benevolence of this gentleman induced him often to visit them in the -prison, for the humane purpose of giving useful counsel to those who -might be disposed to receive it: on one of those occasions they -solicited him to write this letter, expressive of their sense of -obligation; they afterwards put their names to it, to be delivered to me -before any of them left the ship. - - “Morley, at Sea, Aug. 28, 1820. - - “HONOURED SIR, - - “As the voyage, through Divine Providence, is now near its close, - and feeling as we do, indeed as we ought, the full force of your - good-will towards us, it would ill accord with the impressions on - our minds, fixed there by your faithful performance of every good - office for the promotion of our comfort and our good, did we not - assure you of our gratitude, and offer you our thanks. - - “These latter, it is true, are but of little worth; but they are - the offerings of sincerity, and we know you will not despise them: - the former will, we trust, be kept fresh within us to the latest - days of our pilgrimage below, by thinking on your many virtues, - and by the recollection of your truly benevolent and unceasing - attention to our various wants and best interests during the - passage. If, Sir, we consider the numerous cases which required - your professional skill and attendance among us, we are reminded - of your promptitude and attention, whether required by day or by - night.—If we reflect on your zeal for our moral and religious - improvement, we feel how much we owe, and how little we can ever - repay you.—If we place you before us as our protector, your - unshaken firmness in the face of danger,—your rectitude of - conduct, which the virtuous alone possess,—and the great - deprivations of rest and comfort we are grieved to say you are - enduring on our account, entitle you to every good feeling, in - return, of which our hearts are capable. - - “Honoured as we have thus been by you, and favoured by your - sympathizing distribution of those comforts tenderly and humanely - provided for us by the Government of our beloved country, the - grief of mind our unhappy cases must naturally have excited within - us has been greatly assuaged; and we trust that, through the grace - of God, your good advice and able instruction in moral virtues and - religious truths will not be lost upon us, but that we shall - benefit by your counsel, when you will be in happier climes: and, - Sir, if through your instrumentality we shall again become worthy - members of society, wherever we may be placed, we shall have - continual cause to bless you, and to offer up our prayers for that - Government which has placed us under your valuable protection. - - “Receive then, most respected Sir, our united best wishes for your - every good, temporal and eternal; and permit us to be, with a - grateful sense of our obligation, - - “Your faithful and dutiful servants.” - - (_Signed by one hundred and twenty-one._) - - “To Thomas Reid, Esq. Surgeon, &c. - From the female Convicts - on board the ship Morley.” - -29th.—In the afternoon of yesterday Van Diemen’s Land came in sight; but -the Captain deeming it safest kept the ship laid to, and this morning -again making sail, we arrived with a favourable wind in the Derwent, and -anchored before HOBART-TOWN about half-past three in the afternoon, when -the Naval Officer came on board. Soon after I waited on His Honour the -Lieutenant Governor with dispatches from the Secretary of State for the -Colonial Department, and was informed that a considerable number of the -convicts would be received at this destination. The conduct of the women -since the last date has been highly meritorious, with the exception of a -trifling irregularity charged upon an elderly prisoner, which not having -been sufficiently substantiated deserved no further notice. - -30th.—Captain Brown having had occasion to go on shore this morning on -the ship’s concerns, and it being necessary for me to wait upon the -Lieutenant Governor, it appeared best to delay until the Captain’s -return. In the afternoon I went ashore to see the Lieutenant Governor, -who signified his intention of coming on board the Morley to-morrow. -There having been a very heavy fall of snow, which continued the greater -part of the day with sleet and squalls, the women were obliged to remain -below. Nothing in their conduct has occurred to lessen my good opinion -of them. They appear all in excellent disposition, and quite resigned to -their situation. The anxiety of many of them is extreme to ascertain who -are to be left at Hobart-Town; but though I am aware, from conversation -with the Lieutenant Governor, that fifty at least will be required for -this colony, still it seems more prudent to withhold that information, -as they might otherwise feel themselves released from accustomed -restraint, and, if so disposed, might be tempted to give loose to some -irregularities. - -However favourable the present state of circumstances be, I shall -continue my nightly watching, until the termination of the affair is -more satisfactorily decided by the removal of such women as are used to -attract the attention of the sailors. The state of the prison is -singularly tranquil, and the conduct of the sailors is remarkably quiet -and reserved. - -31st.—Having watched over the conduct of the prisoners throughout the -day, I was detained by various concerns in the prison until half-past -eight last evening, when I retired to my cabin to prepare the necessary -papers for the women who were to go on shore. This did not occupy me -more than one hour and a quarter; and on returning to keep watch for the -night, I found that the sailors had, in my absence, taken four females -out of the prison. Having made immediate search, assisted by Captain -Brown and the chief mate, I discovered three of them in the hammocks of -three of the sailors; the fourth, who was elsewhere concealed with a -sailor, came from her hiding-place;—the four were of course put -immediately in proper restraint. - -At an early hour this morning I waited on the Lieutenant Governor, and -laid the whole affair before him, when he entered warmly into the merits -of the case, and promised his full support. This circumstance hastened -His Honour’s determination to come on board, as he had previously -intended. About 11 A. M. the Lieutenant Governor came and inspected the -condition of the prisoners, expressing in strong terms his approbation -of their appearance, and also the satisfaction he felt, and the -conviction he entertained of their moral improvement. Agreeably to -promise, I interested myself in their behalf, and obtained a comfortable -settlement for many of the most deserving, and enabled the others -destined for this dependency to indulge in the most pleasing -expectations as to the same effect. - -The Lieutenant Governor having returned, a constable came on board by -order of His Honour, and took into custody the four sailors with whom -the women had been found, also a fifth who was principally concerned in -taking them out of the prison: he was about taking them away, when the -remaining crew, in the most violent and mutinous manner, broke off their -work; three of them forced the constable to take them also as prisoners -along with the other five; to which the constable felt himself compelled -to submit. The rest refused to return to their duty, and to a man went -below. The Police Magistrate, Mr. Humphrey, who was not in town when I -waited on the Lieutenant Governor in the morning, now came off to the -ship, followed by a serjeant with a file of soldiers. On his coming -aboard, the sailors were commanded by Captain Brown, by the advice of -the Magistrate, to go to their duty; but they obstinately refused. The -Magistrate in the most mild and liberal manner advised them to reflect -on their imprudence, and pointed out to them the serious consequences -they incurred by such behaviour. Still they persisted, directing their -whole violence of abuse against me for having, as they said, threatened -to shoot any of them who should come in my way,—with other strange and -unfounded clamours of the same kind. To the remonstrances of the -Magistrate they appeared to pay but little attention, although the -soldiers were drawn up under arms beside them. Upon their alluding to -me, I openly challenged them then or at any other time to advance any -charge they might have against me, as I was perfectly amenable to the -laws, if my conduct were not correct; but, at the same time, I renewed -my warning to them in the most solemn manner, not to be found -trespassing on the precincts of my duty, else, if they did not keep in -recollection this salutary caution, they would with positive certainty -have to repent of their folly. After much silly and vulgar rodomontade, -they suddenly changed their tone, and one by one, in the most ungracious -manner, laid aside their stubbornness and returned to their work. - -In the mean time the three sailors who had forced themselves on the -constable, and were conducted to prison, having been humanely -reprimanded by the Lieutenant Governor and sent back, came again on -board and went to work like the rest: the soldiers, however, were -ordered to remain on guard upon deck during the night. The sullen manner -in which the sailors returned to their duty convinced me that they -harboured evil designs, and from information received, I had been -previously assured that they had formed an intention of offering to me -serious personal injury; I have therefore determined to keep watch in -the prison as before, and in the most effective manner to repel their -aggressions. - -Nothing can be more plainly demonstrative of the deplorable state of -insubordination existing among sailors in the merchant service, than the -occurrences of this day have proved; for, over such selfish and -ungrateful beings the master can exercise no authority whatever of a -coercive nature, whilst they, acting on an arbitrary code of regulations -formed among themselves, can insult him with impunity, the law allowing -him no redress. In this state of things the voyage must depend for its -comforts, security, and in some measure for its success, on their -capricious combinations. - -_September_ 1st.—Last night passed away without further disturbance on -the part of the sailors, and the guard was this morning recalled. Having -to wait on the Lieutenant Governor, by appointment, in the forenoon, I -was obliged to anticipate my usual hour, and shortly after 9 A. M. -assembled the women in the prison, accompanied by the Reverend Mr. -Reddall and Captain Brown, to read to them the following farewell -address prepared for the occasion. - -On many former occasions of this kind their behaviour demanded from me -the strongest approbation; but I must confess that on the present the -feeling evolved in the course of this duty was such as would be -creditable to any Christian assembly whatever. Their expressions of -grief and contrition for the errors which had placed them in their -present unhappy situation were poignant in the extreme, and would indeed -be difficult of description. The keen sense of virtue acquired by -fruitful repentance made them look down upon themselves as deeply -degraded by vice, and cast an additional gloom and disgrace over their -punishment. That hour I found indeed full reward for all the pains I had -taken in their improvement, because it showed me that, however frail and -erring some of them might still prove, the far greater number were -sensibly, and I would hope permanently, reformed. - - - FAREWELL ADMONITION. - -Having now arrived at that destination to which many of us have for some -time looked forward with anxious solicitude and uncertainty, I wish to -avail myself of the present opportunity to offer a few reflections which -have at different times occurred to me, respecting your future conduct -and welfare in life. In putting together my thoughts upon this subject, -it has been my aim to frame an advice for the moral guidance of you all, -but more particularly of those whose tender years and inexperience may -unfit them for performing a part on the great theatre of life, to which -they will very soon be introduced. To use this world so as not to abuse -it, is decidedly the most important lesson that either religion or -philosophy inculcates; but it must not be denied, at the same time, that -it is one of considerable difficulty. - -It is not my intention to entertain you with a dissertation on -speculative philosophy, or a discussion of theological arguments; I -shall simply, for the sake of perspicuity, endeavour to observe a -certain order in the arrangement of my subject; but my sole object is to -solace your minds by explaining, as well as I can, the pleasing -advantages which every one of you may receive from the doctrines of the -Christian religion. - -First, then, let me request your attention to the behaviour of one of -your own sex, in whose situation, as a sinner, many of you, perhaps, -will perceive a strong resemblance to your own. The transaction is -recorded in the Gospel according to St. Luke, 7th chapter 37th and -following verses, in these words: “And, behold, a woman in the city, -which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the -Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his -feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did -wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed -them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw -it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, -would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: -for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have -somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a -certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, -and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly -forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? -Simon answered and said, I suppose that he to whom he forgave most. And -he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, -and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, -thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with -tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no -kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my -feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath -anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore, I say unto thee, her sins, -which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is -forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are -forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within -themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the -woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” - -This interesting little narrative presents to us one of the most -affecting pictures to be met with any where in Scripture. The life of -this woman had been stained by the commission of crimes of the deepest -dye in the sight of Heaven. Her heart was now filled with bitter -anguish, and the keenest remorse, which left no room for hope in her -bosom. She had long endured the wretchedness of a sinful life; the scorn -of the world had often lacerated the finest feelings of her heart; her -sense of shame was intense, and with the most profound humility she fell -at the feet of her Redeemer, but dared not to supplicate or indulge a -hope of mercy: she never ceased to wash the feet of Jesus with her -tears, and to dry them with the hairs of her head; thus showing her -repentance to be sincere: and she found mercy. Jesus did not reject her; -but, with the tenderness of an affectionate father, pronounced those -encouraging words, “Daughter, thy sins are forgiven thee.” Can any of -you imagine the inexpressible joy, the heavenly rapture, that thrilled -upon the heart and illuminated the hitherto darkened soul of this -deluded sinner, when the eternal Son of God signified her pardon? It is -quite certain, that, however greatly we may magnify the idea of her -happiness, we shall fall short, infinitely short, of the delightful -reality; for we are assured by divine authority[21], that “Eye hath not -seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the -things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” - -We have every reason to believe that the shame, confusion, and sorrow, -with which this unhappy woman was overpowered, were entirely removed at -the very instant of pronouncing her forgiveness: for these -soul-harrowing feelings belong to guilt; they are the price which must -be paid for sinful pleasures; they are, in short, the only certain fruit -that sin produces. These very feelings were intended by our Maker to -stop us in the career of vice; from which having fairly turned, they -disappear, and give way to that real, inward satisfaction which is the -happy effect of sincere virtue. - -I think we shall do well to pause here a moment, and inquire whether -there were any other means by which this woman could have been released -from the bondage of sin, and enabled to break the galling fetters in -which she had long been bound in the slavery of Satan? To this it may be -confidently answered, Undoubtedly not. There is no possibility of our -heavenly Father being reconciled to us while we continue in the practice -of sin. It does not even follow as a natural or necessary consequence, -that our own mere repentance gives us any claim to demand forgiveness; -it is alone to the wonderful goodness of God we are indebted for that -mercy, who has been graciously pleased to promise pardon to the true -penitent, on account of the atonement which Christ made for the sins of -us all by his own sufferings. - -Although in my former addresses, the subject of repentance was treated -more at length, and made, I hope, clear to the understanding of you all, -yet I am not aware that it is in my power to render you a more important -service, than again to take here a cursory view of its most important -advantages. - -I enter on the consideration of this subject with the greater pleasure, -because I am satisfied that my former arguments were not thrown away, -and that with many of you the great work of repentance is already begun. -If the conviction exist in your minds, that sin is odious, and -destructive to the soul, no matter how alluring soever and deceitful its -appearance may be, what can prevent you from extending your abhorrence -of it a step further, which will bring you to conversion? To render -penitence complete and effectual unto salvation, we must first discover -the nature and enormity of our offences, in a perfect and lowly -consciousness of our own sinfulness. A confused belief that we are not -what our Maker intended we should be, will never produce that change in -our hearts which is necessary to real repentance: we must have a -particular and distinct knowledge of all our vices, and a thorough -conviction of our iniquities. It is not enough that, with frigid soul -and unmoved heart, we acknowledge in general terms that we are -excessively wicked and corrupt,—that there is no good in us, and then to -indulge in transient sorrow for a moment. This mode of action does not -certainly deserve the name of repentance, and in the end, I greatly fear -it will prove worse than useless; for it never fails to harden the -heart, and to conceal from the sinner the true state of his soul.—_In -the Christian religion there is no composition, no arrangement, no -trifling, no fluctuation, no dalliance with duties, no deference to -darling vices: if the eye offend us, we must pluck it out; if the hand -is sinful, we must cut it off. Better to merit Heaven by every -suffering, than eternal punishment by every gratification._ - -It is no very uncommon thing to see persons deeply affected with sorrow -and contrition for past misconduct, and sincerely resolve to lead a new -life for the future, and yet their resolution fall to nothing in a very -short time. This, I am apt to believe, will always happen whenever the -love of the world predominates over the more sublime desire of -inheriting eternal life. To make repentance sincere and efficacious, we -must have constant recourse to self-examination, and a candid, impartial -inquiry into the state of our own hearts. For this purpose, you must -seek frequent opportunities of retiring from the bustle of the world, -and accustom yourselves to meditate in secret. Should your poverty or -occupation prevent you from setting apart a particular hour in the day -or the week, you can subtract a few minutes from the ordinary time -allowed for sleep, “to commune with your own heart, upon your bed[22].” - -Reflect seriously, that another day or week of your life is gone; then -examine how much you have gained by that time. “Have you conquered any -bad passion to which you were addicted? Are you more pure and holy in -your own eyes? Look back on your past life; trace it from youth, and put -to yourselves the question, What have been its happiest moments? Were -they those of quiet and innocence, or those of riot and intrigue? Has -success in almost any instance realized your expectation? Where you -reckoned upon happiness in the highest degree, have you not many times -been disappointed and found least? Wherever sin or guilty pleasure -formed a part of your projected schemes, did they not leave some unhappy -impression on your minds that remained when the gratification was -forgotten? Are you more the children of grace, than you were before you -shed a tear for your transgressions? In a word, do you think you have -made any progress in the journey of salvation?” These are questions of -too much importance to the eternal welfare of every one of you to be -regarded with indifference, or carelessly overlooked, because answers to -them may excite confusion, or cover your cheeks with the blushes of -guilty shame. - -There is no dungeon cell so miserable, or no retreat so unsheltered, as -not to afford some corner where prayer and devotion, the exercise of -every duty of religion, may be practised. The sincere penitent will -often be found to select the most humble and retired apartment as the -hallowed spot for devoutly worshiping his Maker; and his earnest -supplications for mercy and forgiveness, will be as acceptable as if -they had issued from the most magnificent palace. Even in the darkest -solitude of prison-gloom the inspiration of religion can be felt, and -its operation on the heart acknowledged by the silent tear of -contrition, and the melting of the soul in grateful adoration of its -beneficent Creator. - -That the assistance of the divine spirit is necessary to complete the -work of repentance, and support our virtue, must not be forgotten. -Without God we are utterly incapable of performing any good act. But -this ought by no means to discourage us from undertaking and persevering -in the glorious struggle; for we are assured that we shall not be left -alone, but have the divine spirit always near and ready to assist us. If -our own effort to repent and reform be sincere, we have no reason -whatever to doubt that God will graciously aid our endeavours. “True -repentance produces an entire change of heart and life; of views, -desires and actions; a complete renunciation of all vicious pursuits and -gratifications, with a firm resolution to keep the commandments of the -living God; any degree of it that falls short of this, is not that -repentance to which God has annexed the promise of pardon.” - -Were my limits less contracted, I should endeavour to give some little -description of the condition of the hardened sinner, and contrast his -gloomy expectations and distracting fears of eternal punishment with the -glorious hope of salvation, that heavenly sunshine which continually -illumines and cheers the soul of the blessed penitent. Even as it is, a -brief sketch of some of the most prominent features by which these two -characters are distinguished may be allowed. - -Here, then, I would beg leave to ask whether any of you really believe -that the life of a wicked person can, under any circumstances, be truly -happy? To this very important question past experience enables you all -to return a direct answer: let me solemnly advise you, my friends, to -put it seriously to your own hearts. Methinks, in the painful conflict -that agitates and confuses your minds, I hear the still small voice of -conscience answering for you, and whispering _No_. Do not, I beseech -you, attempt to stifle these virtuous struggles of conscience to rouse -the spirit within you from the fatal slumber of sin; but regard them as -the warning voice of your merciful Creator and Redeemer. - -But to return from this little digression: Let us suppose a bad man -possessed of great affluence, and enjoying good health; let him mix with -the giddy multitude, and drink as deeply as he pleases from the poisoned -streams of sinful gratification, yet could we hear the true language of -his heart, we should know from his own confession that he was far from -being happy; that in the words of the wise king of Israel, “even in -laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is -heaviness[23].” His mind is perpetually haunted with misgivings and -slavish terrors, because guilt is always attended with suspicious alarm. -He is afraid of his companions in crime, lest they betray him; and of -those on whom he commits depredations lest they detect and punish him on -the spot; and, what is still more cruel, he is afraid of himself. His -conscience, when he does reflect, makes him tremble at the thought of -divine vengeance directed against him for his sins, like the guilty king -Belshazzar, who saw his dreadful doom traced by a hand upon the wall -whilst he was impiously rioting in the midst of worldly pleasures[24]. - -Such reflections as these, are the certain attendants on a life of sin -whenever the mind is roused into action; and there is no opiate that can -keep the guilty imagination always asleep. There must be periods in the -life of every wicked person, when he or she will be made dreadfully -sensible of their degraded state; when they will be forced to drink to -the dregs the nauseous cup of woe, in which a double portion of -bitterness has been infused by the poisoning influence of sin. It is of -such persons the sacred writer speaks, when he says, “The wicked are -like the troubled sea when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and -dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, for the wicked[25].” To be alone -compelled to brood over this black picture of human misery, would surely -be dreadful punishment in this life; and, O my friends! can any of us -fancy what it will be in that which is to come? - -How infinitely more gratifying is the contemplation of the character and -disposition of a truly good man, whose mind has been fortified by -religion against every vicissitude of this uncertain life! His peace is -not at the mercy of the varying circumstances of a world perpetually -changing. He is well acquainted with the nature of true happiness. -Afflictions do not overtake him unprepared; he knew that his Maker -assigned him a particular duty during his pilgrimage on earth, and he is -determined to perform it, whether it be pleasant or disagreeable, for he -is certain that his labour will not be of long duration. He is taught by -divine wisdom to form a true estimate of this world’s gifts, and he -enjoys them with moderation and thankfulness: neither elated by success -nor enervated by sensual indulgence, he meets adversity with the -firmness of a Christian, and the confidence of a son of God. - -From the above imperfect outlines, which are rudely and hastily traced, -some idea may be gathered of the comparative condition of the hardened -sinner, and the sorrowing penitent; and it is for yourselves to say -which of them you prefer;—whether you will choose to exist for ever -under the avenging displeasure of your omnipotent Father, surrounded by -devils and infernal spirits, writhing under the most agonizing torture -which you are assured will never end; or inherit a glorious crown of -eternal salvation, and live for everlasting in the refulgent beams of -heavenly favour, in company with the saints and angels, and the souls of -the righteous purified and made perfect. - -Is it possible that any of you can hesitate which of these conditions -you would wish to be your own, at the awful hour of death, and the still -more awful day of judgement? The question does not admit of a moment’s -doubt. _Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us -shall dwell with everlasting burnings?_ Let me once more advise you, my -dear friends, to persevere in the godly work you have so happily begun, -that you may at the last day hear the Saviour of the world pronounce -those ecstatic words, Daughter, thy sins are forgiven thee. - -The next subject to which I am desirous of directing your attention, is -the manner in which you ought to conduct yourselves towards your -superiors; and the way in which your leisure hours can be most usefully -employed: on both these points my observations must necessarily be -brief. Moral government was ordained by God to maintain good order, and -promote happiness among his creatures upon earth; and the end of society -is mutual convenience and safety. The existence of society can only be -preserved by judicious arrangement of its members, by assigning to each -some necessary employment for the performance of which he may be better -qualified than his neighbour, while he, on the other hand, engages in -some useful service which the former did not understand, or was unable -to perform. In this manner the business of life is executed, by one -working and another instructing and directing. - -Mankind has ever been disposed to pay respect to superior knowledge or -wisdom; hence arose the distinction of rank, which it is our duty still -to respect, for without it society would soon degenerate, and present -nothing but confusion, or superiority secured by ferocious wickedness. -Respect to our superiors implies obedience to the lawful commands of -those who are placed over us. This duty is enjoined by the express -direction of our Saviour himself. In the first epistle of Peter, chap. -ii. verse 17, he says, “_Fear God, honour the King_;” and in the next -verse, “_Servants, be subject to your masters, with all fear; not only -to the good and gentle, but also to the froward_.” Seeing then that it -is our duty to submit to the divine will, let us do it without -murmuring, and resolve cheerfully and faithfully to perform our allotted -part. To oppose the decrees of God we know is useless; and although -providence may have given us an humble station in this world, let it be -our consolation that in the next all earthly distinctions will be -destroyed. - -With respect to the employment of your time, very little need be said; -indeed all I wish to urge might be comprised in the single gospel -advice, “Be not weary in well doing[26]:” and to this you have all shown -a disposition during the voyage that does you infinite credit, and -affords me inexpressible pleasure. The materials you had to work on were -scanty; yet you managed to be seldom idle. Idleness is the bane of every -social virtue; it corrodes the soul, poisons every innocent joy, and is -the polluted fountain whence the foulest crimes are continually -springing. Were we all to scrutinize our past conduct, there is not one -of us but would be compelled to acknowledge that the hours of idleness -were those in which we first meditated a departure from the peaceful -paths of virtue. Whatever has occurred once, is liable to happen again: -therefore our only security against temptation in future, will be honest -employment. It was commanded by the Apostle Paul, that, “if any would -not work, neither should he be allowed to eat[27].” If we do not -contribute our part to promote the good of society, we cannot reasonably -expect to be allowed a share of its privileges and advantages. Any -occupation that is not absolutely vicious is preferable to idleness. I -shall close my remarks on this head with the testimony of Solomon, who -says, “In all labour there is profit, but the soul of the sluggard -desireth, and hath nothing[28].” - -I think a few moments may here be profitably spent in considering the -sabbath, and meditating on the important duties we are called on to -perform on that hallowed day of rest. To every one whom Providence in -its infinite wisdom has placed in situations that require labour, it -must be gratifying to reflect, that one day in seven is, in all -Christian countries, fixed for them to rest from their daily employment, -and in some degree to be on a level with those of more elevated rank and -fortune, by furnishing to both an opportunity to supplicate the throne -of mercy for pardon of their transgressions, and of uniting their voices -in pious adoration of the divine Author of Nature. - -Public worship holds out so many inducements and advantages, -particularly to the lower classes of society, that it has always been -matter of great surprise to me that they should ever be absent when they -have it in their power to attend. In the tabernacle of the Lord, the -high and the low, the prince and the pauper, the captive and the free, -meet to perform the same labour, to discharge the same duty, and with -the hope of receiving the same reward. God is no respecter of persons. -That the public worship of the Almighty is an indispensable duty, no one -dares deny who has not the hardihood to deny the Scriptures, and all -divine authority. In 10th chapter 25th verse of the Hebrews we are -expressly commanded “not to forsake the assembling of ourselves -together:” and in Deuteronomy, 31st chapter 12th verse, is said, “Gather -the people together, men, and women, and children, and the stranger that -is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and -fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.” - -Some careless and unhappy persons, who, at the risk of eternal misery, -trifle away their lives and spend the Lord’s day in frivolous, indecent, -or sinful amusements, endeavour to patch up some lame excuse, such as, -If they were to go to church they could learn nothing, for they already -know all that would be said; and with respect to their amusements, If -they were not engaged in that way, they should be doing something much -worse. The conscience must be very dull and wretched indeed, that can be -satisfied with such flimsy apologies. God will not pardon crimes merely -because we might have committed still greater ones. Suppose a man were -accused of robbery, and the crime clearly proved, would a judge and jury -be satisfied of his innocence, and acquit him, because he did not also -commit murder? Such arguments are too absurd to require serious -refutation. - -God himself has commanded a particular regard to the sabbath, and -enjoined strict attention to public worship, and it is highly criminal -in us to question his authority, or disobey his mandates. We may, -however, be very regular attendants at divine worship, and yet be very -bad Christians. It is not hearing a sermon, or muttering a few words as -prayers, that will obtain for us the blessing of God. It is only the -prayer of the heart truly pious, and the effusion of devout contrition, -that can reach the throne of grace. - -The object of religious institutions is to have our souls awakened and -impressed with a just sense of our own unworthiness; to subdue the -influence of bad passions; to have our minds stimulated to acts of -charity, and our virtue strengthened against the temptations of the -world and the flesh. I am firmly persuaded that none of you will ever be -so impious as to make light or turn into ridicule the ordinances of -religion and the attributes of your Creator; you may however meet with -hardened wretches who will endeavour to destroy the last refuge of the -miserable, their hope of salvation, by scoffs and jeers; let me counsel -you against hearkening to such enemies. What can they offer that will -compensate for the eternal destruction of your souls? Show the -profligate scoffers that you defy their sneers,—that you are not such -fools as to be cheated out of happiness by coarse jokes, or profane -ribaldry. Prove to the world, that although you were deceived into -error, in an unguarded hour, still the seeds of virtue are alive in your -hearts, and that your greatest, your first, your last desire is to be -reconciled to your heavenly Father. - -All these salutary ends would be greatly promoted by acts of private -devotion at regular and stated periods. I would therefore advise you -never to retire to sleep without humbling yourselves before your Maker -in prayer and thanksgiving for having preserved you through the day, and -the first thing every morning to implore his blessing and protection. I -am indeed more anxious to promote your welfare than I can possibly -express, and the only return I expect for the care I have taken of you -during the voyage is, that you will all continue attentive to religious -duty; in which case you must all be happy. - -I regret that time will only allow me to make a few superficial -admonitory remarks on the propensity for drinking intoxicating liquors. -The effects of this evil are so pernicious to society, so destructive of -human happiness, and so entirely subversive of moral order and social -virtue, that I deem it of the first importance to warn you explicitly -against its poisonous and seducing influence. Were human beings desirous -of degrading themselves below the level of the most grovelling animal -that crawls on the earth, it would be impossible for them to adopt a -plan so ready as that of drowning their faculties in stupifying spirits. - -Drunkenness may very justly be termed the prolific parent of every vice -and crime that can corrupt the soul, or disgrace the dignity of man; for -in fits of inebriety what horrid deeds and hellish debaucheries have not -been committed?—robbery, murder, incest, treason, and others still more -shocking, by persons who in cooler moments, in a sober state, would have -shuddered at the bare mention of such wicked and abandoned turpitude! It -is not necessary that the bacchanalian votary should carry his -extravagance the length of brutal, deadly drunkenness, to produce all -the mischiefs I wish you to avoid. Long ere it gains this disgusting -pitch, the worst passions of our nature will become inflamed to -madness,—a state more dangerous to virtue than even confirmed -sottishness. In proof of this, it need only be observed that the one is -an incentive to every species of criminality by which the peace of -society is disturbed, while the evils of the other are confined -principally to the debased individual who gives himself up to such -disgraceful practices. Who is there among you that has not experienced, -either in her own person or some of her acquaintances, the ruinous -effects of indulgence in this odious vice? Can one half of you lay your -hands upon your hearts, and say, that indulging in this very propensity -was not the cause of all the errors and misfortunes for which you have -been dragged from the bosoms of your parents, husbands, and families, -and for which you are now forced to seek refuge among strangers, far -from the land that gave you birth? - -Drunkenness in a man is so disgraceful that it can neither be defended -nor excused; but in a woman it is always associated with abandonment and -detestation. If I may be allowed to express my own feelings, I declare -to you truly and candidly, that I would as soon see an infernal imp as a -woman deprived of her reason by means of this deluding poison. It is -hardly necessary to adduce proofs that this vice is forbidden by the -command of God. In Ephesians, 5th chapter, 18th verse, St. Paul says, -“Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess;” and in 1st Corinthians, 6th -chapter, 9th and 10th verses, “Be not deceived: neither fornicators nor -drunkards shall inherit the kingdom of God.” - -Those persons who abandon themselves to strong drink suffer, from spasms -of the stomach, a degree of torture that cannot be borne, and to relieve -which they must have recourse to a larger quantity, and this must be -repeated and increased at stated periods, until the frail machine sinks -under the constant stimulus, the infatuated victim having in fact -committed self-murder. Of the innumerable mischievous effects and deadly -consequences which every moment arise from drunkenness, I shall only -mention two, namely, swearing and prostitution. On each of these sins I -intend to offer a few brief observations, without any further reference -to the iniquitous source in which they originate. - -Persons who indulge in the vulgar habit of cursing and swearing, cannot, -it is true, be accused of interested or selfish motives; they volunteer -to drudge hard in the service of the devil, without fee or reward; -without the least prospect of a moment’s satisfaction in this life or -pleasure in the next. Could the common-place excuses of pleasure, -profit, or any other temptation, be urged, there might be some shadow to -obscure the reason for an instant: but here a sin is wantonly committed, -which will powerfully assist to seal the condemnation of the wretch -before his Maker, and can only render him despicable in the eyes of all -who witness his impiety. - -In the discourses which I have hitherto prepared for your use and -instruction, I have been anxious that none of the opinions I advanced -should rest on my own authority alone, which will account for the -Scripture quotations with which they are every where interspersed. In -obedience to this rule, I need only refer you to the 3rd article of the -Decalogue, to prove the enormity of profaning God’s holy name: “Thou -shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will -not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” This sacred -prohibition of the third commandment was recognised by our Saviour in -the sermon he delivered on the mount, wherein he says, “I say unto you, -Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: nor by the -earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city -of the great king. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou -canst not make one hair white or black[29].” Is it not shocking to see -creatures formed after the image of God, and endowed with reasoning -faculties, venting their insignificant rage in curses upon those around -them, as well as on themselves;—often consigning their organs to the -devil, and hideously imploring damnation upon their own souls? - -Suppose God were pleased always to punish execration by granting the -prayer of the wicked, how many wretches should we see with limbs and -other members rotting off; with eyes melting out of their heads, and -every other part essential to life, withering and consuming at their own -unhallowed request! Could any be astonished if the earth were to open, -and swallow up those depraved beings, who dare thus to provoke the -vengeance of Heaven, and wantonly defy the majesty of God, as it did -formerly upon Kora, Dathan, and Abiram, with all their followers? I -recommend every one of you to read this interesting account; you will -find it, I think, in the 16th chapter of the book of Numbers. - -The next and last subject for our consideration is prostitution, which -is more intimately connected with the text than any of those which I -have attempted to discuss in the foregoing observations. Your behaviour -on board has been so excellent, and in this particular so very -exemplary, with scarcely even the shadow of suspicion, that it may seem -cruel and unjust to touch upon it again. I confess to you candidly it -has this appearance to myself; and were it not for the temptations to -which I know many of you will be exposed, and the infamous arts which -brutal sensual men will employ to seduce you from the pure paths of -virtue and honour, into the devious ways of sin and death, I should not -now awaken in your minds those agonizing feelings, which I hope and -believe have long been tranquillized by the soothing influence of -sincere repentance. - -Believe me, my friends, I would most willingly spare any remark that can -tend to excite a painful thought in any of your minds, could I in any -other way strengthen your virtuous intentions, and the resolutions you -have formed to resist every approach of vice, how alluring soever the -appearance may be in which it can present itself. I am much more -disposed to reprobate the atrocious artifices which designing men -wickedly employ to ensnare innocent young girls into their hellish -grasp, than to condemn the unsuspecting confidence which is too often -reposed in their most serious promises and solemn oaths, and which has -proved the ruin of many a well inclined and really virtuous woman. In -the ill-advised steps which led to your present situation, and now cover -you with shame and sorrow, have not many of you to accuse some foul -seducer, some partner in your guilt, some false friend who deceived you -with promises of pleasure and wealth, perverting your understanding, and -blinding your judgement with idle dreams of ambition and happiness? And -did not this deceitful monster, after he attained his own vile purpose, -and plunged you into an abyss of misery, desert you? Nay, worse; have -not the very men to whom you sacrificed your honour, been often the -first to turn your enemies and open accusers? I am well assured that -they have done so, and your present confusion corroborates the unhappy -statement. - -Such are the enemies by whom you may expect again to be assailed, to be -again betrayed. If you value honour and happiness in this life, if you -love virtue, if ever you expect to meet a just God in judgement, I -conjure you, by every thing sacred, listen not to their artful tales,—be -not entangled in their destructive net, for hell is open to receive -every wretch whom they make captive. - -I believe there are very few of you who have not pondered over your -crimes; and your reflections, I doubt not, have given life to feelings -of the deepest sorrow;—your tears have flowed,—tears of unfeigned -penitence will ever be precious in the sight of your Maker;—I hope they -will obtain for you mercy, forgiveness, and grace. - -Are any of you acquainted with the indescribable sorrows to which -unfortunate females are exposed? Yes; some, I fear many of you are; and -can any of you think of following a life so accursed, without -shuddering? It is impossible for those who happily are unacquainted with -this worst and lowest species of infamy, to form any adequate idea of -the misery of prostitutes—driven forth by an abominable procuress into -the streets, where they are obliged to endure the pelting of the storm, -and, while they shiver under the inclemency of a frosty atmosphere, are -compelled to affect a smile of happiness which their hearts cannot feel, -and to solicit the unhallowed embrace of a beast whom their souls abhor. -The dismal receptacles to which they retire, after the weary and worse -than slavish hardships of their nocturnal excursions are ended, are not -less forbidding. They are forced by necessity to herd with loathsome -wretches to procure a little morbid warmth, tainted perhaps with noxious -effluvia, on a miserable uncovered pallet, where they lie crowded -together, ghastly with hunger, stupified with poisonous spirits, rotting -with loathsome disease, and nauseous with accumulated filth. - -This is not an imaginary picture. Professional avocations have often -made it necessary for me to witness scenes if possible more shocking. -Many a time has my heart bled while contemplating the ravages of disease -on young creatures withered in the spring of life, who once were lovely, -and cheerful, and innocent, and good. I have a better opinion of you -all, than to believe that your minds are so degenerate, that your souls -are so truly base, as to wish to spin out a wretched existence, and die -the most hopeless of all deaths in such polluted charnels. Would any of -you wish a younger sister, or a beloved innocent daughter, brought up in -a school so detestable? I am sure you would not. If there be any one -present with feelings so unnatural, I hope God will give her a new -heart. Are your own souls, then, less precious than those of your -friends? Why should you strive to bring down that damnation on your own -heads, that you could not wish to fall on your worst enemy? - -Let me advise you, my friends, to give the foregoing thoughts some -portion of reflection; they merit at least your attention, for they have -been arranged entirely for your use, and put together under -circumstances of considerable difficulty. Look back on your past lives, -from which you may learn an excellent lesson, and then cast a glance on -that portion of time which you may yet be permitted to enjoy; whether it -shall be long or short, God only knows. What part will you then wish -that you had acted? Not that of idleness and profligacy, assuredly. - -It has been observed to you, by my good friend Mr. Reddall, that by good -behaviour in the colony you may make reparation for the injury done to -society, and benefit those of your fellow creatures who may have the -misfortune to be similarly situated with yourselves, by securing to them -the blessings which you have so happily enjoyed. If it can be -satisfactorily proved that religious instruction is capable of working -an entire and permanent reform in those ill-fated mortals who have -forfeited the protection of their country’s laws, the attention of -Government, and of the Nation generally, will be directed to the -investigation of means to lessen the hardships they have hitherto been -doomed to suffer; and the demonstration of a fact so desirable would -give infinite delight to those benefactresses who take so much interest -in your welfare. Can your minds be so depraved, as ever to lose the -remembrance of the noble exertions used by these amiable ladies, -particularly Mrs. Fry and Mrs. Pryor, to restore your peace of mind in -this life, and secure your happiness in the next? Can any of you be -insensible to that benevolent zeal which induced Mrs. Fry to visit you -in this ship at times when several of her nearest relations were on -their death-bed? Perhaps at this very moment she is supplicating Heaven -that you may become thoroughly reformed, and, although the morning of -your lives has been clouded by guilt, that joy and gladness may surround -your setting sun. Perhaps also, at this very time, some of you have a -parent, brother, sister, or some dear friend, lamenting your folly, and -in secret silence offering the unavailing tribute of heart-rending and -corroding tears over your sacrificed virtue. Are your souls so hardened -that you will not do your best to dry up their tears? or will you by -vicious practices infuse new bitterness into the cup of misery, and -bring down their grey hairs with sorrow to the grave? - -During my stay in the colony I shall have opportunities of hearing how -you behave, of which, as well as of your behaviour during the voyage, I -promise you I will make a faithful report to your friends in England, if -God be pleased to allow me life to return thither. Virtue is now calling -on you to walk in her salutary paths, and I beseech you, my friends, do -not reject her heavenly invitation. Listen to the divine promise in 2nd -Corinthians, 6th chapter, 17th and 18th verses, “Come out from among -them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord; and touch not the unclean -thing; and I will raise you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall -be my daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - -In the foregoing observations it has been my wish to avoid deep or -abstracted argument, and I have urged no doctrine that is not supported -by gospel authority or moral deduction. I thought myself bound, before -we part, to give you such wholesome counsel as the promises of God hold -out to repentant sinners, and my knowledge of the world enables me to -lay before you. From the hour you came under my care, I have considered -it as much my duty to protect your morals as to preserve your health; -and I do not think that any of you are now sorry for the restraints that -I deemed it necessary to impose on your actions. In the 3d chapter of -Ezekiel, 18th and 19th verses, you will find the following solemn -declaration: “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and -thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his -wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his -iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn -the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked -way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” - -On every man to whom the charge of many souls is confided, the above -declaration imposes an awful responsibility, which if faithfully -discharged gives him a claim to their gratitude. If any of you think -yourselves benefited by my humble services, you can in no way show your -gratitude so well, nor oblige me so much, as by making the substance of -this discourse the rule of your future lives. Believe me, it will be of -more intrinsic value to you than all this world’s riches. - -It only remains for me to speak of the promise I made to you at the -commencement of the voyage, that an impartial account of your conduct, -while under my direction, would be given to the proper authorities under -which you are to be placed. - -A few there are who have, in some instances, transgressed against my -directions; but by their unaffected sorrow, and subsequent good -behaviour, I think atonement has been made. I have therefore the -pleasure to say, that not one of you will be sent out of the ship _at -this place_ with an incorrigibly bad character. In making this report, -favourable to you all generally, it is gratifying to myself -particularly, since neither the feelings of my own conscience, nor the -strictest truth, will be violated in the slightest degree. Some of you -will be particularly recommended as meritorious characters: and if, -during my stay in the colony, it may be in my power to be further useful -to you, I desire every one of you to come to me, and make known your -wishes; you will always find me most willing and anxious to contribute -to your welfare to the utmost of my power. - -I have trespassed a great deal too long upon your patience, and yet, I -feel a painful reluctance to bid you farewell. In all human probability, -this is the last time I shall have an opportunity of offering you, -collectively, advice. I hope in God you will not stand in need of -it.—That you may set an example worthy to be imitated by those who are -to come after you, is, believe me, the most anxious wish of my heart. - -And now, my dear friends, I must bid you farewell. May the Almighty God -bless and defend you from every evil: and, although it is likely that I -shall soon be far removed from you, I beg you to believe that I shall -often think of you, and offer my humble but sincere prayer to Heaven for -your prosperity here, and your happiness hereafter. - - * * * * * - -After the reading of the address, I waited on the Lieutenant Governor -with a number of the women whom he had selected as servants for his own -family, and at my particular recommendation also for his friends: this -gave me the gratification of seeing thirty-six of them comfortably -provided with situations, and the remainder, making in all the number of -fifty, in a fair way of being soon disposed of to their advantage. On -this as well as on every other occasion I was deeply impressed with the -urbanity of the Lieutenant Governor, and his uncommon attention to the -most minute circumstance connected with the comforts of the prisoners, -reconciling them to their situation, and urging them to honest and -industrious pursuits. In the several interviews I had with His Honour, I -could not but observe that quickness of intelligence, and soundness of -understanding, which contribute so much to the happiness and prosperity -of the infant colony over which he so advantageously presides, and to -whose interests he appears so deeply devoted. - -About 2 P. M. Mr. Humphrey came on board and examined Mrs. Josephson, a -free passenger to Sydney, who had heard the denunciation of the sailors -to take away my life; when her deposition was taken accordingly. - -2nd.—The last night, like the former, passed in tranquillity, the -sailors having made no further attempt:—this my constant watching in the -prison every night affords me personally the best opportunity of -knowing. The early hours this forenoon were given to necessary -preparations for the removal of the women ashore, agreeably to an -arrangement previously made: in order to prevent the prisoners from -meeting any interruption, or conversing with improper characters, on the -way, they were removed in small parties under proper guard of His -Honour’s confidential officers: by this careful proceeding they were all -safely landed about three in the afternoon. - -I had frequently endeavoured to impress on the minds of the prisoners, -how little reliance could be placed in the promises of any man whose -baseness of heart could allow him to seduce a returning penitent from -the path of virtue: to-day I had a plain proof of that cowardly deceit -which generally attends the commission of crime. My deposition -complaining of those men who had stolen the women from the prison and -threatened my life, had already been taken; but it was necessary for me -to appear before the Bench of Magistrates, where the five sailors were -also brought. Those men could not deny having the women in their -company, but asserted, with contemptible baseness, that the women were -common prostitutes, and had come unsolicited to them. Thus would they, -without remorse, consign to infamy and every degree of punishment the -unhappy creatures to whom, I am well assured, they held out at the time -the most extravagant promises, in order to screen themselves from the -consequences that might result. - -Throughout the day I had frequent communication from the Lieutenant -Governor, who in the most kind and earnest manner exerted himself -personally in behalf of the unfortunate exiles, arranging their several -assignments. Having thus provided for no less a number than forty-four -in the first instance, and with the most humane and almost paternal -care, the six remaining were placed in a safe lodging, furnished with -comfortable accommodation, until proper places could be procured in -which to employ them. Even poor Sidney Williams had a large share in his -generous solicitude; more out of concern for her unhappy failings, than -her demerit in point of character. His Honour favoured me with a -gratifying testimonial of his sentiments regarding the state of the -convicts in the certificate given of their having been landed; a copy of -which is here inserted, as more fully expressive of the real -circumstances on their departure from the Morley, than the bare recital -of a journal may be calculated to convey. - - “VAN DIEMEN’S LAND, - Government House, Hobart Town, - September 2, 1820. - - “I do hereby certify, that fifty female convicts have been landed - in this settlement from the ship Morley, the whole being in the - best state of health and order. - - “I visited the ship Morley after her arrival, prior to the landing - of any of the prisoners, and saw the whole number, as well those - destined for Port Jackson as for this settlement, and I was - equally surprised and gratified at their healthy appearance and - their becoming and grateful demeanour. - - “It appeared to me impossible to carry the branch of service, - which has been intrusted to Mr. Surgeon Superintendent Reid, to - higher perfection: I consider the admirable condition, both moral - and physical, in which these unfortunate females have been brought - out, to reflect the highest credit on the humanity, attention, and - judgement of that officer.” - - (Signed) “WM. SORELL, - Lieutenant-Governor, Van Diemen’s Land.” - -About 4 P. M. there arrived on board seven female convicts belonging -lately to the _Janus_, who had been landed at Hobart Town from that ship -by a colonial trader, and whom the Lieutenant-Governor ordered to be -conveyed to the factory at Parramatta. The document accompanying those -women was very unfavourable as to character; I therefore addressed to -them a few brief observations relative to their conduct, and placed them -separately in the hospital, with a view to prevent their communicating -with the other prisoners. - -3rd.—A young child belonging to one of the remaining women, which had -long been ill with diseased lungs, died since coming into harbour, and -the body was this day interred ashore, the service being performed by -the Reverend Mr. Knopwood. This gentleman’s health requiring indulgence, -the Reverend Mr. Reddall took on himself the duty of the day (Sunday) on -shore, and addressed a numerous congregation of more than five hundred -persons, from one of his own discourses, adapted to the occasion at a -short notice, and directed with a truly powerful effect to the -circumstances of the infant colony. A rapid and luminous review of its -rise and advancement, led to a very handsome and justly merited eulogium -on the local government of this new and prosperous settlement; whilst at -the same time the unfortunate victims of British justice were taught to -feel for their delinquency, and value to the full the blessings they -were permitted to enjoy in this favoured land. Having paid my respects -to the Lieutenant-Governor, I read to the prisoners as usually. The -seven women received yesterday were present, and showed the most -respectful attention to the discourse. If circumstances do not greatly -deceive, these women are likely to be entitled to a share of good -opinion. - -Captain Brown, having arranged his ship concerns, weighed anchor this -afternoon, and made sail for Port Jackson, two men having been -previously embarked by the Lieutenant-Governor’s order to work the ship -in place of the others who remain at Hobart Town, until they can be sent -to Sydney by the first conveyance. Circumstances not having tended to -excite greater confidence than before, I proceed to keep my accustomed -watch in the prison. - -7th.—The weather during the last day or two has been delightfully fine, -and the tranquillity of my little community has not experienced any -further disturbance. At noon this day I proceeded to the prison with the -Reverend Mr. Reddall, and read a sermon of Dr. Blair’s, “on the -misfortunes of men chargeable to themselves;” after which Mr. Reddall -made some explanatory observations, placing their situation in a light -so clear, and in a manner so impressive, yet so consoling, that not one -present could withhold the tribute of a painfully joyous tear. The good -man himself was not unmoved;—hard indeed must be the heart that could be -insensible to a scene so affecting. I viewed with peculiar pleasure the -seven females received at Hobart Town mingling their tears with the -rest. On visiting them within half an hour afterwards in the hospital, I -found that the impression had not been momentary or transient;—they were -still in tears, which their efforts to hide from me left little doubt of -believing unfeigned. - -Throughout the whole of this voyage I have uniformly found good effects -to result from conferring some mark of approbation on every meritorious -action the moment it came under my notice:—in addition to some little -necessary articles, such as needles, thread, scissors, and the like, -which I distributed amongst the seven, I permitted them to walk on deck -some hours, and had no cause to be displeased with their behaviour. This -morning I served out to the women the remainder of a small quantity of -thread put on board for their use by order of Government. - -10th.—Contrary winds and calms, since leaving Van Diemen’s Land, have -protracted the voyage beyond expectation; but the same cause has given -me additional opportunities of witnessing the most satisfactory conduct -in the women destined for the settlement at Sydney and its -neighbourhood. Although a great number of those left at Hobart Town were -of exemplary character, besides those of a less steady description, yet -those now proceeding with me behave themselves in a manner so discreet -and quiet, that one would suppose there were not more than ten women in -the ship;—no noise,—no romping, nor any trace of indiscretion -observable. Even the seven recently received have in a great degree -coalesced in the discipline established: the four offenders also remain -in strict confinement, overwhelmed with shame and sorrow, appearing more -afflicted by their own sense of bad conduct, than the restraint imposed -on them by forbidding every communication with their fellow prisoners. - -According to custom, the women were assembled this day; and at my -request the Reverend Mr. Reddall read to them a select discourse, to -which I added some remarks on their future conduct in the situations to -which they were destined; endeavouring to impress on their minds as -strongly as possible, that their hope of happiness here and hereafter -could repose only upon virtuous conduct, which if they ever kept -sacredly in view, they would most assuredly enjoy in a degree far beyond -any thing they had ever yet known. It was moving to observe how strongly -their feelings testified a love for the influence of virtue; whilst -tears, the evidence of sincerity, because excited from internal -conviction, abundantly made known what was passing in their minds. - -A veneration for truth, a love of order, peace, and simplicity of heart, -appear to be the objects of their constant concern and feeling: from a -knowledge of such being truly their state of mind, the best future -behaviour may reasonably be anticipated from every one of them; and, -being allowed to express my own individual opinion, I cannot hesitate to -declare my conviction, that, if duly protected, and not exposed to more -than common temptation, they will realize the most favourable -expectations, and even for ever set an example of propriety to others in -their situation. - -This tedious delay in our approach to Sydney protracts my keeping watch -as before; but although little cause now appears to exist for an -absolute necessity of persevering in this duty, some of the most daring -of the sailors having been removed, still an inextinguishable impulse -compels me to proceed in that course which alone can afford me the -certain assurance of its due success,—as, in case of any further -attempts being made upon the prison, I am fully persuaded that even my -individual resistance, such is the dastardly spirit of these licentious -knaves, would be sufficient to defeat them. They know I am on the watch -every night,—for they see me going regularly to my post;—they are also -well aware of my means of defence, and only in consequence are unwilling -to try any experiment of the kind. - -12th.—In the afternoon of yesterday, the wind coming favourable, the -Morley ran down the coast freely, and in the evening entered the Heads -of Port Jackson in fine weather, and proceeded towards Sydney with a -light breeze;—all, under divine Providence, being in the best possible -state of health. At half past 5 P. M. the Naval Officer came on board, -and received the dispatches. - -13th.—This morning the Morley anchored in the Cove before Sydney. - -14th.—At the usual hour this day I read a sermon to the prisoners, -adding a brief advice for their guidance generally, and endeavoured as -much as possible to impress upon their minds a due regard of their -future duties. The sailors offer no annoyance further, at least in any -way which can be directly noticed. - -15th.—This morning His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by the -Honourable the Commissioner of Inquiry, came on board to inspect the -prisoners, in pursuance of a polite note from the Commissioner, to that -effect, sent me the preceding evening. The state of the prison, and -every circumstance concerning the health, morals, comfort, and -_security_ of the prisoners, was minutely investigated: whilst the -condition of the women called forth unqualified approval, the structural -defects of the prison excited no ordinary surprise. His Excellency -expressed himself much pleased with the appearance of the prisoners; and -their humble, respectful, and decent demeanour obtained his peculiar -notice. The Governor signified his intention to have them landed early -in the ensuing week. - -17th.—This being the sabbath, I read a sermon to the women, and -afterwards explained the absolute necessity there was for guarding with -the utmost vigilance against the numerous snares which seductive -villainy would again and again lay around their every step;—that on -virtue alone, firm and persevering, could their hope of happiness be -placed. I explained to them also the dangers and difficulties which -surrounded their new state of life, but carefully avoided to excite any -unnecessary alarm, whatever might be the foreboding which at that moment -I entertained on their account. - -It was then that they tasted in _full bitterness_ the consequences of -their unfortunate departure from honest and virtuous life; every little -circumstance appeared in anticipation an aggravation of their unhappy -lot, and filled them with awful fears. My heart bled for their -affliction;—their grief was suppressed and silent, but its silence was -truly and painfully expressive. Who possessing even the common feelings -of humanity could be present on such an occasion, and remain insensible? -It was indeed distressingly affecting to see so many defenceless -females, recently reclaimed from the very worst state of vice and -criminality, and from a thorough sense of repentance abhorring -wickedness of every kind, now about to be sent adrift among an abandoned -and dissolute male population, and amidst others of their own sex, who -rarely, if ever, felt a blush for those misdeeds which had deprived them -of early home, and in their banishment have rather, it is feared, -cherished than renounced their former vicious propensities. - -18th.—At 10 A. M. this day the Secretary to Government, accompanied by -Lieutenant-Governor Colonel Erskine, came on board and mustered the -prisoners. Their general appearance was decent and modestly reserved. -Their dresses were slightly objected to, as being rather fine for their -condition; but this was by no means unusual, arising from a habit of -cleanliness, which was constantly maintained throughout the voyage, with -a view both to the preservation of health, and to encourage them to -cultivate a proper respect for themselves,—it being invariably known -from experience, that a slovenly disposition tends to the injury of -health, and the deterioration of moral sensibility. - -19th.—At 9 this morning, according to a Government order received last -evening, the prisoners were landed and conducted to the gaol, in the -yard of which, as the weather was remarkably fine, His Excellency the -Governor inspected them; and having given them much excellent advice, -and admonished them impressively on the necessity of maintaining, by the -strictest propriety of conduct, the very high characters with which they -came before him, gave directions for the disposal of such as had got -situations at Sydney, and ordered proper care to be taken of the rest -until they could be removed to the Factory at Parramatta. - - - OF THE SCHOOL ON BOARD. - -It was stated at the commencement of this journal, that a school was to -be formed on board for the children of the convicts, as also for those -of the free passengers; and that the Committee of Ladies had provided at -their own expense a school-mistress to have charge of them under my -immediate direction. It now remains to give some account of the manner -in which this undertaking was conducted, and to explain the motives -which induced me to defer noticing its progress among the daily -occurrences in my journal of the voyage. - -Some weeks after the formation of the school, the Reverend Mr. Reddall -with his family embarked in the vessel for a passage to New South Wales, -whither he was proceeding with the very laudable intention of -introducing Dr. Bell’s system of education into that colony. This -gentleman recommended that system to be adopted on board, and most -obligingly offered to demonstrate it himself. Availing myself of this -kind proposal, I had his suggestions strictly enforced, and his -assistance proved of very great benefit to every one old enough to admit -of their receiving instruction, as soon became evident from the -proficiency made by many of them under this admirable system, which far -exceeded any expectation that could have been reasonably indulged. - -It was really delightful to witness the eagerness with which the -children applied, and the rapidly corresponding progress they -made,—several of them having become acquainted with the rudiments of -spelling and reading before they could distinctly articulate the words. -In proportion as their proficiency in the principles was ascertained, -their moral instruction was attended to by making them familiar with -easy hymns, and also teaching them to commit to memory psalms, and -chapters from the New Testament, to an extent almost surpassing -credibility. Memorial lessons of this description have been recited to -myself, to the number of two hundred and thirty-eight in all, during the -voyage, by children _every one of whom was under ten years of age, and -some not quite five_. - -My approbation of their diligence was always accompanied by some small -present, such as a hymn or tract; and some of those interesting young -creatures evinced an emulation to be thus distinguished, in a degree -scarcely to be expected from children more than twice their age, bred up -under much greater advantages and in circumstances far more favourable. -Many of them, indeed, exhibited marks of intellect, which, under proper -cultivation, promised to make them distinguished in future life. - -Several of the prisoners too, influenced by the example and improvement -of the children, respectfully requested to be furnished with elementary -books, which were immediately issued; and the use made of them may be -estimated from the very gratifying fact, that nine or ten of the number -thus supplied had learned to read more or less before they landed in the -colony. It is to be observed, however, that they did not join the -school, but were taught in the prison by their companions: nor should it -pass without note, that of those who thus exerted themselves to acquire -a little instruction, _all but one were from Newgate_. - -I cannot dismiss this subject without expressing the deep sense of -obligation I entertain for the zealous exertions and friendly -co-operation shown by Mr. Reddall in his devoted attentions to the -children, as well as on every other occasion when his ready services -could be available. It is but justice also to state, that Mrs. -Josephson, to whom the care of the school was intrusted, discharged that -duty in a manner highly creditable, having been uniformly decent, -orderly, and attentive. - ------ - -Footnote 6: - - It is due to those charitable donors to state, that after the convicts - had been abundantly supplied, a good many remained, which I committed - to the care of the Honourable Judge Advocate WYLDE, who most - obligingly offered to distribute them to such persons as, from his - very extensive acquaintance with the state of the population in the - colony, he knew would be most likely to benefit by them. - -Footnote 7: - - Where any intermission of regular dates may appear in this journal, it - is to be understood that nothing of importance occurred during the - time of which no mention is made. - -Footnote 8: - - John, chap. vi. 37th verse. - -Footnote 9: - - Matthew, chap. xviii. 35th verse. - -Footnote 10: - - Isaiah, chap. i. 18th verse. - -Footnote 11: - - Ezekiel, chap. xxxiii. 11th verse. - -Footnote 12: - - Romans, chap. viii. 18th verse. - -Footnote 13: - - Matthew, chap. xv. 19th verse. - -Footnote 14: - - 1 Corinthians, chap. vi. 9th verse. - -Footnote 15: - - The illness alluded to was excited by excessive exertion to suppress - riot and quarrels among the prisoners, occasioned by the clandestine - introduction of spirits, as may be seen on reference to the journal of - the 20th of the preceding month. - -Footnote 16: - - Hebrews, chapter ix. verse 27. - -Footnote 17: - - Luke, chap. xvi. 31st verse. - -Footnote 18: - - Mark, chap. ix. 44th verse. - -Footnote 19: - - Luke, chap. xiii. 6th and 7th verses. - -Footnote 20: - - Chapter v. 39th verse. - -Footnote 21: - - 1 Corinth, chap. ii. verse 9. - -Footnote 22: - - Psalm iv. 4th verse. - -Footnote 23: - - Proverbs. - -Footnote 24: - - Daniel, chap. v. verse 5. - -Footnote 25: - - Isaiah, chap. lvii. verses 20, 21. - -Footnote 26: - - Galat. chap. vi. verse. 9. - -Footnote 27: - - 2 Thess. chap. iii. verse 10. - -Footnote 28: - - Proverbs, chap. xiv. verse 23; ch. xiii. verse 4. - -Footnote 29: - - Matthew, chap. v. 34th verse, &c. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - MANNER OF DISPOSING OF CONVICTS. - - -The preceding pages exhibit a faithful account of the progress towards -reformation made by the convicts under the system observed in their -management during removal to New South Wales. The moment they were -disembarked, my public functions regarding them terminated of course; -yet the interest excited in my mind by the dawning of renovated moral -feeling, which appeared general, made me still anxious to cultivate and -keep alive amongst them, as much as possible, the influence of those -salutary impressions which they appeared to have received during the -voyage; and for this purpose I visited them frequently during their stay -in the prison at Sydney. - -According to the regulation at that place, convicts, on being -disembarked, are placed immediately under the superintendence of a -person appointed to keep them in charge until such time as they can be -placed in situations. This person is always present at the mustering of -the prisoners after their arrival; and keeps a book, in which are -entered the name and age, and also the character, of the convicts, such -as they may have merited while under the management of the Surgeon -Superintendent, and also a description of the employment for which each -prisoner is qualified. - -The Superintendent of convicts is thus perfectly apprized of every thing -requisite for directing a just and satisfactory assignment of the -prisoners; and as, when once they are placed in his hands, no other -authority interposes, much good or evil is to be expected from his -management. Mr. Hutchinson, the person now exercising that office at -Sydney, was himself formerly a convict; and from his various means of -obtaining intelligence, well may he be supposed,—so far as the ample -jurisdiction he exercises can extend,—to possess information universally -correct regarding the circumstances of every family: he is therefore -fully competent to determine what description of convict is best suited -for any particular service: too often, however, does caprice, if not -motives more unworthy, appear to influence him in the performance of -this important duty. - -It might be expected that the passions of prisoners, whether male or -female, sentenced to transportation, having been long kept under by -discipline, a sense of guilt, and repentant reflection during the -voyage, would not easily be roused again into mischievous action; but a -momentary consideration even of what is human nature, and how prone it -is to evil, as also the former state of these persons, will forbid a too -confident expectation that the mind long accustomed to habitudes of -vice, and subdued only by a powerful sense of shame, or religious -feeling, can be at once thoroughly reformed, and secure from relapse. It -was doubtless with a view to prevent any thing of that unhappy tendency, -that the local Government instituted the confinement of the prisoners, -as already mentioned. The following circumstance will show how careful -the Superintendent is to maintain this humane intention. - -There were two of the females under my care, whose behaviour during the -voyage was so profligate, that, besides the character with which they -were handed over at the muster, I was induced to point them out to the -notice of the Governor, with a request that they might be separated from -the others: to this His Excellency paid immediate attention, and gave -orders to that effect. I mentioned the same matter, moreover, to the -Superintendent of convicts, who made a note of it in his book, in my -presence; yet on that very same evening these wretched creatures were -permitted to go at large in the streets of Sydney, where necessity, or -their own abandoned propensities, must have driven them to infamous -practices. - -About one-half of the female prisoners were disposed of in Sydney and -its neighbourhood, and the remainder were kept in a separate place in -the gaol, until an opportunity should offer for removing them to -Parramatta, whither the Governor had directed they should be sent by -water, to prevent improper conversation with straggling prisoners of the -other sex, who are continually infesting the roads. It is to be -remarked, however, that those whose behaviour or disposition had most -frequently incurred censure on the voyage, and consequently least -merited favourable report, were singled out as the fittest objects for -assignment, while many of those whose conduct had been uniformly -deserving of approbation, whose names also were conspicuous for -excellent character, were left to be transmitted to the Factory! - -Another circumstance, though of itself unimportant, may be deemed worthy -of notice, as throwing some further light on those proceedings. A -settler, named _Cooper_, made application to have an elderly woman, -whose relatives he knew formerly in England, assigned him as a servant, -but was refused. He repeated the request, and was again refused on the -plea that her character was very infamous. Mr. Cooper not believing this -dogmatical assertion, and being unable to investigate the -Superintendent’s real grounds for objection, applied to me for an -account of the woman’s conduct, which during the voyage had indeed been -exemplary. The poor woman herself appealed to me, and begged that I -would do her justice. I assured her that her character should be fully -vindicated before the Governor; but the Superintendent, not wishing the -matter to be investigated, or his motives explained, before that -tribunal, assigned the woman without further delay as desired. - -Connexions too spring up unexpectedly between the female convicts and -pretended relatives by whom they are recognised, as it were, on their -landing. This practice had grown to such mischievous extent in former -years, that it was found necessary to order that no person from the -shore should be allowed to visit the ship, or hold communication with -the prisoners, without permission signified in writing: and now a guard -boat is commonly stationed in the Cove, to prevent any unauthorized -persons from approaching a convict ship after her arrival, until the -prisoners are disembarked. Previously to this order, it was usual for -persons from the shore to go alongside those ships, and even on board, -and choose from among the female prisoners, wives, sisters, or other -relatives, as circumstances would suit, for themselves and others; and -these claims they used afterwards to substantiate _on oath_; on which -the prisoners were accordingly assigned them. - -In most of these cases, it is well known, no relationship whatever -exists, the parties having never before, perhaps, known or heard of each -other. It must of necessity follow, that connexions thus formed cannot -be in unison with truth or justice, and that the obligations of marriage -can hardly escape violation. In fact, the language which female convicts -on landing in the colony are accustomed to hear from every tongue, must -have a predisposing effect upon minds ordinarily weak as theirs must be, -anxious for protection in a strange country. It is usual to tell them, -that they must now consider themselves in a new world,—that whatever may -have been their offences, their former conduct would not now be -considered for a moment;—that they should look upon every thing past as -quite forgotten;—that they should begin life anew;—that if they behaved -themselves prudently _they should soon get husbands_, and no doubt do -well. - -From representations such as these, it is not surprising that they -should feel themselves encouraged to indulge in notions of fresh -happiness: new hopes are kindled, and associations easily entered into -without much regard to the propriety of the action. The Superintendent -of convicts, and the fellows to whom he confides the secondary concerns -of his office, are never at a loss to cultivate the opportunities to -which such lessons tend; and as they all are or have been convicts, they -dexterously keep up an intercourse ramifying through all that vast -fraternity; and a _marriage_ is contracted without difficulty or delay, -doubtlessly very much to the happiness of the female, as well as the -edification of the community! - -One of the greatest evils, in my opinion, attending imprisonment, is -when the character of the turnkeys and the other persons in authority -about a gaol is corrupt or villainous. In the best constituted prisons -in England, this is a subject of painful note, which even the utmost -vigilance of the most upright and excellent Governor cannot always -rectify. Persons formerly of infamous character are often selected for -that situation, from a mistaken notion of prudential policy,—“Set a -thief to watch a thief;” for, while their official care is directed to -secure the person of the prisoner, his mind too often is sunk more -deeply, and confirmed in depravity by their wicked agency or connivance. -This is best illustrated by fact. - -On visiting the gaol in Sydney, the morning after the prisoners had been -landed, I found that many of them spent the night in noise and indecent -revelry, occasioned by beer and spirits which had been introduced, and -that could not have been done without the knowledge of the keepers. Here -then is a lamentable source of mischief to the convict on the very -threshold of her exile. In the population of such a town as Sydney, the -mass of which is formed of persons transported for their crimes, much -moral turpitude may be supposed to prevail, which not all the existing -regulations, however excellent they be, even were they maintained with -exactness, are sufficient to repress. The number of houses licensed for -the sale of beer and spirits, besides those where the like are vended -clandestinely, by feeding the bad passions with dangerous incentive -retard the growth of moral reserve, and that rectitude of principle -necessary to the existence of a well-ordered community. - -Hence, therefore, derives a constant flow of licentiousness; and the -consequences will, it is feared, long continue to characterize the -infant colony. Females banished to a place of this description must be -formed of materials exceedingly pure, to withstand temptations such as -are every moment spread before them. Can it be reasonably hoped, that -one the whole tenour of whose life has been corrupt, debased, and almost -remorseless, will be influenced by the salutary care of transient -benevolence, and the precepts of religious instruction recently imbibed, -to shut her eyes and ears against what is still grateful to slumbering -passion, and as yet pleasurably tingles on every sense? How odious, -then, and afflictive must be corrupt example and temptation at such a -time, which in the absence of discipline proceed a step further than -inclination, warping the firmest purpose, and fomenting every bad -propensity! Wretched indeed, and greatly to be pitied, is the female in -such a situation, whose heart still cherishes a spark of virtue which -reflection and pious resolution were again fanning into life, but -through a direful necessity, from which there is no escaping, is dragged -down again into the turpid mire, and smoulders in pollution! - -Four days elapsed before the wind became favourable for conveying the -remaining women to Parramatta, a water passage of about twenty miles, -where I took occasion to visit them at the Factory on the morning after -their arrival. It would indeed be a difficult task to give an adequate -notion of the miserable state in which I found them. They all collected -around me, and for several minutes not one of them could utter a word; -but their streaming eyes and deep sobs sufficiently expressed the state -of their feelings. Some of them gave a shocking account of the manner in -which the last night had been spent. On their arrival the preceding -evening, they had not got within the Factory before they were surrounded -by hordes of idle fellows, convicts, who came provided with bottles of -spirits some, and others with provisions, for the purpose of forming a -banquet according to custom, which they assured themselves of enjoying -without interruption, as a prelude to excesses which decency forbids to -mention. They calculated, it seems, on this security, in consequence of -a guilty understanding between themselves and the constables, whom they -found little difficulty of reconciling to remissness on such an -occasion. - -Those guardians of public morals are selected from the convict ranks, -and, as in this instance, rarely possess qualities superior to those -over whom they are placed in authority. The best institutions must fail -in their design when supported by materials of this description; and -although it is probable that a better system could not be devised than -that adopted by the present Governor, yet, for want of men of probity -and firmness to carry his views into effect, the worst abuses, it is -apprehended, must ensue. This is indeed so manifest, that the Sydney -Gazette frequently announces the dismissal of those officers for -misconduct. - -At first I was unwilling to credit the account which these women gave of -this strange and disorderly visit of the convicts; but they soon -convinced me by pointing out several of these half-naked, half-starved, -miserable-looking wretches, who were still lurking around this -receptible of misery,—the well-known theatre of infamous excesses. -Several of the women, whose dispositions had been particularly improved -on the voyage, and who still retained a strong sense of propriety, -exclaimed with tears of anguish, “O God! Sir, we are all sent here to be -destroyed.” They declared it to be quite impossible to remain virtuous -amidst the concentrated immorality, and the various forms in which -temptation was presented to them. I endeavoured to support their -resolution with every argument against despair, which was evidently -seizing on their minds, and tried to recall to their recollection the -lessons they had heard so often during the voyage; but they again burst -into tears, and with one voice declared, “Were angels from heaven placed -here as we are, they would in three nights be corrupted.” - -The _Factory_ is a square stone building of inconsiderable dimension, -having an upper story: here are crowded all the workshops for converting -the wool of the colony into cloth; one side being appropriated to -picking, carding, and spinning; the other to weaving;—the males employed -in this service mixing, in the hours of work, indiscriminately with the -females. It is locked at night, and the key intrusted to a porter, who -has a lodging-place at the entrance. In this building the female -convicts, whose behaviour after coming into the colony may have brought -them under the notice of the police, and is deemed deserving of -particular punishment, are _ordered_ to be confined and kept to hard -labour: they are to sleep within it at night, and are _supposed_ to have -no communication with any one outside the walls. How well these orders -and expectations are fulfilled, may be seen hereafter. - -Detached from the Factory is a wooden building, in a state of decay, -open almost at every point; “all the elements of nature may enter in:” -unfortunately, too, it is permeable to the unhallowed step of drunken -licentiousness in its vilest garb. In this crazy mansion the women from -the Morley were placed on their arrival; and during the day-time were -not allowed to stray far from it, at least not before they had done a -certain quantity of work; but this being performed, they were at liberty -to go whither they pleased, do what they pleased, and entertain whom -they pleased. This information does not rest on hearsay, or on authority -which could excite my distrust: I visited the place at all hours, to -ascertain the fact, and have the evidence of my own senses in proof of -the assertion, that the women had free egress and ingress at all times. - -It has just been stated, that females confined in the inclosed Factory, -by way of punishment, are not permitted to pass the gate without the -knowledge of the Superintendent. Whether this permission be easily -obtained, or otherwise, I pretend not to know; but that women so -confined are frequently seen outside the walls,—as it is expressed, -“beating the rounds,”—is undeniably certain. This I have myself had the -mortification to witness in the case of one of the women who had been -under my care, but whose bad conduct subsequently had subjected her to -“confinement in the Factory.” - -Undoubtedly, where the disposition of the individual placed under -punishment of that kind is very dissolute, restraint must have a -salutary tendency. It may then be supposed, of course, that some means, -besides that of confinement and the labours of the place, would be -employed to repress their licentiousness, and recall their minds to -serious reflection: moreover, the present Superintendent, Mr. Oakes, did -formerly belong to the Missionary Society, who have pushed their zealous -labours among the unenlightened savages of the southern hemisphere. Upon -most strict inquiry, however, regarding this point, I have not been able -to ascertain that any extraordinary or efficacious means had been used, -or in fact any care whatever taken, to recover these daughters of vice -and error from their depraved condition, and give them back in an -amended state to the situations they had recently forfeited by their -misconduct; or render them profitable examples for the others. - -That this observation is lamentably true, may be proved by reference to -a recent instance, wherein two women, both then free, who had become so -infamously wicked, and outrageously reprobate, as to be thought -irreclaimable, and utterly unfit for the colony, or rather subjects too -hard for the superintendency, were actually re-shipped, and sent home to -England for reformation, on board the ship Shipley, in 1818. One of -these incorrigibles is wife to Mr. Hutchinson, the principal -Superintendent of convicts. - -A visitor on entering this penitentiary, this prison house, let his -familiarity with gaol scenes be what it may, would be shocked at the -noise, depravity of speech, disgusting freedoms, obsceneness, filthiness -of person, and general degradation of character, which in every -direction strike upon his senses. Indeed, so clamorous and importunate -are they in their rude requests to strangers, for “something to drink,” -that the benevolent few who would give salutary instruction are deterred -from going among them. A friend whom I asked to accompany me to the -place, refused on that very account, stating, that he had visited them -some time before, and could not get away without extreme difficulty, -although he had distributed twenty shillings to rid himself of the -annoyance. - -It was to this worse than London Newgate, even in all its former -wickedness, the penitent exiles from the Morley were transmitted! It is -true, the detached building mentioned was assigned them as a -sleeping-place; but here they were surrounded by ruffians more -destructive to females in their circumstances, than a pack of wolves -would have been. Spirits obtained by iniquitous means, brought as an -incentive to the worst purposes, enabled those ragged wretches to drag -down into the same level of licentiousness and vice as themselves, poor, -unprotected, weak, defenceless women, whose minds were just recovering -from the worst effects of sin, and had but just tasted of the sweets of -virtue. Driven again into a state of ungovernable passion, maddened by -intoxication, it is easy to perceive,—although the thought is painful in -extreme,—that a dereliction of duty must have been the certain -consequence, and that even if any had firmness to resist such -temptation, their preservation must be attributed to some cause more -powerful than the protection afforded them in such an asylum. - -The sleeping-place assigned in this detached building was not, for very -obvious reasons, much liked, it appears, by many of them; and they -sought to procure lodgings in the neighbouring cottages with such means -as they had still preserved in their misfortunes. Those confined and -humble habitations are generally constructed of wood, not having more -than two rooms, one of which, as on occasions such as the present, is -reserved as a kitchen, and usually contains a bed, the other serves as -bed-chamber and store-room: such is the common abode of the convict -during the time of sojourning in a state of banishment! - -Rations, as usual, were delivered to them from the stores; and if they -were destitute of money wherewith to pay for the comfort of lodging, -either this supply of food must be curtailed, or infamous means resorted -to in order to make up the deficiency. In this situation, surrounded by -men of the most profligate and hardened habits, what woman can be -supposed capable of resisting vice, when impelled to that horrible -extremity by a necessity absolute beyond the possibility of controul? Is -it to be expected that minds like theirs, which had in many instances -formerly been accustomed to wickedness, will now be able to guard -against those seductive arts, that first launched them into crime, and -of which, it is feared, some of them still cherish a familiar -remembrance? - -Many and praiseworthy were the contrivances by which some of those women -strove to disentangle themselves from this odious spot, replete with -mischief, subversive of those principles of virtue and propriety which -they yet felt an inclination to cultivate. To these, marriage held out -the best and surest hope. Accordingly, several were on the eve of being -married at the time I last visited Parramatta. On the propriety of this -step I was consulted by not less than eleven of those who had been under -my care, who evinced their grateful feeling towards me by soliciting a -continuance of that cautionary counsel, which they had so often heard -during the voyage. The particulars of one of these, having produced at -the time emotions too strong to be easily forgotten, render the case -peculiarly affecting, and are given here simply as they occurred. - -A woman about thirty years of age, whose repentant manner and excellent -conduct during the voyage had merited particular notice, and being -accompanied by four young children, excited more than a common degree of -interest: she was married, and left her husband living in England at the -time she was sent away. At the Factory she had not sufficient means of -supporting her children, the ration for them being only one third in -proportion to those of adults. Having disposed of several articles of -wearing apparel to supply their cravings, she formed the desperate -resolution of uniting herself to one of those fellows who had offered to -maintain them on that condition. - -This wretched woman described the painful embarrassments in which she -was involved; but the state of her mind, and the genuine features of her -case, will best appear from her own words. “I know,” she said, “that to -embrace the mode of life to which I am now driven, is a great crime in -the eyes of my Maker: but to see my children starving”—at this moment -two of them were crying bitterly for something to eat—“is more than I -can bear. I know that _I_ have done wrong, but they, poor unhappy -things, are innocent.” Here a gush of tears deprived her of utterance: -when she regained composure, she continued: “I have no means of -providing for them, and to keep them alive I must either steal, or do -what my soul abhors.” This heart-rending narrative was again broken by a -flood of tears. I was about to go away; but she implored me for God’s -sake not to depart without giving her some advice, by which she declared -her conduct should be governed, let her fate be what it might. - -It can scarcely be imagined that there is a being in human form, how -hardened soever his heart may be, that could contemplate a scene like -this, and be unmoved. It was well observed by an ancient writer, “that a -virtuous man struggling against adversity was an object worthy of the -admiration of the Gods”; what then shall we think of a woman, a frail -woman, driven from the society of every friend, and the endearments of -her native land, in whom the principles of virtue are as it were -resuscitated, making a noble stand against the most powerful inducements -that can influence the mind, but at last forced to yield to a necessity -that would have relaxed the most rigid nerve, that would have subdued -the most vigorous resolution? - -Is it fair to thrust weak women into such a state, and afterwards expect -their lives to be pure? Who would rationally look for uncontaminated -minds among females who were driven, in some measure, to an -indiscriminate association with thieves of the worst description, men -whose unlawful gains enable many of them to live in a manner as -dissolute and far more luxurious than they had ever done at home? - -It may at first view appear strange, but the fact is indisputable, that -the public-houses in Sydney, although fortunately reduced recently from -sixty-seven to twenty-five, still evidently too numerous in proportion -to the population, are as much frequented as almost any of those in the -British metropolis. A notion of the customary run of those houses may be -formed from the gains of the persons who keep them being sometimes so -enormous as to enable them to accumulate in about three years’ time what -they consider a fortune. How the persons frequenting those houses obtain -money to purchase beer and spirits, both of the worst kind, at a price -vastly beyond the London rates, is matter of astonishment; yet so -constant among the convicts is the habit of drinking, that one can -scarcely pass through the streets of Sydney without meeting some of them -in a state of intoxication. They are, it is true, under the watchfulness -of a police said to be extremely active,—and in many respects this -representation is correct; but the fact is as above stated; I have seen -women in a state of inebriety too shocking to describe, and this -occurring at almost every hour of the day. - -This account has reference to the respectable parts of the town of -Sydney; but there are other divisions of that place which would be -difficult of description. In those portions designated the _Rocks_, -scenes of drunkenness, shameless debauchery, and open profligacy are so -frequent and disgusting, that they cannot be seen without abhorrence; -and such is the absolute want of common decency, that even in the day -time a person of respectable appearance is there liable to be abused and -maltreated; but at night it would be extremely imprudent to attempt -passing through even the extreme parts of this fortress of iniquity, as -there is a hazard, or rather a certainty, of being stripped and -plundered. The ruffians treat one another in the same manner; hence -broils and boxing-matches are perpetually occurring in that quarter. The -low public-houses, many of which are permitted in those purlieus, -present a ready way of converting the plunder into means of intemperate -jollity; whilst the occasion is commonly heightened by the presence of -one or more of those degraded females, who minister to the mischief of -the moment, and are thereabouts constantly resident in great numbers. - -The condition and conduct of those last-mentioned graceless wretches are -a constant theme of animadversion to those inclined to draw comparisons -unfavourable to female convicts generally, an inclination which -unfortunately prevails very much at Sydney, even among persons who -should at least have learned charity from a sense of misfortune. Is it -then matter of surprise, that the unhappy women transported to the -colony under those disadvantages of comparison, should continue so -depreciated and despised as they are at present? A recollection of -similar circumstances such as must ever have attended the same state of -degradation, though still fresh in the memory even of many of -themselves, produces hardness of heart towards these children of -affliction; and, strange to say, some even of their own sex who have -become wives out of the same situation, and now are further advanced in -life, and live in circumstances of comfort and opulence, are among the -first to vilify and asperse their convict servants for the slightest -deviation from rectitude, exacting from them more than would be expected -from female circumstances in more respectable stations, whose characters -had never been tainted by judicial sentence. - -When, therefore, a woman of this miserable class, torn from former -connexions by the severity of her lot, yet cherishing a hope that -amendment of life may obtain for her friends and protectors in her new -country, arrives in the colony, she finds a disheartening reverse: -thrown into a common estimation with such abandoned wretches. The -settlers have to supply themselves with servants from the convict ships -arriving every year; but if circumstances, such as those mentioned, -intervene before they make a choice, it is not very consistent with -probability that they will find their morals improved after arrival. - -Whatever religious or honest principles they may have recovered or -imbibed, either under a humane and reforming system in the prisons at -home, or in the course of the voyage outwards, all are likely to be -obliterated, leaving a dismal blank to be filled with repetition of -crime, a certain consequence of the discredit in which they are held, -even before they can have been known, and the vile contamination into -which they are turned as they arrive. No matter how repentant soever -they may have become, nor how sincere soever may be their resolutions of -amendment, they are nevertheless looked on with contempt; and being -received into families with this feeling, the slightest deviation from -the severe rules of rectitude is scrutinized, and seized upon with an -avidity implying studied intention. Rarely is allowance made for the -infirmity of human nature; the good resolves of the convict are shaken -for want of confidence; despair of doing good so as to be approved, and -disregard of well doing from want of due encouragement, fasten too -frequently on the mind, and criminality again brings punishment, -disgrace, and inevitable ruin of character. - -It is not too much to say, that the immorality or dishonesty which -appear among convicts, especially females, subsequently to their arrival -in the colony, may often be traced, among the many other causes, to this -harshness and want of confidence in the situations to which they are at -first assigned. There will, however, be a great number of those annually -transported, who will retain traces of their old habits in defiance of -all the influence of moral instruction,—who are, it may be said, -incapable of reformation; but it is impossible that individuals of such -a disposition can pass unnoticed through all the stages of ordeal, from -their first apprehension to trial and final judgement, and be unknown as -to genuine character. They must of course be marked and recorded in -their progress, and, if found incorrigible, can very easily be -distinguished from the penitent and well conducted, and a separation be -effected accordingly. Some badge of distinction should in all fairness -be set upon them; and it would be highly honourable to the wisdom of -that authority whose will is to be their guide, to hold out this -segregation of the penitent from the profligate, were it only as a -reward for good conduct, and an encouragement to the deserving. - -The foregoing statements have reference more particularly to the manner -in which female convicts are treated in the colony: the condition of -males is less severe. The mode of disposing of them in the first -instance, does not differ in any considerable degree from that of the -females. Like those, the men are marched into the prison yard for the -Governor’s inspection, when His Excellency inquires minutely how they -have been treated on the voyage, and whether they have any complaints -against the Surgeon Superintendent, or the Captain and his officers, and -had their full rations of provisions. Should any one fancy himself -aggrieved in those points, or in any other respect, he is desired to -come forward, and prefer his charge; to which the Governor gives a -patient hearing, and decides as he thinks proper. - -If it appear that the Surgeon and the Commander have been careful, and -have humanely discharged their respective duties, His Excellency fails -not to pay a compliment to their assiduity: but should any neglect or -harshness appear justly alleged, they are publicly reprimanded at the -instant; and if further inquiry be deemed necessary, a bench of -magistrates is ordered to investigate the case, and report their -proceedings in writing to His Excellency, who sometimes transmits it to -England for the consideration of the Government, the parties being sent -home under arrest, should he think the affair deserving of such serious -notice, to answer for their conduct. - -Having inspected the condition of the prisoners, and redressed their -complaints, if any, His Excellency gives them all a salutary and solemn -admonition. He assures them, that no application in their favour from -home or elsewhere will be attended to, unless their own behaviour in the -colony be correct; that they must now consider themselves in a new -world, where their lives are, as it were, beginning; and that their -future prosperity, or misery, will depend upon themselves. - -It occasionally happens that ill-fated individuals arrive in the colony, -as convicts, who have been brought up as gentlemen, and in whose cases -there may appear, perhaps, more of misfortune than moral delinquency: -such persons are generally indulged by His Excellency with tickets of -leave, and opportunities allowed them to do well. The number of persons, -however, to whom tickets of leave are granted on their arrival, is by no -means so great as has been represented. - -The convicts are now transferred to the care of the principal -Superintendent, to whom all persons who want servants must apply. Some -demur regarding the assignment of the individual for whom the -application is made, not unfrequently occurs in this quarter. Persons of -the first respectability, well informed regarding matters of this kind, -have assured me, that the settlers have frequently complained of the -difficulty they experienced in obtaining the acquiescence of the -Superintendent of convicts to allow them servants of their own -particular choice, and that there was, under such circumstances, only -one way of procuring what they desired. Having no personal knowledge of -the manner in which this extraordinary agency is effected, I do not -pledge myself for the correctness of the statement; but I am well aware -that the difficulty complained of does exist. Every settler to whom a -convict servant is assigned, is required, by authority of the local -Government, to pay as wages ten pounds sterling per annum to a male, and -seven pounds to a female, besides board and lodging. - -The male convicts not disposed of as servants, or by tickets of leave, -are formed into gangs, which are stationed in different parts of the -country in Government employ, such as making and repairing roads, and -various other public works, and are maintained from the stores. Those -employed at Sydney and its vicinity are lodged in a barrack, which has -lately been erected, and is fitted for the accommodation of about eight -hundred persons. There is another building of the same kind, at Emu -Plains, but on a smaller scale, which want of time prevented me from -visiting. The barrack at Sydney is spacious and lofty, erected in a -healthy and appropriate situation; it is thoroughly ventilated, is kept -exceedingly clean, and has many other advantages. - -I visited this building several times, and could not avoid remarking the -cleanliness of the different wards, and the respectful attention of the -persons who showed me over them: the great objection I observed in the -management was the entire want of classification, an obvious evil in -every such establishment, and that nothing appeared of the nature of an -organized system of morality. It was truly shocking and disgusting to -hear the oaths, execrations, and language the most indecent, which -issued from every side; nor did any of them appear to be intimidated by -the presence of those in authority over them: indeed quite the contrary -was observable; they seemed to me rather to be encouraged by those -persons in practices so utterly repugnant to order and decency. Mr. -Hutchinson, principal Superintendent of convicts, was with me on one of -those occasions; but so far was he from checking with rebuke what, to -say the least of it, was want of respect to one in his situation, that -his own expressions outstripped and completely eclipsed theirs in -wickedness and revolting filthiness. - -Endless would be the task of commenting on the deterioration, if not -total ruin, of moral principle, that must result from this want of -classification and religious care among a community so constituted as -this just noticed. How futile then must be every undertaking to reclaim -men of this description under circumstances so inauspicious! I fear the -hope of their reformation, therefore, is extremely distant, unless some -means of an efficient nature like that alluded to be soon adopted. -Sanguine indeed must be the mind that can expect improvement in a mass -so heterogeneous, composed of delinquents of every age; a commixture of -guiltiness of every shade and degree,—without any controlling influence -over depravity however extravagant,—without any humane friend to warn -against error, or direct to the paths which alone lead to peace and -happiness. - -Until the erection of this barrack, the convicts had to provide their -own lodging, for which purpose they were allowed half of each day to -work for themselves, or employ that time otherwise as they thought fit; -but this was attended with manifest inconvenience both to themselves and -their neighbours. The advantages of having them locked up at night, -which is done regularly at eight o’clock, are incalculable, and it is as -highly applauded by the sober part of the community as regretted by -themselves, the public-house keepers, thieves, and receivers of stolen -goods. Their labour must now be much more productive to Government than -formerly, as they are obliged to work from six in the morning till six -in the evening, Saturday excepted, when they are allowed half a day to -receive their weekly rations of provisions. - -Regarding the issues from the stores a salutary ordinance exists, making -it criminal to purchase any part of a convict’s rations; which is a -means of preventing many bad consequences: it cannot be denied, however, -that circumstances often occur which render a breach of this order -unavoidable. When fresh meat, for instance, is served out in hot -weather, which embraces two thirds of the year, it will become putrid in -a time inconceivably short: consequently the convict would want or -starve during the greater part of the week, were he not to make some -such arrangement privately, as must by its abuse have occasioned the -present regulation. In general the male prisoners live well, if they -conduct themselves properly, and observe sobriety; the regulations -adopted for the maintenance of good order among them being efficient in -a remarkable degree, when their great numbers, and also their former and -present modes of life, are considered. - -The convict Superintendents, and their numerous followers, as well as -most of the constables, and many of the settlers of the inferior class, -have adopted a practice of compounding with convicts assigned them as -servants, by which they derive a certain income from those convicts for -allowing them respectively the free disposal of their own time. This -compromise is usually productive of a revenue amounting weekly to a sum -varying from five to twenty shillings per head, or even more, as the -circumstances may allow; as, for instance, when the convict is a -mechanic, who, by being apparently on his own hands, can easily earn -more than double the sum he pays in consideration to his master, who, -from a necessary connexion with the Superintendent, generally knows the -surest way to have those of any trade he chooses assigned him. - -In such cases, it is always understood that the person to whom the -convict is assigned, is responsible for the conduct of his servant; but, -generally speaking, this responsibility is worse than nominal. Hence -great inconvenience to society is the almost certain result; for many of -those so assigned are known to levy contributions on the industrious -inhabitants; and in this respect some of them exercise their wonted arts -with surprising and successful dexterity. There can be little doubt that -many support themselves wholly in this manner, as idle fellows are to be -met with constantly prowling about, under various pretences, but -notoriously intent on plunder, or mischief of some kind, which is still -dear to their hearts. Of this description chiefly were the wretches whom -I noticed skulking around the Factory at Parramatta, corrupting some of -the women there, and persecuting others. - -Various means have been adopted to restrain the irregularities of -convicts thus at large, and punishments of a summary kind are frequently -inflicted. Of these, the most severe next to that of death is -_transportation to the Coal River_, which is ordered usually by His -Honour the Judge Advocate, or a Bench of Magistrates, for a term of -years, or for life, as the enormity of the offence may require. Convicts -dread this mode of punishment very much, because they are there -compelled to work in chains from sun-rise till sun-set, and are subject -also to other restrictions of a highly penal description. The rigour of -this sentence is, however, frequently relaxed in degree, as the criminal -shows signs of amendment; and in very few cases is it found necessary to -subject any of the convicts to a repetition of that sentence. Punishment -by _flogging_ is sometimes resorted to, and the infliction, which may be -ordered by any Magistrate on conviction, seldom exceeds twenty-five -lashes. - -For females, it is considered sufficiently severe to confine them for a -limited time to constant labour in the _Factory_ at Parramatta; but -enough has been said on that subject to satisfy that they can benefit -but very little from such a discipline. The restraint produced by those -punishments generally has some effect in preventing crime; but that of -sending offenders to the _Coal River_, to which punishment females as -well as males are liable, appears the most dreaded, and crimes are -evidently less frequent than might be expected in a population composed -of such mischievous materials. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - SITUATION AND DUTIES OF THE SURGEON SUPERINTENDENT. - - -As the welfare of the convicts, and their advancement or retrocession in -moral reformation, depend materially upon the exertion, apathy, or -capability of the Surgeon Superintendent, it may not be out of place, or -destitute of interest, to say something regarding the duties attached to -that appointment. - -The transportation of convicts to the colony seems entirely a mercantile -concern, in which the Government contracts, as a private individual -would, with the ship-owner for the conveyance of a certain number of -tons, at a fixed rate, and the tonnage is estimated according to the -ship’s register. In this case, Government supplies provisions for the -prisoners, besides other necessary stores, which are placed under the -charge of the Master, to be afterwards issued on proper occasions. - -A premium of fifty pounds is held out to the Master for a faithful -discharge of his duty; and satisfactory vouchers for the correctness of -his conduct, and humane treatment of the prisoners while on board, -signed by the Governor of the colony, and the Surgeon Superintendent of -the ship, must be produced for that purpose. This part of his duty is -independent of his concerns as Commander, and the proper treatment of -his sailors, with which the Government have no right to interfere, save -as far as it relates to the state of discipline maintained on board, to -prevent mutiny, or improper conduct of the sailors, by which the -security and management of the prisoners may be endangered or -interrupted. - -The following extract from the printed Instructions furnished by the -Navy Board to the Master, may serve to show the exactness required of -him in this respect. “For your guidance in the particular line of duty -allotted to the Surgeon of the Morley, we inclose a copy of our -Instructions to him, in order that you may regulate yourself -accordingly; and we refer you to the 24th article of those Instructions -against the prostitution of the female convicts in the vessel under your -command, which you are to consider as equally applying to yourself, and -of which we enjoin your strictest observance, both in your own conduct, -and in the exercise of your authority over all the persons under your -controul; and the like certificate from the Governor of New South Wales, -of your adherence to these directions, will be required before the -gratuity allowed on your return will be taken into consideration.” - -The article in the Surgeon’s Instructions, to which the above has -reference, runs as follows: “In consequence of a communication from the -Secretary of State, relative to the state of prostitution in which it is -represented the female convicts, during the passage to New South Wales, -have been permitted to live with the officers and seamen of the ships in -which they were embarked, we desire that you will take the most -particular care to _prevent_ the prostitution of the female convicts who -may be embarked, as far as possible, and, independently of showing a -good example in this respect, that you will _not_, under any pretence -whatever, _suffer_ any officer or seaman to live with a woman on the -passage; and we inform you that instructions have been given by the -Secretary of State to the Governor of New South Wales, to examine -whether these directions have been fully complied with; and that to -enable you to receive your gratuity, it is necessary that you should -procure a certificate from His Excellency, as to the measures taken by -you to _enforce_ these regulations through the ship; when it will be -considered how far your conduct entitles you to such gratuity.” - -In former times the owners of ships chartered for the conveyance of -convicts to the colonies, and used also to contract for victualling them -during the voyage, and were even at liberty to provide persons of their -own choice to act as surgeons. With what qualifications, intellectual or -moral, those _medical gentlemen_ entered on the duties of this most -important branch of the service, it is not my purpose here to inquire. -But the ship-owner in those days contracted for a certain number to be -embarked, without any stipulation being entered into for landing them -safely at the place of destination;—a material distinction, as is -evident when it is considered, that it was by no means uncommon for a -ship of this description to have from forty to seventy deaths, and -upwards, in the course of a voyage. The following statement, extracted -from Collins’s History of New South Wales, is illustrative of this -assertion. - -“A contract,”—he says, page 102, “had been entered into by Government, -with Messrs. Calvert, Cambden, and King, merchants of London, for the -transporting of one thousand convicts; and Government engaged to pay -17_l._ 7_s._ 6_d._ per head, for every convict they embarked. This sum -being as well for their provisions as for their transportation, no -interest for their preservation was created in the owners, and the dead -were more profitable (if profit alone was consulted by them, and the -credit of their house was not at stake,) than the living. The following -accounts of the numbers who died on board each ship were given in by the -Masters: - - Men. Women. Children. - On board the Lady Juliana 0 5 2 - On board the Surprise 42 0 0 - On board the Scarborough 68 0 0 - On board the Neptune 151 11 2 - -All possible expedition was used to get the sick on shore; for even -while they remained on board many died.” Again, at page 436, the same -author, speaking of the Hillsborough, which arrived the 26th July, 1799, -says, “Ninety-five died during the voyage, and six more were added to -the number in a few days after they were landed.” - -Within the period since Naval Surgeons have been appointed to the -superintendence of convict ships, the calamity has been considerably -lessened; and now, if two or three deaths occur in a voyage, it is -thought very unfortunate indeed. I may add of my own knowledge, that in -1818, when I was first in New South Wales in that service, out of 1,059 -convicts embarked in England and Ireland, 1,057 were landed at Sydney in -tolerably good health. This favourable result may have been influenced -considerably, perhaps, by much greater attention having been given to -ventilation and cleanliness, and the convicts being less crowded than -they used to be for many years after the settlement of the colony. - -Such, it appears, was formerly the mode in which the transportation of -convicts used to be conducted; but at present, under the superintendence -of men regularly educated in the profession, it has become a point of -duty for the Surgeon to take cognizance of every circumstance connected -with the care of the convicts. To this intent, the Instructions issued -to him from the Navy Board require the strictest attention to ascertain -that the convicts’ stores are economically expended, and to see that -every tendency to waste, irregular distribution, and improper -application of the Government property, is instantly checked and -prevented. Under these circumstances, his professional respectability -becomes unavoidably merged, in some degree, in the character of a spy, -in which odious light he is liable to be viewed by the commander, over -whose actions he is directed to exercise this disagreeable, and in many -cases unnecessary, controul. - -The situation, therefore, of a Surgeon in a convict ship, besides being -one of great responsibility, is subject to serious inconvenience and -embarrassment from many existing circumstances, which are independent of -his power or choice, and which, deriving influence from long established -custom, have become inveterately incorporated with the present system of -the service, and render the appointment by no means a _sinecure_. This -is more strikingly evident in a female convict ship, where delicacy of -management must be combined with a firmness of discipline bordering upon -severity, which is at all times disagreeable, but becomes peculiarly -odious when enforced, as must generally be the case, where corporal -punishment is excluded. To regulate and duly restrain minds of ordinary -purity and habitude of obedience, is not unattended with difficulty: but -the duty is palpably irksome, though exercised with the utmost -discretion, over dispositions vitiated and turbulent, as those which are -generally found among female convicts; so much so, indeed, that few, -knowing the extent of this painful responsibility, will be found willing -to give the trial a repetition. - -If he sanction, for instance, or connive at, the prostitution of the -women, he is liable not only to severe animadversion, but even to be -cashiered, and otherwise punished, by the authority under which he -serves. On the other hand, his embarrassments are equally pressing; for, -if he “enforce” the orders of the Navy Board, which will often involve -the commission of an act of violence, he may subject himself to a -criminal prosecution, the consequences of which may be fatal. Strange as -this may sound, it is perfectly correct. During the _forty nights_ I -kept watch in the prison of the Morley, it was my firm determination to -obey the letter and spirit of the orders I received in my Instructions, -persuaded then that in so doing I should have acted _legally_; and had -any of the seamen broken in, as they frequently threatened to do, I -would most assuredly have shot at the first that entered; which as I -have lately learned, would have been felony. Here is _Charybdis_ on one -hand, and _Scylla_ on the other. - -In fact, the Surgeon in those ships has no means whatever but his own -physical strength to carry his instructions into effect; and should the -opposition he meets with in the discharge of his public duty be -formidable enough to trample down his authority, he can obtain no -redress, as the law has provided no remedy against the licentiousness of -sailors: consequently, to prefer complaints so as to give grounds for -prosecution against them, would only be a useless waste of his time. It -will, perhaps, be expected that the authority and co-operation of the -Master will be effective in support of the Surgeon’s intentions; such -expectation can only arise from the supposition that the Master’s -authority over his seamen is absolute, or at least that his orders are -promptly obeyed; but this supposition has been shown, in the journal, to -be unfortunately without foundation. - -To act up closely to his Instructions, a Surgeon must examine every -bale, cask, parcel, or article which is to enter the ship, as will -appear from the subjoined extract from the Instructions. - -“You are to take particular care that neither the Master nor any other -person be suffered, under any pretence whatsoever, to put on board any -private goods or articles of any kind, without the special permission of -the Board; and as the whole of the tonnage of the stores which may be -permitted to be shipped will be reported to the Governor of New South -Wales, the ship will be liable to seizure, if any greater quantity -should be found on board.” - -Would not this duty be better performed by a Custom-house officer during -the continuance of the ship at any British port? If the vessel do not -depart without the stipulated quantity of water, which ought to be -determined by previous inspection, there will seldom be occasion to -touch at any other place during the voyage, and consequently no -opportunity can occur to take in goods without permission. The time -which must be given to matters of this nature, will be found to -interfere with the more immediate and important claims upon his -attention as Superintendent, such for instance as the following: “You -are to be careful that the convicts and passengers have their due -rations of provisions without any deduction whatever, and to see that -the victuals are properly cooked, and regularly issued at the usual -meal-times, as also that they have a sufficient proportion of water. You -are also to attend the opening of every cask of provisions supplied to -the vessel by Government, and to notice in your journal its mark, -numbers, and contents.” - -In the discharge of duties so multifarious as are those of the Surgeon -Superintendent in a convict ship, any leaning to remissness justly -subjects him to the displeasure of the Board from whom he has the honour -of receiving his appointment and instructions; or he incurs the -liability of quarrelling perpetually with the Commander, when ever the -conduct of the latter may be thought to require his interference; which -becomes a constant source of uneasiness and vexation. Some men might be -driven by such annoyance to study their own comforts, and self-interest -grow importunate for a large share of consideration: in this case, sense -of public duty may perhaps become weak in proportion as self -predominates, and necessity, which rarely admits of compromise, compels -to an acquiescence with the Master’s views, in order to conciliate his -friendship, and cultivate a disposition to reciprocal concession on his -part. - -Should this mutual understanding fail to be established very early in -the voyage, there is likely to be continual bickering between them, and -endless thwarting on every trifling occasion, until at length an open -rupture takes place, and the Master takes his revenge by dispensing with -the Surgeon’s future services as soon as the convicts have been -disembarked, and leaves him on shore to find a passage home in the best -manner he can. It is fair, however, to state, that the Navy Board so far -makes the Surgeon independent of such an unpleasant casualty, as to -allow him fifty pounds by way of passage money returning from the -colony: but whether this liberality be an equivalent for the severe -discharge of an ungracious duty, by which he is subject to that -emergency, is more than questionable, as it is a well known fact, that -the sum demanded for a passage from New South Wales to England is from -one hundred and fifty to two hundred pounds. To remain at the colony is -productive of manifold inconvenience, as the allowance of fifty pounds -will soon be expended for the necessaries of living, while the same -demand and difficulty to return will still continue. - -This representation, although a bare recital of facts, may be objected -to as being the very worst state of the case supposed, and that the -argument rests upon a contingency which has but seldom occurred: but -this objection, far from weakening the position, gives an additional -weight to the statement, and claims for it a greater degree of -attention. For it can be said without fear of refutation, that nineteen -out of twenty of the Surgeons who go out in convict ships would return -involved in debts, which it would be utterly beyond their power to -discharge by any other means than an apprenticeship in the King’s Bench, -were they to rely solely on the fifty pounds to meet the expenses of the -passage home, which it may be seen requires four times that sum. - -It should be considered, moreover, that convict ships return very rarely -from New South Wales directly, as they are mostly chartered to distant -ports in India, or are directed by their owners to proceed in quest of -cargo, after their engagement with Government is completed. In this -case, a considerable time usually elapses in preparing for this fresh -destination before the vessel can leave Sydney; and should the Surgeon -be entered as a passenger, he must abide by the regulations existing on -those occasions, by which he is bound to maintain himself on shore as -long as the ship remains in any port. The heavy expenses which this must -create, in addition to that of passage, must be seriously felt by the -time the vessel will have arrived in England. Either, then, the Surgeon -must subdue his honourable feelings by silencing scruples as to the -duties of Superintendent, or he must abide by such consequences as leave -him the inmate of a prison. - -In order to avoid this horrible alternative, he generally enters into an -engagement with the ship-owners, before the vessel sails from England, -to give his professional attention to the crew during the voyage, and -thus secures a passage home without much expense; but this, it should be -observed, is to be effected only when no misunderstanding has taken -place between himself and the Commander, as otherwise he is liable to be -removed at the pleasure of that officer on the passage home. This -arrangement is doubtless convenient enough for both parties: but it may -be questioned whether the public service is benefited by it; for it can -hardly be expected, that the same vigilance and firmness which would -characterize the conduct of a Surgeon Superintendent, were he perfectly -independent, will be observed when bound by interest, by private -compact, and by necessity, to obey the Master’s orders, or at least give -implicit attention to his suggestions, thereby compromising that dignity -of character which properly belongs to his rank[30]. - -I wish this observation not to be construed into an insinuation against -the honour or honesty of the Masters of convict ships generally. If all -may be judged of from those with whom I had the pleasure of being -connected, they ought to stand very high indeed in public estimation; -for I firmly believe, that there could not be found in Britain men -possessed of more upright and honourable principles than they are; and -an acquaintance moderately extensive with others in that particular -service has impressed me strongly with sentiments of respect for their -integrity and general character. - -On the other hand, it is very remote from my intention to throw the -slightest shade on the character of those professional gentlemen who -have been latterly employed in this service. Many of them possess well -cultivated minds, and are meritorious and valuable members of society; -actuated by that high sense of honour which would detain them in -obscurity for life rather than forfeit their principles; but some of -them have, at the same time, wives and children looking up to them for -support, to provide which, and to give them the advantages of education, -the utmost exertions of industry and economy are required. The -procedure, however, having been dictated, and in some degree made -general, by necessity, has never been considered disreputable. - -There are one or two other points regarding the situation of Surgeons on -board of convict ships, which seem to me worthy of consideration: and as -they concern the respectability of the service, and the efficiency which -ought ever to attend that branch of duty, the mention of them, it is -hoped, will not be deemed disrespectful to the authority that watches -over such affairs. - -According to the regulations now existing, the Surgeon is not allowed a -servant, which reduces him to the alternative of applying to the Master -to permit one of the ship’s company to do that duty; and this favour, if -granted, necessarily places him under personal obligations to the man -whose actions he is required to inspect, and often to control; or else -he must perform those offices himself; which cannot be less repugnant to -his feelings as a gentleman, than it must eventually prove injurious to -the service. - -Let the situation of a Surgeon Superintendent in a convict ship be -compared with that of an officer in the army of the same rank, and it -will readily be seen how widely different are their comparative comforts -and respectability. A naval Surgeon ranks with a Captain of the land -forces; but this equality of rank, if not an absolute inconvenience, is, -under the presently existing circumstances, nothing but an empty name. -For instance, while the lowest commissioned officer in the army is -allowed a servant, exclusively of the attentions he can command from his -guard, the Surgeon Superintendent in the same ship enjoys the proud -privilege of ministering to his own wants. - -Who would not sympathize with a gentleman driven to the necessity of -discharging the office of a menial, and that, too, in the presence of -those very persons of whom he has charge, and over whom he is -commissioned constantly to exercise authority? I beg to be understood -distinctly, in drawing the above comparison, not to imply any thing of -an invidious nature towards officers of the army doing duty in convict -ships, every one of whom, I am persuaded, justly merits whatever comfort -can be enjoyed in such a situation. - -It is in place here to observe, that misunderstandings are likely to -occur from the first moment of sending the convicts on board. The Master -of the ship having signed a bond making himself responsible for the safe -custody of the prisoners, he alone is held accountable in the event of -any of them escaping; which would seem to give him a strong claim to -regulate them as he may think necessary during the voyage, while the -instructions given to the Surgeon appear to have a different import, -thus: “You are not to consider yourself as Naval Agent for Transports, -nor authorized in any way to interfere with the management or navigation -of the ship, your duty as Surgeon and Superintendent extending only to -the _care_ and _management_ of the convicts, and to see that the Master -fully complies with the terms of his charter party, a copy of which is -inclosed for your information.” - -A military officer is ordered on board in command of a guard, without -any instructions whatever, it appears, as to his particular line of -duty; and he naturally enough imagines that the prisoners and every -other person in the ship are under his charge. Each of these, desirous -of securing respect for his authority, regards any interference of the -others with a jealous eye; which has given rise to many unpleasant -incidents, that have ultimately led to investigations in the colony, -where it was decided that the Surgeon Superintendent has the sole charge -over the prisoners. It would prevent much inconvenience, were the -respective duties of these officers clearly defined before the -commencement of the voyage; for at the end of it information must always -be too late for any useful purpose. - -In consequence of a late regulation, Surgeons in this branch of the -service, before they can receive their pay, are obliged to produce a -certificate from the principal Surgeon of the Colony, “stating, that no -unnecessary expenditure was made of the medicines and necessaries -supplied for the voyage.” There is something excessively derogatory of -that respect which is due to professional character, in compelling a -Surgeon to apply for such a certificate as that here required. The very -application, moreover, involves an unbecoming insinuation, that neither -the word nor the oath of the individual is to be believed; for every -Surgeon, before he obtains his pay, is obliged to make affidavit that -the medicines and necessaries have been _faithfully_ expended: but it is -evident that even this solemn testimony, although squaring with every -cautionary purpose for which it was originally designed, is questioned -as to its truth, the recent regulation making it requisite to produce -another stronger voucher to the same purport. With the profoundest -deference to superior wisdom and official prudence, an additional -document of this nature appears superfluous; and no absolute necessity -therefore existing to demand its production, such a requisition, it is -presumed, might be omitted without injury to His Majesty’s service. - -It would seem trifling and ridiculous to dwell longer on a subject of -such apparent insignificance; but let it not be forgotten, that of such -trifles is the greater part of human happiness or affliction composed: -neither ought it to be looked upon as an unreasonable wish, that those -professional men who have devoted the prime of life to their country’s -service, should, at least in some degree, be screened from unnecessary -humiliation. - ------ - -Footnote 30: - - The Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy, finding that the allowance of - fifty pounds is wholly inadequate to satisfy the demand for a passage - home, have lately increased it to one hundred and ten pounds, and also - granted ten shillings a day during the time a Surgeon is obliged to - remain in the colony. Since these sheets were put to press, I have - ascertained, that the subject of convict management, generally, has - received considerable attention, and undergone some improvements. The - structural weakness, and consequent insecurity, _so severely felt in - the Morley_, have in some degree been remedied in fitting up the last - female convict ship, Mary Anne. Some of the locks supplied to that - ship were fitted in a more efficient manner, and appeared of a better - quality than those which were formerly furnished. Those useful and - highly necessary arrangements reflect credit on their authors, and - cannot fail to benefit the service. It is earnestly to be hoped that - they will be followed up with others which are still very requisite. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. - - -In the account given of the transmission of convicts to New South Wales, -I have endeavoured, “nothing extenuating, nor setting down aught in -malice,” to describe the true state of morality in that country. A wish -to avoid prolixity prevented the mention of some few particulars, which -from the weight that attaches to their consideration, as affecting the -security and reformation of the prisoners, seem to be not destitute of -interest, and may without impropriety, it is hoped, be briefly mentioned -here. In these remarks I shall simply state circumstances as they came -under my notice in their practical effects, leaving the question of -remedy exclusively in the hands of those who best can obviate the -existing inconveniences, and remedy the mischievous results arising from -the present mode of transportation. - -In the first instance, then, I would respectfully direct attention, -immediate and effective, to the present plan of fitting up prisons on -board of convict ships. The manner in which those places are erected for -the detention of male prisoners is less objectionable in regard to -security than those for females. In the one case, the protection of the -persons in authority over the confined appears principally designed, as -opposed to any violence meditated on the part of the male prisoners, as -also for the security of the ship. But in the other, these -circumstances, if they are at all allowed to occupy consideration, -appear of but little moment, because it seems to be an opinion commonly -received, _that improper intercourse between the female convicts and the -sailors must continue as a matter of course, and that all endeavours to -prevent it will be fruitless, and therefore any precaution in fitting up -a prison for females, with that view, is superfluous_. As far as it -regards the safety of the ship and stores, that may perhaps be the case, -as from women, merely, no such danger need be apprehended; and this -notion has probably led to the present specious manner of construction, -in which the semblance of confinement only appears to be consulted. - -The present alarming increase of crime renders every precaution for the -safe lodgement of male convicts both wise and salutary, particularly so -long as no pains are taken to subdue their predilection for plunder and -profligacy, by informing their minds with moral truths, and showing them -the just and happier resources of honest life. With regard to this class -of prisoners, however, there is little to recommend by way of -strengthening the rigour of the system of confinement, as sufficient -care is taken in that respect, that as little chance as possible is -allowed of their resorting to violence with any hope of success, even -were they so disposed: when in addition to the fetters and the strong -prevention of their prison, the military guard placed over them is a -balance more than sufficiently countervailing to any such design. - -The situation of a female convict prison claims attention in a peculiar -degree, if the main purpose of reformation, the object originally in the -contemplation of their sentence, be kept in view. Revolting in the -extreme to every feeling of propriety, is the idea of abandoning these -miserable women to indiscriminate intercourse, among the crews of those -ships in which they are ordered to be conveyed to their place of -banishment. They are humanely removed from their former mischievous -connexions; but who would say that this is a mode in which they can be -reclaimed? Prostitution has been the bane of many of them; will they -thus become less impure? - -By the very unaccountable neglect of moral instruction heretofore -prevailing, independently of other causes, every sailor, nay the -officers on board, could take advantage of the defenceless state of the -female convicts; and so grossly did these excesses increase by -indulgence, that the commonness of the practice flung a familiarity over -the evil, concealing its disgusting odiousness, and making it looked -upon as an affair of course, of ordinary, of necessary occurrence! The -Government, being made acquainted with its existence, have interfered -and forbidden the abuse. Has that been sufficient to root it out, or -even put a stop to its abominable recurrence? It is seriously to be -feared that it exists in full vigour, and that, generally speaking, so -far from being circumscribed, it is unlimited. - -Under a system of organized depravity and abandonment, which is too -disgusting to be depicted, can any one be surprised,—can anyone expect -otherwise,—than that the female convicts should arrive in the colony -contaminated and hardened in turpitude and profligacy to the last -degree,—so absolutely vitiated as scarcely to retain the consciousness -of a single virtuous thought? Suppose a simple country girl were one of -these, convicted of her first offence; it surely is not unreasonable to -imagine, that, if sheltered from such iniquitous association, decently -treated, and rather encouraged by mild remonstrance, and timely humane -counsel, aided too by good example, she might be reclaimed from error, -and again become a useful member of society. But, in a school so -destructive of moral feeling, as that which a convict ship has hitherto -been permitted to present, will any such salutary result in her favour -be expected? Can any thing less than miracle save her from hopeless -ruin? The hope of moral reformation is quite idle, so long as such -detestable doings exist; nor will it ever be made a consideration in the -necessity of their removal, whether they owe existence to connivance or -laxity of discipline. If, then, the reformation of female convicts be -still made a portion of the public concern, some arrangements different -from those hitherto employed, or some more efficient application of such -as at present so miserably obtain, are indispensably necessary: if -otherwise, too much has already been done, and useless restraints have -been imposed. - -The state of the prison in female convict ships should be such that no -ingenuity, or any effort short of open violence, could be sufficient to -command a communication with the prisoners. In this case, the -construction of the prison ought to be as firm at least as that for -males; nor should the minuteness of accommodation in the interior, -concerning personal comfort, cleanliness, and decent reserve, be -overlooked. It is essentially necessary that a small apartment be fitted -up securely, for the seclusion of any female whose profligate or -refractory disposition may render solitary confinement necessary. This -place should be thoroughly ventilated, and kept clean, but every thing -carefully excluded except the absolute necessaries of life; which, -during confinement, ought to consist of bread and water only. There may -be some few in every ship, too hardened in iniquity, to be influenced by -kind treatment and moral admonition, who would be intimidated by the -fear of punishment like this. The want of such a place in every female -convict ship is felt and acknowledged by all persons conversant in such -affairs. The only objection to the general adoption of this measure is, -that it would deprive the prisoners of part of that space which is at -present sufficiently limited. But room may be allowed for it without -inconvenience, by making the number to be transmitted less by six or -eight than the usual complement: the advantages would then be found -greatly to outweigh the difference in expense, which at most could be -but a trifle. The locks, moreover, should be of a durable and well -contrived description; neither liable to be picked, like the common -clumsy things now in use, nor spoiled by the effects of moisture; and -two or three spare sets, at least, should be supplied, to replace such -as may be injured on the voyage. - -It will be seen, on reference to the journal, that the system of moral -restraint and instruction adopted, and the vigilance with which it was -enforced, prevented the sailors from making any aggression until the -voyage was more than half over; and that they were invited then only by -the weak state of the prison; presenting scarcely any opposition to -those who might wish to gain admission. It will also appear that some of -the sailors were removed from the ship at Hobart Town, Van Diemen’s -Land, for disorderly behaviour towards the prisoners: these men were -afterwards sent up to Sydney, as prisoners, in another ship, but on -their arrival there were set at liberty, without a single question being -asked them, or the slightest investigation instituted. I confess I was -desirous that the affair should have been inquired into at the time, -when the allegations might have been confirmed or disproved by the -testimony of those who had been eye witnesses of the transactions for -which those men had been arrested; and satisfactory evidence of the -circumstances of the whole voyage would then have been obtained, those -who were most competent to give information being on the spot. This is -the more to be regretted, because the practicability of moral -reformation in those ships would have been proved beyond the possibility -of cavil, _if the prisons be properly secured, and the Surgeon -Superintendent supported in the discharge of his duty, and in his -endeavours to accomplish an object of such desirable and paramount -importance_. - -It is not from the impregnable structure of the prison in a convict -ship, that the great object of transportation is alone to be sought. The -arm of the law, which deprives the convict of the power of committing -mischief by sanctioning the coercive bolt or massy bar, can be as -effectual in restraining the licentious seaman from transgressing the -bounds of duty, and committing acts of violence towards the persons -confined; such are powers of ordinary and every day efficacy. Will they, -in the silent hour of night, in the lowering retreat of meditated guilt, -reach the mind in its secret recesses, and confine its aberrations from -rectitude? No: recourse must be had to means much more potent,—boundless -as created space, which will embrace all the deviations of the soul, -and, with a shepherd’s care, prevent its dangerous wanderings. Religious -influence, the enlivening, all-pervading force of conscience must be -called up to aid in checking criminal intention, to recall grave -recollections of the past, and turn the soul to chastening, penitent -reflection. Vain are all endeavours to amend, unless error be struck at -by a fundamental, unshowy energy, to clear away effectually the noisome -weeds that choke the paths of virtue. - -Impressed with this conviction, I endeavoured to establish a moral and -religious system of management on board the ships intrusted to my care; -and as nothing of the kind was before in use[31], I feel ambitious to -witness the general adoption of that, or any improvement upon it which -will have the same humane purpose in view. Many well disposed and -charitable persons, I know, have expressed their apprehension that -permanent good from such a system cannot be established within the short -period in which a voyage is performed from England to the colony: and -that even could it be effected, the impression would be speedily effaced -by the corrupting association with those less under the influence of -reformation there. It must be allowed that the objection may have some -weight, but I hope not so as to discourage the laudable attempt; for, -were the good resulting even partial, operating to the reformation of a -few only, yet how gratifying must it be in such a case! When, however, a -better supported, more extensive trial is given to the system, I trust -it will appear that the harvest will be bountiful, and will well repay -the toil of cultivation. - -The following facts may aid in giving incitement to future exertions of -the same kind. In my recent visit to New South Wales, I availed myself -of every means to ascertain how the prisoners who went out with me in -the Neptune had behaved since their arrival, and I could hear of nine -only, out of one hundred and seventy, who had been called before the -magistrates to answer for ill conduct, during a period of two years and -a half. Several of the number were recommended to situations of service -immediately on their landing, and I did not learn that any of them had -merited turning away. One individual came upwards of forty miles to see -me, and brought a very satisfactory testimonial from his master, which I -laid before the Governor, and requested that some indulgence might be -given him; with which His Excellency most obligingly and readily -complied. So far it is gratifying to know that the attempt at -reformation, however feeble, has not been entirely without success. - -On the subject of employment for prisoners during the voyage, much might -be said; but its necessity and advantages are too numerous, and would -render observation tedious, however appropriate. If employment be found -useful in the Hulks, why should not its benefits be also tried on board -of convict ships? Convicts will certainly be better fitted for -industrious occupations in the colony, having been so employed upon -their passage thither; and as they are sent to that country not to be -maintained in idleness, why not inure them to habits of application -previously? In the colony they have inducements to work,—food and an -annual stipend; let them on board ship be so employed, as that a portion -of what they earn may revert to themselves, and they will work -cheerfully. Prisoners engaged at work are as much under the power of -restraint as ever; they will, it is presumed, be much more orderly; nor -can any reasonable fear be entertained of their contemplating mischief, -when steadily occupied with what they must be convinced is intended to -benefit themselves, especially if, at the same time, the effects of a -moral and religious system operate upon their minds. - -Of the same nature is the establishment of a school, not alone for -children belonging to convicts, but for the instruction of junior -offenders; for it will be found in almost every case of this -description, that early depravity and ignorance are concomitants. The -generality of young culprits derive their hardening career in crime, -almost entirely from the want of religious instruction: it must -therefore be not only wise and humane, but also a pleasure demanded by -prudence and sound policy, to furnish them with the means of gaining -moral instruction from its source, by teaching them to read that best of -books, the Bible. Neither should those children be left without regular -employment: they also will long enjoy the blessings thus arising from -habits of industry. - -Every one who has an interest in the welfare of the colony, as well as -the friends of humanity, must feel some degree of anxiety on the subject -of convict management, previously to their entering on those duties -which are prescribed by their sentence. With regard to males, less -concern is usually entertained, from their capability of sustaining -severity of punishment, if necessary, in a higher degree; but as to -females, corrective applications of that nature cannot be resorted to, -to produce reformation of life. In proportion, then, as the difficulty -of applying penal treatment exists, the more is prevention requisite to -preclude its necessity: but unfortunately this is too little regarded; -and to this circumstance may be, in a great measure, attributed that -deplorable state of habitual dissoluteness, aggravated by heinous -indulgence in open violation of decency, which prevails in the voyage to -New South Wales. - -The evil consequences to the colony, from this abuse, are innumerable. -The continual disturbance of social connexions, and disregard of moral -obligation, are not its only bad effects; the great hope of colonization -is defeated: population is undoubtedly checked in its advance by such -pernicious practices. This fact is proved by the concurrent testimony of -all nations, and various arguments have been urged in illustration: but -the correctness of the opinion needs very little to maintain its -accuracy; the position may indeed be pronounced incontrovertible. In -reply to this it may be said, that population in New South Wales has -increased in a ratio greatly beyond that of any other country. The -extraordinary salubrity of the climate, and other circumstances, may -have contributed in a great degree to that remarkable increase, which -appears unquestionably without parallel even in the periods of American -colonization; but, were female virtue better protected, and cherished -with becoming care, there can be not a shadow of doubt, that the -population would be much greater than it is even now. - -But the state of morals in the colony is not such as to encourage a hope -that this respect for the sex is likely to be a prevailing sentiment, at -least for some time to come; and, until that change shall have arrived, -it is feared that few of the corrupt females who are transported thither -will become reformed there: indeed it is hardly to be expected that they -should, unless their minds have been fortified by salutary management -previously to their arrival, as afterwards there is not a moment allowed -them for reflection. The same violent passions which raged uncontrolled -before and during the voyage, so far from subsiding, are worked up to -excess by wretches of the very worst description, many unhappily of -their own sex, who beset them with temptation to their utter ruin. - -From the best information I was able to obtain, it appears that the -proportion of males to that of females is somewhat above _six_ to _one_. -It will be asked, perhaps, Why is not marriage encouraged, and how -happens it that any woman can remain single for any time, the proportion -being so small? Marriages certainly do take place to the utmost extent -of propriety; and investigation of the circumstances in many cases, if -deemed necessary, would, it is apprehended, painfully prove that those -limits are frequently exceeded. Marriages are continually taking place -between men and women whose wives and husbands are living in England; -some, it is asserted on good authority, in the colony under fictitious -names. But although this breach of law is punishable at home by -transportation, little inquiry or complaint is made concerning it in the -colony, and punishment is seldom inflicted for its commission, owing -probably to its being rarely brought under judicial cognizance by those -concerned. - -Marriage occurs also very often for the purpose of getting a woman out -of the Factory; that is, letting her loose on society, without the least -intention of the parties living together, save for a few days to cover -appearances. It is known to happen sometimes, that such connexions are -formed by making a contract beforehand, that the woman, wife so called, -should appropriate a certain quantum of the wages of sin for the support -of the man who thus espouses her! In this state the degraded victim of -sensuality is often transferred from one master to another, bandied -about in this shocking and unnatural way, until the mere figure is all -that remains of the human being. Should intemperance, which is always -observable in such cases, and excessive extravagance, impair or totally -destroy the scanty means of the _protector_ for the time being, the -female so engaged looks without concern on the misfortune of which she, -perhaps, has been the principal cause, and if another paramour offer, -she attaches herself to him with indifference, and so the career of -guilt meets with but little interruption. - -In several conversations on this disgraceful subject with some well -informed men, whose judgement in other matters is deserving of respect, -I was assured that no remedy of immediate efficacy could be applied to -these evils; that time alone could weaken their malignancy, and that -they would wear out of themselves! This shocking conclusion, almost -amounting to despair of their eradication, was made by men who daily -witnessed these vile practices, and lamented their enormity and -prevalence, fully sensible of their miserable consequences.—But the -performance of these odious tragedies is not left entirely to the -convicts. Others, whose stations ought to claim some degree of respect, -seem to vie with those degraded captives for the pre-eminence in guilt, -many of them proudly wearing the laurels thus _honourably_ acquired: for -these enormities, which depravity has made familiar, even palliation is -insolently attempted, and that too on grounds sometimes unpardonably -offensive to decency. - -I have heard men of reputed good sense and discrimination, both here and -in New South Wales, argue with much earnestness, and a feeling of -exultation which I would willingly consider not real, that the females -who have been under the management of the _Ladies’ Committee_ generally -behave worse during the voyage, and after their arrival in the colony, -than those from any other prison whatever; inferring that all the -disinterested and zealous exertions of that amiable association have -been unproductive of any the least good.—Among those in the colony -holding, or at least professing to hold, this opinion, a general feeling -seemed to prevail, that all efforts made to form those unfortunate -females to habits of virtue, propriety, and industry, were nugatory, and -calculated rather to injure than promote the interests of the colony. -The very endeavours to prevent illicit intercourse upon the voyage were -treated as if they had a tendency to render the women unfit for their -proper situations in the places to which they were going! They -maintained that the character of these females is utterly reprobate, -beyond the possibility of being reclaimed, and that it is therefore -useless to think of reforming them,—that they should be abandoned to -their wretched lot. - -So long as persons holding such sentiments, and acting upon them, would -render the subjects of their obloquy incapable of improvement by -rekindling their profligacy and contributing to their misfortune, and -that such conduct can be followed as an example, so long indeed it is -vain to hope that any instruction in prisons can effect permanent -reformation. It would not be doing violence to probability, nor, I -think, exceeding the bounds of charity, to assert that the principles by -which such abettors of vice are actuated are referable to licentious -propensities, which the most _liberal_ of them would, perhaps, be -unwilling to acknowledge as belonging to himself. Why then would -they,—for the evidence is strong against them,—desire to continue those -wretched women in a state of debasement? Is it that themselves may be -allowed to pass unnoticed amidst the general depravity which must be the -certain consequence of such a state of things? These men would be stout -advocates for the baneful principle of _utility_ described by _Hume_, or -the still more pernicious one of _general good_ so strenuously -recommended by _Godwin_. - -While such principles are deemed the basis of moral law, it is -impossible to calculate on any other than the most destructive results, -as no other can be reasonably expected from a demoralized population, -amongst whom honesty and decency are in perpetual violation. Can any -reprobation, then, be thought too severe, of that unmanly, ungenerous -conduct, which, by fostering vice in the advocacy of self-example, would -render a future generation more immoral than the past, and lead to -complete anarchy of all the rational powers of the mind? It has been -well observed by a late anonymous writer, that “whoever weakens in -society the veneration for morality, is a traitor to his country; and -whoever diminishes the influence of religion in the world, as a rule of -daily conduct, is a traitor to his God.”—The language is as forcible as -the truth is incontrovertible. - -The assertion, however, on which so much stress is laid,—that the women -from Newgate behave worse than those from other prisons,—is deserving of -some examination. If we reflect on the state of society in London, and -how infinitely more numerous are the opportunities to crime and its -consequences than elsewhere; the dissoluteness which always exists in a -crowded metropolis; and the daring depravity that there marks the -gradations of offence; if we carefully survey the life of “a regular -London female thief who has passed through every stage of guilt, who has -spent her youth in prostitution, and her maturer age in theft and -knavery; whose every friend and connexion are accomplices;” one of those -who are “the refuse of the capital; that is, the very worst description -of criminals, committed for the very worst excesses of crime; women who -had been frequent inmates of a prison, and with whom thieving was ‘their -daily bread:’” if these circumstances, I say, are duly considered, they -must be admitted, by every unprejudiced individual, to form grounds of -difficulty in the endeavours to reclaim offenders from their wickedness -in such a society, beyond, greatly beyond the less hardened habits of -provincial iniquity; and should it even appear that the former behave -much worse than the latter on board a ship, it can afford very little -cause for ill-judging malignity to triumph. Could aught else, even then, -be shown, but that the time those unfortunate women were under the -guidance of the Ladies’ Committee was too short for the completion of -their benevolent purpose? Is it reasonable to expect that long-rooted -habits of idleness and vice, impressed on the mind from the first -dawning of perception, can be broken through, and the salutary work of -reformation perfected in the few weeks or months they may have been -favoured with those pious attentions? But should it be proved that the -conduct of the women from Newgate is at least as good, if not better -than what is exhibited by those from the country prisons, to what cause -shall be ascribed an alteration so rapid, and so little to be -expected;—an alteration amounting to almost an entire change of natural -disposition? It is impossible for scepticism, or prejudice itself, to -assign any other cause than the influence of moral precept so kindly and -unceasingly inculcated by the Committee. - -The women from Newgate formed one third of the entire number sent out in -the Morley; and I can declare conscientiously that their conduct was -_not worse_ than that of an equal number of the others: on the contrary, -the effects of exhortation were more observable in their manner, in a -very remarkable degree; and during the voyage, whenever it was found -necessary to rebuke any of them, the mere mention of any of the Ladies -of the Committee had the effect of bringing them to a sense of their -error, which in almost every instance was attended with profound sorrow, -a circumstance certainly not always observable in their companions. I -can further assert that there was infinitely more riot, wickedness, and -abandonment, amongst _seven_ women who were permitted to accompany the -soldiers that formed the guard in the Neptune in 1817, than amongst _all -the female convicts_ in the Morley put together: nay, in stating this -fact, I feel that the latter are injured by being brought into such a -comparison. - -In a conversation on this subject at Van Diemen’s Land with Doctor -Bromley, who was Surgeon Superintendent in the _Lord Wellington_, he -assured me that he had less trouble in that ship with the women who came -from Newgate than all the rest. Three of these very women on their -arrival were received into the service of Mrs. Governor MACQUARIE, where -their conduct was so uniformly correct as to merit that lady’s -approbation; a circumstance so uncommon, that she felt it a duty to -acquaint Mrs. _Fry_ of the happy change. Mrs. Macquarie was prevented -from writing by ill health at the time I left the colony, but desired me -to communicate the fact as she had herself intended. That several of -those who went out in the Lord Wellington behaved very ill after their -arrival, does not militate against the system of reform adopted by the -Ladies’ Committee; nor would my opinion of its invaluable efficacy be -altered in the least, were I told that every one of those who were under -my care has been ruined in the colony, because I know what a state of -depravity prevails there. Minds much stronger than theirs have yielded -to temptation; and in no country is that evil more concentrated and -destructive than in New South Wales. - -With respect to the rising generation in the colony, I have not -sufficient data to enable me to speak with certainty; but it may be -stated that, notwithstanding the boundless depravity of the parents, the -children, generally speaking, are well disposed, given to industry, and -of religious habits. They are represented as being passionately fond of -instruction; and many of them, who are not blessed with the means of -obtaining information from more direct and legitimate sources, known to -make successful efforts to learn to read and write, without any -assistance. - -This statement so much resembles that of a bitter fountain producing -sweet water, that credence to its accuracy can hardly be expected; yet I -had opportunities of satisfying myself of its truth in four or five -instances; and I was told of a great many others on testimony which I -have no reason to disbelieve, but I would not be pledged for their -authenticity. An anecdote related by the Reverend Mr. _Cartwright_, when -he and I accompanied the Governor in his late excursion to the newly -discovered country, may be relied on. This gentleman is the resident -clergyman at Liverpool, where on Sunday evening he usually gives -instruction to all the children who choose to come to his house. It -happened on one of those occasions, that heavy rains had caused an -overflow of the river, so as to render it impossible for any one to wade -across, consequently he did not expect any of those children whose -parents lived on the opposite side: to his astonishment, however, some -of them came. On inquiring how they got over, it appeared that they had -tied their clothes upon their heads, and swam across, intending to -return also in the same manner when the instructions they came to -receive were finished. - -In more advanced age, these principles are further developed, and a -great many of the young men show themselves desirous of avoiding the -errors of their parents: but the impression on my mind, from the best -information I could collect, is not so favourable with regard to the -grown-up females, who, probably from want of that instruction which is -more accessible to the other sex,—I speak of the lower classes,—are -corrupted by baneful association and bad example. In this particular, -indeed, the statements of some respectable persons, desirous rather of -extenuating than magnifying, are strongly corroborative of the fact. It -was not extraordinary, they assured me, to see a young woman of this -description living a few months, first with one man, then with another, -and so on with five or six, fixing on one at last, whom she thought -proper to marry. - -In this state of midnight gloom, which envelops this new and interesting -portion of the world, who will not delight to find that the light of the -Gospel is about to shed its refulgence, to dispel the dark clouds of -ignorance and irreligion which blind the understanding, and, withering -in their deadly shade the energies of the mind, pervert the noblest -impulses of the heart? Bible Societies, benevolent associations, and -schools both public and private, are springing up in the midst of this -unhallowed chaos, by means of which the pure principles of Christianity -will be disseminated, and their benign ascendency over corrupt -temptations diffused through many hardened and profligate minds. - -The British public generally, and the colonists individually, are under -the most heavy obligations to those persons whose active benevolence and -liberal contributions have laid the foundation of establishments on -which general prosperity and happiness will eminently rise. It would be -as unjust as difficult to conceal the distinguished leading exertions of -_the Honourable Judge-Advocate_ WYLDE, in forming these excellent -institutions: to his transcendent talents and unwearied zeal every lover -of social happiness must hold himself indebted. For it is impossible -that any man possessing the faculty of reason, be his rank and fortune -ever so great, can feel indifferent as to the state of the great body -politic: it is, indeed, those of large property who should feel the -strongest interest in the propagation of those principles which alone -can render possession even for an hour perfectly secure. What would be -the consequence in that respect, were a whole community to shake off all -the restraints imposed by the consciousness of moral obligation? - -A retrospect of the revolution in France will furnish an answer to this -question,—one which ought to fill the most insensible with awful -reflection. The baneful writings of Bayle, Voltaire, Rousseau, Hume, and -others of that stamp, prepared the minds of the French people for the -reception of infidelity and irreligion; and their impious labours were -further aided by those of Helvetius, D’Alembert, Condorcet, Raynal, -Diderot, Paine, &c. These enemies of God and man achieved their hellish -work under the specious pretext of LIBERTY, or “_perfecting the new -philosophy_.”—Accordingly, Christianity was abolished; the existence of -the Deity denied, and even the mention of His Name, except in blasphemy -and execration, proscribed and punished with death, by a law which the -rage of impiety kept in force nearly four years. At that dreadful -period, marriage was declared an unsocial monopoly, whilst by another -_law_, as if such enactments could decide the truth of the case, death -was declared nothing but an eternal sleep. What an admirable salvo to -the guilt of the catastrophe!—And what has been that catastrophe? They -murdered their legitimate King,—butchered the nobility and clergy,—and -sluiced the scaffold with the blood of thousands of every age, sex, and -denomination. Property of every kind abandoned, became the spoil of -those assassins, who without regard to “general good” divided the whole -among themselves. - -With those scenes of blood fresh in his recollection, who in this -country could rest in security, or feel assured that either his life or -property was out of danger, if every wretch or ruffian deaf to religion -and moral duty were allowed to follow the impulse of guilty passion, -without alarm, or dread of the Divine vengeance? Farewell the influence -of law and justice when such is the state of immorality in a populous -community, that impiety is the order of the day, and no regard is paid -to the dictates of conscience and its obligations. Even Voltaire, when -among his associates, used to prevent them from uttering impious and -blasphemous expressions before servants, “lest,” said he, “they should -cut all our throats.” - -No person, surely, will pretend to say that physical power and daring -intrepidity do not exist in as great a degree in England as they ever -were known in France; or that an infuriated mob here would be less -dangerous than in that country. This narrowed view of the question -extends so far only as regards worldly prudence: if examined more -broadly, the duty will be found paramount and imperative on all, to -guard with jealous care the principles on which our social edifice is -raised, and which under the British Constitution deservedly excites the -admiration of the world. But if the bases of this glorious structure be -shaken or impaired, that which is the production of the aggregate wisdom -of ages must crumble into dust. Society could no longer then exist, -there being no bond to link together the disunited members; there would -in fact be nothing for which existence could be desirable. Odious -anarchy would stifle in blood every feeling that could render our -labours useful, and life a blessing: the affections between parents, -children, and brethren, would be deadened, and the treasures of -friendship devastated by selfish rapacity. - -“Crimes of every description,” says Dr. Colquhoun, “have their origin in -the vicious and immoral habits of the people; in the little attention -paid to the education of the inferior orders; and in the want of some -plan for regulating the morals of this useful class of the community.” -No one, it is presumed, will controvert the truth of this sentiment; but -while the necessity of _educating the inferior orders_ is generally -admitted, very few come forward willingly to engage in that important -task, nay, I will call it positive duty. Should it be attributed to the -lower class as a _crime_, that their parents were too poor or too -profligate to procure for them the benefits of education, sufficient at -least to enable them to peruse the Scriptures, and thereby be impressed -with the obligations of Christianity,—their duty to God and their -neighbour? - -It will be said, perhaps, that the inculcation of those duties belongs -exclusively to the Clergy. Persons maintaining this opinion are, I fear, -but little influenced by the true spirit of charity, although the -_letter_ or external signs of it may be familiar to them. It is, in -truth, the duty of every one who is qualified for the task, whether -clergyman, or layman, whether Protestant or Catholic, Episcopalian or -Presbyterian, Methodist or Independent, or be his Christian creed what -it may, to instruct his fellow creature “in the way he should go,” and, -if found ignorant or erring, to put him right if he can: no sect or -denomination of Christians can, without manifest injustice, be excluded -from the labour of philanthropy. - -Having described the condition of the females sent to the Factory at -Parramatta, it would be as unnecessary as painful to comment further on -the inaptitude of that establishment, in its present circumstances, to -produce any reformatory effects; particularly as a hope is confidently -indulged that the existing evils will soon be lessened, if not wholly -obviated, by the erection of another Factory in the same neighbourhood. -This building, which was expected to be ready for the reception of the -female convicts about last February, has given rise to expectations of -its utility very sanguine indeed, but in no respect exceeding what I -would look for, were it in the power of the local Government to ensure -its success commensurately with the design. The very liberal manner in -which His Excellency _Governor_ MACQUARIE has invariably come forward -with his purse, as well as patronage, on all occasions to advance any -measure conducive to public good, must convince every one of his -devotedness to the welfare of the colony over which he presides, and -which has undoubtedly acquired, under his administration, innumerable -benefits highly important and imperishable. But when the character of -those persons is considered, to whom of necessity, for want of better, -the execution of what by them are thought _trifling_ concerns is -intrusted, an apprehension will strongly intrude, that many of the evils -now complained of in the old Factory will be transferred to the new, -under the _care_ of the present overseers. - -As matters now stand, to indulge a hope of reformation, if the present -management be persisted in, would be only to court disappointment: the -necessity of substituting some other more efficacious must be evident. -With a view of contributing some little assistance to accomplish this -most desirable end, I beg leave to offer a few suggestions, which it is -hoped will be considered as given disinterestedly. - -I would therefore venture to recommend that choice be made of some -elderly man and woman of respectability, in England, whose moral and -religious character can be steadily relied on, to be sent out and have -charge of the new Factory. Two such persons might readily be found, who -for a moderate remuneration would discharge the duties of that important -trust with fidelity; and being independent of local connexions, -prejudices and interests, their appointment would at once put an end to -those iniquitous collusions by which the vile projects in speculation, -and the whole tissue of existing abuses are maintained. - -Strongly convinced by experience of the necessity and advantages of -classification, I would advise its adoption as a preliminary and -indispensable step to success, distinguishing thereby the inmates in -reference to the degrees of reformation they evince. A code of rules -should also be prepared, of which undeviating observance ought to be -enforced. Those recommended by the Committee for the improvement of -prison discipline, &c., are admirably calculated to ensure all the -benefits that can reasonably be hoped for from imprisonment, and with -some modification, which local circumstances will require, may be -generally adopted. - -Some enlightened and well disposed persons whom I had frequent -opportunities of consulting on this and other such subjects, approved -much of the above suggestions, knowing how greatly their application was -demanded by necessity; and their approbation was gratifying, -particularly that of one gentleman, who is decidedly the first authority -in the colony for legal information and personal experience. This -gentleman, whose name has been already mentioned, strongly advised a -Factory to be established remote from every town, in the _Cow-pastures_, -as being on every account most eligible; where there could be no -opportunities for the persons confined to procure spirits, or be -deteriorated by the seductive influence of temptation, or vicious -example. In that establishment, which should be altogether probationary, -the prisoners, sent from the ships as they arrive, might be detained, -each individual being obliged to wear an uniform dress distinguishing -her class, which ought not to be laid aside during the time of -continuing at that place. - -It is also recommended that none of the inmates of the probationary -establishment should be assigned as servants directly therefrom; but as -their advancement to reformation is proved, and they become -distinguished for good conduct, they should meet with encouragement. -This may be shown by removing them to the Factory at Parramatta, which -ought to be made a depôt for the well behaved only, whence the settler -might have servants supplied them on making proper application. These -arrangements being in perfect accordance with the sentiments of persons -best acquainted with the true state of affairs, and the wants of society -in the colony, are respectfully submitted for consideration. The -measures are few and simple; but if they be adopted in time, and duly -enforced, little doubt is entertained of their producing a change -beneficial to the whole community. - - - CONCLUSION. - -From the foregoing arguments, grounded on facts, which I am satisfied -are irrefutable, the following inferences may be deduced: - -_First._—If the object of transportation to New South Wales be only the -_punishment_ of the criminal, it is seldom effected in the proportion -contemplated by the law; as many of those deserving the most rigorous -treatment live there much more comfortably than they could have done at -home, and realize large fortunes: while others, with not a tenth of -their turpitude, are consigned to misery and ruin. - -_Secondly._—In the case of Females, the _merited quantum_ of punishment -is equally uncertain in its infliction, though always excessively -severe, owing to their abandoned mode of life. - -_Lastly._—But if the scope of transportation be, what it _ought to -be_,—the _reformation_ of the offender; it has, with the greater number -of males, been unsuccessful; and with regard to females, it has very -rarely indeed been attained. - - - - - APPENDIX. - - _Reflections on Seduction._ - - -Seduction, in the various baneful consequences hence arising to society -and its moral disposition, is so intimately connected with the scope of -my present general inquiries, that I cannot forbear to give a brief -sketch of some of its most obvious evils, though a full description of -the character would far exceed the limits of my present purpose; and to -describe the pernicious consequences of that crime in all its baseness -of effect would, I candidly confess, require abilities far superior to -mine. - -The British Constitution, and the salutary statutes made for the -protection of life and property, have for many ages, one delights to -contemplate, become deservedly the boast of every true-born Englishman: -under the benignant influence of their mild atmosphere, the most -extensive field has been opened for the cultivation of all those virtues -that aggrandize a state, or can render private life amiable; and the -combined powers of both, have united to excite the admiration and call -forth the envy of surrounding nations. - -The politician and the moralist behold with equal pleasure the glorious -era, which a few years since successfully crowned our efforts to break -the detested chain that tyranny had forged for the general enslavement -of the world. The lover of science and the patient investigator of -nature’s hidden laws, in other countries, must acknowledge with mingled -feelings of pleasure and regret, that in no climate under heaven does -genius flourish as in Britain; and under the influence of this -impression, and in quest of knowledge, they are travelling daily from -every corner of the globe to our favoured shores. - -While, however, we exultingly contemplate our advancement, and that -distinguished eminence we have risen to in the scale of kingdoms, shall -we inertly fail to examine if some wheel or new power might not yet be -added, that would tend to the improvement and perfection of the vast -machine? In the multiplicity of legislative measures prudently enacted -by our forefathers for the defence of our property, and the protection -of liberty both civil and religious, is it not surprising that they -should have thought it unnecessary to pass some law to guard, and some -barrier to fence around, that greatest and most interesting of national -glories, the chastity of our daughters? To me, I confess, this -oversight, as it seems to be, is utterly unaccountable. - -Let any dispassionate and well regulated mind take into active -consideration the injury arising from the commission of those crimes -which the statutes denominate petit and grand larceny, or even felony, -with the overwhelming misery into which thousands of amiable and -industrious families are plunged by the destructive seducer, and -conscientiously declare which of them he thinks most pernicious to the -peace and general interests of society; or which of those abhorred -characters he would least dread to suffer from himself:—whether he would -rather be deprived of part of his property, or have a lovely daughter, -the pride of his life, ruined and debauched. Let us suppose a case as -every day it too unhappily occurs in real life. - -The miserable father of a family, worn down by misfortune, poverty and -ill health, has to look upon a virtuous wife, and an interesting group -of innocent children, whom his utmost industry cannot save from the -merciless pressure of squalid rags worse than nakedness, and starvation -worse than death. He beholds them pining away without a friendly hand -near that will supply a morsel of bread, or even administer the -imaginary relief of consoling pity: their reiterated cry for food -pierces his agonized heart, and in feelings bordering on distraction he -rushes forth to procure for them a temporary respite from the grave, -determined to seize the first eatable that falls in his way: perhaps he -breaks into a neighbour’s field, whence he carries off a sheep, or a -pig, to protract the immediate destruction of his perishing family. For -this, on detection, the laws of his country may sentence him to death, -or at best the timely mercy of his gracious Sovereign may remit the -punishment to transportation. - -On the other hand, mark the seducer. Destitute of the principles of -religion and humanity, he may wantonly, and with relentless soul, -destroy the happiness and peace of a whole family, in basely undermining -the virtue of an innocent and valued daughter, the flattering, brightest -hope of their life,—the prop of their age, and on whose talents or -industry the whole family were perhaps then immediately depending for -bread. Insidiously and cautiously has the infamous attack been carried -on; and if foiled in his first cruel attempt, her faith must be shaken, -and her understanding perverted by specious arguments, wicked sophistry, -and the deadly poison of irreligion, before she can be led by -imperceptible degrees into guilt, misery, and certain present perdition, -whatever fears may belong to the hereafter. What punishment can be found -for the miscreant who thus deliberately and maliciously poisons the -heart’s blood of unoffending innocence? Why, in nine cases out of ten, -none at all! Humanity stands abashed.—Justice answers not.—Pity, in -surprise and indignation, exclaims, Can it be?—In England too?—Can it, -alas! be true? - -Cold-blooded monster! with refined cruelty he often selects his intended -victim from that station where fortune has denied not only the luxuries -but the necessaries of life; and where the want of those comforts can -only be compensated and rendered tolerable in heaven’s choicest -blessing, a virtuous and contented mind. The abandoned sensualist knows -but too well the poor man’s inability to vindicate in a court of law the -violated purity of his once innocent and happy daughter. But what -redress could he obtain even were he opulent? An action can only be -brought against him who has unmercifully shut out every ray of future -joy, for the mere loss of his child’s personal services, quaintly -denominated “_per quod servitium amisit_;” and at best recover but a -paltry adjudication in money for that which is above all price:—a sorry -remuneration, truly, for such a loss! It is in fact a cruel mockery of -justice, and the triumph of crime. - -Contrast the narrow and grovelling spirit that seems to characterize -this most miserably defective principle of legal justice, with that -noble independence and manly defence which dictated MAGNA CHARTA and the -BILL OF RIGHTS! It is far from my intention to cast the slightest shade -on the memory of our ancestors, many of whom thought no price too great -for liberty, often indeed purchased even with their own blood, that they -might bequeath it to posterity unsullied and unfettered, the legitimate -birthright and glory of their future sons. But where our forefathers -have done so much for us, shall we not, in kindred spirit, attempt to do -something for ourselves, or for our children? Shall we suffer the -seducer to walk forth in open day, or at the midnight hour, to carry -devastation into every cottage, and to ravage with impunity the sacred -sanctuaries of virtue? Forbid it justice,—forbid it humanity,—forbid it -Heaven! - -I cannot believe that one father in a thousand has ever turned his mind -to the contemplation of the direful effects on society, of indulgence in -this ferocious and unlawful passion; or the general voice of mankind -would have been raised to hunt from their abodes the hellish tiger in -human form: the hand of power, too, would surely have been lifted up to -shield the innocent from his fell assault. Might not the seducer, in -strict justice, be classed in malice prepense and principle with the -most sanguinary murderer? On comparison, it is my firm conviction that -the former is the author of more pain and misery to the great family of -mankind. - -In the sketch of such a character my labour might be in some degree -facilitated by a short account of one who, a very few years since, -figured very conspicuously in the gay world; and presuming, therefore, -on the idea, I venture to insert it. Would to God! that the miseries I -shall have to unfold existed only in imagination; but, alas! fancy will -have no place in the working of the dark picture. - -The detail was written by the gentleman himself, principally during a -twelvemonth’s confinement from a wound received in a duel. Of this he -ultimately died; but not before the hideous forms of vice and crime had -been exposed to his terrified view in all their naked deformity. At the -time this melancholy scene took place I was in India; and on my return a -packet containing his journal, and an elegant copy of the Bible, which I -had many years before advised him to peruse, was put into my hand by a -friend of his. This bequest, with the following letter, was marked for -me by his own hand a few days before his dissolution: - - “——, May 15th, 1816. - - “However widely, my much valued friend, the theory and practice of - our lives may have differed, I flatter myself that at this moment - our sentiments are the same. That there is a just God, I never - once doubted; and that he is merciful, and willing to pardon the - sins of the penitent, it is now my interest firmly to believe. My - career is nearly finished—I have languished long, and been very - miserable; for, until within a few months, I never dared encourage - a hope of pardon from Heaven; and although my mind is become more - tranquil, I still fear that I am a great way from salvation, - though I feel I am but a step from the grave. I can now see that - your reasons for avoiding me were just, but I think they were - cruel. Great God! What have I been—what am I to be? Gracious - Heaven! If the very little you knew of me could make you avoid me, - what will you think after reading my journal? I have often - intended to burn it—I wish you would do so: yet, it may be useful - in warning some fellow-creature of the damnation which the labours - of my life had industriously prepared. If you think so, dispose of - it as you like.—My false shame is all gone. I care not now who - knows my wickedness. But should you ever make it public—oh! spare - my family—my beloved, wretched mother:—happy for us both had I - never been born. I wish you were now with me; but, it was my - misfortune through life never to have a friend—and I neglected Him - who in death would not have forsaken me. - - “I leave this, together with the journal of my perdition, and - the blessed book you so long ago recommended, in the care of L. - G., who promises to deliver them to you. Have I fallen so low in - your estimation that you exclude me entirely from calling you - friend? Alas! I never had a friend. My proud heart could never - sue for any man’s pity; but I beseech you not do deny me yours. - O pray for me.—May your life be as happy as mine has been - miserable.—Adieu,—Adieu! - - “—— F——.” - -The only regret I feel in giving these interesting memoirs to the public -is the fear, indeed almost the painful certainty, that the wounds of his -respectable family may thus be made to bleed afresh, in the recollection -of his errors. I persuade myself, however, that they will acquit me of -any unworthy motive, much less wanton desire to inflict unnecessary -pain: rather a thousand times would I pour into their afflicted bosoms -the healing balm of friendly sympathy and pity; and whilst I pursue the -dismal narrative, my own heart will remain no stranger to the feelings -of sorrow due to the fate of my unfortunate hopeless friend. - -Before I proceed to any extract from this curious biography, it may not -be out of place just to glance at his early life and education. - -F—— was the only child of a country gentleman of large fortune, and -ancient family, still more distinguished for morality and virtue. At the -early age of five years, this youth gave extraordinary proofs of mental -energy, having in the short space of four days committed to memory one -hundred and five verses of the New Testament, which he used to repeat to -his father without a single mistake. With increasing years his genius -expanded, and evinced a readiness and power of conception clearly -reflecting talents of the first order. It was natural for parents to be -proud of such a child, and to determine that his education should be -fitted to his capacity. A tutor was accordingly provided, well qualified -for the important task, who discharged the duty with honour and -fidelity. - -At fourteen, having read the whole of the classics, he was already -qualified for entering the university, and made considerable progress in -mathematics, logic, history, and painting. Being considered too young -for college, a year was suffered to elapse, during which he was -instructed in music, dancing, and fencing, and also became acquainted -with French. In every thing he undertook, the utmost expectation was -realized. Thus unusually accomplished, he went to college, and remained -there five years; during which period his industry appears not to have -relaxed; his avidity for knowledge, on the contrary, increased until he -had drunk deeply of every source of information and knowledge. - -On his return home he applied himself with such diligence to the -cultivation of science, particularly chemistry and astronomy, that his -health became impaired, whole nights being spent in a little observatory -that had been constructed under his own direction. - -That his mind should have all the polish it was capable of receiving, -his father wished him to travel; to which, as in every thing else, he at -once implicitly yielded. The short peace of Amiens furnished an -opportunity for gratifying this wish, which they were the more anxious -to see carried into effect, as an elderly gentleman of great scientific -and literary attainments, about to proceed to Paris, offered the -advantages of his experience and protection. - -Dazzled with the lustre which accompanies the high-sounding term -“philosopher,” the parents never inquired into the religious sentiments -of the man whom they had chosen as the companion of their highly-gifted -son: this sad inadvertence, in the issue proved his ruin. The religious -principles, in truth, of this man, if religious principles he could be -said to have, hung so very loosely about him, that he might be said to -live in a sort of practical atheism: every action of his life evinced -his belief that there could be no God, nor Governor of the universe; -openly abjuring all dependence on that great Being by whose goodness and -mercy alone he was permitted to exist. - -The first lesson he endeavoured to impress on the generous mind of his -pupil, was the non-existence of any omniscient eye to observe, or any -omnipotent arm to punish; and that, as life was short, wisdom chiefly -consisted in filling it up with as much pleasure as possible. Here it -must be acknowledged he was treading upon tender ground; for though -religion is by far the most important part of education, in the present -case it had been the only one that had been neglected, and here alone -could the assault have been made with any hope of success. - -Introductory letters and other necessary documents being procured, the -travellers commenced their journey. They were amongst the first from -England who arrived in Paris, where their introductions, together with -that politeness for which the French people have ever been remarked, and -the unbounded festivity which always attends cessation of hostilities -between contending nations, ensured them a reception not less hospitable -than distinguished. Endowed with uncommon talents that gave an -irresistible charm to their conversation, the society of both was -courted; and neither of them showed much reluctance to drink deep at the -voluptuous spring, which too often contaminates the morals of the -unreflecting and gay in all countries, and by which the higher ranks of -the French have been found to be particularly corrupted. - -The accomplishments and agreeable qualities of the reputed philosopher -made the pupil at first look up to him as an oracle; but, often -staggered by his openly avowed sentiments of infidelity, he could not -immediately reconcile that philosophy which destroys all distinctions -between right and wrong: for, although his religious education had been -so little attended to, still that little furnished many -stumbling-blocks, which for a long time could not be got over; and he -could not easily be brought to think that debauching the wife, or -seducing the daughter, of a friend or benefactor, were not crimes. In -maintaining these opinions, his arguments were often troublesome and -embarrassing to the learned sceptic, who would either artfully evade the -question, or decline the argument by some dogmatical assertion, which, -if it did not convince, at least always silenced his young opponent. - -Encircled by temptation in every form of allurement, seduced by pleasure -the most bewitching, and blinded by passions at all times strong, but -now more highly still inflamed by the sophistry and example of his vile -associate, he, in a fatal moment of precipitate impulse, destroyed the -peace of one who had treated him with the tenderness of a son, -committing, it must with pain be confessed, the most deadly injury that -human friendship can suffer, or hellish wickedness inflict—the violation -of the marriage bed. - -Thus was the noble faculty of reason disgracefully sacrificed on the -polluted altar of sensuality. In a few hours, however, reflection -returned, and conscience began to resume her empire, and remorse to -sting his soul. He would have made the only reparation in his power by a -speedy retreat; for he could not, as he declared, again look on the -friend whom he had so injured, without the danger of annihilation. His -own words are forcibly expressive: - -“The sense of this crime,” he says, “was twisted round my heart like a -serpent of hell, and the recollection still freezes my soul. The -enormity of my guilt was magnified by the unexampled hospitality and -friendship I experienced from them both. Their confidence was unlimited, -and I repaid it with base ingratitude. For weeks afterwards an idea -haunted me, that the first time the husband’s eye met mine, the wrath of -God would consume me from the face of the earth. I would have fled from -the fatal spot, as from a devouring pestilence; but I foolishly allowed -myself to be overruled by W., who has been the murderer of every soul -that had the misfortune to fall in his way. This is not the language of -invective, nor do I think it uncharitable, for his crimes are of so deep -a dye as to put all power of exaggeration at defiance. Most men -endeavour to frame some excuse for their errors, but even this negative -virtue W. never arrived at: he had no other motive for his villainy, -than the malignant pleasure of seeing misery widely diffused.” - -Upwards of a month had elapsed before this execrable old monster W. -could give up a pursuit almost as infamous, though not quite so -destructive in its effects, as that which scaled the debasement of his -pupil, and the amiable family in which they had both been entertained -for nearly three months. Several circumstances had occurred to render -any longer stay in Paris exceedingly irksome, and he prudently suggested -to his pupil the propriety of visiting Bourdeaux, whither they retired -somewhat abruptly. - -On their arrival in that city, they found that letters of introduction, -which they expected from England, had not arrived: this they thought -would occasion no great inconvenience, as W. was quite at home here, -having formerly spent some years amongst the learned and the dissolute, -to whom he now repaired: but, to his disappointment, some of them were -dead, and many of the rest dispersed in various parts of the world. The -travellers were therefore obliged to seek that accommodation at a hotel, -which ill-requited hospitality had so readily afforded them in Paris. - -The innkeeper had a young niece of interesting appearance, who was on -the eve of being married to a man whom she tenderly loved. Returning -from the house of God, where she had been attending divine worship, and -where she had received the holy sacrament, the unsuspecting girl in a -luckless moment fell under the basilisk glance of this veteran in -iniquity, who immediately destined her for destruction. Flushed with the -greatness of his project, _so worthy of a philosopher_, he hastened to -his less hardened companion, and unfolded the grand scheme with as much -self-exultation as if he had discovered a new planet. The generous mind -of his pupil, once noble and pure, was not yet sufficiently corrupted to -hear the diabolical disclosure without indignation. He declared that the -vengeance of a guilty conscience still rankled in his heart; for, -although he had used every effort to stifle or dispel the painful -remembrance of his crimes in Paris, he was tormented continually. He -applied the golden rule of “doing to others as he would that others -should do unto him,” which for the present put an end to the discussion. - -Meanwhile the expected letters from England had arrived, which procured -them admission into the higher walks of life, and apparently diverted -their attention from meaner objects: but this was not the case. W. was -inflexibly bent on robbing the innocent girl of what could not enrich -him, yet would leave her “_poor indeed_.” An unforeseen accident -favoured his purpose. The intended husband was taken dangerously ill; -and W., who had studied medicine not only as an amusement but also as an -accomplishment, was induced, by motives of pure humanity of course, to -give his opinion in consultation with other physicians. He used often to -call at the Inn to console the weeping bride elect, and by enumerating -the favourable changes in her lover’s complaint he succeeded in securing -to himself her friendship and gratitude. Sleepless nights and anxiety of -mind brought on an affection of the eyes, for which, in a friendly way, -he gave her a prescription, and most kindly offered his further -services. She got better; but her general health declined, and he -recommended her removal to some convenient cottage in the outskirts of -the city, where she might have the benefit of country air, and the -society of her friends. - -This was the master-stroke of his plot. The proud virtue of his pupil -was now greatly subdued; but, to fit him for his infernal purpose with -double certainty, W. engaged him in a party of pleasure, from which he -took care he should not return sober, and, after inflaming his lustful -passions, introduced him to the chamber of his unconscious victim. Thus -was accomplished the ruin of a virtuous girl prepared for destruction by -the _medicinal_ agency of this broker in turpitude. - -During the perpetration of this outrage, the unhappy sufferer was in a -state of total insensibility; but when the effects of the drugs that had -been given to her began to subside, and returning day exposed her -situation, in the arms of a man whom she had never before seen, her -heart died within her. The involuntary instrument of her undoing -endeavoured to restore her; but his efforts proving ineffectual, he -dispatched a messenger for W., who on his arrival administered some -stimulus, and carried his pupil to a _cock-fight_. They both returned in -the evening, for the purpose, it would appear, of repeating the scene of -the former night. They found the wretched girl recovered from her swoon, -it is true; but they also found that her reason had forsaken the -polluted tenement: a state of the most deplorable idiocy had supervened! - -Here the journal is abruptly broken off, and in no part of it is the -infamous W. again mentioned, except in a note on a slip of paper written -in red ink and affixed with wafers to the last leaf, which may best, -perhaps, be inserted here. - -“The conduct of W., from the unfortunate day I quitted England with him, -was such as I could not have expected from a fiend of hell. His breath -was contagious, and he never opened his mouth but to wither and -consume.” - -How soon after this base transaction the travellers separated, I have no -means of ascertaining; but it is certain they did not leave Bourdeaux -together; for, about three weeks afterwards, W. returned to England, and -his unfortunate pupil embarked for Marseilles, where he arrived with -satisfaction after a short voyage. His time at this place appears to -have been spent more rationally and usefully than it had hitherto been -in France. His remarks on the state of literature and science, together -with the “empty-headed, would-be philosophers,” as he terms them, of -Marseilles, are strikingly demonstrative of the force of his mind when -directed to any worthy pursuit. After a stay of about three weeks, (he -is seldom minute in dates,) he embarked for Toulon, where he staid ten -days, and made a drawing of the harbour and fortifications, unobserved -by any of the officers or soldiers by whom he was always attended. - -An English ship about to sail for Naples accommodated him with a -passage, for which, he observes, the Master would not accept of any -recompense. His own words are significantly expressive on this occasion: -“This rude but worthy son of Neptune possessed the inestimable treasure -of a truly honest English heart; insensible of personal danger even to -hardihood, but feelingly alive to another’s woe; often bestowing a -generous tear, the tribute of his manly heart, on affliction’s monument. -In the breast of this unlettered man there was moral virtue enough to -outweigh all I ever met in France put together.” - -His voyage to Naples was tedious, and fraught with disaster. He says, -“We had a fine view of Genoa and Leghorn, the weather being beautifully -fine; the sky serene and cloudless, water perfectly smooth, and scarcely -any wind. The prospect at midnight was inexpressibly sublime. The -majesty of the moon slowly emerging from the deep, its diameter to -appearance immensely increased; the peculiar brilliancy of the stars, -together with awful flashes of lightning, and meteors shooting in every -direction, exhibited a scene exquisitely grand.” The day following he -has this remark, “The face of nature is changed, and the hand of God is -now stretched out to punish my guilt.” - -His fears of an approaching storm must have been unfounded; for the next -day he gives an animated description of the appearance of Genoa, and the -people who crowded to the beach to see the ship as she passed slowly -within a league of the shore. The calms and westerly currents, which for -many months in the year prevail on that coast, prevented them from -making any progress for some days longer, when a storm visited them in -reality. His fearful conscience represents every adversity as the finger -of Providence pointed against him. - -On the 9th day after leaving Toulon he says, “My evil destiny still -pursues me. The enchanting beauty in which nature smiled so lately, is -now changed to the alarming appearance of offended Heaven. Lowering -clouds gathering from every point threaten an awful crisis to both fear -and hope. - -“The wind increasing to a hurricane, drives the ship with impetuosity -irresistible; and the dreadful heaving of the sea, as the watery -mountains recede from their convulsed pursuers, leaves a tremendous -chasm resembling the abrupt valleys interposed between highest alpine -summits, which speedily meeting in all the agitation of confused -conflict portend immediate destruction. - -“The mariners, dismayed, can no longer exert themselves for the safety -of the crazy vessel; a wave has just broken over her and washed away two -of them, who, but a moment before, were blaspheming the sacred name of -their Maker. Alas! alas! who dares stand in his dread presence! - -“An awful crash, accompanied by faint cries ‘She is sinking’, has just -reached my ear, and thundered on my soul. O God! how badly prepared!—A -few minutes explained the disaster. A body of electric fluid struck the -foremast, and shattered it into pieces, at the same moment depriving one -of the sailors of life, and bruising two others most deplorably. The -flash of lightning was so painfully vivid as to deprive most of us of -vision for several seconds: but, to a man stationed on the bowsprit to -look out ahead, it disclosed an object quite appalling—a rock towards -which the ship was driving with fatal rapidity. A frantic shriek -communicated the terrific fact. - -“Despair seized on every heart, for the helm had ceased to produce its -wonted power in directing the ship’s course. The Master, mistaking our -situation, could not be persuaded of the danger until another immense -sheet of lightning again exposed the dreadful evil. The helm was moved, -and endeavours made to turn a remnant of sail which had not been blown -away. A ray of hope appeared for a moment to illumine the drooping -hearts of the seamen by the cry ‘_She goes off_’, which was eagerly -caught and repeated by all. - -“The lightning now becoming more vivid and frequent, contrasted with the -intense darkness of the night,—the roaring of the wind,—the foamy -rushing of the sea,—the noise of the ropes, and the indistinct cries of -the despairing mariners, together with reiterated peals of thunder -rolling over our heads for an amazing length of time and ending in a -tremendous crash, gave existence to the most frightful picture that -human imagination is capable of painting, or perhaps that human nature -could sustain. - -“Fear, when guilt is the cause, is indeed shocking. My apprehensions of -danger may magnify the evils by which I am likely soon to be -overwhelmed. I have tried to pray, ‘but the Lord laughed at my -calamity.’ I have tried to meet death with philosophic composure; but, -shaken by the angry voice of an avenging God, and involved in chaos, -what sinner can affect to be unmoved? - -“Another wave of vast magnitude has broken over the vessel, which I -thought had actually sunk her never to rise again;—she was certainly a -long while ingulfed, and, as I thought, completely upset. The undaunted -Master endeavoured to cheer us with a hope that, in the event of the -vessel foundering, our lives might be saved by the boat; but in the last -afflicting crush that resource was dashed to atoms, and the mainmast -broken in two. The lightning serves to unveil that wretchedness which -darkness had so kindly concealed, and the sight is absolutely -indescribable:—every thing floating about and dashing in furious -confusion. When the lightning bursts upon our view, it appears to rend -the heavens, leaving in its stead a wide gaping gulf of boundless and -unutterable gloom. - -“The long-wished-for day begins at length to appear, and the horrible -spectacle it unfolds defies all attempt at description. The fury of the -wind is unabated; by its force alone, large bodies of the waves are torn -off, and driven over the vessel like frightful cataracts, and in smaller -quantities resembling a violent shower of snow, so completely -obstructing vision, as to render it impossible to see any object -distinctly at two yards distance. - -“Towards 9 o’clock, the storm began to abate, and a moment’s pause was -given to contemplate the wreck. It was now discovered that when the -mainmast broke and fell on the deck, it bruised the intrepid Master to -death. The sight of the body of this amiable man will have a place in my -recollection for ever. The mast having fallen on his head, shattered the -skull, several pieces of which were driven into the deck so firmly that -they could not be removed; and several portions of his brain and hair -were still sticking to the wood! - -“Within a few feet of this fatal spot, the mangled remains of him who -had been destroyed by lightning were rolling about by the violent motion -of the vessel, and so dreadfully bruised that not a feature of the human -being could be traced. His two unfortunate companions, who were struck -at the same time, being unable to shift for themselves, were discovered -drowned; the right side and thigh of one of them being literally burned -to a cinder.” - -In the foregoing narrative, the stinging reproaches of a guilty -conscience appear to have been keenly felt, as is manfully acknowledged -as well as beautifully expressed. I shall not trespass on the reader’s -attention with a further detail of the miseries of this shipwreck. By -means of a fishing-boat my friend landed at Leghorn, where he suffered -from an attack of inflammation of the lungs, which again put his life in -danger. Being little satisfied either with his attendant physicians or -visitors, he was induced to embark in a small coasting vessel for -Naples. - -Of his adventures in this gay city the journal makes but scanty mention, -though he seems to have entered freely into the dissipation of that -enervated and most licentious court, and was twice engaged in duels. -After four or five months spent or rather killed in this manner, his -golden dreams and extravagancies were interrupted by the arrival of a -special messenger with directions from his father to return forthwith; -but without assigning any reason for an order so unexpected and -peremptory: with the summons, however, he cheerfully complied, and in a -few days afterwards embarked for England. - -The winds were propitious, and the ship had a speedy passage; but the -pleasure he had promised himself in visiting his native shores was -greatly alloyed by the infirm state of health in which he found an uncle -whom he affectionately esteemed, and by whom he had been adopted in -early life. Having no family, this venerable old gentleman had promised -from the beginning to make F. his heir, which pledge he was now desirous -of redeeming. The regard he bore him was further shown by a desire to -see him settled in the world before he himself should leave it. - -There lived in the neighbourhood for upwards of forty years an old -gentleman of exemplary piety and benevolence, who had two daughters, -both highly accomplished. Brought up and educated in their father’s -house, the uncle of F. was acquainted with their dispositions and -behaviour from infancy, and was therefore well convinced that they both -possessed every excellent quality that could contribute to a husband’s -happiness, or ensure a blessing on single life. - -With one of these it was his ardent wish to have his nephew united, and -he candidly communicated to him the affair; but at the same time he -assured him, that although this union would greatly tend to smooth his -path to the grave, yet would he impose no restraint on his inclination: -let his decision be what it might, no change should be made in his will. -My friend was deeply penetrated with this noble behaviour of his uncle, -and declared that it should be his study to prove himself not -undeserving such disinterested friendship; and if, on further -acquaintance, he did not find it utterly impossible to bestow his -affections on either of the ladies, he would endeavour to make himself -agreeable to one of them. - -The irregularities which F. had committed abroad had reached the ears of -his parents, and given them many hours of sorrow. As their love for him -was unbounded, their fears lest his happiness might be shipwrecked -amongst the dangerous quicksands of temptation on the one hand, and -indulgence in vicious passions on the other, were painfully increased; -and they zealously exerted themselves in all their influence to promote -the views of his dying uncle. - -The behaviour of their son left them no cause now for uneasiness. He had -conversed several times with each of the ladies, and declared himself -much pleased with them both; but his partiality appeared to predominate -in favour of the elder. His friends constantly importuned him to -expedite the arrangements necessary for the completion of their -happiness: to these entreaties he would answer, that however anxious he -felt to identify their wishes with his own happiness, yet while his -uncle continued in so doubtful a state, he would not make that darkness -which he was persuaded the loss of so good a friend would long fix on -his mind, more visible by unseasonably lighting the torch of Hymen. This -answer, while it demonstrated his growing attachment for the young lady, -and the grateful respect he had for his uncle, was highly pleasing to -all parties. - -Meanwhile his time was spent either in friendly visits to the young -ladies, or in attendance on his uncle, whose health declined so fast -that none of his friends any longer entertained a hope, and in a few -days he paid the awful debt of nature. On this occasion F. was a sincere -mourner: indeed his grief was often extravagant. To divert his mind, and -to dispel that darkness which he himself had predicted, a journey to -London was recommended, which he consented to with some reluctance. - -Under the influence of grief, that elasticity of mind and naturally -complaisant manner for which he was ever distinguished, entirely forsook -him. Irritable, petulant, dissatisfied with himself and every thing -around him, he suddenly left the country without giving any notice to -his parents, or to her whom it was thought his own voluntary choice had -determined to be the partner of his joys and sorrows. - -Three weeks had already elapsed, and all inquiries to discover his -retreat proved unsuccessful. At length he addressed a letter to his -mother, in which was inclosed another to his bride-elect, informing them -of his being in London, and in somewhat better health and spirits than -when he left the country; and offering some apology for his conduct. -Both his letters were answered by the ladies, and each had questions to -ask, which in their turn they requested to have answered: but a -fortnight was suffered to pass before he could find time or inclination -to reply; and when he did, his letters were evasive and unsatisfactory. - -His father wrote to him and urged the performance of the promise he had -made to his uncle, which he assured him was registered in heaven, and -was in effect a solemn oath: he finally enjoined him to return to the -country. But his condition was considerably altered since his father’s -last mandate reached him at Naples; the estate left him by his uncle was -more than sufficient to meet the wants of prodigality. - -No longer dependent on his father’s bounty, which heretofore had been -liberal even to profusion, he now ventured to treat him with less -ceremony, and determined to remain in town. His father’s health had long -been imperceptibly declining; and this act of unseasonable and -unaccountable ingratitude affected him greatly, under the conviction -that self interest, devoid of affection, had hitherto directed the -obedience which had been manifested by his son. - -The mind of F. had now shaken off all the gloom and sadness occasioned -by his uncle’s death. He had corresponded very regularly for some months -with the young lady to whom it was expected he would soon be united, and -his letters of late were soothing and affectionate. She received one -from him, stating that the death of a friend in Ireland would make his -presence there indispensable; that he would return in three weeks or a -month at most, and then “he hoped she would crown all his wishes, and -make him happy.” - -It is truly painful to contemplate the deep villainy this letter was -intended to conceal. Instead of visiting Ireland, as mentioned in his -letter, he allured an unthinking creature, “not quite fourteen,” the -daughter of a respectable tradesman in London, to accompany him to -Scotland, under a solemn promise that he would marry her there. He had -calculated that three weeks would be sufficient to glut his savage -appetite, when the credulous victim of his passion was to be disposed of -to any of his brutal companions, or in any other way that he could most -conveniently get rid of her. - -When he disclosed his real purpose, she fell into a state that -occasioned him some apprehension. She fainted away, but of this he -thought little; and, having profited by experience, he was able to act -the part which the infamous W. had performed for him in Bourdeaux: -accordingly stimulants were speedily procured and administered. On -recovering, he tried to cajole her, but his sophistry effected nothing. -Frantic with disappointment, and goaded by despair, her fury became -ungovernable, which he allowed to rage uncontrolled; tritely remarking, -Whatever is violent cannot last long. He was not in this mistaken, for -she fell senseless at his feet, and blood foamed from her mouth. - -It was now deemed prudent to call in a professed practitioner, who on -his arrival pronounced her dying from the rupture of a large -blood-vessel of the lungs. This intelligence startled F. not a little. -His humanity was not entirely dead; besides, he was by no means -ambitious of being thought her murderer. He inquired eagerly whether any -thing could be done; to which he was answered in the negative. - -In this state of alarm he evinced more presence of mind as well as sound -therapeutical knowledge than the regular practitioner; for, the medical -man having given her over, F. begged of him to open a vein as a _dernier -ressource_, which it appears the other never thought of, as the only -means by which her life could be prolonged. Finding that the cure would -be tedious, or rather that she was likely to linger long, he placed her -in lodgings, and provided a more intelligent medical attendant. He was -prevailed on by her tears and entreaties to remain with her six weeks, -which was double the time he had at first proposed. - -Arriving at his lodgings in town, he received intelligence he had not at -all expected, and which he was ill prepared to bear. The very day he -left London a messenger arrived to inform him, that his father was -dying, and desired his immediate attendance. The servants had been -instructed to inform all inquirers that their master had gone to -Ireland. Day after day messengers arrived, and still the same answer was -given. His afflicted mother, suspecting some cheat, determined to travel -to London herself, to awaken the slumbering soul of her undutiful son: -to her also the same answer was returned; nor could she obtain any hint -or clue that might enable her to discover his retreat; she was -convinced, however, that he had not gone to Ireland. Although fatigued -and almost exhausted by the journey, she could not be persuaded to take -any refreshments in town, but hastened back to console her dying -husband. - -Uncertain what part of Scotland he should visit, and what stay he might -make at each place, he had directed his confidential servant not to send -any letters after him. A large packet had accumulated in his absence, -which the servant put into his hand at the time he communicated the -above unwelcome intelligence. Glancing over the letters, his attention -was arrested by one in deep mourning, in the hand-writing of his mother; -he guessed the rest. It contained an account of his father’s death; but -shuddering at the apprehension of its contents, he could not muster -resolution sufficient to break the seal. - -His carriage was still at the door,—he threw himself in, and ordered the -coachman to drive to the country; but the horses were fatigued, and -fresh ones must be procured. To fill up the awful interval occasioned by -this delay, he again looked over the packet of letters, and found three -from his affianced bride. He opened and read one, which was filled with -sweet murmurs and gentle upbraidings for his increased delay; the other -was to the same effect; but the third was serious and important. It -informed him of the death of her father, who, she said, “expired in an -instant, without a moment’s warning.” - -This news he declared thrust into his bosom like a dagger; and, to make -his cup of misery overflow, the certainty of his own father’s death, -with the reproaches of his last breath which he expected, only were -wanting: his mother’s letter would have removed all doubt on this -subject, and no man was more impatient of suspense, yet he durst not -venture on the perusal; every time he took it up his heart misgave him, -and his soul seemed to die away. - -In this most awful uncertainty, with the letter in his hand, he -continued till he arrived at his father’s gate. From a servant who came -to open the carriage he learned the fatal tidings, that his father had -been buried several days, and that his mother was now exceedingly ill. -This was too much for endurance,—the dreaded letter fell from his -paralysed hand, and he sunk down overwhelmed by racking remorse. The -servants conveyed him to his chamber, where he lay some hours in a state -of stupor, which was succeeded by a fever, or some disease that entirely -deprived him of sense for upwards of three weeks. The journal, however, -was discontinued for as many months. - -The following is the first paragraph written after his recovery. “My -dear mother and the angelic E. visited me this morning, and neither of -them upbraided me! Their forgiveness and pity were in effect refined -cruelty. I was prepared to hear their keenest reproach,—but their -kindness took me by surprise, and wounded me to the soul. My mother -wished to amuse me and attempted to be gay, while tears insensibly -rolled down her cheeks. She said I must now look upon E. as my own, for -her father had bequeathed her to me, and appointed me sole executor of -his will. She was going to say something of a last wish of my father’s, -when she fainted away. - -“Miserable, infatuated wretch that I am! not all the guilty pleasures of -a thousand years could compensate for the torture my soul endured at -that moment.—Sainted father! methinks I hear thee in the clouds -thundering thy abhorrence of my ungrateful and impious neglect, and -threatening me with the vengeance of indignant Heaven. With what crimes -am I not debased?—Innocence murdered—human happiness wantonly sacrificed -in every spot I could meet with it—my family dishonoured and my life -defiled by every species of hellish debauchery—the end of my being -perverted—the intention of my Creator defeated by my own monstrous -deeds—Alas! alas! I see nothing but an interminable gulf before me—God -frowning from above—and the jaws of death and hell extended wide, ready -to receive me—and close upon me for ever!” - -Who, after reading this soliloquy, would expect to find the author of it -again resuming those vicious practices which had occasioned him such -intense misery? How humiliating to a proud but virtuous mind is the -contemplation of human nature and reason so degraded and debased! - -Notwithstanding his remorse and apparent repentance, which there is -every reason to believe were sincere at the time, poor unhappy F. had -not resolution to relinquish his licentious mode of life; not, he said, -that it afforded him any pleasure, but because the presence of virtue -confused, and in his own imagination reproached him. The remembrance of -earlier days, when his growing accomplishments not only put forth the -tender buds of hope, but exhibited fair flowers approaching fast to -perfection—the joy of his family, and the admiration of his friends—now -withered and decayed, his heart became callous, and he ingloriously -yielded to the empire of sin and the slavery of passion without a -struggle. Brooding over a thousand evils real and imaginary, his mind -assumed the darkest gloom, and gradually sunk into savage melancholy. - -Accompanied by his mother, the “angelic E.,” as he used to call that -young lady, visited him often, for he had requested her to consider -herself his betrothed wife. They tried various methods to engage his -mind in some useful or even amusing pursuit, but he could endure nothing -that did not present novelty at every instant. The visits of the ladies -at length became irksome to him; and determining to rid himself of their -importunity, he one morning bade them carelessly farewell, and set out -for London. - -Here he found that some of his old associates had been obliged, from -different causes, to decamp; but some he still found hovering round -those infamous sinks of lust and misery to which men of pleasure resort -to kill time and escape from themselves: to those pests of society, and -those haunts of dissipation, he now attached himself. - -The shock he had sustained by his father’s death had greatly impaired -his health, and the mode of life he now absurdly made choice of was -rapidly destroying his constitution. After several months passed in the -senseless bustle, and deeply engaged in the _important nothings_ which -occupy so much of a rake’s time, he applied to me with a mind and body -both wofully diseased. - -I must here beg to obtrude myself, not through any motive of personal -vanity, but an anxious desire faithfully to depict the errors that -caused the ruin of my once excellent and happy friend. Knowing the -expectations he had raised, and the engagements he was under to the lady -whom his uncle had recommended, I inquired whether he had made any -definitive arrangements: to this he replied, “My engagements with her -and every other woman will last while I can feel myself happy in their -society, and not an hour longer.” He freely acknowledged, that his mind -was made up never to marry, but that he neither could nor would -relinquish E. I expostulated with him seriously on the enormity of -seducing any virtuous woman; but any injury done to E. would in my -opinion be the most heinous crime he could commit, and one which, I was -convinced, God would never pardon. - -My arguments produced very little effect; for he gravely replied, “I -have long been moving in a magic circle, and however full the poisoned -cup might have been which the enchantress Pleasure offered, I always -drank to the bottom. My soul is dead, and what have I now to fear?” Our -acquaintance had been of some standing, and my friendship for him was -sincere and disinterested. During the period of his cure I generally -conversed with him every day on the cruelty of his design, and the -unqualified execration with which the world would load the author of -such wanton barbarity; but nothing could turn him from his stern and -cruel purpose. “The die,” he said, “is cast;” and more than once did he -declare that, should it cost him an eternity of perdition, E. must and -should be his on his own terms. - -While confined to his house by ill health, he regularly corresponded -with the young lady through his mother, both whom it was equally his -wish to deceive. His health being restored, he disclosed to me his deep -plan for the destruction of E., whose confidence in him was unlimited; -and as the assistance of a confidential friend would be indispensable, -he now implored my good offices. I assured him that I was very ready to -do him any _good_ in my power, and that I would now give a proof of my -friendship by laying the whole matter before his mother and E. that very -evening; and this pledge I carefully redeemed. - -In my letter to his mother, the scheme he had formed to entrap the -innocent and confiding E. was fully developed, and they were of course -confounded and ashamed at its baseness. His plan was, to invite them -both to town, having furnished a house fit for their reception, where, -under his own roof, under the protecting eye of his amiable mother, the -laws of hospitality, the ties of heaven, and the sacred commands of God, -were to be violated and profaned. Unwilling to believe, yet hardly -knowing how to doubt my statement, they were consulting what step was -most proper to be taken, when they received a letter from F., couched in -the most dutiful and affectionate terms, inviting them both to town. -This tended to confirm their suspicions, and they decided on inclosing -to him my letter, with a request that he would explain its meaning. - -On this occasion his self-possession entirely forsook him. He called on -me with the letter, and used the most unjustifiable language. Led away -by the fury of disappointed passion, he would not listen to reason; his -behaviour became indecently insulting, and I determined on withdrawing -my friendship, and discontinuing his acquaintance. Almost immediately -after this, professional avocations in the service of my country called -me out of England, and I lost sight of him for upwards of four years. - -The following remarks, which I think were written about the same time, -stand in his journal: “Never was meanness equal to mine—never was -contempt expressed with more poignant insult. This is the damning -consequence of unlawful pleasure.—Pleasure do I call it?—It is pain -equal to the severest torture of hell. How intolerably slavish are the -galling chains with which sin binds her hopeless victims!” - -Amid the multitude of vices by which his life was so foully stained, and -his heart so deplorably corrupted, still there were some traits in his -character that strongly demonstrated original nobleness of mind. When -brutal passion was not to be gratified, he was feelingly alive to the -tale of sorrow, and his purse was ever open to relieve the distressed, -and administer comfort to the afflicted. His style of living was -proportioned to his ample fortune, and in money matters he was always -open, liberal, and generous, sometimes so even to profuse extravagance. -But his mind, long neglected and vitiated, was now incapable of -entertaining a single virtue, or even a shattered remnant of -self-dignity. His disposition became so entirely changed, that the -original intention of nature appears to have been inverted. That -generosity which formerly excited admiration, gave place to the most -niggardly and despicable turn of mind, so that he could not bear the -idea of parting with money even to discharge his lawful debts. - -Those ephemeral friends to whom crime only had attached him, now treated -him with coolness, and in many instances with the most cutting contempt. -Despised by all his former acquaintances, both sober and dissipated, he -exhibited the melancholy picture of a man possessing an excellent -understanding, a mind amply stored with elegant and useful knowledge, -and a princely fortune, isolated in the world, and scornfully driven, by -the common consent of mankind, from that society of which, had he made a -right use of his natural endowments, he would have been a distinguished -ornament. - -Meanness, marked by dishonesty, was strongly exemplified in his refusing -to honour a bill which the unhappy girl he left in Scotland, as he -supposed on a death-bed, had drawn to discharge the expense of the -lodgings he had procured for her. The physician’s bill, too, he refused -to discharge. The poor forsaken creature wrote to him, describing her -situation in terms that ought to have moved the most obdurate heart; but -his, now completely imbruted, was dead to the description of her misery, -and deaf to her entreaties. She wrote again, but he would not pay the -postage of her letter. The family in which he had placed her, trusting -to the debt thus incurred for the payment of their rent, which they -could not in any other way make up, were turned out of doors, and with -them the wretched patient, now in the last stage of consumption, without -a penny to procure a morsel of bread. - -In this deplorable condition, with no shelter but the canopy of heaven, -she must have perished, had not the compassion of a poor waggoner been -moved and extended to her. Through the means of this humble and humane -individual she was enabled to reach London, where languid and sinking -she sought the abode of her father, once her happy home, the scene of -youthful innocence and joy. But, alas! what a sad change!—No home was -there. Her father’s dwelling-house was now a prison! After her elopement -he used every possible endeavour to find her out, by which means he -incurred expenses, neglected his business, and ultimately became -insolvent. The benevolent waggoner did not, however, forsake her: he -procured her admission into an hospital, where, within a week, she -yielded her last breath. - -Despised and detested by all who knew him, F.’s stay in London grew -every day more irksome, and he seriously meditated a return to the -country, where he could gratify his new grovelling passion for saving -money, now indeed his ruling one, though a residence there he knew would -compel him occasionally to encounter the reproaches of his amiable -mother; and the deadly injury intended for E. made him by no means -anxious to come under her indignant glance. - -The ancestors of F. had inhabited an elegant mansion for time -immemorial, and the eminent virtues by which their lives were -distinguished rendered it venerable. This mansion had fallen to him on -his uncle’s decease, and thither he determined to repair, and make it -his residence in a manner corresponding with the late change in his -disposition. He therefore made up his mind to turn hermit, and -accordingly disposed of his horses, equipages, and entire establishment; -returned to the country, and shut himself up in complete seclusion. - -The _honour_ of disgracing the family name, hitherto unsullied, and of -polluting this venerable mansion, where his ancestors had long -maintained an untainted reputation, was reserved for this their -parsimonious representative; nor was he long in a state of inactivity, -notwithstanding his mode of life was so different from the splendid -hospitality which formerly rendered this residence celebrated. - -In a village at a short distance lived the widow of a medical gentleman, -with three daughters, the eldest of whom was “not quite twenty.” This -interesting family managed to live genteelly and comfortably on a small -annuity, until the arrival of F., whose pestilential influence proved as -destructive, and almost as widely diffused, as the fabulous accounts of -_privileged_ travellers represent that of the Upas tree. - -It would be horrible and inexpressibly painful to describe the arts he -used to ensnare these innocent, industrious and unsuspecting females. In -somewhat less than thirteen months he plunged them into guilt and -misery, and kept them all living in his house at the same time! His next -triumph was over the daughter of a clergyman, for whom he succeeded in -procuring a living in the neighbourhood, to enable him the more easily -to execute his infamous designs against innocence and peace. - -The facility with which the ruin of these four young women was -accomplished, encouraged him to make another attack on the much injured -E., an attempt which must certainly be considered as a master-piece of -impudence and hardened villainy, inasmuch as he endeavoured to make his -mother an efficient agent in the destruction of her beloved and amiable -young friend. He wrote a long letter to his mother, expressing penitence -and remorse for his former behaviour to E., with an anxious desire to -make all the reparation he could; and finally, that, if she could -forgive him, he was ready to marry her when and where she pleased. - -The poor mother, thinking him sincere, was very desirous of taking him -at his word, as she believed it the only chance that was likely to offer -for reclaiming him. She was persuaded in her own mind that his -disposition was originally good, and if his affections could ever be -fixed, she would fain think that he was capable of making any woman -happy; and accordingly her best offices were employed with E. in his -behalf. On the first introduction of the subject, the amiable girl -shuddered involuntarily, as if she had unexpectedly been met by some -furious beast of prey, which she apprehended would instantly destroy -her; and although she had every desire to oblige the mother of F., she -candidly declared that it was utterly impossible for her ever to look -upon him again with favour. - -The mother did not, however, despair that she would be made to relent by -time and assiduity. But, while this negotiation was going on, F.’s -attention was attracted by the wife of an industrious young man who -rented a farm on his estate. They had been married only a few months, -and F. describes the wife in the following glowing terms: “She was -lovely as an angel, a perfect model of exquisite beauty, of unspotted -purity, young and modest.” But virtues like these had lost all -influence, unless to stimulate his guilty and savage appetite: to every -present incitement E. herself was now postponed. Contrary to his -expectations, her virtue was not to be easily shaken; but every repulse -and difficulty he experienced only tended to stimulate him to greater -exertions. - -His thirst for money had now considerably abated, and he was fast -emerging from that obscure solitude in which he had remained upwards of -three years. His establishment was splendidly increased, his marriage -with E. was seriously talked of, and his mother had prevailed on her to -consent to see him; but, before the day fixed on for the interview had -arrived, he suddenly disappeared, and it was soon discovered that the -farmer’s wife was missing also. He had artfully managed to get the -farmer into his power, by means of a pecuniary accommodation which he -knew it would be impossible for him to discharge: he wrote an infamous -letter soon after to the deluded man, desiring him not to be uneasy -about the money, and scarcely noticing the deadly wound he had inflicted -by seducing the object of his affections,—the partner of his cares,—the -friend of his bosom. - -In a few months he returned with her, and kept her in his house, _a fine -lady_, for nearly a year. Her agreeable person and artless manner had -hitherto kept alive in his bosom something like affection; but still, -like every other with whom he conversed, she was ultimately doomed to -experience his fickleness and neglect. He sent for the afflicted -husband, and told him with unblushing effrontery, that he must take her -back, as he himself was about to quit the country, and could no longer -_protect_ her. The unhappy man was about to remonstrate on the hardship -of his case, when he was effectually silenced by the other blustering -out, “You shall obey my directions, or rot in gaol.” He was forced to -comply, and take to his cheerless home a contaminated wretch, whom he -must ever behold with lacerated and abhorrent feelings. - -Fortunately for those who were yet uncorrupted, this was the last -exploit of F. in the neighbourhood to which he was indebted for his -birth, and where, instead of bringing misery and ruin into the peaceful -cottage, his rank, property, and influence, ought to have constituted -him the legitimate local guardian of its general happiness, morality, -and virtue. With frigid indifference he forsook all those whom he had -debased by making them subservient to his lustful appetite, and set out -for London in quest of new adventures. - -In this great metropolis he instituted and organized a system of infamy -and abomination for which it would not be easy to find an appropriate -appellation: it was, in fact, a kind of repository for vice and crime, -where the most odious scenes that could disgrace human nature were -continually acting. Not less than five _procurers_, or agents, were -employed; and the aggregate of human happiness slaughtered in this -temple of hell is truly astonishing, and would hardly be believed. The -concern became too extensive to be conducted by a single manager, and F. -yielded to the pressing solicitations of an all-accomplished young -gentleman to admit him as a partner. The expenses and pleasures were to -be mutually shared between them, and their acquaintance became matured -into as close a friendship as vice is capable of admitting. - -The junior partner had four sisters in the bloom of life, to whom he -introduced F., who, after several visits, expressed his partiality for -the third, and begged permission to pay his addresses in an _honourable_ -way of course. His large fortune was a sufficient inducement for -granting his request, and in somewhat less than five months he prevailed -on her to elope with him to France. Her brother, who had no knowledge of -the world, except what is to be acquired at a theatre, a gambling-house, -or a sink of vice, would not at first believe that his “_dear friend_” -F. could meditate any mischief against his family, much less the deadly -injury that was apprehended by the more sober and experienced part of -his relations. He said F. was an eccentric dog, fond of frolic, and he -had no doubt was gone to Gretna Green, whence he would return with his -sister, and marry her according to the established English custom. The -mother of the young lady was by no means of this opinion, and urged her -son to make further inquiries; which he did, and was soon convinced that -he had overrated his “dear friend’s” generosity. - -He lost no time in following the fugitives to France, and after a few -days’ search found them in Paris. His first inquiry was, whether they -had got married? To which being answered in the negative, he insisted on -having that ceremony performed without delay. His dictatorial manner was -exceedingly offensive to F., who declared the visit both unseasonable -and impertinent, and, without further ceremony, ordered his quondam -partner out of the house. - -A duel the following morning was the consequence of this interview, and -both were wounded. F. was from the first moment sensible that his wound -was mortal, and, after lingering nearly fifteen months, the apprehension -was confirmed by his death. During his confinement, remorse for his past -crimes appears to have seized and constantly agitated him, till he -became completely miserable, and life grew so insupportable to him, that -it forced him more than once to meditate self-destruction. - -The tradesman, whose daughter he had seduced and abandoned in Scotland, -hearing of his situation, waited on him, and related to him the account -of her sufferings and death, as stated before. The contrition of F. for -the injury he had done the daughter, was exemplified by his conduct to -her father, whom he raised above the power of want for the remainder of -his life. He employed several persons to search for all the unhappy -women whose innocence and peace of mind he had destroyed; and every one -he discovered of that number had her sufferings alleviated, as far as -pecuniary settlements were capable of soothing her sorrow. But this he -considered very insufficient reparation, and his unhappiness till the -last moment of his life was extreme. - -His concluding paragraph is a terrible picture of his feelings. He says, -“My life has been pernicious to my fellow creatures, and a foul blot on -the characteristic purity of my family. Would to God, that by my death I -could make some reparation to society!—but all is now nearly over.—What -do I say?—To me, alas! O alas! all is only beginning.—My soul is -parched, burnt, and consumed.—O God! save me from eternal death—for the -sake and merits of thy beloved son Jesus Christ. Amen.” - - * * * * * - -A retrospect of this man’s life and death must forcibly recall to the -virtuous mind the following beautiful and apposite observation from the -chaste pen of the enlightened Dr. Blair: - -“Who but must drop a tear over human nature, when he beholds that -morning, which rose so bright, overcast with such untimely darkness; -that good humour which once captivated all hearts, that vivacity which -sparkled in every company, those abilities which were fitted for -adorning the highest stations, all sacrificed at the shrine of low -sensuality; and who was formed for running the fair career of life, in -the midst of public esteem, cut off by his vices in the _middle_ of his -course; or sunk for the whole of it into insignificancy and -contempt!—These, O sinful pleasure, are thy trophies! It is thus, that, -co-operating with the foe of God and man, thou degradest human honour, -and blastest the _fairest_ prospects of human felicity!” - -In the gay and fashionable circles in life, too frequently originate -creatures like that whose progress in crime has just been sketched. Like -the cubs of the lion or tiger, harmless and playful, though sometimes -heavy and insipid, when young they are fondled and caressed, until the -hellish ferocity of their nature becomes developed and matured; when -with remorseless gripe they seize upon and destroy not only the -unsuspecting but the confiding victim. - -Like most beasts of prey, the seducer is not found to be fond of a -gregarious life, although conformity to specific laws is indispensable. -The principal of these, the _law of honour_, is to be obeyed indeed with -scrupulous exactness. This law was first framed by a number of these -_elegant_ monsters, who, without having any settled or fixed design, -merely as a mark of distinction designated themselves “_men of the -world_,” and, having heroically dubbed one another in this manner, -agreed thenceforth to look down with contempt on the peaceful, moral, -and industrious habits of their less ambitious neighbours. - -To deal no longer in metaphor, though the analogy may be considered both -close and applicable, it may be allowed me to make an attempt at an -explanation of this all-prevailing _law of honour_, an aristocratical -code, not less preposterous in conception than dangerous in tendency. -This iniquitous system has for too long a time served as a nursery or -hot-bed for the propagation of the most odious vices, generated and -nurtured, it may be asserted without its truth being questionable, equal -to the most sanguine expectations of its infamous supporters. At the -head of these vices stands irreligion: and when once a total disregard -for the attributes of God takes place; when this great barrier to human -presumption is trampled down; when this invaluable link, which unites -civilized man to his christian fellow, is once broken, the infatuated -votary may well consider himself fully qualified to become _a man of the -world_. Vain thing! how short-lived is his mad career! - -His situation in the world very much resembles that of a leaky ship in -the middle of the ocean, without compass or rudder, gently wafted in the -wished-for direction for a short time while the propitious breeze -continues; but no sooner does this change, than she is left defenceless -to the mercy of the elements, to be driven by every wind, buffeted by -every wave, and ultimately sure to perish in the gathering storm. - -As this law was made exclusively for the convenience of these -redoubtable sons of pleasure, it imposes no obligation but what tends to -facilitate that _refined_ intercourse they wish to subsist between -themselves; nor does it proscribe as criminal, or mean, any thing that -has not a similar tendency. It inculcates the unbridled indulgence of -licentious passions, which the polished rake alertly may pursue at times -when he ought to be employed in cultivating his understanding; and, -after a longer or shorter tutoring, according to his capacity, he bursts -forth upon the world a scourge and pest to society. - -An anonymous writer of distinguished talent has given an account of one -of these pampered beings, which, so far as it regards the uncultivated -state of their minds, is admirably descriptive. This writer says, “There -is not in the world a more useless, idle animal than he who contents -himself with being merely a gentleman. He has an estate, therefore he -will not endeavour to acquire knowledge: he is not to labour in any -vocation, therefore he will do nothing. But the misfortune is, that -there is no such thing in nature as a negative virtue, and that absolute -idleness is impracticable. He who does no good, will certainly do -mischief; and the mind, if it be not stored with useful knowledge, will -certainly become a magazine of nonsense and trifles. Wherefore a -gentleman, though he is not obliged to rise to open his shop, or work at -his trade, should always find some means of employing his time to -advantage. If he makes no advances in wisdom, he will become more and -more a slave to folly; and he that does nothing, because he has nothing -to do, will become vicious and abandoned, or, at best, ridiculous and -contemptible.” - -It seems doubtful whether it would not prove more disgusting than -interesting to the delicate mind, to be made acquainted with some of the -artful contrivances and base stratagems those _fine gentlemen_ practise -every day for the allurement of the innocent into their fatal snares. -But an attempt, perhaps, to unmask these assassins of virtue, these -prowlers after human blood, even should it not be very successful, might -still be useful to some credulous creatures, thus to apprize them of the -precipices they are standing over, and the inevitable destruction to -which they are continually exposing themselves in listening to the wily -tales of well dissembled but profane love, delivered either with all the -ardour of fervent passion, or that whining softness which practised -villains know so well how to command. - -First, then, I would affirm that the character of the seducer is -cowardly, dishonourable, and base; and I defy the united sophistry of -the whole fraternity to refute the assertion. Is it not cowardly, I -would ask the most brazen of these unblushing champions, to invade the -retreats of innocence and peace, and, after trampling down virtue, -change them as it were into the abodes of infernal spirits, because the -inhabitants are poor and unprotected, and consequently without any means -of punishing the violator of their happiness? What prevents them from at -least attempting their ungenerous designs on families of rank, but the -_fear_ that a father or brother would wash away the insult with the -heart’s blood of the foul assailant? Or is it that the tinsel logic they -were taught in the school of “_honour_,” succeeds better in blindfolding -the understanding, weakening the faith, and warping the principles of -the unenlightened mind, that they thus prefer to attack poverty and -weakness, and to lay in ruins that sole refuge of the poor girl—purity -and virtue? What a dignified employment for “a man of the world”—“a man -of honour”—the last, graceless hope, perhaps, of some ancient, noble, -and _truly honourable_ family! - -I think the world are pretty well agreed in their abhorrence of a -swindler, though his arts are surely not half so infamous as those of -the seducer; and the effects of the one, as they are felt in Society, -dwindle into insignificance when compared with the overpowering misery -produced by the conduct and practices of the other. The swindler at most -only deprives us of our money, which perhaps his own wants, or those of -a starving family, may urge, and for which at some future opportunity, -as instances have occurred, he may be able to make some reparation. But -the seducer places his victim out of the pale of earthly happiness, and, -it is feared, in this consigns her to eternal ruin. - -What excuse can he plead? One of two only. Either, envious of her -happiness, he wantonly destroyed it, or esteemed the short-lived -gratification of his own brutal lusts equivalent to the endless torture -which he could not but have so much reason as to believe would thus be -visited on her. An elegant writer likens the hearts of these men to a -stagnant and putrifying lake, which sends forth its poisonous -exhalations to corrupt and wither every plant that grows on its banks. - -“The morality of a man of the world amounts to little more than -prudence, and does not always come up to that; he is aware of the -allowance that is made for him, and sins up to the full extent of his -measure; he must be always ready to sacrifice his own life, or to take -that of another; in gaming, he must observe the strictest faith, and in -general must abstain from all vices that are neither elegant nor -interesting in their estimation: with these limits, he is let loose upon -society and public happiness, to plunder and debauch without penalty or -shame. Take for instance the happiness of a private family, as it -depends upon the unsullied dignity and spotless life of its females:—Are -there any of those whom we call men of the world, whom any thing but -fear would prevent from poisoning the heart, and laying waste the -principles and virtues, of women? Is there one who has religious -magnanimity enough to scare this licentious cruelty from his soul? Is -there one who would not blush to be suspected of such a virtue? and how -often would the indulgence of the vice meet its punishment in the anger -and the execrations of the world?” - -The heart sickens in contemplating the waste of human happiness which is -produced by this deadly evil—Seduction. Almost all the scenes of -shameless depravity, and outraged decency, met with in the streets of -London, and other populous towns, are produced from this vile unhallowed -source. The hapless female who falls into the clutches of one of these -plunderers, eternally on the watch for prey, soon forgets that natural -modesty which forms the brightest gem in the character of the sex, and, -lured by the villain’s wiles, too easily slips aside from the path of -purity, and becomes consigned to ruin and disgrace, most probably for -life; for too rarely does it happen that a return to virtue dries up -this source of all misfortunes, or brings back the influence of those -virtues which innocence alone can diffuse over the soul. - -The smooth-tongued seducer, like him that tempted our first mother, is -every moment at her ear with dangerous suggestions to wile away her -scruples, whilst by costly presents and too grateful favours, which he -can easily command out of his ready means, or fruitful speculations, the -poor girl is persuaded of a fixed attachment, of which no thought was -ever entertained: he nevertheless, by his crafty persuasions and false -promises, contrives fully to secure her credulity, and the unsuspecting -victim is left entirely at the mercy of this ruthless enemy to her peace -and happiness. Mercy!—Has the tiger mercy?—as well might that heavenly -attribute be expected to beam forth in full influence from a demon, as -to suppose that even for a moment that callous heart could be sensible -of mercy, or even of pity, towards his harmless prey. No—gloating over -the spoil, and exulting in his success, the licentious savage enjoys his -feast until it palls upon his gross appetite; and then neglect, insult -and base ingratitude prove to the wretched mourner how misplaced has -been her weak confidence, how false her expectations, how baseless all -her fond hopes of happiness, for which she had sacrificed her all to her -relentless destroyer. - -The child of shame and remorse, devoted now to misery, no relief -appearing to alleviate her distress, no soothing sound bespeaking a -heart sympathizing in her sorrows, is totally given up to affliction: -the displeasure of relations, if she have any living, the cold neglect -of former friends, and the unfeeling scorn of the world, forbid approach -to consolation; employment in the common walks of industry even is -denied; and poverty, or the dread of actual starvation, leaves no -alternative but the last direful one—_prostitution_. - -The haunts of lewd revelry are ever with open doors, and the detestable -bawds who preside over those disgusting receptacles are constantly on -the look-out for girls in such a desolate situation. The unhappy -creature quickly gets involved in the snare, sinks into the mass of -corruption, and is carried along in the odious and deadly flood of -intoxication, impiety, and uncurbed licentiousness, which adds another -and another miserable female to the herds that infest the public -streets, and walk in open day the disgrace of human nature. - -“Seduction is never accomplished without the most villainous frauds, -falsehoods, and often perjuries. No man ever enticed a simple, innocent -female from the paths of virtue, without a complication of lies and -false oaths, that would have rendered him infamous in the eyes of any -virtuous person, had they been known. The injury he inflicts is -aggravated by the consideration that it admits of no reparation, and can -only terminate with the life of the wretched sufferer.” - -It would perhaps be impossible to form any thing like a correct -comparative estimate of the quantum of misery endured by a creature -whose native purity of soul and moral principles have been thus ruined. -Few men, however, are so ignorant as not to know something of the -passionate fondness of a mother for her offspring; and from this some -idea may be conceived of the agonized and outrageous feelings that can -urge her to its destruction to conceal her guilt and the shame it -occasions. Will any one pretend to say that this barbarous and unnatural -murder is not often occasioned by seduction? Nay, further, let me ask, -Is not the seducer by profession very frequently provided with _drugs_, -which he hesitates not to administer to the wretch whom he has ruined, -for the purpose of producing abortion? and if they fail, have not -mechanical means been at times resorted to to effect the same damnable -purpose? - -These are facts which they cannot, dare not deny. What must we think, -then, of the man who thus deliberately covers himself with innocent -blood,—who wantonly takes away the life of a creature that was utterly -incapable of ever having offered him any offence,—a life, too, of which -he himself was the guilty author, and which by every tie of nature he -was imperiously bound to cherish and protect? I do not mean to say, that -every man who commits the crime of seduction, would at that same time -also commit murder; but I do affirm, that there is no vice whatever, -that so speedily corrupts the heart, debases its inclination, and so -entirely depraves the mind, as an illegitimate intercourse between the -sexes: it is a melancholy fact, not to be controverted, that even in the -ordinary occurrences of life, the commission of one crime will often -require and lead to many more to conceal it. The seducer, therefore, of -a virtuous woman, to the enormity of that first offence, will and has -been led on from one criminal act to another for the necessity of -concealment, till murder has been added to the list of his foul -transgressions. - -The finest feather in a seducer’s plume, and on which he most prides -himself, is the facility and indifference with which he can abandon his -degraded victim. In this respect, indeed, it must be allowed that all of -them evince considerable coolness and dexterity, consigning them in a -month, or sometimes less, to rags, hunger, and infamy, leaving to perish -the unhappy objects, whose confidence they had gained by solemn -declarations and plighted oaths of love and regard, with the most sacred -promises of never-failing protection. - -Who can withhold the heartfelt, justly-merited tribute of approbation, -from the poor industrious parents who are seen struggling cheerfully -with want, enduring the chilling blasts of winter, and, after toiling -through the day, retiring at night to a miserable ill-covered pallet, to -stifle the cravings of hunger; and all borne without a murmur, that thus -they may save a pittance to procure for a beloved child the blessing of -ever so little knowledge, and thus infuse into her young mind a love of -virtue? Who would dare the presumption that these humble honest people -do wrong in cherishing the fond hope that she may contribute something -hereafter towards the support of their declining years? Or would the -seducer rather advise the mind of the child to remain unenlightened, -that she might the more blindly fall into his snares? In that, will any -man, however depraved and hardened in wickedness, lay his hand on his -breast, and answer fairly, whether he does not think the ruin of such an -innocent being a more heinous crime than murder, in almost any of the -aggravated circumstances in which it has hitherto been exposed to public -abhorrence? Will not the shame and sorrow of the parents be infinitely -more afflictive than if they had seen their child deposited in the -silent grave, if but unpolluted? And finally, will not the friends of -human happiness sympathize more with the heart-broken parents, than if a -robber had carried away the whole of their little property, and even -left them without the last remains of sustenance—a morsel of bread? - -That amiable Christian philosopher and excellent moralist, Dr. Paley, -has expressed his sentiments on this subject in pointed and forcible -terms. “Upon the whole,” says he, for I must be allowed to quote them, -“if we pursue the effects of seduction through the complicated misery -which it occasions; and if it be right to estimate crimes by the -mischief they knowingly produce; it will appear something more than mere -invective to assert, that not one half of the crimes for which men -suffer death, by the laws of England, are so flagitious as this.” - -There are cold-blooded mortals in the world, self-denominated sages or -philosophers, who can excuse and even sanction the most disgraceful -excesses, under the specious plea of what they term reasonable allowance -for youthful levity—the summer of life, when all the passions flow -impetuously through the free channels of the vital system, though, like -other violent streams, if left to themselves they will soon become -exhausted and dried up. If this sophistical mode of reasoning deserve -not the name of genuine philosophy, it claims at least the peculiar -merit of novelty. - -Is it not fair to infer, that persons who advocate principles so hostile -to the true interests of society, have themselves been profligates -through life, and are still in reality the enemies of mankind? Does it -follow, that because the vices of early life in themselves have in a -premature old age brought on their punishment, other fountains are to be -suffered to exhaust themselves in like wickedness? Whence, it may be -asked, has any man derived the right to destroy the happiness of his -fellow creature? or what reparation will he be able to make for -unprovoked injuries so wantonly inflicted, so irreparably endured? - -But unfortunately the perpetration of such crimes is not confined, in -virtuous indignation it must not be concealed, to the young alone; they -are practised also by men whose hoary locks and tottering steps would -beguile one in charitable thought to hope, that sentiments of a far -different nature should influence them to prepare for that other world, -on the verge of which they seem already standing. So great indeed is the -general regard I have for grey hairs, that it sometimes amounts to -veneration. How much more congenial, then, would it prove to screen the -foibles of that so much honoured period, than to expose any of those -failings from which no part of our earthly existence is entirely free! - -But when we see an old man voluntarily stripping himself of the dignity -of years, and meanly descending from that eminence on which reverence -and regard had placed him, to vicious indulgences which exhausted nature -and the many infirmities of a debilitated frame render him incapable -even of enjoying,—when we see him, I say, still hovering around those -criminal gratifications which poison his every sober joy, and of which -he cannot now, except in prurient imagination, be a partaker, what can -or should save him from just contempt and merited indignation? - -How many are there in high life, several of whom I could mention, (and -were it done, it would be perhaps but the discharge of a christian -duty,) who live in a state of unconcealed adultery,—fathers of families -taking up with women young enough to be their daughters! At the present -moment of writing, I know of two men who have grand-daughters some years -older than two country girls they have under protection, as it is -called, and whom they doubtless pay enormously for pampering their -feeble appetites, and feeding their silly vanity. Can reformation of the -young be reasonably expected, while the old continue to set such an -example? - -Suppose some of the sparks of the present day, who infest and dishonour -every place of public amusement, were to commit the utmost extravagance, -even to indulge in a seraglio, how awkwardly would the fathers of many -of them remonstrate, themselves in the daily practice of like crimes, -differing only in degree? In obscene conversation, too, such antiquated -sinners have left their juvenile rivals far behind. What indeed can be -more shockingly disgusting, than to contemplate an old wretched offender -of this description seated at his own table, entertaining a large -company of old and young with the infamous exploits of his licentious -villainy? Silence and shame should displace the boasting that proves him -only dead to principle and character. - -It is an evil of no inconsiderable magnitude, that vice, be it ever so -odious, will find some one or other of rank to countenance, if not to -flatter it. On what rational principle shall we attempt to account for -the reception which the most notorious seducers find in society of the -first distinction, where they are not only allowed to make their -appearance, but are generally treated with polite and even marked -civility, not unfrequently the kindest attention, too, paid them by -females who have been considered eminent for religion, piety, and moral -virtue? What is to be said of such conduct, particularly when many who -in this manner appear to make themselves partisans of seduction, are -themselves mothers of lovely daughters, on whose loss of happiness those -monsters would revel without a single feeling of remorse, and reduce to -the same degraded level with all the rest of their credulous victims, -some one or other of whom, perhaps, might have that very day been -abandoned to shame, poverty, and misery? - -An able writer of deserved celebrity has well observed, that “the -confederacy amongst women of character to exclude from their society -kept mistresses and prostitutes, contributes more perhaps to discourage -that condition of life, and prevents greater numbers from entering into -it, than all the considerations of prudence and religion put together.” -Why, in the name of justice, should these unhappy objects, who are too -often only deluded agents, be excluded from society, while the real -authors of their errors, the men who have betrayed, and still keep them -enslaved in the vilest thraldom, are received and countenanced without -opprobrium or animadversion? - -It is really with infinite reluctance and painful feelings that a single -reprehensive glance should be cast at any part of the conduct of my fair -countrywomen, and nothing but an anxious wish to see every female, rich -or poor, mantled in the pure robes of captivating virtue and modesty, -could induce me to assume the presumptuous language of reproof; but when -the ruin of an innocent soul is threatened, who can be silent and offend -not? - -Britain is the only nation, perhaps, that can boast (as enviously -conceded even by sister countries) of women in whom are united the three -uncommon qualities of beauty, talents, and virtue. Who would not, then, -have them nobly maintain this dignified superiority? Let their morals -not be corrupted by the frivolous example of their volatile neighbours. -Let them unanimously drive from their presence the notorious and -plausible rake, who, however he may flatter, would betray and destroy. -If enthusiasm can be applauded in any case, it is where the glory of a -nation is the object; and let it never be forgotten, that from the -earliest periods of the world, those countries have always been the -greatest where the female character was the most virtuous and unsullied. - - - PROSTITUTION. - -If we refer to the most obvious consequences attendant on the crime of -seduction, we shall observe, that in almost every case the victim is -reduced to the dreadful necessity of seeking a desultory and precarious -subsistence by _prostitution_, which can never fail to expose the -ill-fated object to a degree of wretchedness too painful for sensibility -and virtue to picture even in imagination. - -Before pronouncing a sweeping sentence, however, of unqualified -condemnation on the horrid life these miserables lead, it would be just -to pause a little, and inquire whether an alternative is left to -them.—Forsaken and disowned by their relations; cruelly deserted by -their seducers; shunned and despised by those who formerly were proud, -perhaps, to cultivate their acquaintance; they stand, as it were, alone -in the world, an awful memento of the loathsomeness of sin. - -If to this state of unhappy feeling be added the resistless calls of -hunger, the effects of cold and wet on a delicate frame, but thinly -clad, and ill-protected against the severity of season, with the -melancholy prospect of being compelled to perish in the streets, we may -have some idea of their deplorable condition. But even this picture, -dark and dreary as it is, presents a faint image only of the -indescribable gloom, terror, and dismay, which lower over the -tempestuous visitations of the heart-rending conflict of shame, want, -and misery! - -What exquisite, what pure felicity must enliven his heart, who in this -extremity of vice can become the instrument, with the divine aid, of -restoring to a sense of religion and virtue, and of bringing back and -restoring to her family, in the spirit of forgiveness and -reconciliation, a poor deluded young female, ere her mind has been -depraved in vicious intercourse with the abandoned of her sex, who -vengefully in turn have become seducers, and practise upon man the same -vile arts by which they themselves had been betrayed! If any period -indeed of their wretched career be favourable for reformation, this -appears to be the most propitious; and surely the salvation, the -happiness of a fellow creature are objects too sacred, too glorious to -be given up without at least an effort. But too often, unfortunately, is -this opportunity suffered to slip by; for the benevolent few, who would -promptly and joyfully extend the hand to save, know not the dangerous -situation in which the object of such benevolence is placed, while the -general mass of mankind looks on indifferent as to the destructive -consequences inevitably to result! - -Is it not as humiliating as distressing to reflect, that for one who has -true greatness of soul sufficient to pity and assist such a poor -bewildered girl, there are a hundred heartless sensualists that would -take advantage of her misfortunes, and plunge her still deeper in a foul -guilt? But she is not allowed long to hesitate between virtue and vice. -Some veteran harpy not far off, ready to satisfy her keen hunger with a -tempting feast, and cover her naked, shivering limbs with decent dress, -soon fairly enlists her under the banners of _prostitution_, where she -is compelled to endure insults the most degrading, to hear oaths and -imprecations, and suffer obscenity the most revolting, to which a little -time speedily familiarizes her. - -Endowed perhaps by nature, for better purposes, with talent, she becomes -easily a proficient in all the arts and tricks of practised criminality; -she gains the favour and confidence of her mistress, or more properly -her gaoler, who sends her forth to levy contributions on all whom she -can entangle in her toils, particularly spread with malicious enmity for -the open generosity of unguarded youth. In this manner bankers’ clerks, -apprentices to shop-keepers and tradesmen, and other young men in trust, -are often entrapped, and lavish away money which these females induce -them to pilfer from their masters or parents: neglect of business, or -other irregularity, at length rouses the suspicion of the hitherto -confiding employer, who now deems it necessary to resolve on dispensing -with the young man’s further services, and turns him upon the world to -live as he can. How often has it happened, that a desperate effort to -regain that respectability thus justly forfeited, brings him to an -untimely and disgraceful end, or consigns him to distant exile for life! -Hence arises another pitiable waste of parental affection. - -Many a valuable young man has thus been lost to his family and the -world: nor is the fate of the poor unhappy females generally much more -enviable. Some of them, it is true, do occasionally succeed in obtaining -settlements from old dotards; and others in appearance enjoy all the -conveniences of ease, luxury and affluence; but truth will allow the -suggestion, that there is not one in a thousand who does not on some -occasion or other experience every sorrow and anguish that can -contribute to fill up life’s bitterest cup. Where is there, or ever has -been, a woman of this abandoned class, who did not feel at some sad hour -of reflection most acutely the degradation of her state? Which of them -has not in the cravings of hunger, houseless and friendless, in feelings -of heart-consuming and unavailing sorrow, tacitly acknowledged the -slavish chains and bondage in which she was inextricably trammelled and -held down by sin? - -A lingering sense of shame, perhaps, drives some other of those unhappy -and forlorn beings to a lodging of such a description as suits her -scanty means. There, in a room which is seldom half furnished, the -degraded and desolate object, with a forced and pitiable cheerfulness -badly harmonizing with the settled marks of sorrow in her countenance, -induces the visits of companions of the other sex, unknowing or careless -that, by this wretched means of obtaining to herself a subsistence, she -is leading him, in whom centre the cherished hopes, perhaps, of some -respectable family, from the paths of duty into future and unavoidable -iniquity. Thoughtless youths of this description find it easy to purloin -money and articles from home, to secure the good opinion of their -attractive mistress. The still unhappy creature, though above the dread -of want, puts on a new character, becomes prudent from necessity, and -loses no chance of improving her present harvest. - -Too often, however, will pity say, the picture is reversed. Some low, -designing wretch, struggling with want and subsisting by the meanest -schemes, contrives to gain the fair one’s notice, is permitted to visit, -and by dint of assiduities and moving representations of his altered -fortunes, in a well tissued tale of distress he wins her compassion; and -the generous girl (for the generosity of the confiding female heart is -boundless) admits the plausible miscreant to her table, and shares with -him her purse; nor has the worthless vagabond the slightest sense of -shame or compunction in subsisting wholly on her miserable gains. Soon, -then, she begins to feel misfortune keenly; her favouring visitors fail, -the sources of her sad emolument are dried up; her clothes and trinkets -go to the pawnbroker’s; her ingrate _protegé_, no longer to batten on -her miserable resources, robs her; and the unfeeling landlord, or his -vociferous drunken wife, pretends now for the first time to have found -out her way of life, and, under the pretence of conscientious -abhorrence, turns her into the street without an article save what is on -her person. - -O happy, happy daughters of virtue! when you contrast your situation -with that of this frail and wretched sister, be grateful to Heaven for -the blessings you enjoy; guard your every step with prudent vigilance, -lest at any moment you be tempted to go astray from the ways of -“pleasantness and peace.” Perhaps the misfortune of this wretched girl -has drawn her from a state once as delightful as your own; education and -the seeds of early virtue may have been implanted in her bosom, and were -lovely in their growth, until blasted by the seducer: observe now her -once beautiful form, worn down and emaciated by want and sickness, nay -worse, tainted with that destructive disease which is ever attendant on -such a course; see her, in short, pining and wasting away under -multiplied sorrows, and sinking rapidly into a premature grave! - -Yet, even before that relief arrives, her wretchedness is too probably -increased by associating with depraved females of the same class; (for -how can she avoid those amongst whom she must live?) their habit of -drinking spirits becomes familiar to her; the delusive poison affords a -temporary relief, but hastens on a painful, lingering death, which takes -place, perhaps, in some forsaken shed, or unfurnished weatherbeaten -room: there, without fire, light or comfort of any kind, there see the -emaciated, diseased, starving, and desolate being sigh out the last -breath of a miserable life;—no friend is nigh to comfort—no accustomed -voice is heard to sooth or cheer her last awful moments of existence, -or, by once pronouncing her name, to seek assurance that as yet her soul -may not have taken flight! - -In this faint sketch, which, mark! is from very life, I have endeavoured -to point out some of the innumerable evils which follow the baneful -footsteps of those flagitious traders in female virtue and happiness. -How many a poor sorrowing female, who has once listened to the -destructive tempter, and suffered her good sense to be blinded by -seductive art, has been obliged to tread in such a painful road of -thorns, debasement and affliction! - -From the humble, bashful servant-maid, who has been seduced by the -fellow servant, in order to win her over to a diabolical design laid by -another as low in infamy if not condition as himself, for the ruin of -her young mistress, and which too often through her persevering wicked -agency becomes successful, up to the dashing woman of pleasure, -maintaining a proud establishment by the base traffic and barter of -female innocence,—all is a bloated mass of wickedness and falsehood. -Most unhappy indeed, and lamentable, is the lot of those innocent, -unpolluted girls who are drawn within the incantations of such -licentious syrens, smiling but to destroy, while their execrable purpose -is always enveloped in blandishments and charms, to lull the -apprehensions of the modest and virtuous victim, led along as -unsuspecting of danger as the lamb that licks the slaughtering knife. - -The humble but industrious and virtuous girl apprenticed to a -respectable dress-maker is marked down by another class of prowlers, -more showy, specious and experienced. These, to dazzle at once the eyes -of the hapless virgin, make a grand display of equipage, servants in -livery, splendid house and luxurious table; the softest protestations, -the most alluring promises, and apparently fondest expressions possible, -are ever at hand. Thus, with the aid of presents, and by force of -ever-renewed compliments, against which how few female minds can be duly -guarded! the giddy creature in an unlucky moment forgets all the -precepts of an anxious mother, and of a revered father whose grey hairs -and sacred profession should have protected from the insult,—all vanish -before the wily tempter’s skill, and disappear until woful experience -opens the eyes of the infatuated girl to a sense of her lost reputation, -and despair prepares her for the worst, the dernier fate of those in -such condition. - -Turn, inhuman destroyer!—take the last look at your heart-bleeding -victim before you leave her to utter destruction. If a spark of honour, -of even self-regard, lurk yet among your base unbridled passions, pause -for a moment,—let recollection flash on the youthful days of your -amiable wife;—such a villain as you have now become would have separated -her life from yours:—You have daughters—cast a father’s look on them, -and judge from your own feelings, if a father’s feelings can be yours, -what you must have inflicted, in the disgrace of that ruined girl, who, -now fallen and by you debased, clings around your feet, upon the hearts -of a peaceful, respectable, and hitherto happy family. - -Can this man make any recompense for his barbarous crime? He titles as a -Lord; but vain are his immense treasures, his glittering equipages, to -restore her lost innocence: no—no effort of his can sooth the remorse of -her whom his guilt has made so miserable. Poor is the refuge from a -worrying conscience, in the thought that ample provision has been made -for the sorrower’s support, whose early death will relieve her at once -from his odious bounty and her intolerable misery. - -Endless as distressing would be the undertaking to particularize the -detestable variety of iniquity thus practised; or to enumerate all the -suicides, child-murders, and secret crimes which hence originate, in all -their turpitude. Of this one deplorable fact I have had assurance in the -case of the female convicts late under my care on board the Morley, who -invariably acknowledged, when on the subject of their misfortunes, that -_seduction first led the way to guilt_, and that the baneful career in -which the sentence of the law had arrested them, might be decidedly -dated from the fatal moment of their fall from virtue. - -To arrest the progress of female prostitution, various expedients and -measures have been proposed, and as numerous arguments urged in favour -of their efficacy. The most ingenious British writer on the subject -seems to be Dr. Colquhoun, whose zealous labours have long indeed been -meritoriously directed to his country’s benefit. While his active -vigilance has in many cases been successfully devoted to the -investigation and repression of crime, his opinions in the main are -correct and luminous. - -In the remedy, however, which he proposes for female prostitution, his -love of police system appears to me to have carried him beyond his -depth, further perhaps than he intended. The measure he recommends is -modestly covered by a few superficial, ingenious arguments, but, when -divested of this learned covering, presents an appearance not very -satisfactory to an English eye, and to that of stern virtue is even -truly frightful—_granting to prostitutes legal licenses_! - -The learned Doctor first endeavours to soften the scruples of his timid -readers by argument both speculative and specious; after which he -gravely asks, “Where then is the objection?” and then immediately -answers his own question, “In vulgar prejudice only.” He continues, “By -those of inferior education, whose peculiar habits and pursuits have -generated strong prejudices, this excuse may be pleaded; but by the -intelligent and well-informed it will be viewed through a more correct -medium.” - -It might have the appearance of presumptuous temerity to oppose an -opinion to this sweeping dogma of the learned Doctor; for, agreeably to -his definition, I must confess that I am one of those _of inferior -education and vulgar prejudices_ whom he so designates. It may however -be permitted me candidly to state, that I have viewed his proposition in -every possible light, and have had some few opportunities of observing -the effects of such a system, but somewhat modified, in several parts of -the world; and that, after reflection as close and intense as my mind is -capable of giving to any subject, I have decidedly formed an opinion, -that the result of such an arrangement would be the very reverse of what -he pronounces. It would, I firmly believe, be impossible for ingenuity -to invent any thing that could contribute more effectually to vitiate -the public opinion, and entirely extinguish the moral principle, than -the open toleration or licensing of public brothels. - -The Doctor surely must have forgotten that indulgence in this sin, more -than any other, prepares the mind for the admission of every vice, and -is generally the forerunner of the most diabolical and desperate -depravity in vulgar life; and in the higher walks even leads to -dissoluteness, profligacy, and total disregard of moral and religious -obligations: or would he venture with confidence “to prescribe rules -‘_Thus far shall you go, and no further_?’” Under the superintendence -even of so able a magistrate as himself, would it be possible to apply -this rule? But of this I am confident, that no plain honest man who -wishes to promote the cause of morality, and the general welfare of his -country, will ever desire to see this experiment tried in England. - -In support of the propriety of this salutary measure, the Doctor adduces -examples drawn from Holland, Italy, and India. In the first of those -countries my own observation has been rather limited, though quite -sufficient to convince me, that under no circumstances or modifications -whatever could the Doctor’s expectations of the system in its -consequences be realized. That the morals of the people of that country -were formerly as pure, or “the purest of any in Europe,” as he states, I -am nothing loth to admit; but that their corruption and degeneracy have -been in a great measure occasioned by this very sanction, or connivance, -cannot, I think, be disputed. - -In Italy, it is true, the system has had a wider range, and its effects -have been fully developed. The Doctor’s intercourse with that country -must have been limited indeed, else he would have known, that long -established habits of libertinism had indisposed and incapacitated the -majority of them for all useful intellectual pursuits; and that their -minds generally were too enervated to give birth to, much less sustain, -any of those noble virtues which only and irresistibly command -admiration. - -Of the Italian women it is really an ungracious and painful task to be -compelled at all to speak: but although I cannot in justice give them my -unqualified approbation; and although censure, if it deserve that name, -be given in gentleness, yet it must be declared that that prompt and -resolute decision against guilt, and its indulgence, which forms so -amiable a portion of the English character, is not often, I fear, to be -met with in the women of Italy. - -Against the opposition which he expected would be raised against his -favourite plan, the Doctor urges “_Plus apud me ratio valebit quam vulgi -opinio_;” but in proposing Italy, where morals and chastity have long -dwindled to a name, and are now deplored as nearly extinct, as a model -for British imitation, does he keep in sight the best part of his own -maxim? - -The introduction of Italian manners and customs amongst our females, -might certainly gratify the utmost wish of _the man of the world_, and -every professed rake or libertine; but it would be leaving the husband -most probably no other security for his wife’s fidelity than the want of -a paramour and suitable opportunity. The people of that country are -notoriously licentious, practising without a blush, in open day, the -most immoral and disgraceful excesses. I regret as deeply as any one, -the vicious propensities of our own countrywomen, which it is grievous -to observe are so extensively a subject for reprehension: yet it is far -from gratifying or honouring to our nature, to entertain a conviction -which follows from the lamentable fact, that the degradation of female -chastity is, beyond all proportion, greater in Italy than it is at home. - -I shall detain the reader with only a remark or two on the unhappy class -of females in India, to whom the Doctor alludes as being devoted to -indiscriminate intercourse, but whose morals in other respects, he says, -are strictly guarded, and whose minds are not susceptible of that degree -of depravity which prevails in Europe. It is with much reluctance, and -no small degree of diffidence, that I feel it necessary to differ from -one whose shining talents have contributed so eminently to the public -good. However, as I have reason to presume that he never was in India, -he must have had his information from a second, who probably had his -from a third, and who most likely felt himself authorized to take -advantage of the traveller’s privilege. Be this as it may, I am well -assured that the purity he speaks of as there existing, is no where to -be found, and that the behaviour of prostitutes in that country is -marked by all the depravity of mind, and corruptness of manners, that -can tend to imbrute the feeling, and fill the mind of the observer with -the most sickening disgust. - -But allowing the Doctor’s notion of the subject to be correct, and -admitting all the force of his political maxim, “_Qui non vetat peccare -cum possit, jubet_,”—still, I think, it would be extremely difficult, -and attended with the utmost danger, to apply them to practice[32]. If -the positive commands of God, and the awful denunciations of his wrath, -can be violated and disregarded in one case, what is there to ensure -obedience and respect to them in any other? In the 13th chapter 4th -verse of the Hebrews it is declared, “whoremongers and adulterers God -will judge.” If the Legislature can grant a license to commit this crime -with impunity, and thus far neither judges nor condemns, why may it not -also, as moral principle alone is concerned, give one for committing -murder, or any other deadly sin? In short, what would there be then to -defer from trampling on the Decalogue, or the Bible itself, provided the -countenance of Government, upon some view of mere policy, could be -obtained in the shape and denomination of a license? - -Having thus expressed an entire and unqualified disapprobation of any -measure that could be construed into a public sanction of brothels, and -their wretched inmates, it may be expected that I should myself -substitute some efficient proposition on the subject. I should indeed -consider such a task a duty, and feel pleasure in its performance, as -far as my competency might extend, were I not fully satisfied that there -are many, very many, in the country, whose zeal and abilities more -eminently qualify them for a disquisition so important, while their -political influence is such as to give them a hope, to me not in -prospect, of successfully advocating the cause of innocence, virtue, -religion, and social happiness. - ------ - -Footnote 31: - - A Government order _now_ exists, requiring the Surgeon Superintendent - of every convict ship to establish a school, and perform divine - worship regularly during the voyage. - -Footnote 32: - - The above observations were written during the voyage to New South - Wales, when the Author was ignorant of the heavy loss sustained by the - public in the death of that highly talented Magistrate. - - - THE END. - - - Printed by R. and A. TAYLOR. - Shoe Lane London. - - - - - ERRATA. - - - Page 21, line 7 from bottom, for _banisheh_ read _banished_ - - 67, line 12 from bottom, for _the many_ read _them any_ - - 71, line 12 from top, for tA. M. read A. M. Same line for - _weathe_ read _weather_ - - 114, line 9 from top, for _human heart_ read _human beast_ - - 241, line 7 for SORRELL read SORELL - - 296, line 14 from bottom, for _th mmonness_ read _the commonness_ - - 343, line 1 for _ha_ read _had_ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - DECEMBER, 1822. - - NEW AND IMPORTANT WORKS, - - PUBLISHED BY - - LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, - - LONDON. - - - 1. - - THE LOVES OF THE ANGELS. - - A POEM. - - By THOMAS MOORE. - - In 8vo. - - - 2. - - ILLUSTRATIONS OF MR. MOORE’S LOVES OF THE ANGELS. - - From Designs by R. 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Changed ‘cel’ to ‘feel’ on p. 310. - 7. Changed ‘he’ to ‘be’ on p. 335. - 8. Corrected errors mentioned in ‘ERRATA.’ - 9. Silently corrected typographical errors. -10. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. -11. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. -12. Enclosed bold font in =equals=. -13. 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