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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. 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) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber's Note:</strong></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'><span class='xlarge'>TWO VOYAGES</span><br /> <br /> <span class='small'>TO</span><br /> <br /> NEW SOUTH WALES<br /> <br /> <span class='small'>AND</span><br /> <br /> VAN DIEMEN’S LAND,<br /> <br /> <span class='small'>WITH</span><br /> <br /> <span class='large'>A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THAT INTERESTING COLONY:</span><br /> <br /> <span class='small'>INCLUDING</span><br /> <br /> <span class='large'>FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO THE STATE AND MANAGEMENT</span><br /> <br /> <span class='small'>OF</span><br /> <br /> <span class='xlarge'>CONVICTS OF BOTH SEXES.</span><br /> <br /> <span class='small'>ALSO<br /> <br /> REFLECTIONS ON SEDUCTION<br /> <br /> AND<br /> <br /> ITS GENERAL CONSEQUENCES</span>.</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'><span class='sc'>By THOMAS REID</span>,</span></div> - <div class='c002'>MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN LONDON, AND SURGEON IN THE ROYAL NAVY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“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.”-—<span class='sc'>Wilberforce.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>London:</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='large'>PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN,</span></div> - <div>PATERNOSTER-ROW.</div> - <div class='c002'><span class='large'>1822.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_iii'>iii</span> - <h2 class='c003'><span class='large'>TO</span><br /> MRS. ELIZABETH FRY.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c004'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><em>MADAM</em>,</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0 c000'><em>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.</em></p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_iv'>iv</span><em>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.</em></p> - -<p class='c000'><em>To appreciate duly the benevolent and happy labours -of the <span class='sc'>Ladies’ Committee</span>, 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.</em></p> - -<p class='c000'><em>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span>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.</em></p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><em>I remain</em>,</div> - <div class='line in8'><em>Madam</em>,</div> - <div class='line in6'><em>Your faithful servant</em>,</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in12'><em>THOMAS REID.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span> - <h2 class='c003'>INTRODUCTION.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_viii'>viii</span>that, the condition of the convict was without consideration<a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c006'><sup>[1]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_ix'>ix</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The societies for the propagation of the Scriptures, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_x'>x</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xi'>xi</span>industrious employment was found to fill up the wasteful -vacuum of imprisonment till the time of their departure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xii'>xii</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the latter end of 1817, I received orders to take -charge of the <em>Neptune</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xiii'>xiii</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>female</em> -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xiv'>xiv</span>of the former voyage deferred, in order that -both might appear together before the public, faithfully, -in an associated view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Seduction</em>, &c.; but I hope, on reflection, -the present arrangement will not be found objectionable.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xv'>xv</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xvi'>xvi</span>formed from crude, superficial, or transient observation; -but, on the contrary, are grounded on due application -of patient reflection and laborious determination.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xvii'>xvii</span>occurred, without decoration or disguise; and in no -instance has truth been sacrificed to courtesy or private -feeling.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Vigo Lane, Dec. 1821.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. </span><span class='pageno' id='Page_xviii'>xviii</span>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.”</p> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_xix'>xix</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>CHAPTER I.</div> - <div class='c002'>ON TRANSPORTATION.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0 c009'>Capital punishment, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>. Royal mercy, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>. Origin of transportation, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>. -Convicts become settlers in America,—American Revolution, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>. -Hulks and houses of correction instituted, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a>. First expedition -to New South Wales, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a>. Colony established, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>. Progressive -arrangements, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a>. Judicious regulations, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a>. Encouragement -to convicts,—crimes often committed for the purpose of -getting transported, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>. Convicts liberally fed and clothed during -the voyage, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a>. Victualling scheme, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a>. Prison sufficiently -roomy, <a href='#Page_13'>13</a>. Extra stores, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a>. Hospital furniture, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>. Articles -of comfort in female ships, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a>. Clothing and books provided for -children, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a>. Military guard allowed too much spirits, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>. Scheme -for victualling guard, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>. Convicts’ regret on leaving the ship, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>. -Arrangements for juvenile offenders, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a>. Efforts to reform them, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>. -Many of them grossly ignorant, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a>. Effects of previous idleness, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>. -Employment considered, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>. Probability of mutiny among convicts -considered, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a>. Their gratitude and attachment, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>. Ladies’ -Committee, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>. Their humane attention to prisoners, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>. School -established, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>CHAPTER II.</div> - <div class='c002'>VOYAGE IN THE NEPTUNE.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Influence of moral principle, <a href='#Page_31'>31</a>. Abstract view of the Convicts’ -crimes and characters, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>. Convicts considered irreclaimable, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>. -Mutiny in a male convict ship, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a>. Insubordination among females, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>. -Repentance and reformation, how and when to be aimed -at, <a href='#Page_37'>37</a>. Regulations, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>. System of management commenced, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a>. -False alarm of the convicts rising, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>. Religious worship, its apparent -effects, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>. Punishment inflicted, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>. Prisoners reconciled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xx'>xx</span>to their banishment, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a>. A school formed for young offenders, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>. -Their progress in learning, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a>. Inherent love of liberty, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>. Refractory -conduct of a sailor, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>. Laws respecting seamen, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>. Relative -situation of the guards and prisoners, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>. Soldiers intoxicated, -<a href='#Page_53'>53</a>. Conduct of their wives, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>. Quarrel between the -guards and sailors, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>. Bad behaviour of a convict, <a href='#Page_59'>59</a>. Allowance -of spirits to the guard recommended to be reduced, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>. Women -and children to have none, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>. Improvement among the -boys, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a>. The convicts generally behave well, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>. Their letter to -Lord <span class='sc'>Sidmouth</span>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a>. Two mutinous seamen discharged, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>. Interview -with Lord <span class='sc'>Charles Somerset</span>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>. Interview with the -<em>Deputy Colonial Secretary</em>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>. <em>Agent for Transports</em> visits the <em>Neptune</em>, -<a href='#Page_70'>70</a>. Sixteen convicts are embarked, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>. Apprehensions of -disease from this increased number, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>. Official application not -noticed, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a>. Precautions to prevent communication between the -new and old prisoners, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>. The latter generously share their wine -with the former, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a>. Prisoners express their gratitude for being -kindly treated, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a>. Neptune’s arrival at Sydney; the convicts -write a letter, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>. Governor <span class='sc'>Macquarie’s</span> opinion of the voyage, <a href='#Page_80'>80</a>. -Observations in the colony, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a>. Departure with dispatches, -<a href='#Page_82'>82</a>. Loss sustained by a hurricane, <a href='#Page_83'>83</a>. Return to England,—letter -to Navy Board, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>CHAPTER III.</div> - <div class='c002'>VOYAGE IN THE MORLEY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Mrs. <span class='sc'>Fry’s</span> exertions, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a>. Visit to the Morley, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a>. Arrangements -for a school, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>. Religious books liberally supplied, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>. -Regulations, <a href='#Page_98'>98</a>. Crimes, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a>. Characters, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a>. Sentence, <a href='#Page_102'>102</a>. -Address, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>. Mrs. <span class='sc'>Pryor</span> visits the convicts, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>. Application -to the Secretary of State to permit a convict’s child, above the regular -age, to be embarked; which is granted, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>. Convicts appear -too familiar with the sailors, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>. Some of the convicts behave -ill, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>. Captain <span class='sc'>Young</span> visits the ship, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>. Mr. <span class='sc'>Capper’s</span> -visit, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>. Bank Solicitor gives five pounds to every woman under -sentence for forged notes, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a>. The Keeper of Newgate gives half -a crown to each convict from that prison, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>. Mrs. <span class='sc'>Fry</span> visits -the ship, and admonishes the prisoners, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a>. Improved behaviour -of the prisoners, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a>. Two ladies and a gentleman visit a young -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xxi'>xxi</span>prisoner, to whom they give good advice, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a>. Their perilous situation -after leaving the ship, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a>. Three invalid females removed -by order of the Navy Board, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a>. Dispatches and sailing-orders -arrive; riotous behaviour of some of the convicts, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a>. Morley -sails, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>. Arrives in the Downs, where the pilot leaves her, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>. -Boisterous weather, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>. Address to the convicts after leaving -their native country, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>. They request permission to copy it, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a>. -Death and interment of two convicts’ children, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>. Feelings of -the convicts during a violent squall, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>. Inflammatory fever appears -among the prisoners, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>. A quarrel, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>. Death of a convict’s -child, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>. Great improvement in a convict, produced by -employment, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a>. Two old enemies become reconciled, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>. -Sailors attempt to break into the prison, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a>. They threaten to -murder one of the women, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>. Captain <span class='sc'>Brown</span> remonstrates -with them, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>. They make another effort to communicate with -the women, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>. First prize won, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a>. Continued impropriety -of the sailors, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a>. Second and third prizes won, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a>. A violent -quarrel between two women, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>. The sailors open a passage into -the prison, <a href='#Page_187'>187</a>. Exertions of Captain <span class='sc'>Brown</span> to discover and defeat -their purpose, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a>. They behave with more caution, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a>. -Conduct of the chief officer, <a href='#Page_191'>191</a>. Capt. <span class='sc'>Brown</span> musters the refractory -sailors, and admonishes them, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>. Effects of keeping -watch in the prison, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a>. Cooking prevented by rough weather, <a href='#Page_196'>196</a>. -Conduct of the prisoners from Newgate, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a>. A -letter, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a>. Injury done to the prison, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a>. A sermon read by -the Rev. Mr. <span class='sc'>Reddall</span>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>. A letter from the convicts, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>. -Arrival at Van Diemen’s Land, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>. The sailors get four females -out of the prison, <a href='#Page_207'>207</a>. The Lieutenant Governor visits the ship, <a href='#Page_207'>207</a>. -A police magistrate and military guard sent on board, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>. Farewell -admonition, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>. Humane attention of the Lieutenant Governor -to the convicts, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>. Fifty convicts landed, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>. Lieutenant -Governor’s certificate, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>. Seven women sent on board -the Morley to be conveyed to the Factory at Parramatta on account -of bad conduct, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>. Departure from Hobart-Town, <a href='#Page_242'>242</a>. The -seven females behave well, and receive encouragement, <a href='#Page_243'>243</a>. Arrival -at Sydney, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>. His Excellency the <span class='sc'>Governor</span> and the -Honourable <span class='sc'>Commissioner of Inquiry</span> visit the Morley, and -inspect the convicts, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>. Convicts are mustered, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>. Progress -of the school on board, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_xxii'>xxii</span>CHAPTER IV.</div> - <div class='c002'>MANNER OF DISPOSING OF CONVICTS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>The principal Superintendent takes charge of the prisoners, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>. -His extensive knowledge, <a href='#Page_252'>252</a>. The manner in which the duties -of his office are discharged, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>. Convicts readily form connections, -<a href='#Page_254'>254</a>. Persons of indifferent character chosen to act as turnkeys, -<a href='#Page_256'>256</a>. Public-houses too numerous, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>. Convicts’ reception -at the Factory, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>. Want of order in that establishment, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a>. -Two women sent back to England, being too bad to remain in the -colony, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>. Proposed marriage of a female, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a>. Reduced number -of public-houses, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>. Little hope of reformation, <a href='#Page_268'>268</a>. Manner -of disposing of male convicts, and their general condition, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>. -Want of regulation in the barrack, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>. Convicts purchase their -liberty from their masters, <a href='#Page_275'>275</a>. Punishment, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>CHAPTER V.</div> - <div class='c002'>SITUATION AND DUTIES OF THE SURGEON SUPERINTENDENT.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Government contract for the conveyance of convicts, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>. Former -manner compared with the present, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>. Difficulty of managing -convicts, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a>. Surgeon Superintendent unsupported, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>. -His numerous duties, <a href='#Page_285'>285</a>. Obstacles opposed to his return after -landing the convicts, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a>. Character of the commanders and -medical men in convict ships, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>. The Surgeon Superintendent -not allowed a servant, <a href='#Page_290'>290</a>. Liability to disagreement between -him, the Master, and military officer, <a href='#Page_291'>291</a>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>CHAPTER VI.</div> - <div class='c002'>GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Proposed alteration in prisons, <a href='#Page_294'>294</a>. Other opinions, <a href='#Page_295'>295</a>. Moral -instruction hitherto neglected, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a>. State of female prisons -further considered: possibility of reformation contended for, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a>. -Behaviour of the prisoners in the colony, who went out in the -Neptune, <a href='#Page_301'>301</a>. Employment recommended, <a href='#Page_303'>303</a>. Check to population, -<a href='#Page_304'>304</a>. Proportion of males to females, <a href='#Page_305'>305</a>. Unhappy -connexions often formed, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a>. The assertion that women from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xxiii'>xxiii</span>Newgate behave worse than those from other prisons, examined, -<a href='#Page_307'>307</a>. State of the rising generation, <a href='#Page_311'>311</a>. Formation of Bible and -other useful Institutions, <a href='#Page_313'>313</a>. Cursory view of the French revolution, -<a href='#Page_314'>314</a>. Early education recommended, <a href='#Page_316'>316</a>. Devotedness -of Governor <span class='sc'>Macquarie</span> to the welfare of the colony, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a>. Inaptitude -of the Factory establishment to the reformation of its -wretched tenants, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a>. Alterations suggested, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a>. <span class='sc'>Conclusion</span>, -<a href='#Page_320'>320</a>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>APPENDIX.</div> - <div class='c002'>REFLECTIONS ON SEDUCTION.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Influence of the British Constitution, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a>. The characters of a -felon and seducer, compared, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a>. The history of a seducer, from -real life, <a href='#Page_326'>326</a>. His birth and prospective talent, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>. Education, -<a href='#Page_329'>329</a>. Character of his travelling companion, <a href='#Page_330'>330</a>. Exploits in -Paris, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a>. Occurrences in Bourdeaux, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>. Journey to Marseilles -and Toulon, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a>. Thence to Naples, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a>. Description -of a hurricane, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a>. Lands at Leghorn, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a>. Visits Naples; returns -to England; and is about to be married, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a>. Excessive -grief occasioned by the death of a friend, <a href='#Page_344'>344</a>. Goes to London, -and thence to Scotland, <a href='#Page_345'>345</a>. His father’s death, <a href='#Page_349'>349</a>. Interview -with his mother, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a>. Base attempt, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a>. Change of disposition, -<a href='#Page_354'>354</a>. Extreme misery, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a>. Extravagant conduct, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a>. Elopement -with a young lady, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a>. His dying moments, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a>. Law of -honour and men of the world, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a>. The seducer’s character further -sketched, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a>. Sufferings of unhappy women, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a>. Murder -sometimes committed, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a>. The victim of seduction generally -abandoned, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a>. Notorious rakes received and countenanced in -society, <a href='#Page_377'>377</a>. Prostitution an inevitable consequence, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a>. Waste -of happiness, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a>. Remedy proposed by Doctor <span class='sc'>Colquhoun</span>, examined, -<a href='#Page_386'>386</a>. State of morals in Holland, Italy, and India, <a href='#Page_388'>388</a>.</p> - -<div class='ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c010'> - <div>TWO VOYAGES</div> - <div class='c002'>TO</div> - <div class='c002'>NEW SOUTH WALES,</div> - <div class='c002'><em>&c.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER I.<br /> <br /> <span class='large'>ON TRANSPORTATION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0 c005'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The ingenious Doctor Colquhoun gives the following -on the origin of <em>Transportation</em>: “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 -<em>outcasts</em>, 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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the American revolution prevented the further -<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>transmission of convicts to that country, the -system of the <em>Hulks</em> and <em>Houses of Correction</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <span class='sc'>Cook</span> in 1770 and 1777, -opened a new field for disposing of those refractory -characters. The following is recorded by <span class='sc'>Collins</span> -as the commencement of the present colony there:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy, toward -the end of the year 1786, advertised for a certain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>effected their purpose at the expense of the Government.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span><em>Plan of Rations for each Mess per Week.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='Plan of Rations for each Mess per Week.'> - <tr> - <th class='btm bbt blm brt c011' colspan='2'>Days of the week.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Bread lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Flour lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Beef lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Pork lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Peas pints.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Butter lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Rice ozs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Suet lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Rais<sup>ns</sup> lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Oat<sup>l</sup>. pints.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brm c011'>Sugar oz.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbt blm brt c012'>Sunday</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>1</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>8</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>½</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>1</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brm c013'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbt blm brt c012'>Monday</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>2</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>3</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>½</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>2</td> - <td class='bbt brm c013'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbt blm brt c012'>Tuesday</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>3</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>½</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>1</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brm c013'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbt blm brt c012'>Wednesday</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>6</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>3</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>½</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brm c013'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbt blm brt c012'>Thursday</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>5</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>½</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>1</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>2</td> - <td class='bbt brm c013'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbt blm brt c012'>Friday</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>6</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>8</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>3</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>½</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brm c013'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbt blm brt c012'>Saturday</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>7</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>3</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>4</td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'> </td> - <td class='bbt brt c013'>2</td> - <td class='bbt brm c013'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbm blm brt c011' colspan='2'>Total</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>28</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>12</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>16</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>6</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>12</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>1½</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>8</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>1½</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>3</td> - <td class='bbm brt c013'>6</td> - <td class='bbm brm c013'>4</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, <em>births</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">per diem</span></i>, and the children one half -the women’s allowance.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>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 <em>Neptune</em>, 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.</p> - -<div class='sidenote'><em>Navy Office,<br />28th Nov. 1817.</em></div> - -<p class='c009'>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Articles of Comfort for Use during the Voyage.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Mustard, 170 lbs.: Soap, 510: combs, 31 large, 31 -small, No. 62: razors, 10: hone, 1: strop, 1: preserved -meats, 476 lbs., value 42<em>l.</em> 10<em>s.</em>: lemon juice, -242 gallons: sugar to mix with it, 1,939 lbs.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Articles in case of Sickness.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Tea, 34 lbs.: sugar, 170: chocolate, 10: sago, 20: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>Scotch barley, 340: ginger, 1: black pepper, 3: allspice, -6: red port wine, 102 bottles: rice, 24 lbs.: -pearl barley, 24.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Fumigating Articles.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Tar, 1 barrel: crude brimstone, 60 lbs.: vinegar, 60 -gallons: fumigating lamps, 2: extra wicks, 2 boxes: -oil, 4 gallons: oil of tar, 10.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Hospital Furniture.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Clothing for the Use of the Convicts on their Arrival.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The extra articles furnished for the female convicts -on board the <em>Morley</em> in the last voyage, and for the -free women and children embarked at the same time -were as follow.</p> -<div class='sidenote'><em>Navy Office,<br />Transport Department,<br />20th April 1820.</em></div> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Articles of Comfort for Use during the Voyage.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Articles in case of Sickness.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Tea, 31 lbs.: sugar, 157: chocolate 9½: sago, 18: -Scotch barley, 314: ginger, ¾: allspice, 6: black -pepper, 3: red port wine, 94 bottles.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Hospital Furniture.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>mugs, 120: swing stove, 1: spare beds, 12: kegs<a id='r2' /><a href='#f2' class='c006'><sup>[2]</sup></a> -(three gallons), 27.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Clothing for the Use of the Convicts upon their Arrival.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Clothing for 17 Male Children.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Clothing for 33 Female Children.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Brown serge jackets, 33: petticoats, 33: linen -shifts, 66: linen caps, 33: stockings, 33 pairs: shoes, -33: neck-handkerchiefs, 33.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Books.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>New Testaments, 33: prayer books, 46: psalters, -46: Bibles<a id='r3' /><a href='#f3' class='c006'><sup>[3]</sup></a>, 12: manuals of instruction and devotion -for the use of the prisoners, 11.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Rules to be observed by Masters and Commanders -of His Majesty’s hired Transports, in victualling -Land Forces.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div><em>Six Soldiers’, or four Seamen’s Allowance for every Day in the Week.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary='Allowance'> -<colgroup> -<col width='20%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <th class='btm bbt blm brt c012'>Days of the week.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Bread: lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Beer, gallons: or half pint spirits: or pints wine.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Beef: pieces of 8 lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Pork: pieces of 4 lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Peas: pints.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Oatmeal: pints.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Butter: lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brt c011'>Cheese: lbs.</th> - <th class='btm bbt brm c011'>Vinegar.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='blm brt c012'>Sunday</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'>1</td> - <td class='brt c011'>2</td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brm bbm c011 vac' rowspan='7'>One quart in a week.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='blm brt c012'>Monday</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>½</td> - <td class='brt c011'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='blm brt c012'>Tuesday</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='blm brt c012'>Wednesday</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='btm bbm brt c011 vac' rowspan='3'>1 or 6 lbs. of flour, ½ lb. of suet, &amp; 1 lb. of raisins.</td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'>2</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>½</td> - <td class='brt c011'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='blm brt c012'>Thursday</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>1</td> - <td class='brt c011'>2</td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='blm brt c012'>Friday</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'> </td> - <td class='brt c011'>2</td> - <td class='brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='brt c011'>½</td> - <td class='brt c011'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbm blm brt c012'>Saturday</td> - <td class='bbm brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='bbm brt c011'>4</td> - <td class='bbm brt c011' colspan='2'>1 or as above</td> - <td class='bbm brt c011'> </td> - <td class='bbm brt c011'> </td> - <td class='bbm brt c011'> </td> - <td class='bbm brt c011'> </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c009'>“The above are to be served out by full weights -and measures.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“A pint of wine, or half a pint of brandy, rum or -arrack, is equal to a gallon of beer.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many circumstances connected with the present -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='t22'></a>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The seeds of vice having once taken root are not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, <em>employment</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It would doubtless be gratifying to those to direct -at once the removal of the evil of idleness, in devising -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>hobgoblin</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>convicts only</em>, -and, provided they understood the management of -the vessel, with confidence trust to their conducting -her safely without other assistance to Port Jackson.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <span class='sc'>Ladies’ Committee</span> -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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>with the suggestions and co-operation of Mrs. <span class='sc'>Fry</span>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<div class='footnote' id='f2'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. </span>It has been hitherto the custom to withhold these from the -female convict ships.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f3'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r3'>3</a>. </span>There ought to be at least one Bible for each mess.</p> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER II.<br /> <br /> <span class='large'>VOYAGE IN THE NEPTUNE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0 c005'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><em>List of the Crimes of the Male Convicts per the Neptune, 1817.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <th class='c014'></th> - <th class='c015'>Convicts.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Forgery</td> - <td class='c015'>8</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Housebreaking</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Robbery in a dwelling house</td> - <td class='c015'>3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing in a dwelling house</td> - <td class='c015'>10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Burglary</td> - <td class='c015'>28</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Highway robbery</td> - <td class='c015'>7</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Horse stealing</td> - <td class='c015'>8</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Felony</td> - <td class='c015'>44</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Sheep stealing</td> - <td class='c015'>7</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Cow stealing</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Frame breaking</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Desertion</td> - <td class='c015'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Assault and robbery</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Having forged notes</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing from a person</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing—various small thefts</td> - <td class='c015'>17</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Grand larceny</td> - <td class='c015'>10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Larceny</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Capital respite (one of these an infidel)</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Obtaining goods by false pretences</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Breaking out of prison</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Aiding in ditto</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'>Total</td> - <td class='c015'>170</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr><td class='c017' colspan='2'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span></td></tr> - <tr> - <th class='c014'></th> - <th class='c015'>Convicts.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Transported for life</td> - <td class='c015'>85</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Transported for fourteen years</td> - <td class='c015'>33</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Transported for seven years</td> - <td class='c015'>52</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'>Total</td> - <td class='c015'>170</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><em>Abstract View of Convicts as to Character.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <th class='c014'></th> - <th class='c015'>Convicts.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Bad character</td> - <td class='c015'>34</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Old offenders</td> - <td class='c015'>17</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Good</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Very bad character</td> - <td class='c015'>10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Orderly</td> - <td class='c015'>43</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Very orderly</td> - <td class='c015'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Indifferent</td> - <td class='c015'>4</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>An infidel</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>New prisoners not reported on, transported for life</td> - <td class='c015'>24</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>New prisoners not reported on, transported for 14 years</td> - <td class='c015'>10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Transported before</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Second sentence, orderly</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Belonging to a gang, bad</td> - <td class='c015'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Old thief, orderly</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Noted pickpockets, behaved well</td> - <td class='c015'>5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Behaved very well, convicts for felony</td> - <td class='c015'>4</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'>Total</td> - <td class='c015'>170</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='t34'></a> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>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 <em>Lady Shore</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>La Plata</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Instances too have been mentioned, in which some -have risen <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en masse</span></i> 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 <em>Janus</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>order, if possible, in their management, prepare -their minds for that moral change which was materially -in view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<em>Thais</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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. <span class='sc'>Price</span> 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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span><em>Regulations.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - - <dl class='dl_1'> - <dt>I.—</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - <dt>II.—</dt> - <dd>You are to be respectful and obedient at all times to the officer and guards. - </dd> - <dt>III.—</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - <dt>IV.—</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - <dt>V.—</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - <dt>VI.—</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - <dt>N.B.</dt> - <dd>Any one found defacing or destroying these rules will be punished severely. - </dd> - </dl> -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c000'>Copies of the above were placed in conspicuous parts -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Retribution</em> -Hulk at Sheerness, and, after divine service, delivered -an exhortation which very much affected the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<em>alarm</em> it excited at the time.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“1818. <em>January</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>of any mischief having been meditated. At 4 -<span class='fss'>P. M.</span> half a pint of wine was served to each convict, -and in the evening I read them one of <em>Blair’s</em> sermons, -at which the Master and some of the officers -attended, during which the utmost regularity and attention -prevailed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<em>having the duties of religion frequently and invariably -performed</em>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This occasional resorting to punishment was shown, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“1818. <em>January</em> 25th.—Mustered the convicts’ -clothing, &c., and those who were not dressed clean -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>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 -<em>Waterson</em> (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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About noon on the 24th of February, I heard Serjeant -<em>Bisset</em> (one of the troops) complaining to Captain Carns -of some foul language which he said one of the sailors -(<em>Wraite</em>) 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 <em>Anderson</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Bunney</em>, commanding -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>the troops, peace was at length restored, and -all attempts at violence completely suppressed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As this appears to me matter of much concern to -the mercantile and shipping interest, and as it involves -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>per -diem</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>to withhold this favour at discretion, or, in the sailor’s -phrase, “to stop his grog,” in case of neglect or disobedience.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>taken <em>care</em> of in the same way, and the effects may be -easily foreseen.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>February</em> 4th.—At 8 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>March</em> 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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>March</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>having no employment</em>, and influenced -by drink, have too much leisure to indulge in licentiousness; -disorderly quarrels must be the constant -and inevitable consequence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>April</em> 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 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many of the convicts continued sickly, and afflicted -with chronic diseases, which were often aggravated by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On approaching the Cape of Good Hope, I was -agreeably surprised by a request, very respectfully made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>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.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>“On board the Neptune,</div> - <div class='line'>Cape of Good Hope, March 3, 1818.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span class='sc'>My Lord</span>,</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>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</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in10'>“Your Lordship’s</div> - <div class='line'>“Most obedient and truly devoted servants.”</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in13'>(<em>Signed by one hundred and seventy.</em>)</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“To the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Sidmouth,</div> - <div class='line in12'>Secretary of State, &c.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>of the prisoners, the relation, taken from the journal -in the precise manner in which the transaction passed, -is here introduced.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>March</em> 5th.—At 11 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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 <em>seeing</em> 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 <em>groom</em> and his <em>jockey</em> 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?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>sixteen convicts</em> who had escaped from -New South Wales, in the <em>Harriet</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>March</em> 6th.—At half past six this morning the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>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 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>March</em> 7th.—At half past 10 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>“<em>March</em> 8th.—Several carpenters from the shore -employed in building a bulk-head in the prison. At -10 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>March</em> 11th.—At half past 10 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span>, 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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, <em>harsh</em>. 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>These sixteen men having escaped from New South -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>power, at the seat of government, as to weigh down -against every other?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -“<em>positive</em>” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>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 “<em>were all the prisoners to die, he would be -answerable for the consequences</em>.” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boys had made a considerable advancement in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>“On board the Neptune,</div> - <div class='line'>“Sydney Cove, 8th May, 1818.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span class='sc'>Sir</span>,</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>“Being now safely arrived, through the merciful dispensation -of an all-wise Providence, at the place of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>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,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Your ever obliged and grateful servants.”</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in8'>(<em>Signed by one hundred and eighty six.</em>)</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>“To Mr. Thomas Reid,</div> - <div class='line'>“Surgeon and Superintendent.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>Shortly after the arrival of the ship, Mr. Secretary -<em>Campbell</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His Excellency was pleased to express his opinion -of this voyage in the following terms, which he wrote -himself in my journal.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I have perused with peculiar interest and satisfaction -the foregoing journal of Thomas Reid, Esq., -Surgeon and Superintendent of the Neptune male -convict ship.”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>(Signed) “<span class='sc'>L. Macquarie.</span>”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>“Government House, Sydney,</div> - <div class='line'>“New South Wales, 6 June, 1818.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>I should deem myself to act most unworthily, did -I not here declare my obligations to Governor -<span class='sc'>Macquarie</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>also was unfortunately carried away during -the awful visitation of that storm.—The recollection -of this misfortune always brings distressing -thoughts to my mind.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r4' /><a href='#f4' class='c006'><sup>[4]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span class='sc'>Gentlemen</span>,</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“London, 3rd September, 1819.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“<em>First</em>:—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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>it is allowed a certain quantity from the hour of its -birth<a id='r5' /><a href='#f5' class='c006'><sup>[5]</sup></a>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“<em>Secondly</em>:—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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>strict observance of it would in the end spare -him a great deal of trouble, and save many lives.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“<em>Thirdly</em>:—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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“<em>Fourthly</em>;—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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“<em>Fifthly</em>:—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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“I have the honour to be, &c.</div> - <div class='line in9'>(Signed) “<span class='sc'>Thomas Reid</span>,</div> - <div class='line in11'>“Surgeon and Superintendent.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>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:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.”</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<div class='footnote' id='f4'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r4'>4</a>. </span>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 <em>they</em> -could grant was, to order the value of my surgical instruments to -be paid; which they did most readily.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f5'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r5'>5</a>. </span>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.</p> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER III.<br /> <br /> <span class='large'>VOYAGE IN THE MORLEY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0 c005'>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. <span class='sc'>Fry</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>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 <span class='sc'>T. Byam -Martin</span>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The <em>Morley</em>, 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. <span class='sc'>Pryor</span> and Miss <span class='sc'>Saunderson</span>, -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 <span class='sc'>Young</span>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>security</em> was therefore entirely lost -sight of.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Galleons Reach</em>, until her complement should be -received, convicts having been ordered to be forwarded -thither from several prisons in England and Scotland.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Home Department</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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. <span class='sc'>Wilkinson</span> -of <em>Clapham Common</em>, <span class='sc'>Robert Marsden</span> of <em>Doughty -Street</em>, Esq., and <span class='sc'>J. L. Nicholas</span> of <em>Southampton -Row</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>of their contents, have given ample proof of their grateful -sense of the favours thus conferred<a id='r6' /><a href='#f6' class='c006'><sup>[6]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In consequence of this mode of detail, there will -doubtless appear many instances of repetition, nor can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><em>Regulations.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>the <em>Surgeon Superintendent</em> has drawn up the -following regulations, which must be most strictly observed.</p> - - <dl class='dl_1'> - <dt>I.—</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - <dt>II.—</dt> - <dd>Cursing and swearing,—obscene and indecent language,—fighting and quarrelling,—as such - practices tend to dishonour <span class='sc'>God’s</span> holy name, and corrupt good - manners, will incur the displeasure of the Surgeon Superintendent, and be visited with - punishment and disgrace. - </dd> - <dt>III.—</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - <dt>IV.—</dt> - <dd>The monitors are particularly enjoined the utmost vigilance in taking care that nothing - disorderly shall appear among the members of their respective messes. - </dd> - <dt>V.—</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - <dt>VI.—</dt> - <dd>A proper reserve towards the sailors will be held indispensable, and all intercourse with - them must be avoided as much as possible. - </dd> - <dt>VII.—</dt> - <dd>A daily account will be kept, and a faithful report made to His Excellency the Governor - of New <span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>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 <em>Surgeon Superintendent</em> pledges to use his utmost - effort to get every one settled in a comfortable manner whose behaviour shall merit such - friendly interference. - </dd> - <dt>N. B.</dt> - <dd>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. - </dd> - </dl> -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<table class='table2' summary=''> - <tr><td class='c017' colspan='2'><em>Crimes.</em></td></tr> - <tr> - <th class='c014'></th> - <th class='c015'>Convicts.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Burglary</td> - <td class='c015'>4</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Grand larceny</td> - <td class='c015'>8</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Petit</span> larceny</td> - <td class='c015'>11</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Felony</td> - <td class='c015'>3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing in a dwelling house</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing furniture</td> - <td class='c015'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>Stealing from the person</td> - <td class='c015'>7</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing a watch</td> - <td class='c015'>3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing linen</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing cheese</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing sheets</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing earthenware</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing wheat</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing two pieces of carpet</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Stealing a purse and money</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Sheep stealing</td> - <td class='c015'>3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Shop-lifting</td> - <td class='c015'>10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Forged notes</td> - <td class='c015'>41</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Receiving stolen goods</td> - <td class='c015'>10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Highway robbery</td> - <td class='c015'>5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Robbing her employers</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'>Total</td> - <td class='c015'>121</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c017' colspan='2'><em>Characters.</em></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Good</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Bad</td> - <td class='c015'>61</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Not known</td> - <td class='c015'>17</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Old offenders</td> - <td class='c015'>9</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Three times in custody on charges of felony</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Common utterers of forged notes</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Disorderly characters</td> - <td class='c015'>7</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Fifth conviction</td> - <td class='c015'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Kept houses of bad fame</td> - <td class='c015'>5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Second offence</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Fifth offence</td> - <td class='c015'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Confirmed thieves</td> - <td class='c015'>5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'>Total</td> - <td class='c015'>121</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'> </td> - <td class='c015'>———</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>Several of those ill-fated creatures had been capitally -respited; <em>twenty-three</em> were sentenced to transportation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>for life; <em>fifty</em> for fourteen, and <em>forty eight</em> for -seven years.</p> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c000'>“1820. <em>March</em> 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<a id='r7' /><a href='#f7' class='c006'><sup>[7]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>April</em> 12th.—Cast off the moorings and dropped -down to Galleons Reach.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>21st.—Seven convicts were brought, at 5 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span>, -from Horsemonger-lane, who were disposed of in -messes along with the former, and the proper attention -in every other respect paid them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>22nd.—Two prisoners arrived from the county gaol -of Kent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>24th.—At 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c020'>ADDRESS.</h3> - -<p class='c021'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>I trust there is no need of employing arguments to -prove that vicious conduct invariably leads to disgrace -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>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<a id='t105'></a> filled with grateful admiration of -the divine attributes? In the xith chap. of St. Matthew, -28th verse, we hear this most consoling invitation, -“<em>Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy -laden, and I will give you rest</em>.” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Repentance</em>. 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>by mockery and external show; “<em>A sacrifice to God -is that of an humble and a contrite heart</em>;” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 “<em>None who come unto Christ will he in any -wise cast out</em><a id='r8' /><a href='#f8' class='c006'><sup>[8]</sup></a>.” 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>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!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r9' /><a href='#f9' class='c006'><sup>[9]</sup></a>.” We -have, moreover, the divine authority that our efforts -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>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<a id='r10' /><a href='#f10' class='c006'><sup>[10]</sup></a>.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>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:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>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<a id='r11' /><a href='#f11' class='c006'><sup>[11]</sup></a>?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r12' /><a href='#f12' class='c006'><sup>[12]</sup></a>.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>prostitution</em>, a crime -the enormity of which it is painful to explain, but which, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>it must be obvious, is peculiarly reprehensible and -disgraceful to any one in your present unhappy situation, -and of which, I trust, you all <em>now</em> 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<a id='r13' /><a href='#f13' class='c006'><sup>[13]</sup></a>.” “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<a id='r14' /><a href='#f14' class='c006'><sup>[14]</sup></a>.” 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers -God will judge.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>last</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>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 <em>any</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To snatch from the overwhelming gulf of destruction -an unthinking, unrepenting fellow-being, is a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>strictly</em> recorded in the journal.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Thomas Reid.</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c000'>25th.—At noon this day Mrs. Pryor came on board; -and after expressing her regret for the disorderly conduct -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Two women from York were brought on board, and -a few minutes afterwards three more from Winchester.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At 6 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>27th.—Nothing can exceed the regularity that prevails -in the prison; not a whisper having been heard, -or any singing last night. At 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>manner in which this advice was communicated, -and promised solemnly that I should not again have -occasion to reprove them upon the same subject.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>the endeavours made to lead those deluded and -unfortunate women back to virtue.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>May</em> 1st.—About 10 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About 4 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> Mr. <span class='sc'>Capper</span> paid us a visit; and having -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>minutely inspected the prison, and conversed with -several of the prisoners, he expressed his entire approbation -of what he saw.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> Mrs. Pryor and Mrs. Coventry, accompanied -by the Solicitor to the Bank of England, -came on board. <em>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.</em> The -amount of the money thus gratuitously expended in -favour of the unhappy women, was two hundred and -five pounds sterling, there being <em>forty-one</em> persons at -this time sent out of the country for that offence alone.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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? -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>Is the offender moved to reformation by such -an inducement, or is the property of the donors rendered -more secure by their postliminious generosity?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>noticed in their outcast state, gave stronger evidence -of their feelings than could have been conveyed by the -most successful eloquence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About 2 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>7th.—This day passed in uninterrupted tranquillity, -and the utmost regard to good order was observable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>amongst the convicts. At 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>8th.—At 10 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>nor could it be considered at all complimentary, as -not one of them was present at the moment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>About 3 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>12th.—About 4 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>14th.—This day Mr. Capper paid a short visit at -the ship, to ascertain fully and finally the state of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>some measure the sanguine expectation I had formed -of keeping them out of mischief.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About half past 8 this morning, the Rev. Mr. <em>Reddall</em> -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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>20th.—At 3 this morning weighed anchor and proceeded -to Gravesend, where we arrived about 7 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> -The state of the convicts was steady and orderly until -about noon, when a <em>bum-boat</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Both the combatants were pinioned and confined; -at length tranquillity and order were restored, but for -a short time only. About 10 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>21st.—About 1 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>evening was forcibly reprehended, which I understand -excited unaffected feelings of shame and sorrow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>22nd.—Arrived in the Downs about 4 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span>, where -the pilot left us; and the wind being fair, we continued -our course under all possible sail.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>24th.—About 2 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>28th.—The weather is, if possible, still more severe -than before, and the wind has become contrary. At -11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>June</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But when allusion was made to the probability of -an eternal separation from kindred, friends, and home, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c020'>ADDRESS.</h3> - -<p class='c021'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r15' /><a href='#f15' class='c006'><sup>[15]</sup></a>. 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r16' /><a href='#f16' class='c006'><sup>[16]</sup></a>,” 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Who is so hardened in iniquity as to hear these -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>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<a id='r17' /><a href='#f17' class='c006'><sup>[17]</sup></a>.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r18' /><a href='#f18' class='c006'><sup>[18]</sup></a>;” 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>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<a id='r19' /><a href='#f19' class='c006'><sup>[19]</sup></a>: “A certain -man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard, and he -came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>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 <em>faith</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>not</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>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<a id='r20' /><a href='#f20' class='c006'><sup>[20]</sup></a>, “Search the -Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: -and they are they which testify of me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>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 <em>blessed Saviour</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>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—<em>every way lost</em>.” 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 <em>now</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>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.</p> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>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 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> the funeral service was read by -the Rev. Mr. Reddall, and the body of the child was -committed to the deep.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>11th.—At 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>that the great design of the <em>Ladies’ Committee</em> will be -crowned with complete success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>16th.—This day, about 11 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>giving the necessary commands for the management -of the ship, excited their terror and drove them -all below drenched with rain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A subsequent circumstance also persuaded me that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>important advantages in the guidance of every part of -their conduct, and have reason to hope the admonition -was not lost upon them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>of more regular behaviour in future. At noon -the prison, having been cleaned out as usual, was -sprinkled with vinegar.</p> - -<p class='c000'>21st.—This day was given to cleaning and fumigating -the prison. Being desirous to let the women -have the benefit of bathing, the <em>tub</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>23rd. Many of the women are attacked with inflammatory -fever.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>seemed generally to censure the conduct of the late -offenders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>July</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>15th.—Nothing of importance has occurred this -day. The weather having become more favourable, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>the convicts were employed in cleaning the decks of -the prison, and making themselves as comfortable as -possible.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>her behaviour, and frequently expresses anxious wishes -for her wicked husband’s reformation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>28th.—The behaviour of the prisoners continues -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>August</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>6th.—At the usual hour, this day, I read a sermon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sailors had contrived to effect a passage secretly -from their own <em>birth</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Thus</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>over them, further than as concerned their immediate -duty in the management of the ship: accordingly -I took my station below.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='t192'></a> outrage, -if the sailors <em>choose</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>15th.—The personal inconvenience to which I have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>that I was become weary of watching. “<em>There are -plenty of us to do it</em>,” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many of the prisoners had worked up the straw -and the other materials for industrious employment;—some -into decent bonnets for themselves,—others -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>of a letter, in the name of all the females from Newgate, -signed also by the penitents.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Morley, at Sea, Aug. 21, 1820.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span class='sc'>Honoured Sir</span>,</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“We venture to offer our most grateful thanks for -the goodness and care you have always shown to,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in12'>“Honoured Sir,</div> - <div class='line'>“Your penitent and unhappy servants.”</div> - <div class='line in21'>(Signed by seven.)</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>“Thomas Reid, Esq.</div> - <div class='line'>Surgeon, &c. Ship Morley.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span><em>this almost paper edifice</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sailors in appearance show less hostility than -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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. <span class='sc'>Fry</span>. 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>“Morley, at Sea, Aug. 28, 1820.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span class='sc'>Honoured Sir</span>,</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Honoured as we have thus been by you, and favoured -by your sympathizing distribution of those -comforts tenderly and humanely provided for us by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Your faithful and dutiful servants.”</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in11'>(<em>Signed by one hundred and twenty-one.</em>)</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“To Thomas Reid, Esq. Surgeon, &c.</div> - <div class='line in4'>From the female Convicts</div> - <div class='line in4'>on board the ship Morley.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>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 <span class='sc'>Hobart-Town</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Lieutenant Governor having returned, a constable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span><em>September</em> 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 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c020'>FAREWELL ADMONITION.</h3> - -<p class='c021'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This interesting little narrative presents to us one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>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<a id='r21' /><a href='#f21' class='c006'><sup>[21]</sup></a>, 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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.—<em>In the Christian religion there is no -composition, no arrangement, no trifling, no fluctuation, -no dalliance with duties, no deference to darling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>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.</em></p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r22' /><a href='#f22' class='c006'><sup>[22]</sup></a>.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That the assistance of the divine spirit is necessary -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>your minds, I hear the still small voice of conscience -answering for you, and whispering <em>No</em>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r23' /><a href='#f23' class='c006'><sup>[23]</sup></a>.” 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<a id='r24' /><a href='#f24' class='c006'><sup>[24]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Such reflections as these, are the certain attendants -on a life of sin whenever the mind is roused into action; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>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<a id='r25' /><a href='#f25' class='c006'><sup>[25]</sup></a>.” 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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>he meets adversity with the firmness of a -Christian, and the confidence of a son of God.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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. <em>Who among us shall dwell with the -devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting -burnings?</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, “<em>Fear God, -honour the King</em>;” and in the next verse, “<em>Servants, -be subject to your masters, with all fear; not only to -the good and gentle, but also to the froward</em>.” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>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<a id='r26' /><a href='#f26' class='c006'><sup>[26]</sup></a>:” 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<a id='r27' /><a href='#f27' class='c006'><sup>[27]</sup></a>.” 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<a id='r28' /><a href='#f28' class='c006'><sup>[28]</sup></a>.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>I think a few moments may here be profitably spent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>intend to offer a few brief observations, without any -further reference to the iniquitous source in which -they originate.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>city of the great king. Neither shalt thou swear by -thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white -or black<a id='r29' /><a href='#f29' class='c006'><sup>[29]</sup></a>.” 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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Let me advise you, my friends, to give the foregoing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the foregoing observations it has been my wish -to avoid deep or abstracted argument, and I have urged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It only remains for me to speak of the promise I -made to you at the commencement of the voyage, that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>an impartial account of your conduct, while under my -direction, would be given to the proper authorities under -which you are to be placed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>at this place</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>shall often think of you, and offer my humble but -sincere prayer to Heaven for your prosperity here, and -your happiness hereafter.</p> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About 2 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>2nd.—The last night, like the former, passed in -tranquillity, the sailors having made no further attempt:—this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Throughout the day I had frequent communication -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>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.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>“<span class='sc'>Van Diemen’s Land</span>,</div> - <div class='line'>Government House, Hobart Town,</div> - <div class='line in6'>September 2, 1820.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It appeared to me impossible to carry the branch -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>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.”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>(Signed) “<span class='sc'>Wm. Sorell</span>,</div> - <div class='line in4'>Lieutenant-Governor, Van Diemen’s Land.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>About 4 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> there arrived on board seven female -convicts belonging lately to the <em>Janus</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>the most favourable expectations, and even for ever set -an example of propriety to others in their situation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <span class='fss'>P. M.</span> the Naval Officer came on board, -and received the dispatches.</p> - -<p class='c000'>13th.—This morning the Morley anchored in the -Cove before Sydney.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>future duties. The sailors offer no annoyance further, -at least in any way which can be directly noticed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>security</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was then that they tasted in <em>full bitterness</em> the -consequences of their unfortunate departure from honest -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>18th.—At 10 <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c020'>OF THE SCHOOL ON BOARD.</h3> - -<p class='c021'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>every one of whom was under -ten years of age, and some not quite five</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>under proper cultivation, promised to make them distinguished -in future life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<em>all but one were from Newgate</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<div class='footnote' id='f6'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r6'>6</a>. </span>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 <span class='sc'>Wylde</span>, -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.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f7'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r7'>7</a>. </span>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.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f8'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r8'>8</a>. </span>John, chap. vi. 37th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f9'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r9'>9</a>. </span>Matthew, chap. xviii. 35th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f10'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r10'>10</a>. </span>Isaiah, chap. i. 18th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f11'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r11'>11</a>. </span>Ezekiel, chap. xxxiii. 11th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f12'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r12'>12</a>. </span>Romans, chap. viii. 18th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f13'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r13'>13</a>. </span>Matthew, chap. xv. 19th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f14'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r14'>14</a>. </span>1 Corinthians, chap. vi. 9th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f15'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r15'>15</a>. </span>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.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f16'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r16'>16</a>. </span>Hebrews, chapter ix. verse 27.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f17'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r17'>17</a>. </span>Luke, chap. xvi. 31st verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f18'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r18'>18</a>. </span>Mark, chap. ix. 44th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f19'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r19'>19</a>. </span>Luke, chap. xiii. 6th and 7th verses.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f20'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r20'>20</a>. </span>Chapter v. 39th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f21'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r21'>21</a>. </span>1 Corinth, chap. ii. verse 9.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f22'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r22'>22</a>. </span>Psalm iv. 4th verse.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f23'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r23'>23</a>. </span>Proverbs.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f24'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r24'>24</a>. </span>Daniel, chap. v. verse 5.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f25'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r25'>25</a>. </span>Isaiah, chap. lvii. verses 20, 21.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f26'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r26'>26</a>. </span>Galat. chap. vi. verse. 9.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f27'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r27'>27</a>. </span>2 Thess. chap. iii. verse 10.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f28'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r28'>28</a>. </span>Proverbs, chap. xiv. verse 23; ch. xiii. verse 4.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f29'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r29'>29</a>. </span>Matthew, chap. v. 34th verse, &c.</p> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER IV.<br /> <br /> <span class='large'>MANNER OF DISPOSING OF CONVICTS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0 c005'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>Surgeon Superintendent, and also a description of the -employment for which each prisoner is qualified.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>were conspicuous for excellent character, were left to -be transmitted to the Factory!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another circumstance, though of itself unimportant, -may be deemed worthy of notice, as throwing some -further light on those proceedings. A settler, named -<em>Cooper</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>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 -<em>on oath</em>; on which the prisoners were accordingly assigned -them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<em>they should soon get husbands</em>, and no doubt -do well.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>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 <em>marriage</em> is contracted -without difficulty or delay, doubtlessly very -much to the happiness of the female, as well as the -edification of the community!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>dragged down again into the turpid mire, and smoulders -in pollution!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The <em>Factory</em> is a square stone building of inconsiderable -dimension, having an upper story: here are -crowded all the workshops for converting the wool of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>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 <em>ordered</em> to be confined and -kept to hard labour: they are to sleep within it at night, -and are <em>supposed</em> to have no communication with any -one outside the walls. How well these orders and expectations -are fulfilled, may be seen hereafter.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It has just been stated, that females confined in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That this observation is lamentably true, may be -proved by reference to a recent instance, wherein two -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>I</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Rocks</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whatever religious or honest principles they may -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>transportation -to the Coal River</em>, 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 <em>flogging</em> is sometimes resorted to, and the infliction, -which may be ordered by any Magistrate on conviction, -seldom exceeds twenty-five lashes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For females, it is considered sufficiently severe to -confine them for a limited time to constant labour in -the <em>Factory</em> at Parramatta; but enough has been said -on that subject to satisfy that they can benefit but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>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 <em>Coal River</em>, 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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER V.<br /> <br /> <span class='large'>SITUATION AND DUTIES OF THE SURGEON SUPERINTENDENT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0 c005'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>the officers and seamen of the ships in which they -were embarked, we desire that you will take the most -particular care to <em>prevent</em> 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 <em>not</em>, under any pretence -whatever, <em>suffer</em> 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 <em>enforce</em> these regulations through the ship; when it -will be considered how far your conduct entitles you -to such gratuity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>medical gentlemen</em> -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>course of a voyage. The following statement, extracted -from Collins’s History of New South Wales, -is illustrative of this assertion.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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<em>l.</em> 7<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em> 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:</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <th class='c014'></th> - <th class='c016'>Men.</th> - <th class='c016'>Women.</th> - <th class='c022'>Children.</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>On board the Lady Juliana</td> - <td class='c023'>0</td> - <td class='c023'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>On board the Surprise</td> - <td class='c023'>42</td> - <td class='c023'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>On board the Scarborough</td> - <td class='c023'>68</td> - <td class='c023'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>On board the Neptune</td> - <td class='c023'>151</td> - <td class='c023'>11</td> - <td class='c015'>2</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>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 <em>sinecure</em>. -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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>forty nights</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>persuaded then that in so doing I should -have acted <em>legally</em>; 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 <em>Charybdis</em> on one hand, and <em>Scylla</em> on the other.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>by such consequences as leave him the inmate of a -prison.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r30' /><a href='#f30' class='c006'><sup>[30]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>I wish this observation not to be construed into an -insinuation against the honour or honesty of the Masters -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>degree made general, by necessity, has never been -considered disreputable.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>his guard, the Surgeon Superintendent in the same -ship enjoys the proud privilege of ministering to his -own wants.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>care</em> and -<em>management</em> 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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A military officer is ordered on board in command -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>faithfully</em> expended: but it is evident that -even this solemn testimony, although squaring with -every cautionary purpose for which it was originally -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<div class='footnote' id='f30'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r30'>30</a>. </span>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, <em>so severely felt in the Morley</em>, 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.</p> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER VI.<br /> <br /> <span class='large'>GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0 c005'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>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, -<em>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</em>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>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, <em>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</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is not from the impregnable structure of the prison -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='r31' /><a href='#f31' class='c006'><sup>[31]</sup></a>, I feel ambitious -to witness the general adoption of that, or any improvement -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The evil consequences to the colony, from this -abuse, are innumerable. The continual disturbance -of social connexions, and disregard of moral obligation, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the best information I was able to obtain, it -appears that the proportion of males to that of females -is somewhat above <em>six</em> to <em>one</em>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>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 <em>protector</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>honourably</em> acquired: -for these enormities, which depravity has made familiar, -even palliation is insolently attempted, and -that too on grounds sometimes unpardonably offensive -to decency.</p> - -<p class='c000'>I have heard men of reputed good sense and discrimination, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>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 <em>Ladies’ Committee</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>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 -<em>liberal</em> 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 <em>utility</em> described by <em>Hume</em>, or the -still more pernicious one of <em>general good</em> so strenuously -recommended by <em>Godwin</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The assertion, however, on which so much stress -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>not worse</em> -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 <em>seven</em> women who were permitted to accompany -the soldiers that formed the guard in the Neptune -in 1817, than amongst <em>all the female convicts</em> in -the Morley put together: nay, in stating this fact, I -feel<a id='t310'></a> that the latter are injured by being brought into -such a comparison.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>In a conversation on this subject at Van Diemen’s -Land with Doctor Bromley, who was Surgeon Superintendent -in the <em>Lord Wellington</em>, 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 <span class='sc'>Macquarie</span>, 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. <em>Fry</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>information from more direct and legitimate sources, -known to make successful efforts to learn to read and -write, without any assistance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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. <em>Cartwright</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>the -Honourable Judge-Advocate</em> <span class='sc'>Wylde</span>, in forming -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <span class='fss'>LIBERTY</span>, -or “<em>perfecting the new philosophy</em>.”—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 <em>law</em>, as if such enactments -could decide the truth of the case, death was declared -nothing but an eternal sleep. What an admirable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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 <em>educating the inferior orders</em> 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 <em>crime</em>, -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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>letter</em> or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Governor</em> -<span class='sc'>Macquarie</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>of necessity, for want of better, the execution of what -by them are thought <em>trifling</em> 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 <em>care</em> of the present -overseers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>Cow-pastures</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">depôt</span> for the well behaved only, whence the settler -<span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c020'>CONCLUSION.</h3> - -<p class='c021'>From the foregoing arguments, grounded on facts, -which I am satisfied are irrefutable, the following inferences -may be deduced:</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>First.</em>—If the object of transportation to New -South Wales be only the <em>punishment</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Secondly.</em>—In the case of Females, the <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">merited -quantum</span></i> of punishment is equally uncertain in its infliction, -though always excessively severe, owing to -their abandoned mode of life.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Lastly.</em>—But if the scope of transportation be, what -it <em>ought to be</em>,—the <em>reformation</em> 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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span> - <h2 class='c003'>APPENDIX.<br /> <br /> <span class='large'><em>Reflections on Seduction.</em></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Let any dispassionate and well regulated mind take -into active consideration the injury arising from the -commission of those crimes which the statutes denominate -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">petit</span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 “<i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">per quod servitium amisit</span></i>;” -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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>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 <span class='sc'>Magna Charta</span> -and the <span class='sc'>Bill of Rights</span>! 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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“——, May 15th, 1816.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“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!</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“—— F——.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The only regret I feel in giving these interesting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At fourteen, having read the whole of the classics, -he was already qualified for entering the university, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus was the noble faculty of reason disgracefully -sacrificed on the polluted altar of sensuality. In -<span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>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:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, <em>so worthy -of a philosopher</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 “<em>poor -indeed</em>.” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was the master-stroke of his plot. The proud -<span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>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 <em>medicinal</em> agency of this broker in -turpitude.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>cock-fight</em>. -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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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<a id='t335'></a> inserted here.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The conduct of W., from the unfortunate day I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>clouds gathering from every point threaten an -awful crisis to both fear and hope.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Despair seized on every heart, for the helm had -ceased to produce its wonted power in directing the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>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 -‘<em>She goes off</em>’, which was eagerly caught and repeated -by all.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Within a few feet of this fatal spot, the mangled -remains of him who had been destroyed by lightning -<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The winds were propitious, and the ship had a -speedy passage; but the pleasure he had promised himself -<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_346'>346</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dernier ressource</span></i>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span>apprehension of its contents, he could not muster resolution -sufficient to break the seal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>frowning from above—and the jaws of death and -hell extended wide, ready to receive me—and close -upon me for ever!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>important -nothings</em> which occupy so much of a rake’s -time, he applied to me with a mind and body both -wofully diseased.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>good</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_354'>354</span>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!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span>that society of which, had he made a right use of his -natural endowments, he would have been a distinguished -ornament.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The <em>honour</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span>notwithstanding his mode of life was so different -from the splendid hospitality which formerly rendered -this residence celebrated.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>privileged</em> -travellers represent that of the Upas tree.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span>and finally, that, if she could forgive him, he was ready -to marry her when and where she pleased.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span>and difficulty he experienced only tended to stimulate -him to greater exertions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In a few months he returned with her, and kept her -in his house, <em>a fine lady</em>, 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 <em>protect</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>procurers</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The junior partner had four sisters in the bloom of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span>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 <em>honourable</em> -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 “<em>dear friend</em>” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A duel the following morning was the consequence -<span class='pageno' id='Page_362'>362</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span>parched, burnt, and consumed.—O God! save me -from eternal death—for the sake and merits of thy -beloved son Jesus Christ. Amen.”</p> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c000'>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:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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 <em>middle</em> -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 <em>fairest</em> prospects of human felicity!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Like most beasts of prey, the seducer is not found -<span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>to be fond of a gregarious life, although conformity -to specific laws is indispensable. The principal of -these, the <em>law of honour</em>, is to be obeyed indeed -with scrupulous exactness. This law was first framed -by a number of these <em>elegant</em> monsters, who, without -having any settled or fixed design, merely as a -mark of distinction designated themselves “<em>men -of the world</em>,” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>law of honour</em>, 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 <em>a man of the world</em>. Vain thing! -how short-lived is his mad career!</p> - -<p class='c000'>His situation in the world very much resembles that -of a leaky ship in the middle of the ocean, without -<span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>refined</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>fine gentlemen</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span>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 -<em>fear</em> 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 “<em>honour</em>,” 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 <em>truly honourable</em> -family!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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—<em>prostitution</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span>the consideration that it admits of no reparation, -and can only terminate with the life of the wretched -sufferer.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>drugs</em>, 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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>There are cold-blooded mortals in the world, self-denominated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_376'>376</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>An able writer of deserved celebrity has well observed, -that “the confederacy amongst women of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_377'>377</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_378'>378</span>earliest periods of the world, those countries have always -been the greatest where the female character -was the most virtuous and unsullied.</p> - -<h3 class='c020'>PROSTITUTION.</h3> - -<p class='c021'>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 <em>prostitution</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_379'>379</span>of the heart-rending conflict of shame, want, and -misery!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_380'>380</span>feast, and cover her naked, shivering limbs with -decent dress, soon fairly enlists her under the banners -of <em>prostitution</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_381'>381</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_382'>382</span>necessity, and loses no chance of improving her present -harvest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>protegé</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_383'>383</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_384'>384</span>good sense to be blinded by seductive art, has been -obliged to tread in such a painful road of thorns, debasement -and affliction!</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_385'>385</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Endless as distressing would be the undertaking to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_386'>386</span>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 <em>seduction first led the way to guilt</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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—<em>granting to prostitutes legal licenses</em>!</p> - -<p class='c000'>The learned Doctor first endeavours to soften the -scruples of his timid readers by argument both speculative -<span class='pageno' id='Page_387'>387</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 <em>of inferior education -and vulgar prejudices</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_388'>388</span>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 ‘<em>Thus far -shall you go, and no further</em>?’” 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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_389'>389</span>too enervated to give birth to, much less sustain, any -of those noble virtues which only and irresistibly command -admiration.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Against the opposition which he expected would be -raised against his favourite plan, the Doctor urges “<i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Plus -apud me ratio valebit quam vulgi opinio</span></i>;” 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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>The introduction of Italian manners and customs -amongst our females, might certainly gratify the utmost -wish of <em>the man of the world</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_390'>390</span>which follows from the lamentable fact, that the degradation -of female chastity is, beyond all proportion, -greater in Italy than it is at home.</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But allowing the Doctor’s notion of the subject to -be correct, and admitting all the force of his political -maxim, “<i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Qui non vetat peccare cum possit, jubet</span></i>,”—still, -I think, it would be extremely difficult, and attended -with the utmost danger, to apply them to practice<a id='r32' /><a href='#f32' class='c006'><sup>[32]</sup></a>. -If the positive commands of God, and the awful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_391'>391</span>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?</p> - -<p class='c000'>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.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<div class='footnote' id='f31'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r31'>31</a>. </span>A Government order <em>now</em> exists, requiring the Surgeon Superintendent -of every convict ship to establish a school, and perform -divine worship regularly during the voyage.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f32'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r32'>32</a>. </span>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.</p> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c004'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Printed by R. and A. <span class='sc'>Taylor</span>.</div> - <div class='line in4'>Shoe Lane London.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_392'>392</span> - <h2 class='c003'>ERRATA.<a id='ERRATA'></a></h2> -</div> - -<table class='table2' summary='ERRATA'> - <tr> - <td class='c016'>Page</td> - <td class='c023'><a href='#Page_21'>21</a>,</td> - <td class='c016'>line</td> - <td class='c023'>7</td> - <td class='c024'>from bottom, for <em>banisheh</em> read <em>banished</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'> </td> - <td class='c023'><a href='#Page_67'>67</a>,</td> - <td class='c016'>line</td> - <td class='c023'>12</td> - <td class='c024'>from bottom, for <em>the many</em> read <em>them any</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'> </td> - <td class='c023'><a href='#Page_71'>71</a>,</td> - <td class='c016'>line</td> - <td class='c023'>12</td> - <td class='c024'>from top, for t<span class='fss'>A. M.</span> read <span class='fss'>A. M.</span> Same line for <em>weathe</em> read <em>weather</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'> </td> - <td class='c023'><a href='#Page_114'>114</a>,</td> - <td class='c016'>line</td> - <td class='c023'>9</td> - <td class='c024'>from top, for <em>human heart</em> read <em>human beast</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'> </td> - <td class='c023'><a href='#Page_241'>241</a>,</td> - <td class='c016'>line</td> - <td class='c023'>7</td> - <td class='c024'>for <span class='sc'>Sorrell</span> read <span class='sc'>Sorell</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'> </td> - <td class='c023'><a href='#Page_296'>296</a>,</td> - <td class='c016'>line</td> - <td class='c023'>14</td> - <td class='c024'>from bottom, for <em>th mmonness</em> read <em>the commonness</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c016'> </td> - <td class='c023'><a href='#Page_343'>343</a>,</td> - <td class='c016'>line</td> - <td class='c023'>1</td> - <td class='c024'>for <em>ha</em> read <em>had</em></td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='c025'><span class='sc'>December, 1822.</span><a id='end'></a></div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>NEW AND IMPORTANT WORKS,</div> - <div class='c002'>PUBLISHED BY</div> - <div class='c002'>LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN,</div> - <div class='c002'>LONDON.</div> - <div class='c004'>1.</div> - <div class='c002'>THE LOVES OF THE ANGELS.</div> - <div class='c002'>A POEM.</div> - <div class='c002'>By THOMAS MOORE.</div> - <div class='c002'>In 8vo.</div> - <div class='c004'>2.</div> - <div class='c002'><span class='sc'>ILLUSTRATIONS of Mr. MOORE’s LOVES of the ANGELS.</span></div> - <div class='c002'>From Designs by R. 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