TWO VOYAGES
TO
NEW SOUTH WALES
AND
VAN DIEMEN’S LAND,
WITH
A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THAT INTERESTING COLONY:
INCLUDING
FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO THE STATE AND MANAGEMENT
OF
CONVICTS OF BOTH SEXES.
ALSO
REFLECTIONS ON SEDUCTION
AND
ITS GENERAL CONSEQUENCES.
BY THOMAS REID,
MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN LONDON, AND SURGEON IN THE
ROYAL NAVY.
“He who thinks he sees many around him, whom he esteems and loves,
labouring under a fatal error, must have a cold heart, or a most
confined notion of benevolence, if he could withhold his endeavours to
set them right, from an apprehension of incurring the imputation of
officiousness.”-—WILBERFORCE.
London:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN,
PATERNOSTER-ROW.
1822.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO
MRS. ELIZABETH FRY.
_MADAM_,
_My late voyage in the Morley, female convict ship, having been
undertaken chiefly at your instance; an account of it could not with
propriety, in my opinion, be addressed to any person but yourself. A
faithful relation of every circumstance connected with the voyage has
rendered occasional mention of your name unavoidable, for which I have
to entreat your indulgence. In soliciting your protection to the
following pages, I am anxious to secure for them an attention and
respect which, perhaps, their own intrinsic merit could not justly
claim: of their object few are better qualified to judge than you are,
and certainly none will feel a livelier interest in promoting it._
_Much of your valuable time has been devoted to the cause of humanity;
and the results of your efforts, with those of your amiable coadjutors,
need no assistance from the journalist or historian to give them
durability; they live in the grateful hearts of those who were blest
with your salutary instructions: and from the solicitude evinced by many
of those unfortunate persons, as I have often seen, to impress this
feeling on the pliant minds of their children, it is not, I think,
presuming too much to say that it will be cultivated and cherished, in
distant parts of the world, by generations yet unborn._
_To appreciate duly the benevolent and happy labours of the LADIES’
COMMITTEE, one must have witnessed human misery in its pitiable
extremes; in all the pollution and loathsomeness of the licentious gaol;
and patiently contemplated the benign influence of moral precept,
meliorating such condition, as reflected in the melting heart and the
hallowed tear of the sincere penitent, retracing the devious path that
first led from innocence and peace._
_Admiration of that zeal which urged you, regardless of all personal
inconvenience, to explore the long neglected recesses of the friendless
prison; to awaken the minds of its forlorn inmates; to rouse the dormant
principles of virtue; to teach them to reflect;—and veneration for that
unwearied philanthropy which has lifted from despair so many drooping
hearts; impelled me to give your grand experiment a fair trial; to prove
how far the system of kindness and confidence, so auspiciously commenced
in Newgate, could be made to answer under other circumstances.
Accordingly, the measures employed in the Morley were, as nearly as
possible, the same as those used by the Committee; with what success, it
is not for me to determine. If however, it be found that my
observations, as detailed in the present volume, should contribute in
any degree to facilitate the truly Christian design of the Committee, it
will afford me lasting satisfaction to know that my endeavours have not
been in vain._
_I remain_,
_Madam_,
_Your faithful servant_,
_THOMAS REID._
INTRODUCTION.
The general state and condition of those unfortunate persons whose
crimes had brought them under the severe cognisance and judgement of the
laws, and whose lives only had been spared by the late happily
increasing liberality of modern opinion and feeling, have for a long
series of years occupied little public attention. Those, indeed, who
bestowed any thought at all upon the final treatment of convicts,
viewing the provision made for safely securing them on board of Hulks,
or within the walls of Houses of Correction, or having them afterwards
removed altogether to remote countries, thus restrained apart from
general society for a certain time, and so long withheld at least from
depredation, seem to have indulged with a degree of selfishness in the
idea of personal security only as affecting themselves, or at most as
extending to the other branches of the community. It seems to have
appeared to the minds of such people, quite generous enough that the
offender’s absolute wants were provided for, and that all was effected
when he was put out of the way of doing further harm: beyond that, the
condition of the convict was without consideration[1].
Who can fail to observe without pleasurable emotion and interest, that a
far different spirit is now stirring in the minds of mankind, and that
the times have become happily enlightened, not by the dissemination of
irreligious, under pretended philosophical principles, but in the
diffusion of Christian truth and knowledge? The present age will ever be
distinguished by the temperate, disinterested, and steady efforts made
to communicate to the great mass of the population the blessings of
Gospel instruction; and in the forcible example of persons in elevated
life, on every public occasion, attended with important advantages; and
under the auspices of some members of the present Administration, who
have lent the aid of power to this great undertaking, the
all-interesting cause of morality is firmly and rapidly advancing. It is
not for the writer of this, perhaps, to indulge in eulogium, though, in
the present instance, the cause would strongly invite to grateful and
liberal expression.
The same benevolence which shed a ray of celestial light over the poor
African’s horizon, has also held up the Gospel beacon to the benighted
sinner of its own climes, and forbidden despair. Mercy, commuting
capital punishment for transportation, had snatched the criminals from
the vengeance of the statute law; and it then became matter of inquiry,
whether imprisonment in Hulks, or Houses of Correction, or mere
transmission to distant colonies, was not the ultimate and only good,
which, in due regard to the permanent security of society, could be
fitly provided for those degraded and unhappy persons. But that wakeful
care which ever attends the proceedings of the truly good, sought out
with anxiety a further means of relieving their miserable condition; and
thus that useful employment on board the Hulks, and, latterly, a better
regulated management in the Houses of Correction, have originated and
tended to produce the present visible beneficial effects.
The societies for the propagation of the Scriptures, and of moral and
religious tracts, have opened the ready means of putting useful
publications into the hands of the prisoners, which have also so much
tended to soften down their obduracy, and generally to meliorate their
disposition and manners. The lot of the convicts meanwhile under
sentence of transportation was not quite so happy.
Cooped up in prison, waiting for the period at which they were to be
shipped off, these hapless creatures of either sex remained immersed in
all the turpid influence of that guilt which had brought them to such a
state, and still wholly occupied their minds. The listlessness of mind
resulting from their escape of capital punishment, the dreadful suspense
of death removed, and their poignant oscillations of hope and fear
subsided, produced a calm and satisfaction bordering on pleasure; and to
the unrestrained indulgence of this they freely gave way. But their
thoughts long inured in the ways of wickedness, and too willingly
withdrawn from reflection on their recent danger, presented no other
mental employment than again traversing in idea the schemes they had
practised, the gains they had successfully secured, and the merry scenes
which those guilty gains enabled them to enjoy. No friendly counsel was
near to hold up to their view the enormity of their crimes; even the
humane admonitions of the venerable judge who found relief in assigning
to their offences the mild punishment of transportation,—all was
forgotten where no sort of industrious employment was found to fill up
the wasteful vacuum of imprisonment till the time of their departure.
Their conversation and conduct became thus daily more depraved and
corrupt. The same inclination to riot and licentiousness continued
unabated, and in most instances seemed refined to a more subtle and
pernicious degree. The voice of admonition, if its warnings reached
them, was received with insult or contemptuous derision; and every means
and opportunity was sought for the indulgence of the wildest depravity.
The suggestion of religious reflection only excited impious raillery, or
blasphemous mockery; and in this polluted state did they remain
contaminating and corrupting each other, until the order from Government
ultimately came for their departure.
This was an event always desired by the keepers, yet in a certain degree
dreaded on account of the disorders which the convicts usually committed
on the occasion. It was their practice then to give a fling to all kinds
of frantic violence, tearing down every thing within their reach,
destroying their beds, breaking the prison windows, and with hideous
clamour effecting as much mischief as possible. Handcuffs and chains
became indispensable to restrain their fury; and thus secured they were
conveyed on board the transport ship, in a manner truly more like
ferocious wild beasts than human beings. This latter regulation was
invariably observed in male convict ships, and has never yet been
departed from. With regard to female convicts, the precaution of a
military guard was not thought necessary: yet, in some instances of
daring violence, it has been held out as a threat in case of continued
non-submission.
In the latter end of 1817, I received orders to take charge of the
_Neptune_, as Surgeon and Superintendent of the male convicts put on
board for transportation to New South Wales, and entered on the duties
of that situation immediately, though at the time fully aware of its
embarrassing and difficult nature. It was indeed generally known and
acknowledged, that a convict ship presented such constant scenes of
violence, and even systematic insubordination, that the management was
not without extreme hazard, while all idea of producing a moral change
amongst these unhappy beings was utterly hopeless. This, however, was
not a representation capable of causing me to shrink from the attempt: I
was strongly actuated by a desire to exert my humble endeavours to put
in practice a system which I had devised long before, for bettering the
condition of convicts generally; on which account I the more eagerly
acted upon the commands of Government.
On my return from this first voyage, I found a great many of my friends
and acquaintances anxious to obtain information respecting the general
management of convicts during transportation, which the opportunities of
ordinary conversation would not permit me fully to satisfy. Glad to
observe such interest evinced by persons whose opulence and well-known
worth must give weight and respectability to any cause they may espouse,
I determined that my humble mite should not be withheld, where the great
and desirable object in view was to meliorate the condition, and to
resuscitate the forgotten virtue, of wretched beings, for whom
philanthropists had long indulged in feelings of commiseration. I
therefore formed the resolution that, whatever inconvenience might arise
to my private affairs, from loss of time or otherwise, I would give to
the public all the information I had acquired on the subject.
My private representations on this subject having proved to the
satisfaction of all those of my friends who find pleasure in doing good,
and experience having furnished evidence abundantly, that even convicts
are not dead to the feelings of gratitude, or destitute of many other
estimable qualities, evincing that vice has not always an indissoluble
tie upon the heart, I was very warmly urged to try what could be done
towards improving the deplorable condition of _female_ convicts. To this
solicitation I consented with the less reluctance, as it would afford
the best opportunity of proving unequivocally, to what extent hope might
be indulged as to the possibility, from due exertion, of lessening the
wretchedness of their lot, and allowing them to become again useful in
society. I was influenced also by a desire thus to have the ability of
gratifying the promoters of this design, with an impartial account of
the management of female as well as male convicts. For this reason only
was the account of the former voyage deferred, in order that both might
appear together before the public, faithfully, in an associated view.
The success which happily attended the measures employed in the Neptune,
was sufficiently encouraging to induce me to give a full trial how far a
similar system might avail with the females, under such modifications as
a regard to their sex, and attention to occasional circumstances, might
render necessary. For several years my thoughts had been directed to
every investigation that could contribute to the stock of information
previously acquired, and consequently assist in the development of
vicious principle in some of its most powerful and mischievous
ramifications, to be enabled thus possibly to trace it step by step to
its primary source. The results of some of these inquiries appeared to
me important; and I thought their connexion with the present subject so
close, that its interest would be lessened had they all been suppressed.
These considerations have led to discussions which at first sight may
seem extraneous or irrelevant, such as _Seduction_, &c.; but I hope, on
reflection, the present arrangement will not be found objectionable.
I had been very early in life impressed with the conviction that the
bountiful hand of the Creator implants in the mind of man the seeds of
virtue, which seldom totally perish during his lifetime, although they
may remain long unproductive: an experience of the world more than
commonly extensive, perhaps, has every day tended to confirm the
justness of that conviction. This position I have always considered as
involving a question of the first interest to society, whether it be
taken in a moral, political, or philosophical point of view; and I hope
it is not arrogating too much to say, that the opportunities I have had,
opportunities not unimproved, of making observations, give me a claim to
form an opinion not wholly without authority.
In the authenticity of the sources whence my information has been
derived, and the identity of facts as occurring in real life, thus
following with the observations from actual experience, the peculiar
merit of the following pages consists, if indeed any merit shall be
allowed them. It would afford but little interest to know the
difficulties by which I was surrounded, and the many distressing
feelings by which I was harassed, during the composition. I may,
however, obtain some indulgence from the liberal-minded, by stating, as
I can with great truth, that my time was almost incessantly occupied in
attendance to professional duties and the avocations of superintendence,
with many intervening hours of painful indisposition, and other
unavoidable circumstances, during the voyage, by which my thoughts were
distracted and attention diverted. The haste with which I was often
obliged to write, or lose the impressions of the occasion, leaves me
little hope but that incorrectness of style, with rough and inartificial
periods, will be exposed occasionally. I beg, however, that it may be
distinctly understood, that my opinions have, at least, not been formed
from crude, superficial, or transient observation; but, on the contrary,
are grounded on due application of patient reflection and laborious
determination.
Although it may appear that advantage has been taken of the thoughts of
some eminent authors, yet it can by no means be admitted that the
present work is the offspring of a library. Any one acquainted with the
space allotted for the Surgeon’s use in a small convict ship, must know
the impossibility of having books of reference always at hand; and even
had this want not existed, my time would not allow of consulting them.
Many of the quotations are from memory,—some, indeed, of very distant
recollection. I am sensible that critical vigilance may find abundant
materials for animadversion: nor do I wish that the reader should glance
superficially over it; on the contrary, a hope is indulged, that the
candid critic will examine its principles minutely, and point out its
errors. The frequent mention made of myself, and the introduction of
letters written by the convicts of whom I had charge, will incur,
perhaps too justly, the imputation of vanity and egotism;—the coarseness
of description necessarily used in the sketches made of crime from
actual observation, may be censured as improper in a work addressed to a
lady;—and the journal will exhibit numerous instances of repetition of
the subject; of these objections I was fully aware at the time of
writing, but found them unavoidable. I had pledged myself to record
facts exactly as they occurred, without decoration or disguise; and in
no instance has truth been sacrificed to courtesy or private feeling.
To promote the happiness both temporal and eternal of an unfortunate
portion of the community,—a class too long neglected,—is my only aim. In
the management of convicts I am not wedded to any particular system; I
have described that which at present appears to me preferable, and I
believe I may fairly consider it my own, no other, so far as I know,
having been proposed or acted on before: but if any one will bring
forward a better, so far from regarding him with an eye of jealousy as a
rival, I shall hail him as a fellow-labourer, a benefactor, and a
friend.
Without further trespassing on the reader’s patience, the following
sheets are now submitted, with all due deference, to public revision. My
object is to excite inquiry, and draw to the subject the attention of
those who can command the means of redressing the evils pointed out, a
task which every good man, surely, will consider of vital importance to
the morals and happiness of the community. Animated with a wish only to
be useful in the humble station in which it has pleased Providence to
place me, I shall thankfully acknowledge such improvements as the more
extended experience of the benevolent, intelligent, and liberal may
henceforth enable them to communicate.
Vigo Lane, Dec. 1821.
-----
Footnote 1:
As there appears a strong coincidence between this opinion and one
expressed in the preface to the “Rules for the Government of Gaols,” I
beg leave to add an extract from that excellent publication, which
appeared in 1820, but had not been seen by me until long after the
above was written. “It must be apparent to all who have directed their
attention to this subject, that the system of Prison Discipline too
generally prevalent in England was confined to a single object, the
safe custody of the prisoner; and to one method of accomplishing that
object, severe and sometimes unnecessary coercion: if the prisoner
could be retained within the walls of a gaol by bars, by chains, or by
subterraneous and unventilated dungeons, by the use of any rigour or
privation, this plan, aiming only at his personal security, was deemed
sufficient: the possibility of reforming the criminal seems never to
have been contemplated; no rule was in force, no arrangement existed,
which could be referred to such a purpose: the attempt to disengage
the culprit from long formed habits of vice, and to rekindle in his
breast the latent sparks of virtue, were schemes known indeed by the
writings of Howard, but generally regarded as the visionary efforts of
an excessive philanthropy.”
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
ON TRANSPORTATION.
Capital punishment, 1. Royal mercy, 2. Origin of transportation,
3. Convicts become settlers in America,—American Revolution, 4.
Hulks and houses of correction instituted, 5. First expedition to
New South Wales, 6. Colony established, 7. Progressive
arrangements, 8. Judicious regulations, 9. Encouragement to
convicts,—crimes often committed for the purpose of getting
transported, 10. Convicts liberally fed and clothed during the
voyage, 11. Victualling scheme, 12. Prison sufficiently roomy, 13.
Extra stores, 14. Hospital furniture, 15. Articles of comfort in
female ships, 16. Clothing and books provided for children, 17.
Military guard allowed too much spirits, 18. Scheme for
victualling guard, 19. Convicts’ regret on leaving the ship, 20.
Arrangements for juvenile offenders, 21. Efforts to reform them,
22. Many of them grossly ignorant, 23. Effects of previous
idleness, 24. Employment considered, 25. Probability of mutiny
among convicts considered, 26. Their gratitude and attachment, 27.
Ladies’ Committee, 28. Their humane attention to prisoners, 29.
School established, 30.
CHAPTER II.
VOYAGE IN THE NEPTUNE.
Influence of moral principle, 31. Abstract view of the Convicts’
crimes and characters, 33. Convicts considered irreclaimable, 34.
Mutiny in a male convict ship, 35. Insubordination among females,
36. Repentance and reformation, how and when to be aimed at, 37.
Regulations, 39. System of management commenced, 40. False alarm
of the convicts rising, 41. Religious worship, its apparent
effects, 42. Punishment inflicted, 43. Prisoners reconciled to
their banishment, 44. A school formed for young offenders, 45.
Their progress in learning, 47. Inherent love of liberty, 48.
Refractory conduct of a sailor, 49. Laws respecting seamen, 51.
Relative situation of the guards and prisoners, 52. Soldiers
intoxicated, 53. Conduct of their wives, 54. Quarrel between the
guards and sailors, 56. Bad behaviour of a convict, 59. Allowance
of spirits to the guard recommended to be reduced, 60. Women and
children to have none, 61. Improvement among the boys, 62. The
convicts generally behave well, 63. Their letter to Lord SIDMOUTH,
64. Two mutinous seamen discharged, 67. Interview with Lord
CHARLES SOMERSET, 68. Interview with the _Deputy Colonial
Secretary_, 69. _Agent for Transports_ visits the _Neptune_, 70.
Sixteen convicts are embarked, 71. Apprehensions of disease from
this increased number, 72. Official application not noticed, 74.
Precautions to prevent communication between the new and old
prisoners, 75. The latter generously share their wine with the
former, 76. Prisoners express their gratitude for being kindly
treated, 77. Neptune’s arrival at Sydney; the convicts write a
letter, 79. Governor MACQUARIE’S opinion of the voyage, 80.
Observations in the colony, 81. Departure with dispatches, 82.
Loss sustained by a hurricane, 83. Return to England,—letter to
Navy Board, 84.
CHAPTER III.
VOYAGE IN THE MORLEY.
Mrs. FRY’S exertions, 93. Visit to the Morley, 94. Arrangements
for a school, 95. Religious books liberally supplied, 96.
Regulations, 98. Crimes, 100. Characters, 101. Sentence, 102.
Address, 103. Mrs. PRYOR visits the convicts, 116. Application to
the Secretary of State to permit a convict’s child, above the
regular age, to be embarked; which is granted, 118. Convicts
appear too familiar with the sailors, 119. Some of the convicts
behave ill, 120. Captain YOUNG visits the ship, 122. Mr. CAPPER’S
visit, 123. Bank Solicitor gives five pounds to every woman under
sentence for forged notes, 124. The Keeper of Newgate gives half a
crown to each convict from that prison, 126. Mrs. FRY visits the
ship, and admonishes the prisoners, 127. Improved behaviour of the
prisoners, 128. Two ladies and a gentleman visit a young prisoner,
to whom they give good advice, 129. Their perilous situation after
leaving the ship, 130. Three invalid females removed by order of
the Navy Board, 131. Dispatches and sailing-orders arrive; riotous
behaviour of some of the convicts, 132. Morley sails, 133. Arrives
in the Downs, where the pilot leaves her, 134. Boisterous weather,
135. Address to the convicts after leaving their native country,
138. They request permission to copy it, 156. Death and interment
of two convicts’ children, 157. Feelings of the convicts during a
violent squall, 159. Inflammatory fever appears among the
prisoners, 164. A quarrel, 165. Death of a convict’s child, 166.
Great improvement in a convict, produced by employment, 168. Two
old enemies become reconciled, 171. Sailors attempt to break into
the prison, 172. They threaten to murder one of the women, 173.
Captain BROWN remonstrates with them, 174. They make another
effort to communicate with the women, 175. First prize won, 177.
Continued impropriety of the sailors, 179. Second and third prizes
won, 182. A violent quarrel between two women, 184. The sailors
open a passage into the prison, 187. Exertions of Captain BROWN to
discover and defeat their purpose, 189. They behave with more
caution, 190. Conduct of the chief officer, 191. Capt. BROWN
musters the refractory sailors, and admonishes them, 193. Effects
of keeping watch in the prison, 195. Cooking prevented by rough
weather, 196. Conduct of the prisoners from Newgate, 198. A
letter, 199. Injury done to the prison, 201. A sermon read by the
Rev. Mr. REDDALL, 203. A letter from the convicts, 204. Arrival at
Van Diemen’s Land, 205. The sailors get four females out of the
prison, 207. The Lieutenant Governor visits the ship, 207. A
police magistrate and military guard sent on board, 208. Farewell
admonition, 210. Humane attention of the Lieutenant Governor to
the convicts, 238. Fifty convicts landed, 239. Lieutenant
Governor’s certificate, 240. Seven women sent on board the Morley
to be conveyed to the Factory at Parramatta on account of bad
conduct, 241. Departure from Hobart-Town, 242. The seven females
behave well, and receive encouragement, 243. Arrival at Sydney,
245. His Excellency the GOVERNOR and the Honourable COMMISSIONER
OF INQUIRY visit the Morley, and inspect the convicts, 246.
Convicts are mustered, 247. Progress of the school on board, 248.
CHAPTER IV.
MANNER OF DISPOSING OF CONVICTS.
The principal Superintendent takes charge of the prisoners, 251.
His extensive knowledge, 252. The manner in which the duties of
his office are discharged, 253. Convicts readily form connections,
254. Persons of indifferent character chosen to act as turnkeys,
256. Public-houses too numerous, 257. Convicts’ reception at the
Factory, 258. Want of order in that establishment, 259. Two women
sent back to England, being too bad to remain in the colony, 262.
Proposed marriage of a female, 264. Reduced number of
public-houses, 266. Little hope of reformation, 268. Manner of
disposing of male convicts, and their general condition, 270. Want
of regulation in the barrack, 273. Convicts purchase their liberty
from their masters, 275. Punishment, 276.
CHAPTER V.
SITUATION AND DUTIES OF THE SURGEON SUPERINTENDENT.
Government contract for the conveyance of convicts, 278. Former
manner compared with the present, 281. Difficulty of managing
convicts, 283. Surgeon Superintendent unsupported, 284. His
numerous duties, 285. Obstacles opposed to his return after
landing the convicts, 287. Character of the commanders and medical
men in convict ships, 289. The Surgeon Superintendent not allowed
a servant, 290. Liability to disagreement between him, the Master,
and military officer, 291.
CHAPTER VI.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
Proposed alteration in prisons, 294. Other opinions, 295. Moral
instruction hitherto neglected, 296. State of female prisons
further considered: possibility of reformation contended for, 299.
Behaviour of the prisoners in the colony, who went out in the
Neptune, 301. Employment recommended, 303. Check to population,
304. Proportion of males to females, 305. Unhappy connexions often
formed, 306. The assertion that women from Newgate behave worse
than those from other prisons, examined, 307. State of the rising
generation, 311. Formation of Bible and other useful Institutions,
313. Cursory view of the French revolution, 314. Early education
recommended, 316. Devotedness of Governor MACQUARIE to the welfare
of the colony, 317. Inaptitude of the Factory establishment to the
reformation of its wretched tenants, 318. Alterations suggested,
319. CONCLUSION, 320.
APPENDIX.
REFLECTIONS ON SEDUCTION.
Influence of the British Constitution, 321. The characters of a
felon and seducer, compared, 323. The history of a seducer, from
real life, 326. His birth and prospective talent, 328. Education,
329. Character of his travelling companion, 330. Exploits in
Paris, 331. Occurrences in Bourdeaux, 333. Journey to Marseilles
and Toulon, 336. Thence to Naples, 337. Description of a
hurricane, 338. Lands at Leghorn, 341. Visits Naples; returns to
England; and is about to be married, 342. Excessive grief
occasioned by the death of a friend, 344. Goes to London, and
thence to Scotland, 345. His father’s death, 349. Interview with
his mother, 350. Base attempt, 352. Change of disposition, 354.
Extreme misery, 355. Extravagant conduct, 357. Elopement with a
young lady, 361. His dying moments, 362. Law of honour and men of
the world, 364. The seducer’s character further sketched, 366.
Sufferings of unhappy women, 370. Murder sometimes committed, 371.
The victim of seduction generally abandoned, 372. Notorious rakes
received and countenanced in society, 377. Prostitution an
inevitable consequence, 378. Waste of happiness, 380. Remedy
proposed by Doctor COLQUHOUN, examined, 386. State of morals in
Holland, Italy, and India, 388.
TWO VOYAGES
TO
NEW SOUTH WALES,
_&c._
CHAPTER I.
ON TRANSPORTATION.
The frequency of capital punishment in this country has long excited a
general feeling of abhorrence, not merely from the removal of a
malefactor from the stage of life, but the distress produced in the
display of a scene relieving the unfortunate sufferer from worldly
troubles, yet leaving a too painful impression on the mind of the
spectator. There is a hallowed reverence thrown around the grave of even
the hardiest offender whose crimes have been expiated by his death. The
execution of his sentence protects not only against insult and
upbraiding, but also secures a degree of pity for his sad condition. But
when the Royal mercy, expunging the severe sentence of the law, and
obliterating the obnoxious record, bids the wretch to live and “sin no
more,” all the more pleasing ideas arising from seeing him restored to
society and alienated from crime, are indulged by the humane. Hence
arose a question of solicitude, whether the offender might not be made,
in all possible cases, some way useful to society, or at least have the
chance of effecting some expiation; thus securing to him the means of
amendment in this life, and the hope of future mercy by a sincere
repentance and sorrow for his past crimes.
In the place of Death, the punishment of Transportation to remote lands
under the dominion of the British Government, at first to North America,
and subsequently to New South Wales, was adopted. To these places of
banishment all persons were sent whose sentence had been commuted from
death for transportation, as next in degree of severity in the criminal
code, which (in happy as absolute rejection of all barbarous refinement
in punishment) admitted no middle term between actual removal of the
offender in loss of life, and the political annihilation of all his
rights as a member of the state, for the term of his natural life, or a
determinate period, during which, consequently, his services were to be
useless but to the Crown or its assigns; and his condition, therefore,
and its comfort altogether independent of his own arbitrament and
volition.
The convict was thus torn from every tie of relationship; and as even
the depraved have their kindred affinities and private affections
softened by some of the endearments of life, the separation rendered the
fulfilment of the sentence painful, and in this respect satisfied one
intention of the law. Indeed the very worst offender seems not so
divested of the character of humanity, but that the possession of life
is still held by some link of nature to him of strong association.
The transport with which the condemned malefactor receives the reprieve
or the news of pardon, proves the estimation in which he holds life, not
more on his own account, than as it concerns his future hopes of
benefiting his children or relations. With what rapturous emotion must
the robber feel his bosom swell, when informed that his pardon was given
because the life of the person he had robbed was spared!—that because in
the career of his maddening plunder, whilst with one hand he grasped the
purse, and with the other the devoted throat of his unresisting victim,
a sudden thought of his own little ones flashed across his brain, and
made him cast away the deadly pistol!—Grateful for the extension of
life, one cannot but think he will carry with him in his exile a strong
tendency to amendment, and impress on the mind of other offenders that
sense of humanity which saved and opened to him so great a consolation.
The original intention of disposing of convicts by transportation was
most likely to break off all existing connexions, and to estrange the
mind from all former associations, so as to render the prisoner as
abstracted as possible from every consideration but that of the
immediate duty or discipline imposed. The expense attending their
removal made it necessary that it should be repaid out of the convicts’
labour; and every possible chance of a return before their time, and all
thought of home, or as much as could be, were carefully removed, that
their whole time should be given for the above purpose. The punishment
of exile had other terrors for the convicts themselves, which served to
render their banishment a temporary slavery.
The ingenious Doctor Colquhoun gives the following on the origin of
_Transportation_: “Parliament authorized this species of punishment in
1718, when the general plan of sending convicts to the American
plantations was first adopted. This system continued for 56 years,
during which period, and until the commencement of the American war in
1775, great numbers of felons were sent chiefly to the province of
Maryland. The rigid discipline which the colonial laws authorized the
masters to exercise over servants, joined to the prospects which
agricultural pursuits, after some experience was acquired, afforded to
those _outcasts_, tended to reform the chief part; and after the
expiration of their servitude, they mingled in the society of the
country, under circumstances highly beneficial to themselves, and even
to the colony. Possessed in general (as every adroit thief must be) of
good natural abilities, they availed themselves of the habits of
industry they acquired in the years of their servitude; became farmers
and planters on their own account; and many of them succeeding in those
pursuits, not only acquired that degree of respectability which is
attached to property and industry, but also in their turn became
masters, and purchased the servitude of future transports sent out for
sale.”
When the American revolution prevented the further transmission of
convicts to that country, the system of the _Hulks_ and _Houses of
Correction_ was substituted. However, from the increasing number of
delinquents, arising not only from the increase of vice but that of
population, that mode soon became inadequate to the augmented demands
for disposing of the prisoners, as of course to the enforcement of that
labour to which for their offences they had been sentenced. Plans were
then acted upon for building extensive prisons, penitentiaries, and
asylums for their reception: but the enormous expense and comparative
inefficacy of those establishments, which it appears were mostly
conducted in the old miserable mode of gaol discipline, the evils of
which became now universally acknowledged, soon raised loud complaints
against the system.
The attention of Government, still directed to this necessary and
important relief of the community from those who would subvert its
comforts and security, caused the coast of Africa to be explored for a
fit situation for a colony: but that research proved fruitless, on
account of the unhealthiness of the climate, or hostility of the natives
of those situations which remained unoccupied by other European nations,
rendering it imprudent to risk an establishment in that country. The
discovery of the vast territory of New South Wales by Captain COOK in
1770 and 1777, opened a new field for disposing of those refractory
characters. The following is recorded by COLLINS as the commencement of
the present colony there:
“The Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy, toward the end of the year
1786, advertised for a certain number of vessels to be taken up for the
purpose of conveying between seven and eight hundred male and female
felons to Botany Bay, in New South Wales, on the eastern coast of New
Holland, whither it had been determined by Government to transport them,
after having sought in vain upon the African coast for a situation
possessing the requisites for the establishment of a colony.
“Six transports and three store-ships were accordingly engaged to convey
the persons designed to form the new settlement, with the stores and
provisions necessary for their use and consumption. Of the latter,
sufficient for two years were put on board; and among the former were
tools, implements of agriculture, and such other articles as were
considered necessary to a colonial establishment.
“The government of the country was intrusted by His Majesty to Arthur
Phillip, Esq. a Post Captain in the service.—The convicts for whose
disposal this speculation was undertaken, consisted of 565 men and 192
women; and every necessary arrangement having been made by the naval and
military commanders, which seemed best calculated to ensure a fortunate
termination to the voyage, on Sunday the 13th of May 1787, the little
fleet, which had previously collected at the Mother Bank, sailed with a
leading wind through the Needle passage, accompanied by the Hon. Captain
de Courcy in the Hyena frigate.
“This expedition anchored in Botany Bay, after a voyage of eight months
and one week. The Governor employed a short time in examining, but had
not seen any spot to which some strong objection did not apply. If in
one place he met with a promising soil, it was deficient in that grand
essential, fresh water, and was besides too confined for their numbers.
He therefore determined on examining the adjacent harbours of Port
Jackson and Broken Bay, and for that purpose set off in three open boats
accompanied by some of the officers of the settlement.
“The coast as he drew near Port Jackson wore a most unpromising
appearance, and the natives every where greeted the fleet with shouts of
defiance and prohibition, the words “Warra, warra,” Go away, go away,
resounding wherever they appeared. The Governor’s utmost expectation, as
he drew near the harbour, being to find what Captain Cook, as he passed
by it, thought might be found, shelter for a boat, he was most agreeably
surprised at discovering, on his entrance, a harbour capable of
affording security for a much larger fleet than would probably ever seek
shelter or security within its limits.
“In one of the coves of this noble and capacious harbour, he determined
to fix the future seat of his government, it having been found to
possess a sufficiency of water and soil. Having completed his research
in three days, he returned to Botany Bay, and gave directions for an
immediate removal thence; a circumstance which gave general
satisfaction, as nothing had been discovered in that place which could
excite a wish to pass another day in it.”
The place of settlement thus fixed on is the present town of Sydney,
which has since then increased in a very remarkable degree. In Van
Diemen’s Land, also under the jurisdiction of the Governor of New South
Wales, a similar establishment has been subsequently formed. Both these
colonies are increasing rapidly; moderate encouragement having been held
out to free settlers, and many of them have become highly prosperous
there: the convicts too, after the termination of their banishment,
having become accustomed to the country, and informed of its great
natural advantages, induced also by the fineness of the climate and the
luxuriance of its soil, have, rather than return home, determined to
become settlers,—and wisely so, as some of them are already in a very
thriving way.
The original mode of transportation was, that merchants, or
agriculturists of property, might contract for the conveyance of the
convicts to their destination, under an act of parliament, removing them
to their estates in the colony; and appropriating to their own benefit
their services, they found their work in the plantations during the term
of their sentence an indemnification for the expenses incurred by their
voyage, clothing, and subsequent maintenance.
It seems, however, that Government did not finally approve of contracts
made in this manner by private individuals, as the authority of such
persons, or its management, was found too weak to enforce proper
obedience, and secure from the evils of insubordination. Moreover, the
management of the convicts remaining exclusively in the hands of the
contractors, the convicts might, at the expiration of their time,
feeling themselves no longer restrained by their former task-masters,
have emancipated themselves with regard to their employers, and, if
opposed violently, have shaken off all submission to their jurisdiction.
Hence anarchy might ensue, and the bad disposition of the convicts would
then burst forth with increased violence, and the peaceable and
industrious settlers around be annoyed and plundered. Such incidents
have occurred in Van Diemen’s Land, where convicts, denominated
Bush-rangers, who had broken away from the restraint placed over them,
have for several years led a vagabond, marauding life, harassing and
plundering the peaceful colonists.
On Government, therefore, would devolve, in consequence of the
feebleness or incapacity of private management, the unpleasant duty of
beginning the work of reformation over again, to reclaim the convicts
from their mad schemes, make them honest subjects, and thoroughly
obedient to the laws; or allow the laws again, in all the severity of
former measures, to visit them with summary punishment.
In order to obviate this inconvenience, and to avoid the expenses which
under such circumstances must be thrown away, Government itself has
taken the contracts for transportation, and, from the superior national
resources, provides a more comfortable supply of necessaries and
accommodations than any which could have been obtained under the former
arrangement.
After the sentence of the law has been fulfilled in the colony, those
who remain are still amenable of course to the authority of the local
Government. During their servitude, care is taken to promote their
habits of industry, if they have acquired or shown any such; and,
particularly if they manifest an improvement in moral character, and
conduct themselves with propriety, every facility is afforded them to
become settlers, and useful members of the colony; or, if they be
desirous of returning to Europe, a passage home is readily permitted,
but at their own expense, and a certificate granted descriptive of
character during the term of transportation.
Lately this benignant purpose has been carried further; for, if the
father of a family have had the misfortune to fall under the frowns of
justice, and should his conduct subsequently in New South Wales merit
the approbation of the Governor, he will obtain His Excellency’s
recommendation, and is sure of being favoured with an order from the
Government at home for his wife and children to go out to him in that
country, where in a short time they have been known to form comfortable
and prosperous establishments. A very liberal provision is made for the
free women and children during the voyage, for which no charge whatever
is made against them, or their father, on the part of the Government.
The inducements to form a settlement in New South Wales are so numerous,
and the advantages so great and inviting, particularly to laborious
industry, that numbers have applied for the sanction of Government to be
sent out to that country; but, having no apparent sufficient funds, have
been refused, on account of the great length of the voyage, and the
necessary and unavoidable expense. It is however well known, and the
fact has been ascertained beyond question, that many instances have
occurred of persons, so refused, having afterwards committed some
offence which subjected them to transportation, and thus effected their
purpose at the expense of the Government.
The liberality with which convicts destined for transportation are
clothed and victualled for the voyage, now usually of four months
duration, is highly deserving of praise, many of the persons so
circumstanced, or rather the majority of them, living more comfortably,
by many degrees, during that period, than they had been used to do for
many years before. Although, according to the present regulations, they
unfortunately have nothing in the way of employment to occupy their time
on the way out; still as the greatest care is taken of their health, at
the same time that they are abundantly fed, they generally look well,
and are in perfect health, by the period of their arrival, and fully
capable of proceeding to any work without delay.
As the public may not, perhaps, be generally informed of the minor
particulars of the preparations and reception of convicts, and the
outfit necessary for the voyage, it may not be deemed out of place to
set forth here the comforts provided for them during their conveyance to
New South Wales or Van Diemen’s Land. Every convict received on board
the ship which is to convey the number determined by Government for
transportation, is provided with one suit of clothes and a change of
linen, besides a flock bed, pillow, and blanket; and the following
weekly supply of provisions is regularly served out to a mess of six
persons in each.
_Plan of Rations for each Mess per Week._
┌─────────┬─────┬─────┬────┬────┬──────┬────┬────┬────┬──────┬──────┬────┐
│ Days of │Bread│Flour│Beef│Pork│ Peas │But-│Rice│Suet│ Rai- │Oat^l.│Sug-│
│the week.│lbs. │lbs. │lbs.│lbs.│pints.│ter │ozs.│lbs.│s^{ns}│pints.│ ar │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │lbs.│ │ │ lbs. │ │oz. │
├───────┬─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤
│Sunday │1│ 4│ 4│ 8│ │ │ │ │ ½│ 1│ │ │
├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤
│Monday │2│ 4│ │ │ │ 3│ ½│ 4│ │ │ 2│ 2│
├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤
│Tuesday│3│ 4│ 4│ │ │ │ │ │ ½│ 1│ │ │
├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤
│Wednes-│4│ 4│ │ │ 6│ 3│ ½│ │ │ │ │ │
│day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤
│Thurs- │5│ 4│ 4│ │ │ │ │ │ ½│ 1│ 2│ │
│day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤
│Friday │6│ 4│ │ 8│ │ 3│ ½│ │ │ │ │ │
├───────┼─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤
│Satur- │7│ 4│ │ │ │ 3│ │ 4│ │ │ 2│ 2│
│day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
├───────┴─┼─────┼─────┼────┼────┼──────┼────┼────┼────┼──────┼──────┼────┤
│ Total │ 28│ 12│ 16│ 6│ 12│ 1½│ 8│ 1½│ 3│ 6│ 4│
└─────────┴─────┴─────┴────┴────┴──────┴────┴────┴────┴──────┴──────┴────┘
Besides the above liberal allowance, there is a further issue, each
week, of one quart of vinegar to each mess, and after the ship has been
at sea three or four weeks, one ounce of lemon juice and an equal
quantity of sugar is also to be issued to each convict daily. The period
for which it has been usual to put the provisions on board the transport
ships has been eight months; besides this, each convict is allowed one
hundred and twenty gallons of water, and two gallons of wine, the latter
to be distributed specially at the Surgeon’s discretion, and under his
immediate superintendence. The women are allowed wine in the same
proportion as the men convicts, and subject to the same restriction in
its use: they have also a like proportion of provisions, with an
addition of three pounds of muscovado sugar, and half a pound of black
tea, per week, for each mess of six women.
When fresh beef is issued, one pound is equal to a pound of salt beef,
and one pound and a half of fresh beef to one pound of pork. If
vegetables are supplied on pork days, then no peas are to be issued; but
if not, the peas are to be served. There can be no mistake as to the
correctness of this statement, as it is copied from the printed document
called the Victualling Scheme, which is addressed to the Master of the
Convict Ship from the Transport Office, Deptford, regularly before the
voyage is begun.
The sleeping place assigned the convicts is within that part of the ship
called the prison, taking the whole space of the ship between decks,
except the necessary accommodation for the Master, Officers, and Seamen,
expressly fitted up for their reception: it is divided into, what in
sea-phrase are termed, _births_, each to contain four persons, for which
purpose, whatever has been represented, it is sufficiently roomy. The
bedding is carefully brought upon deck every morning to be aired, when
the weather will permit, and is stowed regularly for that purpose in the
netting, where it may be kept dry, should any rain unexpectedly fall.
Besides the suit of clothes given to each prisoner on coming aboard,
another is provided, which is intended to be given them on landing at
their place of destination: this, as well as the former, is of a uniform
fashion and colour, to distinguish them from the free settlers, and to
render them easily recognisable by the police. It should be also
mentioned, that the free women sent out to join their husbands, are
allowed two thirds of a seaman’s ration _per diem_, and the children one
half the women’s allowance.
There is, besides the ample stock of provisions, a liberal supply of
extra stores shipped at the same time, for the use and accommodation of
the convicts, and also for such as may become sick during the voyage.
As, however, the quantity of these articles is not always the same,
varying in each ship according to the number of prisoners on board, I
shall submit for full satisfaction a list of such as came under my own
observation, as a proportionate view of the manner in which the extra
supply is generally made. The following is a correct copy of the list of
extra stores and necessaries allowed on board the _Neptune_, in which
ship I was surgeon and superintendent in 1817, and is an undeniable
proof of the humane concern Government takes in the welfare of those
unfortunate persons.
[Sidenote: _Navy Office,
28th Nov. 1817._]
A List of Stores shipped on board the Neptune Convict Ship, Robert
Carns Master, for the use of 170 male convicts, guard and
passengers, during their voyage to New South Wales. And of
clothing for the use of the convicts upon their arrival at the
colony.
_Articles of Comfort for Use during the Voyage._
Mustard, 170 lbs.: Soap, 510: combs, 31 large, 31 small, No. 62:
razors, 10: hone, 1: strop, 1: preserved meats, 476 lbs., value
42_l._ 10_s._: lemon juice, 242 gallons: sugar to mix with it,
1,939 lbs.
_Articles in case of Sickness._
Tea, 34 lbs.: sugar, 170: chocolate, 10: sago, 20: Scotch barley,
340: ginger, 1: black pepper, 3: allspice, 6: red port wine, 102
bottles: rice, 24 lbs.: pearl barley, 24.
_Fumigating Articles._
Tar, 1 barrel: crude brimstone, 60 lbs.: vinegar, 60 gallons:
fumigating lamps, 2: extra wicks, 2 boxes: oil, 4 gallons: oil of
tar, 10.
_Hospital Furniture._
Duck frocks, 10: flannel trowsers, 10 pairs: flannel waistcoats,
10: cotton hose, ——: pocket-handkerchiefs, 20: night-caps, 20:
towels, 20: sheets, 34: calico pillow-cases, 34: pewter pans, 2:
urinals, 2: spitting-pots, 2: pans and buckets, of each 2: tin
teakettles, 4: tin saucepans, of sorts, 10: tin japanned drinking
mugs, 20: knives and forks, 20 of each: water purifier, 1:
charcoal, 20 bushels: bathing tub, 1: airing stove, ventilating,
and swing, each 1: pails 4: kegs (three gallon), 28: spare
bedding, 17 sets.
_Clothing for the Use of the Convicts on their Arrival._
Yellow kersey jackets, 170: waistcoats, 170: raven duck trowsers,
170 pairs: for use during voyage, 170: shirts, 510: stockings, 340
pairs: shoes, 170: woollen caps, 170: and neck-handkerchiefs, 170.
In addition to the above, 2 cots were also supplied in case of
fractured limbs, besides a proper stock of medicines from the
Apothecaries’ Hall.
The extra articles furnished for the female convicts on board the
_Morley_ in the last voyage, and for the free women and children
embarked at the same time were as follow.
[Sidenote: _Navy Office,
Transport Department,
20th April 1820._]
A List of Stores shipped on board the Morley Convict Ship, Robert
Brown Master, for the use of 120 female convicts, passengers, and
50 children, during their voyage to New South Wales, or Van
Diemen’s Land, and of clothing for the use of the convicts upon
their arrival at the colony.
_Articles of Comfort for Use during the Voyage._
Mustard, 157 lbs.: soap, 785: combs, large and small, of each 22:
needles, 1,200: scissors, 12 pairs: moist sugar, 2,072 lbs.:
souchong, 452: preserved meats, 439 and 10 ounces: lemon juice,
252 gallons: sugar to mix with it, 1,792 lbs.: white thread, 12:
coloured thread, 12: towels, 240.
_Articles in case of Sickness._
Tea, 31 lbs.: sugar, 157: chocolate 9½: sago, 18: Scotch barley,
314: ginger, ¾: allspice, 6: black pepper, 3: red port wine, 94
bottles.
_Hospital Furniture._
Calico bed-gowns, 8: petticoats, 8: cotton hose, 15 pairs: linen
pocket-handkerchiefs, 15: night-caps, 15: towels, 15: linen
sheets, 12 pairs: pillow-cases, 24: pewter pans and urinals, of
each 2:, and bucket, of each 2: spitting-pots, 2: tin saucepans,
2: teakettles, 2: ditto to serve as teapots, 21: knives and forks,
15 of each: bathing tub, 1: water purifier, 1: childbed linen, 12
sets: charcoal, 20 bushels: water pails, 3: airing stove, 1: half
pint tin japanned mugs, 120: swing stove, 1: spare beds, 12:
kegs[2] (three gallons), 27.
_Clothing for the Use of the Convicts upon their Arrival._
Brown serge jackets, 120: petticoats, 120: linen shifts, 240:
linen caps, 120: stockings, 120 pairs: shoes, 120 pairs:
neck-handkerchiefs, 120: beds complete, 170: cots, 4: hammocks
slung, 6.
_Clothing for 17 Male Children._
Blue kersey jackets, 17: waistcoats, 17: raven duck trowsers, 17
pairs: shirts, 51: stockings, 34 pairs: woollen caps, 17:
neck-handkerchiefs, 17: shoes, 17 pairs.
_Clothing for 33 Female Children._
Brown serge jackets, 33: petticoats, 33: linen shifts, 66: linen
caps, 33: stockings, 33 pairs: shoes, 33: neck-handkerchiefs, 33.
_Books._
New Testaments, 33: prayer books, 46: psalters, 46: Bibles[3], 12:
manuals of instruction and devotion for the use of the prisoners,
11.
The above ample and truly liberal supply of provisions and extra
articles for the use of the convicts is well worthy of notice, as it is
fully equal to every want to which they are liable; and the minute
particulars are attended to with a concern highly laudable to the
directors of this supply. Indeed, many persons emigrating to distant
countries would consider themselves exceedingly at ease were they
individually as well circumstanced, though driven by the pressure or
dread of domestic distress to seek relief far from their early homes,
with an honest name, and unreproving conscience, yet supplied with
accommodations infinitely short of those thought necessary in providing
for the transmission of the idle, dissolute and criminal, branded with
infamy and crime for which they are driven from society.
The land forces sent to guard the convicts have a daily allowance of
spirits, but are not so well provided for as the prisoners in respect of
several extra articles served to the prisoners, though the use of
spirits on the voyage (an allowance certainly contributing to no good
purpose whatever, and productive of very serious bad consequences,
particularly as the quantity issued is too great by one half, allowing
even of so unnecessary an indulgence) is happily not suffered to the
convicts. The wives of soldiers also, and their children, have a
proportionate ration of this baneful liquid, which over their weaker
minds may be said to exert a most dangerous influence, injurious to
their health and morals, and subversive of good order.
Although the matter be not immediately, it is remotely and intimately
connected with the subject of transportation. I shall therefore place it
here, to show how generously convicts fare comparatively with others. At
the same time I am anxious that nothing advanced in this comparison may
prove injurious to the unfortunate exile, who is lying at the mercy of
that power which directs his removal to a new world, and an almost new
state of existence, nor withdraw from him a tittle of that bountiful
support he now enjoys.
“Rules to be observed by Masters and Commanders of His Majesty’s
hired Transports, in victualling Land Forces.
_Six Soldiers’, or four Seamen’s Allowance for every Day in the
Week._
┌───────┬──────┬─────┬──────┬──────┬──────┬──────┬───────┬───────┬─────┐
│Days of│Bread:│Beer,│Beef: │Pork: │Peas: │ Oat- │Butter:│Cheese:│Vine-│
│the │ lbs. │gal- │pieces│pieces│pints.│meal: │ lbs. │ lbs. │gar. │
│week. │ │lons:│ of 8 │ of 4 │ │pints.│ │ │ │
│ │ │ or │ lbs. │ lbs. │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │half │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │pint │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │spir-│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │its: │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ or │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │pints│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │wine.│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
├───────┼──────┼─────┼──────┼──────┼──────┼──────┼───────┼───────┼─────┤
│Sunday │ 4 │ 4 │ │ 1 │ 2 │ │ │ │ One │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│Monday │ 4 │ 4 │ │ │ │ 4 │ ½ │ 1 │quart│
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│Tuesday│ 4 │ 4 │ │ │ │ │ │ │ in │
│ │ │ │——————│ │ │ │ │ │ │
│Wednes-│ 4 │ 4 │ 1 │ │ 2 │ 4 │ ½ │ 1 │ a │
│day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ or 6 │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ lbs. │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ of │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│Thurs- │ 4 │ 4 │flour,│ 1 │ 2 │ │ │ │week.│
│day │ │ │½ lb. │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ of │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │suet, │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ & 1 │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ lb. │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│Friday │ 4 │ 4 │ of │ │ 2 │ 4 │ ½ │ 1 │ │
│ │ │ │rais- │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ ins. │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │——————│ │ │ │ │ │ │
│Satur- │ 4 │ 4 │1 or as above│ │ │ │ │ │
│day │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
└───────┴──────┴─────┴─────────────┴──────┴──────┴───────┴───────┴─────┘
“The above are to be served out by full weights and measures.
“When flour, suet, and raisins are put on board, they are to be
served in equal proportion with beef, viz. one half in beef, the
other in flour, suet, and raisins, on each beef day.
“Half a pound of rice is equal to a pint of oatmeal; half a pound
of sugar is equal to half a pound of butter, and a pint of rice is
equal to a pound of cheese; a pint of oil is equal to 1 pound of
butter, or to two pounds of cheese, that is, a pint of oil for the
proportion of butter and cheese.
“A pint of wine, or half a pint of brandy, rum or arrack, is equal
to a gallon of beer.
“One pound of fresh beef is equal to one pound of salt beef, and
one pound and a half of fresh beef equal to one pound of pork.”
The seamen above alluded to, to whom the rations of the convict guard
are proportioned, are those serving on board His Majesty’s ships and
vessels of war. All that long list of extra comforts, before mentioned,
to which convicts by their regulations are entitled, are in the case of
the soldiers entirely withheld; for which reason, and indeed for a great
many others, the situation of the prisoners is much more comfortable
than that of their guard. Of this superiority in point of living,
considering the casualties and uncertainty of supply many of them had
formerly experienced, most of them express usually a strong regret at
the termination of their voyage, persuaded that few situations on shore
could equal the comfort they had enjoyed on board. When, after the
boisterous stir of stormy passion has subsided, and that religious and
moral instruction have stifled the last gasp of the insidious serpent
which would whisper them back again to sin and wickedness, this
expression of regret, as I have known it from the people on board the
Neptune, is infinitely more strong, and the sense of separation from the
favourite scene of their reformation more acute.
Many circumstances connected with the present system of transportation
appear, in my opinion, so much deserving of attention, that it may be
allowed to introduce them here, in a cursory manner, leaving their
elucidation to the progress of incident, during the voyage to which they
belong.
In the first instance I consider the situation of juvenile offenders,
under the present regulations on board of male convict ships, as less
fitly directed than their peculiar circumstances require. This is, that
a portion of the prison be set apart for them, and confined so as to
prevent any intercourse between them and the men. The reasons advanced
in favour of this separation seemed to me at first view so plausible,
that I unhesitatingly gave the measure my warm approbation. It has
fallen to me, however, to witness its pernicious effects, and to know
that nothing can be contrived to injure them more both in health and
morals, than that very regulation; that, so far from being corrupted by
an intercourse with the men, they are more likely to be checked and
improved by their society. With this conviction on my mind, I would, in
all deference to superior authority, presume to advise that on board a
male convict ship there should be no separate prison for boys.
Any person acquainted with the general depravity which characterizes
most of the boys who are banished after a few months confinement in
prison, will not hesitate to acknowledge that they are usually more
corrupt and vicious than many of the grown up, and display traits of
acuteness and refinement in knavery sufficient to astonish older adepts.
These boys in general are very deeply conversant with immorality and
turpitude; and the boys on board the Neptune, according to information I
received which left no room for doubt, exhibited this disposition in a
manner at once shocking to delicacy, and subversive of every principle
of virtue.
Taking advantage of the separation, they indulged in certain wicked
practices, and from the privacy thus secured to them, they became every
day more and more prevalent, and, had the matter not been discovered in
proper time, would have ended in the inevitable destruction of the
unfortunate youths. In this critical moment I had the separating bars
pulled down immediately, and threw both the prisons into one. I thought
it a further necessary proceeding to break up the boys’ messes, which
before were distinct, and divide them among the messes of the men; all
which was done without apprizing any of them of my knowledge of the
disgusting cause. One of the most steady members of each mess was
instructed to have a sharp look-out after his young companion, and let
me know the most minute particulars of his conduct.
In this manner a visible change was soon effected, which was further
improved by separating them still more from each other, placing them to
sleep, one in each of the men’s berths, sending some men at the same
time to sleep in their places with those who remained in that part which
before was the boys’ prison. Although this cautionary proceeding
effectually put an end to the odious practice which first drew my
attention to the particular state of the boys, still the work remained
in my mind far from being accomplished.
The seeds of vice having once taken root are not easily removed; some of
the fibres will still remain, and the tares and weeds will again and
again, we know, spring forth and disfigure the best of soils. I made the
theatre of their wickedness a place for their reformation. Having formed
all the boys into a school, I obtained a number of Bibles and
Testaments, there being no other books of any kind on board fit for the
purpose, and with these I tried to ascertain how many of them could
read. To my utter amazement, I found that of all these boys, who were so
ripe in knavery and fraud, and were ready and fluent in their own forms
of speech, and were of course totally ignorant of the contents of the
sacred volumes, because not able to read a syllable of their contents,
few of them could distinguish the letters of the alphabet.
One of the elder convicts, whose conduct had secured my approbation, was
selected to be their schoolmaster, and by his patient perseverance they
were soon brought surprisingly forward. I encouraged them by
representing the great advantages they would derive from application;
and had the pleasure of seeing them all eagerly engaged in one of the
roads at least to religion and virtue. In this gratifying scene I took
particular interest, and made it an uniform practice to set apart an
hour each day from professional engagements personally to instruct them.
Many advantages were thus obtained by finding sufficient employment for
the greater part of their time; while, from the nature of the subject
which they were engaged to study, they became regularly acquainted with
moral and religious truths. By this simple proceeding, also, these boys’
minds became every day more enlightened, and a visible change for the
better in every respect grew more evident, until at the end of the
voyage I had the high satisfaction of seeing them, as far as general
conduct went, considerably if not completely reformed; their vicious
habits appearing quite subdued, and the greater number able to read the
Scriptures correctly and fluently. They had also the advantage of taking
with them to their new modes of life, a knowledge at least of reading
well, which could not fail in some way or other to promote their future
welfare.
Nothing is more hurtful, it is well known, to the human mind than
idleness; it is at variance with every good and noble purpose, depriving
the most highly gifted of their natural energy, and derogating more
almost than any other vice from the dignity of our nature. The most
intelligent and active becomes under its drowsy power feeble, and in
time brutalized: the brightest portion of intellectual fire which has
risen from the bidding of benignant Deity, becomes dim, and dwindles in
its damping medium. If then the loftier faculties of the soul lose their
fine tone and tension when paralysed by this humiliating influence, how
easily must the vulgar and selfish fall supine and unresisting to its
mandates! Involved in habits tending chiefly to the gratifications of
sense, the uneducated and thoroughly depraved relish nothing which does
not pamper their passions, insensible as the swine in the mire of
sensuality into which they plunge, rarely to rise again. The habits and
scenes familiar to life in common society generally form the subjects of
pleasing reflection or agreeable conversation: it is natural to the
memory actively on all occasions to bring up its brightest stores to
divert the passing hour of contemplation or association. What with
virtuous minds is thus conducive to the advance of virtue, becomes in
those of vicious life and disposition a source of further mischief.
A voyage of four months, for instance, is to be taken by a number of
convicts; its effects will vary undoubtedly in age, sex, and moral
character. During that period, what are one hundred and seventy, or two
hundred persons to do? The authority which dismisses to exile, takes
certainly a generous concern for their bodily health, and no pains are
spared to prevent them from feeling any want. Yet the most essential
part of economical polity, _employment_, belongs not to the system, and
is without consideration. Without that simple adjunct, one which most
obviously should suggest itself to the present regulations in the
transmission of convicts to New South Wales, the prisoners must during
the voyage become subject to sickness, or sink a degree deeper in
depravity.
That this result is uniformly anticipated I have very little reason to
doubt; rather I might say I have very good proofs to establish my belief
that such an opinion prevails amongst many who derive their information
from the highest intelligence existing on the subject. It is not
therefore matter of surprise, that such persons should deride, or rather
disbelieve, the possibility of those degraded beings ever being saved
from the evils of their lot, and becoming better than before.
It would doubtless be gratifying to those to direct at once the removal
of the evil of idleness, in devising and devoting the vacant hours of
the convicts to useful employment during the period of the voyage. I say
useful, for if the employment be of a nugatory character, the prisoners
will feel no desire to proceed with it: indeed the object might be
considerably promoted, were the work of such a nature as to give them a
personal concern in the execution by allowing them a small interest in
the profits.
It must be confessed that the difficulty of finding proper employment
during a voyage of about four or five months may in some degree occasion
embarrassment. The greater number of those who are subjected to
transportation are of the working class, and many of them have at one
time or other of their lives exercised some mechanical art, which may
perhaps be resumed with ease. All then who are acquainted with sedentary
trades, might, one would think, be properly so employed, and also
instruct others at the work, or such parts of it in which their
assistance might be rendered useful.
When a man finds himself restored to the exercise of accustomed
employment, his cheerfulness, we find, returns, and his captivity sits
more lightly. Such a man will become of himself orderly in his conduct,
and exert himself to keep others so. The alarm about prisoners rising
upon their guards will be as problematical in theory, as it is now in
reality; making persons of weak mind and _hobgoblin_ imagination
miserable at the bare mention of its possibility. In fact, convicts so
circumstanced can never be guilty of an action so truly foolish in its
intent, and fruitless and absurd in its proposed advantages. They will
have time for reflection, thus best excited and promoted in such
characters, on the futility of their former designs, and on the just
value of blessings enjoyed in the good effects arising from obedience
and implicit observance of the regulations by which they are governed.
Feeling themselves treated with moderation and humanity, and that their
lives are preserved to them for rational and useful purposes, they will
maintain a respect for themselves, and take care to avoid reproof, which
to men enduring disgrace, and therefore ever testy and impatient, ought
to be applied as seldom as possible. Let them be made sensible that
their own welfare is solely in view, and they will listen cheerfully to
the voice of authority, and knowing that in the moral and religious
truths inculcated their peace of mind and future happiness are intended,
they will turn an attentive ear to instruction.
They will evince their gratitude for such care by submission and
deference to every command, and the transition from that state of mind
to attachment is more easy, and its results more permanent, than may be
supposed. Let not this be considered illusory, or the offspring merely
of imagination; for I have proved it, and refer in affirmation of the
above result confidently to the narrative of the voyage in the Neptune
as extracted from the journal of daily occurrences. Of this termination
of well applied measures in the management of convicts during their
transmission to the colonies, am I so fully assured, that I would not
hesitate to commit myself in a ship manned by _convicts only_, and,
provided they understood the management of the vessel, with confidence
trust to their conducting her safely without other assistance to Port
Jackson.
A good deal has been advanced against intrusting mechanics with the
implements of their trades for the purpose of employment. Establish but
once the orderly conduct which is so easy of accomplishment; attach the
people by the ties of gratitude, of their susceptibility of which
satisfactory proofs will be given; take a prudent care that your
confidence in them will be felt, and the most timorous need not
hesitate, I affirm, to allow them the free use of their tools, and
permit the full exercise of their trades.
The aptitude which boys usually display may also be usefully turned to
account, and by instructing and having them to work in the interval
between the hours of school, they can be made industrious, and harmless
at least on the voyage outwards, and may afterwards follow on shore the
trades they may have learned on board the ship. At all events, what can
be objected to the experiment being fairly tried of employing the
convicts during their voyage to New South Wales, as to the success of
which I entertain no doubt?
The remarks which suit the condition of male convicts may apply with
equal, if not with greater force to that of females. The happy effects
of the memorable results produced by the LADIES’ COMMITTEE in Newgate,
are so fully corroborative of this advantage of employment over
idleness, that it must appear superfluous to detail the proceedings of
that benevolent association, of which satisfactory evidence has already
been made known.
As, however, there was provided no stock of materials with which the
women on board the Morley could apply the industry they had exercised in
Newgate, no preparations being contemplated, by the regulations, for any
sort of employment, the voyage would have been rendered extremely
irksome and injurious both to their moral principles and health, as
consequent upon relaxed habits, if they had been supposed wholly to
remain idle.
Fortunately the benevolent watchfulness of the Committee foresaw this
inconvenience, and in a considerable degree provided against it by
sending on board a supply of straw materials for bonnets, hats, and the
like, and other things calculated to employ their time, to which the
closest attention has been occasionally given. Many other of the
prisoners, whose circumstances could afford it, had provided themselves
with unmade dresses, and these afforded work to fill up many otherwise
more tedious hours.
The beneficial effects would undoubtedly be more obvious, were full work
marked out for them with materials provided before the voyage; for
instance, linen and cotton yarn for stockings, which, to prevent any
imposition, could be weighed out to the workers, and the manufactured
article, which is always certain of sale, weighed in the same manner
when returned. Numerous contrivances of the same kind could be
suggested, all productive of much advantage to the prisoners, while the
wrought goods could be brought to a ready and profitable market, so as
to suffer no loss in the application of the raw materials.
As my aim is solely practical improvement in the condition of these
unfortunate persons, I would not have a moment lost in setting them,
young and old, to some sort of employment, and turning their time to
useful account. With this view, and in direct compliance with the
suggestions and co-operation of Mrs. FRY, a school was established on
board the Morley for all the children, as well belonging to the convicts
as to the free women; and one of the latter, whose qualifications
recommended her to the approval of the Committee, by whom she was
employed and remunerated, undertook to instruct them, male and female,
in reading and a knowledge of the Scriptures. In the course of the
following remarks, the progress of the children in their school
business, and other improvements, will not pass unobserved.
By these regulations a saving might be made as to the colonial
expenditure, inasmuch as the convicts, by following their different arts
with industry, some those they had long known previously to their
misfortunes, and others such as they had acquired during their voyage,
or in the time of their preceding confinement, might provide abundantly
for themselves. They would therefore be less burdensome to the local
government, and the improvements they will thus necessarily have made in
morality, will ensure a peaceful and steady demeanour; nor is it
extravagant to assert, that men and women so treated and instructed,
will continue long sensible of the advantages they have derived from
such a rational and judicious management, reflected in exemplary and
generally correct conduct. There may be one or more still found
disorderly; but upon the whole the best results may with perfect
confidence be anticipated.
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Footnote 2:
It has been hitherto the custom to withhold these from the female
convict ships.
Footnote 3:
There ought to be at least one Bible for each mess.