Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Thomas Sharpe Journal on Norfolk Island, 4 January 1839-31 December 1840, with critical notes by George C. Henderson, 2 December 1926
B 217-B218

[Transcribed from microfilm. Page numbering continues previous volume]

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Journal at Norfolk Island 1839

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Journal
January 4th 1839
Another year has commenced. What events of joy and sorrow, will crowd the path of life, before its close, we know not. Changes will no doubt take place for this world is ever changing. The Christian however, knows that a good providence ever watches over his path, and causes all things to work together for his good.
To-day, I visited the Hospital. In the season of affliction, the heart is often open to inspection, and they who in robust health turn away from good advice, lend a listening ear, to warning & exhortation, when laid on a bed of languishing. The prisoners hare, seem thankful for counsel, and instruction when afflicted. They have wandered away into error and misery, and, feel their need of comfort on their lonely bed of sickness. With few to care for their comfort, or to pity their condition, they hear with deepest interest, of the willingness of Jesus to save sinners, if they come to Him, penitent and believing. The men I visited to-day, seemed much affected, and truly thankful for my advice. It is

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affecting to see the tears start from the eyes of these men, who have been of old bold in sin. Softened and humbled by trouble and pain, they listen with eagerness to the news of a Saviour, they feel their guilt, and desire remission. I trust those I conversed with and prayed with to-day, will be benefitted by their trials, both for here & hereafter. Their attention is truly great, & they seem very grateful, for counsel.
January 5th
A few Weeks a prisoner of the Roman Catholic profession, stated, that he wished to become a member of the Church. When in the cells in Sydney Gaol, he had been induced through the desire of pleasing another person, who was to be executed, he had changed his profession, and been baptizes by Mr McEnroe, but, that he did not believe the peculiarities of the Romanist creed. He appeared also to feel keenly the ingratitude of his conduct to the Rev Mr Cowper, to whom, he had been insolent when confined in Gaol. He also had a letter written to Mr Cowper, stating his sorrow for his conduct etc. He requested also to be allowed to attend the Sunday School. Last Sunday he was absent, and on my interrogating him on the reason, why he was so

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he said he was obliged to mend his clothes on that day, that he had no other time. It appears that the same day, the overseer of the Cook house McCabe, had some conversation with him in the store room. Knowing this man’s propensity to try to proselyte, I sent for the young man to-day, who, then, avows his wish to return again to the Roman Catholics. I am convinced that the R. C Overseers here do a great deal of harm in this respect among the men. Influenced by the mania of swelling the numbers of their people they use every effort, to induce the wretched men sent down here, to abjure their creed, and to embrace their errors. Men, who have received no instruction in their youth, in the principles of true religion, and the greater part of whose days, have been spent in crime, are easily persuaded, when not influenced by the fear of God, to embrace that profession, which promises them absolution on such easy terms, as the priest of the Roman Church do. I am sorry to see too how highly favoured the priests of Rome are by the present Government at Norfolk Island, the Major & family take every opportunity of shewing the high estimation they are held in by them.

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Jany. 7th
Yesterday a great number of the prisoners were unable to find room, in the place where Divine Service is performed, on the Settlement. This is placing these poor beings almost without the pale of Christianity. Many of them are unable to read, those who can, have little time to appropriate for that purpose, and, few prevented from hearing the Word of God, the means of instruction are not made use of and, we cannot wonder, that they err widely from the good and right way which would lead them to happiness here and ever. How easy a matter would it be to erect a temporary place of Divine Worship, where all could attend, where all could hear, where all could be taught, but this has been positively refused, and, by those who call themselves Christian. Well may the poor exile of Norfolk Island, during his watched hours of work, and during his in his crowded rooms of rest, take up the mournful lamentation and say, no man cried for my soul. With the vast labour, always available, not a few hours can be allotted to fit up a place where the Almighty can be worshipped. They must stand during

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the whole service in the open air, during their only day of interval from work, or be crowded together in a close room, where is little air, and where in the hot summer weather it is almost suffocation, and, even there, numbers cannot find admittance. I have reasoned with the Commandant on the subject, but in vain. A thousand obstacles are brought forward, where was there but the simple wish to have it done, not one would be thought of. Yesterday one man actually fainted during the time of Service, and had to be carried out. The heat to be is truly distressing, and makes atthe duty doubly an effort, especially when I feel not quite well.
Yesterday a young man named Joseph Perry, returned to the R.Cs. I have no doubt whatever, but, this was owing to the persuasions of some of the other prisoners. An Overseer here named McCabe, who has been three times at penal Settlements, since his first transportation, has been particularly active in proselyting. I wrote to the Major on the subject to day. No. 1. Probably from the favour they see shewn to the priests, from the Commandant & his family, some of the prisoners, who care nothing about religion

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may be induced to profess themselves of that persuasion, in hopes of securing some favour.
To-day we have had a plentiful fall of rain, which was much wanted. From the long continuance of dry weather we have had, grass &c was very scarce, & flocks and herds beginning to suffer. Now, the change will be rapid from the dry brown hills, that were around us, to the luxuriant green grass, clothing the hills and glens with verdure & with beauty. Now thankful should we be to Him, who bestows so many blessings upon us.
The prisoners on this Island, have been now divided into three classes. In the third class are thirty five protestants & sixty-two Roman Catholics. This says something in favour, of the conduct of the protestants as a body of men, on this Island. I am sorry, however that the moral conduct of the men, has been little attended to in thus arranging them. Swearing and other similar crimes, are held as trifling in this place, that they do not subject a man to lose class. If men become good members of society here it can hardly be, from any hope of temporal advantage. Little encouragement is indeed held out to reformation.

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Jany. 8th
To-day three prisoners absconded from the Settlement. Two of them desperate Characters. They attacked an Overseer, at a little distance from the Settlement, and, would probably have killed him, but, for the third man, who begged they would not. Their object appears in attacking him, was to obtain possession of a knife, which he had about him. They succeeded in taking the knife from him, not, and have hurt him very severely in the head. They then hid themselves under a Bridge to await the ration cart, which brings the rations every day, to the prisoners at Longridge. Being seen, by one of the Stockman, who made some alarm, they decamped. Overseers &c were immediately sent in pursuit of them. In the course of the afternoon, they were observed two of them, going towards my garden hut, probably intending to rob the two men stationed there of their rations. The Stockman Charles Marsh, seeing them from the top of the hill, immediately wen down, and, he and the Sexton, who happened to be there at the time

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succeeded in capturing them. This took place about four hours after their absconding. The two who beat the Overseer so unmercifully were Roman Catholics, the one, who begged of them to spare his life, a protestant. The two R.C.s have been taken.
Thus for the being absent a few hours they have brought upon themselves probably three hundred lashes, and, a year’s imprisonment, and, then, they have to start afresh, to deserve any indulgence.
I fear, that the system of classing will have a bad effect, on the minds of some of the prisoners here. All, the very bad characters are now thrown together, and have time to hatch their plots, and arrange their schemes. Before, they were kept, in some measure in check by the better disposed, and were persuaded to good conduct, now they are all seperate from the good, and much evil will probably ensue.
The Overseer, who was so ill used by the bushrangers to-day, is a quiet decent well behaved man, and takes the oversight of the Sunday School. I know of few Overseers as wishful to be kind to the prisoners as he is.

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I mentioned some time ago to the Commandant that it would be more convenient to me, to have Divine Service, on the Sunday to the Military at ½ past 10, or 11 o’clock. He made a number of objections to this alteration. The Service is now a 10 A.M. When Mr Gregory the R.C.P. requested to have his Service at 8 o’clock, leave was at once received, and the R.C. Service now commences at that hour. In almost every circumstance the Major shews his partiality to this man. A horse has also been ordered to be put up for him.
Jany. 12th
The men who took the bush, a few days ago have all been taken; two of them at my garden hut, were captured, after wounding a man, who was endeavouring to seize them, happily the wound is not dangerous. The third man made his escape, but was taken afterwards. They have been sentenced to receive three hundred lashes, and, imprisoned two years, every alternate month on bread and water.
We have had much rain during this week, and, now vegetation is uncommonly rapid. Grass, which was becoming exceedingly scarce will now be in abundance. We ought to be truly

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thankful to Him, who gives the former & the latter rain, and who crown the year with his goodness.
January 14th
A severe cold accompanied with cough, has been and now is very prevalent here. Yesterday, little I am persuaded could be heard, when Divine Service was performed to the prisoners. Throughout the crowded room, the coughing was almost incessant, and, it was with difficulty I could perform the Service from a severe cold I have lately caught. Probably this catarrah has become so general, from the sudden change of weather we have experienced on the Island. Last week we had abundance of rain, and previously we had had dry winds and hot weather for a considerable time. The men are much exposed to the weather here; especially those at the Agricultural Establishment, and, then so many of them, being confined in one room, wet clothes &c, it cannot be wondered at, that they suffer. Some time ago, at the recommendation of Judge Burton, the sentence passed on some

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of the men here, who had been in the last mutiny, but whose behaviour since then has been good, was remitted. One of those men by the recent classification, has been placed in the second class, while another, whose sentence has not been remitted, for the same offence, the Mutiny on acct. of his ill conduct, yet, his is placed in the fist class. Encouragement here is given in a singular way, if a man is cunning enough to please his Overseer, and keep from the Office, and especially, if we be forward, and, plead his cause well, he generally succeeds, whatever his moral conduct in other respects may be. The Government here holds out little encouragement indeed, to men, who are influenced by religious principles. They may expect to be called hypocrites &c. To the Professors of Priests the R.C. faith, and especially the Priests, every favour seems be bestowedgiven, which can well be bestowed. We have here, there, Overseers whom Major A brought down with him all, R.C. who have recd. // per diem since their arrival,

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a fourth who was also paid after the same rate, was dismissed the other day from the Mill, for being absent at night & drinking with the [indecipherable] Clerks, yet, he is set over a number of poor men, as Overseer. The principal Overseer at Longridge is a great favorite & was also a prisoner, yet, receiving wages. These men, were all prisoners in the Colony, the first four it appears came out as prisoners with the Major from Ireland. These men, have never known what it is to prisoners, they have had a good ration, wages & nothing to do.
Major Anderson having allowed a horse to the R.C. Priest, I have written to him on the subject, surely if the Govt. allow a horse to the R.C. they will allow one also to me. See No. 2
Jany. 15th 1839
Last night, when Overseer Wilkinson, was in the act of examining the [indecipherable] of putting a man on the chain name of McManus, in the Gaol, for attempting to kill an Overseer, at his work, McManus, having by some means secreted a stone, struck the overseer, severely over the back part of his head, with the stone, and seriously wounded him. This young man, is a desperate character, and, has attempted to commit murder

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three times. He is one of the Roman Catholic Converts.
January 10th
An acct. of indisposition, I was unable to have Service at the Settlement to-day. A great number of the people here are suffering from cold &c, and, there is little Medicine in the Civil Hospital. Of many kinds of medicine, there is not the smallest iota in the Hospital. And here we are a thousand miles from Sydney, where only supplies can be had from, whatever disease or fever, might prevail here, there are no medicines. May the good providence of Almighty God preserve us from all evil.
January 17th

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September 20th
Yesterday five prisoners, employed on the beach whe seized a boat, which had been taken out for the purpose of fishing in a kind of reservoir inside the reef. No guard being in the boat, they prisoners in a moment, terrified the boatman, branding their spades, and jumped in, leaving the steer oar in the hands of the Coxswain and instantly dashed off towards the reef, which they cleared, their being then sufficiently water, in a kind of opening, to allow the Boat to cross. They got through the surf, and pulled manfully. The guard was instantly on the alert, the alarm given, the working gangs around all locked up in the Barracks, and a Boat in readiness to pursue them in a very short period. Armed soldiers were sent after them and overtook them, a short distance from the Nepean, a rock islet, opposite the hills near Emily Bay. On seeing there

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was no possibility of making their escape they ceased pulling, and quietly surrendered. The Boat they had forcibly taken possession of, and, which they were steering with a spade, was brought back to the Settlement. The five men were immediately tried and sentenced to receive [blank space] and, then to be put on the Chain Gang. Thus ended this ridiculous attempt to escape from Norfolk Island. They had no provision, not even water, to support themselves, in their intended voyage to New Zealand, therefore, there can be no doubt, had they succeeded, and fairly got to sea, they must have perished by famine. They had four oars in the Boat. The men have all been bad characters and, consequently little hope, of leaving this Island. Four of them were Roman Catholics, and one a protestant. The attempt to cross the reef, and through the surf, was certainly a bold, one, but

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as their was no probability that they could finally escape, the attempt was a mad act, and could only proceed from that want of thought, which is so glaringly manifest in many of the "bad men” here. Some of these men perhaps all, have been convicts from very early years - accustomed to crime at home – to crime abroad, associating, here, with the most depraved, they have sunk into a state of moral degradation fearful to contemplate. One act of insubordination follows another, and their whole time seems but a continuation of crime and punishment. Miserable as they must be from their depraved feelings they still continue to act, as if their minds were made up, that no mercy or alleviation of their suffering should be bestowed upon them. Some of these unhappy beings have been at this penal Settlement for years, and no probability

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from their own bad conduct, that they will ever leave it. Wickedness, has brought misery constant misery to their hearts, and still they grasp and cling to it, as if their friend Experience itself will not teach them. Misery will not teach them. The better condition they see their fellow convicts in, who have conducted themselves with propriety will not teach. And unless religion touch their hearts, their years will present nothing but misery and wretchedness, until they go down to the grave guilty and unprepared creatures. Then the miseries of time will be succeeded by the woes of eternity. How much to be pitied are such fool hardy men, how deeply to be lamented that immortal men should wage war with themselves and put away from them all of hope her, all of happiness hereafter.

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Sept. 23
This morning two vessels are off the Settlement, one has made signals, which shew she has some communication to make. What they are is only conjecture yet. The sea is rough, outside, and probably it would be attended with considerable hazard to send out a Boat. A [indecipherable] pier is erecting at the Boat Harbour, which I trust will be useful, in breaking the force of the waves which dash in at the only entrance to the shore. Many lives have been lost, especially when coming in, from this cause, - but, when the work, which is now progressing rapidly, is completed, I hope the entrance, will be attended with much less risk. This work should have been done years ago, instead of which hundreds of men, were employed in levelling banks, and other equally superfluous works, which can never be of the smallest value to Government, or tend to increase the worth of the Island, should it at any

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future period, be given up as a penal Settlement. A beautiful sloping hill, gradually rising from the middle of the Settlement, has to a considerable distance been cut away by manual labour, and levelled to the same depth, as the land around. The Military Barracks is erected on this on the same level, or nearly so, as the prisoners Barracks. Now, had the hill remained as it was, the Barracks erected on it, would have completely commanded the whole Settlement. Instead of this, it now is placed at the Bottom, in order to form a Square, and bears on its front, the name of Major Anderson, a fit memento of his unfitness to order be an Architect. Thus foolishly has valuable labour been squandered away on this little Island while really useful work, has been altogether neglected. We now want a Church - houses for the Officers – a Jail – a Hospital, these have been left, while years of labour have

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been thrown away, in the indulgence of a whim, which to all but owner of it, must have appeared ridiculous.
September 24th
This afternoon the two ships went round to the Cascade, and sent a Boat ashore. One of them is the Alligator, Ship of War, the other we don’t know what it is. As yet no News to be depended upon has transpired. The Governor’s Aid de Camp, has arrived. Probably he will have to make some reports respecting the Island. The sea still continues very rough at the Settlement. I visited the Hospital to-day and was glad to find one of the patients who has lately been very ill, considerably better, apparently in a fair way of recovery. Lately he has appeared sincerely penitent and actually desirous of becoming a true Christian. His tears spoke feelingly of the wishes of his hear, to obtain forgiveness of his sins. He felt that it required a salvation from the guilt and power of sin, to render a sick bed easy, and death tranquil. He listened with the greatest attention to all I said to him, on repentance towards God, and faith

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in our Lord Jesus Christ. He now seems truly gratefully to the Almighty for the measure of health and strength, which has been bestowed upon, and determined that he will devote the remainder of his days to Him, who has raised him up, from the confines of the grave.
Another patient to-day, a Roman Catholic said he wished to speak to me on spiritual matters, - and, intimated, that from what he saw among those of his own profession he could not think they were right. I spoke to him briefly on the superstitions of his Church, and, of the necessity of seeking for absolution, from Him, who alone has power to forgive sins. I trust he is sincere, in seeking to better informed than he has hitherto been, and that he will throw off, that galling yoke of superstitions, which bind down the [indecipherable] of the Romish Church, to the lowest degradation. Since he was twelve years of age, he has been a prisoner

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Sept. 27th.
Much excitement has prevailed on this Island for the last two or three days, by the arrival of The Alligator Ship of war, and The Cornwall a large Merchand Ship, to relieve the detachment of the 80th. Regiment stationed here, and to return a detachment of the 50th. which [indecipherable] left this Island only a few months ago. Major Bunbury is also removed from the Office of Commandant, and succeeded by Major Ryan of the 50th. This measure of the Sydney Government, has caused an expense to the British Government of, I suppose at least 2000£ And a more uncalled for expedition perhaps never has been exhibited, even by the Whig-radical Government of New South Wales. A better Commandant, never need be expected here. Free from party-feeling – from prejudice – from selfishness, he has given great satisfaction to every Officer on the Island. Kind and compassionate yet strict and just, he went through the onerous duties attached to his office, with satisfaction to all, good men on the Island. The immense

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improvement effected at this Penal Settlement since Major Bunbury took charge of it is astonishing. More I venture to say, has been in real improvement, by his Government than has ever been done since this Island became a place of punishment. Unlike totally his predecessor, he never let party feeling have any sway with him whatever. If a poor prisoner behaved well, he was encouraged. If on the other hand, he conducted himself improperly he was sure to be punished. Prior to his administration punishment was a mere lottery, it depended on the whim or caprice of the moment. If a favourite, he would not ten thousand to one, be punished, if on the contrary, he had unwittingly perhaps given offence, to some on high in real authority, the poor fellow had every probability of severely catching a terrible award. This as a matter of course, caused a general grumbling, no man was safe, a trumpery charge preferred perhaps some years of good conduct, would subject a prisoner,

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to the forfeiture of any little privilege he had been in the possession of. Generally his bit of ground for potatoes was taken away from him. This was a favourite mode of punishment, and very frequently resorted to. Kept on Salt provisions the greater part of the year, a few vegetables became a great luxury to the poor fellow, and therefore a depriving them of it, was ever considered by them a very severe punishment. And in another point of view it became almost an act of cruelty to do so, for vegetables where salt provisions are served out as a daily ration, are almost necessary to preserve the men, from scurvy. The effect of acting in this arbitrary manner for frivolous offences, had but one effect, and that was to fill the Hospital with the sick. I might mention another evil which the depriving the men of vegetables had, and, that was an almost universal evil, the men became discontented and troublesome and idle. When they saw that all their efforts were unavailable, they gave them up, and, did as little as they possibly could

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for the Government. Often when the daily labour required was finished, and the men had a few minutes to spare, they hastened away to their gardens, and the pleasure of cultivating a few yards of land for their own use, seemed to soften their feelings, and caused them still to deem themselves human beings, and yet a part of society. Another favourite punishment which Major Anderson frequently indulged in was, what he termed solitary confinement. This meant imprisonment in a small cell, built for one person, but where he placed perhaps four or five. These poor wretches, were all huddled together, with scarcely room to lie down, with heavy irons on their legs, and sometimes, confined to a chain. In a warm climate, of course the effects of this torture were dreadful. The Cell had no air, but what was admitted through a very small grating, above the door, and, frequently, when I have in the course of any duty

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visited these horrible places of punishment, I have been obliged to step back again on account of the noxious effluvia, proceeding from the confinement of so many human beings, in so small a space. Speaking of the moral effects of this close imprisonment, the heart may almost bleed, at the contemplation of a man dressed in a little brief authority exerting it, to chain down every good feeling and to let loose, every evil thought every bad passion, and every degrading practice, which in their circumstances man is capable of committing. They became lost to every good feeling – they had no ideas in common with the well behaved and good men around them. They became, even when liberated, a seperate class, haggard in body, diseased in soul, ready for every mad attempt, for every depraved and vicious practise. They looked upon themselves as victims of tyranny, and they revenged themselves by doing all the

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evil in their power, towards their fellow creatures. This punishment followed punishment, and, worn out, with the continual inflictions, of severity, they [indecipherable] retired at last to the Hospital, to breathe out the remainder of to them life’s dreary day.
Directly contrary to this mode of of administering penal discipline, was the practice of Major Bunbury, when an offence was committed, the offender was immediately as soon as possible tried impartially, and, punished as soon as possible. Then he was sent out to work, and, not allowed to lie in gaol, working crime, and contriving more misdemeanours. When the laws were broken, the offender knew, that he was sure to suffer the penalty, but, nothing more. He was not left to brood over his evils, with companions depraved as himself. He was left to enjoy the benefit of free air, and exercise. The light of Heaven was not taken away from him.

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He could still breathe and attend the public Worship of the Almighty, where he could hear of his duty towards God and man, and be instructed in all things appertaining to his best interests here and hereafter. Under Major Anderson’s Government, the prisoners when under sentence of solitary confinement, as he called it, were not allowed to attend Divine Service, even when Public Worship was performed in the Gaol. This system was adopted towards the latter end of his benign government. He looked upon it as an indulgence? And they were not to be indulged. They saw each other at Service, and this he wished to prevent, yet there was no repugnance felt to allowing three or four or five, all to be thrust into one dark loathsome den, and to remain there for days and weeks and months! Had he strove to increase iniquity and to harden the hearts of these poor wretched outcasts from society, he could not have accomplished these fearful objects

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more effectually than he contrived to do by, this terrible system of solitary crowded confinement.
Another considerable difference between Major Anderson’s system of prison discipline and that of Major Bunbury’s was, in respect to the invalid Gangs. These consist of old men, or young men weak and disabled. Under the management of the former these poor creatures were looked upon with a frown, and to belong to these gangs, was sufficient to deprive the poor fellows of their gardens, of being in the first class, or of any of the very few privileges said to be allowed to the well conducted prisoners. This appeared a great hardship, they could not help being old, and therefore had no right to bear punishment of account of it. They could not help being infirm, and, therefore should not have been deprived of any privilege because they were

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infirm. Lately, all have been required to work, but only what they were able to perform. The New Zealand Flax (Phormium Tenax) which grows in abundance in the gullies and declivities adjoining the sea on this Island, has been worked up, in a covered shade, near the prisoners Barracks. This found employment for a considerable number of old men and the infirm, they had no distance worth mentioning to walk to their work, it was easy employ for them, and, much better for them, than by herding together in the exempt room, as many of them did, when Major Anderson was here, principally, because they were not able to do the heavy work required. The system lately adopted was to give encouragement to all, whether infirm or old, provided they did what they were able to do. The well-behaved among them were put into the first, by this arrangement, they received a small allowance of Tobacco, from the Government, which to them was a great luxury, and, they appreciated

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it as such, and worked as if grateful for the indulgence. The improvement in their health was marked and considerable. They became also much better satisfied and contented. When, in the exempt room and Barrack Yard, they were all huddled together, as a matter of course they were complaining and wretched, - when employed at light work their minds lost that morbid tendency to which they had been so long accustomed, and they spoke and acted more like reasonable creatures. There is perhaps hardly a well-behaved man, on the Island, who does not feel deep regret at the departure of Major Bunbury. They all knew he was just, and, that what they were really entitled to, they were sure to obtain. A number of men have been lately recommended, for no other reason that I can perceive, than that they were Major Anderson’s servants, and have received mitigations of sentence accordingly. This

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is only another proof of the partiality of Mr Major Anderson, and these men received their mitigation because they were recommended by him. Some hundreds might be found on the Settlement, who are as equally deserving, therefore, why should these men, be signalled out, and have the greater part of their sentences forgiven. Why? because they had the good fortune to be selected by the Major for his service? Such glaring injustice to the other prisoners, shew very clearly, the great unfitness of appointing such a man to be Commandant, at a penal Settlement, where so much is in the power, of those who think fit to abuse it. Yet this man, who did so much to annoy the few people on the Settlement, whose only object appeared to exalt himself, and crush every one, who was too independent to [indecipherable] to him, who very punishments, shew cruelty and injustice. This man was

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continued here by the sapient Government of New South Wales for upwards of four years. But when an independent man, an honourable man, a just man, comes down here, he is on the most frivolous pretexts removed and sent back to Sydney, after having been at considerable expense in coming here, and after effecting more real good, and more genuine reformation in six months than the other did in the whole period, that the Island was crushed by his partial and tyrannic government. Major Bunbury was of too independent a spirit to knuckle to the humour the prejudices of a Whig Governor. He dared to think for himself. He could not flatter those in power, merely because they were in power. This manly conduct suits not the Whig policy of the day. And he who was it, must prepare to undergo, all the petty malice of those who are in power, under such a system.

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September 30th.
I visited the Hospital to-day. Where I found a poor man, who had been in Jail for a considerable time, under Major Anderson’s mild system, not likely to remain long in this world. He seems quite exhausted, and, probably, a few more days, will see him laying in the Church yard. His character I believe have been bad, but when he committed any evil deed, had he been punished and sent out, it is not likely, he would have suffered as he has done, from laying for weeks and months in the cold gaol, without even a straw mattress to lay upon. This, I have little doubt, has been the cause of his illness, he has been imprisoned so long, until nature is now exhausted, and he is likely to descend to the grave. His weakness is so con-

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siderable, that the Wardsman, is obliged to assist him in turning in his bed. Poor fellow, it grieves me much to see these poor creatures thus falling victims to a mistaken policy.
Another man Wm. Smith, has been very ill in the Hospital lately, but now is considerably better. He seems a true and sincere penitent, and I hope by the assistance of the Spirit, of grace will lead henceforth a life of obedience to the commands of Jesus Christ. While Major Anderson was here, this poor man whose character since he came here, is I have every reason to think, not at all bad, - he received three hundred lashes because he had omitted putting maize into a few holes, when planting. This offence which in the Colony would have subjected to the offender to a scolding, here under the

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mild administration of Major Anderson, was paid visited by the fearful penalty of 300 lashes. A prisoner here, called McGrath, had rendered himself exceedingly useful, when the Friendship was wrecked off the Island, for his meritorious conduct on that occasion, he was recommended to the Sydney Government, and obtained a remission of two years fro his original sentence. Some time afterwards the same person, was taken to the Office, about having two sticks in the Boat, which the Captain of the Governor Philip said were his. It appears that the following were the circumstances of the case. The Captain of the Government Vessel, had obtained a number of walking sticks from the Island. On their being sent on board, two were missing, afterwards another batch of sticks were taken off to the Vessel in the Boat, of which McGrath was Coxswain, - two of these sticks were claimed by the Captain as his property

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we blush for the free as well as the bond, and can hardly wonder, that every desperate effort should be tried by men galled to the very quick, and tormented almost beyond endurance.
The Clerk I employed here, who was of course a prisoner, gave unintentional offence to Major Anderson, his crime appears to have been, simply, he was my Clerk. I can Under the despotic rule of Major A – I had frequently to remonstrate with him, respecting certain acts of his, which appeared to me, to be destitute of justice arbitrary in the extreme, He thought that probably the Clerk, conveyed to me the information respecting these acts of his, which he seldom or never did, yet for this, when he left the Island he entered after the poor man’s name in the Official Records, that he was never to be trusted, thus preventing him from

[The following two pages reversed]

[Page 381]

the prisoner was sent to the Office, and Major Anderson, said, he would deprive him of the two years remittance he had received from the Colonial Government. Was this legal? The fearful consequences of the long confinements in the Gaol, is now seen, in the languishing and dying bodies, of the poor wretched sentence to it. Strong healthy men, are now emaciated and worn out, living spectres, a warning indeed to others, but to the person, by whom this was brought about, must be at some period, a fearful reflection. At least I should think so. When the stron oppress the weak, and make use of that power which is granted to them, to effect the ends of justice, when this is used to tyrannise over, and unjustly treat their fellow men, what mercy can that person ask fro who has denied it to others. Alas! in the survey of many acts on this penal Settlement

[Page 382]

being made an Overseer, or receiving any privilege to which he might lawfully be entitled to. Without an iota of public evidence, this was entered to throw a stain on the poor man, and cause to prevent any indulgence being granted to him. Major Bunbury, superior to all this underhand kind of work, on the man being recommended, and, seeing he had been a victim of private caprice and spleen, and, that there was nothing against him in the Office Books, made him Constable at Government House.
To such petty shifts did Major A – resort to during his arbitrary government of this little Island. So many spies and New tellers were ever on the alert, that he could consider himself safe and well might the Island rejoice when this place was delivered from his power. [indecipherable] was granted

[Page 383]

to him on his departure, all seemed heartily glad to be free from his authority. Under the firm and judicious Government of his successor, affairs soon took a different direction. Every one had without grumbling what was due to him. Every one was treated as an Officer ought to be. There Strict impartial justice was awarded free and bond, and the consequences was that a satisfaction was evinced, which had no existence prior to his arrival here. And, the best wishes of all those whose good opinion is worth having, will ever follow Major Bunbury. An Address was voted to him by all the Civil Officers of the Government here, expressive of our admiration of his conduct, and our deep regret, that he was so soon to leave us, and that our best wishes would ever accompany him. Yet this man was removed from us by the Whig Govt. of N.S.W. Oh! Shame where is thy blush.

[Page 384]

No. 1

To Major Anderson, Commandant, N.S.W.

My dear Major,
As Joseph Perry, the prisoner whom I mentioned to you, on Saturday last, has again returned to the Roman Catholic Church, I beg to mention the following particulars respecting him. I think about a month ago, I received information respecting him that, he was wishful to return to the protestant Church.- A few days after this, I spoke to himself on the subject when, he stated, in substance as follows.

When in Sydney Gaol, prior to his being sent to Norfolk Island, a young man a Roman Catholic, who was to be executed, was very wishful that he (Perry), would become also a Roman Catholic. Through his persuasions and, solely with a view of pleasing him he consented to be baptized by the Rev Mr McI[indecipherable], but that he (Perry) never believed in the peculiarities of the Roman Catholic faith, and, did not join that Church, from conviction

[Page 385]

or from thinking that it was a true Church, but, solely to please his comrade, who was so soon to suffer. And, alas, that a great weight lay upon his mind on acc’t of his insolent behaviour to the Rev’d Mr Cowper, when he visited him in the Gaol: and, he wished Mr Cowper to know how exceedingly sorry he now felt on account of his conduct towards him. Under the circumstances I said it would be better for him to write to Mr Cowper himself. – A letter was accordingly written, thanking Mr Cowper and stating his sorrow for his behaviour. Perry, also requested to join the Sunday School. On Sunday week, he was absent, and on enquiring the cause he said, that, Sunday was the only time he has for mending his clothes. But it appears, that Overseer McCabe went into the Messroom and took Perry away to the [indecipherable] room to converse with him. A few days ago, Overseer McCabe came to Mr McLean to complain against a man who had gone into the Cook House, but, in this case, so great is his zeal for proselyting the young and the ignorant, that he took or, according to his own account allowed Perry to go into the Store Room, to converse with him.

On other occasions I have had reason

[Page 386]

to complain of Overseer McCabe for interfering with prisoners respect their profession of religion, and for speaking in an improper manner both to and concerning myself. –

I am, My dear Major
Yours &c &c
Thomas Sharpe

No. 2

Norfolk Island
Sunday 14th 1839

Sir

I have the honor to request, that you will have the goodness to inform me, whether any order has been received here, from the Government, relative to a Horse being allowed for the Clergyman of the Established Church, or not.

I have the honor to be,
Sir
Your Obedient Servant
Thomas Sharpe

Address

To Major Anderson KT
Commandant
&c &c
Norfolk Island

[Page 387]

Critical Notes
on the
Journal of Rev. T. Sharpe
Norfolk Island 1837-40

[Page 388]

Journal of Rev. T. Sharpe
Norfolk Island 1837 - 1840

[margin notes] The "Journal” more reliable than the "Papers”
A genuine document but not quite above suspicion.

This Journal begins with the arrival of the Chaplain in Norfolk Island on April 21st 1837 and ends on December 31st 1840, shortly before his departure for New South Wales. It is far more helpful than the "Papers of Rev. T Sharpe”, because it treats almost exclusively of matters that come under his observation at Norfolk Island in that short period. In some parts the Journal takes the form of a collection of essays, under long-separated dates, in which the Author makes bitter attacks on the Roman Catholic religion, and the "Social System” of [indecipherable] arrangements inaugurated by Alexander Maconochie, R.N. in April 1840. The facts and events recorded are more reliable (as they need to be) than in the "Papers”, but still it is not a Journal strictly speaking, nor is it above suspicion. There are long periods without any entries at all, and, under some of the dates, there are admissions that the events were not recorded for some days after they had transpired. Under one date, without any admission, he betrays the fact that part, at least, of the entry was made at a later time. In B. 217, p 111 he tells that he visited a consumptive patient in the hospital on September 27, and (under the same date goes on to say "he died a day or two after I had visited him. I trust he will be among those who are saved.” Notwithstanding this and a few other late entries that naturally give rise to suspicion I am of the opinion that the majority of the entries were made under the date specified, or shortly afterwards before the facts had become obscured.
The value of the "Journal” consists chiefly in this (1) it gives a large amount of detailed information on matters of interest, that is not likely to be found in

[Page 389]

[margin notes] The value of the Journal to the Research Student

any published works – not even in the "Historical Records”; and (2) it shows what a "man on the spot”, invested with some authority, thought of Alexander Maconochie’s System of Convict Management, after an experience of about 9 months of its application and working.

[margin notes] Matters on which important detailed information may be found

(1) There are interesting and valuable details explaining the distinctions among the prisoners both as regards the kind of work they had to perform, and the rations allowed them; details explaining the various punishments in-flicted on offenders, as well as the indulgences bestowed upon the well-deserving; details concerning the religious influences operating on the Convicts after 1836 such as the appointment of clergymen, the organisation of Church services, Adult Sunday Schools meeting for prayer and Bible-reading, the building, punishing and opening of the first Church on the Island, the administration of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to bond and free; details of the sufferings and crimes of the Convicts, their hopes and fears, prevailing [indecipherable] and attempts to regain their freedom by ill-considered schemes for escape.

[margin notes] The author’s strictures on Maconochie’s system of Convict management.

(2) Mr. Sharpe has much to say about Maconochie’s system of Convict management which will help the research student who is critical and well-informed. Buta ll his conclusions and judgments should be compared with the statements made by the Governors of N.S. Wales, & the Secretaries – Mr [indecipherable] in England. It is just as necessary here as in the "Papers” to draw attention to the prejudices and prepossession of Mr. Sharpe which colour all his views, and sometimes betray him into violent and obviously unfair criticisms of men who differ from him in religious and political opinions, and of [indecipherable] which are based upon "liberal” principles. This temperament is that of a strongly prejudiced Tory who believes that there is one Church and one only in which the souls of men can be (saved)

[Page 390]

[margin notes] The prejudices and prepossessions.
saved. He uses the most uncharitable language about the Roman Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic priest in Norfolk Island. The worship of the R.C. Church is "idolatory”, and the Rev. McEnroe is a "charletan”. If that priest shows kindness to a Protestant it is because he wants to proslytize him; if a convict belonging to the Church of England goes over to Roman Catholicism it is because he is seeking preferment, an [indecipherable] up, or material gain!

[margin notes] The insistence on non-essentials
[margin notes] Antagonism to Commandant Major Anderson

Mr. Sharpe is very much in earnest about the salvation of souls, and he did good work among the Protestant convicts of the Island & he is deeply conscious of the inumerable blessings bestowed upon men by his Creator; and all this is very much to his credit. But there are times when he shows a want of any sense of proportion which must have made it very difficult for practical men to work harmoniously with him. If a convict sews a button on his coat on Sunday, he is banished from the Sunday School though he plead that he has no time during the week; if he bathes in the sea on Sunday at 5 p.m., in accordance with the wishes of the Superintendent, he is qualifying for Hell; if he does not stand up at the proper time at Church Service he ought to be punished. It is this deep-rooted unreasoning prejudice, and painful instance of non-essentials that makes it difficult for him to work harmoniously with, or even do justice to, the men who are placed in authority above him. Major Anderson was Commandant of the Island for 5 years, and left it in a state of tranquillity. In a dispatch dated November 5th 1837, Governor Bourke writing to Lord Glenelg says "I attribute this tranquillity chiefly to the humane but [indecipherable] and vigilant superintendence of the present Commandant, Major Anderson”. Mr. Sharpe who was often at variance with Major Anderson often on public and personal questions tells us after the departure of the Major that "his plan was to drive the helpless and infirm to despair, and to promote the cunning trickery of the Overseers”. Before (the)

[Page 391]

[margin notes] Bitter diatribes on the character and conduct of Overseers.
[margin notes] Till the arrival of Capt. Maconochie
[margin note] A characteristic custom of Captain Maconochie in April, 1840

the arrival of Captain Maconochie Mr. Sharpe’s denunciations of the Overseers on Norfolk Island (mainly because of their "infamous” characters, and their treatment of the convicts) were frequent and severe. But by October 1840 his views have changed so completely that he fills his pages with [indecipherable] to the "insolence and [indecipherable] of the convicts and the humiliations of the poor overseers! Before the arrival of Capt Maconochie his is constantly complaining that there is too much emphasis is laid upon [indecipherable] and not enough on reformation. The keynote of Maconochie’s system is reformation: everything else was to be a means to that end; but it was not enough in the way that Mr. Sharpe thought correct, and before long, his criticisms of the Superintendent are almost as bitter as of those which he made against Major Anderson.
One quotation from B 218. p 244 will help to explain his antagonism to the Commandant and the Superintendent, and also serve to reveal the quality of Mr. Sharpe’s mind and temperament: "I regret to find that the Superintendent Captain Maconochie left the morning service of the Church in order to attend the Roman Catholic Mass.
This example, in thus showing the indifference to religion, may perhaps, do harm in this place. Without fixed religious principles he appears to imagine that all are right – no matter how much their doctrines differ from the doctrines of the Bible. I do not wish to be uncharitable (sic), but anyone who belongs to the Church, and understands the creed of the Romanial, must be aware of the [indecipherable] of their fallen Church, and therefore he who sanctions their religious services by attending them brings down a heavy load of guilt upon his head, and shows to all men that his profession of a [indecipherable] faith is very vague, and has little or no influence over his practice. From the situation which Capt. Mc holds in this island his example may be attended with painful results’. It was attended with painful results – to Mr. Sharpe. (At)

[Page 392]

At the end of the year the Superintendent asked for the removal of the Chaplain on the ground that he could not co-operate with him in carrying out his scheme.

[margin notes] Reliable originals that should be read with the "Journal”

The student who reads his "Journal” ought to read also the correspondence dealing with Norfolk Island in the "Historical Records”, Volumes 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22., together with Captain Maconochie’s pamphlet entitled "General Views regarding the Social System of Convict management” published in Hobart in 1839. He will then find that some of Mr. Sharpe’s criticisms were vindicated by later experience, but also that Mr. Maconochie was a sincere man who, though led astray, some times, by excessive zeal, and over confidence in the Convicts, was nevertheless, defended and supported by the Secretary of State in England who had to find the money for carrying out the experiments of the Supernintenent in Norfolk Island.

[margin notes] Value of Mr. Sharpe’s work in Norfolk Isd

Mr Sharp was a well meaning man with a profound belief in the value of a human soul, and a belief, quite as profound, that it was only in the Church of England that the souls of men shall be saved. As Chaplain of Norfolk Island he did much good work among the military and the Convicts – organizing Adult Sunday schools, prayer meetings and Bible classes, watching over the interests of the children of the soldiers, and visiting those who were physically and spiritually sick. But he had no adequate perception of the practical difficulties with which men in highly responsible positions are beset, and most of his judgments on men and [indecipherable], outside the ambit of his personal experience, are worthless.

[Margin notes] Futility of his judgments on men-of-affairs, and liberal institutions.

In the hands of an immature student who is not careful to verify statements, and question judgments, the "Journal” like the "Papers” will do harm; but, for the student who is well-informed from other reliable sources, and who is reasonably critical, the "Journal” will prove interesting and helpful.
Signed, Geo. C. Henderson
2/12/2

[Page 393]

[Page 394]

No 1
Journal &c Kept at Norfolk Island 1839

[Page 395]

February 15th
March 4th
The weather lately has been exceedingly hot. Vegetation droops every where; and, unless, we are soon favoured by the blessing of the Almighty with refreshing rain; - there will be little to support the flocks on the Island. The weather here is very liable to changes, but, during this summer, we have had with few exceptions, a succession of hot days. There is, however, at all times an abundance of good water. Few of the many picturesque glens, which abound here, are destitute of the purest water. This enhances considerably the value of this little spot: and tends much to the health of the inhabitants.
Good roads, are now opened in many parts of the Island, and a considerable quantity of land closed for cultivation and grazing. Were

[Page 396]

the flocks increased, as they easily might be, the Government might well afford, to give to the prisoners, a ration occasionally of fresh meat. This is a luxury which they seldom now enjoy. Were it not for the fruit, Lemons and Guavas, and Cape Gooseberries, there would probably be much sickness among them.
March 7th
Still the dry weather continues, but, it is not our part to murmur. Many many indeed are the blessings bestowed by the Almighty, on his creatures, and oh! How little of thankfulness is evinced for them, by the receivers. Here the outward observances of religion are kept up, but, how little is manifested of zeal in a good cause, humility, desire to do good, faith, meekness – temperance how little of all these, is found by some here, who, from their influential situations might, be rendered eminently useful to their fellow creatures, and, through

[Page 397]

the blessing of Divine grace, useful to them with respect to Temporal things and, also spiritual. Can we wonder that, so little gratitude being shown, to the Giver of all good, and, so little anxiety evinced for true religion, can we be surprised, that the heavens above us should be as [indecipherable], and the earth beneath as iron? Those who honour God, he will honour; but, those who neglect to do this, will be lightly esteemed.
March 12th
Some few of the men here, since the arrival of the two Roman Catholic priests, have become members of their Church. These men, nominally of the protestant faith, have deserted the standard of the cross, and taken the word of men, for their guide in religious matters. Influence by worldly motives, generally, and, not caring for religion, the profession, which they thought

[Page 398]

promised them some temporal advantage, they chose, as their own, and ran the risk of losing their salvation, for a morsel of bread.
The Commandant here has shewn so decidedly and unequivocally his partiality for the Romanish Priests, and, his wish to favour them in almost every thing, that it is hardly to be wondered at, that men, not guided by good principles, and, never thinking about, or caring for religion, should be tempted to go over to those, whom they see are so highly favoured, in hopes of securing some advantage of a temporal nature to themselves.
This is principally to be regretted on account, of those poor ignorant men, being now destitute of hearing the Gospel, and, taught to trust in the lying varieties, which crowd so thick around every part of the worship of the fallen and apostate Church of Rome. Instead of hearing the Sacred Scriptures

[Page 399]

read and explained, they have a few latin prayers, which they dont understand a word of, and lying legends of men called saints, whose actions were anything but Christian like, and, whose miracles were too ridiculous to impore upon any but the bigotted adherents of the Church of Rome.
March 20
Last Sunday, I addressed the men on the necessity of good behaviour as it respected their best interests, temporal as well as spiritual. They heard with great attention, and, I think, will profit by the admonition. I have generally found, that when their faults are pointed out to them in a kind & feeling manner, they are sensible of the kindness shewn them and profit, by the advice given.
Prisoners have few to speak to them kindly, and, therefore, few, are able to appreciate more justly, or to value more highly, true friendly counsel.

[Page 400]

To-day after divine Service, a man came to me, who had recently been discharged from the Hospital, he requested to be allowed to attend the School. Sickness, in his case, appears to have taught him a useful lesson; to have shewn him, the necessity of true religion as the only means of obtaining comfort in the prospect of eternity, and the only way, to be prepared to enjoy eternal bliss, when the voyage of life’s at an end.
He wept, like an infant when, telling me how sinful he had been, and how wishful, he now was to lead a new life. He confessed that all his criminal pleasures never afforded him happiness.
This is not a solitary instance of the wanderer being reclaimed even here. Now and again, I am encouraged to persevere in warning, exhortation and entreaty, by one and another of these poor restless guilty men, being

[Page 401]

brought by the grace of God, to see the necessity of a new course of life and, repentance and faith, and obedience in order, to be prepared for death, and eternal life after death. May the few solitary ones, become a thousand & where sin has abounded, may grace much more abound.
March 30th
Yesterday, being Good Friday, I administered the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, to 46 Communicants nine of whom were Overseers or Constables, this is the greatest number, that have been admitted, since my arrival on the Island. I am glad to have had, so many Overseers, for they have much in their power of influencing the men, with respect to avoiding some fearful crimes, common among prisoners, cursing & and unbecoming discourse, they can restrain this much, being with their gangs. I hope they are all sincere, and wishful, to act

[Page 402]

as real Christians. They all bear good character, generally. The greater part of the men also, perhaps are well behaved, I think I may say, all of them, conduct themselves with propriety now, their behaviour during the Communion was most solemn, and reverent. I think many of them will not forget this season; This Island has been notorious for wickedness, for open sin, but I trust a brighter scene is about to arise, and, that where sin did abound, grace will much more abound. I hope many of these poor wanderers from their Father’s home, are now will willing, to throw down their weapons of rebellion, and to be enrolled as soldiers of Jesus Christ. Religion is more spoken about, an interest is excited amongst the men, respecting it, which I trust, will be productive of much benefit. And, as one sinner, does often much evil, so one true Christian, may do much good, by the blessing of the Almighty, among those around him.

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April 1st
Yesterday, Easter Sunday, I administered the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, at the Military Barracks to the following Communicants
Mrs. Mcdonald
Mrs. Sharpe
Mrs. Ellson
Miss Lambie
Dr. Ellson
Mr. Arnold A.C.G.
Lieut. Tyson 80th Regt.
Lieut. Knowles 50th do.
Mr. McLean Superintendent of Agriculture
Hon. W. Pery
10
I am glad to see the Military Officers especially the young men, coming to the Table of the Lord. They need much grace to keep them from being led away by the maxims and fashions of the world.
The men, behave well during Divine Service, are remarkably attentive

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but, none of them remained to receive the Holy Communion. I hope some of them are well disposed, and in time, will be decided in becoming true Christians.
Christmas Day
1939
How beautiful is Christmas. In this far off land, it is not attended with storm and snow, but sunshine and flowers. This holy festival is not celebrated here, in the depths of winter but, in the very heart of summer. We have no snow drifting around us, which [indecipherable]to obstruct our path to the House of God, to offer up to Him, our humble and hearty thanks for the gift of his Son, and, to pledge anew, at his holy Table, our allegiance to Him, we have no storm, or frost in this land, to make us cling more firmly, to the shelter of the hospitable home, we, have the flowers springing us. and the green grass flourishing luxuriantly on the

[Page 405]

hills, and every little valley and secluded glen, turning with its rich, and tropical plants, and gaily decked out, with a profusion of dancing foliage, the fern and the dragon trees, opposing their claims as favourites, and the rich purple and white convolvuluses, climbing up the stems of many a tree, and ornamenting them with festoons of loveliness. Yet, notwithstanding all this beauty, and, who is there, than can do less than admire it, and give thanks to the Creator, for all the varied beauties of nature, in this bland and sunny clime, yet still, I dearly love that happy land, and, I dearly love Christmas even when kept amid the darkness and storms sterility of mid-winter. I can never forget the various old customs, and the pleasing anticipations, which ushered

[Page 406]

in this most beloved festival of the year, in my native land. The Yule log – the Yule Candle, the Waits, breaking the stillness and the solemnity of midnight, by singing the praise of God, and directing the roused thought to the cradle and the manger of the infant of Bethlehem. When the loud storm was filling the atmosphere, and, the howling wind, in its fury, beating against the well sheltered mansion, suddenly a burst of voices, gave utterance to thanksgiving, and gratitude, and heart in its deep and happy musings, was transported far away to the land of Indea, and to the voices of the angelic host and, to the Shepherds in the field, and, to the star of Bethlehem.
And, then there was, on this happy day, a joyous meeting of the different members of the family some, of whom perhaps saw not

[Page 407]

each other faces, excepting at this happy period. All assembled round the same board, and, told the same the various occurrences which had befallen them, during the past long twelve months, and, laid in a fresh stock of affection for each other, which would, often cause their hearts, to muse on each others’ welfare and to wish each others happiness for a twelve months to come.
After Divine Service, all met around the festive board, and while the wealthy had their splendid feast, the poorest cottager was not forgotten. The aristocracy of old England, never forgot the poor at this season of this year, and, if, there be a table [indecipherable] with plenty to be found, it is where the old families are absent, and where trade has broken up the links which subsisted between the Gentry and the lower orders of the people. Oh! Christmas is a happy season

[Page 408]

and, an Englishman, can hardly be found, where heart does not beat at the remembrance of the many joyous associations connected with this most happy festival of the year. The Churches are generally decorated with holly and other evergreens, which symbolic of joy give almost the appearance of Spring, to barrenness of winter. In all this there is a something which stirs up the heart to, grateful remembrance and thankfulness. We rejoice in hope of the glory of the glory of God. The Christian feels his obligation to the great Lord of all for the gift of his Son, and celebrate the festival appointed by the Church to commemorate this blessed event, with thanksgiving and rejoicing. And, every thing, which tells us of this event, is endeared to his heart and often remembered in after life. When he is far away from the house of his fathers.

[Page 409]

This day I performed Divine Service to the Military and free people, at the Military Barracks, and after Service, administered the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the following Communicants.
Mrs. Sharpe
Hon Mrs. Pery
Miss Lambie
Major Ryan
Hon Mr. Pery
Walker } soldiers
Nanna
I am sorry, that not more than these remained to take this sacred memorial of the love of the dying Lord. I hope however the number will increase by the next time I administer this Sacrament. It is much to be regretted that more do not come forward. Last time it was administered, a greater number remained, than have now done, but most of them are

[Page 410]

now away from the Island. The Church was very neatly decorated with green branches and flowers, and, is disposed as to have a very pleasing effect. I am fond of this old custom of decorating Churches on this festival, they with green leaves and fresh blooming flowers, they show better perhaps, than any other outward token, that, man does, I ought to rejoice, and be thankful, for the goodness of his Creator, and when his house is used for the place, where those beautiful memorials, of rejoicing heart, are displayed, they raise the thoughts to Him, for whose coming, all there are hanging about, in beauty, and filling space with their fragrance. Flowers, are interesting objects, and when, they are brought to the Church to shew, the gratitude of the people they become more interesting than in any other situation perhaps

[Page 411]

I am sorry Old English customs are so rapidly dying away, one great and important object they accomplished was, a good feeling spreading from heart to heart, and causing kind affections to be returned and cherished there. In foreign lands, few of the ancient customs of home, are much in use, men are so intent on riches and luxuries, that they seem to have no time to spare to encourage the customs, and usages of their fatherland. And, thus gradually the tie is dissolved, which binds us to the land, where we first breathed the free air, and were the breath of life, and where the happy days of our infancy were passed, sunshine and flowers. I regret much, that old customs where perfectly innocent should be forgotten, and, that what is often a spring to charity & good feeling, should be discouraged.

[Page 412]

I performed Service, in the afternoon to the prisoners, poor men, how much misery have they brought on themselves by sin. Instead of spending their Christmas at Norfolk Island, in a state, which must be felt, where the [indecipherable] enters the soul, they might have been, with their families, in peace and tranquillity, and joyfulness. How much misery does sin entail upon the children of men, yet how greedily they cling to the accursed thing. And, how little of warning does the truly awful state, of the poor wretched beings in this place of degradation and punishment, affords to others of their fellow men. Crime still continues to stalk through the length and breadth of the land and, one vessel after another brings

[Page 413]

down to this sea-girt isle, a fresh load of miserable beings to undergo, the sufferings and privations of this penal settlement. The poor men seemed to enjoy much their little portion of indulgence granted on Christmas day, they had each 1 lb of fresh meat & 1 lb of wheaten bread, this to them was a great luxury. Constantly kept to salt beef, and maize bread, the change, though only for one day, was very acceptable, and they appeared to feel it. How much we value even temporal blessings, when they are about to leave us, and, how duly we estimate them, when they have taken their flight – yet, how thankless we often are, when, we are in possession of them. When in prosperity and all is ours of temporal good, how seldom we feel, as we ought to feel, for the many poor wretches, who are pining in wretchedness

[Page 414]

and want. We should always remember our poor fellow creatures who are suffering, and, endeavour to lessen as much as profitable the load of human woe.
Dec. 26.
To-day. I applied to the Commandant for leave to be granted, to the Communicants, to have a little time allowed them, from labour, for the purpose of receiving religious instruction.
Dec. 26th. 1839
Requested leave, for the men who are to receive the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, next Sunday, to have some time allowed them to-morrow, to receive religious instruction, respecting this holy ordinance, and, also for a few others who intend to be communicants, the next time, it is administered.
T. Sharpe
Chaplain.

[Page 415]

This request has been granted, as indeed it could not well have been refused, when, the same indulgence was granted a few days before to the Roman Catholics. Yesterday the Major accompanied me to Longridge, and remained during the Service. This is productive of good, to the prisoners to whom example has often more influence than precept. When they see those in authority, paying due respect to the duties of religion, and the ordinances of public, they are induced to do so themselves, and habit, in time produces principle. They attend from proper feeling. I see this in the short Evening Service, recently held here, where the attendance is voluntary, and, are at labour all day, and consequently fatigued, yet upwards of ninety attend. This affords me much encouragement.

[Page 416]

An order was issued on Friday or Saturday, for the New Barn, to be appropriated for Divine Service, on Christmas Day, notwithstanding this, order, all the benches, had to be removed into it, and the pulpit &c, after the Protestants went up in the Morning. Every difficulty is now put in my way, by, the Superintendant of Agriculture at Longridge, and, every obstacle made use, of which he thinks will have the effect of giving me any annoyance. I suppose I offended him highly, by mentioning, publicly, the case of two men, who had become R. C: - and, one of them stating, before his departure from the Island, that he would now, return to the Protestant Church as he would be away from the influence made use of here, to induce them men to become Roman Catholics. The very truth of the assertion, I suppose

[Page 417]

galled him deeply, but why should an officer, be so led by an Overseer, and, one, too, who has been a prisoner as to do, in almost everything what he wishes, Why should he allow this man, to shew favours to the men, who are Roman Catholics and deny them to the Protestants, and, particularly to those who are new converts? Why should he be allowed, to use, horrid and abusive language to the men at labour? Can men be expected to reform, when these things are done, and this particularly and, ill usage shewn? But, reformation is not what he wants, all his wishes seem to centre, in work, as much as possible, no matter how health may suffer, or strength decay, still work to the very utmost and, next the increase of his Church. These seem to [indecipherable] of his hopes thoughts with respect to the prisoners here

[Page 418]

The Act passed by the Council for the conditional remission of sentences to this Island, has I am quite certain done an immense deal of good. That deadly apathy which crept over the minds of the prisoners, when transported to this penal station, has in a great measure disappeared that indifference to the consequences of their behaviour, which induced them, to care little or nothing whether, they were sent at night, to Gaol, or to the Barracks, is almost gone, and instead of being careless and unconcerned about their conduct they are most feelingly afraid of bringing themselves into any scrape or of doing anything which will send them to Gaol and frequently they refrain from going to the Hospital, when

[Page 419]

they really ought to go, and when their going would often prevent a serious illness; lest, they should be sent to Gaol, as malingerers. With little examination, the poor fellows are sent to Gaol very often when they go to the Hospital. A very great hardship exercised on the poor fellows, here as prisoners is that of all in the same gang being required to do the same labour. No matter what may be the difference of age, of strength of habit, all are expected to do the same work; their portion is measured out to them in the morning, and unless finished by evening, they are taken to Gaol, and brought to the Office next morning. It ought not to be expected, that a poor weak man, who, perhaps has hardly done a day’s work previous to being

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transported to this Island should be able to do the same quantity of work, as a person strong, young and healthy, and accustomed to agricultural labour, all his life long yet this most unfair and unjust system is carried on at Longridge, and many complaints and many hospital cases, and, also many punishments. The food which is given to the prisoners, is also such, as not to give the strength and vigour, which good food, and fresh meat frequently, would give them. Salt Beef dried, hard almost as Mahogany, and hominy, made from Maize, is all they have to compensate the want of Wheaten bread, and fresh meat. Yet we always hear, when speaking of their hardships, that they do not nearly the work of an

[Page 421]

English labourers, but while we readily agree to this, we say, that the convict of this Island, and labourer in Britain, cannot be compared together. They have resemblance in any point whatever. The one is free, working for himself, [indecipherable] for his family, - stimulated to labour, by knowing that they as well as himself will reap the benefit of all his efforts, and then his food is plentiful good and nourishing – as much of it as he can possibly use, and when his labour is done, he can sit down cheerfully with his family or, walk here & there, with none to watch or curb his movements. The transported man, on the other hand, is in bondage, he has no inducement to exert himself in labour, he knows that let the produce of his work, be what it may

[Page 422]

he will derive no benefit from it. His family perhaps pining in misery and wretchedness, from his absence, his fireside, now lonely and comfortless and deserted where he had spent many happy days, his wife his child, thousands of miles from him, over the dark waters of the ocean, mourning in the comfortless shelter of some workhouse. His food, a little Maize, which is given to swine, and of that often not enough of it, and, a small quantity of hard Salt beef and watched during his labour, by an Overseer, who perhaps is goading him on, to do more than he is able, and threatening with punishment, if his wishes are not fulfilled. Then, when his day’s work is accomplished, if he happily escapes, a night’s lodging in the gaol, he is searched

[Page 423]

once or twice before he is allowed to retire, he cannot move without some Constable, and about seven in the evening he is locked up, with hardly room for his bl until morning. The room he sleeps in, has perhaps sixty or seventy poor miserable beings, as well as himself, with hardly more room for them night to rest on, than they would have, if carried away, to their last long rest in the place of graves. This of course almost intolerable and the perspiration they must undergo, weakening their bodies, yet again, to labour in the morning. I would rather be an English labourer consider to pass away in gloom and wretchedness in want and in

[Page 424]

misery, the days of the poor convict, on his secluded Island. Dearly indeed so many of them pay for the crimes they have committed, and, could the young and the thoughtless, spend a few days, on Norfolk Island and especially at the Agricultural Station here, such a lesson would be read to their inmost heart, as would never be forgotten. They would forego a trifling gratification, which they knew must be followed up by wretchedness want and misery, for years and years. They would fear to commit crime, if they knew, what dreadful evils followed close in its train, they would abhor, crime if they had heard the groans of anguish, the if the form the unfortunate beings here, if they had seen, the scalding tear rushing

[Page 425]

down their cheek,- and the heavy irons clanking on their legs, and the meagre fare, provided for their sustenance, and, the harsh overseer watching their every step, and goading them on to labour, surely these scenes, would deter from the committal ofensive, and, to the abhorrence of those vices, which are marked by so much of degradation, so much of real hardship, and so much of punishment. I often pity the poor convict, he may have erred greatly and gone far astray from all that is good and praiseworthy, but, dearly does he pay the penalty,- his life is wretched, and unless religious sheds over him her composing beam,

[Page 426]

there is nought but misery and wretchedness for his lot. Under the every calamity, however which can bear down upon the dwellers on earth, religion, true pure, undefiled religion, can give consolation and support. The heart is lightened of its load, the mind looks beyond this vale of tears, to another and a better world,- Na under the many troubles which harass and perplex the soul, a sure trust in divine providence, a firm confidence in our Almighty Father, relieves the troubles and lessens the afflictions of life, and, causes even rejoicing on the very midst of tribulation. Without religion the convict, must be a wretched being.- Miserable here and no hope hereafter,

[Page 427]

Dec 27th
To-day, I had the men, who are to receive the Holy Sacrament next Sunday, assembled to give the instructions respecting the same, and on what was required of them who come to the Holy Table. Many of them have been Communicants before and some of them ever since my arrival on this Island now nearly three years ago though it was some months after I came here, before, I administered the Holy Sacrament. They are many of them rather elderly men, and, as far as I can observe well conducted. Some of them are servants, and four or five overseers or constables. I trust they all have a sincere desire to save their souls.

[Page 428]

and, that they will not, by their improper behaviour, cause the way of truth, to be evil spoken of.
A few days ago, a very unfortunate circumstance occurred at Emily Bay, a small indent of the sea, where the soldiers generally bathe. Two, or three had gone there for that purpose, and one after bathing had gone, leaving two others there. One of them, not being able to swim well, rashly ventured too far, and, after giving a shriek went down. His comrade alarmed gave him no assistance, and was so much horror struck at the circumstance, as not to call for assistance as promptly as he might have, as one man, a good swimmer was just at hand. And when the alarm was given, he could not tell where the man went down, and thus the efforts of the prisoners, who were

[Page 429]

some of them soon on the spot, rendered useless. Every exertion was made by them, in diving etc, to find the body, and, had they known the spot where he went down, there is little doubt, but, his life would have saved, that he would have been found, where the vital spark was quite extinct. Dr Gammic was on the spot, to render every assistance, until all chance of recovery was quite hopeless. A Boat, was brought from the harbour, and drag, and, sent into the Bay, where after seeking for a considerable time they found the body, but too late, to afford the slightest chance of recovery. On the following day he was interred, in the Church yard, far, far, away from the land of his fathers, a number of his comrades attended the interment. He appears to have been a great

[Page 430]

with them all, and I understand his friends[indecipherable] very respectable. About twenty two years of age, he enlisted about two years ago. On the following Sunday while attempting to improve the solemn subject visitation, one of his companions was very much affected, and wept much during the sermon. To me, it is always an affecting sight to see a man in tears, and, especially a soldier whose tender feelings, his habits of life, tend much to subdue, and harden his heart to the feelings of sensibility, yet in spite of all these a burst of feeling will gush out, and, proclaim that all the best feelings of their natures, are not yet quite obliterated. May the awful circumstance have influence on their minds, and shew the necessity of being always prepared to meet

[Page 431]

their God that whenever they are summoned from this life to the life that knows no end, they may be prepared to enter upon the blessings and happiness, which are prepared for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ on sincerity and truth. I find much ignorance prevailing among the men, here, both military and prisoners respecting the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. They are afraid to come, lest they should fall into sin, after they have partaken of the Sacred Elements, and thus increase their condemnation. The overseers are afraid to come because, they meet with so many trying circumstances in managing the men belonging to their several gangs, who are evil inclined, and they fear, lest they should do any

[Page 432]

thing, or say anything improperly, with respect to them, after they have partaken of the Lord’s Supper, and so bring an evil report on their profession of religion. These scruples, with others of a similar import, prevent many well-behaved and, I hope truly conscientious men, from becoming Communicants. It requires time before these several scruples, can be successfully combated. They have thought of them, and deemed them valid reasons for staying away from the Holy Sacraments for years, and, they must be argued with, and spoken to again and again, before their deeply rooted opinions, can be done away with. Next Sunday to-morrow, I intend to administer the Sacraments to the prisoners. The numbers are not so numerous as has been the case when the

[Page 433]

Sacrament has been dispensed before, but, this arrises, principally from the great number of men who have been recently removed to the Colony, by the Conditional Remission of Sentences Act. The Communicants being well behaved, and, a great number of them, here, for years, they many of them came under the conditions of the Act, and have been already removed. On this account, I have lost many of the good men, whose loss is felt in the Sunday School, particularly those who were Teachers. However I cannot but be thankful, that others are raised up, that the Institution yet flourishes, notwithstanding the many drawbacks it has had to encounter. I have also reason to be thankful for the good conduct which so many of my men have shewn which have caused their removal, and will

[Page 434]

materially shorten their sentences. A great proportion of the prisoners removed have been Protestants occasionally almost two to one. Now their removal is altogether owing to their good, conduct, and that manifested in the face of many disadvantage which the Romanists had not to struggle with, in the way, the others had. Chief Constable Principal Overseer at Longridge, Police[indecipherable], Goaler, all being R:C;S. As a religious duty, they would favour their own party, in a way, they would not the other, and, no one can have been at a Penal Settlement for any length of time, nay even for a short period, without being fully aware how much accusing or excusing the poor fellows, is in the power of these men, who are thus set over them, and, glaring examples of this injustice are too numerous

[Page 435]

to excite much surprise. Yet with all the disadvantages under which the protestant prisoners have been labouring under for years at Norfolk Island- still many more have been eligible from their good conduct, to be permitted to Head Quarters, than the Roman Catholics. One most glaring instance of the partiality shewn to the Roman Catholics, by Tedwich the principal overseer at the Agricultural Establishment, and under whose management, the whole of the prisoners there are placed with little of interference from those above him, is, that as soon as a prisoner left the Protestant faith and professed to be a convert to Roman Catholic opinions he managed to keep away from Jail, where before he was constantly sent, and, this not because he became a better man, or more industrious, or more quiet, no[indecipherable]

[Page 436]

simply, because he had become a member of the Church of Rome. Two overseers at Longridge, influenced by their dishonorable motives, have also apostatized. Almost useless in their situations, and convinced that they must soon, lose their places, they become Roman Catholics, and remain quite safe and secure. To become a papist at Longridge appears to make up for every deficiency and, a strong recommendation to have every favour shewn to them. One man, Hamilton, a Presbyterian, had been sent to Goal again and again, for neglect of work. At last the Commandant, wearied out by the man’sperv persisting in his idleness or malignering, ordered him to be punished, which punishment he suffered, before the order or warrant was signed for the same. A few days after this, at all events a short time after; he professed to become a

[Page 437]

Roman Catholic, and, this upon [indecipherable] to Ledwich, seems quite sufficient, I do not think he has been once to the Office since then or, will be again. The men, through the tyranny of this seem dragooned into the Church of Rome, I hope however a time will come, when his influence now so disgracefully used, will be done away. Yet with all these abominable partialities, the men who have left the Island, of the Protestant faith, far exceed in number the other party. The gaol Gang, on the chain are nearly all Roman Catholics, the third Class, [indecipherable] abounds in R. Catholics, I think in the proportion of three to one, in fact nearly all, the very bad men, are now Roman Catholics. The public records would shew clearly that the great proportion of crime committed on this Island is committed

[Page 438]

by the members of the Church of Rome. But, this is a consequence to be naturally looked for, from the ignorance and moral debasement, and superstition, which abound so much among them. Taught to believe that on confession their sins will be pardoned by the priest, they feel little or no compunction in committing sin. They can at any time confess, and consequently at any time receive absolution. No wonder, then that crime, is so rife in popish countries, and so common among papists, in every country.
Decr. 28th.
Yesterday when attending the Jail, for the purpose of performing Divine Service to the Protestants I was agreeably surprise disappointed in so doing, by the very gratifying information, that not one Protestant was in Gaol.

[Page 439]

This surely says something, for the good conduct of the members of the Church.
Yesterday I had a number of the men, who propose, to receive the holy Sacrament, to-morrow, in the afternoon, to receive instruction concerning their duties preparatory to receiving the Holy Sacrament.
To-day I have had three men before me, on the same purpose, who were not present yesterday. Two of them had been communicants before, the other has been about fourteen months on the Island and, I believe conducted himself, with great propriety since his arrival here, I spoke to him from the excellent instructions given in the Church Catechism of what is required by those

[Page 440]

who come to receive the Lord’s Supper. I find this short manual of instruction, exceedingly useful, and, containing the heads of the various duties, we have to impress on the minds of the people, Gradually going on from a due examination to a stedfast trust in the merits of the Saviour, through whorn alone all our hopes of salvation depend, and by whose grace alone, we are enabled to keep the good resolutions we form, which must always be made in dependance on that grace, to have faith in Him who died for our offences, and to be truly thankful for the great goodness manifested towards us, by that astonishing display of love to man, the death of the Son of God. And to be

[Page 441]

in charity with all men. To forgive others their trespasses, as we also ourselves hope to be forgiven by the Almighty. The more I use this excellent Catechism, in my ministerial duties, the more I value it. The more I think it calculated to be of great use, to the rising generation, and, also to others of mature life.
Many men, are sadly ignorant of their religious duties, and need instruction in the most plain and simple language; to make them understand, what is said to them. One source of encouragement afforded here however, is their willingness to be instructed, they appear to be thankful for advice given to them; and knowing it is intended for their good, they receive it with much attention

[Page 442]

I sincerely hope that the solemn Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper to be administered to morrow to the prisoners, will be a profitable season to their souls, and that their spiritual strength will be increase, and, their desired after a more thorough giving up of their hearts to God, strengthened, and, their prayers more fervently offered up to be enabled to live the rest of their lives, in obedience to the divine Will. Their meeting around the Lord’s Table I hope will be of abounding mercy great service to them, and, that they will find it so profitable thus to fulfil the last injunction of their Lord, that for the time to come they will not neglect this holy ordinance, and, also continue to live, as never to bring any disgrace on their profession.

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Monday Decr. 30th.
Yesterday I performed Divine Service to the prisoners, on the Settlement in the morning, instead of the afternoon, as is generally done. This alteration of time, occurred on the account of the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, being administered to the prisoners. Of the Before concluding the Service, I spoke to them on the privileges of receiving this holy ordinance, if they received it in a proper manner by faith and, also adverted to many some who did not come, who still apparently wished to serve God, and the duty of those who were confirmed When the Bishop was here, to have been a come to receive the Holy Sacrament.
After Service was concluded

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The Holy Sacrament was administered, in the School room to the following communicants.
1. Overseer. R.L. Vowell. Supt. of Con: Clk.
2. Constable. John Atkinson.
3 Overseer. Robert Hutchins
4 - Absalom West
5 – John Mc Cann
6 – James Kinghurst
7. Frederick Baldwin
8. Richard Brian
9.
Frederick de Valois
10. William Banfield
11. John Rhodes
13. James Bardsley
14 Richard Payne
15. Thomas Williams
16. John Simpson
17. James Chinnery.

[Page 445]

18. Richard Lennox.
19. George McDowall.
20. Willilam N. Carpenter
21. Daniel Ridgeley
22. Alfred Bryer
23 John Brier.
24 Samuel Taylor
25. Thomas Williamson
26. Ebenezer Knox
27. John Williams [indecipherable]
28 James Drummond
29 William Comstive
30. William Jenkins
31. Francis Morris
32. Oliver Wilks.
Many of these have been, Communicants, before, and have conducted themselves generally

[Page 446]

with prudence and discretion. With some of them I am much pleased. I think. They are really desirous of being true Christians. In this Island, those who are anxious, to serve God truly, have many difficulties to struggle against. They have no place where they can resort to, to be in [go to, for private prayer, and meditation, When at work they must see and hear many things, which cannot but be very grievous to a tender conscience, to a mind enlightened, to the a heart, wishful, that all should serve God. At meal hours, it is still the same, with six or seven hundred around them, they must again be annoyed by the evil conversation of the wiched, And then in the Evening, when they retire to rest, and would

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wish, to spread, their wants and necessities, before a throne of grace, and, to have prayer to the God of all their mercies, before they commit themselves to rest at night, the same annoyance continues as before, In almost every room, there are some men, who are given to vain talking &c, making a great noise, after they are in the Barracks and thus distract the attention, of those who are well disposed, and, prevent that collectedness of thought which is so necessary to waiting upon the Lord without distraction of mind.
I sincerely hope, the men who yesterday partook of the Sacred Elements of the Eucharist will, endeavour, amid all their trials and difficulties, to look up to the God and Father of all mercies, for strength and grace,

[Page 448]

to enable them, to fight the good fight of faith, to war a good warfare to depend, alone on the merits of their Saviour, and never to trust in themselves, to give all diligence, to make their calling and salvation true. After the Communion, I read to them, from Bishop Wilson’s book on the Holy Sacrament, the texts of Scripture applicable to them, and the prayers, following those passages. They were all very attentive, and, I hope found it good and profitable to wait upon God, in this his solemnly appointed Ordinance.
In the afternoon, I performed Divine Service to the free people and Military in the Military Barracks, the Service was well attended. The Military generally behave exceedingly well during Service.

[Page 449]

I hope the minds of many of the prisoners on this Island are favourably disposed, towards religion, and, weary of their many wanderings, are wishful now to return to the God, who has brought them "through as many dangers. The cannot but see, the incapability of vice to afford them solid, substantial happiness that all her promises are illusory and vain, that, she hold out a flowery prospect, but when the reality comes, all is [indecipherable] and disgusting, and unsatifying. Many of the poor men, here have indulged in wickedness without restraint, they have given free licence, to their passions and restrained themselves of nothing, which held

[Page 450]

out a promise of sinful pleasure. But, the confession, of all of them who are now reformed, and well conducted men, is, that all their fancied pleasures proved insufficient to bestow upon them happiness. That amid all their excesses, they knew not, what true happiness was. And that they never true contentment. This, is ever found a fact, that the wicked are like the troubled sea, which cannot rest. Like the shewy but false fruit, fabled to grow around the dead sea, which are beautiful and tempting to look upon but, when handled, turn out but, dust and ashes, so are the fancied pleasures of sin. They tell the young man, of the happinesss he will enjoy, by following the desires

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and devices of his own heart, but, when seduced from the path of prudence, he soon larns, that, folly has promised, what she has not to give, and true peace, cannot be found, in the service of sin.
Prisoners however are a peculiar set of men. Their dispositions generally appear to differ from others. They are very frequently far too confident in themselves. They think if they do wrong, they cannot possibly be discovered. They imagine by their cleverness, they will at all times escape detection. Notwithstanding, they see almost daily, instances of some of their fellow prisoners being detected in the commission of some offence, or, found out

[Page 452]

soon after the offence has been committed, still their confidence continues unabated. They think themselves cleverer than those around, and though others have taken, they will escape. This blind confidence in their own cunning, causes many of them to break the regulations and to suffer punishment.
Another peculiarity in many of them, that, they think in any work, they have to do, their knowledge, and ability to do it, is very superior to others, and if told, how you wish it to be done they had rather take their own plan, and suffer blame, rather than give way to the plan laid down for them, the former part of these remarks, applies

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of course, to the prisoners, who have had no serious impressions made on their minds, or, if they have, have contrived, to stifle them, by a continuance in sin.
Many of the prisoners on this Island have been sadly neglected in their early days. Few of them have had in youth the benefits of religious instruction, or the inestimable benefit of being brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Those of them who have had parents, who valued religion and inculcated the benefits of it upon their minds, by some means or other appear to have left them, in their early before their minds were fortified strong enough to resist temptation, and evil example, and, thus falling into bad company

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their morals were corrupted, and, they were hurried on from one extreme of wickedness to another; until some infraction of the laws of their country being detected, they were sent to New South Wales, to serve for years, at the bidding of a stranger and, undergo, in many cases both degradation and misery. Many of the prisoners here have led very wicked lives, and, were very ignorant of the grand truths of revelation on their first coming to this Island. Many of them seldom attended, a place of Worship, or attended to any religious duties, and therefore it is not to be wondered at, that those who disregard the laws of God, should show no deference

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to the laws of God. Where moral responsibility, is not thought of, human laws will be generally set aside, if any worldly advantage is to be gained by it.
In order to be of service to the prisoners, the truths of the Gospel, must again and again, be brought before them in the clearest and plainest way possible. Their duties towards God and man, must be explained to them, very frequently. Repentance enforced and faith dwelt upon, and progressive holiness inculcated and, all these, in the most simple manner, explained to them. They will often assent, to what is proposed, to them, without understanding it, and only by close and searching questions, will it be known

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that, while they profess quite to comprehend the instruction received, while at the same time they have no conception of the real meaning, you wish to imprint upon their hearts.
I have often found, that bad company been the means of destroying good principles in the hearts of these men when they were young. In the men sent to pass away years of misery at a penal Settlement, may be seen, the fullest confirmation of the adage, "Evil communications corrupt good manners.” Led away into error, by following the advice of bad companions, they gradually became as bad or worse, than they who first trained them to vice. And as they grew in years, they con=

[Page 457]

=tinued, to go on in sinfulness until caught in the commission of some enormity, they had to forfeit their liberty and leave their native land, to remain for years in bondage in a foreign land country.
It is much to be regretted that in New South Wales, so little attention should be paid to the moral conduct of the prisoners, thrown by hundreds on its shores. Many of these men on landing have been assigned to masters, whose extensive estates, situated at a considerable distance from Sydney, are not near any place of worship, or any Clergyman, thus thrown as it were, into a state of almost savage life, as far as religious instruction

[Page 458]

is concerned, they forget what little they knew of Christianity, and, become more wicked and depraved than they were, when they first landed, on the shores of this penal country. The Shepherds and Stockmen, for years and years, have probably no opportunity of hearing the word of God explained to them, or of attending to hear the Gospel preached, or of having their duties explained to them by those anxious about their souls welfare. Can it excite surprise in any one, conversant in the nature of the hear of fallen man, that these men should sink in the scale of moral feeling, that they should become again breakers of the laws, and dangerous to the

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peace and welfare of the society at large. It is also, deeply to be lamented, that many proprietors in the Colony, should care little about the best interests of those placed under their care. Their object being to grow rich, and to increase in wealth, the work of their servants, seems almost the only thing aimed at, their moral conduct appears hardly to cause the rising of one single thought. Many a poor outcast from his own home, from his friends from his own native land, may adopt the lamentable exclamation, "No man cared for my soul.” Many a bushranger when looking back on the caused, which brought

[Page 460]

him still farther into misery; which dyed him still deeper in crime; and which plunged him still farther into wretchedness, may exclaim "No man cared for my soul.” How many of those poor degraded beings, might probably have been years of misery and anguish, had they been taught their duty, and shewn the evil of sin, and the guilt it would bring down upon their heads, if they persisted in the accused thing. But, too often this is neglected, Yet there are some honourable exceptions, to the above, there are in the Colony some who are attentive to the religious and moral welfare of the servants

[Page 461]

committed to their care, and fulfil strictly and conscientiously the duties attached to the station they hold, as masters of the prisoners. Much has also been done of late years, particularly since the arrival of the Lord Bishop of Australia, in providing religious instruction for the settlers and prisoners. A number more Clergyman have arrived in the Colony, and, many districts have thus been supplied with religious privileges, of which they had been deprived for years and years. Perhaps all has been done that could be, with the means available. In so large a Country as New Holland and where the old grants being

[Page 462]

so very large, many of the Settlers being in possession of thousands of acres, and, where there is also so much waste and irreclaimable land, the population must necessarily be scattered, and this considerably enhances the difficulty of putting the means of religious instruction within the reach of them all. In the most populous districts, now Clergymen are established, and these generally, visit other places, which are at too great a distance to be attended frequently, perhaps once a quarter, or more frequently. Great liberality, has also been shewn by many of the wealthy Settlers in subscribing for the erection of Churches and Parsonage

[Page 463]

houses, in their several neighbourhoods. At present a number of Churches are in the course of erection in the Colony. I sincerely hope, that all these advantages will be attended with the divine blessings, and, that in the land noted for crime and irreligion righteousness will prevail and where sin has abounded grace will much more abound. We may then hope, that not so many human beings, will be sent to this penal Settlement, a burden to themselves, and useless to society at large.
It must strike every attentive observer, that crime, at least glaring crime has much decreased of late years on Norfolk Island. The atrocious deeds, and fearful outrages

[Page 464]

which at one time rendered this place, a spot to be thought of with horror, have now all ceased. I trust never to be acted over again. The men who were abandoned in crime, at one time, now perhaps are brought to the Office for neglect of work or for insolence to their Overseer. These are two offences now most common. on the Island. When this place was first made a penal Settlement, it appears the men had to work on the Sunday, and the only little appearance they had of religious instruction or of a Sabbath, even as late as to the time, when Major Anderson was appointed Commandant was, all the prisoners without distinction, whether belonging to the Church of England, the Church

[Page 465]

of Scotland, or the Church of Rome, all were huddled together like a herd of Cattle into a Paddock railed in, this was guarded, during the time by soldiers with loaded muskets, and, an Officers, read a few prayers, and all was over. The soldiers returned to their amusements, and the prisoners to hatch up crimes, the Sacred Sabbath was disregarded and, the many human beings thus left in ignorance and sin, with scarcely an effort to bring them to the knowledge of any religious duty, became reckless of consequences, hardened in sin, and reprobates in almost every sense of the word, in which they could become so.

[Page 466]

Iniquity and crime abounded, and, deeds were committed for the alone sake of being sent to the Colony to forfeit their lives. They became weary of their existence and had no one to point them the way to a better world.
Left to themselves, sin, was greedily indulged, and the Island became a theatre of crime, fearful even now to contemplate. Alas, what is man, when destitute of religion He shews then, in characters too plain and palpable to be mistaken, that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Happiness of course was a stranger to their misery and indeed deeply felt, the iron entered their soul.

[Page 467]

Such was the awful condition of the poor unfortunates whose crimes had sent them to this place of exile. It is a solemn reflection, that a protestant Government, should send immortal beings to this land, without making any provision for their soul’d welfare. True they were sent here to be punished, and, the probability is, that they richly deserved they punishment, that they were guilty of the crime, for which they were cast out of Botany Bay, still they had immortal souls, not withstanding all their enormities they were all destined to live for ever after death, in a state of happiness or of misery. Yet their eternal welfare was

[Page 468]

neglected, they not only had to undress, a most severe temporal punishment, but what was far worse. They were left destitute of religious instructions. They had no one to guide them, no one to point them to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. They were allowed to riot in sin, without one pitying hand, to shew their feet to the way of peace. They were indeed outcasts in every sense of the word, and the consequences were that the Island became a dread and a horror to all, most who heard of it. It is fearful to think of the state of the men here, a few years ago, and how thankful, ought they to be, that now, a different prospect

[Page 469]

is before them, now they have privileges, which were not known here a few years ago, that now they have the blessing inestimable indeed of hearing the Gospel, every Lord’s Day, and of reading the word of God: and, of being taught their duty toward God, and man. A mighty alteration has certainly taken place in this Island, within the last few years, with respect to the privileges of the men sent to this place. May they make that proper use of the advantages bestowed upon them, that they may not rise up in judgment to their condemnation. Since the worship of God has been attended to in public with propriety and solemnity, the moral condition of the men has apparently been considerably better

[Page 470]

crime, has decreased, and a degree of regularity and propriety has been manifested, by the greater part of the men here. An alteration with respect to their temporal welfare has also been gradually going on since then. They are treated differently to what they were before, and for the better. Many now leave the Island long before the expiry of their colonial sentence, on account of good conduct which entitles them to the benefit of the Act, passed for the conditional remission of their sentences after a certain period of good conduct. Thus the good providence of the Almighty shews in strong and legible character, that, where the Almighty is honoured, his blessing will descend, and that

[Page 471]

where wickedness is indulged in, his blessing is not to be looked for. The prisoners who have been on the Island for some years, speak often of the great change, which has been gradually going on, both in the behaviour of the men, and in the advantages which have followed that line of conduct. I hope of leaving this Island, and of being again received to society, from which some of them have outcasts for a long period, may now be indulged in by all of them, if their conduct merits it, and shews by a continuance in it, that they may without danger again be restored, to the world. This stimulates them to exertion, and cheerful endeavours, to do their duty and

[Page 472]

prevents that reckless disregard to consequences, which marked the conduct of the prisoners on this Island, for so many years, after it became a penal settlement and which, as might be expected was prolific in misery and in crime. The Overseers generally speaking, are not so tyrannical and oppressive as they formerly were, and, better feelings towards each other, subsist now then formerly. No doubt, there is oppression now, but nothing to what has been, and, instead of being publicly shewn, it now has to be done in some measure secretly. Were good men, and respectable men, appointed as Chief Overseers, &c, and in the other situations, which give influence over the men, have

[Page 473]

no doubt much good would follow, and many beneficial effects be produced. And this is a point in which the government ought to be most particular instead of which little concern is shewn in this particular, as is manifest, in some of the appointments made for this place of persons, who have little regard to religion or moral duties. A great proportion of the men, more immediately over the prisoners are Roman Catholics, and the partiality of the members of that persuasion, to those of their own community, is a fact generally well known. And thus the good conduct of a prisoner, may be passed over, simply because is not one

[Page 474]

of their class, and others be brought forward, because they belong to their own Church. When faults are passed over in one party, and noticed in another, some dissatisfaction is to be the consequence. A number of the prisoners have become nominal members of the Roman Church, and to the influence of those over them. This may be traced. Generally men who have not conducted themselves well, they caring nothing about religion, will turn to that class where they think they will meet with the greatest encouragement for the least exertion. To all classes of prisoners, the greatest impartiality and justice should be shewn, if we wish to work reformation among them. Encouragement

[Page 475]

should be given for good conduct invariably: and not by caprice. When the men, see, that if they do well, they will be encouraged, and, if they do evil, punishment is sure to follow, a proper sentence of justice is infused into their minds, and all murmurings are silenced, and, they submit with resignation when fully convinced of their guilt, and, that they deserved the punishment inflicted upon them, how very different are their feelings, to what they are, when punished guiltless, or when any degree of unfairness has been shewn to them. I think a number of men on this Island, have been sent here from false swearing in the

[Page 476]

Colony, this fearful crime was at one time very prevalent in the New South Wales. And, when a man is innocent of the crime laid to his charge, and, has to suffer for years in a penal settlement for an offence which he has not committed, we cannot wonder that his feelings should be fearfully lacerated, and, that he should deem himself most hardly dealt with. The evidence of many of the people in the colony, should be most carefully sifted and clearly proved, before a fellow being should be convicted upon it. I hope however this destructive vice is not nearly as prevalent in the Colony as it was a few years ago. And, also that this Island has also improved in this respect to what it was, under the reign of terror.

[Page 477]

I trust that a gradual reformation is making its way among the prisoners, and that when they leave this place, their conduct will be so circumspect, and praiseworthy, as never to give any occasion for the government to regret any lemity that has been bestowed upon them.
It is much to be regretted that the benefits of the late Act, have not yet been extended to the prisoners from England from Van Dieman’s Land and the men convicted from cattle stealing. An act of grace, to be useful, and encouraging should be general without respect to the country from when the prisoner has been transported. To the well-behaved prisoner, from Van Diemen’s Land it must appear a very great

[Page 478]

hardship indeed, to see the man, for the same offence leaving the Island, and, he although his offence was exactly the same as the other, but because he happened to come from V.D.L. he must linger away years at Norfolk Island, while his fellow prisoner is enjoying his liberty; and equally must the feelings of the prisoner he wounded, who has been transported for stealing a cow or a sheep, when he sees vessel after vessel, removing to the Colony, the housebreaker, the thief, the burglar, the bush-ranger, and, yet, because he stole perhaps a lamb there is no hope of his removal until nearly the expiry of his sentence.

[Page 479]

I sincerely hope the Colonial Government will take the case of these poor men into consideration and, allow the Act to be, a reward for good conduct to all, and not to be used in the partial way in which it now is.
In punishing criminals, the objects wished for, ought to be not only, a warning to others not to commit the same offences, not only the infliction of misery upon the being who has broken the laws of his country, but also the moral reformation of the culprit himself. Excessive punishment, seldom is found useful in this respect, instances of this may be found in the records of this Island. The men who have been sentenced to long confinement in the gaol, have in many cases, con-

[Page 480]

tinued to be as depraved and wicked as before. The men who have been most frequently punished, are the men, who continue to be brought to the office for crimes. Indeed the system adopted by Major Anderson and his predecessors. [indecipherable] considerable as most deteriorating in its effects on the welfare of both mind and body. The men were sentenced to what was termed solitary confinement, but which in fact, meant generally, two three or perhaps four, poor wretches in heavy irons, huddled together into one cell, day after day, week after week, month after month. The air by their close confinement became so polluted, that it required quite an effort to venture within the doors of these

[Page 481]

fearful abodes of human beings, degraded indeed by their crimes, but still possessing immortal souls, still destined to live for ever in another world. It could hardly be expected, but, that both body and mind must sink beneath such treatment. Still it was persisted in, and as a refinement in cruelty at last an order came out that the men under solitary confinement were not to attend Divine Service in the Gaol, when the Clergyman attended for that purpose, but that he might visit the cells; thus the poor wretches were cooped up, without even the hope of being allowed, to enter a larger place, for half an hour, to hear the word of Good read, or their religious duties explained

[Page 482]

to them. If this was done, the Clergyman must visit the different cells, to the great risk of his own health. Had the men been in separate cells, then, the object by this order might have been to have kept them from their companions, but, when three or four of them were together it became very different. However I hope, that this cruel treatment will not occur again. That a milder and better system will be adopted, generally and that punishment will not again be the only thing aimed at in the discipline of our penal settlements. Since Major A’s departure, their have been none of these terrible sentences past, of solitary confinement, for such a long period. And, I hope never will again.

[Page 483]

The prisoners on this Island ought to be truly grateful, for the amelioration of their condition now so different to what it formerly was. They ought to be indeed thankful, that now attention is paid to their religious instruction and, to their moral welfare, and, that now they are taught their duty, and see, that their best welfare is not neglected. What a fearful picture would be presented to the world of crime and punishment, if the history of the early period of this Island were impartially written. How the feeling mind would shudder at the details, and the Christian lament, that so little concern was manifested for the salvation of the prisoners, transported to this penal settlement.

[Page 484]

While this glaring neglect to the best good of the inmates here prevailed, crime as might have been expected abounded, but, now, the system being charged a corresponding happy change has also been produced. And we hear now little of those fearful evils, which then so terribly prevailed. How fervently should the prayers of the well wishes of the human race, be addressed to the throne of grace and mercy, that the reformation begun, among some may spread among the many, until all these poor prisoners, shall become Christians in reality, and, shew by their actions, that they have truly repented of their sins, and found mercy, and that they

[Page 485]

are determined by the grace of God, to lead new lives, to serve the Lord, and to do their duty in whatever station of life they are placed in. How cheering is the promise, that "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.” And, are there not even now tokens abroad, that true undefiled religion is increasing in the earth, and that, although there is much of opposition and much of obstacle put in the way of truth, by the cunning craftiness of men, who are lying in wait to deceive, yet in spite of all this, religion is reviving, and, men are being gathered into the true fold. And, one and another is turning from sin and from error, to serve the Lord. May all experience the blessings resulting from true sincere heart-felt religion. Amen.

[Page 488]

[Page 486-487 blank]

No 2
Journal
Of a three
Months

Residence at Norfolk Island
From
Oct 1st 1839
To
December 31st 1839

[Page 489]

October 1st
We have another Commandant, now, what system he may think fit to adopt a little time will shew. I hope justice and mercy will so characterize his government, that neither free nor bond may have just cause to complain.
The Alligator is expected to sail as soon as possible, but, owing to the bar, the boats have been delayed, and probably she may not start to day.
What will the good people of Sydney say, when the ship of War reaches Port Jackson, surely they must be conscious then, that we were in no great danger from the ”mighty mutineers”.
The soldiers brought down to relieve the detachment of the 80th are the most uncivil set, it has been my fortune to fall in with. I can hardly pass by the Barracks, without having to make way for them, they appear to deem it quite uncalled for any expression of respect. That from the brave 50th cannot be expected.

[Page 490]

When the 80th were here, with few exceptions they were remarkable civil. Now the contrary is manifestly the case. One reason for this conduct may probably be, that they are nearly all Roman Catholic. And, for a R.C. to pay any respect to a Clergyman of the Church of England is out of the question. Ignorant and bigoted as the greater part of them are, how can they better shew their sincerity to their Mother Church, than by venting their spleen and ill manners on the professors of the true faith.
I intend however, to report their behaviour to the Commandant, as, in a Penal Settlement, as this is it may be productive of much evil among the prison population, should a stop not be put to it.
I sincerely hope, that the 80th may return again, and that Major Banbury who has by his manly,straight forward and upright conduct, won golden opinions from us all, may again return. It would be a happy day for this little Isle, if he should again land on its shores.

[Page 491]

Wednesday October 2nd
To day the Mail was made up for the Cornwall. The Alligator and the £1200 ship sailed this evening for Sydney. The whole of the detachment of the 80th here, excepting Dr Gammie, have left the Island. Why this extraordinary step, was taken by the Governor of Botany Bay, would perhaps not be very difficult to ascertain. Major Burbury was a Tory, that is he was straight forward, performing what he promised, and not promising what was never to be performed. A Whig Government must be served by its own satellites. A person accustomed to fawn and flatter is most likely to be permanently in office under a liberal government. I sincerely hope, Truth will prevail against all party spleen and prejudice.
The soothing system, it appears is to be now called into action here, that is no flogging, imprisonment in goal on bread and water. From the time I have now resided at this penal station, I consider this, especially

[Page 492]

when continued for any considerable length of time, the most sever punishment that can possibly be inflicted. The Goal is low and small, consequently in the summer season excessively hot, in winter the contrary, the men, are huddled together, many in one small room, the air of which is frequently so very impure, that I have different times been obliged to shrink back, when about to enter them. The noxious atmosphere, has been so overpowering when the doors have been opened that I have suffered from it for hours after leaving. The terrible effect this has upon the bodies of the poor fellows is soon seen, They become emaciated and helpless, and the Hospital and the grave soon have to receive them. Some men have been sentenced to imprisonment for life by the first Commandant Lt Colonel [indecipherable] and by Major Anderson, punishment by confinement for twelve Months was no uncommon proceeding. Yet, this I suppose, this would be called the soothing system.

[Page 493]

An expenditure of perhaps not less than £3000 has been incurred by the sending two vessels down here to relieve the 80th. Why was this waste? Was there any necessity for it? None that we can possibly discover, and being on the spot, we should be able to judge quite as well as the good people of Sydney. A more palpable piece of absurdity I have seldom witnessed. The people of England are to pay all this money, because a few saw young fellows were unwilling to allow a few old huts to be destroyed. Such is Whig Government.

Thursday October 3rd
Visited the hospital today, where there are a number of bad cases. Some of the patients, I fear, are not likely to recover. Three of them, are prisoners, who have been under long confinement in Goal, by Major Anderson’s soothing system. The effect of thus being excluded from air and exercise and lying on the floor, is seen now in their wretched condition. There is but little probability of them ever being able again to recover their former strength.

[Page 494]

Friday October 4th

A prisoner for absconding was sentenced to receive fifty lashes He was missed in the morning and gave himself up in the evening. This man some time ago, it appears was employed in the Bush as a sawyer, and probably had tobacco growing somewhere, at a distance from his present employment. Probably with a view to collect some tobacco, he left his gang, without any intention of commencing bushranging. The prisoners very generally are extremely fond of tobacco and, there are not many risks, which they would shrink from encountering, in order to possess it. Having been accustomed to smoking for many years, they now feel it a considerable punishment to be debarred from the indulgence. The prisoners at Court have I understand considerably increased within the last few days. The men also who are really ill, and some who pretend to be so, have increased, the last two or three days

[Page 495]

Monday October7th

Yesterday the prisoners were inspected by the Commandant. He also visited the Sunday School. I am glad to find that he wishes to inspect himself, the several departments here; such as the work required to be done etc. One great cause of many men being subjected to punishment, has arisen from the very unjust method commonly practiced here of compelling one man to do as much as another. There are probable about fifteen men in a gang for field labour, some of these men, are young, robust and strong, accustomed to hard labour from their youth; others, are on the contrary weak, and until their arrival here unused to labour, at least to field labour, perhaps sailors etc yet these men I understand are expected to do the same quantity of labour as the others. Being

[Page 496]

unable to perform this they are hurried away to Goal, tried and punished. I sincerely hope this anti reformation will be put a stop to
Today a prisoner was sentenced to receive Corporal punishment on account of having infused or attempted to infuse the juice of the [indecipherable] into his eye to destroy his sight. Some years ago, he nearly blinded himself for the purpose of avoiding work, and, remained for a considerable time in the Barrack Goal. Lately he has been set to work, and, probably on this account, has again tried the desperate and dangerous experiment of tampering with his eyes again. He was almost blind or at least pretended to be so, from his former attempt. Not contented with this he again must try to evade work, by destroying his sight. This mans pretends to be a zealous Roman Catholic, and is said to occasionally to subject his back

[Page 497]

to the decision discipline of the scourge and to wear a scapular. Yet with this outward shew of devotion to ridiculous ceremonies, inculcated by his Church, he indulges in acts of wickedness and deeds of depravity.

Tuesday October 8th

We have again most beautiful weather at this little secluded Isle. Spring is bringing in her delicious stores of fruits and flowers. The earth green and lovely shews a landscape of transcendent beauty. The trees are clad with luxuriant foliage, the [indecipherable]winds its train of leaves and flowers around their stems and rended the whole a scene at which a lover if the simple beauties of nature, may gaze again and again, with emotion of gratified pleasure. How much is there in this sea-girt spot of earth, to raise our thoughts to the great author of every good and perfect gift, how much in creation to raise our gratitude to Him, who clothes the fields

[Page 498]

with beauty and causes the fresh flowers to turn with beauty and fragrance. I feel delighted with the beautiful appearance of everything around me in the the season of Spring and could gaze again and again in the loveliness of this little Isle. Still it is the resort of misery- it is peopled with sinners it is thronged by many who make religion to consist, in a few unmeaning forms and ceremonies, and have no perception of that pure and spiritual religion inculcated in the unerring world of God. To the rites of his Church, the Romanist clings, with unswerving grasp and deems himself alone in possession of true religion. Here it seems however as elsewhere, how little, the doctrines of the Papal Church, can achieve in making man better or holier. Generally the ringleader in acts of wickedness, he becomes a nuisance to his fellow beings, and is the cause of many sufferings, from being the cause of many crimes

[Page 499]

Friday October 11th

For the last few days a number of men have takes to court. At this season of the year, when there are not many vegetables, the men often charged with neglect of work. The Longridge men are frequently sent to Goal for going to the Hospital, and feigning sickness. A great dislike to the Agricultural Establishment is general on this Island. The men employed there are not allowed more than three quarter of an hour for dinner while the men on the Settlement have always an hour. The Longridge men also work on Saturdays until two o’clock while the other men, leave off work at twelve o’clock. Why this difference should be made, is most extraordinary and as a matter of course, must cause grumbling among the men. This dissatisfaction causes them to frequent the Hospital, and then the transition is a very short to the Goal, the Court, and punishment

[Page 500]

Men here for the same crimes, and conducting themselves with equal propriety, ought certainly with to be treated as much alike as possible. But there is a notorious difference made. Much depends on the overseer, also, employed to superintend the work of the men. If he be a good man he endeavours by reasoning with those under him, to encourage them to good conduct, and to the fulfilment of their duty to the government. This on the minds of most men, has the most beneficial effect, while on the other hand, if the man who is the overseer, is wishful by any means to get into the good graces of those above him, and fancies, he will do so by making a great stir about work, he adopts the plan of abusing the poor fellows under him, which causes them to be insolent and neglectful. They are then hauled away to Court and punished though the overseer himself, by his own imprudent conduct, has caused the whole evil.

[Page 501]

Another evil, which, is said to exist at the Farm, is, the custom, of giving every one in a gang, the same quantity of work to perform. No difference being made between, an able-bodied young man, and another who has never until his arrival here, been accustomed to manual labour. The work is measured out, and, all are expected to perform the task. To one man, this is a trifle but, to another, it is probably more than he is able to perform, and the consequence is, that the poor weak man, goes to the wall, his Overseer brings him up, as it is called, and, after a hard day’s labour, he has to lay his weary limbs on the cold flags of the gaol room, with the prospect of being next morning punished, and prevented from being sent to Sydney, for perhaps some years. The prison discipline here is certainly defective, and, not calculated to produce reformation, but, rather to bring forth feelings of hatred, revenge and despair, revenge against those who acting unjustly towards them,

[Page 502]

and despair in themselves, from feeling themselves so much in the power of the Overseers, whose only claim to be placed over them has probably arisen from having a greater degree of cunning, and, greater plausibility than themselves. This, however, does not apply to many of the Overseers, now on the Island, A number of them are, I think very wishful, to induce their men, to do their duty, without taking them to Court. I have often noticed that the Overseers who are most tyrannical, and most frequently taking solemn oaths against their men, are not the Overseers, who continue to have the most work done. On the contrary, the least work, is produced by the Overseers, who treat their men the worst. And, this is not for a moment to be wondered at Men will do as little as they possibly can, for those, who treat them as brutes, and, whose only wish appears, to do them all the injury they possibly can.

[Page 503]

Monday October 14th.
On Saturday last, an Overseer of the name of Lucas, deserted the Protestant profession of religion, and, became a papist. This man is the second of the Longridge Overseers, who have been inveigled to adopt the errors of popery. This last of their converts amongst the prisoners, is truly an awful case, as the man, made a profession of religion, and actually received the Sacrament. The reason probably of his change has arisen, not from conviction but, from self-interest. Great complaints have been long made, of the partiality of Ledwidge, the Overseer at Longridge, to the members of his own profession, Roman Catholic and, of his endeavours to serve them, to the neglecting of the others. This man perhaps, in order to secure his good will, has become an apostate, in order to retain his appointment as Overseer. This partiality and influence of a man, who has been a prisoner ought certainly to be put a stop to, as there are men here who for a trifle, would adopt any profession, and, here a strong temptation is placed in their way, which some have not grace enough to resist.

[Page 504]

I am sorry to observe the prevalence of superstition here, but, this is only another proof, that Romanism is radically corrupt, and the same here as in Ireland. The prisoners have small crucifixes tied round their necks, and scraps of paper attached to them, which they call Gospels, these are used as a kind of charms, to protect the wearer from peril. One man was daring enough a few days ago, to offer to test the superiority of his religion, by the ordeal of fire. He offered to subject his Gospels to the action of fire, fully believing, or at least pretending to believe, that they were so holy, that the fire had no power to consume them. The trial was made, the gospels, scraps of paper, were produced. The hot ashes were duly spread out. They were deposited among them, and covered up – the charms were repeated over them and, so confident was their silly owner, of the inability of the fire to touch them, that he offered to allow them to lie there, for ten minutes. This was an indulgence however, which his opponents, did not demand, they would be satisfied with the

[Page 505]

miracle, if the papers remained merely for two minutes in the fire. Well at the expiration of this short period of probation, the fire was removed, and alas: the charms were found to be consumed. They had been tried and found wanting, and the discomfited champion of the efficacy of the priest’s power, slunk away abashed and confounded.

Tuesday, October 15th

Last Sunday, it appears, the Sermon by the Roman Catholic Priest, was all in commendation of our new Commandant. The exertions in the County of Clare, where there were great disturbances in that district, were the theme of his spiritual instructions. This Jesuit like conduct, is no doubt to acquire favour, in order to serve the interests of his Church. Thus the poor creatures who attend his ministry are fed with political news, instead of the bread of life. They are left to perish for lack of knowledge. When will the ignorant notaries of this dark and debasing [indecipherable] learn their true interests and come

[Page 506]

out of that church, whose object seems to be the ruin of souls. The Overseer who left the protestants a few days ago, it appears did so, for the purpose of being kept in his situation. What a disgrace to a protestant Government that an Overseer, who has been a convict, should have the power, thus to play with the best interests of human beings. That men, should be deterred from continuing in the profession of true religion, from fear of a convict Overseer.

To-day, the men, who lately attempted to escape in a Boat from the Settlement, and after punishment were returned on the chain, were liberated. Major Ryan’s system seems a soothing one, but, I fear it will be attended with bad effects among the evil disposed prisoners.

Three prisoners last Sunday at Longridge, Roman Catholic, almost immediately after their arrival there began to fight, one was a good deal hurt. They were sent down, to jail, in handcuffs, and brought up for trial on Monday morning, to the astonishment of the

[Page 507]

prisoners themselves – they were all acquitted. Is not this an encouragement to disorderly conduct on the Lord’s Day? And will this encourage orderly and quiet behaviour among the evil disposed prisoners, I fear not.

Wednesday October 16th

I am glad to learn that the men at Longridge are to have the same time allowed for the dinner hour, and for working their gardens, as the men on the settlement. There should be no favour or partiality shewn to men, excepting for good conduct. Two men have expressed their wishes to leave the R.C’s and become members of the Church of England. One man to-day, said to that he wished very much to become a member of the Church, but, for fear of the Chief Constable and Police Runner, he durst not. It is very wrong, that these men, should thus [indecipherable] the prisoners to the papist religion. A man, Sullivan, who a few weeks ago, earnestly requested to become a protestant, and, after repeated solicitations, was received

[Page 508]

into the Church, has again recanted, and turned back to his wallowing in his former superstitions. He applied to me frequently, to be removed from Longridge, and, I said, I would mention his name, to those, who have the bringing them down. The man it appears was a bad character when on the settlement, and of no use as a stone cutter, and therefore not taken down. He then applied to me to be removed from the Third Class Ward, and on making enquiry I found, that he had some time to serve, according to the regulations, before he would be due to enter the Second Class. Therefore he was not removed. Now it appears, he states that I promised to have him removed from Longridge, and, that he has been very unhappy ever since he left the Romanists, with some abuse of myself. For the last offence, he was taken to Court, and then asked permission to return to the R.C’s which he well knew, he could have done, by applying to Mr. Foster, or to their priest. He was dismissed without punishment. The soothing system is certainly now in vogue at N. Island.

[Page 509]

Friday October 18th 1839

The Romanist priests, here as elsewhere have a wonderful propensity to make proselytes, and to shew favour to those who embrace their opinions, as a means of inducing others to imitate their example. A young man some time ago notorious for infamous conduct, since the arrival of Mr. Harding became a Romanist. This week they have been very urgent with the Major, to have him removed from Longridge and placed in the Shoemakers shop, to learn the trade. In the shop there are a number of young lads, at present, and, therefore I strongly objected to this arrangement, and, considered it as a very dangerous experiment to have him placed among these young boys. Mr Foster, it appears, gave him a good character. Tod-day, he was kept down on the settlement to appear at the Office, and, I was glad to hear that he was not to be received. It would have been exceedingly wrong to have had him in the same shop with the others, and, it would also have been very wrong , to have shewn him this favour, which would have been an encouragement, to others to have embraced the erroneous doctrines of the Roman Church.

[Page 510]

Major Ryan, appears to wish to do justice to all, and to enquire into all particulars of the several cases brought before him. Much depends, upon the Commandant in this penal settlement, with respect to equal justice shewn to the prisoners. And unless he examines minutely himself, into the several cases, in which he has to decide, he will often be misled by interested men, the statements of the prisoner Overseers, should be at all times received with great caution, some of them in order to be received into favour, and to have the reputation of being good overseers, and strict in making these employed under them do their work, - will take a man to the office for a most frivolous charge; and thus being misery upon their fellow men, with very little occasion for so doing. These Overseers were much encouraged during Major Anderson’s time, and , consequently a spirit of tyrannizing prevailed much. Now however the times I hope are changed, a number of the overseers are very well behaved men, and, strive to prevent their men, going to the office, than, watching for an opportunity of taking them there. Now, an overseer, provided his work is done, is not blamed, because, he keeps away from the Court. This is great encouragement to the men themselves, to exertion, and to strict propriety of conduct.

[Page 511]

Monday October 21st 1839

Yesterday three prisoners joined the Roman Catholics, one of them Sullivan, alluded to already – the others John Hester and Henry Allen. Hester has been a [indecipherable] for some time, - he was appointed a Wardsman, at my suggestion, I thought him a weakly man. For some offence he was dismissed, and sent to Longridge, where he is now, a working hand. His conversion may no doubt be ascribed to his wish to obtain the favour of Ledwidge and, for the priests to do something for him, it appears they are in the habit of giving away tobacco &c, and these good things, it appears, have weighed more with poor Hester than religion. He forsakes his profession, and becomes a papist. The other man Allen, has been repeatedly urging me to have him brought down to the settlement. He said he was a good Boatsman, and on my requesting that he might be so employed, when the "Cornwall”, was here he was received into the Boat. After

[Page 512]

the departure of the vessel, he was again ordered to be sent to Longridge, upon which, he again came to me, and represented that the other person, who was brought down with him, was to be kept down on the settlement. I told him, that he had better speak to [indecipherable] himself. Now in order to induct the Chief Constable to take him down, he becomes a R.C: and, as he sees that proselytism is so much encouraged he barters his faith for the sake of being taken away Longridge.

Yesterday, a prisoner – Charles Glover, who had left the Church, in order to be with another prisoner, who is a papist, returned again. Another person Mullins, has also repeatedly expressed his wish to become a protestant. I do not like admitting them who have been R.C. until after some time, in order, to be able to judge whether there is any sincerity in their profession or not. The prisoners are inspected now by the Commandant every Sunday. The men at Longridge have been allowed the Saturday afternoon to work their gardens which privilege the settlement men have had for some time.

[Page 513]

The R.C’s now wish, it appears, to have their altar set up as a fixture in the room, where I have to perform Divine Service. Hitherto, it has been removed, with one exception: whenever I had duty to perform there. I have objected to this to the Commandant, and, intimated that I could not have Service there, if they were allowed to have their altar &c at the same time in the room. I know not how the Major may determine. He appears to wish to please both parties, in this, he is not likely to succeed. But events will shew.

Tuesday October 29th

Yesterday the Brig Governor Philip arrived from Sydney, with forty seven prisoners and stores. The Cornwall arrived a day or two before the Brig left Sydney. It appears that a great change is about to take place in this penal settlement: that convicts are now to be sent out direct from England to this penal settlement, which is to be made a kind of penitentiary. Prisoners are to work at different trades, the product of their industry to be applied to defray the expenses of their support. This scheme may do well in theory but, practice is altogether a very different thing.

[Page 514]

And the excellence of a new system, can only be proved, by experience of its working well. I am glad to see the Commandant attend to the comfort of the prisoner here as well as to the quantity of work, they can be made to perform. Under, the rule of Major A – the grand criterion established was, flattery and as much work as can possibly be screwed out of the men. A cunning strong fellow, was sure to succeed well. He would praise the Major as a matter of course, and, abuse his men and bring them to the office, and get them punished. This was sure to meet with marks of favour. Happily the system is changed, and much reason had every well wisher of the welfare of his fellow men to rejoice, when an order arrived at this penal settlement, for the recal of Major Anderson. His plan was to drive the helpless and infirm to despair, to promote the cunning, and tyrannising. Reformation could hardly be looked for under such a system. To amend men , we must treat them as men, not as brutes, else they will soon conduct themselves as unworthy of the name of human beings.

Last week, the R.C’s particularly wished to have their altar & paraphernalia

[Page 515]

made a fixture in the room, where Divine Service is performed, on the Sunday to the protestants, and on the following Sunday, by the R.C. priests to their flock. On this subject I spoke to the Major, who after hearing what I had to say on the subject, refused to sanction their request. This would have been rather, too much, to have granted to the Church of Rome, to set up their Mass Service in the place where the Service of the Church of England is celebrated. Too many favours have been shewn by the civil government to the Apostate Church of Rome, that their ambition is now boundless, and, their aim is to have all power, and then to crush all who oppose them. It is much to be regretted that we have so many, men, here in responsible situations, who are R.C. - as Tailor - Chief Constable – principal Overseer, and Police Runner. The prisoners being placed so much under the control of these men, it cannot be wondered at that some abandon their profession of religion, for the sake of favour, and, in order to obtain some indulgence. The priests by confession possess immense power over these men, and, it would be contrary to practice of Romanism, if they did not abuse that power.

[Page 516]

Wednesday October 30th

To-day, I performed Divine Service to the newly arrived prisoners. These men are mostly young, there are two old men, among them, apparently upwards of seventy years of age. The sentences are life, ten years and seven. One young man, about 15 yrs of age is among them. The tradesmen are to be kept down to their several trades, and the rest sent up to Longridge. Two men one a Tailor & the other a shoemaker, are both ordered to be kept down, at the Settlement. This appears a very unjust proceeding, as there are already a number of Tailors and shoemakers on the Island who have been at hard labour for a number of years. Yet these two men, who have but just arrived are to be put into the Shop, immediately on their arrival. This must cause a great deal of grumbling among the rest of the men. I intend to speak to the Commandant on the subject. The Superintendent of Convicts here, in whom the power is vested of appointing the men to the shop, has I suppose been influenced, by the priests, to do this as, the two men, are both R.C’s. One of them it appears, was a protestant some time ago, but, has recently become a R.C.

[Page 517]

I am quite convinced that great injustice has frequently taken place here in consequence of the system of favouritism adopted by Mr Foster. I trust this will soon be effectually put a stop to. Strict impartiality ought at all times to be attended to in penal discipline and, when men, are once convinced that justice is dealt to them, without prejudice they will more willingly bow to the sentence and receive it as the due reward of their deeds.

Monday Nov’r 4th

Yesterday I addressed the prisoners who are to be sent to Sydney by the present vessel, under the Remission of Sentences Act. I trust they will all conduct themselves with great propriety after their arrival. They have seen enough of the consequences of ill conduct since they have been transported to this Island, to afford them solemn lesson, for the remainder of their lives, to avoid sin, to forsake the practice of wickedness, and to lead irreproachable lives, for the remainder of their time.

To-day the Major inspected the whole of the prisoners, on the settlement

[Page 518]

the men for life, for fourteen years and for seven, each class separately, he then pointed out to each of the men, the reason, why they were not now recommended – and, the readiness with which he would do so, as soon as ever he possibly could, - that, he had recommended a great number, this time, and, would be most happy to do the same, by the next arrival provided they conducted themselves with propriety, and, kept away from the office. He told the men who had behaved themselves well, that they were recommended. And noticed the time when the rest would be due to be recommended, provided they kept out of trouble. Every separate case he had examined himself, and, trifling offences, he had not brought against them. This conduct kind and humane, I sincerely hope, will be attended with the best effects, on the minds of the poor prisoners here, where hitherto, they have generally had few to look after their welfare. During the

[Page 519]

government of Colonel Morisset and Major Anderson, the prisoner on this Island, was looked upon as poor wretch, who had, no claim to be considered a human being. To reform them seemed out of the question to degrade them to a level with the brute creation, was the general policy. With such a system can it be wondered at that crime should be rife, and, that outrages, insubordination and mutinies should abound. The men, with none to care for them, none to instruct them in the duty they owed towards God, and towards their fellow creatures, soon lost all sense of religious instruction. Before 1836, no religious instruction of any denomination was resident on this Island. A Mr Atkins, an independent minister, was then sent out by the Horne Government. After a very short sojourn on the Island he and the Commandant quarrelled and he left the Island. I arrived here in April 1837. To send men down here, as prisoners, without

[Page 520]

making any provision for their spiritual welfare, argued a strange indifference, in a Protestant Government to the best interests of these poor wretched creatures. For years the inmates of this vast goal, might with strict truth have exclaimed "no man cared for their souls.” I trust however a happier era has now commenced, and, that the attention now bestowed on their religious instruction, will be attended with the best effects, on their lives and their conversation. Major Bryan, seems disposed, to do everything in his power for their welfare, and, to give, and freely give them, every indulgence they have any claim for. Whatever they are entitled to in the way of mitigation, of sentence, or recommendation to Sydney, he freely bestows upon them. He speaks to them as men not as brutes, he encourages them to good conduct, by an assurance of reward as soon as ever they deserve it. He holds out hope to every one, of encouragement, as soon as ever they are worthy of it. He exhorts them not to despair. It is astonishing what a good effect this has upon the minds of the men. They feel they are yet human beings, and are not forgotten in the world.

[Page 521]

Saturday Nov’r 9th

Yesterday upwards of seventy men were sent to Sydney by the "Governor Philip”, ten of these were free, by servitude the remainder have gone up under the "[indecipherable] of sentence act.” This great number speak well for the general good conduct of the men on this Island some of them have never appeared at the office, since they landed here. One of them has been about twelve years on the Island and had no charge against him during that long period. They seemed much rejoiced at leaving this place which cannot be wondered at, seeing they have much to contend with here. One man named Howard, who a short time ago, became R. Catholic, stated that he was induced to do so as he never could keep out of trouble at Longridge, until he did, but since then, he had been in none. His meaning was, that from the favour the R.C.’s are shewn at Longridge by means of Ledwich the Principal overseer, he has not been found fault with, but, if he had continued

[Page 522]

a Protestant, the system of persecution adopted there, would have involved him in trouble. It is highly improper to allow this man, who was recently a prisoner, to use the men in this reprehensible way in which he does, cursing and swearing and abusing them is not the way to make the men reform. I consider this man is the means of driving more men to offend than all the work put together. He was a great favourite with Major Anderson, and is yet with Mr Mc Lean, the superintendent of Agriculture.

Monday November 11th
On Saturday last, eight men were appointed as overseers, seven of these were Protestants. This simple circumstance may shew, the superiority of conduct manifested by the Protestants to the Roman Catholics. Among the bad characters on this Island, there are certainly, some belonging to the Church, but the greater part of them are papists. In the chain gang, there are few protestants compared with the papists, and, also,

[Page 523]

in the third class. Papistry has certainly little influence, in forming good morals, and, none, whatever in making men really religious. Disappointed in having their altar set up, in the room, where I perform Divine Service, they now have it outside, where during Mass, it is dressed up with all the finery they can muster. Yellow and red glazed calico figure conspicuously, in decorating it. Outward shew, and unnecessary ceremonies, seem to form nearly the whole of their worship. Oh! When will this superstition, be done away with, when will the ignorance, which now blinds the minds of so many of our fellow creatures be dispelled, by the light of the glorious gospel? When will all know the True Faith, and belong to the True Church. How anxiously, how earnestly, should every well wisher of the human race, pray for this glorious event, when all shall know the Lord, whom to know is life eternal.

[Page 524]

Tuesday Nov’r12 1839

Saturday Nov 16 1839

Last evening the Overseers & Constables were all assembled on front of the prisoners barracks to receive instructions in relation to their conduct to the prisoners in the several gangs, under their charge. They were spoken to by the Commandant on the subject, and afterwards, the regulations read, and copies ordered to be pasted in the Overseers sleeping wards. These regulations are to the effect that on no account are the overseers, to strike or push, or use improper language to the prisoners, that, when a prisoner conducts himself improperly he is to be taken to Court for the Commandant to decide on his case, that the Overseers will be at all times supported in the discharge of their duties, and, that whatever inquiries etc the men wish to make respecting their sentences, or application for indulgences, they are to communicate

[Page 525]

their wishes to their respective Overseers who, will state them to the Superintendent who will send the men to the office to see the Major, or else, will mention the matter to the Major himself. Great complaints have frequently been made against the overseers for pushing the men, and for irritating them by provoking language, to acts of disobedience for which they were punished. I therefore hope, that these regulations, now made known to them all, will have the desirable effect of preventing these highly improper acts. At present there are certainly very many good overseers, very different to those employed a year or two ago. This observation applies especially to the overseers on the Settlement. I am sorry that at Longridge, the influence of Ledwich the Roman Catholic, Overseer, is so strong, that the Protestants are

[Page 526]

not likely often to be appointed. In fact two protestant overseers have joined the R.Cs. since they left the Settlement to go to Longridge, probably to prevent their [indecipherable] their situations. One overseer a protestant, a few days ago, expressed a wish to return to labour, on account of the bad language used towards him by Ledwich, but was advised not to do so, and to do his duty, and he would be protected. This man, I consider, very well behaved indeed, a quiet, well disposed man, who would not oppress any under his charge. It appears, that, the R.Cs. at Longridge make complaints to the priests against the Protestant Overseers, the priests then make use of their influence over Ledwich, who, adopts every method, then to have the overseers dismissed, for some trivial fault real or fancied. This is bad, and shews, how very improper it is to place an ignorant Roman Catholic over any of his fellow creatures

[Page 527]

and, this man, is not only very ignorant, but of a most violent temper, oppressive and overbearing yet, he is appointed to take charge of about 700 men. So much for the state of prison discipline carried on here for the last few years. So much attention paid to the reformation of the poor fellows sent to this Island. Work, during the whole period of Major Anderson’s command, seemed the only object contemplated, and oppressions of every evil almost were resorted to, in order to obtain this, reformation was out of the question. This appeared to never hardly thought of. I trust however better days are about to arise, and that something more than punishment, will be sought for, in sending the poor unhappy criminal to this penal Settlement. Much evil has been done, it is high time, reparation was attempted to be made.

[Page 528]

Monday Nov. 18th.
On Saturday an old man, John Dunn, left the Church to become a member of the Roman Catholic. He is about 65 years. Of age, and, has been about 9 nine years on the Island. Being a Gardener, he has held different situations, under different officers on the Island, and being addicted to pilfering, has on that account beingen dismissed from them. He lately was gardener, to Mr Harding the R:C: Cathchist here, but was dismissed for misconduct. Since then he has been without vegetables, and it appears Mr. H. has lately given him some, and also, is likely to lose his gardener, in a short time, so the poor old man, becomes a R:C: to get into the situation again, and, as they are so fond of making proselytes, among the poor men here, he probably may succeed, as an encouragement for others also to apostatize. They are peculiarly anxious about the poor creatures they get to forsake their religion, to be of use to them, in a temporal point of view. Esau sold his birthright for a mess of potage, but, this poor old man sells

[Page 529]

himself, for a few vegetables. Yet there are the sort of converts they boast of!! A few days ago, it appears a man was sent to Gaol, for some misconduct or other, while there, he requested of the Gaoler, and Overseer both R:C’s , a bible or Testament. These were not given to him, but a Testament of their own, with their notes and the lives of the Saints, were put into his cell, he then requested to see one, in the presence of Mr Foster, this neither the Gaoler, nor Superintendant informed me of. The object of Hoolaghan, was no doubt, to cause this poor man to become a Roman Catholic, thus the priests use all their instruments when in situations, to tamper with the poor fellows who are placed in their charge, and, therefore how unfit it is and highly improper, to allow them to hold situations under a protestant Government. Mr Foster’s indifference to religion is notorious, his system is to punish, rather than to reform, which system, has been hitherto, nearly all that was thought necessary with prisoners and, the results have been, what might

[Page 530]

have been reasonably expected a complete failure, either in reforming the individuals themselves, or, even in dettering others from committing the same offences. This in this penal Colony has been very strikingly exemplified, in the case of Cattle Stealing. The Government made this offence, an enormous one. The culprit was transported to Norfolk Island for the term of his natural life, and, all his property was confiscated to the government. The man’s family were left destitute, in misery and poverty. The savings of years at one fell swoop were snatched away from them, and, they were left to pine away in penury and wretchedness. The husband, and father, had stolen a lamb, worth about 7s/- and, the wife and children, are deprived of all their property, and the criminal is sent to expiate his fault, in a lonely Island, for years & years, with short rations and hard labour. And, yet this iron sentence, perhaps the most cruel, that ever disgraced our criminal code, was found to be ineffectual, still cattle stealing went on.

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A court of enquiry has been going on here lately, respecting charges brought by the Overseer of the Hospital against the assistant Civil Surgeon. Great irregularities no doubt have been going on there, for some time, - little attention appeared to be paid to the patients – and, may poor wretches were sent to Gaol, for going to the Hospital.
Monday Nov. 25th. 1839.
A few weeks ago, an Overseer, named McCann, a well behaved man, and very attentive to his religious duties brought a man, Sullivan, before Mr McLean, the Superintendant of agriculture, for using abusive language, respecting me, in the presence of the Gang. In this offence, he was sent to Office, tried, found guilty, and, sentenced to some days imprisonment. This man, had previously been brought before Ledwich, the principal Overseer at Longridge, [indecipherable] the same offence, who had refused to send him to Gaol. Sullivan, originally had been a Roman Catholic, but professed his wish to become a Protestant, and, after repeated applications was allowed to attend the Services of the Church,

[Page 532]

then he began to request this and that favour, which not being granted, he expressed his wish again to return to the R:C: Church, and, was received by them. It was after this, that he made use of the disrespectful language, with which he was charged at the Office. The Overseer McCann, on account of taking Sullivan to the office fell under the displeasure of Ledwich, and, every opportunity was made use of by him, to break the overseer. A man was sent to lay in ambush, to watch McCann’s gang, who observing some one behind the rest, in his work, or something of a similar proceeding, immediately the Overseer was sent to Court, but, as an undue advantage, had been taken of McCann, the case was dismissed. Ledwich still continued to annoy the Overseer, until wearied out with his persecution, he requested leave to go to the office to make his complaint to the Major, no answer was returned to this application, but, an Overseer sent to take charge of the Gang, which McCann considering as equivalent to giving him leave, went down to the Office, and saw the Major. On his return he was abused, by Ledwich & the Superintendant, and, sent down to the

[Page 533]

Gaol, for leaving his Gang, without permission, and, being insolent to M McLean. He was put, in irons, contrary to the usual custom, which is to confine the Overseer to the Barracks until his tried. The Major hearing of the circumstances, caused the irons to be taken off. Next day he was taken to Court, and, M McLean, examined, who, would not take his oath that the language imputed to Ledwich, was, or was not used. Ledwich, had after swearing at McCann, and calling him a scoundrel, said, he would kick him all the way down to the Office. The affair is not decided yet.
[indecipherable]
Monday Dec. 2nd.
When McCann, was tried, and the different Overseers examined, he was sent again to his duty, but, to have the indulgence of being forwarded to Sydney, under the late Act of Council, put back for three Months. This might arise, from one of the Overseers under Ledwich, Mortimer, stating, that he did not send a man, to take charge of McCann’s Gang, tow Gangs, it appears had been sent out with McCann, and the

[Page 534]

person sent, was according to Mortimer’s account, to take charge of only one of them. This probably was a mere quibble, to assist Ledwich. It is much to be regretted that this man has so much actual power, over the prisoners, at Longridge, which power, he shamefully abuses. Ignorant unprincipled and bigotted, of course, he is a fit subject for the R:C: priests to work upon, and, being looked upon by the Superintendant, as almost incapable of doing wrong, he has ample scope to vent all his spleen, and all his ill-will at the protestants, and, too frequently has his authority, had the awful effect of causing the men, to desert their profession of religion, and, to become nominally Roman Catholics. This has notoriously been the case, with the two Overseers, Wilkinson and Lucas. To keep their situations, they turn Apostates, and, since then they have remained in security, while the other protestant Overseers, especially those, who are seriously and religiously inclined, have been made to feel, the full weight of his spleen, and revenge. Now much to be regretted it is, that any

[Page 535]

person, like this man, should have the power, which he so evidently has, & which he uses, for the purpose, of ill-using the poor prisoners, and, making as many converts as he possibly can to the popist religion.
December 7th. 1839
I have been accustomed for some years to days to go down to the prisoners Barracks, in the evening, to read a chapter from the Old Testament and One from the New, which the psalms appointed for the evening Service, and, then prayers from the Liturgy, or other suitable works forms of Prayer. I am glad to see so many attend, voluntarily. It keeps religion more daily before them, than otherwise it could be, from, the fifty or sixty of these poor outcasts of society, banished for their crimes, from to this lone island, may be seen now almost daily. Kneeling down, before they retire to rest, and praying to be preserved from sin, and made meet for heaven. Can we doubt, that these

[Page 536]

men, are not well inclined, that they do not wish to save their souls, Their intense interest they manifest in their devotional exercise, forbid such an idea. They may have been wicked and wretched men, they may wandered from one degree of guilt of misery, to another and a greater degree of guilt and of misery, still, they have not forgotten their Creator, they have not lost all concern for the best weal of their immortal their dying never dying spirits, "Weary of wandering from their God, they now are willing to return.” In the evening exercise, I shall also read a Chapter of the Retrospect, this little work, I think exceedingly well adapted to interest the men, and, to lead them to see the evil and misery of sin, and the happiness of a life spent in the service of God. I wish a little more time were allowed them for this exercise, but, as no cessation is allowed permitted from the appointed hours of labour, when they arrive from Longridge it

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is so late, that sometimes they have only a few minutes, to meet together for evening prayers.
In visiting the Gaol, a day ago, I found a poor emaciated creature in one of the Cells, who had been sentenced to bread and water, and to wear irons, for some days. This was for being along with some others, about two hours in going from the Settlement to Longridge. His appearance, was truly deplorable, and, more like a man, in the last stage of illness, than anything else. The bones appeared, almost starting through the skin, and, a more skeleton like figure, could scarcely be conceived, yet this man was punished because he could did not walk up to Longridge quick enough, he rested by the way, poor wretch, the marvel is, that he was able to get there at all, he had prior to this been repeatedly punished by the Longridge slave drivers, for not doing a sufficient quantity of work. The wonder is, that he could do any work at all. I informed the Major

[Page 538]

of the truly pitiable state in which I had found this human being, when, he spoke of his bad conduct, as shewn in neglect of work &c, and, did not seem wishful to interfere, as the Surgeon had, however after I left the Office, he went to the Gaol himself, saw the man, and immediately ordered him to be released, and, sent to the Flax shade, where the aged and infirm are employed. In all probability, had the man continued many more days in Gaol he would have lost his life. How any man, who calls himself a Christian, can persecute a poor creature, for not doing, what every one must see, he is incapable of performing, is a most fearful thing. Alas, poor human nature, how often do the selfish passions of men who have a little brief authority, came them, to forget their own accountability to Him, who has said, "Be ye merciful as your Father who is in heaven is merciful.” A great reform is still wanting on N.I. hand especially at the Longridge Establishment.

[Page 539]

Monday Dec. 9th
Yesterday two men, joined the Service of the Romish Church. One of them an old soldier, formerly flagellator here, a presbyterian by profession, this man two or three a little while ago, was daily sent to the Court, and under the proselyting system now carried on at the Agricultural Establishment here, under the superintendance of Ledwich an late Irish prisoner, now an Irish emancipist, there is little doubt, but his expectations will be realized. A bad man, has only to profess being a papist and, he is sure to be passed over scot-free. The other is a poor simple fellow lately arrived here, who has been persuaded by the bribe of a few vegetables to renounce his religion. Such are the converts made on Norfolk Island to the Romish faith. Truly they have not much to boast of.
This evening, after prayers at the Barracks, the young man above alluded to, came, to me, & stated that he had been persuaded, to change, & now wished to return again to his former profession.

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On account of his youth evident imbecility of mind, and, recent arrival here, I allowed him to return, and hope, he will not again be induced to backslide from the profession of a true faith. Upwards of ninety men attended prayers to night, at the Barracks.
I hear with much regret that a man of whom I had at one time a very favourable opinion, is likely to become a R.C. He attended their Service last Sunday, and, it appears stated to an Overseer that he intended to continue to do so. Some time ago, he was appointed Overseer at Longridge, then he conducted himself well, received the Holy Sacrament, but, after awhile he was appointed Camp Constable there and, in that situation assisted Ledwich, in his duties as Overseer, of the A: Establish: from that time a decided change has taken place in his behaviour; and I fear now for the sake of securing the favour of Ledwich, he will forsake his religion, give his soul for a temporal favour, and, apostatize. Such men as Ledwich in power do incalculable injury to religion. And what opinion must every thinking mind, have of a Superintendant, who calls himself a presbyterian, who encourages Ledwich to aact as he does.

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Tuesday Dec. 17th.
To-day I went to the Office at the request of the Major, respecting an unpleasant affair, which took place yesterday, arising from the Police Runner confining a number of bringing to Court two men belonging to the Sunday School. The full acct. of this affair, is in – another Journal for 1839.
Wednesday Dec. 18th.
On enquiry, I find that, no less than, 420 men have left the Island since the beginning of this year, under the conditional remission of sentences Act, 385. Expirees 35. I suppose since this place was formed into a Penal Settlement, not one fifth part of this number, have ever left the Island, in the same space of time.
I am glad to find that the short evening Service, I have established for the benefit of the prisoners here, still continues to be well attended. About ninety attended, a number of them very well behaved men.

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Their serious countenances and expressive attention to what is said is very pleasing. I have seldom among free people, seen, such strict propriety of conduct, while at Public Worship I sincerely trust, the blessing of the Almighty will attend this effort to do good to those poor wanderers. Of some I have great hopes, a few of the young men, are now very exemplary and, manifest, an increasing desire to attend Divine Service, and are very attentive to their Books, during the short intervals, in which they can attend at the Public School on Sundays.
Were good men placed over these prisoners, much good would, I am fully persuaded would eventually follow, But, we have not such men, generally speaking here. The object of those placed over them, in petty situations, seems, to be, to get the men into scrapes, that they may have the opportunity, of bringing them to the Officer, to be tried, that, they may have the praise of doing what they call their duty. They fancy, they will be forgotten unless, they are frequently bringing

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men to be punished. As to the moral conduct of the men, they think not of it. They care not for it, and, probably it would be to them, a cause of regret were crime to cease, as they would fear their trade would be ended.
Monday dec. 23rd.
Intending to Administer the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, to the prisoners last Sunday, I had the Communion Table, railing &c, brought down from Longridge; and on Saturday last had them put up in the School Room, having however deffered administering the Sacrament until the Sunday after Christmas day, I wished the Communion Table &c to remain where they were until, after next Sunday. However to-day, Mr Foster the Superintendant of Convicts, against my express wish, had them all taken down, because, forsooth, a number of men belonging to Mr McEnroe, are to go to confession tomorrow, that this was done to place the Roman Catholics, there can be

[Page 544]

no doubt whatever, The R:C: are to go, it appears to the School Room, tomorrow, fifty in the morning, and fifty in the afternoon: preparatory to their receiving Mass on Christmas Day. With a view to currying favour with them, he orders, everything belonging to the Church of England out of the place. This of course affords a triumph to the Roman Catholics, without securing the slightest benefit to himself, for now, in this affair, they say, they did not desire him, to do it, but, that when a Message was sent to them respecting it, they Mr McEnroe, said that itit was not in his way in the slightest, or words to that effect Mr Foster, is a man very unfit for the very serious charge which devolves upon him, as Superintendant of Convicts here. And, I am quite sure is a strong impediment to the reformation of the men. He has no discrimination apparently therefore, a cunning bad man, is likely to get forward as well or better, than a man, who is well behaved. This partiality towards the R:C:’s, must be conspicuous to everyone, and still so glaring are his inconsistencies, that they are always blaming him.

[Page 545]

December 24th.
To-day, the men, have had an holiday during the afternoon, to work their gardens if they wished, or to prepare for Christmas day. A number of them, having brought vegetables from their gardens on Saturday, did not go up, to-day, to the place where their gardens are. It is much to be regretted that the place where the gardens, are for the prisoners, as it prevents them often from working, in them, when they might do so: and, also, from having Vegetables from them, when they might. According to the present arrangement they can have vegetables only on the Saturday, when they are sent up, unless at some particular intervals.
I yesterday applied to the Major for permission to have Divine Service in the New Barn at Longridge, a neat and commodious building, and much more suitable for public worship than the old dilapidated building now, made use of for that purpose. My request was granted, and an Order was inserted in the Public Book, to that purpose. Unless this had been ordered, I have no doubt that a hundred obstacles would have been made at Longridge. Opposition to religion seems

[Page 546]

here very prevalent, as well as in other places, by those who have no fear of God before their eyes. I wrote to day to the Major respecting the arbitrary conduct of the Superintendant of Convicts, in sending out of the School room, The Communion Table &c belonging to the Established Church, but Mr Foster was not to be found. This besetting sin, drunkenness will probably bring him, soon into disgrace, and, certainly it is a crime, which deserves punishment, and in his case, is attended with a variety of evils. This example is fearful before the convicts, many of whom, have been sent here, for crime committed when under intoxication. It takes away also, every degree of respect, which they ought to shew him, and, induces him to do the most absurd and unjust things, which tell fearfully among the poor creatures. A man, in his situation, ought to be circumspect at all times in his conduct, and, give them no occasion to speak disrespectfully of him. The answer sent, when inquiry was made, respecting him, was, that he was gone to Longridge. Thus one vice generally brings on another.

[Page 547]

December 26th.
Yesterday Divine Service was performed, at the Military Barracks and Longridge. At the latter place a New and Commodious Barn has lately been erected, where Divine Service was yesterday performed. It is well lighted, and far more convenient than the old place, which was before used. A number of Benches are also to be built, for seats for the men, when at Divine Worship. The men had fresh Meat & Wheaten Bread, for ration, on Christmas day, and seemed to enjoy themselves very much. I was glad to hear, that not one man, was, at the Office to-day. The Festival of Christmas, has never prehaps since, this place became a receptacle for the felonery of New South Wales, been spent so joyfully, as the present has been. The men now have the probability of getting away from the Island

[Page 548]

and again being restored to liberty, if they conduct themselves with propriety. On the Settlement they are certainly not oppressed with work, and, their hours of labour are not too long. Their are few complaints, now, as formerly they were, and, the Overseers at least many of them, behave much better towards their men, than at one time. The Overseers, did. Under Major A – unless the Overseers often took their men, to the office to be punished, they were little thought of, and considered as quite inefficient. This induced had Overseers often to take a very unfair advantage of their men and, bring them up for punishment, when the fault in reality was their own. They would often irritate the men, for the purpose of inducing them to be insolent, and then punishment was almost sure to follow. The system then was certainly a very bad, one, and put a stop to much of reformation. But I trust these days, are now past, never to perform.

[Page 549]

When Overseers are supported for few reasons excepting that they hold the situation, unless they are good men, advantage of this indulgence is almost sure in many cases to be taken. The men under the charge of an Overseer ought certainly to obey him, when he only requires, what the government insists from them of work, and, they ought never to be insolent. When work is neglected, and the Overseer irritates his men by provoking language, they are generally in such a case insolent. If work is neglected, the Overseer, should take his men to court, and let the Commandant punish them, he has no right whatever to punish them himself or to make use of abusive or provoking language to them. This is generally followed by insult and on the part of the men, for which they are punished. If free good men, were places over them instead of prisoners, much good

[Page 550]

in all probability would be the result, and the prisoners would look upon them with far more respect, and more readily and cheerfully obey their commands, than when placed under men of the same class as themselves, Overseers, whilst the present system of having prisoners selected for that situation is kept up, should be carefully selected from the best men on the Settlement: and not from those, who possessing more cunning and plausibility than the rest, manage to become favourites, through these qualities, and not a general course of good conduct. Much of the comfort of the men depends upon the Overseers placed over them, and an Overseer has much in his power to restrain crime, particularly swearing &c Unless he does exert his authority for this restraining vice, he certainly is not fit, to have men, placed under

[Page 551]

his charge. He is not fit to have any authority over the men. Many of the Overseers, are now however well behaved men, and appear wishful to make their men duty do their duty, and, if possible to keep them from the Office.
Tuesday Dec. 31st.
Last Sunday I administered the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, to thirty-two of the prisoners here, Five Overseers and One Constable were Communicants this time. Most of them are very well behaved men, and I think very desirous to serve their Creator. I trust they will be careful of their conduct, and walk consistently with their profession of religion.
When last week I went to the Gaol to perform Divine Service to the prisoners. I was told on my arrival that there was not a protestant in Gaol, I was glad of course to hear this. And, hope it will continue to be often the case. Last Sunday a Jew of the name of Laurent, had the audacity to write out on the Sunday a Play Bill,

[Page 552]

of some performance they wished to get up for New Years day, in case the Commandant gave them a Holiday. The Bill was taken from him, but he was not punished. In the list of performances I was sorry to find some of the Church singers, whom I intend to remove, if they gave their consent to be put down as performers a singers in this absurd business. I rather think the Major will give them a half-holiday, but, of course, will not allow them, to perform their play. One, of my men, on Sunday last, was allowed to be absent from Divine Service, for the purpose I fear of doing some work on that day, which had not been finished before. This shews clearly how highly improper it is to place men in authority over the prisoners, who having no religion themselves, care nothing about men under them, having any.
The man Laurent, who was allowed by Major Anderson to be absent

[Page 553]

from Divine Service on Sunday, and, now it appears three more lay claim to the same. This is very wrong every prisoner ought to be compelled to attend, and though wicked and worthless, still the more need they have of being taught their duty, and the more greater necessity exists of their being shewn, the awful consequences of a life of sin, both here and hereafter. Every opportunity of religious instruction should be given to the prisoners, for any reformation, not based on religious feeling, will not be permanent. The only foundation on which we can rest hopes of the reform of the culprit must proceed from religious influencing his hear, and then endeavouring to do his duty towards, God, he is sure not to fail in doing his duty to his fellow creatures. So the want of religious instruction may be traced the fearful enormities which mark the criminal career for of the transported criminal.

[Page 554]

And much have government to answer for, on account of the little facility, they have afforded, for this most important duty. Work has hitherto been looked upon as quite sufficient for the reformation of the criminal, united with punishment, and miserably has the system failed, Nor could any other result be expected by any humane and thinking mind. Punishment when extreme only hardens, and renders reckless, the being, whom a different system might have softened and amended. Without moral means being made use of the prisoner comes more hardened, and when only punishment is accorded, his life may become a burden, to him, and he may lie down and wish to die, but, he becomes not a better man, he does not reform. He looks upon his fellow men, as the instruments of his torture and

[Page 555]

misery, and determines when an opportunity offers to have his revenge he begins to hate his fellow creatures, and would gladly lay down and die if he could remove from his mind thoughts of an hereafter.
Better ideas of prison discipline are now I hope arising in the minds of those who have the management of this important matter. And I trust the system of torture is now to be laid aside, and the reformation of the criminal sought, as well as his punishment. The one has been found ineffectual, it remains to try what the other will do.
The year of 1839, was now nearly its close, and, I trust that my labours during this year, among the prisoners of Norfolk Island have not been in vain. I hope the seed sown, will not be without its fruit. May the great Head of the Church, give his blessing. and, then to the efforts which have been made use of, for the spiritual welfare of the people, on this Island. Without

[Page 556]

it, all will be fruitless and unavailing but, when He works who can hinder? He can [indecipherable] change the stubborn heart, and bend the untoward mind, and I trust a change has taken place in some, and that religion is now thought the one thing needful, by some of these poor wanderers. Time is passing on rapidly, and these souls are drawing nearer and nearer to eternity. How solemn the thought to a minister to One, whom the cure of souls is entrusted. May I feel duly impressed with the solemn responsibility of the important, and charge, and be fully determined, by the aid of Omnipotence, to give all diligence to fulfil my every duty, to teach reprove, exhort and watch over these immortal souls that not one of them, in the last may have to lay their condemnation at my door. May I ever be found faithful and careful to do my duty at all times.

[Page 557]

I have met with discouragements; but I have also met with encouragements, and, while I have been the humble instrument of doing good, to some of these poor immortals, I ought to be thankful. The word of God has been heard with great attention and, I trust not without effect on the heart. There are many it is true, who are still eager after sin, and led away by folly, but, may not these poor wanderers, in time consider the error of their ways, and turn from lying vanities to serve the true and living God. It is the duty of those who are appointed to labour among them, to use every exertion, in dependance on the blessing of the Almighty, for their welfare: the good seed must be sown. The means must be made use of. And then may we not hope that a blessing will descend, and that, these wanderers will be brought

[Page 558]

to know themselves, to serve God, and to do their duty in the station of life they are placed in.
To-morrow Mass is to be performed to the Roman Catholics, and, for this purpose, half an hour, has been requested by Mr McEnroe, for the prisoners of his persuasion to attend; the Protestants in the mean while are to be sent to work. I must confess I do not like to see the Protestants at labour, while the Roman Catholics are free from it. They should have the same indulgence in this respect as the other. A third Class was formed during Major Anderson’s time for the prisoners, who were most frequently at the Office or something of that kind, those who had been most frequently for the past 12 Months before the Class was formed or some similar regulation. Since that time, none have been added to this third Island Class, although

[Page 559]

others may have committed the same offences, with those, who are now enduring the privations, which the men in the third Class are suffering under. It seems, to say the least, a very unfair way of dealing with them. Why should they be in the third Class, for an offence, which does not send a man, now to the same Class? The Major has ordered the names of some fourteen men, to be laid before him to-morrow, in order that he may distribute them remove them to the second Class. The room in which the third Class sleep, is perhaps the most uncomfortable of any in the Barracks, and, the men are not eligible for priviliges, as situations &c the men, on account of "their good conduct”, are to have a Holiday in the Afternoon to morrow being New Year’s Day. I hope a continuance in good conduct will be general on Norfolk Isaland.

[Page 562]

[Pages 560-561 blank]
No 3
Journal &c
At
Norfolk Island
From
January 1st. 1840
To

[Page 563]

January 1st 1840

The prisoners here, had a half holiday to-day. I trust they will be grateful to the Commandant for hid kindness, and not abuse any indulgence bestowed upon them. Some men also were liberated from the chain gang, and, others were sent from the strong room where the third class men, are kept during the night and, which is the most uncomfortable room in the Barracks, and sent to the other wards among the second class men, who are more comfortably lodged. The Major appears wishful to do all he can, for the benefit of the prisoners at this penal Settlement, and to be deeply interested in their welfare. They ought certainly to shew by their good conduct, that they can be and

[Page 564]

that they are grateful to him for his kindness towards them. A great change has taken place in this Penal Settlement within the last year. Hope now draws on the minds of the prisoners, and that reckless disregard of the consequences, which is productive of so much evil and misery, but which existed on this lovely Island so long, and so fearfully, is now apparently fast vanishing away. What is due to them, they are sure not to be denied of. Any privilege which Government holds out as a reward for good conduct, if they persist in behaving well, is sure to be bestowed upon them.

January 4th 1840
The Government Brig arrived today from Sydney, after a tedious passage of twenty days. They have sent from the Colony sixty nine prisoners, to this Island. Another Popish priest is also come to spread their pestilential

[Page 565]

doctrines among the poor prisoners on this Island. There are now of them and a Catechist. They must be very plentiful surely in Sydney, or there would not be so many sent down to this little spot.
I am sorry to hear of so many prisoners, still being sent to Goal. The greater part of them, are certainly from Longridge, where work is still all the cry. When men are reformed they will do their duty. But, work alone will not reform a man. Some of the Roman Catholic Scholars have been behaving shamefully and among them one of their late converts.

Monday January 6th
On the arrival of the Brig on Saturday a Boats was sent out, and the mail landed. Yesterday the prisoners were all landed. Many of them are very young, but only Old Man well known in Sydney, as the Banker, says he is upwards of one hundred years of age. He is nearly blind. He is transported for fourteen years. Six prisoners from the [indecipherable], have arrived, the rest are

[Page 566]

from the Colony. Probably these six will be put under the social system of Capt. Macconichie, who is appointed Superintendent of Norfolk Island, and expected here very shortly. A great change must take place on his arrival, a change which he expects to produce important results time will prove, whether all the happy consequences, he anticipates from the introduction of his system are likely to follow. He appears a humane man, and I think will be very kind, to the poor wretched men, placed under his superintendence.
The men we inspected by the Major, and some were sent to Longridge, and others kept on the Settlement. This partition does not appear just, because the punishment of the one party is considerably greater, than that of the other. Longridge, may well be termed the penal Settlement of Norfolk Island, and the greatest anxiety is manifested by the poor men there, to be removed to the Settlement . Why some should be punished more than others, when the crime of both parties

[Page 567]

is the same, does not look like equal justice, and must have a very bad effect upon the minds of the men. New Buildings are to be erected immediately at Longridge, for the reception of the prisoners from England. And a Place for soldiers employed to guard them. An Engineer Officer arrived by the Brig. The men who exerted themselves to save the Indeminity, when that vessel was near being driven on the rocks, are commuted to different periods. This great encouragement for the men to exert themselves on any perilous achievements.
Tuesday Jan 7th
A number of men have had, for a considerable time, one iron on, this, by an order from Sydney has been removed. Some of them have had the iron on for about three years. The men sent here to work in irons, have one of them removed, by the Commandant generally after twelve months good conduct, the other is worn until authority is received from Head Quarters, to take it off.

[Page 568]

They seem truly thankful to be freed from this badge of disgrace, and, I hope from the painful lesson they have had of the dreadful consequences of a life of crime, they will be so careful of their conduct, as never again to be brought to feel the misery punishment from crime. Some of them have worn this iron for three years. The men just arrived on the Island, are many of them young, a number are for life, others for fifteen, ten, and I think only one of the Protestants for seven years. Under the act, they will be eligible to go to Sydney, for to work in the Colony for three years, the men for life, if of good conduct from the time of their arrival here, in five years, and the others in proportion to the number of years they have to serve. This is certainly a great encouragement to them to persevere in well doing. I am sorry there are only a few men to be sent to the Colony this time, no names having been sent down by the present Brig. Those who are sent up are men who were to go up by the last vessel, but were not sent.

[Page 569]

Friday January 10th
Today the prisoners who were ordered to be brought from Longridge, on account of being old men, or sickly, or infirm, or a long time being there, were kept on the Settlement. I hope they will shew their gratitude, for this amelioration of their condition, by their good conduct, and thus give encouragement to those who are seeking their welfare, to persevere in doing so. Some worthless complaint about a few potatoes, which had been left in the field, the Major yesterday very properly dismissed, which may have a good effect in preventing ridiculous complaints, by overseers against the poor men employed under them. This system of sending men to Goal, for trifles, and punishing them, for the same, has done much, in making the men regardless of doing their duty. This system I hope is now done away with for ever. If we had free respectable men, here as overseers, I am quite convinced, much good would be done among the men, in regard, to keeping them from punishment, and in performing their several dutieswith properly. An overseer required much discretion

[Page 570]

in order to manage his men well. Few men, see more clearly, than prisoners when justice is done them. When an overseer tyrannisers over and oppresses his men, they generally do as little work as they possibly can, and are very regardless of their conduct. With a little encouragement, and good advice, by which they see, an interest is taken in their welfare they are much better managed, than by extreme coercion.

January 13th 1840
Yesterday a prisoner Hudson, Overseer at Longridge, left the settlement in the morning, where the Protestants were, and went up to Longridge, to attend the Roman Catholic Service. After Service in the afternoon, I enquired of him, why he did so, and was told by him that the Police runner , had given him leave. On this, I intended to have a complaint against Smith, for this interfering with my duty but seeing him, he said he had not done so, and, that the man had told an untruth, and he would

[Page 571]

take him to the office on account of it. This man Hudson was formerly an Overseer, and broken, he was afterwards a servant to Mr McLean and, while in his service, cut down some Mulberry Trees, and afterwards gathered all the green Oranges, from the Trees, and in consequence was discharged and sent to work. He was judged so crazy as to be unfit for his situation, yet, notwithstanding all this, Mr McLean, appointed him an Overseer although he considered him so deficient in intellect, as not to be trusted in the garden, he deemed him wise enough to have charge of a number of poor prisoners. So little are they thought of, that this man half deranged is deemed worthy to beset over them. A few days ago he brought a poor man of the name of Williams to the Office for swearing and refusing to do the work required. Knowing the character of the man whom he charged, and, also, his own character, I spoke to the Major on the subject. Williams denied having used the expressions, he was said to have done, and, from his general

[Page 572]

good conduct, I could but believe that he spoke the truth. Williams was sent to his work again. A few days ago, being a very weakly man, he was brought down to the Settlement. Now Hudson says, he is inclined to be a Roman Catholic.
Today, when the luggage of Dr Stuart was being sent aboard the vessel, the late overseer of the Hospital, Lowry who has recently been dismissed gave information of furniture etc that Dr Stuart had had made on the Island, without permission. His boxes were searched, and part of a table and some boxes were found, and sent to a room in the Commandants Office.
Thursday January 16th
Last night the Governor Philip left for Sydney, the furniture seized has been left in charge of Mr Mc Encroe, until the Governor’s will is known. If he gives leave, they will be sent to Sydney to Dr Stuart. Doctor [indecipherable] The Military Surgeon has taken charge of the Civil Hospital. By the next vessel, probably a Civil Surgeon

[Page 573]

will be appointed to this Island. A number of petitions sent to the Government by the Ship, yesterday for the prisoners here, in regard to the Commutation of sentences, and other privileges, in consequence of their long servitude, and their general good conduct. A petition sent up by Charteris, for to be put on salary on this Island. It is a very injudicious measure, to reward such men as he is, or to place them in authority over the prisoners, when their conduct has been notoriously bad. If example is more influential than precept, when the prisoners here see, that those who are selected to have privileges bestowed upon them, there is certainly little encouragement for reformation bestowed by the Government. Instead of this indiscreet method, only good conduct ought to be rewarded, and those men, who have been exemplary for good behaviour, should be brought forward, this would be a stimulus

[Page 574]

for the others to imitate their good conduct. To-day six Overseers have been appointed, on the Settlement, four by the Engineer Department, and two by the Superintendant of Convicts. The four men are Protestants, the two by Mr Foster are Roman Catholics. At Longridge, I understand, all the Watermen, Toolmen &c, are Roman Catholics, and all the men sent to the Cattle Stations, all papists. Protestantism seems to be quite a crime, in the estimation of the Superintendant there, through the influence of the principal Overseer, whose partiality is well known. Under the influence of the priests, of course, he uses all his power in furtherance of his own Church, and, in consequence has induced a number of men, to become Roman Catholics, and barter their religion for the sake of the paltry favour

[Page 575]

of the Overseer Ledwich. This man whose infamous conduct in regard to oppressing the prisoners, and, abusing them in blasphemous language, was a prisoner sent to the Colony from Ireland, and afterwards for some other crime sent to Moreton Bay. Here stationed over six or seven hundred men his tyrannizing disposition has full play, as his conduct is in every thing applauded by the Superintendant. In fact, he may be said to have the entire power there, and, his will to be law. Yesterday he sent to the Office, and Overseer McCann, against whom, his spleen, has for the last few weeks been particularly directed, for having two Hoes bent a little, belonging to his gang. The Major very properly dismissed the case, and expressed in strong terms, his displeasure at having such frivolous charges brought against the men.

[Page 576]

Another Overseer, who has lately been induced to become a Roman Catholic, through the influence of Ledwich, was sent to prosecute another Overseer, on account of poor fellow, leaving a few small potatoes in the field. These were worth nothing on account of their smallness. The man sent to Gaol, until Monday.
January 17th.
The English prisoners by the Barossa, kept at work on the Beach, the same as the Gaol gang. As this is their first conviction, it appears rather hard that they should thus suffer. They complain much of the heat. A number of men in the Hospital with complaints in their eyes. Too little attention has been paid to these men, by the late surgeon. Now every attention is bestowed upon them. The Military guard house is commenced at Longridge, and a Building immediately to be commenced for the reception of the English prisoners, under the Social System.

[Page 577]

Saturday Jany. 18th.
To-day I went with the Surgeon [indecipherable] to inspect the invalids. I am glad to observe his willingness to give them every assistance in his power. A few weeks ago, they were deprived of their milk, some have had it restored, others have neither milk nor vegetables. He intends to apply for it again to be given to them all. This will be a great relief to them. In their infirm state of health, the food given here to the prisoners, is very unsuitable to them. The dry salt beef, and Maize bread afford little nourishment, and increase their complaints. Much misery is occasioned by the sameness of the prisoners’ food, for some time past, a little pork, has been issued, instead of constantly having salt beef. This change, is productive of beneficial effects. The fruit, Lemons, and, during the season, guavas are the grant preventatives to that

[Page 578]

fearful malady scurvy, which otherwise, would probably make dreadful ravages among them.
The man S. Hamilton who lately turned Romanist, and was at the dep brought down from Longridge, when the prisoners, who came by the last Ship, were sent up, is sent again to that place. This may do good, as tending to shew, that they are not to be encouraged, because they turn papist. This character is bad, and, there can be no doubt, but that he turned for temporal favours. To-day there were about 37 prisoners in the Gaol. From Longridge, they are sent to Court for the most frivolous things. This causes them to long to be sent to the Settlement, and, to look upon Longridge as the penal Settlement of this place. Reformation, there, is certainly

[Page 579]

looked upon as a trifling object, and, work, as the only means of being brought for ward, or as deserving of encouragement. Then the notorious character of the principal Overseer, there, whose abuse of the prisoners, is horrid, and whose partiality for papists is abominable, all put a bar to good moral conduct, and, render the well-doing of the poor prisoners more hopeless than ever. The management of the men at the Agricultural Establishment I consider a disgrace to any place, and, sincerely do I hope, that on the arrival of Capt. Machonechie a stop will be put to the partial and arbitrary proceedings carried on for so long at that place. How many men must remain here for years, from the tyranny of the Overseer there. It is fearful to contemplate the injuries which have been caused to morality, by the brutish conduct of that man, and, shameful to know, that he is

[Page 580]

encouraged by the Superintendant set over him.
Monday January 20th.
Today I received a paper, stating that a prisoner named Crooks had wished to beco attend the Roman Catholic Service. This man is the flaggellator here, to which Office he was promoted at his own request, in order to avoid work. When the late flagellator Charteris, a Roman Catholic, was made Assistant Police Runner, he then expected to be made an overseer, and, as the Police Runner, this Assistant are both Romanists, to induce them to recommend him, he becomes of the same persuasion. As a deceitful man, perhaps he has hardly his equal, even on Norfolk Island. His idleness is so inherent, that to enjoy it, he volunteers to become a scourger. He has, been, or is to be baptized. So eager are the Roman priests, that they receive even this man to their Church.

[Page 581]

I visited to-day, in the Hospital, a poor man, who has become partially deranged. He labours under the impression of some one having laid a kind of spell upon, by the effects of which he is losing his senses. His case is a very pitiable one.
Tuesday Jany. 21st.
A poor man died in the Hospital to-day, who had been ill, for some time, but only received about two days ago into the Hospital. This was owing to Dr Stuart’s unwillingness to take in patients. He did not like the trouble of attending to them, and, therefore, let them take their chance. Since his departure, which was a fortunate circumstance for the prisoners, a number have been received which were not admitted before, or kept in the Lock up. Now every Justice appears to be done them, and every case, demanding medical aid, receives it not in the

[Page 582]

way formerly resorted to, accompanied with abuse: but in a proper and becoming manner.
January 27th. 1840
Yesterday the men, belonging to the Church of England were down at the Settlement. I am glad to see Capt. Border attend Divine Service when performed to the prisoners. The men behave remarkably well, and are very attentive. The Sunday Scholars attend very well.
January 30th.
To-day, I was sorry to see, so many men in Gaol. There are upwards of thirty now confined there. The general punishment now inflicted on this Island, is - "Gaol, bread and water. This, apparently a lenient sentence in many cases is not so. The Gaol is a close confined place, with little air, the rooms are low and in summer excessively hot. The three cells called solitary have only a narrow grating, above

[Page 583]

the door, which admit very little air, yet in these dens, built for one person, there are now, in each of them three men, and the heat on entering them, is almost unbearable. Yet here shut up in darkness, and impure air, with bread and water are three human beings. Of course their health must suffer exceedingly. A poor man in the Hospital who, was confined for a long period some time ago in Gaol, and removed from thence to the Hospital, is now apparently, near death. He has suffered much, and is reduced dreadfully, and, has every appearance of soon quitting this world. This illness, there is little doubt, was brought on, by being confined so long in the Gaol. I am sorry to find, that the Beef, the men now have here, is so very bad, that they can hardly make use of it. This renders

[Page 584]

their case one of great hardship. Employed at hard labour all day, under a burning sun, with only a little dry Maize bread, it can hardly be wondered at, that the Hospital is crowded, and that many are sent to Gaol, on account of not having performed a sufficient quantity of work. No allowance is thought of being made here, for want of wholesome food, or on account of the great heat of the weather.
Friday. January 31st
Owing to some of the men in the Barracks, being seen, striking a light, there, or, in the passage, the Superintendant, has made the men strip quite naked, in the morning, in order to be searched, and, had them turned out in that state, into the yard. This is of great detriment to the morals of the men, and causes great imitation among them

[Page 585]

I spoke to the Commandant, this morning day on the subject, when he stated, "he knew nothing of it, and, would put a stop to it.
February 3rd.
Yesterday, the place of Public Worship at Longridge, was not supplied, with nearly the quantity of seats required, for the men who attend, in consequence of the Overseer, who is a papist, having neglected this part of his duty, and, as I think it a very hard case, that the men, although prisoners, should not have a seat, when they attend Divine Service on the day of rest, I addressed the following letter to Major Ryan this day.
Norfolk Island
February 3rd. 1840
My dear Major,
I beg to inform you, that Overseer Monaghan,

[Page 586]

who, I understand, is appointed, to see, that the Place, where Divine Service is performed at Longridge is properly clean, and the seats put down, for the men on the Saturday, neglected to place nearly the quantity of seats required, and in consequence of this neglect, at the time appointed for Divine Service, yesterday afternoon. The men had to be sent to bring planks &c for their sitting, and the Service to be deferred, until they were properly arranged. Also I should mention, that I was interrupted, after the commencement of Service, in consequence of a man passing with a Barrow, although Palmer, the Watchman, was at a little distance, or ought to have been. I have therefore to request that these disturbances to Public Worship, may not occur again.
I am
My dear Major
Yours very truly
T. Sharpe
Service
Major Ryan
Commandant
&c &c &c

[Page 587]

I am sorry to see the meat salt beef, which is served out to the prisoners here, is now of very bad quality. It is sweet, but not a bit of fat, all lean and of a very poor quality. Much of it is wasted, the men being unable to make use of it. Now when it is known that this meat of such had quality, in addition to Maize, is all that the poor men, have to support them, how can it be expected, that they can perform as much work, as men, who are well fed.
From the immoderate quantity of water, which the men drink after eating this Beef, which resembles a piece of dried red wood, rather than any thing else, I fear much dysentery will prevail among them. Pork is now almost discontinued among them, although it never

[Page 588]

could have been served out to be the greater relief of the men, than at the present time. Few people are aware, of the miseries, which the prisoners on Norfolk Island have to undergo. The system of the Superintendant of Convicts of irritating and annoying the men as much as possible. Their reformation seems never to enter his thoughts. The system of the Superintendant of Agriculture is, work, all work, no matter what provision they have. There are few who care for their welfare either spiritually or temporally.
Thursday Feby. 6th.
Yesterday, wet and stormy, and the waves very high. John Atkinson the Constable at Government House was sent out to fish, for a young Gannet, when he was swept off the rock on which he was fishing

[Page 589]

unfortunately drowned. I feel very much on account of his untimely end, He was Clerk for me a considerable time, and conducted himself with great propriety. Clever and intelligent, he was always ready to oblige. And few, if any of the prisoners on the Island had received so good an education as he had. Being weak, and unable to swim, he could make no resistance to the violence of the waves. Some men, at a short distance saw him go down, and ran to his assistance, but, were unable to save him: at least did not. I think they were afraid of the roughness of the waves. Poor Atkinson, I regret his loss much. At his own particular request, he was made Constable, by Major Bunbury. This shortened his time. He would have been free from his Colonial Sentence, I think in the Month of April. But, he was never

[Page 590]

to see his native land again, or return to his own country. He had a wife & son & daughter in England. They probably may not hear of his death.
Saturday Feby. 9th.
The remains of the Constable drowned were found on Thursday evening and interred to-day. His body was fearfully mutilated. An inquest was held on Friday, and to-day a number of persons attended the funeral. More than I have seen before on Norfolk Island. He was much respected. I hope death has been to him the gate of eternal blessedness.
Saturday April 18th.
Great changes have taken place within the last few weeks on this Island. Capt Best and Mr McLean have lost their lives in returning from Philip Island. The Boat, was dashed in pieces at the Bar, and these two Gentlemen, and a Corporal all lost their lives. This caused a gloom to hang over us all. Their

[Page 591]

fate seemed sincerely regretted by all. The bodies were all found that of Captain Best was but a very short time in the water, but, all efforts to restore animation were fruitless. They are all interred in the Burying Ground on Norfolk Island. This sad accident will cause great grief to the relations of the two Officers. Capt Best, belonged, to the 50th. Regt. M McLean, was Superintendant of Agriculture, and, a most efficent Civil Officer. I hope they have gone to a better world than this. Major Ryan, has left the Island and Captain Maconochie is now the Civil Superintendant of the Island. The Social System has commenced, and, marks are bestowed upon the men, which after a certain have been obtained, are available either for the purchase of indulgences or for shortening the period of their transportation. How the system will work, good or the contrary, time will shew. Many regulations have been

[Page 592]

made, and, many explanations have been given, still the System seems hardly to be understood.
Monday April 20th.
A great many little privileges have been granted to the prisoners lately, under the New System, but whether they will be conducive to their reformation, or the contrary, appear doubtful. Encouragement has been held out, to them all, even the most troublesome characters, of bettering their condition, and of eventually releasing them from their sentence to this Island, provided they conform to the regulations. Too great indulgence is sometimes as injudicious as too great severity, and, frequently as injurious to themselves. A proper degree of discipline is highly necessary to be kept up, otherwise all will be anarchy and confusion. The men are not searched now, when they go to barracks at night, on the Sunday. They are not confined to the

[Page 593]

Lumber Yard as usual, but are allowed to go out, and, yesterday this liberty, they abused by amusing themselves with Bathing. These were Roman Catholics. I hope the Protestants will pay more honour to the fourth Commandment, than thus wantonly to desecrate the day commanded to be kept holy. A kind of Savings Bank has been attempted to be established here, for the benefit of the prisoners.
Tuesday April 21st.
A great sickness has prevailed on the Settlement for some time, but now I think considerably decreasing. There are not many cases now on the Settlement. At Longridge, a number of them are troubled with dysentery. Little work appears now to be going forward, the gangs appear to perform little or no labour. now on the Settlement. A number of the men are every day at the Office to hear how many marks, they are to have before they are due for indulgence, little anxiety appears to be manifested about them.

[Page 594]

October 1st.
Crime and irreligion appear to be gaining ground on this little Island, under the auspices of the liberal Social system. Since this vaunted change has occurred, in prison discipline the moral conduct of the prisoners has fearfully deteriorated. Instead of valuing Church prigileges, many now appear to disregard the. Instead of keeping the Sabbath day holy, the greater part of the men, now devote that sacred day, to amusement, idleness and gambling. Instead of being respectful to their superiors, many of them now are insolent and impertinent. Instead of being industrious and preparing for a return to society, they now are idle and

[Page 595]

artful and contriving, and studying how to deceive and rob, [indecipherable] accomplish any villainy rather than work. The behaviour of the greater part of the men, is totally different now, to what it was a few months ago. As liberalism has advanced among them, the fear of doing wrong has vanished, and, the dread of punishment being taken away, they exult in their evil deeds without restraint. Robberies have become of almost daily occurrence, and some of them of the most daring character. Two notorious characters were caught stealing sheep, or rather keeping them after they had been stolen. For this offence, which if committed in the Colony, would have subjected them to transportation for fifteen years, they were sent to Jail for a few days, and then liberated, and eventually taken to the Superintendents new garden

[Page 596]

where they could indulge in idleness almost without restraint. Now they are both in the Hospital, one under the pretence of madness, & the other as Keeper, to the pretended madness. Pigs have been stolen at Longridge, and marks taken away from the offender, for the offence. The Overseers Room has been broken open, and the Money and necessaries, belonging to the Overseers, taken away. The Tea &c and Wine taken from the Officers Mess Room and Cellar. The Shop on the Settlement emptied of its contents. The Barrack Store Room at Longridge entered, and property stolen from it. And, all this passes with almost impunity. Little notice appears to be taken of these thefts. And thus encouragement is given to the men, to go on in their deeds of guilt.

[Page 597]

with boldness, and, almost with impunity. A fearful state of things exists at present on the Island, and from the way in which justice, as it is called, is administered, there is little prospect of any amelioration. The men, generally speaking are very impertinent and very lazy. The Overseers appointed over them, have little or no authority, and, when a complaint is made against any of the men, the fault is often thrown on the Overseer. The prisoners who have been for years, notorious for bad conduct, for scheming, and idleness, and every thing evil, are the men who receive the greatest encouragement under the Social System, while the men, whose conduct had been irreproachable, are neglected and passed by. This as a matter of course, causes great dissatisfaction among the well-behaved men, and takes away the stimulus to good

[Page 598]

conduct, which arises from a wish to give satisfaction to those in authority and to earn privileges by their good conduct, which certainly ought to be conferred only on the deserving. The contrary to this is now evidently the case. The greatest reprobates appear to be highest in favour and, the worst men to receive the most indulgence. This state of affairs is, as was naturally to be expected, productive of the worst consequence. The bad men presume on impunity for their crimes, and the well behaved are restless and dissatisfied and deem themselves neglected and ill used. Promises also are held out to the men, which can never by any chance be fulfilled, and the disappointment of their hopes will cause great mischief in all probability. No Government however liberal is at all likely to fulfil the [indecipherable] plans now in adoption here.

[Page 599]

The men are literally petted into good conduct. They have nearly their own way, and the consequences are, as might well be expected by every rational mind, insubordination idleness indulgence to every appetite. They have a propensity, if possibly they can do so, from theft or scheming or false swearing. A change seems to have come over the greater part of the prisoners since the establishment of the social system, on this Island, and one much to be regretted. Instead of the industry at one time manifested they now give themselves up to habits of indolence playing and amusing themselves are commonly practised. And, as a matter of course, insubordination to an alarming degree have increased, which in all probability in the course of a few months may be productions of most alarming consequences. Quarrels and fighting are very frequent, and gambling carried on to great excess.

[Page 600]

Sabbath breaking, with all the evils that generally follow in its train, abound. The men are allowed to wander about on the Sunday and amuse themselves with bathing, and, as might be expected, many stay away from Public Worship. The general muster of the men on the Sabbath is put a stop to, and being aware of this, they abuse the indulgence to the worst purposes. I am quite convinced that owing in a great measure to the base discipline indulged in here, and the encouragement given to bad men, that instead of any reformation now going on at Norfolk Island, quite the opposite is more clearly appearing every day. The prisoners are reckless of their doings when they know that their actions will be passed with little or no censure. And as

[Page 601]

none can hardly be said to be punished, they indulge in it with impunity. How totally unfit for society will these men be, when they finish their probationary period of indolence and insubordination. Instead of being prepared by habits of industry and obedience to take care of themselves when they receive their freedom, the evils they have become used to, during their sojourn in this place, will become so habitual, that, there is little doubt, but they will return to the same habits and the same sins which caused them to be sent for years to this spot. And the prisoners in the Colony, when they hear of the merry lives now led at Norfolk Island, will lose no time to perpetrate some deed of iniquity, to secure their transmission here, where they

[Page 602]

may indulge in idleness without restraint.

The overseers appear to have little or no authority over the men, under their charge. When a prisoner is taken by them to the Court for improper conduct, they are generally more blamed than the individual who actually committed the crime, for which the charge was brought. This accounts, as might be reasonably expected, prevents the overseer from doing their duty, and induces to look over almost every offence, unless it be a very glaring offence one indeed. And this chance of escape gives temptation a great power over men, who are not restrained by principle, who only obey from fear. They are idle & no notice is taken of it, they are insolent and the overseer is obliged to pocket the affront.

[Page 603]

The servants assigned to the officers on the island are now becoming as in the Colony to be very troublesome indeed. They see the men in the service to have so many indulgences and allowed to trifle away their time, so generally, that many of them now prefer government to the privilege of being assigned. Many of them are also allowed to work for themselves at what is called their own time, that is after the expiration of government hours of labour, and this indulgence is now carried to great excess and productive of very serious mischief. It encourages stealing and insubordination and prompts them on to indulge in many things, which before they never dreamt of having. Trafficking is carried on daringly and

[Page 604]

openly, and charges are made of money, for any little job they may do.

This also gives rise to neglect of government work, and to the disposal of government property. Tobacco is now grown on the Island, which was strictly prohibited before the Social System found its way here. But there is now so much of independence and so much money found among the prisoners, that they are not content with less than the best negotiated. They care little for Colonial, and when Tobacco had been scarcest a fresh supply arrived, it was greedily bought by the prisoners at the exorbitant rate of sixpence per fig. No stop was put to this imposition & no inquiry made where the money came from.

[Page 605]

It cannot therefore be wondered at, that robberies, should be so frequent and, that men, who have never known what it was to bridle an appetite, or to shrink from guilt should dare much when temptations are thrown in their way.

Order and discipline, being completely relaxed, and the men allowed to do, almost what they will, it cannot excite surprise that crime should predominate and that guilty practises should prevail.

If the object of the system be to advantage, to reform the men, and to return them to society, honest and well behaved, surely indolence should be discouraged, and insubordination be put a stop to, - but how is this on this Island, - the well behaved quiet men seem to be quite kept in the back ground, and the ringleaders in crime

[Page 606]

brought prominently forward, and put into situations for which they have not the slightest claim. The men for stealing sheep, are now in hospital, one under the absurd pretence of being mad, and the other his keeper. The man who life has been a life of crime, is promoted to be Barrack Overseer. Another who has attempted murder again and again, is sent to be put keeper at a sheep station. These things tend much to spread a spirit of discontent and of murmuring among the better behaved. They see themselves passed over, and the vile and worthless selected to fill situations, which those who have conducted themselves with great propriety cannot obtain.

This put a bar on the incentives to good conduct, and renders many of the men quite careless about their behaviour.

[Page 607]

There is little motive held out for proper behaviour. The men appear to be aware that let them do, almost what they wish, little punishment will follow hence the reckless indulge in crime without fear, and continue to idle away their time, without suffering for doing so. The men, who have been the most abandoned in iniquity, are the first chosen for places of trust and indulgences in the most liberal manner, are showered down upon them. This as was to be looked for causes great and general dissatisfaction to prevail among the men. They are disgusted to see the vile and worthless preferred before the well behaved and the orderly, and, too often, they are led to do evil from the

[Page 608]

seeing those who deserve nothing receiving every thing the Government can bestow upon them. This mode of proceeding among the old hands especially has I am quite confident been productive of much insubordination, and tended more than perhaps any thing else, to alienate their minds from the Social System, from which they were led at the beginning to anticipate so much. The men, although allowed to idle away the greater part of their time, are not in general satisfied. They laugh at the harangues so lavishly bestowed upon them, and look for actions than rather than words on which, from their frequent disappointments, they now set very little value indeed.

[Page 609]

Before the Social System arrived to disturb the quiet & tranquillity of this place, the prisoners who were assigned were generally well behaved, and exceedingly attentive to the duties of their situations, quiet and orderly and much afraid of losing their places. Now there is a remarkable contrast. They are insolent, idle and disaffected with some exceptions. If blamed we are requested by them to return them to Government. They appear to set very little value of on being assigned. This proceeds from two or three reasons, first, there is little work and little restraint on the Govt. side of the question at present, compared to what has always hithertoo been the case.

[Page 610]

Second, the prisoners are generally fond of changes and they expect to get some other situation if [indecipherable] the one they hold and third, they are allowed to work for themselves at their own hours, as they are called, when under Government, and thus make no little money and some for this purpose are drawn and sleep out of Barracks. From these things the servants have become altogether very unmanageable now, and difficult to deal with. They care little about being taken to court, as they expect little or no punishment will follow being before the superintendent. This disobedience of theirs is much to be regretted especially in such a place as this is.

[Page 611]

A reform society has been attempted to be established since the arrival of Capt. Maconachie, chiefly through the Roman Catholic priests. The men were invited to put down their names, as members, and of course many of them did do. Some of the most notorious for acts of wickedness and insubordination became members of Society. Crime was to be immediately repressed and great good to follow. But it has most signally failed in accomplishing any good that I can hear of. Pilfering and crime appear to be more general than ever. There are trials openly in the Barrack Yard, where the men are allowed to speak almost as they like, and nearly what they like, and, with derision by many and

[Page 612]

by others with indifference. While laxity of discipline and indolent habits are allowed to have free scope, there can be little or no reformation among the prisoners on Norfolk Island. Hardened in crime, as many are, it is not the utterance of a few fine words that is at all likely to bring them to virtue nor, is it likely that Sabbath breaking which has become so general, will bring about contrition for past offences, or resolutions of amendment for the time to come. The idleness now so common, is also the fruitful source of quarrels and gambling and scheming and mischief. Having little to do, they are employed in doing what is wrong and dare punishment, which being now

[Page 613]

so very trifling, they don’t seem to mind about it at all. The freedom from punishment appears to have been productive of much evil, - it has encouraged much insolence, and insubordination. Punishment ought never to be excessive for then it is likely to do more harm then good. But there are some men, whom like children cannot do without restraint, whom indulgence altogether ruins. These men must be punished or none in society would be safe. And if not restrained from crime from fear of punishment, will, indulge in the commission of it without remorse. The consequences already seen in the conduct of the men here, shew fearfully the evils that have been introduced already by the system, although, it has been in operation so short a period. And much I fear, by and bye, the consequences will instill worse.

[Page 614]

It is not by petting men, and making children of them, that they are to be reformed, they only laugh at the foolishness of the thing. Neither is it by idleness that they are likely to be prepared to become useful and industrious members of society, when once free from their term of transportation. Yet these seem the two great principles of that boasted system, which was to work almost miracles in the way of reforming the criminals of England. They are promised this and that indulgence, if they will be good boys. And if taken to court for idleness, the overseer is generally the person principally blamed. This of course encourages a perseverance in the same state of things, that an Overseer has now become a mere name, without the shadow of any authority whatever.

[Page 615]

The old hands were for a time the principal favourites, and then in a few weeks the new hands secure good will. When tired with one scheme, another is tried. No sooner is one manoevere found to be ineffectual and of no use, than another is started which in a short period becomes as useless as the other. Amusements are promoted to keep the men in good humour, and recreations allowed even on the Sabbath day, that the men may not be discontented and unhappy. These of course led always to crime and insubordination, and then orders have to be given to have them curtailed. Reformation appears to be made a thing which consists merely in not committing

[Page 616]

erroneous crimes. Provided indulgences and recreations and idleness prevent very atrocious acts, the men are apparently thought to be reformed. But, this is indeed a very great mistake, and, though the vicious may be restrained a little while from their evil deeds by indulgences, this does not work any change in their principles, they behave well, for a short time probably, for the alone sake of the enjoyment of these favours, but let them be taken away, and the man appears then, what he really is, a decided reprobate, nay, very often, he turns out much worse than he was before, and, indulges in wickedness with greediness. Good conduct ought at all times to be rewarded and

[Page 617]

judiciously encouraged, but at the same time, bad conduct should be punished. This has certainly not been acted upon in several instances. Men whose conduct has been most vile and insubordinate, have been promoted to places of trust and responsibility, while others where conduct has been generally good since their arrival on this Island have been passed over, and no notice taken of them. This, as might be expected, has caused very general dissatisfaction on the Island, and a great deal murmuring. I am quite persuaded, it has been the means of causing many to have a very poor opinion of that system, which was to work so many wonders among the prisoners on this Island.

[Page 618]

A former regulation on this Island, was to the effect, that a servant when returned to Government for bad conduct, was not eligible for assignment again, until a year had expired, but, now this, like almost all the other regulations has been set aside and, when I returned a servant to Government, for refusing to obey my orders, or at least for telling me, he would do contrary to what he was ordered, he was almost immediately assigned again. Another, also, was assigned within two days, after he had left his place. This causes a great deal of trouble to masters who have now a great deal of trouble to get good servants, although there are so many hundreds of men on the Island.

[Page 619]

The Superintendent appears to think that amusements and indulgence will reform the prisoners here, in nothing could he well be more mistaken. And the result is such as might have been expected, fighting, quarreling, insolence, and insubordination are general among the prisoners. I have never seen so great and fearful a change pass over a body of men, as has been shewn on the minds of the prisoners on Norfolk Island, since the arrival of the Social System among them. It is indeed a most hopeless tremendous task now that the Minister of Christ has to undertake to rouse the careless to a sense of their condition and, if he depended on human means it would be altogether a hopeless one, but, what is impossible with man, is possible with God. Through his grace, this most ungenial soil may become fruitful and

[Page 620]

bloom and blossom as the rose. The Superintendent appears to know little indeed of prisoners or their general line of conduct and the easiness with which they are led away by the slightest temptation or, he would not seek, to throw the temptations, which he does, in their way, such as plays, songs, playing at night recreations on Sunday, absence from Divine Service, and that general system of idleness and insubordination, which now prevails everywhere – and which all are working a most fearful deterioration of character even among the depraved men on this Island. Reformation is indeed now at a stand on this Island, and until a great change takes place in the system adopted towards them, I fear matters will be worse and worse, and wickedness will increase. How much is all this to be regretted & [indecipherable] over.

[Page 621]

And how very unfit does all this foolish indulgence, and encouragement render them to return again to society. The idleness they are here inused to totally unfits them for a laborious life and, without labour, in the Colony, ninety out of a hundred of them, must starve, or what in all probability will be the unfortunate result, they will take again to robbery and to crime and, be a second time sent down to this penal settlement. That the prisoners are at all likely to be reformed by the absurd system practised here at present, is out of the question. It is singular indeed that any one should expect it. They suffer little many of them from being here, and others are in better circumstances than when at home. This, I think must particularly be the case with many of the Irish prisoners. They have their regular ration and little work to do for it. And if their behaviour

[Page 622]

is at all tolerable, they have some indulgences. Petty thefts are more frequent than ever, and this when nearly all the men have gardens. Yet they are continually stealing vegetables from each other. The punishment is so trifling, for these offences, that they seem to care little about being detected. And they are now so common among them, that the disgrace attached to such crimes, when rarely indulged in, is hardly at all felt. How fearful is the contemplation of such a state of society especially among such men as are found at Penal Settlements. Instead of being punished for their crimes, and returning to their liberty reformed characters, they will return ten times worse, in all probability, than before – more familiar with vice, and greater adepts in wickedness than when they first were banished from their own land.

[Page 623]

The little restraint imposed upon the prisoners on the Island, at present, is the cause of much insubordination and quarrelling. If the necessary discipline were observed which is so requisite and necessary, where so many hundreds of men are congregated together, and many of them of the most infamous characters, there might be some probability of good being done among them, and of some reformation taking place, but as it is, they conduct themselves almost as they like, their Overseers have little or no authority, their work is merely a name, and their restrictions, hardly deserving to be called so, therefore it can hardly be wondered at that there is so much irregularity insubordination and bad conduct among the men generally. I trust, however, that before long some change for the better will take place and, that quietness and good order and proper discipline may again be carried into effect.

[Page 624]

The System in the printed Book, which of course was expected to be followed, has in almost every instance been departed from. It would be almost an impossibility for any one, now to say, what the system is which is in operation on Norfolk Island. The orders of to-day are probably departed from altogether to-morrow. There are abundance of Masters, all giving contrary orders. When complaints are made, very often the person, who makes the complaint, is the one most seriously blamed, while the guilty person escapes, perhaps, with a slight reprimand, which he cares nothing at all about. Then the Overseer is deterred by seeing how vain it is to take men to court, and he gives up blaming them, and allows them to take their own way, to become their own masters, and to do almost as they wish in order to save himself from being blamed.

[Page 625]

The material point in which the system is much in error, is the wish to keep the men in good humour by foolish indulgencies, and allowing so many of them to be absent from the Barracks at night. The parties who are out at work in the Bush, such as wood cutters, sawyers etc. are allowed to have huts and gardens, and remain out altogether, under the care of an Overseer, and that Overseer one of themselves. These men, thus at liberty too often abuse it, and having so much time at their own disposal, make use of it, in working for themselves, or in gambling, or other idle practises – which are difficult to find out. At night of course these men can ramble about, where they will, and behave themselves as they wish. Probably many of the robberies which have taken place on the Island, within the past few months may be ascribed to this cause. Detection is easily evaded, where there are so many absent from Barracks. There

[Page 626]

are a great number of policemen employed in doing the duty on the settlement and at Longridge, but they appear to be of little or no service – crime goes on, in spite of them – and in all probability, many of themselves partners in the spoil, and instigators of the robbery. Their time is spent in idleness and inactivity, and, this brings down on their minds, schemes of villainy and mischief. Were these men kept at work and in subjection to lawful authority, they might have been prepared for a return to society as men trained to labour by proper exertion when prisoners, and capable of now earning for themselves a proper livelihood, and wishful, to conduct themselves as decent and reputable members of society again. Will they do all this after having spent so much of their time on this place

[Page 627]

in idleness, and having had food and clothing, for literally doing nothing. There is certainly not much probability of this being the case. Yet still the system goes on, in spite of every thing around shewing the futility of its operations in doing any good, or in working out, any reformation on the minds of those, who come under its operations. Generally speaking the men do conduct themselves with propriety, when assembled on the Lord’s Day, for Divine Service, but, there are some who do not act thus, and will absent themselves if they have the power to do so. Formerly the men were mustered and kept in the yard during the Sabbath, now they are allowed to ramble about the Settlement, and until a few Sundays ago, were bathing all Sunday long, when not in at prayers.

[Page 628]

This abuse of the Sabbath, has however been ordered to be discontinued, until after five o’clock in the evening. Not being mustered, and so many being out of Barracks, it was to be looked for that many would be absent from Divine Service and their being no Overseers stationed among the men, those who are determined reprobates do not behave, with that propriety, which ought at all times to be observed in the public worship of the Almighty. And the rambling about on the Sunday is productive of much evil and mischief. The young lads are enticed away from the Sunday School, by those hardened in iniquity, and too often become as themselves adepts in vice. It is seen here, as fully as in other places, that evil communications corrupt good manners.

[Page 629]

Many of the young had for some considerable time been constant attendants on the Sunday School, until the Sabbath breaking was permitted, but as soon as this temptation was thrown in their way, they were led into it, by the advice of others, and, left off the School – as might be looked for, they became hardened to practise iniquity, and left off to do good. Thus the foolish indulgencies granted to the men here, have in almost every instance done great harm, and made them much worse than they were before. Such proceedings will not, cannot prosper, but are entailing miseries on the men, for years to come.

[Page 632]

[Pages 631-632 blank]

No. 4

Journal
at
Norfolk Island
from
January 1840
to
the end
of
December 1840.

[Page 633]

January 6th 1840

Yesterday I performed Divine Service at the Military Barracks, in the morning, and in the afternoon to the prisoners at Longridge. All are very attentive during the time of service. The congregation at the Military Barracks is not so large as formerly, owing to the great number of Roman Catholics in the 50th regiment. The place where Public Worship is performed at the Agricultural Establishment, is now pretty convenient, as far as regards being sufficiently large to accommodate the prisoners who attend.

January 7th

To-day, I had the prisoners who have arrived by the Governor Philip, to attend Divine Service. They appeared exceedingly attentive, with the exception of two or three. A number of them are young men. It is a lamentable sight, to see so many sent to a Penal Settlement, to pine away the best of their days, at this place. Some of them must

[Page 634]

for years now be excluded from the world – under great restrictions, and subject to many hardships. Yet if the time spent on this Island be spent in the fear of God, they will depart from here, thankful that their trials, have brought them been been sanctified to the best benefit of their souls. They will return to society, happy that they have forsaken the ways of sin, and refrained from evil – and, that they have been kept from yielding to temptations of evil.

After Divine Service, I spoke to them, on the necessity of good conduct while here, in order to secure the indulgences, which Government holds out to the well-behaved. I hope a higher motive will influence these poor fellows, to good conduct, namely the fear of God. Where this fear is deeply implanted in the heart, the fruits of it, are beautifully evidenced in the life – a good tree will produce good fruit – and, a man who ever has the fear of God before him will in every situation in which he may be placed do his duty.

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January 10th 1840

To-day, I performed divine service in the Civil Hospital, to the patients. They are very attentive to the exhortation given them, on the necessity of a religious life, before they can be happy in this world, or in the world to come. When afflicted, and, apparently near an eternal world, they estimate aright the great blessings consequent on belonging to the family of heaven. One poor man, who has been a long time afflicted, when conversing with him to-day, on religion, appeared much affected.

Last evening, the Captain come here by the present vessel, went with me to the Service performed to the prisoners when they return from work. The presence of their superiors, at their public devotions gives much encouragement to the poor men. Good example has great influence – and, tends to do much good. The room was nearly filled with men, who were exceedingly attentive.

[Page 636]

January 13th 1840

Performed Service yesterday to the Military in the Morning, and to the prisoners in the afternoon. After Service read part of two letters recently received from the prisoners who have been sent to the Colony under the remission of Sentences Act. One of these men Holt, is, I trust, a fine Servant of Jesus Christ, and very wishful to do good to the prisoners, as far as he is able. I exhorted the prisoners to behave well, as the only means of being of Service to themselves, and to facilitate their departure from this place. When religion secures the mind, there is little doubt of a course of good conduct, following. Little attention indeed was paid, to the religious instruction of the prisoners, on this Island for many years, and as a natural conquence of this awful neglect, sin, crime, and punishment bounded. Now, however, a change is seen in the conduct of the men.

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January 16th 1840

I am glad to find, that the prisoners attend the Service in the evenings, exceedingly well. Generally the room is filled, and on an average about ninety attend. I hope these means of grace, will by the Divine Blessing be rendered instrumental of doing good among the poor prisoners on this Island. Popery endeavours to do all, it can in influencing the men, to range themselves under its persecuting banners. The overseers of their persuasion, are notorious, with some few exceptions, of favouring their own men, and, striving by every means, and there are not a few, from their situation, to induce the men to become renegades, and, to declare themselves members of the Romish Church. They appear to consider this is all the reformation necessary. A number of Tracts, againt the Protestant faith, have been brought down, by the Priest, last arrived.

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January 20th 1840

Yesterday, I performed Divine Service at Longridge. The men very attentive. Captain Bordes attended, which, I think he intends to do regularly. This gives encouragement to the poor fellows. The rich and the poor meeting together in the place of public worship, tends much to encourage good and kind feelings towards each other as all bending before a throne of grace; their joint prayers rise, to Him, who has given the blessings of religion to rich and poor, without respect of persons.

January 23rd

This week three men, have returned to the Church from the Romish Communion. One Kent, has been amongst them for some years, he bears a good character, and, says, that nothing of a temporal nature has induced him to wish to join the Church, but being fully convinced of the errors of the Roman Catholic faith, he has for some time wished to leave their church.

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He was brought up a Protestant and is an intelligent and well behaved man. The other two Henry Elger, and Edward Hunt, had been induced, by the persuasion of some of the Roman Catholic prisoners, on the Island, to desert the Church and join her opponents. They now appear heartily ashamed of having done so, and very wishful again to be received among the Protestants. This may probably damp the ardour for proselyting among the poor men here. It is indeed a most improbable thing, for a reasonable being, who has been brought up in the true faith and heard the Holy Scriptures, and attended the public worship of God in the Church, to become a sincere convert to the Romish creed, loaded as it is, with so many superstitions and commands, all in opposition to the pure doctrines of the Holy Book of God.

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April 15th 1840

This evening eight soldiers attended the Parsonage, to receive instruction relative to the Holy Sacrament, of the Lord’s Supper. They intend to become Communicants on Easter Sunday. Some others were prevented from attending on acc.t of being on duty. These men appear wishful to serve God, and, to devote themselves to Him. I trust they are sincere, and will not be deterred from that Service, through the jeers of their comrades. I feel much encouraged on witnessing this manifestation of religious feeling among the military on this Island. Hitherto few indeed have shewn any symptoms of piety. I now hope, that religion is reviving even here, and, that one and another will enquire "What must I do to be saved”? Some other soldiers, were prevented attending tonight, on account of being on duty.

[Page 641]

Saturday April 18th

Yesterday being Good Friday the following prisoners, partook of the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

1. Overseer. R.L. Vowell
2. " Robert Hutchins
3. " William Comstive
4. " James Drummond
5. " John McCann
6. " John Rhodes
7. " Absalom West
8. " David Campbell
9. " James Taylor
10. " Patrick Neale
11. " Samuel Taylor
12. " James Smith S.I.
13 Policeman Robert Robinson
14 Policeman James Brannon
15. John Williams (6)
16. Ebenezer Knox
17. James Bardsley
18. Fred: De Valois
19. William Banfield
20. Thomas Williams (1)

[Page 642]

21. James Chinnery
22. John Colton
23. Richard Lennox
24. Richard Payne
25. Daniel Ridgley
26. John Brier
27. Thomas Williamson
28. William parrot
29. Thomas Brian
30. Francis Morris
31. George Mcdonald, or Mcdowall
32. James Stewart
33 Robert Howell
34 John Booth
35 Stephen Peck
36 William Carpenter
37. John Francks
38. John Gordon
39. William Hutchinson – Nautilus
40. John Brown –Do.
41. John Southwell – Do.

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42. Thomas Brown – Barossa
43. William Moors – Augusta Jessie
44. William Bushe – Do.
45. Stephen Dwyer – Do.
46. Michael McTierney – Do.
47. George Brown – Do.
48. James Mcdonald – Do.
49. James McClune – Do.
50. John Bell – Do.
51. Samuel Dickenson – do.
52. George Francis – Do.
53. James Carroll – Nautilus
54. John Simpson

Captain Maconochie and Captain Bordes, also were Communicants at the same time. I am glad to observe that the above prisoners, who received the Sacrament, are generally well behaved men. Many of them have been at the Lord’s Table before. I am also glad, that the two gentlemen

[Page 644]

above named, communicated with the poor fellows, and am quite sure, it will do good, by encouraging them in good conduct, and in restraining, the evil-disposed from annoying those, who are inclined to do well. They all conducted themselves with great propriety and solemnity, during the celebration of the Sacrament, and, I hope, will not forget, the obligations they lie under to serve and obey and love, that Saviour, - the Testimonials of whose dying, they have been partakers of, and, that, they will not bring an evil report on the good land. Were all who profess Christianity to act as Christians, how much good would probably be the result, and, the adversaries of the Lord would be ashamed. Afternoon of Good Friday, I performed Divine Service in the Military Barracks,

[Page 645]

Saturday August 19th

I sincerely hope religion is reviving in Norfolk Island, among the soldiers. I have several come to me this week for religious instruction respecting the Sacrament of the Lord’s supper, to be administered to-morrow. Several of them propose to become Communicants. Some of them, are accustomed to meet in the evening for prayer, and reading the Scriptures. Opposition has commenced, which is a sign that the enemy is fearful of losing his votaries. I trust these poor fellows will not be deterred from serving God, from any opposition they may meet with from the ignorance of foolish and wicked men. I hope the meeting together to-morrow around, the Table of the Lord, will be the means of encouraging them in their good resolutions of giving up their hearts to the Service

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of God. One young man in particular seems very earnest, and sincere in religion. I trust he is one of the children of the Lord.

Easter Sunday

After Divine Service I administered the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, in the Military Barracks, to the following communicants.

1. Lieu.t Colonel Hulme
2. Mrs Hulme
3. Hon.ble Mr. Pery
4. Captain Bordes
5. Sergeant Friend – 96th Reg.nt
6. G. Castleman – Do.
7. Elijah Deane – Do.
8. I. Hill – Do.
9. G. Revett – Do.
10. Mrs. Smith
11. Corporal Comstable – 50th Reg.nt
12. Corporal Pelvin – Do.
13. I. Hall – Do.
14. R. Walker – Do.
15. I. Affleck – Do.
16. R. Hanley – Do.

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Monday Ap. 20th

I regret to find that the Superintendant Capt.n Maconochie, yesterday, left the Morning Service of the Church, in order to attend the Roman Catholic Mass. His example, in thus shewing his indifference to religion, may perhaps do great harm in this place. Without fixed religious principles, he appears to imagine, that all are right. – no matter how much their doctrines dissent from the doctrines of the Bible. I do not wish to be uncharitable, but any one, who belongs to the Church, and understands the creed of the Romanist, must be aware of the awful apostacy of their fallen Church, and, therefore he who sanctions their religious services, by attending them, brings down a heavy load of guilt, upon his head, and, shews to all men, that his profession of a purer faith, is very vague, and has little or no influence over his practice. From the situation which Capt. Mc holds on this Island, his example may be attended with painful results.

[Page 648]

Tuesday Ap. 21st

The prisoners,

Last night the Service to saints it appears was performed in the School room, where a number of Protestants sleep. As these men were unable to leave the room, they were under the necessity of hearing what every Protestant looks upon as idolatry. I sent the following letter to the Superintendant to-day.

Sir,

I beg to inform you, that in the School room, in the Prisoners’ Barracks on this Settlement, a number of men sleep at night, some of whom belong to the Church of England, and some to the Church of Rome. A complaint has been made to me this morning that last night, the Rev.d Mr McEncroe’s Clerk, after the door was locked, read publicly the prayers belonging to his Church, including, invocation of saints &c. At these prayers the men belonging to the Church of England were compelled to be present, they being locked up in the same room. This I conceive a very great hardship indeed, that Protestants should be

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forced to hear prayers which are altogether opposed to their own faith, and to the commands of Holy Scripture.

I sincerely hope this evil will be remedied.

I have the honor to be

Sir

Your Most Obedient Servant

Thomas Sharpe
Chaplain.

To this letter, I received an answer stating, that he would not forbid prayers to be read to anyone under his care, "and, a great deal of liberalism about heathen prayers &c. He then says he could put the Protestants in the Convalescent Ward. This is a ward which was appropriated to the 3rd Class as one of the most uncomfortable Wards in the whole Barracks, and now occupied by the men, who are recovering from Influenza, Cholera &c. Thus under the social System, it appears, that Protestants are to be compelled to attend the Popish Service, or else to be punished. So much for liberalism, and its deceived admirers.

[Page 650]

Sunday 14th June
Trinity Sunday

Administered the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, to the following Communicants.

Captain Maconochie
Captain Bordes
Mrs. Sharpe
Mrs Maconochie
Miss Lambie
Mrs Hughes
Mrs Smith
Sergeant W.m Hughes – 50 Regiment
Corporal Rich.d Pelvin – do.
Samuel Afflick – do.
John Drady – do.
Thomas Evens – do.
John Hall – do.
Robert Hanley – do.
Robert Shipton – do.
Robert Walker – do.
Sergeant W.m Friend – 96th Regiment
George Castleman – do.
Elijah Dean – do.
William Blyth – do.

[Page 651]

William Godby – 96th Regiment
George Rivett – do.

I was very glad to see so many of the soldiers come forward to partake of this Holy Ordinance, so expressly commanded by the Saviour previous to his death.

These men meet two or three nights in the week for the purpose of reading the Scriptures and prayer and on two nights I generally go down to the Barracks to explain a Chapter of the Scriptures to them. I trust they are sincerely desirous of becoming true followers of Jesus, and, willing to take up their cross, and, follow their crucified Saviour.

July 25th

To-day, the foundation Stone, of a Church, to be erected here, called St James’s church, was laid by Captain Maconochie. After reading the inscription, on a Paper to be deposited in a Cavity of the Stone, it was put into a bottle, with some coins, and Prayers for prisoners, and a Sermon

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by the Bishop of Australia. Before this was done, an address was made to the prisoners, by Capt.n Maconochie the bottle bottle was deposited in the Stone cavity, and, the Stone lowered upon the foundation, A prayer was then read, and another prayer, and fo suitable for the occasion, and the Lord’s prayer. The prisoners then sung part of the 84th Psalm, and the whole was concluded with the usual benediction.

Thus terminated the Ceremony, which was listened to with apparent interest by many of the poor fellows here. Upwards of fifteen years this remote island, has been a penal settlement, and, no building has been erected for the Public Worship of God in this place. The Government have been very dilatory in providing religious instruction for the prisoners here, and, therefore could hardly expect much reformation would take place among them.

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I trust the Building now to be erected, will be of great Service to the prisoners here. It is not of large dimensions, but, still, will probably accommodate most of the Colonial prisoners. As the first convicted men, under the Social System, are not allowed to be present with the other men, it was not necessary that the place should be so large, as otherwise it would have of necessity been required to have been. Wherever human beings are congregated together, there ought a Building to be consecrated for the especial purpose, of worshipping God. Here, where there are so many hundred immortal souls, many of whom have wandered greatly astray – many who have had, little or no religious instruction in their early years, - many who have been brought up in error and sin, to them, surely it became an imperative

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duty of the Government, to afford the means of religious instruction, and, to have a place of worship. For years these important objects h were neglected, and vice and crime, prevailed on the Island. A great change has taken place in many, for the better, and I fervently hope, that, they will now, remember their Creator, and forsake sin. Gross crimes are not nearly now so common on the Island, as formerly. There are many bad men here, no doubt, but I hope, that where sin has abounded, grace will much more abound. Divine Service has been performed in the Mess Room, a very inconvenient place for the purpose, I hope in a little time, this Church will be erected, and the Word of God, preached there abundantly successful.

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December 9th

Last Sunday, Dec 6, Divine Service was performed for the first time in St. James’s Church. The prisoners were all clean orderly and very attentive. They appeared to feel that they had entered a place of worship: a House set apart for the public worship of the Most High God. A Hymn was sung, suitable to the occasion, the Superintendent and family attended. It is a neat place, plain and comfortable. Some pews are to be erected. There is a neat Pulpit, but too low. The Communion Table surrounded with a neat railing

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and kneeling board, is fixed between the reading desk and pulpit, in the centre of the Church, a next Vestry is partitioned of, at one end, and over this the singers sit, in a kind of Gallery. The other end of the Church is raised a little and separated from the body of the Church by a railing. This was intended for the Military, and was to have a door opening into it from the outside. At present there are two doors, both opening into the Barrack Yard. The windows and doors are not yet fixed, - No Glass

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is to be had on the Island, for the windows, - probably some may be sent by the Brig. When the doors and windows are finished, the Church will be very neat and comfortable. It will contain between five and six hundred people.

I am very glad that so convenient an Edifice has been erected for Public Worship. For years the prisoners have had no place set apart for Divine Service, on the Island. This disgrace is now happily wiped away. A Church has arisen in the heart of a prison, - and I trust the blessing of the Almighty will follow, the instruction

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given in it; that many of these poor wanderers may be recalled to amendment of live, to virtue and to the Service of the Creator.

We were put to very great inconvenience before the Church was erected, having Divine Service to perform in the Mess Room, a very inconvenient and in every way, unsuitable place for this purpose.

Captain Maconochie is certainly entitled to the thanks of the prisoners here, for this having this Church built and fitted up comfortably. The new hands are not allowed to come from Longridge to Church on the Settlement, but

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have a separate Service performed to them there. The prisoners on the Settlement and at Longridge also, have divine Service, performed twice every Sunday. I regret much, that the Superintendent allows a great number of the new hands to be absent from Afternoon Service, on the payment of two marks each to the overseer, who takes them out into the Bush for recreation on the Sabbath. This, is indeed a most effectual bar to reformation. We can expect no good conduct from men, who all habitually accustomed to break the Holy Sabbath.

[Page 660]

With respect to the Military, I have derived lately much encouragement. A number of them are exceedingly attentive to their religious, and manifest by the life and conversation an earnest desire, to devote themselves to the Service of the Almighty. They have Prayer Meetings, two or three times a week, at the Barracks, and often, a considerable number attend. They are all attentive when Divine Service is performed and, I hope, many of them are very desirous of serving God, and becoming Christians indeed. True religion, is, I cannot doubt it, reviving among the Military stationed here.

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Dec. 14

Visited the Hospital yesterday after the conclusion of Divine Service at Longridge. One poor man there, appears to be drawing near his end. He appears very penitent, and much given to prayer. How fearful it is, to put off the concerns of the immortal soul, until laid on a bed, sickness, and the conclusion of life. Then afflicted with pain and anguish, the soul unpardoned and unprepared for heaven. What awful forebodings of anguish and misery to come, harass the mind and wring with horror the heart. While the

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prepared soul, can meekly bow with submission to the afflicting rod and calmly acquiesce, in the will of Him, who has promised that all things shall work together for good to them that love and fear God. They have a sure refuge, in every time of need they have an Almighty friend to comfort and support them, and when once past the waves of this troublesome world, they have eternal rest and peace, in their heavenly Father’s Kingdom. How many promises are made on the bed of sickness, which returning health fails to perform, or even think of.

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This is particularly the case, with prisoners, they live and riot in sin, but are afraid of death, and when suffering all loud in their promises and vows of reformation and amendment of life, but as soon as the sorrow is past, and health and strength return, they are again led away to their former courses and evil habits, and forget all they have promised. I see little reformation among the prisoners now, but among the Military there are a number, who I trust have been truly convinced of sin and are truly desirous of becoming soldiers and servants of

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Jesus Christ. I sincerely hope they will be faithful unto death.

December 15th

A great mortality has taken place among the new hands since their arrival on this Island. The great change they experience, from climate labour and food, is the probable natural cause of this. Many of them no doubt from their evil way of life, have debilitated their constitutions, and thereby rendered themselves an easy prey to disease and premature death. How true it is, that wicked men, live not out half their days. One poor man, whom I visited at the Longridge Establishment to-day,

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is apparently drawing near his long home. He appears very penitent, and sincerely desirous of becoming a true Christian.

Dec. 17th

Yesterday the man was interred, whom I had previously visited. I sincerely hope he has exchanged his miserable lot, in this world, for one, where there, is neither bond nor free, but all are one in Christ Jesus. The poor men who are sentenced to this land have many evils to encounter, with few to care for them, few to pour a word of consolation into their shrinking hearts. It is true they have little work, but they are encompassed by a multitude whose only delight is to do evil, and to

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work all wickedness, - their food is of the coarsest description – they have to undergo the vicissitudes of a changing climate, without those assistances, which enable others to bear it without much constitutional injury – They are separated from all their friends and relations, and, have to linger on in that state, probably for years. To the strong, and evil disposed these may not seem hardships, but to them, who have not been accustomed to crime, banishment here, is fearful. When will the time come, when rapine and sin, shall cease, and, all men will learn from true religion to do their duty

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in that state of life in which they are placed?

Dec 18th

to-day I had the men who are to become Communicants on Sunday, assembled to hear instructions and directions relative to a worthy communicating. There were upwards of thirty present, they appeared to pay great attention, to what was said, and, I hope understood it. It is a pleasing sight to see many of these outcasts of society, listening with the most profound attention to advice given them, relative to true religion. To see them bowed down to worship that great God, whom they have

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so often offended by their evil deeds, is a spectacle truly grateful to a feeling heart. Many of them have received the Sacrament when previously administered here, and, as far as I know, have not disgraced their profession. I sincerely trust that not a few of them are very desirous of saving their souls, and of living in obedience to the commands of their God. But divine grace, can change the hardest heart, and, though they have long resisted the calls to be good and to be virtuous, I hope what they have heard, has not been without effect: that the seed sown, has sprung up & is bearing fruit.

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Dec. 21st

Yesterday, the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s supper, was administered to the following Communicants, in the new Church.

1. Captain Maconochie
2. Mrs Maconochie
Captain Bordes
3. Overseers. R.L. Vowell
4. R. Hutchins
5. W. Comstive
6. F. de Valois
7. A. West
8. William Parrot
9. John Williams ([indecipherable])
10. Richard Payne
11. Robert Powell
12. William Lockwood
13. Robert Jones ([indecipherable])
14. William Godfrey
15. James E. Carrol

[Page 670]

9 James Chinnery – 16
10 John Booth – 17
11 James Stewart – 18
12 George McDowall – 19
13 George Collet – 20
14 Thomas Williams – 21
15 William Carpenter – 22
16 William Banfield – 23
17 James Bardsley – 24
18 Oliver Wilks – 25
19 William Challoner – 26
20 Thomas Brian – 27
21 John Horton – 28
22 John Colton – 29
23 Samuel Taylor – 30
24 Benjamin Shepherd – 31
25 Daniel Ridgley – 32

[Page 671]

26 Christopher Goss - 33
27 James Mainwright – 34
28 John Simpson - 35
29 M.B.I. Jones or Hornby - 36
30 John Brier - 37
31 Stephen Peck - 38
32 Charles Jones - 39
33 John Rhodes - 40
34 William Peebles – 41
Capt. Bordes – 42

The greater number of these men have previously received the Holy Sacrament, and their conduct has generally been very satisfactory. I sincerely hope, that they all will conduct themselves with propriety, and shew to

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their fellow prisoners, that they are actuated by the precepts of true piety.

In the evening a prayer meeting was held in the Military Barracks. This means of grace I cannot doubt has been attended with the blessing of the Lord. A number of the Military have become, I hope, true soldiers and servants of Jesus Christ. Others all render very serious impressions and others enquiring what they must do to be saved. While little apparent effect has followed the ministration of the Lord, lately among the

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prisoners, the soldiers have been not only attentive in hearing the word, but, have received it as truth and sincerity. A number of them are earnest enquirers after the truth, and my earnest prayer for them is, that they may persevere in well doing, and continue faithful to the grace given.

The 50th are to be removed by the present vessel, I hope those who have set out on their way to Zion, may be kept from yielding to the temptations of the world, which they may have to encounter, when they leave this place, and are stationed in Sydney. How encouraging it is to the Minister of Christ, who has labouring for some years

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in his Master’s Service, to see after all his desponding doubts that some fruit is given –that some of his hearers are willing to serve the Lord, and especially, when in early life or its prime, that they come out from among the ungodly, and, forsake, the vices of their age, and devote themselves unreservedly to God. What a cause for thankfulness it is to see, that the work of God is reviving, and, that where sin has abounded, grace is beginning much more to abound. May the Almighty cause many more on this Island to see and to pursue after the things which belong to their everlasting peace.

[Page 675]

Christmas day.
After Divine Service to-day in the Military Barracks I administered the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, to the following Communicants
1 Miss Lambie
2 Lieu Col: Hulme
3 Captain Bordes
4 Lieut Horsley
5 Corporal Pelvin 50th. Regt.
6 Robert Henley
7 Wm. Skipton
8 Samuel Affleck
9 William Friend Sergeant 90 Regt.
10 George Rivett
11 Elijah Dear
12 William Blythe
13 William Godby

[Page 676]

14 Castleman
15 Charles Easton
16 Robert Heavers
17 Thomas Swan
I am glad to see so many of the soldiers attend this solemn Ordinance and hope that they will constinue steadfast in the doctrines and practice of Christianity. Generally these men have been in word and action such as becomes professors of religion. They have not only been outward professors but, I hope they enjoy the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, or are earnest

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seekers of salvations.
They are very attentive to their religious duties, and to religious instruction
Dec. 26th.
To-morrow, I purpose to administer the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, to a few of the men, who have come out, under the Social System and, are stationed at Longridge. I am sorry there are so few among them, who pay attention to religious duties, and from the evil tendency of the System, I fear much that many of them will so far astray, and not see their own error until it is

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too late. Religion has little to do with the boasted new System, but amusements much. Reformation is sought for, by means which have ever been opposed to its progress. An indifference is manifested to peculiar the interests of the Church. All creeds seem to be looked upon as alike. The true Church and the Church of Rome are both praised and both receive the nearly the same favours. A liberal feeling is shewn, which is productive of much mischief. How much is the term liberal now abused.

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And how much does latitudinarian principle work out all manner of evil and sin. Indifference and expediency are such mean productive of much evil in the world; and are the means of doing much harm among the people around us.
Decr 30th. 1840
Last Sunday, December the 27th. after Divine Service I administered the Holy Sacraments of the Lord’s Supper, at Longridge to the following Communicants.
1 Mrs. Maconachie
2 Captain Maconachie
3 Mr Ormesby
4 Mrs. Ormesby
5 Mrs. –

[Page 680]

6. James Taylor
7. Alex Beatty
8. Wm. Wheeler
9. John Travler
10. George Burton
11. Job Nale
13. Edward Munday
14. William Bush
15. James Daly
16. William White
17. John Powney
18. John Bell
19. Ebenr Knox
20. James Drummond
21. William Noones
22. Benjamin Welks
23. John Davie
24 John Gordon

[Page 681]

25. Sam Dickinson
26. William Willman
27. Wm. Brown
28. James Bryan
29. David Campbell
30. Robert Robinson
31. John Brown
32. Edward Grey
33. William Hutchinson
34. George Palmer
All appeared to partake of the Holy Memorials of our blessed Saviour’s death, with suitable feelings of reverence and devotion. I trust they will not forget their bounden duty, to live in obedience to the laws of Him, who took upon Him our nature, who

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died for our salvation.
I hope that marks will not be bestowed upon the men, who partook of this holy Ordinance, as I fear that they might be the means of causing some to come forward as Communicants, who have no inclination to lead new lives, or to amend their practices: but merely incited by the desire of worldly gain. This would be hypocricy of the basest nature, and might provoke indignation. Men are not to be hired to become religious, an outward shew will not avail in the sight of Omnipotence. He can see the secret recesses of the heart.

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I am sorry to hear, that two of them, actually went rambling about the Island, in the Afternoon, instead of attending Divine Service. and spent that time in idle and vain reaction, which ought to have been spent in meekly beseeching a throne of grace for power to overcome sin, and for grace to lead a new life. It is much to be lamented that men are so blind to their best interests, and so earnestly bent on their ruin. The last time the Sacrament was administered to the prisoners, one hundred marks was awarded to each of the Communicants, and I fear

[Page 684]

that they might suppose that the same indulgence would again be bestowed: If I remember right, they were told not to expect this would be done again, but, that a reward would be bestowed upon them through the Chaplain, if he recommended those who had conducted themselves with propriety, and to his satisfaction.
The men should certainly be rewarded for good behaviour, but, I think that tokens of favour, should be bestowed with great discretion and proper judgement, and not indiscriminately to all who merely come forward on a public occasion.

[Page 685]

December 31st. 1840
On reviewing the events of the year now so near a conclusion, I find sufficient motives for both joy and grief. As the months and weeks rooled along, they bore away with them good and evil. In this little spot, seperated so far from the world, changes have occured, which in their consequences may involve the interests of some hundreds of the human race. The different views which a retrospect of the last twelve month afford, bestow some consolation; and much sorrow.

[Page 686]

A number of human beings here, who a year ago, were in possession of health and strength, and promising to themselves many years of happiness to come, are now laid in the lonely burial ground of this sequestered Island. Their plans are all abortive, their expectations with respect to this shifting world all illusory, and gone like a dream of the night. It avails them not now, that they had friends that they had youth, that they had strength, all is over here, but, where, are their immortal souls – where is now their destiny fixed? is it

[Page 687]

in happiness or misery, where-ever it is, it is eternal, - changes take not place, in the eternal unless from a less to a greater degree of happiness or misery.
How wise for men, who have immortality before them, to daily endeavour ing th to cause that immortality to be an unspeakable blessing: and not their greatest wretchedness.
In this Island, there has not been much of preparation, or much of striving to increase in piety, during the past year. The promising appearance of religious feeling accompanied as it ever is by good conduct, has been on the decline, rather than otherwise among the prisoners. The Sunday School

[Page 688]

has visibly declined, and the regular attendance on the Ministry of the Gospel, has passed away. Many of whom I had good hopes of better things, have not fulfilled them. The laxity of discipline, and the foolish indulgencies bestowed on many, have led astray numbers of the young. How fearful to contemplate the result. What misery may be preparing for the future days. When the Social System first appeared here, how very different was the aspect of things to what they are at present. Religion being left out of the question, evil consequences were sure to follow

[Page 689]

And they have followed in fearful variety: good conduct and reformation of manners are retrograding, and the men are now a different class of beings to what at one time they were. The best interests of the prisoners appear to be lost sight of, and if they can be pleased, all that appears to be aimed at, seems accomplished. The men are discontented and complaining, and, they stay away from Service, and no notice is taken of it, and they break the Sabbath and are not punished, and they neglect reading their Bibles, and nothing is said to them: therefore, how can they be expected to reform. I much fear, that with many

[Page 690]

the good impressions at one time made on their minds, are fast wearing away, and they now follow a multitude to do evil. Led astray by the unprincipled and abandoned, they forget their duty towards God, and their duty towards man. Evil passions are again stirred up, which seemed to have ceased for ever to disturb. These are yielded to, and the heart becomes callous to good and ardent to do what is evil. The amusements which are encouraged among them work much injury to their minds, and prevent any good impressions from reaching their hearts. Their reformation under the present system, becomes quite hopeless.

[Page 691]

A number of men, during the past year, have left the Island for Sydney, under the Act of Council, whose conduct during the many years, they were on this Island, was indeed praiseworthy. They had endured hardships of no common magnitude but, which probably may be now of service to them. They were regular in attendance on the means of grace, and in reading their Bibles. Now Gambling is more thought of, and rambling about the Island, for recreation. I have no doubt but that many of the men, who have left the Island, will, when

[Page 692]

they recover their liberty, become reputable members of society. But, now, the case is very different, they are so indulged and so prompted to expect many things, which never can be granted, that, when any hardships are to be endured, they think they are hardly used, and treated harshly. The state of mind of the men, is now much to be regretted, their immortal interests seem to be lost sight of, and their best welfare altogether neglected, and, yet, they are expected to be reformed, and soon to return to Society again. The retrospect of the last year, at least the principal

[Page 693]

part of it, with respect to the prisoners, is a most disconsolate one. The good that appeared to be effected, has been neutralized by means of the absurd system of management carried into effect here. Many appeared to hear the word gladly, but the licence given to whim and to fancy have choked the good seed, and it has been in vain, and I think the moral condition of the men on the Island, a hundred fold worse than it was before. I cannot but lament over this discomfiture of my best hopes. I cannot but

[Page 694]

grieve to see so many hundreds of immortal souls led astray, the false liberalism which has done such evil at home is now to be felt in this remote spot of the earth. Roman Catholicism has been much favoured even here as elsewhere and religion has been put upon a general feeli looked as upon as a general to every glass and to every people.
Although I have met with much opposition and much discouragement, yet I have great reason to be thankful, that if among the prison population, I have met with every thing to cause me to mourn over the wretched state of existing things, I have

[Page 695]

among the military, had much to encourage, much to stimulate me to greater exertion, and to greater thankfulness. I have seen one and another enquiring their way to Zion, and walking worthy of their profession. They have not merely made a profession of religion, but their conduct has been such as to make it apparent to their comrades that their profession was sincere.
With no motive of a secular nature, to cause them to feign, with no inducement of a worldly kind, to cause them to pretend, to what they did not actually feel, they have been consistent,

[Page 696]

notwithstanding the ridicule they had to encounter, and the opposition they had to meet th with. A general inquiry seems to be madeing among the military, about religion, and some have decidedly become followers of Jesus Christ, others are enquiring apparently earnestly "What they must do to be saved” A Prayer Meeting has been held for some time in the Barracks, for their benefit, which has generally been well attended. The greatest attention possible, is shewn during the time. A chapter is read by them, from the New Testament, and then a simple and short explanation

[Page 697]

is given. This meeting, has I think been attended with great benefit, and encouraged a number to press forward in their way towards heaven.
I have, amid many discouragements from the little good done among the prisoners had often cause to rejoice, that my ministry, had not been without effect among the soldiers. And I cannot doubt, but that many of them, have had such serious impressions made on their minds, as will ultimately end in true conversion to God. A revival of religion is always a cause of rejoicing to those who wish well to

[Page 698]

the souls of men: and to a Minister of the Gospel, it is truly heart reviving, to see sinners turned from the error of their ways, to serve the true and living God.
I earnestly pray that those who have set their hands to the gospel plough, may never turn back to the ways of folly, but, that they may continue steadfast to the end, I have been much pleased with the behaviour of those men, who have professed to be under religious influences, at least the greatest part of them. In one or two instances I have had to reprove, as well as to exhort, but this has

[Page 699]

not generally been the case. And when reproof has been necessary, it has been received with submission. and meekness; es The 30th have left the Island, but the greater number of the men, to whom reference was made before belong to the 90th. They are still here, and appearI hope many of them; before their departure, will be added to the little flock, which belong to Christ’s Church in this place. I hope that the last year, has not been altogether spent unprofitably, I trust that some souls, who at the commencement

[Page 700]

were going on in a course of rebellion and sinfulness, at the end, were devoted servants of God. They have been convinced of the necessity of a change of hear, and have earnestly besought for it, until found. They had no pleasure in works of piety, but now their earnest desire and fervent prayer, is for the grace of God to keep their hearts and minds in his fear, to preserve them from giving way to sin, and to conduct them safely across the troubled sea of life, to the fair heaven of eternal rest, where the wicked cease from troubling.
The experience of these young converts so strengthens my hands in the work of the ministry: and causes

[Page 701]

me to thank God, and take courage.
The Communicants among the old hands, are generally speaking well behaved, those of the New, I cannot speak so decidedly, not knowing their characters so well. The meeting established at Longridge on Wednesday and Friday evenings, is far from being well attended. A few are regular members attendants. The meeting for reading and prayer among the old hands on the Settlement, is not so well attended as formerly, indeed the whole conduct, of the greater body of the prisoners, shews a manifest carelessness and indifference to religion; therefore

[Page 702]

I cannot be astonished that the means of grace should be neglected, or that they should forsake the assembling of themselves together, to speak of the way to obtain the salvation of their souls. The New System, has done, there can be no manner of doubt, deep, and it is to be feared lasting injury, to the poor prisoners on Norfolk Island. It has bestowed upon them, "so much of their own way,” and so much time to pursue their own inclinations that it cannot be wondered at, that crime so much abounds, and, that reformation is totally at a stand among them. The young are especially

[Page 703]

is great danger, of losing every good feeling which may have lingered in their hearts, until their arrival here. There are many whose delight is to eradicated those good feelings and, to rendermake them careless of every thing that is praiseworthy. When proper discipline was practised, many of the young were Sunday Scholars, and were kept away from the company of the abandoned, and were afraid of being seen with any whose characters were notorious for vice, but now the case is very different, there is nothing to restrain them of secular authority from giving up the School, and

[Page 704]

wandering about with the lawless and profane. A great part of the Sabbath is spent in rambling about the Settlement by the Colonial prisoners, and after five o’clock in bathing; the beach after that period is thronged with the men, and from the recreation they indulge in, the remembrance of any good advice, they have received is done away. With the prisoners at Longridge, a still greater latitude is observed, they on the payment of two marks, value two pence, are allowed to wander about on the Island, where they [indecipherable] to go where they please, to do almost as they like the fearful consequences of this license to break the Sabbath

[Page 705]

may hardly be conceived, by any, who have not been among prisoners at a penal Settlement or an Iron gang. There are always in those places, a great proportion, of the most vile, and ill-disposed, whose delight is, to lead the young and the inexperienced astray. Every art is made use, and every persuasion tried, in order to spread sin and misery around. And, now, when the men are allowed to ramble about, and many of them to be absent from Divine Service, too often their evil schemes succeed, to the destruction of those who might have been reclaimed and perhaps recovered from the evils steps of of a first leading astray to crime.

[Page 706]

Were stict order and discipline enforced, this would in some measure at least be prevented. Opportunities of the young for being in company, with bad men, would be limitted, and they would be afraid of being seen in company withe the evil disposed, for fear of punishment.
I am glad to hear that many of the prisoners who have been removed from this Island under the Colonial Act, for the coditional remission of sentences, have for some time conducted themselves with great propriety. And, with the exception of some few making their escape from Wooloomooloo, some months ago, no offence of any magnitude has been laid to their charge. They have it appears, given satisfaction to those over them

[Page 707]

Many of these men, had behaved in a very exemplary manner for some time before they left this Island. Offences were not dealt so leniently within those times, as at present, and it required a considerable period of good conduct, before a prisoner, especially one for life, was due to have his name sent up to Sydney for approval by the Judges. Now many offences are passed over, then few, and consequently the men who were sent to the Colony, were considered, all well-behaved men. And since their departure, they have generally, done very well. There are few complaints about them. Having been with those men, for some time, I of

[Page 708]

course feel interested in their welfare: and glad, that they have not forgotten the lessons which they received when on this Island. I am afraid that those who go up now, are not likely to give such satisfaction as those who have preceded them. They have been so indulged on the Island, that, they will think themselves hardly treaded, when they have to be kept under strict discipline.
Since the beginning of the year, on looking back now on it as past, I am sorry to have to say that few religious impressions have been made on the generality of the prisoners, but that as a body they have not improved during last year, but, on the other hand, those impressions which were apparently made on many of them, are

[Page 709]

nearly done away. They seem hurried on the vortex of vice, and [indecipherable] downward to ruin. Again with respect to the Military I have the best hopes, not only that much good has already been effected among them, as a body of men, but, that many some have been savingly converted to God, and are walking worthy of their high calling, and, that others are enquiring the way to Zion with their faces thitherward. The means of grace are well attend, and, religious instruction, carefully attended to, and most thankfully received. An enquiry among many others, has begun with respect to religion which I hope will continue, until real conviction and true conversion to God eventually follow. Amen.

[Page 710]

[Page 711]

[Page 712]

No 5
Miss Sharp 1921
Journal
of
three Months
residence in Norfolk
Island.
From October 1st. 1840
to
Decr. 31st. - 1840

[Page 713]

October 1st 1840

The Social System, has now been tried on Norfolk Island, and, in my opinion, has totally failed of accomplishing, what it so boastingly promised. Instead of accelerating, the reformation of the prisoners, it has made them, tenfold worse than they were before. The industry at one time so general, has disappeared, and idleness, daily seems gaining ground. How this vice, is to prepare men, for society, who if they honestly must work industriously, is an enigma, which, I think even the founder of Socialism, will attempt in vain to solve. Idleness, as has ever been the case, has been closely followed by its necessary consequences want and wickedness. The men, having little to employ themselves

[Page 714]

with, have gone on concocting schemes of vice and villany. Not content with the allowances afforded them they have sought for indulgencies which could be had by deeds of wickedness. Hence robberies and schemes, have become so prevalent, that hardly a day passes, without some occurrence of this kind.

October 8th 1840

A little while ago, the Mess Room at the Military Barracks was robbed, of a quantity of Tea, and Wine, and other articles, Some appearance of a rope having been used, to scale the wall of the Barracks was observed, to-day, a quantity of the Tea, was discovered, and a Bar, in the window of the Military Prisoners, so loosened, as to be easily displaced, and give access for any one to escape. A number of men, are in Jail, on account of it.

[Page 715]

The trial will probably come on to-morrow. There must have been considerable remission of vigilance somewhere in this affair. If this robbery was effected altogether by the prisoners, it certainly displayed very great effrontery. Prisoners to escape from their Barracks, and to scale the Walls of the Military Barrack, and rob the Mess Room, drink wine, and smoke their pipes – displays greater audacity, than, they even, have yet had credit for.

A most extraordinary instance of the liberalism of the Superintendent has occurred here. The Government purchased a Seraphine, for this place, when Capt. Maconochie, was sent down here. A young man named Packer was appointed to play on the Instrument, which a little while ago, was sent to Longridge, - The man is a Protestant, the place of worship, is used alternately by the Protestants and Romanists

[Page 716]

for Service. Hearing that he had been assisting at the Mass and absenting himself from the Church Service, I spoke to him on the subject wh and, stated to him my displeasure that he being a protestant, should assist in the Roman Catholic Worship. He mentioned my objections to the Superintendent, who said he would consider of it, and let him know. He than sent him instructions in writing, ordering him to attend both places alternately, - Thus a protestant is compelled, by this sapient reformer, to attend once a fortnight, the Popish Chapel, and assist in the Popish Service. And yet this encroachment on the liberty of conscience will be called liberal feeling. I have forbid him to play at our Service, if he does at theirs, the poor man, is Overseer at the Hospital, under an Assistant Surgeon who is a

[Page 717]

Roman Catholic, and whose appointment here, was made, it is generally understood, in order that he might teach the prisoners music. He might surely have performed himself, without forcing a protestant to assist in a worship so contrary to all his ideas of fine religion. To the Romanist party in this place, everything, is apparently wished to be made subservient. This appears from the wish shewn to please them in every thing. A Society for reading writing &c has been formed at Longridge, and to please the Romanists, only the Gospel by St: John, is to be read. The rest of the Bible to be interdicted. The priest has given them liberty to read this, how, why a Romish priest has authority to dictate what the protestants shall read, and what they shall not read, I cannot understand. And

[Page 718]

any Government, that allows or sanctions such interference, is in my opinion highly culpable indeed.

October 15th 1840

The Social System, still continues to throw out its pestiferous influence over the poor degraded men on this Island. It is quite in vain to look for or expect any reformation, here, while the System continues in force. Vain and visionary as it is, the only hope, by well thinking minds, is that, it must crumble beneath its own weight, and that the ridiculous measures, now adopted, must work out the downfall and destruction of the concern altogether. An instance of insubordination occurred [indecipherable] a few days ago, which fully shews the insubordination and contempt of lawful authority which now riots in this place, where such feelings ought by all means to be checked, as soon as manifested. Mr Jomes, while engaged in the duties of his office, having occasion

[Page 719]

to blame the Coxswain, who has been once or twice convicted, he received in return the most abusive language that the fellow could utter, and threatened to be kicked round the Settlement. Strange to say, this has not been punished, but Mr Jomes expected to make an apology, for having said, that the man was a twice convicted felon. This allowed privilege of abusing those in authority will no doubt be followed up by similar acts of insubordination, and render this place, by and bye, a very disagreeable residence for any officer or his family. The Magistrate was standing by during the whole time, without daring to interfere. It might have been construed, into disobedience to the Social System, - A high triumph is now afforded the pet convicts, here, when they see, a man of low character, daring to abuse an Officer, and encouraged in doing so. I am quite sure, it will be productive of an immense deal of injury to the

[Page 720]

prisoners themselves, and, indeed the whole System, as now carried on of indolence, insolence and insubordination, will totally unfit the men, for to be returned to the Colony – through the length and breadth of the land, they will prove a nuisance, for from the habits they have acquired here, it cannot be supposed they will emerge from the mere circumstances of being landed in Sydney. Of all the evils this spot of earth has been groaning under, I consider none likelier to be productive of more last lasting and disastrous consequences, than the social system. A contempt of all authority is manifested, and idleness like the simoon, is fast withering all the energies, of those, who are unfortunately, for themselves and Society at large, now placed under the visionary and utopian schemes now prevalent at Norfolk Island.

[Page 721]

October 27th

Some more prisoners have recently been sent to Gaol, for the robbery in the Military Barracks. In all probability, this atrocious act will now be brought to light. The great indulgence shewn to the men, at present here, I have no doubt is the cause of the many daring acts of theft and insubordination, which see almost daily taking place. On Sunday last the hut of the cockswain was robbed, and a very few days ago, the Shops of Longridge were broken into, and the Tea Sugar &c, belonging to the th men there employed taken away. The overseers hut at Longridge was entered also and some of their provisions stolen but on alarm being given, they made their escape. With so many

[Page 722]

watchmen, and police, it is too bad that all these thefts should take place, and no discovery be elicited. Prisoners as Policemen, cannot be depended upon, as they will neither prevent, nor inform against their comrades. Another fruitful source of evil here, is, the great encouragement given to the most audacious characters, on the Settlement. Men whose whole lives, have been crime and punishment, are made overseers, and shewn every favour, under the delusive idea, that they will be persuaded by the Kindness shewn them, to leave off their evil deeds, and become good men, and thus influence others around them, to become good also. A ringleader in crime, may have influence over a few steeped in iniquity as himself, but, when he alters his mode of life, his influence is lost altogether over the bad, and, they generally

[Page 723]

bear a greater hatred to him than to others, who have not so united themselves to carry on with each other, a course of wickedness. These are more easily induced to commit sin, than to reform. They are more easily induced to the practice of crime, than to the practice of virtue. Indulgence granted too liberally, to men so degraded as the prisoners on this Island, is productive of most evil consequences. Temptations thrown in the way of men, who have been in the habit of indul gratifying every base appetite and every evil propensity, are no sooner presented than then eagerly yielded to. The total want of consideration, which too frequently marks the convict, is a terrible barrier, against his reformation. He sins without thinking for one moment of the consequences.

[Page 724]

November 3rd

The System of shewing encouragement to the vile and reprobate still gains ground on this Island. The Social System, pours liberally its loaves and fishes, to the most unruly and the worst behaved. The quiete and orderly are passed by, while the worthless are bought forward and receive reward. Some of the appointments lately made are from the very scum of the Island. This causes serious grumbling to arise among the well disposed. They see others who are addicted to every vice, preferred to themselves, and thus perceive a temptation thrown in their way, which alas, is not always wasted. While the hardened reprobate are encouraged to persevere in the paths of disobedience, the indulgences bestowed on the bad have a most dangerous effect.

[Page 725]

Nov. 9

A great deal of insubordination continues to prevail among the prisoners, and this of course leads continually to crime. On Saturday last, two overseers and the Police runner, were severely beaten by the men, and, a house belonging to the Commissariat clerk, attempted to be broken into. Yesterday a man was stabbed in the back by another prisoner at Longridge. The men for attacking the Overseers are to be tried in the Barrack yard to night, and the prisoners generally were ordered to hear the trial. These crimes may be expected to follow the idleness and want of order now is clearly manifested every where on the Island. I much fear dreadful consequences will in a little while ensue. The System has yet, apparently only produced disorder and disorganization among the men.

[Page 726]

Sundays are now selected for Bathing, and, yesterday a man had a very narrow escape from being drowned, on the reef. The Surf was very high and he had gone out too far, and had not the wave carried him in by its force, he probably would never have reached the shore alive. At Longridge, the men are fined who do not bathe on the Sunday.

Nov.r 18th

Still crime and dissatisfaction continue fearfully to prevail, in this little island. A most dangerous experiment has lately been tried at Longride. Distilling Spirit from the Sugar Cane, has been begun, by the Superintendent of Agriculture there, one of Capt. Maconochie’s men. This in all probability will be productive of fearful consequences. If these men, are to have ardent Spirits given them, it is not will not be

[Page 727]

be difficult to foretell to what fatal excesses in crime, they will proceed. Surely when the colonial Government, hears the proceedings here, they, will put a stop to them, before it be too late. A servant of mine, being dissatisfied with his situation, gave up his place and returned to Government. In two days he was assigned again to Mr. Ormesby. Thus every encouragement is given to the men to behave ill in their situations, in expecting to get another. At one period servants behaved well here, now the tables are turned, and they have become as troublesome as those in the colony generally are. Last Sunday, a considerable number of the men, were absent from Divine Service at Longridge, and, on enquiring the reason,

[Page 728]

I found, that the absentees had been favoured with passes, to go rambling about the Island on their own pleasure. No wonder that iniquity abounds under such an absurd government as we have at present on this little island. The other day night one of the policemen, left his post and robbed Orange Vale garden of Bananas, for this offence he was sentenced three months solitary confinement.

Nov.r 20th

Last Sunday, eight overseers with ten men each, were allowed to be absent from Divine Service, in the afternoon, to ramble about the Island, for recreation. This liberty being allowed to so many, of course many more availed themselves of the indulgence, and were absent, I wrote to the Superintendent on the subject, who in reply, said that the

[Page 729]

new hands were behaving extraordinarily well, and there was scarce any crime among them, excepting a very few, and, that the complaints among them arose chiefly from being not allowed on Sundays to take recreation, therefore he had now legalized the measure. The men are to pay two marks, value one penny each, for the privilege of breaking the Sabbath, and taking being absent from Divine Service. how long this lamentable state of affairs is to continue, we cannot tell, but, this is certain, that in a short period the men will be all but ruined. Crime is prevalent and idleness seems almost general. Sad cases of wickedness, are continually occurring, and apparently increasing. So much for the Social System.

[Page 730]

Nov 30th

To-day a boat was sent over to Philip Island, for two officers who have been staying there for some days. The Boat was observed to be drawn up on the Beach about 12 O’Clock, - about 3 O’Clock, lighted torches were observed, and an alarm given on the Settlement. A boat was immediately sent over, and on returning in the Evening, reported that the men had taken the Boat, robbed the Officers of parts of their [indecipherable] clothing and firearms, and made their escape. They will probably attempt to reach New Zealand, or New Caledonia, which are the nearest Islands to this place. Since the Social System, was introduced here, and so much indulgence given and trust reposed in the prisoners,

[Page 731]

and, the guard taken away from the Boats, this event has constantly been expected.

Dec.r 4th 1840

The men who made their escape in the Boats are all it appears sentenced for life here, and life in the colony. Their names are

Tho.s Mullen
Joseph Hirst
John Halls/note
W.m Atkinson
James Smith
John Lumley

On the arms being handed to them to deposit in the Boat, the place being steep and difficult to descend, they immediately seized them, and turned them on the Officers. Afterwards they marched them to the hut having bound them with their hands behind them marched them to the hut, and tied them to the rafters. They then took a quantity of salt fish a few

[Page 732]

pounds of flour, three bottles of Spirits, about 22 Gallons of Water and left the Island, saying they were going to the Coast of New Holland. In all probability they would be picked up at sea, by some Whaling vessel, before they made any land: or else they would be all lost at Sea, which in all probability would be the case. In a few days their water and provision, would be expended, and perhaps they at the same time hundreds of miles from any land.

Dec. 7th 1840

This morning a poor wretched young man, was interred whose death was occasioned by fighting on Saturday week, with another prisoner. They have been in the Hospital since that time, and now death has taken away one of them. Thus wickedness does not go unpunished, and sinners live not out half their days. They fling themselves into an untimely grave by their sins,

[Page 733]

they were both Roman Catholics and men of bad character. The circumstance appalling as it is seems to make little or no impression on the minds of men. There is so much insubordination, and idleness now among the prisoners that reproof and instruction seem thrown away upon them.

December 8th

Four Two men have run taken the Bush to-day, thus shewing that with all their indulgence, and all their idleness, they are still discontented and given to evil. By bushranging many crimes are perpetrated, and as there is nothing to be had but by plunder, when taken they have to be tried for robbery and often violence, and thus make their case worse than it was before. About Three Months ago, two men went to the North side of the Island

[Page 734]

for the avowed purpose of collecting eggs from some little rocky Islands, that are situated there. To these in fine weather the prisoners swim, for birds and eggs. During the Season these rocks, some of which are perhaps two hundred yards from the Mainland, are almost covered with Gannets – Booby – Swalows and other aquatic birds. One of the men on his return reported that the other had been drowned, in attempting to return, and brought in some part of his clothing, but not all. Some men, were sent out, but returned with out being able to see the slightest trace of the body. A report is now in circulation that he has been seen and chased by a policeman, for some distance when he lost sight of him, in some glen or Cavity. Should this

[Page 735]

be found to be the truth, the affair has certainly been managed with some cleverness, and the secret has been better kept, than secrets generally are by prisoners. The man, who was with the one said to have been drowned is employed in the Bush, and thus would have opportunities of seeing his comrade, and giving him food. They are both R.C. proselytes.

The two men, who took the Bush yesterday are both R:C: They committed two robberies it appears last night, at some of the huts. Bushranging at all times leads to robbery and often to deeds of violence and death. Seven men, it appears, are sent to Gaol to-day, on information of having been building a Boat. Some Wood &c has been found, some of these men belong to the invalid gang.

[Page 736]

The escape of the five men from Philip Island, will fill the heads of many of their companions no doubt, with strong desires and hopes of achieving the same daring exploit. These hopes will give birth, no doubt, to many attempts of building or taking Boats, and unless great vigilance is exercised, they may be successful. Great facilities are now put in the way of the men, on account of so many parties sleeping out of Barracks, and, being employed as Sawyers and Wood Cutters in the Bush. With the assistance of their overseers these men would have little difficulty in building a Boat, and none hardly, in procuring a sufficient quantity of provision and water for a voyage of discovery in search of freedom.

[Page 737]

Dec. 12th

Part of a Boat, which the men have been building in the bush has been discovered a few days ago. This no doubt was for the purpose of making their escape from the Island. Little difficulty is put in the way now, of making boats, there being so many of the prisoners, as sawyers &c, out of Barracks, and consequently have many opportunities of working for themselves, when not employed by Government. The two men who were in the Bush have been taken. It is reported that a Bullock has been found salted in the Bush, for provision probably for the boat, when it was launched. But the men can hardly keep a secret. Information being given the Boat was discovered

[Page 738]

before it was nearly finished – and thus an attempt to escape has been frustrated at least for the present but I have no doubt, they will soon make the attempt again. With the great indulgencies they have, and the man idleness so general, they must be doing some mischief, and plotting some schemes, I mean the ill-disposed among them. Until proper discipline is again restored, which now will be a very difficult matter to do, we may expect to hear continually of crimes committed of daring schemes concocted, and of insubordination generally. How greatly has the moral character of many of the unfortunates here, deteriorated within the last few months. I fear that the consequences will be fearful, by and bye.

[Page 739]

Dec. 14th

A Vessel seen passing the [indecipherable], which to our disappointment proved to be a Whaler. The Brig, being daily expected, made the disappointment greater. The weather has been very wet lately, and consequently unhealthy, as it is when the rain continues for a length of time. In a warm climate, a long continuance of wet, generally brings sickness, and an almost unconquerable lassitude.

Dec. 15th

The men for attempting to built intending to make their escape from the Island, sentenced to work a fortnight at Longridge. A man for a forgery committed here acquitted on account of the person from whom he procured Tea and Tobacco, not swearing to his identity. This is the third

[Page 740]

forgery he has been blamed for, and in all probability guilty of since his second arrival on this Island. In the same offence he was here a second time. So little is he wearied apparently of his former acts of dishonesty, that he will not leave them off, even at this penal Settlement. It is much to be regretted that neither punishment nor convictions will give some to see the error of their ways and although their sins are found out and punished, yet they will not refrain from again committing the same things again and again. How desperately hardened must those men be who found guilty in the Colony are banished to this remote spot, yet still pursue the same evil course, still continue to defy all laws. How much to be pitied they are.

[Page 741]

The absence of punishment here excepting for enormous offences has, I can have no doubt, a most pernicious effect on the minds of many of the prisoners, who are hardened in iniquity. They dare boldly commit offences, because they see, that so many others escape punishment. For the long harangues which are ever and again bestowed upon them, they care nothing; they furnish perhaps a subject for laughter or ridicule, but do not act as a preventative to crime or become instrumental in the great work of reformation. Seeing also so many notoriously bad men, promoted, does much harm and can prevent a change in conduct, in others similar to them. Their companions being rewarded, perhaps induces

[Page 742]

them to think they will be rewarded also.

December 10th

When leaving a poor man, whom I visited at Longridge, and returning home today, I was much surprised to see the coffin on a cart for him made and sent up from the Settlement some hours before his death. The Hospital there appears to be in as undiscipline a state, as the body of the prisoners are. A prisoner overseer, a music master, seems to have the greater part of the work to do, which is done. The men appear dirty, and in one part of the Barrack room, in which the Hospital is situated, a number of the men sleep, whose noise and disturbance must greatly harass the poor sick men, and especially those who are near death. About fifteen of the new hands have died since they came here under the Social System

[Page 743]

December 17
Yesterday I visited the Goal a wretched place, in which are a number of prisoners confined, some on bread and water. From the closeness of the cells, and the heat of the weather, and the number in each cell, their situation is indeed a pitiable one, and loudly calls for commiseration. They are bad men, no doubt, many of them, and deserve to be punished, but their health ought to be attended to, which must deeply suffer, from their confinement in such a place. Herded together like a flock of sheep, and suffering, good feelings and extinguished, and sancourous and revengeful ones prevail. Crime is not lessened rather increased for companions in crime, only encourages and fosters, evil desires, and wicked deeds

[Page 744]

reformation is not thought of in such a place. They boast of their evil practices, and their very place of incarceration becomes as a cage of unclean birds, where iniquity is practised with greediness. A debilitated constitution, and a vitiated mind, generally accompany these unhappy beings from their prison, to their occupation, and they like a moral pestilence, spreads mischief among those who are with them, after their release. Were separate cells provided, which could easily be done, there would be some hope of good being done among them, and habits of thought might spring up which would be of incalculable benefit to them in after life, but this is all done away with by mixing them together.

[Page 745]

December 18th

Today a lamb was found to be killed supposed to be by the men at work at the Wet Quarry. They are allowed now, to cook their own provision out of doors, and, this indulgence opens the way to many abuses and thefts. When they steal now, they can cook what they have stole, without much fear of detection. A sail was also found above the soldiers garden. This probably was intended for the Boat in which they intended to make their escape from the Island, when it was built. A vessel is off the Island to-night which is generally thought to be the Brig, and probably dispatches from the Home Government may be on board, respecting the fate of the Social System. Already it had wrought much mischief among the prisoners at this place, and will in all probability cause them much

[Page 746]

suffering sooner or later, for if any discipline and order are to be kept up among the men transported here, a great change must take place in the management of them. In a very little while, if things are allowed to proceed as they are now doing, the men will be masters entirely, and only do as they will. Idleness and insubordination are spreading on every hand, and mischief and wickedness prevailing. Should anyone else have command of these men, there can be little doubt, but the government regulations will be enforced, and then a total change must ensure. This will cause much discontent, and many evils, on account of the foolish indulgencies now granted. But eventually will be of great service to the men, who are now almost ruined, and becoming every day more unfit to be returned to society again

[Page 747]

[page747]

The Brig Governor Philip has arrived with forty nine prisoners on board, from Sydney. It is reported that there are no more Colonial prisoners to be sent down here; but, that the Island is to be given up as a scene for the Social System, to be tried on. Hitherto that System has lamentably failed, and from the way it is worked, I have not the slightest hopes that it will ever, in any way be productive of any moral reformation. The foolish and hurtful indulgencies, which are bestowed upon the men, are all of a nature, to make them idle and worthless discontented members of society, and utterly disqualified to procure their own livelihood by honest labour. It may be the ruin of hundreds, and others from hearing of them, will no doubt be induced to commit crime, in order to partake of the recreations and amusements of Norfolk Island. A set of men are trained here, for all sorts of mischief

[Page 748]

in the Colony, which will no doubt suffer for years on account of it. The Superintendent, intends to begin to build at the Cascade immediately, for the new hands expected. A great error I am sorry to say has been committed in building the new Church. It has been placed so near the Romish Chapel, that on account of the instruments of music they have been favoured with, a great annoyance is caused to the congregation of our Church by the noise, made by them, during Divine Service. The separation between the two buildings is so trifling, that, yesterday, it was with the greatest difficulty, I could preach to my people in the afternoon. It was like preaching in a room with a band of music, playing all the while in the verandah. When the Romish Service is finished, which in the afternoon occupies very little time, they in a most furious manner

[Page 749]

began with their Clarinets so, that I suppose little of the sermon could be heard. This they call practice. The truth is, that they have had so many indulgencies from the Government, that their presumption now is almost unbearable. When will the Protestants see the guilt of their proceedings in giving encouragement to a system if idolatry, to a system which is attempting continually to crush the protestant faith. The liberal feelings of the present day, are calculated to do immense harm to the people generally, and to introduce disorganisation into the very frame of society. Much evil has already resulted from the adoption of liberal measures as they are called and the consequences are likely to be more awful. A number of men are to be sent up by the present Brig who are free of the Island and ten of the first convicted men from England. The whole of the 50th Regt. Who are here at present, are also to be sent

[Page 750]

`The reports taken p from the Island at present, will rather astonish the good folk of Sydney. A Launch lost- six men making their escape- a military officer tied up on Philip Island- one of the best boats gone. Sheep and pigs killed- besides innumerable acts of insubordination, and want of discipline. These one would think must open the eyes of the people to the absurdities if the System carried on here. They must see, that unless a great change takes place, there can no good be done among the men that instead of being prepared for society, they are only trained up to idle habits and acts of insubordination, which must ultimately be their destruction. The idleness, they indulge in here will cause them to be totally unfit for to get their living by industry when they are sent ti the colony or when they have their freedom again bestowed upon them.

[Page 751]

Dec 30
By my the present vessel, the Superintendant, has requested my removal because I cannot cooperate with him, in his views and plans.
I consider this agreement as totally impossible under existing circumstances. I cannot belie any conscience in pretending to coalesce with those schemes, which I am firmly persuaded are destructive to the best, interests of the prisoners placed under my spiritual charge. I consider them ruinous in their effects, destructive in their consequences, idleness and insubordination are at all times the grand inlets to temptation and crime should abound as fearfully in this Island, under the new System of management, when the machinery put in requisition for the working

[Page 752]

of that system is impartially considered. The greater part of the day is consumed in idleness lounging about, laying down, or indulging in idle frolics. If a gang of men is passed by it is a rare case indeed to find more than two or three at their work. The others are spending their time in idleness or else in mischief. The men, under the charge of Overseers, are similar to those who have none. The authority of the Overseer is merely nominal. He has hardly the shadow it of it now since the sweeping changes which have been introduced since the New System set its cloven foot on this lovely spot. When reprimanded for their neglect of work, abuse and recrimination are employed by

[Page 753]

them, but obedience is not once thought of. If they are taken to the Police Office, for neglect, they have always ready a long story of disobe their willingness to do the work allotted them and about the hardness and tyrannical conduct of their Overseer. This is generally sufficient, the poor Overseer is blamed, threatened with dismissal, and disgrace and sent away.

This proceeding gives a complete triumph to the men, and discomfiture to those set over, and makes them altogether regardless of what may be said to the time afterwards.

The System of trafficing has also increased to a fearful extent among the prisoners.

[Page 754]

In the best days of the Island, it was always found a most difficult matter to prevent trafficing, now it appears almost legalized and in daily exercise. The men make regular charges for almost all they do, and for what they make, there being no regular price affixed. The charge is generally left to their own discretion. This causes much abuse of the privilege to take place, and also gives an opportunity for the prisoner to accumulate money, which is generally expended at the shops, where they are charged exorbitantly for the articles they purchase. Sixpence for a fig of tobacco is no uncommon price for these men to give who are supposed

[Page 755]

to have no money by them. No restriction is put upon the men people who have the management of the people shops, with respect to the prices put down they are allowed to charge.

I never can think that with the means now made use for the reformation of the men on this Island, as at all likely to be successful, in the attainment of that desirable end. I think them much worse than they have been been since I arrived on the Island, and almost every day proves that the views and plans adopted here are of the worst effect upon the minds of the men. And instead of doing good among them, only preparing

[Page 756]

them to become more abandoned than ever. Grog shops and plays are again spoken of as likely to be carried into effect. These as a matter of course, will increase the moral defilement among them, and render them hardened and reckless, and almost unsafe to be amongst.

Any vague visionary scheme that offers the slightest prospect of pleasing the men seems to be laid hold of and then when that fails, another plan is adopted fully as vain and futile as the last. Thus plan after plan and scheme after scheme are adopted, and as every right thinking mind augurs, all ends in the men being worse & worse.

[Page 757]

December 31st
The year 1840 is now nearly at a close. What important changes have occurred in this Island with respect to prison discipline since its commencement. I wish I could say that the change in the moral character of many of them has been in proportion also effected. But the most charitable mind, who is not blind to passing events, cannot fail to perceive that hard as many of these outcasts were before the Social System came among them with its thousand fairy promises, since then they have become much worse. Instead of the order and regularity of discipline formerly enforced, and which are so indispensably necessary to the welfare of the men

[Page 758]

themselves, a total want of both is strikingly manifested and quells every hope of any good being likely to arise from a scheme, which as now acted, is merely a system of confusion and disorder. Formerly the men were obliged to attend Divine Service twice on the Lord’s day, but, now the muster is done away and some only attend once, and others attend not at all. They seem to think that they are under no obligation to do so, and prefer sleeping in their beds, or wasting those holy moments, which should be consecrated to the worship of the Almighty, in vain and frivolous amusements, or in idle conversation. Instead of coming to receive instruction respecting the way to receive pardon for their

[Page 759]

manifold offences, they are murdering time and throwing away from them those precious privileges, which if duly & timely improved would make them happy in time and fit them for a happy eternity. By being absent from Divine Service they are deprived of the opportunity of hearing what make them wise to eternal salvation. The regular muster being discontinued, gives an opportunity to very many to stay away from the Church, and when this is complained of, no redress is to be had, and no alteration is made. How much the evil of Sabbath breaking tends to destroy any good feeling in the mind, has always been apparently, and in Norfolk Island, where so many are congregated together who have had no opportunity of acquiring knowledge in their youth,

[Page 760]

whose parents probably have been wretched and depraved, whose lives have been only distinguished by one crime being heaped upon another, who have totally neglected the means of grace, who have preyed like the wild beasts of the forest, upon each other, whose hands have been against every man, and every man’s land against them. Now when they are banished from society and have opportunities of acquiring knowledge and instruction, it is fearful to think that they should be left to follow the bent of their own inclination and at liberty to idle away those precious moments in which they might possess the knowledge of what is good and virtuous. How reformation can be hoped for from such means totally at variance with all that is good, I am quite at a loss to conceive or, how any one can be so far led astray as to dream about expecting it I know not.

[Page 761]

Much may be hoped for from proper instruction and a right use of legitimate means, but by such utopian measures as letting men have all their own way, and indulging them in the wild vagaries of their own evil inclination, no reformation can ever be hoped for. And instead of being fitted for a return to society, as better men, and qualified to earn work their way in the world by reputable means, they will be worse actually than when they left it. The taking of recreation on the Sabbath, and consequently of being absent from the afternoon Service, with regard to the new hands, as they are called, the Superintendant appears not to consider a crime, and he says he has legalized it. Therefore, the men indulge in it, without fear of consequences. It is true that he has imposed a fine of two marks upon those of the working hands who avail themselves of the indulgence and

[Page 762]

these are given to the Overseer, who accompanies them in their excursions. But, if he considers Sabbath breaking as no crime, why impose a fine upon them for doing it. And if it is a crime, thy allow them to do it. There is a great deal of inconsistency and contradiction surely in this. I have often seen the evil consequences of unrestrained indulgence, and especially among such a set of men, as are here it must especially be felt.

The whole system if such it may be called, when judged of by a disspassionate mind from the way in which it has been worked upon this Island - seems to be excessive indulgence - a trial to keep the men in good humour to please them, and to persuade to moral duties, this is done by frequent harangues,

[Page 763]

but, without exertion of authority.

These harangues are, I may say, of no effect. Many advantages are held out to the men, which the Government is not likely to sanction, and a distrust is thus awakened in their minds, which renders futile all his other endeavours. Were he to apply to the Government in the first place, before promises are made, and hopes held out, to sanction his measures, the excitement would not be raised which now is, and then, if granted he could without hesitation, promise to the men what could be carried into effect; instead of this he is constantly promising the men many ad indulgences, which when applied for are denied and by this means then he is obliged to retract his promises and all confidence is destroyed in him by the men. They hear of

[Page 764]

his promises, but not believing them, they shew no gratitude for them. And the motive to good conduct, which he holds out to them, is rendered negatory. All this would be avoided by a person of discretion. Many allurements were held out to the new hands of bettering their circumstances, by being able to purchase provisions, tea & sugar etc., with their marks, before any stores had arrived to sanction these proceedings. The small quantity of stores, which he was able to procure from the stores Commissariat, proved a mere nothing, to what they were led to expect, and as a matter of course, dependence in him was destroyed and discontent followed, as a matter of course.

[Page 765]

I am sorry for the men, for some of them appear well disposed. But under the absurd system they are tried, their good qualities are thrown into the shade, and their bad ones brought to light. And, unless a totally different management is effected no good will be brought about among them.

Plays and amusements are much encouraged, and thought to be influential in promoting good behaviour, among prisoners: and, would have been brought forward prominently among them, had not an order been received from the Colonial Government prohibiting them. Since that time, they have ceased the proceedings on the Queen’s Birthday, having disgusted every one, almost: - excepting a few, who seem determined to swim with the

[Page 766]

stream, let it take what direction it may. Unhappily here as elsewhere there are such characters to be met wiith and, much evil results from it. The Superintendant says he has sent home for the works of all the Drammatic writers, for the use of the prisoners, but, I should think that the Government would have other uses for their money than purchasing play books, for the men, sent out from home to a penal station, as a punishment for their crimes, than reading and acting plays. This temptation has been laid in their own country, and many have fallen on account of giving way to it. The playhouse, has been the view of many, and been the cause of much crime, and yet the very persons, who have transgressed because of it

[Page 767]

are to have the temptation again thrown in their way, whereby former sinful recollections are received, and guilty pleasures excited, their passions roused, and evil inclinations stirred up. Then things must be productive of much mischief, and effectually retard their advancement in good conduct. I was bound in duty to protest against sinful amusements and from having done so, having never been forgiven. The Roman Catholics priests no only encourage their men to attend, but actually went themselves. In, short, every proposal, no matter how absurd or mischievous, has been sanctioned by them. Their desire appears to please, no matter for conscience. That may be rubbed off – but advantages

[Page 768]

of a secular nature will follow. How much of evil, will such man have to answer for, at the bar of God, for having misled men.

The men are not sent as prisoners here, for the purpose of being amused, cruelty is horrible, but excessive indulgence to wicked men is also criminal. Much evil has resulted from it here, as elsewhere, and fatal effects will hereafter follow in all probability.

All authority is also done away with in a great measure, and the men are nearly left to be their own masters, to do what they [indecipherable]. An Overseer taking a man to Court, for neglect of work, is generally more blamed than the men. And, this causes the Overseers to allow the men to neglect their work and

[Page 769]

to be their own Masters almost altogether. They see that the only way, to be in favour both with Master and man, is to keep the men from Court, and to allow them to do nearly as they wish. The men are quite aware of this, and presume on that knowledge, to take liberties, which otherwise they would never think of doing. Idleness from this same cause also abounds on every hand, and a gang of men, all at work is now as uncommon a sight at Norfolk Island, as prior to the introduction of the new system, any one belonging to a Gang, was found to be neglecting his work. But, then this neglect of work, will totally disqualify the men, for procuring

[Page 770]

their livelihood by honest industry when once they become free. Labour will be then thought so great a hardship, that they will not do not do it and theft and defraud, will be in all probability chosen, in preference, which will bring them back again to a penal settlement, or probably to an untimely end.

There is also apparent here a great want of respect to their superiors, which formerly was strictly prohibited. One of the early orders of the Superintendent was to the effect that the men were merely to salute the officers, not, if at work & to take their hats of. He wishes them to be manly, and that manliness to consist in an independence of conduct towards those who are set over them. I cannot

[Page 771]

think that proper marks of respect paid to those who are above them in rank, can ever be detrimental to the reformation of any class of men, whoever they may be. I rather think that on the other hand, it would encourage what is desirable to see effected a proper feeling, and disposition. Their superiors would have a better opinion of them, and shew them greater encouragement, and this circumstance would stimulate the men to persevere in good conduct. A ridiculous affectation of equality never can be attended with good moral effects, as society is constituted, and more especially in a penal settlement, where so very many bad characters are congregated together.

[Page 772]

There is a great want of proper management here also, which is a prolific source of much disorder and confusion. The men have so many Masters who give so many different and contrary orders, that the poor fellows hardly know whom to obey. And this causes them perhaps to neglect many things belonging to their duty which would be cheerfully performed, were there some guiding hand, to direct the whole. The Camp at Longridge appears now to be under the management of the Second Assistant Surgeon. The Superintendent whose duty it has always been to muster the men & has only the charge of the labour, the rest is to be done by Assistant Surgeon.

[Page 773]

In addition to this he has to teach the prisoners music. The Hospital of which he has the charge is situated at the Agricultural establishment, about a mile and a quarter from the Settlement. Instead of residing there he has been hitherto living on the Settlement. A dispenser, a music master also, appears to have the duty there principally to perform. He is however more concerned about his own comforts, apparently than that of the patients about him. Hence his time is chiefly spent, either in his own cottage, or taking recreation, with a number of the men.

It is much to be regretted that so many abuses should prevail, and that so many

[Page 774]

men should eat the bread of idleness.

We have a great number of policemen also here chosen from among the prisoners, in order to preserve peace and good order among them. Before the present system one policeman was deemed sufficient, but now the Tables are turned, and there are no less than [blank space] at Longridge and [blank space] on the settlement. These men may be seen lounging about at all times, indulging in the very luxury of idleness. Since they have been appointed offences have abounded, and thieving carried on in a most daring manner -The shop of Whologhan’s robbed of stores -

[Page 775]

The mess room of the Military Barracks ransacked, and wine drunk and tobacco smoked while committing the robbery. So totally fearless they were of being caught, that they could take time thus to indulge in the good things they met with. The sheep stealing carried on so uncommon an occurrence before the social system spread the plague spot on the Island and the attempt at house breaking all shew how inefficient these men are in the performance of their duties, and how useless as persevers of the peace, when offences abound on every hand. Not long ago, a man having refused to go to gaol, when ordered, was rescued from the Overseer by the men in the

[Page 776]

Barrack yard, and when the principal police runner interfered, he was severely beaten, as well as the overseer. Another of the men, when fighting a regular pitched battle, with one of his fellow prisoners, an immense number of them being around him, at the time and encouraging them, he was struck against a stump, and in consequence of the injuries he received, died in the Hospital a few days afterwards. Fighting seems much in vogue among them, and without fear. They care little and apprehend less if caught doing wrong, and therefore, are not very careful in concealing their evil deeds. They think that the punishment awarded if they are caught will

[Page 777]

be so very trifling, that they seem not to mind about being so.

A most singular feature in the new system appears in the great care and attention bestowed upon men, who have been the most decided reprobates on the Island. Many of them have been selected for the different situations under Government. This causes much murmuring among those who have carefully endeavoured to keep themselves from crime, since their arrival. They think their case a peculiarly hard one. And seeing others preferred before them, who have for years been decidedly the worst characters we have on the Island, they think they have a right to complain.

[Page 778]

It certainly appears unjust to keep the well-conducted in the back ground, and the ill disposed receiving the indulgencies which ought to be the reward of consistent characters. One man, who has borne a very bad character has been selected to fill the responsible situation of Overseer of the Barracks – another sent to a sheep station and so on. Two men, who have been most notorious for villainy, after stealing two or three sheep, were taken to the Superintendant’s garden, where the great part of the day was spent in basking in the sun. When the carriage of the Superintendent was heard they were busy. When it passed on

[Page 779]

they again were idle. After a while one of them being nearly free of the Island, his companion began to feign madness in order to accompany him to Sydney. This has been successful, and he has been sent up to-day by the Brig. That he is mad, I suppose is not believed by any one prisoner on the Island. These proceedings do a great deal of harm, and rather encourage bad conduct than restrain it. Today a prisoner mentioned to me that he had been prevented from attending Church for about ten weeks, on account to work constantly for the two Assistant Surgeons here. The singers at Longridge have marks given to them. They sing in Church, yet these men are brought away from their Barracks for the

[Page 780]

avowed purpose of singing glees & songs at Government House and stay all night away, and are plentifully regaled with spirits etc. Will this promote reformation among them.

Amusement, not religion, appears to be the ground work of the wonder working system among the prisoners. The great aim appears to be to keep them in good humour, and little petted children they may be tolerably quiet for a few hours and then they become more peevish than ever. So it is with the men here. They can cheer and they can promise and that is all. When practice steps in, they are miserably deficient, and when temptation is held out, they soon fall.

[Page 781]

Their boasted reformation having no proper principle for its foundation totters and at length falls. Like the gourd of the prophet, it springs up in a night, and withers in a night.

When the men are removed from this place, unaccustomed to labour as they have been, what a perfect incubus they will prove to any unfortunate land, where they may have their lot fixed. Instead of an influx of labour, from their numbers been poured upon the Colony, they will prove a dead weight on the land, and live on their neighbours goods. And the report which they will make will be a sufficient inducement to the vile and worthless to sigh after the merry makings

[Page 782]

enjoyed in this moment. As a place of punishment Norfolk Island may be blotted out of the list of such places. A far more appropriate name would be a place of follies and amusements. A taste for these things is formed and it will be indeed a difficult matter now to do away with it. And such a taste may and in all probability will induce them many of them to commit crime in order to be conveyed to this delectable spot a second time. Should the present system continue in force a few months longer we may expect all the prisoners in the Island Colony to become candidates for a voyage to this place.

[Page 783]

That this appalling result will follow, few will be has sent from here to the gangs in the Colony, who will not be again here, few can attain a contrary opinion. This will give the Colonists an opinion of what they may expect from the marksmen of this Island, as they land on their shores. To obtain true sincere reformation, we must begin with religion. This if received will at all times work a change but, indepen in the mind of man for good, but independent of this, no change for the better will be accomplished and therefore I cannot look for any good to result from a scheme, which depends upon amusement as the Social System does.

[Transcribed by Donna Gallacher, Jan Bransgrove, Trish Barrett, Rosemary Cox, Dorothy Gibson, Alannah Jarman for the State Library of New South Wales]