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Fapon it 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 V EECOLLECTIONS OP LIFE IN VANDIEMAN'S LAND; BY WILLIAM GATES: ONE OP THE CANADIAN PATRIOTS. *'Jk good man commendeth his cause to the one great Patron of Inno- Cv:;ce, convinced of justice at the last, and sure of good meanwhile. liOCKPORT $ D. S. GRAND ALL, PRINTER; OFFICE OF THE LOOEPORT DAILY COURIER. • * • • 1850. PREFACE. >s The question may be asked, why another narrative of tlie "Cana Jian Patriots" should be thrust upon the Public: ''There is no donhi they sullered; but what i9 that to benefit us]" Very well. There was an effort made, that the Canadas should have the full and free blessing* of Liberty. That effort, all know, failed of its immediate object, and some of those engaged in the movement were forced away, like a gam.; of most degraded felons, compelled to drud^je out several years of unmit- igated oppression, without law to sanction the cruelly! Is not ihis a theme worthy to write upon? and should not sucli base- ness be laid bare, and the truth unfolded, that those who wish may learn ? Aye, and so it should! Besides, has not each of the sufferers friends who are anxious to know whereof he hath suffered? and is it not laudable to satisfy tl)at curiosity? These considerations have induced the author to yield to the impor- tunities of his friends, iind appear in this manner, for the first time, be- fore the Public. He is aware that several narratives have been written by his comrades, who returned before him to the United States. But of them all, he has had no opportunity of seeing only one— that of Robert Marsh. He has accordingly penned his "Recollections" without re- gard to whatever statements may have been made by them; and only, as matters and things occurred, or appeared to him alone. Had he pos- sessed literary talents, he might have made his little work not only much more interesting, but highly instructive. It has, however, the virrue of being the plain truth, without any attempt at varnish. It cannot be expected that for so long a period, one could retain vivid impressions of every circumstance that might have transpired. The prisoners were not allowed to keep the slightest vestige of a journal ; and for his own part, the author had no desire to do so, as he then saw no probability of ever getting home again; nor did he have any idea of writing a volume upon the subject, though he should be so fortunate as to return. He has not, therefore, detailed all the particulars of his situa- tion; besides, there were many things our men were forced to endure, 1 -.i.l RECOLLECTIONS or MWM M HAW MlMAff ^ MM, CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY — THE "HUNTER's LODGE" STAND AT THE WINDMILL. It is not my intention here to enter into any dis- quisition upon the causes that led to the Patriot Move- ment, in the years '37 and '38, which had for its ob- ject, the Uberation of the Canadas from British mis- rule and oppression. Nor shall I speak at length of the causes that lee to its signal failure. Though that enterprise did fail of its great object, yet I am one who think it has wrought some good to the Provinces. ^ . . ^ England saw plainly there was disaffection amongst her colonists, and though she sent hordes of armed men to overawe them, still she was sensible enough to know, that unless she abated iii some measure the rigor of her rule, there was but little hope of long retaining them as attachments to her royal throne. As a consequence, somewhat of a more liberal poli- cy has been pursued. The severity of their ^riev- 6 IXTRODUCTORY. nnces has grown less, and the Canadianfjnow rejoice in the enjoyment of greater privileges than thcytlid at the outbreak of the "rehellion," as the minions of royalty arc pleased to term it. May Heaven speed the time wiicn they too, like the favored people of our own glad Repuhlic, shall sit under their vines and fig trees without molestation, and in that full and froolii)ertv which is the inalienable boon of aZ/ men. And if it shall come without the farther jjouring out of blood, how much sweeter and more unalloyed will bo tiie ha})piness'. ' ' But that these "Patriots" actedhoncstly in allthat they did — that they helievcd the Provinces ripe for shaking off the yoke of British bondage, and striking effectually for their liherty, none with unbiased minds can doubt. Living themselves within its glorious radiance, they could but feel a strong sympathy that their neighbors should also enjoy it too; so when they saw those neigW^ors making demonstrations to secure the boon, they could but feel their hearts burn v.'ithin their, to go and give them aid. -■' •"• •■■' '-r'- To be sure, the Canadians had not so great. and grievous cause to sti'ike for their liberties, as had our ov/n ftithers; jet they had enough, and more than enough, to urge them to a decided stand. They were oppressed in many things, and Royalty refused to remove their burthens. Then why should they not assert their rights and stand forth in the defence of them? And wherein was the crime of giving them aid? Surely he who would argue it, is more fit for : I INTRODUCTORY. '\ni the barbarian servitude of some Asiatic despot. Nay, those Americans who acted in synipjithy witli their oppressed neighbors, have earned, not the curses of tlieir countrymen, but pniiso in well-doing. If by their actions they have merited opprobrium, then were the French most unmitigated rascals, for presuming to listen to American entreaties, until France sent forth her sons to aid his most gracious Majesty's colonial subjects in breaking from their royal thraldom. Yea, and so were those brave souls — Steuben, Dc Kalb, Kosciusko, La Fayette! The only difference is, they were successfull, we and the Canadians were not. The first blow struck in the Province, if I recol- lect, was in Yonge street in Toronto, which proved an entire failure. There seems to have been some unexplained misunderstanding among the leaders. Though it did fail, it served to rouse up a greater feeling, not only in Canada, but along the American border. The course pursued by the Canadian Gov- ernment also fanned the flame. Worthy citizens, suspected by those in power, were compelled to flee the Provinces to ensure their lives; leaving not only their property to be confiscated, but their families to the merciless protection of the jackals of royalty. These men, coming in our midst, seeking an asylum and recounting the story of their wrongs, gave great- er impetus to the sympathy burning in American bo- soms, whilst the flame spread farther and wider among the people. ^ ^ . : .. ; ■•; . . ;. « . ; - - rNTHODUCTOIlY. Failing in Toronto, a stand was made upon Navy Island, where those who wished to act in defence of Canadian freedom could rendezvous till a more aus- picious moment should arrive for striking an effec- tual blow. This island contained some three hun- dred acres of land, covered with a forest and situated in British waters, between Chippewa and Grand Island, a mile from the American shore, and three-fourths from the Canadian. Wm. L. McKenzie and Gen. Van Rensselaer had command at this point. By thts time the excitement was getting pretty general, run- ning to quite a high pitch along the whole frontier and extending backward to a considerable distance toward the interior. Meetings were held in all quar- ters. Resolutions and speeches, glowing with pat- riotism and valor, were read, spoken and published. The friends of Canada took greater courage and flat- tered themselves that truly the time and the hour had come for her redemption. Societies in many places were formed, under the title of " The Hunt- ers' Lodge," having for their object the more effec- tual aid and assistance of the people of Canada. Men of all classes, ages and distinctions — those of influence and station, as well as those who were poor and illiterate — enrolled themselves members, till the " Hunters" were swelled to many thousands in num- ber. The island was entrenched with tree tops and by other means, and the little band continued to receive wiutorcements and supplies, but not in sufficient num- INTRODUCTORY. « bers and quantity to warrant a demonstration on shore. The royal soldiers at Chippewa kept up an inoffen- sive cannonading for many days. Sentries were placed along shore, and other means resorted to, to prevent those who wished leaving for the island. The Liberals were anxiously waiting for the landing of Van Rensselaer, when they would join his ranks in large numbers. Owing to this presence of the soldiery, the little band were almost wholly depend- ent upon reinforcements from the American side, till they should be sufficiently strong to make a perma- nent stand against the troops on the other shore. To the island were many visitors, impelled thither by curiosity, and in some instances by a desire of aid- ing and counselling the band. From many of these the leaders received strong assurances of much help, and the little band looked forward to the hour that seemed close at hand, when they should commence their movements. During this time, the little steamer Caroline came down from Buffalo, bringing passengers and freight, a part of which she landed at the island; and for the pecuniary benefit of her owners, she was employed for a short time in carrying passengers and freight to and from the island, mooring herself at nightfall at the old Schlosser wharf. Whilst reposing here in fancied security, a company of British soldiers, head- ed by Col. McNab, stole stealthily, and under cover of midnight darkness, from the opposite shore, board- ed her while under the protection of the American 10 INTRODUCTORY/ eagle, killing some and wounding others of her crew; when, cutting her loose and applying the torch, she was sent adrift upon the foamin^^ billows of Niagara, with how many souls on board to take the awful plunge of that dread cataract, none but the Eternal may know. And these stealthy midnight assassins crept back again to their own soil, and gloried in the deed they had done! ^ The then governor of New York reported the mat- ter plausibly to him who sat in the executive of the nation. But instead of stoutly asserting American rights, he crouched — I might almost say abjectly crouched — at the feet of the British lion. Then it was, our Executive made haste to do the wishes of her majesty's pleasure, in striving to put down the burst of indignation that was showing itself in the congregatio'i of men and munitions for the Patriot cause. It seemed that those who managed the helm of government, frightened by the roar of the royal whelp, were vieing with that royalty itself to crush the rising of the oppressed for hberty's sake. McNab, fearing his Ufe . .ot safe on tliis side the Atlantic, afterward returned to England, where, with "Prince John," Van's favorite boy, lie had the un- speakable fehcity of kissing the Queen's hand! Eng- land had sanctioned the deed, and as a reward for his invincible prnvess, the hero received a degree of royal knighthood! ;■, . ^ • ,:•:*. The President had sent forth his proclamation, out- lawing those who should engage in the cause, whilst >2 INTRODUCTORY. 11 'crew; h, she lagara, awful internal sassins in the le mat- of the lerican bjectly hen it hes of vn the in the Patriot Q helm royal crush de the e, with he un- Eng- for his ree of n, out- whilst government forwarded troops to put in force the proclamation and effeciualy prevent the enlistment of American citi ns. Through these means the Patriot force found itself cramped, and without suffi- cient numhers to wararrant an attack on shore. As receiving recruits from either shore was out of the question now, it was concluded to abandon the scheme for the time, and therefore, on the 12th of Jan. 1838, Navy Island was evacuated, and those there congre- gated, dispersed for other places and other points. After this, not much was done in the way of active measures, save a little skirmishing towards the upper end of the province. Things remained rather quiet through the country, though the subject itself was by no means dormant. - • '• '• •;:f. ■ - Trials and executions were going forward on the other side, and the adherents of royalty were chuck- ling among themselves that the effort was quite sig- nally crushed. Consequently, feehng secure in their position, thoy were talking with much bravado of their prowess and skill over the poor Patriots whose hopes were laid low. Nevertheless, those "rebels" had feelings, and they were but waiting a favorable opportunity to prove that the love of freedom was not yet extinguished in their bosoms. ''~^ - ?>njy*^'ro . ... During all this time, I had resided 'Within the midst of the excitement, and, in common with all my neigh- bors, I felt the spirit stirring my youthful blood in sympathy for the down-trodden of England's rule; and being naturally of an impulsive nature, I could n INTRODUCTORY. not remain an idle spectator in the midst of such stir- ring times* Accordingly, in the month of Novem- ber, 1837, at the age of twenty-two, I entered the "Hunters' Lodge," at Cape Vincent, in the town of Lyme, which place had for several years been my residence. During the following spring and sum- mer, nothing of importance occurred in my vicinity. Stated meetings of the lodge were were held, and all stood in readiness to act when the proper time should come. Toward November, 1838, that time seemed to be drawing nigh. Demonstrations were to be made simultaneously, or nearly so, in the vicinity of Kingston, and at the upper part of the province, and if successful, the armies were to press forward and form a junction; when, with the numbers that would flock about the triumphant standard of liberty, we might put at defiance whatever force Britain might send against us. With six others, I left my home on the 4th of No- vember, '38, for Sacketts Harbor, where at midnight we arrived, and expected to find the steamer United States, upon which we were to embark, to go whith- er, our ofl[icers who had ordered us hither, only knew. There were a hundred others here on the same errand o,s ourselves. After waiting awhile for the steamer, and ascertaining there was not much prospect of her being along for a day or two, we re- turned again *o Cape Vincent. The next Sunday, Nov. 16th, I again started with several others for a place known as Millen's Bay. Here we found a INTRODUCTORY. 18 ch stir- sTovem- red the Dwn of en my d sum- icinity, and all I should seemed e to be inity of ce, and Lrd and t would •ty, we L might ofNo- lidnight United whith- r, only on the hile for t much , we re- Junday, s for a bund a schooner with a hundred men, waiting the appear- ance of the steamer. About dusk we hailed it com- ing down the river from Oswego. Our schooner then pushed from the wharf into the river, and soon after was taken in tow. About a mile further down, another schooner with about the same complement of men was also attached to the boat, which now put on steam for Prescott. Upon the boat, which was the same we had looked for at Sacketts Harbor, and on board the two schooners, were above two hundred men, with a fair supply of provisions, arms and am- munition. It was a bright moonlight evening, and we were indeed a happy band. We had full confidence in our cause, as a just and noble one. We belie vd we were about to do our neighbors a deed of charity, such as tlie golden rule inculcates, when it teaches us to do to our fellows as we would they should do to us. We believed our Canadian neighbors to be struggling for that freedom which we were enjoying, and which with a little aid they would be successful in securing. Was, it therefore wrong that we should stifle our feel- ings and refuse to act out our sympathy? For one, I can place no credit in that charity which does not exhibit itself by its works. That we should fail, we had no idea; though others have since declarf I that they " knew we should fail." Possibly some of them did; and we might perhaps have known it too, had we been gifted with prescience, whereby we might xnave discovered their patriotism to be only "lipser- 14 INTRODUCTORY. I. vice," and that they were fully determined to turn traitors to all their solemn protestations. With such Patriots(!) as these rests the guilt of bloodshed and of suffering, which their fellow Americans endured at the hands of British tyrants. Nay, 'twas the sin of such valorous souls that we expiated — not of us, who, having taken a position, valiantly sustained it till fighting longer was fblly. - "''•^^•'^ ''"^ ^''^■''" '•' The charge has been made that we were but a band of marauders, seeking the spoils of honest peo- ple. Those who were aught acquainted with us and with the times, know that such an object was far re- mo\ed from our designs. Only those maliciously disposed, would make the charge, and but the igno- rant give credence to it. Of my own acquaintance and myself, I knoio that no such motive entered our thoughts. Nor did the movements or plans of our leaders savor of such an object, at least so far as my knowledge extended. I had parents, brothers and sisters, who were unusually endeared to me, and whose sweet companionship bound me strongly to the paternal roof, and to leave these for the precari^ ous prospects of booty, would have been folly indeed. There were other feelings wrought upon than the selfish ones: and I may say it without boasting, they were those of philanthropy: - w^ • • •> -i^^^i -* i'^rv i It was indeed hard to part with my parents, broth- ers and risters; yet I felt impelled by a sense of duty for the good of others, to assist in securing for them the same blessings which I was myself enjoying. .^*!< i M INTRODUCTORY. 16 As we were gliding down the St. Lawrence, I could but revert to the past with peculiar feelings — feel- ings which my pen fails in giving utterance. To the future I looked with imagination's eye, and fan- cied I might have the satisfaction of the future re- flection, that I was one of those who aided in secur- ing full hberty to Canada's sons and daughters. — Then, too, the thought crossed my mind, that the swifl-winged bullet might spring the current of life, and leave its tide to ebb in death. Yet this thought appalled me not, but seemed rather to nerve my frame with vigor, and give to my mind a stronger determination to act well and faithfully my part, so long as hfe should be mine. . , ; .[ r.r ^ During the next forenoon we arrived near Pres- cott. Here the schooners were detached, and ours in attempting to make the wharf ran aground. We soon cleared her, and then dropped down the river a mile to Windmill Point, where Colonel Von Shoultz and the men aboard effected a landing. The bank at this place was some twenty feet in height and quite precipitous. With much toil we succeeded in dragging up our guns — one twelve pounder and two ' brass seven pounders — when we took possession of a circular stone windmill, four stories in height, to- gether with three stone outbuildings, in one of which was a family residing who rendered us essential aid. The other schooner in attempting to make the wharf also run fast upon the same bar, farther toward the middle of the river. Whilst we were landing, those 16 INTRODUCTORY. II on board of her made a long but unsuccessful attempt to get off. Seeing them in this situation the British steamer "Experiment" made a demonstration against them, by crossing the river and firing upon the schooner as she approached. Those on the schoon- er seeing the necessity of standing upon their de- fence, hauled a twelve pounder from the hold, charged it with ball and grape, then leveling it at the "Experiment" it was discharged, killing eleven upon the crowded deck and passing a ball complete- ly through her wheel house. The recoil of the gun loosened the schooner from her position on the bar, when she sailed for Ogdensburg. To us at the windmill, this was a cruel course to pursue, for they had nearly all the provisions and the greater share of ammunition and arms. Nevertheless, we confident- ly looked for her return, but she came not. Dur- ing that night we were reinforced by a hundred or more from Ogdensburg, including a part of those on board the schooner. Before dark, and after the schooner had left the bar, the steamer United States sailed out from the harbor, and taking somewhat of ' a circuitous course, approached near the windmill shore, and whilst but a little below Prescott, a shot was fired at her by the British steamer "Coburg," which struck the man at the wheel, killing him in- fitantly and scattering his brains over the deck. As in the case of the "Caroline," so with this; no notice was taken of it by our government. It was even passed over in more dogged silence, and it INTRODUCTORY! 17 attempt British against )on the schoon- heir de- hold, ig it at ; eleven >mplete- the gun the bar, s at the for they share of nfident- . Dur- dred or ;hose on fter the d States swhat of nndmill f a shot oburg,'* him in- jk. ;his; no It was , and it seemed M if our chief magistrate had, since the af- fair at Schlosser, lost what liule valor he might be- fore have possessed. Had the British made a de- scent upon his cabbage plantation, the world might possibly have witnessed an outbreak of patriotism In the "Little Magician." But when American blood was spilled upon American soil and on American ships, transgressing no international laws, the "Sage of Lindenwald " could calmly fold his arms on his breast and even turn round and assist those same murderers in quelling an outbreak for freedom! That evening Colonel Worth, with the United States Marshall, arrived in Ogdensburg, and straight- way seized the schooner, the steamer, and the most of the ammunition and provisions intended for our use, thereby effectually cutting off our supplies and preventing our receiving reinforcements. The pres- ence of these officers, supported as they were by the government, overawed the timid souls who " knew the patriots would fail," and gave their weak hearts a plausable excuse to remain secure from danger. And to those who were anxious of joining the little band, impediments were thrown in their way which were quite impossible to overcome. . Had Canada been the province of some imbecile power, our government would never have made that hot haste to construe the laws in aid of royalty's schemes. But England was powerful, and our rul- ers wished to curry her favor! When Texas re- volted from a sister republic, our men were permit- 2 I I 18 INTHODUCTORY. ted 10 organize companies and depart armed for the scene of conflict; and the matter was unnoticed by our government, or if noticed, merely winked at. — Mexico was weak — torn by intestine factions. She refused the black curse of slavery a home on her soil. Texas was determined to sustain negro servitude, and revolted, when our citizens rushed by thousands to her aid, and enabled her to sustain the position she assumed. Now slavery rules in the dominion, and she has been taken under the fostering care of our own eagle. But here the Canadians were groaning under grievances that had been refused redress. To be sure, involuntary servitude had no footing, nor was there any possibility it ever would; yet her peo- ple were evidently striving for their own full free- dom from foreign oppression. Some of our citizens become fired with the enthusiasm and strive to give a helping hand. But government interposes and com- mands them to stay at home and suppress their sym- pathies as unlawful, and then takes active and strin- gent measures to enforce obedience. Is there jus- tice in the two cases? What spirit could have actu- ated our government but that of fear, and the knowl- edge that human servitude could find no extension at the north? At this time, along the whole northern frontier the movements of our citizens were strictly guarded, and thus the Canadian effort for liberty was quelled, not so much by her majesty's troops quar- tered in the provinces, as by that government which, above all others, boasts the truest freedom of any na- tion on the earth! \ ■>-r »8b-T ■'% INTRODUCTORY. 1« for the ced by cl at. — She ersoil. vitude, usands on she »n, and of our oaning 3. To g, nor QY poo- 1 free- itizens give a d coni- r sym- 1 strin- 'e jus- J actu- mowl- 5ion at t'thern trictl}' y was quar- diich, iy na- M 4 « i It was now evident we were to rely upon our own resources, which were feeble enough. We were a small band of about two hundred and fifty souls, with but four days* provision at the most, and a very scanty supply of ammunition. Yet our hearts fainted not, though deserted by friends and left on foreign soil, with no prospect of effecting anything decisive in our then situation. Our leader. Von Shoultz, was a man that knew no fear, and were there any among us disposed to falter, they could not well do it under the influence of his noble bearing and cool self-reli- ance. Nevertheless, our hopes of receiving addi- tions did not entirely desert us. We had expected large companies to follow us, enough to have made a triumphant ingress, and which would have enabled us to make such a stand in the country that all who wished could have joined us. With the faint hope that some of them would remember their solemn pro- testations, and evading the surveilance, join our stand- ard — we toiled that night with all our alacrity in the strengthening of our position. About ten o'clock a friend arrived from Kingston, a distance of fifty miles, bringing the intelligence of an attack upon our position from land and water by nine the next morning. This news, instead '■^^blanch- ing our cheeks or palzying our han'J ' ' .i fear, served only to nerve us with more ene ^,, and to bind our little band closer one to another. There ap- peared in the actions of all that firm reliance and un- conquerable resolution, which were sure to win laurels 20 INTRODUCTORT. from fields where the odds wore even against them . In i\ ^expressions and conversations of the men, there y^ m evident anxiety that the morniiig should come, v/hen we could have a chance to measure our strength with the red coats. Wo knew not what the result might bo, yet we were impatient to have tho time advance, that we might know whereof we had to do. ^ li f ' ' • "I X •{ ! ."iti .t }"■ .* , yhUl ,t-. cour- i bay- I were ss the parous eir in- :h rid- limate e, the orres- ;ment, . have »m the were ketry. My position in the field was behind the stone wall, the farthest from the mill, and a part of the time with- in ten rods of the enemy. But one of my comrades, a young man from Salina, was near me, who, about this period of the engagement, in rising to discharge his gun, receiver a bullet in his forehead, when he fell upon his face— dead. I had continued charging and firing with very little cessation from the first, and not having the wiper of my gun, it had become so foul as to be charged with great difficulty. At length a bullet stopped midway in the barrel, and all my efforts could not force it down. Having broken my own rod in the effort, I seized that of my com- rade, and finally succeeded in getting my gun loaded. I must have been employed at this business nearly twenty minutes, and when I rose to fire, the reader may judge of my astonishment when I saw my com- rades retreating toward the mill and myself left en- tirely alone, with large numbers of the enemy upon the other side of the wall, much nearer to the mill than myself. I saw at once my hope for safety was very faint indeed; yet my presence of mind did not entirely desert me, and I felt a fixed determination that my life, if sacrificed, should be at as dear a cast to the British as could be. Whilst preparing myself to take a deliberate shot, I had a fair opportunity of glancing at that part of the field which the enemy had occupied, but now had left vacant by their advance toward the mill. There I saw some twenty acres almost hterally covered with the fallen, and though I 26 TRANSACTIONS AT i i felt but little sympathy for them, the groans and im- precations of the wounded and dying were heart-rend- ing to hear. Had I been disposed to exercise char- itable feelings in their behalf, the time and occasion sufficiently excused me. So, resting my rifle on the wall, I discharged it among their lengthened col- umns, where, I am quite sure, the bullet must have produced lively sensations upon some poor fellow's feehngs. Throwing aside my empty barrel, in order to in- crease my chances of escape, I fled, crouching along the wall securely till I reached the barn. Whilst passing from the covert of the wall, I was discovered by the enemy, who discharged several of their guns with no other eflfect than marring the lumber of the building. From the barn to the mill was a distance of fifteen rods, the whole of which I had to pass in full view of the royal troops, exposed to whatever fire they were pleased to direct at me. Their bullets struck in several directions around me, but none harmed my flesh, though one passed through the top of my cap and another grazed the waistband of my pantaloons. I was greeted with bursts of cordial feelings by my comrades who had preceded me into the mill, where I found tomy great delight that near- ly all our party were safe. My feelings may be better imagined than expressed, for I looked on my escaps as miraculous, and something that but a few moments before I had no hope of accom- plishing. ;;; .;, r\ :. ; ;; ' ;. . • -, THE WINDMILL. 27 nd im- t-rend- e char- jcasion ifle on led col- t havo ellow's to in- g along Whilst iovered ir guns of the istance in full er fire bullets t none the top of mv cordial me into at near- nay be ked on hat but acconi- The enemy halted at a distance, still keeping up their fire, which was returned from the mill and out- buildings with some execution. Not finding it a profitable business, they discontinued their shots and after a little sent out a flag requesting us to cease hostilities for an hour, that they might look after their dead. This was acceded to by Von Shoultz. The battle had raged three hours and twenty minutes; and when we take into account the very great dis- parity of numbers, w'e may search history in vain for its parallel. At least, so small a band had never withstood such a large force of British troops, many of whom were veterans in the service of their mistress, Queen Victoria. The exact number op- posed to us is not known. The eighty-third regi- ment, numbering one thousand veterans, supported by twelve hundred provincial soldiers, aided by an unknown number of militia, composed the force. Not one of our own men, save the leader and per- haps one or two others, had before been in combat. When the disparity of ou numbers and the equal dis- parity of execution are taken into account, the ac- tion becomes a deed of valor, that, had our cause been successful, would have rung from the tongues of the people with greater eclat, than have the since famous battles on the plains of Mexico. I saw the Queen's troops bear from the frM nine wagon loads of dead and wounded — numbering not less than three hundred. Our own killed and wound- ed (lid not exceed thirty. Whilst both parties were 28 TRANSACTIONS AT securing their fallen comrades, Colonel Dundas and Von Shoultz held a parley, in which the former ad- vised the latter to surrender, which advice our gallant leader thought proper most politely to decline — not relishing the royal Colonel's conditions. Von Shoults however replied he would surrender, provided him- self and men should be received as prisoners of war, otherwise he was disposed to remain in his position. This was refused by Dundas. It may not be amiss here to refer more particu- larly to the circumstances that placed Von Shoultz in command. Before leaving the American shore, it had been understood the chief command was to devolve on General Burge. assisted by General Estes and several others whose names I will not mention, but who never showed their heads in harm's way. They were, no doubt, of those who " knew the pat- riots would fail." The previous night Estes came over to the mill, but his faint heart quickly sent him back again. If there was any other cause than sheer cowardice that impelled him to desert us in our ex- tremity it must have been that knowledge which so many sagacious minds possessed, who had sworn to stand by the banner of Canadian freedom! When we saw there was no longer hcpe of dependence on those who had assumed military titles, and had been loudest in their protestations and strongest in their oaths: with acclamation we elevated Van Shoultz to the command. This was at the council previously mentioned. I have often regarded it as a fortunate son erall notii in si »ng| port THE WINDMILL. 20 iis and r ad- rallant I — not hoults i him- ofwar, )sition. )articu- Shoultz . shore, was to 3il Estea lention, 's way. the pat- )3 came ent him m sheer our ex- vhich so worn to When ience on ad heen in their houltz to eviously !brtunat« circumstance; for unquestionably had it not been for his skill, courage and forethought, our patriot band would have been crushed by the overwhelming force opposed, and probably not a soul escaped — as any other mode of wariare adopted would have resulted in complete discomfiture. His conduct throughout the whole engagement was tiiat of fearless daring. Making no attempt to con- ceal his person, he traversed the field among his men, imparting to them the zeal and courage that fired his own bosom. His general order was to be saving ot the amunition, and fire only when we were quite sure of making the bullet take effect. That the shots of his men might be more effectual, he frequently lu- spected their firing himself. In this manner he would approach one, peep behind his shoulder and watch the ball, when, if it sped to its mark, with a smile and a friendly pat on the shoulder, he would exclaim — "That's the sort, my good fellow,'* and then hurry away to another to repeat a similar pro- cess; but if not quite so successful, he would admin- ister a good natured caution. Thus he instilled cour- age among his men and made them reckless alike of danger and death. Whilst thus exposing his per- son among his men, he received the marks of sev- eral bullets in his clothing, of which he took no more notice than if they had been so many rents received in scahng fences. In person, he was of command- ing appearance — was six feet in height — well pro- portioned — of good features, and a dark piercing eye. TRANSACTIONS AT (: Another morning dawned on our ranks, that were wearied with the constant fatigue and watching to which we had been subjected since our landing. Added to tliis, the anxiety of our minds occasioned by the desertion of our friends, on whom we had so strongly counted for assistance, with the care of our wounded — without any possible hope of succor or relief— -and our situation was not so pleasing as it might have been. V ■ ■■■- -■ ; - Our physician, forgetting his medicines and instru- ments had left them at Ogdensburg, and we ^vere without any means to soothe the pains or alleviate the sufferings of our wounded. About eight o'clock the enemy were seen advancing again with the hea- viest artillery that could be procured in Kingston, if not in the whole province. I have been told they were seventy-fours, and I have not much doubt of it, seeing what havoc they made. The company formed in a field about one-third of a mile to the north-west of the mill, and commenced an uninter- rupted fire on our unoffending structure. After a hard hour's canonading, the gallant heroes(!) suc- ceeded in shooting away the wings of the mill and de- mohshing the roof of the building. One ball entered our room quite obliquely through the window and made several revolutions around the circular walls before its force was spent, which enabled us to gath- er in the centre and thus escape the danger. Be- tween the hours of eleven and twelve they received a reinforcement under the command of Lieutenant THE WINDMILL. 81 at were ling to mding. isioned had so of our ccor or g as it I instru- e were illeviate o'clock the hea- ^ston, if Id they ioubt of )mpany 3 to the aninter- After a [!) sue- and de- entered ow and ir walls to gath- r. Be- eceived utenant Johnson, who was an ambitious personage desirous of doing something wortliy of promotion. What then should seem more appropriate for his spirit than the idea of storming our position and cutting the throats of every "rascally rebel" of us. ... >, . ^ . Surmising their purposes from their movements, we put ourselves in readiness for their reception as they came down the road in one solid column. Yon Shoultz ordered one of the guns loaded witli musket balls, spikes, and such bits of iron as could be ob- tained about the mill, and then protruded from the front door. This was quickly done, and a man with a lighted match stood ready to send the charge among their ranks when the word should be given » Two of our sharpest shooters were stationed, with rifles in hand, to mark the Lieutenant. Oar men could scarcely be restrained from giving them the greeting, but they obeyed the wish of their commander, who ropHed to their entreaties — "Ah boys, we'll stop them soon enough." They approached within ten rods, when the word fire ! was given, and thirty-seven dead corpses and bleeding mangled forms told the ef- fect of that one shot. The column were panic-struck and took to their heels, retiring with greater speed than they had advanced, and with a far less soldier- like appearance. The boasting Lieutenant was picked u}) by our men, pierced in each breast with bullets that told too truthfully the unerring aim of the two sharp shooters. < • Now w.';s given to us a fine opportunity for plun- 32 TRANSACTIONS AT dering, had that been the object of our mission. The strict commands we had received before leaving American soil were repeated by our leader, and not a thing was appropriated to our use, though in our situation we should have done no wrong in helping ourselves to what the enemy had left behind them. We were anxious to oltrin necessaries for our wound- ed, whose agonies were increased for want of that attention which, without the means, was impossible to bestow. Von Shoultz made the inquiry, whether there were any four willing to brave the danger and attempt the procurement of our medicines and surgical instru- ments left on the other shore. Daniel George, Charles Smith, Aaron Dresser and myself, stepped forward as volunteers. We knew we were to run Ae risk of almost certain capture, and perhaps death, in the undertaking, yet we felt cheerfully to attempt the thing, which if successful would so greatly alle- viate the sufferings of our wounded companions. The only means we could secure for crossing, was an old dilapidated yawl that lay, half filled with sand and water, on the beach, one hundred rods be- low the mill. Forty rods below this, were stationed several regulars to prevent any of our men from at- tempting to cross the river. We crept along unseen to the yawl, but in the attempt to free it we were discovered by the regulars, who started at full speed to secure us. With a strong and hasty effort we up- set it and pushed into the stream. There were no er. •THE WINDMILL. 33 The saving nd not n our elping them, v^ound- Df that ossible e were npt the instru- reorge, tepped to run } death, ittempt [y alie- ns. ossing, ;d with ods be- itioned :om at- unseen e were I speed we up- ere no oars, and it was with difficulty we could manage it with the pieces of board we had brought with us. Putting off our coats, we applied ourselves vigorously to the task and were not long in getting beyond whe reach of their muskets. The steamer Cobourg, per- ceiving us, hastily left the wharf at Prescott to inter- cept our crossing. She fired two balls that passed high over us; then two charges of grape, one of which fell short and the other went beyond. By this time she was sufficiently near to enable her men to discharge their muskets, four bullets from which passed through our yawl. She was now so close upon us, and we were in such a sinking condition, that it was folly to hold out long- er. So, uncovering our heads as a token of submis- sion, they ceased their firing. The steamer bore directly upon us, and had we not successfully fended off, would have run us under. Whilst we '^'^ere thus engaged, one of the valorous militia discharged his piece into our midst, the ball passing between my own arm and that of Charles Smith, as we stood shoulder to shoulder. A rope was then thrown from the deck and our little party drawn on board, one by one, myself being last. And this, too, in American waters ! But what mattered that ? Our government could permit downright murder to go unavenged ! Of course this minor offence was not worth noticing. So soon as I reached the deck, I received a blow from an unknown hand that laid me senseless for several minutes. I aflerward learned it came from 3 34 TRANSACTIONS AT a son of the ebony race — upon whom I should then have been pleased to have had an opportunity of re- ciprocating the favor. One would have thought by the great demonstrations of joy and the extravagant exclamations to which our captors gave utterance, that some terrible robber band had been secured. We were greeted on all sides by such kind assuran- ces as, we "were to be fixed," or, to "be hung to the yard arm," or, promenaded on deck as "targets for her most gracious majesty's loyal militia." We were stripped of every thing of value about our per- sons, save our clothes, and these would have been appropriated by the aforesaid loyal militia, had they been permitted to work their desires. When I re- covered my consciousness, 1 was lying on the main deck handcufled with my companions, and surround- ed by some fifty soldiers, who seemed vieing with each other in heaping upon us their vile opprobrium. By command of the Captain we were taken to the quarter deck, where we expected to be shot. Here his dignity presently followed, addressing to us many questions concerning ourselves, our com- rades at the mill — their designs — the efiect of the as- sault on us, etc. — to all of which receiving no satis- factory answer, he left us, evidently in a great rage. We were not permitted to have our coats, which were left in the yawl.. The weather was cold, and lying unprotected on the quarter deck, while our gar- ments (which had got wet through in our hurry in kiunching the yawl) were frozen stiflf upon our per- TlIE WINDMILL. lid then Y of re- ight by avagant terancc\ ecured. issuran-- iLing to "targets ." Wo mv per- ve been, lad they en I re- he main irround- n^ with obrium.. 3 taken be shot. 3sing to ur com- f the as- 10 satis- at rage. i, which old, and our gar- urry in jur per- 4 sons. Those at the mill had witnessed the situation into which we had fallen, and had opened ((uite a brisk fire upon the Cobourg. In this position, ex- posed to the chance shots of our friends, were we compelled to lay for three bitter hours, whilst the steamor continued plying up and down the river, firing now and then at the mill. The darkness com- ing on, our oaptors returned to Prescott, where we were joined by eight others of our comrades, who had likewise that day been captured, and sliortly af- ter conveyed in the same steamer to Kingston. We arrived there the following morning at seven o'clock, when our handcuffs were taken oif, that they might be carried bnrk for the benefit of others who might fall under their merciful protection! ■•.. ■ Our arms were next tied behind us with ropes, and in such a cruel manner as cilmost to dislocate our shoulders — causing such intense ])ain and agony as to seem past endurance. W^e begged — we plead- ed — we implored, that the thongs should be loosened, only a little, that our sufferjiigs might be abated. But all our prayers fell unheeded on their cold, stony hearts. We woix5 thrust into an open boat, guarded by a strong detachment, and taken across the bay to Fort Henry, a distance of a half or three-fourtns of a mile. Here we were forced into a strong rom. and a still stronger guard placed over us. Our arms were then unloosed, wiien we experienced untold re- lief, . Although we had been thus cruelly bound but for a short time, yet our arms were so lame as to /, 1 §t TRANSACTIONS AT give US much difficulty in their exercise, and there was a soreness in them and across the breast that continued to pain us for many days. On the second day of our imprisonment, we were joined by the remainder of our force, who were now fellow-captives with us. From them I learned the result of the proceedings at the windmill. The strong reinforcements which the enemy had received, and by which the mill was so completely invested that all hope of succor or retreat was entirely cut off, in- duced our men on the third day to send out a flag of truce, the bearers of which were immediately fired upon. A white flag was then displayed from the summit of the building, of which no notice was taken. Towards sunset Colonel Dundas sent out a flag, de- manding our men to surrender at his discretion. In view of the circumstances in which the faithful band were placed, and the now utter hopelessness of their success, it was deemed most prudent to accept the summons, whereby they hoped to win some little degree of the enemy's clemency. ^. w • .^ Thus ended this brief, unequal struggle, which had resulted in a loss of near six hundred killed and wounded on the part of the British, while on that of the patriot side, if I remember right, but fourteen were killed and twenty-seven wounded. Several of these were killed and wounded in the outhouses, which were more exposed to the enemy's fire than the mill. The family that occupied one of them re- mained through the whole aflfray. They were ad- vised b seek si expose from tl ready t when i remain eldest I prepos a wou] passed other, ing th( brougl identif true tc Shaki] nize a never No thepr gan t( like t indee boots, any I satiat were of ne ly. re THE WIMDMILL, 3T there t that were i vised by Von Shoultz the first morning to leave and seek shelter at a distance where they would not be exposed, and where they would suffer less suspicion from the minions of royalty. But before they were ready to leave, the soldiery made their appearance, when it was thought imprudent. They accordingly remained, doing us what service they could. The eldest daughter, who was a young lady of rather prepossessing appearance, received during the firing a wound that deprived her of speech. A bullet passed through the mouth, from one cheek to the other, knocking out several of the teeth, and sever- ing the tongue near the roots. She was afterward brought with her mother to the fort, that they might identify any of the prisoners ; but they were too true to the cause to be made tools of for loyalty. Shaking her head, she steadfastly refused to recog- nize any one of us. What became of her I have never been able to learn. No sooner were Von Shoultz and his men under the protection of her majesty's troops, than they be- gan to experience their tender mercies, which were like the tender mercies of the wicked of old — cruel indeed. Whatever watches, money, knives, hats, boots, and even such articles of clothing as were of any particular value, were appropriated by those in- satiate PREE-BOOT-ers, the militia; so that our men were indeed lefl in a suffering condition for the want of necessary clothing. Nor was this all : contume- ly, reproaches, and all manner of speech that the ap- a TRANSACTIONS AT THE WINDMILL. parentl.y enraged soldiery imagined to be offensive, was liberally heaped upon the impious "rebels'^ who had dared so stoutly to resist the invincible powers of her majesty's servants. ! Like us, they were hand- cuffed and bound, then thrust down into the hold of the Cobourg, brought to Fort Henry and placed in durance Vlie. ';'T!]i ^y^rnHH Ji-'.,' Pt« yjnj* .: ivxrurvfr ^'iS'i^H^kui ,/!3^j -Iff'- >> |<;v./j^. Iji.. •:'-•; . ,.n:; .v.ii-. ?dT»:ia -/'Jiij irj?» .N , -;,!! ^ti •<>;>/{ lofff-r--; '■' v 'I'^iau a-^fa<:.l'' ''i,^ rr;;.'n;;> r,o7' v.-->;- •'/:frr,f /' 1 r,-.^ .^^on .aoYvii}! .yoiinr:: [yorf'di;// •••''•,:. ■tfr,"; j.-<-,' ^^^ .0 ■Hi Jive, who vers and- d of :l in i ■ /., F' l.^*! Jr. Up? •Al^ ■ 1 . 'T' V, -Ml >-. ..ft. J i ■ 'L' itt :l "!o • i .'ri. ,"t ;•'• ) lij;. ,/;'!'J •J .' ' M' '-^j li ■A : r. ^ [; CHAPTER III. MATTERS CONNECTED WITH OUR IMPRISONMENT. The number of us who were now incarcerated in prison, was not far from two hundred and fifty, oc- cupying, 1 think, five different rooms, whose size was twenty by thirty feet, or thereabouts. Our fur- niture consisted for the first four days, of iron bed- steads ranged around the rooms, which served us for seats, tables, &c. We were supphed with wood sufficient to keep ourselves tolerably comfortable. Two bibles were permitted in each room, but no other books or newspapers. For this length of time we had no bedding, and the repose we secured on the rough edges of those iron-bound bedsteads, was anything but sweet or refreshing. At the expira- tion of three days, the bedsteads were removed, and a straw tick, a coarse rug and a coarser blanket, were furnished for every two men. These spread out up- on the floor at night sufficed us for couches, and rolled up in bundles by day, for seats. '' '•-'''' Our food consisted of boiled bullock's head, served to us in one large tub, with a small quantity of very diluted pea soup, and a meagre supply of hard, black, ' < I 40 IMPRISONMENT gritty and gluey biead, manufactured from the sweep- ings of mills and the very coarsest of flour. Our food tub when brought to us was placed in the centre of the room, around which we gathered, and with the one knife and fork allowed the whole company, divided the amount as equitably as the circumstances would permit. To each was given a small tin plate; with this in one hand we ate, squatting on the floor or standing as we best could, using our fingers as the only means of conveying the food to the mouth. — Thus were we compelled to eat what in other cir- cumstances our stomachs would have loathed with disgust. But the insatiate gnawings of hunger will force men to eat strange food, stranger indeed than was ours. In one corner of the room was kept stand- ing a tub for the reception of filth, which at nightfall was usually emptied. The warmth of the room and its occupation by a large number of human beings, with the very shghtest means of ventillation, render- ed its atmosphere exceedingly disgusting and un- wholesome; and add to this the tormenting annoy- ance of incredible numbers of vermin, and our situ- ation, it may well be imagined, was debasing, and our treatment unchristian. Tli^ guard placed over us the first two weeks wa$ composed entirely of the militia, who took their ac- customed pains to annoy us with their singular affa- bility; and during the time, the government was so fearful of our escape that its officers themselves kept a strict surveillance, visiting our rooms as often m IN FORT HENRT. 41 \ two and three times in a night. About this time, we began to concoct some method for escaping. The mihtia were exchanged for a guard of regulars, who treated us more humanoJy. This we hailed as an opportune moment. Von Shoultz, Woodruff, Buck- ley and some others consulted together; deciding to tamper with the guard. Von Shoultz, who had him- self been cruelly deceived by those who were pro- fuse in promises, seemed to care nothing for his own fate, but anxious only for the safety of those under his command, which if he could but secure, his own life and fortune were a willing sacrifice. A large sum of money was subscribed by him and several others, by which they hoped to induce some of the guard to so favor their escape as not to appear dis- loyal to their own government. - There was a sergeant of the company that mani- fested a strong sympathy for our misfortunes. To him it was thought best to break the subject. Ac- cordingly, at a favorable moment. Von Shoultz cau- tiously sounded him and found him to be all we wished. Regarding the matter favorably, he readily agreed to lend us assistance, provided he could get the right sort of men on sentry. He proved a faith- ful friend, and did what he could do to enable us to obtain our freedom. Von Shoultz had obtained a string, which he would frequently tie to his foot, leav- ing one end fastened at the window. Whenever in the night the sergeant wished to communicate with him, he would give the signal by pulling on the cord. I 42 IMPRISONMENT r when Von Sl^ultz would approach the window, where they fre^^uently conversed in low whispers, arranging and projecting the plan. The scheme was well managed — the right men were on guard — the sentrys were all such as could be depended upon — the other arrangements were perfected, and noth- ing now seemed to bar us from liberty\s shore but the unfrozen river. Our hopes were consequently excited to a high pitch, and we were most impatient of delay. But, as if to mock our longings and make the heart sick with the precious boon deferred, the weather continued warm and the river open. It was at this juncture, that the order to our leader to prepare for trial fell like a thunderbolt in our midst. We had counted the lapse of weary hours, picturing in our imaginations the sweet communion we hoped soon to realize with our friends; but the star that was beaming so brightly on our vision, was suaden- ly paled as it were in midnight blackness, and we left to grope in despair. Von Shoultz alone retained his wonted composure. We conjectured this was but the prelude of others who should follow him to the court room, and thence we knew not whither, though in all probability to the scaffold. Still our leader, while he manifested the strongest interest for his fellow prisoners, expressed no regrets for his own fate. His indictment accompanied the order tor his trial. The next day he was tried beforo a tribunal which, if not corrupt, was at least illegal* Eiglit days afterward he was executed. M man life. Wo( whi< IN FORT HENRY. 43 When the high sheriff entered the room with his death warrant, Von Shoultz received the fatal news with a pleasant smile on his countenance. His daunt- less spirit quailed not, but stout in the honesty oi* his heart, he met his doom unterrified. He only request- ed pen, paper, and time to write a will. To the wid- ows and orphans produced by the death of his com- rades at the battle of Prescott, he bequeathed ten thousand dollars; and to the "j uung lady with whom he was to have been united in wedlock but a week before, he bequeathed also ten thousand dollars; and then, in the prij ne of his life, went forth with a calm resignation tt- meet his fate. ■ • .^ - r. m-;. \ '■' Governor Arthur had ordered a scafliDld to be con- structed beside the prison, expressly for his execu- tion. To t^is he ascended with a firm step, and, addressing a short and eloquent speech to those as- sembled, he requested the privilege of placing the rope about his own neck, which was granted, and which having done, he placed his hands in his panta- loons pocket and swung off, to expire \rithout a struggle. And thus closed the earthly career of one, upon whom had fortune smiled with more favor, that might have blessed his fellows with the greatness of his heart. He was known only to be loved, for his many social quaUties, and for the quiet virtues of his life. Soon after Von Shoultz's trial, Colonel Martin Woodruff received his indictment and order for trial, which was conducted like that of the former. — f-\ I ! 44 IMPRISONMENT Through the awkwardness of the hangman, the suf- ferings of this gallant soldier were excruciating, and his execution disgustingly disgraceful to any civil- ized community. The knot, instead of drawing tight- ly under the ear, slipped to the chin, leaving consid- erable space, and throwing the weight of the body upon the jack of the neck. In this manner he re- mained writhing in torment, till the spectators cried out for shame, when two hangmen stepped out and strove to strangle the poor sufferer ! Failing in this, one ascended to the cross-bar, where, grasping the rope, he jerked the body upward and downward, as he would have done a sheep-stealing dog, four suc- cessive times, before the neck was broken and the lamp of life extinguished in its mortal clay ! ! Colonel Abbey, Charles Buckley, Sylvester Lang- ton, Daniel George, Leach, Sweet, and several others were also executed. Daniel George was a resident of the same town with myself, and between us there had existed for a long time a strong intimacy. He was a young man of industrious hab- its and worthy connexions. He had been married nearly three years. His wife was a fond, loving creature, who doated upon her husband with a feel- ing almost of idolatry. She was nevertheless a pat- riot of the warmest blood, and cheerfully spent many an hour in running bullets, and in assisting the cause in whatever manner she could. One sprightly little boy, that seemed a cherub in the eyes of its glad pa- rents, cemented their affection in an indissoluble IN PORT HENRT. 4fr ( band. The duty asigned to George — that of pay- master — did not require his presence with the army, yet he refused to shrink from that danger which might be the lot of his friends. His parting from home was tender. He remarked to his wife, that his duties might detain him on the American shore, yet he should not shirk away from his companions, and therefore the probability might be he should never return. With tears in her eyes, she imprinted s fervent kiss on his cheek, and bade him be stout of heart wherever duty should demand his presence- — That parting was the last. ' . ir The death warrants were sent to the high sheriff on Wednesdays. Information of the number was given to the prisoners in the evening, but no names. Thursday morning the sheriff, McDonald, would ap- pear, when, having read the warrants to the doomed, they were ordered into the condemned cells, where they usually remained four days, awaiting execution. By some means, George's wife had heard of her hus- band's condemnation, when she came immediately over, hoping to have an interview before he should be ushered into the presence of the dread future. He was then in the condemned cell. She impor- tuned the sheriff to see her husband, though it should be but for a few brief moments. But his calloused heart had no sympathetic chord that vibrated to wo- man's sorrow, and he spurned her entreaties. She besought him that she might even look upon the face of him she held most dear, though she should not S'. 46 IMPRISONMENT ; I npeak to him — and still the high sherifF's cold heart remained uimioved. * i f v '' m (•<— - t'>.'->; «•■ Wrung to the very soul with anguish, she left the presence of him who, dressed with a little hrief au- thority, could look well pleased on the wounded spirit and even glory to make its sufferings yet more ex- quisitely painful. She remained in the city till his execution, hoping then for an opportunity to hear the loving tones of his own voice. But even this was not granted. Overcome with the intensity of her feelings, she fell senseless in the street, in which sit- uation she remained till after the execution. She next sought to obtain his body, that she might bury it where they had been wont to live, and where she could strew flowers upon his grave, and water them with the tears of her affection. But this last wish was even more unfeelingly refused than the others. The stroke was too much for her overwrought heart. She went forth an altered being. Reason deserted her throne, and for years afterward the wife of Dan- iel George was a maniac, 'uf/ .•i^>\i-..n^ ■-^<;.*- -a .)■ ^ The time having come for my own trial, with three others, I was taken from our room and arraigned be- fore a court martial composed of militia officers. Previously, however, we were conducted into separ- ate rooms and privately questioned, with the hope no doubt that we should say something against ourselves or comrades. They tried their persuasive arts to induce me to turn Queen's evidence; promising me my life as a certain reward. I spurned their offers. ^1 tv )) IN FORT HENRY. 47 telling them I chose death with my fellows rather than life at their expense, and that besides I did not know wherein they had done aught worthy of pun- ishment. They tried several others, and succeeded in inducing four to the traitorous task, whose names were Graves, Chipman, and two French boys. The latter did us no harm, for they could not identify any of us Americans. .• • r , • . ; . Our indictment being read, we were severally asked, "Guilty ? or Not Guilty ?" " Not Guilty," was our response. The Queen's witness was asked if he recognized us; to which he replied, " I da not." No other questions were asked, and we were re- manded back to our prison room, wondering what the sentence of the court would be on such over- whelming testimony ! In a similar manner were all our comrades tried, often a dozen or fifteen at a batch, whilst the whole time occupied, from the mo- ment they left the room till their return to it again, would not exceed generally over one hour. All that seemed necessary was to bring the culprit into the presence of the courtC?) to hear his indictment, and to give him the opportunity of repeating, "Guil- ty," or "Not Guilty," either of which repetitions was sufficient to warrant a condemnation. The tri- al of the officers, however, occupied more time — a day generally bei^^g devoted to each. No sen- tence had yet been announced to us, save of those already executed. Not one of us, therefore, knew but tlie next Wednesday was to seal his fate with a 48 IMPRISONMENT If! death warrant. This was a suspense that added very much to our mental sufferings. ' The deputy sheriff^, whose name was Richardson, appeared to be a pretty clever fellow, and I believe would have been glad to do us service, had it been in his power. With him, for one in my situation, I had become somewhat intimate. Frequently we conversed through the window for an hour at a time. It was on one of these occasions, on a Wednesday, that I asked him if any warrants had been sent down that day. He replied there had been, seven. I next asked him if he knew whether my name was among the number. He answered with a significant look, ^^ I dare not tell.^^ My inference was, that the next day I should exchange my present situation for a condemned cell. It may be imagined I had busy feelings that night — feelings that I may vainly at- tempt to portray. No sleep came to my weary eye- lids. The morning dawned, and with nervous fear we looked for the approach of the high sheriff, who usually came at such times about eight o'clock. We saw him as he approached through the yard. He entered our room with his hand on his sword, attend- ed by twenty-five soldiers, having muskets with fixed bayonets. This was his usual custom. - - •- My fears seemed realized. "William Gates!" sounded in my ears, and falteringly I stood up. "Stand there," commanded the sheriflT, pointing to the centre of the room, as was his habit when about to read a death warrant. Seven other names were called, He thei turning Gates, 1 it was ' The re me, tho jmagim A lit heard r accouni we wer were pc at any might s timatio felt stn an egr( an unc death a the eat com pa rangec room what 1 much marke court, tenant place- IN FORT HENRY. 49 called, five of which were those of my room mates. fie then read death warrants to those five, when, turning and handing me a paper, he said, "Here, Gates, is a letter from your father; go and sit down.*' It was with great difficulty I regained a seat again. The revulsion of my feelings nearly overpowered me, though what a relief succeeded, the reader may imagine. A little while after this, the high sheriff was over- heard reading to the soldiers from a newspaper an account of our trials, with the announcement that we were all (save those who had been liberated, which were perhaps nearly a hundred) sentenced to be hung at any time or place which the lieutenant governor might see fit. This was the first knowledge or in- timation that we had received of our sentence. We felt stroDgly impelled to rise on our guard, and force an egress or die in the attempt. We talked not in an undertone, for we felt reckless where certain death appeared inevitable. Our discontent reaching the ears of the sheriff, he came into our room ac- companied by a strong guard. Generally we were ranged in a double rank along the farther side of the room when visited by officers. He then read to us what he had jus been reading to the soldiers, or so much of it as related to our sentence. He then re- marked, that although this was the sentence of the court, he could assure us upon the word of the lieu- tenant governor, that no more executions would take place — that the last man had been hung — for he. the i\ 50 IMPRISO.NMEXT go\crnor, felt assured that tlie officers or ring-leaders were now disposed of, and that the remainder should hii treated with clemency, and })rohahly ere long be liberated. Iliy strong assurances in a measure qui- eted us. Occasionally we were pennittcd to write to our friends in the States. At such times, a pen, ink, and a sheet of paper wen '.-vought into the room, when the writer, s([aattipgon the floor and using one of the bibles on his la}) for a table, would pen such as he imagined might be allowed to pass the super- vision of tlie high sherift*, who, if satisfied with tiic contents, sealed and mailed it to its destination. W'c had written to our friends of our suflering con- dition, asking them to aid us if they could. A con- tribution of nine hundred dollars was made up antl forwarded to us by messengers, who, not being per- mitted to see any of us, left it with the high sheriir, for the purpose of securing us food of better quality and in greater quantity. By law, government should have furnished us with enough to eat, warm and sullicient clothmg, and suitable and necessary con- veniences. Yet for all these things we suffered, and for some of tliem exceedingly. A portion of the funds was expended in procuring an additional num- ber of tin plates, and in slightly replenishing our wardrobes. For the real purpose it was intended, not above fifty dollars was paid out. What became of the most of it I am unable to say, but undoubtedly tlie high sherilfknew concerning its use. We, wlio IN FORT HENRY. ni hoiikl iig be 10 qui- ,0 our , ink, room, ngone n such super- ith tlic iKilion. ig con- A con- up and iig per- sherifF, quality t should rm and ry con- red, and [1 of the al nuni- ing our itended, became (ubtedly V^e, who i so greatly needed it, suspected the good man's pock- ets could tcstilV in the matter. This was the i)lu- lanthmpy of British freemen, or of those, perhnps, tinselled with British autliority ! We were "'I'^wed to suller ibr those absolute necessaries whir \as their duty to furnish ; and when the compa, ^a of friends was moved in our favor, the fruits of that compassion was pocketed too, and we permitted to suffer on, apparently affording a spectacle of delight for our oppressors. Now and then our friends were allowed to see us. but always under the strictest watch. On all such occasions, the prisoner was hand-cuffed, placed un- der a guard of six to a dozen men, who conducted him to p I oflicer's room, where a conversation in a loud tone was permitted for ten minutes. Iftlie friends of more than one prisoner called at a time, we were admitted, when permitted to see them, hand- cuffed in pairs. It was not always our friends could see us — such favors depending upon the particular mood of those in charge of us. From my own friends I i;eceived several visits, my mother particularly call- ing several times. The first intimation I had of a visit from her, was the announcement of my name by an officer, who entered our room bearing a pair of hand-cuffs. Answering to the call, I was informed that my mother was in waiting, desiring to see me. "Do you wish to see her?" "Certainly; by all means." I was accordingly hand-cuffed and guard- ed by six soldiers into the presence of my parent. 52 IMPRISONMENT ymai Tliougii sad the manner of our meeting, yet in a measure it was joyful. My friends, from news re- ceived, had supposed me slain in the battle, and had hecornt somewhat reconciled to their loss. But when th- y heard of my confinement in prison, their hearts bled anew ^or the prolonged sufferings I was endur- ing, witfi no prospect of tlieir ending but in death. When the ten niinutes had expired, I was torn from her company and remanded again to my quarters. During the interview, my mother had managed to- shp, unperceived by the officers, a bank bill into my hand. Through the good offices of one of the guard, I managed to secure a few necessaries, that seemed great luxuries in my situation. In this way did we occasionally receive help from friends, whereby we obtained an occasional necessa- ry, by hiring some one of the guard to procure it. At the last visit ^y '>m my mother, she was accom- panied by my father, two sisters and three brothers. This time I was haiid-cuffed to one Daniel D. Hues- tiss, vv'hose friends had also called. I presented such a pitiable appearance that my friends burst into tears Ji8 soon as I ;:ntercd the room. My mother was the bearer of a petition in my behalf, signed by many of tiie most influential men of Jefferson County. She was then on her w ay to Toronto to lay it before Goy- (;rnor Arthur, whither she was accompanied by my oldest !/rother. She could get no hearing of the Gov- ernor for three or four days. When at last she did» lie took the petition from her, and having read it, re- IN FORT HENRY. 53 in a IS re- had rvhen earls idur- eath. from ters, ed to o my uard, emed innrked it was a well framed instrument, very re- spectful in tone, and in lact about the best one he had received. But he gave her no encouragement for hope. The next day she called again to press her suit, when he ordered her to depart, for he could not be troubled with her nonsense ! This Arthur had held the governorship of Van Diemon's land for eleven years, previous to being sent to Canada; and if his heart had ever any tender chords, so Ions: a residence in power in that detestable penal colony, was enough to harden them into the most stony in- ditference. He was notorious for his tyrrany, and for possessing a soul — if in sooth such a spirit may be termed a soul — steeled against every emotion of sympathy. Whilst governor of that island, he signed the death warrants of twelve hundred and more fel- low human beings! He loved it as he did his meat and drink, for he was never known to pardon a man condemned to die, unless forced to do it by a power superior to his own. He was short of stature, rather corpulent, with a head whitened with the cares and crimes of sixty years, and a face and nose bearing the purple bloom of bacchanalian revels. ]\Iy mother and other friends came several times afterward, but were not permitted to see me. It was but a few weeks subsequent to my mother's visit at Toronto, that Governor Arthur came]down in person to Fort Henry. So learful was he of his worship- full person, that he approached us with a drawn sword, supported by a life guard with drawn swords, who M^ IMPRISONMENT were backed bv fiftv soldiers with fixed beyonctb. » To each one he addressed himself personally. Ap- proac!)in^ where I stood, he asked my name. Be- ing informed — "Gates?" said he, musingly; "Ah, - your mother handed me a petition the other day for your liberation." I made no answer, for I felt in no pleasant mood. He then questioned me if I took an active part in the contest, and whether I fired at they.iueen's troops, and whether J killed or intended to kill any of them. I replied to the efiect that I did fire Hi them, and if I did not kill any of them, it was not boc-uise I had no intention. Being asked my reason, I answered that we only returned like for like — that her majesty's troops did what they could to shoot us. "That is enough for you," said he, as he turned away to another. In a similar manner, he questioned us all. Bome burst into tears at once; others maintained stoic features and answered him roughly ; a few asked his clemency, and received the consolatory information, that it was too late now. Thus he i)assed through all the rooms. After tlv3 governor was gone, Richardson expostulated with me for my presumptions answers, as he termed them, assuring me I was "done for" now. li.. ,. :? - TiiiH^ passed onward. To many it brought its blessings and its joys, as was its wont. But to us poor captives, its moments sped wearily, ladened with sorrows and sufferings. We longed for the green fields and the dallying winds, where we might onjoy that exercise which was so needful for our IN FORT HENRY. 55 moral and physical health. Confined so closely to our rooms, where it was impossible to take exercise, where the air was extremely vitiated, and where we had no means of exterminating the filthy vermin that swarmed in our rooms, covering our persons and filling our bedding — we were dispirited, emaciated, weak in body and sick at heart. Sometime in June our numbers were increased by the arrival of nine- teen others, brought from Toronto, and who were taken at Maiden in the previous December. The same .causes that led to the discomfiture of our com- pany, crushed their effort too. They had fared in their captivity even worse than had we. For a while we made our tedium less irksome by recounting to each other the story of our several wrongs, which, to be sure, were nearly alike in all things, saving a variation of particulars. Our numbers now amount- ed to eighty-three. , Not long after this, free pardons for myself and twenty-four others were made out and sent down to the sheriff, McDonald, who, in the plenitude of his power, kept them in his own hands for two weeks. During this time, a British officer for some unknown purpose crossed the lines to French Creek, in Jeffer- son county. Our American friends not relishing his presence, treated him with that attention which they thought most befitting such gentlemen. Not having the right sort of perceptions to appreciate such honors, he became greatly enraged with the fa- vors bestowed. Blaking his way back to Kingston, < :li .! 56 IMPRISONMENT :r 1 he gave an embittered Lccount of the affair to the high sheriff, who forwarded a sti!l more exaggerated report of it to the lieutenant governor, accompanying it with the pardons which he had so unjustly with- held from us. The old sinner, Sir George Arthur, was so incensed that he committed them all to the flames, thus wreaking his v*. igeance upon the heads of poor defenceless victims, that had already more than expiated any sin, real or conceived, by them committed against the peace of her majesty's sub- jects. Had he dared, he would have hung every one of us ; but had enough fear of the home government to respect its orders in some measure. The heat of the summer months but added more to the sum of our misery. Our constitutions became more enfeebled. The seeds of disease were sown in our systems to bear their bitter fruits in after years. Thus we lay in that damp prison-house till Septem- ber, hoping against hope for a relief from our miseries. About the twentieth of this month, we began to have intimations of a removal, whither we knew not. Hope kindled up again in the bosoms of most of us. On the twenty-second we were ordered to prepare for a start. We were told that our company was to be taken to Quebec, to receive f«*ee pardons from the governor general in person, who was anxious to see us, and who would do generously by us. We could not credit this — it looked so unreasonable. We felt pretty well assured, in o . other disposition was to be ni own some .... H ner. Nl IN FORT HENRY. 57 < 1 was to be, wa* beyond our conjecture, though wc had heard it intimated from some quarter that we should be taken to England for a new trial. But, go where we should, we were anxious for a change. We felt completely worn down. And when we were put in motion, hand-cuffed in pairs and preparing for the final leave of Fort Henry, within whose walls we had suffered eleven long months of misery, we actu- ally felt in high glee, many of our number breaking out into loud songs — each singing what pleased him best. "Hail Columbia," "The Star Spangled Ban- ner," "Hunters of Kentucky," " Yankee Doodle," &c., resounded through the prison, calling quite a crowd about the doors and windows. We were marched out through two close columns of soldiers, and attached by pairs to a long chain, by means of a locked ring passing through a link of the chain and the centre of the connecting bar of the liand-cufTs. About the ancles were also fastened large bands of iron and long chains attached, which as we walked we were obliged to carry in our hands. In this condition we were marched to the water, where we were disengaged from the long chain and thrust with our irons on into a barge that was to con- vey us down the Rideau canal. We were now worse oti'than when in prison. Crowded into the small compass which the barge afforded, and on a concave floor, with a tight, strong deck covering us — with but little light and less ventillation — cramped and ja- ded with our irons, we suffered exceedingly, and M »! m 58 I3IPRIS0NMENT IN FORT HENRY. n U ; !,i more than the veriest felons should suflfer. We were not allowed to come at all on deck, and consequently saw nothing wherewith we might have amused our minds, and in some measure relieved the misery of our oppression. When we arrived at the St. Law- rence again, we were placed in the holds of two small steamers that conveyed us to Quebec, where we ar- rived in the afternoon of the 27th, and were soon placed aboard her Britanic Majesty' ship BufTala, Captain Wood. Those of us who had faintly hoped our journe} should end at Quebec, now saw that it was yet to be prolonged, but as to where or whither we were being forced, we could gain no knowledge. One thing we were certain of: we were being carried farther and farther from our homes — our wives — our families — and all that we held deaj and sacred in life. The cherished scenes of our boyhood's sweet hours came thronging upon our memories, and bit- ter thoughts were roused in our agonized minds against the oppressors who were thus carrying us forth to spend our lives in misery, woe and degreda- tion — and perhaps to be bowed to the earth with bondage in some foreign work-house, or penal col- ony — and tliis, too, where we had committed no crime against humanity or law. Well might Justice veil her face in shame for the oiitrnges which Brit- ish tyrany was enacting in her sacred name, and well might the poet's words be reversed : ♦'For Britain's iron rod and pciiuprrc.Must, Tlit'ir countless numbers to the earth have crushed." ^i tiitU ■"i: 'V'i-\ '■■ ^\->- ' '. . I !fj ■.H;» CHAPTER IV CONFINEMENT IN A TRANSPORT SHIP. On the 28th of September, 1839, the Butlalo hoist- ed sail and departed from Quebec. When taken on l)oard, our names were severally called and we passed below, w'here w^e found forty-seven French prison- ers, who had been tried and condemned similarly to ourselves, and like us were equally ignorant of their destination, or even of their sentence. They had, liowever, had intimation of their beins* removed some days previously, wherebv their friends had opportu- nity to furnish them with a little additional clothinp^, making their condition in this respect more comfort- able than our own. For ourselves, we were in no enviable situation for a sea voyage. Destitute of comforts, or even apologies for them, the warm weather had, with our long confinement, debilitated us exceedingly — adding yet more to our misery by increasing the number of vermin that swarmed on our persons. We were herded now upon the third deck, which lay below the water level. Our quar- ters were not over commodious, whilst light and fresh air came to us in stinted quantities. Ournum- f! i I «1 60 THE TRANSPORT V 1 i> bers amounted to one hundred and thirty-four — four of whom were confined for other crimes than were charged against us. We strongly suspected they were promised great favors, in case they should dis- cover aught in our conduct derogatory to that meek submission which it behoved us to observe, as un- worthy recipients of such bountiful goodness from our royal benefactors. Two of them were confined with us in Fort Henry; the other two accompanied the nineteen from Toronto. Our berths, ranged around the hold, accommodated two persons in each, with bedding of the kind and quality of that at Fort Henry. Tubs for the reception of filth were also provided. These, with the occasional luxury of washing, constituted the sum total of our conven- iences. , . . .' . , Whilst we were in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, we sufiered beyond measure from stormy weather. The waves dashed against the sides of the vessel with a stunning sound, whilst the vessel itself pitched to and fro like a drunken man. To us landsmen, most of whom had never been before upon the sea, it ap- peared frightful. Nothing moveable could retain any definite position ; and the alacrity which all as- sumed in their movements, would have puzzled the most artful '^dodger™" The floor was shppery with the contents of the tubs ; and the men pitched, now here, now there, bringing up perhaps in the bowels of a friend, or diving submissively, though reluctant- IVf amongst the tubs ; whilst the tubs themselves ; SHIP. 61 our ere hey dis- leck uri- • thumped with equal carelessness, and a good deal less concern, among the men. Here one might be seen clinging to the coat of a fellow — there another upon all fours — yonder another bumping his head unmercifully in attempting to secure a position in his berth. To some it was amusing and laughable — to others the reverse. Some were enjoying it as well as they might — others were cursing and swearing. For the week we were thus tossed, most of our nem- ber were unable to taste food. If it were swallowed the stomach instantly rejected it. All of us were ex- hausted \vith sickness and fatigue. Ordinary sea sickness furnishes no comparison to that we experienced in the hold of the Buffalo. If one should wish to observe its effect in all its hor- ror — the loathing that takes hold of the soul — the en- ergies of the mind deadened — ambition quenched and hope put out — let him become the unwilling in- mate of a convict ship, and he will receive his grati- fication in full. As we began to recover from the effects of the storm, and things in our hold had resumed their for- mer appearance, all of us that could stand were mus- tered up and ranked into messes of twelve each. — From each mess was chosen one to receive and dis- tribute the food of his mess, and who for distinction was called "captain." Our food consisted of one- half pound of bread, one-half pound of meat — pork and beef alternately — a pint of skilly in the morning, a pint of cocoa or tea at night, a pint of water and j\ m THE TRANSPORT Mli small quantity of ^^jfTper day. Wlicn the cook's voice was heard re j mating, "Dinner, O!" the u])per sentry would passtne word to him on the second deck, who repeated it to the sentry on the third de6k, when our several "captains" would pass up the ladder through the hatch, which was just large enough to admit one person comfbrtahly at a time. Receiving their several kids offood from the cook, tliey returned again in the same manner. Our food heing disposed of, at a signal the empty kids were passed to the hatch, where they were received by sentries or the cook's mate, and returned to the cook's galley. We were permitted a physician, who appeared quite humane to us. Through his influence, when we had been at sea three weeks, we were allowed two and three liours on deck each day, in companies of two to four and five messes at a time. Whether the doctor was moved with pure feelings of pity, I cannot say. For his services, he was paid a stipu- late sum for each individual that should arrive at his destination alive. It was, therefore, for his pecuni- ary interest that we should be cared for, that our lives should not be too greatly endangered. This permission on deck was indeed a great relief to us. Though we appeared contented to oar keepers, yet we had thoughts that grew into a purpose to be free. Among the French prisoners were two or three old sea captains, in whose skill the officers of the Bufl^alo placed a good degree of confidence; for they often allowed them to take the sun's position and the reck- 8HIP. Oiling of the ship, and even went so far now and thc?i to ask their counsel. Compared to our former keep- ers, those who were now over us were humane in- deed. We had no ill will against them, for they treated us as well as their circumstances vould per- mit. They were instruments used by otlier hands in carrying out their designs. Had they been as destitute of humanity as the power above them, wc should have found an end of trouble ere the ship had ended her voyage. . • Notwithstanding the improvement in our trcatinent, we could not be content with our position. We suf- fered still. We were being carried, we knew not whither, but surmised to some foreign land, where our conditions would be worse and worse. W^e were therefore determined to make an effort to stop the course of the ship and head her for New York. Towards the aft of the deck upon which we were allowed, was a small room containing a quantity of muskets which were always kept loaded and beyo- neted, with well filled cartridge boxes hanging near each gun. Uusually our dinner was served first, when frequently a gang of thirty or forty of us would be on deck whilst the officers and soldiers were at their dinner. At such times the guard were com- paratively weak — often not more than three or four sentries. We had conceived the idea of seizing the arms at some such opportune moment — confine the soldiers, &c., below the hatches, compel the sailors to work the vessel into New-York or some other port f ' I* 1 1 If 64 THE TRANSPORT in tho vicinity, when wc would go on shore and leave the ship for its ofTicors. But if the sailors should re- fuse to perform duty, there were enough of our own number, with some assistance from the "land lub- ber" portion of us, that could have done the business. Every thing seemed so favorable to our purpose that we were quite sanguine of success ; and that too, wc flattered ourselves, without blood-shed, or at least but a very little of it. We could not concoct our plans so rapidly a; we desired, for we so strongly suspect- ed the four spies that we had to use the utmost cau- tion. We had the plan finally arranged, and had set the day when we should be near the latitude of New- York. The day quickly came, and nothing yet had occurred to damp our antici[)ations. Joyfully we mustered for dinner, and for once we ate with glad hearts, imngining the hour of our delivery was near at hand. But judge of our disappointment when, attempting to go on deck, we found our hatch barred down. We divined at once, that our plot was mis- trusted if not known. In the afternoon we were visited by the captain and his officers, who closely questioned us concerning our motives and plans ; but we so effectually feigned astonishment, that we quite convinced them that we had not thought of the thing. * ' ' ' - The captain continued with us for some time, talk- ing upon the matter. The substance of his remarks was : that wo had behaved ourselves so well, he had been disposed to grant us considerable indulgence — h I 6Hir. eft but in so doing, had been too careless of Ibo safety of bis vessel — I'or he was fully ruvnro wo niig'ii lmv( easily taken possession of it, bad we felt dct(»rnuned upon it. Tbougb most captains would put us in cbains at once, be would forbear going to tbat extrem- ity at present; but lie sbould ta!:e good care t'lnt we bad no further opport\inity for mutiny. From thnt time the batches were kept closely barrcfl, and un- locked only when necessary for inf;re^s or egress. Instead of being allowed on deck in as largo numbers, i)ut one n>ess were permitted at a time, guard(;d by nearly an equal ninnber of armed soldiers, and tiicii only for an hour in t!ic twenty-four. '*'' This was a sad stroke to our hope i. Tbrougliont the whole of our confinement up to this time, wo had fanned t'ac oft flickering flam.e, but n')w iho prospect for freedom was blafited. My own feelings were more intense than they bad been at any previous time, unless I except the occasion of t'".c supposed death warrant. Afterward, on our arrival hi Van Diemen, we learned our surmising^ were true — that VVm. Highland, one of the suspected four, gave the information which led to the defeat of our scheme. lie learned nothing positive, but ^ aw something which led him to mistrust our design, and according- ly conveyed information to that etfcct that same day to the captain. But bis baseness availed him noth- ing, for we succeeded so well in deceiving the offi- cers, that they did not cre.'it !?'s tale, though it was enough to give them that vigilance which completely r; n 1 1 66 THE TRANSPORT prevented the chance of another trial on our pari. As we neared the tropics, the heat of the cHmate greatly aggravated our misery, rendering the atmos- phere of our hold more loathsome, and the vermin that yet were our companions, more numerous and active. Confined to a pint of water a day, our thirst was often so excessive, that to endure it seemed im- possible. From this and the effects of so close con- unement in the putrid atmosphere, and living on salt provisions, we became infected with disease. Our teeth loosened in our heads, and often were so pain- ful as to quite produce delirium. The doctor's for- ceps were called into pretty active requisition. In this respect I suffered less than most of my compan- ions, for I lost but three of my teeth. Others lost even eight, ten, and a dozen. About two weeks before our arrival at Rio Janeiro, the only place at which the ship made any stop, t was attacked with inflamation of the eyes, which was unusually severe. For some weeks I was deprived of the faculty of sight, and being otherwise greatly enfeebled in health, I had no expectation of ever re- covering, and fully believed the doctor when he told me I could not stand it much longer. The pain was intense, and for along time I had to be carried back and forth from the hold to the deck, where I was al- lowed the greater portion of the time, and to which indulgence I mainly attribute my eventual recovery. The Buffalo lay at Rio Janeiro some four days; atl which time the prisoners were kept closely con- fined 1 inhabi empei other light c ing fli the cit their ( little c miser.1 ing th< but in fruits preser friend also w Not a terri botton and in requir the CO Toth ercise privec enjoy gulph sequc fact, ems «HIP. 67 pait. [imate atmos- ermiii IS and r thirst ed im- se con- on salt Our }o pain- r's for- m. In lornpan- lers lost Janeiro, f stop, t lich waa leprived I greatly ever re- 1 he told pain was ied back I was al- io which ecovery. )ur days; lely con- 4 i I fined to the hold. It was a great gala day with the inhabitants — celebrating, 1 believe, the birth of the emperor. Wc could hoar the firing of cannon and Other demonstrations of joy. Through the one sky- light our men could catch glimpses of the gay, wav- ing flags, and of the green mountain sides behind the city. Our men crowded about the skylight, and their eager expressions of the great beauty of what little could be seen, made my situation but the more miserable, ns my affliction prevented me from catch- ing the glad sight of green fields and woods though but in a stinted measure. Fresh provisions and fruits were procured, and as long as they could be preserved our health materially mended. Here a friend wrote a letter for me to my parents. Others also wrote home. Not long after putting to sea again, we encountered a terrific gale. Most on board expected to go to the bottom. The vessel was rather tlie worse for age, and in her heavy labo rings she sprang a leak, which required much vigilance to overcome. Those (ii the convicts who were able were put to the pumps. To them the exercise was beneficial. Sufficient ex- ercise was one of the great things we had been de- prived of. But to us poor people, whose prospect-of enjoying life was blasted, the thought of being en- gulphed by the sea had very few terrors, and we con- sequently felt quite indifferent as to our fate. a« fact, many of us hoped she would go down to the cav- erns of the deep, where our sorrows and our troubles -» I ! Tin: TRANSPORT would alike bo at an end. In doubling the Cape of Good Hope \vc also experienced much rough vveatli- . We were ansurcd in our own minds that we were uidcod bound {or Sydney or Ilobart; but wliat the nature or length of our j)unishn)ent was to be, we couM not conjetiturc. We felt reckless of our fate, if wc could but e.-jcapc t'.ic doom to which British power wns consigning u ;. Wc even longed that domo piratical craft would swcc[) doWii upon the dhip and t:iko her a prize, Onr hope brig^.icned u little one day when a sail of tliis kind was descried, Uut she catnc only near cnough-to see that our ship presented t io formidable an appearance, without an adequate prospect of booty, and so bore away on an- other tack. I Towards t!ie close of t'.ie voyage, our situation from <*i(Ckues3 bejuno much worse. A great many of us were on the sick h:-;-t. Through the persuasion of the physician, we \\ere allowed greater privileges on deck than wo had been, thougli most vigilantly guard- ed. I lird an opportunity oilered, we were too en- feebled and dispirited to make an attempt to master the ship, though the odds had b jn greatly in our fa- One only of our number died. It was Asa Priest. He was a quiet, good man — agetl about sixty — who left a wife and family, 1 think he told me, of sixchil- (Jron. lie possessed ardent ailections, and the rude blow that hud severed him from the idolized beings \ SHIP. 69 \ ^ of his heart, shattered its finely strung chords, and he hterally pined away to dc;ith — of*no disease other than a broken heart. It was a solemn occasion to his comrades, though they felt not to mourn his death, for they were well a^.surcd he had gone to a brighter world, "Where the wicked cease from troub- ling and the weary are at rest." A portion of his comrades were summoned on deck to witness the funeral rites, and see his body consigned to its wat- ery grave, according to the forms of the church of England. Soldiers doubly armed guarded us, lest we should take advantnge of the occasion. It was at this juncture that a sentry's pistol was accidentally discharged, which for a few moments set the ship's crew in general comiriotion. They imagined the prisoners in the hold were attempting to take the vessel ! Prcsciitl}'', asccrtaiining the cause, quiet was restored. :-,..-' i^r i >• .>; j,,: , v., During the whole time no land was seen, except by those who caught a glimpse of the hill tops at Rio Janeiro, till near the close of the voyage, when we passed by a few small uninhabited islands. Occa- sionally we were gratified with the gambolings of the finny tribes in the element upon which we were be- ing borne. We often amused ourselves in witness- ing the pranks of the "flying fish," so called. They have the power of rising with the surface of the wave and then leaping forward, somewhat after the fashion of a flying squirrel. Generally they *' fly" against the motion of the waves, and by this means often !''■' i! i ■ \ > i i 1 ^0 THE TRANSPORT M m 1 1 alighted on tho ship's deck where they had no more powers of locomotion than any other fish. It was in the fore part of February, that a sentry casually remarked, "We shall soon be in port."— "What port?" wasengerly asked ; ''Hobart town." This was the first information we had received of our destination. It was about the 8th or 9th that " Land ho!" was shojted from the mast head. A strong wind springing up, we were driven beyond its sight. The next day it was hailed again — the second, we regained the point from wh*5nce we had been driven. Again we were driven off, as though the winds were unwilhng that we should be submitted to the degra- dation of a Van Dieman convict. The day after, the ship made Derwent river, up which, at a distance of thirty-five miles, lay Hobart town, where we were landed on the 12th day of February, 1840. The French prisoners were conveyed to Sydney, in Aus- tralia. Before leaving the boat, we were visited by what is termed the board of health. Mr. Gunn, the Chief Superintendent, with two or three clerks, were in the cabin. Before them we were brought separ- ately, to undergo a most searching examination. Questions were asked, and answers given — as to our names, ages, trades, nativity,religion, whether married, if so, where lived the wife — -what the number of chil- dren- — their sex and ages — whether our parents were alive — their ages, religion, residence — place of na- tivity-T-amount of education — whether we could read %Ui writp ourselves — where arrested — where, and SHIP. 71 »» h !l when, and for what tried — how long sentenced — when we left Canada — what were our numbers — and what scars on our persons. Of course we could not tell what was our sentence, or how long its duration; for of this we were entirely ignorant ourselves, where- upon the clerk was ordered to put us down for life. At the close of this examination, we were taken into another room, stripped of our clothing, and a minute description of every scar, blemish, or mole on our persons, placed on record. There was another officer among tho rest, who eyed us most searching- ly, and who also put upon record a faithful descrip- tion of our features?, color of hair, eye-brows, eyes, number of teeth lost, appearance of nose, ears, chin, mouth &c., together with our height and weight. By this method, and to which every person is forced to submit, such a minute description is obtained, that it is utterly hopeless for a prisoner to think of es- caping from the infernal clutches of those petty ty- rants, that hold such detestable sway in that prison land. The French prisoners were not examined here. I believe they suffered less in every respect, tlian did our party. They were liberated sooner, and assisted in getting home. But the moral obliquity of the crime committed by the Yankees, was so heniou3 in the eyes of those philanthropists(!) that no suffer- ing, however severe, was sufficient to oiake aton^« ment. It f •< CHAPTER V. I !' li f f 0\ Oim RECEPTION had lANDY nAY STATION, ^(1, who Mirconiing had a1.traclc(i a large crowd, who were (ill ag;ij)C t ) sec tlic rebel Yankees, of whom so much had been heard, and yet so httlc was known. Aa the news spread into the country, men and women flocked in, Cvcn IVoin a djstancc of one hundred miles, to gratiiy tiicir curiosity. They had imagined us to be an uni-^ralcial set of barbr.rians, with no christian characlcribtics in our com;>osition — that we were a strange colored and a strange acting peo- ple— speaking a strange language, and behaving in all thi!ig.s like no otlier mortals. In fact, to a great many of the people of that country, we wore almost as great an object of wonderment, as were the fol- lowers of Cortez to the simple-minded Aztecs. We were therefore greeted by a large crowd of aston- ished spectators, and a; wc were marched along through the streets, wo could hear numberless ex- pressions from the lookers on. Ladies from their carriages would exclaim to one another — their fca« tares nmrked with unusual lines of astonishment — ey look like our men, da by, theyl" ♦^Thejr SANDY BAY STATION. 73 1 are white, too, and they s|)eak just hke our men!" "I would not have believed it had 1 not seen it!" We had been escorted to the shore in a large boat, something like a scow propelled by oars. On shore we were received by a number of her queenship's most dutil'ul minions, wcnring blue roundabouts, with a badge on one arm, and cnrryiiig a bludgeon in the ot-icr hand, as ensignia of their of their olVice — the coijslablc.ship. JNo sooner hud wo placed our lect on land, tluiii the most rigid features of* a looker on would have relapsed into a henrty laugh. We had been so loijg on board ship — subject to the cease- less tumbling of the water — that it was with the ut- most diiiicuity we could keep any certain position. In spitjofall our exertions, we presented a more unsteady appearance than a line of tolerably drunken men could have done. The ground lieaved, rolled, and tumbled about us at a Ic irful rate. Its a^ngry billows would rise plumb into our very faces, and no effort of ours could prevent thom. So it appeared to us. This scene was highly amusing to the crowd, ulibrdmg them much food ibr merriment. It was not merry v.oik ibr us, though, who were too enfee- bled, and wiso received too many thumps from the unstable soil wo were treading. Still wc could not help ourselves from indulging an occasional laugh at tlie ludicrous performancesof our fellow-sufferers. Some of our niunbL'r were so weak they could scarce- ly crawl ; yet they were urged and hurried along by the aforesaid minions in blue roundabouts, with some N> ^Jl k^^^*'" II I' 74 SANDY BAY such comforting assurances as — "Come, come, you lazy crawlers, creep on, creep on ; you'll find faster travelling than this by the morrow, with a loaded cart of stone ; by my bloody oath you will. Come along, come along. Ah! you are not quite so spright- ly as you were in Canada, shooting the loyal subject* of our good Queen ; but you'll have no rifles here — dy carts and stone, and a plenty of these, we can lei- you." "No, no," cried one from the crowd, whom, we afterwards learned, was a sailor from our own country; "By my bloody oath, had they their rifles, you would not dare talk like that." We had gone but a short distance when we passed four scaffolds, upon which as many men were just about to be executed ! And a little further along, beyond the town, we passed a gang of criminals — some two hundred in number — working the road in heavy chains ; and yet a little further along another gang, without the chains. This we thought was an ominous reception. We had hardly our feet on the soil, when almost tlie first objects that greeted our vision, were gibbets, and men toding in the most ab- ject misery, looking more degraded even than so many dumb beasts. Such sights, and the supposi- tion that such might be our fate, served to sink the iron still deeper in our souls. Our march continued till we arrived at Sandy Bay Station, a mile and a half, or such a matter, from the town. Here, we were given to understand, we should remain for the present. We were glad, heartily glad, to leave the ■i the STATION. 76 confined )f tlie ship for ntuation on land, where we could enjoy a purer atmosphere, and we hoped, greater lihertv. How sweet the breezes were fc^ us, none but tliose who have passed a similar conf.ae- ment can tell. Though our prospects of* happiness were so drear, yet it seemed good to tread again the earth, notwithstanding we had such difficulty of man- aging our snit. For two or three weeks we were more or less bothered with this phantom movement of the earth — and for the whole of this time, the ceaseless beating of the su gpi on the ship's side, continued to ring in our ea"s ; whilst our *'bunks" in the "cabins" rocked to and tro as did those on the water. We ooidd not work he idea out of our heads, but gradually the feolinr wore away. The objects about us all had unfamiliar phases, and we felt too truthfully like strangers in a strange land, where we knew we could look for no sympathy. We now had to exchange our clothing for the con- vict's suit, whioii consisted of trowsers and jacket, made of a grey kind of cloth, coarser and rougher even than common carpeting, and which permitted the wind to circulate through its interstices almost as freely as through a seive — a striped cotton shirt whose fabric was correspondingly as coarse — and a skull cap, midc of stiff sole leather, closely fitting the head and projecting in four points from the four sides, which points were so made that they could be turned up or down — and a pair of thick, clumsj^ shoes, without socks. These, with an extra shirt f I \ . 76 BANDY nAY ill for chungo, constituted our wholo wardrobe, every article of v. iiicli, (13 well as every other piece or par- cel of property, whetlier of clot'is, wood, stone or iron, belonging t) govormnont, wns branded with the bro;id II. When we were t.\nvA accoutred, we looked SI groto^^quoly t"nt wecouhl not bc!p bursting into a roar ol'laun^hier ; and for cjiice, wo wore right merry. Not one of us could ror-ognize his fellow only by the fonture ; of !iis face, which seemed to have undc:*g'>ue a chingo al-o, s>t,!iat often wc were at a loss uikJ the voice could bo neard. For a ('cw days our a^'pninttince seemed to be thrown into almo.u as mu-^h confusion as were the tongues nt the tower of BMbol ; consequently it was some time before we could heroine f uniliar enough to recognize each other ;igun at first sig'.t. Tho clotlios wliich we had td^en ol}* v/ere tied in reparato bundles, each man's name n"»atked thereon, and all thrown into a common store house, where we were assured thev would be s:ife until such time as wc ob- tained an indulgence, when we should ngain have them. Afterward, when wc c me to receive them, wo found them to bo so nioth-t iten that they were ruined. •— ii •■ >• n At night wc were mustered into the huts or cab- ins, which here were some ciglit or ten in number. They are usii illy built in a circle or square, leaving a yard or enclosure, where the men are mustered. Around the whole is a cort of pallisade, composed of the same material as the huts, with one large gate. STATION. 77 which is kept locked during the night. The huts huvc usimlly thatched roofs and bare earth floors. The walls are ton and twelve feet in height, conn- posod of pieces of split timber, set uprightly and ftis- tcnt'd at the bott jm to log,^,. The size of the hut va- ries from the capacity of acconnnodati ^g i'roin ten to fifty and sixty personf>. The "bunks" are ranged around the walls in two tiers, each bunk holding one person. The amount of bedding was one coarse cotto'i rug and a coarse blanket. Wherever chain gangs were, or had been kept, these huts were built of stone. Our rations were — a pound and sometimes a pound and a half of bread, a pint of skilly morning and eve- ning, a pound of boiled mutton or beef for dinner, with now and then a vciry stinted luxury of a little vegetable food, as turni[)s or cabbage. The bread was made from the very coarsest of flour, simply wet v/ith cold water, and when baked in the ashes or oven, was as hard and gluey as could be imagined. The skilly was made in a large kittle; a pint of wa- ter and two ounces of flour for each of the gang, wejjc taken, the water boiled, when the flour was stirred in, without salt or any other seasoning. The meat was almost universally of the poorest quality, and often infested with vermin. It is supplied on contract by the sctders, who often kill their leanest and poorest sheep for the convicts. The butchering days are twice a weok, and during the hot weather, the flies, which are much larger and a great deal 78 BANDY BAY ;' - i I ' j. more pr>rtiiiacious thnn our own, arr» sure to pooplo it alrrK<>t instantly with living tliinp;-', unlos.s the great- est cnulion is observed. I have ofleii sren the liquor in the moat kettle covered with njnnrg^atn of largo size; and yet our hunger was so craving that we were compelled to eat such food — lor in that country it is a crime for a freeman to ^tpe a prisoner even a morsel of food ; and it is also criminal (or the prison- er to receive it — in the former case, punishable with fines, in the latter with stripes. Occnsionally wo were allowed a few spoonfulls of flour to stir with the liquor of the ment, ; and whenever we were allowed vegetable food, we were most careful to save every spoonful ol'the liquor. f(»r our stomachs were so sore- ly pinched with hunc^er that we were glad of any thing in the form of foorl. I have frequently been under the cook's window, and picked out potatoe parings from the filth to satiate the gnawings of hun- ger. Our rations usually passed through the hands of so many hired menials, that they came to our mouths curtailed ofton of half their proportions. There were overseers, clerks, constables, cooks, wardsmen, &;c., that had more or less to do with these matters. They were often of the most aban- doned characters, and therefore had no scruples of conscience, though they took pounds of flesh that be- longed to the poor convict. Had they stinted our had rations, we could have borne it with less com- plaint. For us, it was useless to make a fuss — we were compelled to take what we could get, and if we s.-t. STATIOM. ft demurred, solitary conlinement on this samo broad and vvutor, or thirty-six lushes well laid on the bare back was the only relief. I think it was on a Saturday we arrived at the sta- tion. The next Monday we were to be honored with a visit i^roiM his bulkiness, the grew Sir Jolni Frank- lin, who once navigated into the northern seas, and came near perishing of starvation. It was about nine or ten o'clock when he was discovered approach- ing. VVe were immediately mustered out, duly ar- ranged, and instructed in mysteries of that etiquette which behoved men of low degree, crushed dovn to the earth, to observe in the presence of those who, clothed with IJritish power, have therefore a right to lord it over (Jod's heritage and their fellow men, just as they in their immaculate power shall think proper! The gate of our enclosure was opened, and we hailed her majesty's Lieutenant Governor of the Island of Van Dicman's Land and its dependencies. But we were rather awkward in the respect which we had ought to have shown him; owing to the obtuseness of our perceptions, and the short training which we had rccieved. For myself I was amused with the great man's appearance, for whether he was great in the mental quahties, he was truly great in all that makes the man, physically — flesh and blubber. His head was chucked down between his shoulders, for the wise provision, no doubt, of shortening the eso- phagus ; whilst the stomach made equal advances to- ward the head, thus broiging the two in luch close ■^ fiO 8ANt)Y VY fii proximity, that the sympathy which is said by phys* iologists to exist between these organs was extraordi- narily (Icvolopcd. But tlie vital organs were so much encroached upon by these neighbors, that they found it exceedingly dillicult to keep tlie old man in sutlicient wind, which came pulbingfVom his brandy bottled nose, like steam from the escape pipe of an asthmatic bont. Whether nature orisjinallv intended him for a walking receiver of mutton. I am unable to say. — Tbit of all men I ever saw, nme ever gloried in sucli hreadth of wnistl)nnd. I was told he had de- voured a whole sheep fit a meal, and thnt a good sized qufirt(n' was his usunl allowance, wliich I have no reason to doubt. His eyes wvvo so sunken, one c(Mild see nothing of tliem but the whites, especially \vhvA\ speaking, at which time he would look strait upward. The train that accompanied 1dm halted at the gate, whilst only his private secretary remained at his side. He rode a bay horse, tliat, compared with other horses, was equally as large as its rider. He was dressed in full uniform, and by his inflated manner, indicated the supreme bliss he felt in tlius having an opportunity of addressing a coninany of Americans. Passing up and down our line some three or four times, he came to a halt near the centre, and pre- pared himself for the tremendous elfort before him. Our own party had an unconunon curiosity to seo the end of the matter, for we plainly judged there was something coming more than we liad yet ima- gined, terrific tense fl sity, w( were in iesty's Aftei gan. speech. what ai cxtemp Englisl ken in 1 es betw and his cal, wh head w vated s so that duller s ed with man w of asce •he sigl strung work o The that \v(. there f( worst G STATION. 81 j^'ined. We know not but we should see the most terrific thunders of indignation, accompanied by in- tense flashes of eloquence. Judging from his obe- sity, we were anxious to know whether his words were indeed as ponderous as her most gracious ma- iesty's servant. Sir John. After much aheming and hawing, the old man be- gan. 1 cannot convey any just conception of his speech. He was at least two hours in delivering what any American school-boy could have spoken extemporaneously in twenty minutes. The Queen's English suffered not a little — for his words were spo- ken in half finished sentences, witli stammering [)aus- es between that exceeded the sentences themselves, and his language was exces:si\ ^ly poor and tautologi- cal, whilst his voice was evei worse than all. His head was thrown so far back that his eyes were ele- vated skywards, at an angle of quite eighty degrees, so that all tliat could be seen of the dull orbs of a still 'luller soul, was a halo of dingy whiteness, emblazen- ed with a network of scarlet. Whether the great man was a profound scholar or not, I had no means of ascertaining. If he had ever obtained celebrit}^, the sight of ul Yankees must have completely un- strung his faculties, for he made more blundering work of his business than a dullard. The substance of his harranguc seemed to be : that we were bad men — very bad men — were sent there for a very bad crime — rebellion — one of the worst crimes that could be — worse than murder — 6 I vl f !!■ N^ 82 SAXDY BAY didn't know what to do with us — guess should put u* on the roads awhile — work good for us — should send home for orders — send home to know what to do with us — at present put us on probation — if we behaved well on probation, get rewarded for it. Being informed here by Capt, Wood that many of us were Americen citizens, and therefore not rebels, the old man seemed more incensed, and went on : Bad men — bad men — very bad inen — worse than rebels — didn't know what to do with us — had stirred up mischief among her gracious majesty's loyal sul)- jects — heinous crime—Canada men not so bad — had sent them to anotiicr j)lace for better treatment — should keep us here for hard punishment — rglad to hear we'd been good men, peaceable men; but that was notliing — great rascals now — should send right home to know what to do with us — wanted to bo len- ient, but great rascals — had already been punished hard — but musn't grumble, wo deserved it — hoped it had made us better and meeker — should be thank- ful our lives wore spared — must expect to get har)ur situation. Yes, those few words of consolatior. fell on our hearts like rain drops on the parched soil — and we could but ejaculate, "God bless thee too. doctor." Our visitors were all gone and the gates closed, when we were ordered again to the huts for dinner. A tin pint cup and a tin plate had been previous)} '■^\ -■J 80 BANDY II AY S . distributed to each of us, numbered. The huts were also numbered, and a roll thereof, with the number of men in eaeh, given to the cook. For each liut was a kidd, alrso nivmbored. W lien nienl time arrived, the cook filled each kidd with the rations for the cor- responding hut. At the signal, one from each hut approached and bore away his kidd to distribute its contents among his companions. W hilst we were at our meal an overseer came round and bade ua hurry, as we should take a short walk for our health. Having mustered us, he remarked, " We'll go out and look at the roads. Tis indeed a fine country ; I believe you will like it better than America. Wo have very fsne roads, though they are not yet all linished." There were several so weak they re- mained behind. On repairing to their quarters, tho muster man gave them the comfortable assurance that the station doctor would be there presently, and if they were not sirk they would be severely pun- ished. Still there were several who did not go, and though nearly all of us felt too enfeebled for much exercise, yet the overseer appeared so flattering and 'withall was so apparently pleasant, tliat we thought a little exercise might dc us no harm : accordingly we went along with the more alacrity, accompanied by some eight or ten constables and overseers. Our "walk" extended a mile, and was difficult from the trouble we experienced in keeping upright. When arrived at the end, we were bade to take the tools and exercise ourselves somewhat. We had STATION'. 87 hardly expected tiu55 ; but we were permitted to take it very leisurely that afternoon, and, in fact, for two or three days. In our weak eondition, the travelling was about all we could do. Our implements were the shovel, pick-axe, and wheelbarrow. At sundown we were allowed to return, greatly fatigued. The third day carts made their appearance, which were quite large to be propelled by human muscles — the bodies measuring six feet in length, two in depth, and four and a half in breadth, with the other parts to correspond. To each cart were attached four men. These men had leathern collars, passing over one shoulder and imdor the other, to which were fastened hooks, that rniglit be attached to the tongue for the purpose of pulling. Near the extremity of the tongue were two cross-bars against which the "team" could push. When the carts made their appearance, 1 was taken from the shovel and placed in one of the ''teams." Though the change was for harder work, yet I was heartily glad, for my hands were so sore, that 1 could scarcely use them. This was the case with all our men. Tliey had been so long and so closely confjiied, and were so enfeebled, that their hands were almost as tender as those of an infant. The consequence was, that being compelled to labor with those rough, lieavy tools — for convi tsare ever furnished with the poorest kind — tlic liands blistered, and the skin peeled away, leaving in many instances a good share of the hand raw. I remember partic- r.|i -^8 SANDY UAY iilarly the case of Orrin W. Smith, who was a single man of considerable property in the States. He had never been bred to manual labor — was small of stat- ure, and naturally of a delicate constitution. His hands were more tender than most of the others, and when he was forced to swing the heavy pick, it came sorely upon him. His hands blistered so that the skin peeled from the whole palm and inner surface of the fmgers, and even between the fingers. And still ho was compelled to work on without scarcely a cessation, leaving the very flesh upon the handle of his pick. The pick itself was too large for even a robust man of his size. Passing him one day with our cart and seeing him thus toiling, the blood trick- ling from his raw hands — I said to him, "Ah, Smith, you have a hard time of it." "Oh, my God! Gates, 1 can never stand this!" he almost shrieked, as he sank exhausted on the ground. As the days increased in number, so were our tasks increased in amount, till we were compelled to do what their tyrrany demanded. The superintend- ent of the station frequently came round, and when there was not so much done as he fancied should be, he would spur up the overseer, and Hewit, the over- seer, would spur up the men most cruelly. The second or third day the superintendant Skeane thus came along. Says he, " How is it, Hewit, that you don't get along faster ?•" Hewit replied, "Some of ' k, and the others are not strong yet." Skeane, "Pllse men says up the doctoi looki can b can I: feels ( few q get all pills a versal Soi lift a il The fc to us ij petty s perior him tli; loork don't fault a fast as too. be prif and wc do; I can W( ^vork regard (.lone jirice leeblec hard, n STATION. 80 look into the matter. 1 believe that your company can be added to a little" — meaning that more labor can be forced from them. Well, the d(Jctor comes, feels of the pulse, looks into the mouth, asks a very few questions, turns on his heel with a "Humph! get along well enough — not much sick ; take a few pills and go to work again." Buch was almost uni- versally the case. So long as we could possibly crawl about, or could hfta finger, we were brutally compelled to the ta^k. The fourth day the overseer began to lay the work to us in good earnest. He was anxious to hold his petty situation, and therefore strove to please his su- perior tyrants. So, almost the first greeting from him that morning, was — "Come, we must have some ivork done to-day. The superintendent says we don't make much progress here, and ho is finding fault at the delay. The governor wants it done as fast as possible, and the gentlemen are compkuning too. The principal superintendent thinks ;f'ou woi.t be prisoners long. He is coming out this way soon, and we must see how much wo can got done. 'Twont do ; I shall lose my place. The doctor says you can work, and work you must." And, accordingly, work we had to. We were put to labor without any regard to our several capabilities. Whatever was done seemed to be done by mere accident, or as ca- price dictated. It mattered not how weak and en- feebled one was, he was compelled to work just as hard, il' he did not do as much, as the most stalwart fii' 90 PANDY BAY of the company. Though a number of our gang were really too unwell to labor, and might perhaps have succeeded iu staying behind, yet tliey chose to follow us to the roads, rather than to stay alone in the miserable huts, that always swarmed with fleas and lice — subject to tho grossest and most insolent abuse of the lackeys and menials that infested every station. The company of friends nnd of old com- panions was sweet indeed, though those friends were toiling in pain and misery, and though to be with them, they too must toil in yet greater misery. It was thus that the pleasure ofsym])athy overcame the will ; and he who in other circumstances would have been an invalid, confined to his room, if not to his bed, crawled to his daily work and reeled under the task, which was, if possible, more onerous, more grievous, than that wherewith Pharao tasked the poor children of Israel. It was on Friday afternoon, th(^ fifth day, thatLy- sander Curtis, who had been sick for several weeks, gave out. Ho was engaged wheeling dirt with a barrow, when he remarked to some one near him that he felt himself failing fnst — so fast indeed, that he could not stand it much longer. He was advised to speak for permission to stop, but answered it was of no use to ask such a brute. At lengtli, feeling still worse, he ventured the request — whi^'h was re- plied to with the cold assurance that, as the doctor had declared him able to work, work he must, whether he lived or died by it. Some of liis comrades expostu- lated } down dered ' the gr He sto lie reo] rise, coat be ry him tliem, s will stj ALd th. when h of the *' His bur he lay dark col days W( without! we imp send fo| cold he ministei cr, and! the effd ininglii the nig^ with its was hei try wh( ■\ STATION. 01 rhaps )SC to lie in fleas solcnt every com- i were witli . It me the tl have to hi^< :ler tlie , more he poor UatLy- weeks, with a jar him 0(1, that advised d it was feehng was re- ctor had ether he expostu- lated with Hewit, but with the only efTect of calling down the choicest abuse of his overseership, who or- dered Curtis with an oath to wheel on. It was with llie greatest difficulty the poor victim could move, lie stood it but a short time ; his sight grew dim — lie reeled and fell on his barrow — unable again to rise. Ilis comrades laid him on the grass, with his coat beneath him, and then asked permission to car- ry him to the station. The inhuman brute denied them, saying with a great and an angry oath, "He will stand it well enough till the gang tuiar^ in.'* Ai-d there he had to lay, uncared for, till at dusk, when he was placed in the cart of which I was one of the "team," and then taken with us to the station. His bunk was in the same hut as my own — and there he lay on the hard boards in his miseiy, through the (lark cold night, (the nights were cold, though the days were warm,) in that damp, unwholesome place, without a spark of fire or gleam of light ; and though we importuned the superintendent and the clerk to send for the doctor, who lived at another station, the cold hearted wretches refused to stir a finger. We ministered to his comfort by all that was in our pow- er, and yet that comfort was only our sympathy, and the effort to make his last moments cheerful, by mingling car compassions. Several times during the night we thought him dying. The morning came with its few first faint streaks. Soon after the bell was heard rousing us for our daily task. The sen- try who stood guard outside the huts unlocked tho f- IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 4 1.0 I.I 12.8 |25 ^ I2£ ■" ■•)/. u B4 |2j2 1.8 1.25 ||.4 ||.6 ^ 6" ► V] Vl ^;. 7 Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 \ SJ '^^ 4> O^ '^''"^^Jif k^ «!• V, 92 SANDY BAY ) ! door, peeped in his head, and cried out, " How is that sick one getting along ?" Being told he was but just alive, "Oh, never mind," says he, "one dead man is nothing. I suppose he'll have to otay behind to- day, but never mind ; get ready for your skilly." There was but a short time before muster, and we all employed it in bidding the poor fellow farewell. He was too feeble to say much. Speaking of Canada, he said, " How I wish she was free from England and her tyrants — and I would to God that we were all out of their hands ; but, thanks be to the Lord," he exclaimed, as he feebly grasped our hands to bid us good bye, " I soon shall be beyond their power. God bless you all ! I shall never see you again this side of Heaven. Oh ! how glad I am that I am going; and if you ever see my wife and children, oh ! tell them I die happy — sweetly resting in the arms of Jesus. May God protect them !" These words and a few others were spoken in broken sentences, and before the last was finished, we were called away to mus- ter. By this time the doctor had come, and seeing his case was indeed a desperate one, our '"team" were ordered to take him in the cart to Hobart town. To us it was a cheerful task. He grew weaker and fainter till we arrived at the hospital, within whose walls wo bore him in our arms, and received his faintly whispered "farewell." We then had to re- turn immediately. Some of us asked permission to visit him from the station, but were flatlv refused. We learned soon after that he died the succeeding STATION. 93 ;r earn own. and ivhose d his to re- lon to fused, jeding day. And wo envied the poor fellow's fortune, for Death brought a reprieve for his woes, and snatched him from the iron hearted tyrants that were fattening on our toil and blood and our very heart's agony. The next day being Sabbath, we hoped for some respite. We flattered ourselves we should have at least one day of rest. But how sadly disappointed ! Though we were not compelled to work, yet what we were forced to do ground the spirit even more grievously. -■' : ■ • r.i>','- •;■-''■ >:'•'•, At a little later hour than usual, we were mustered out, formed into double rank, and marched with the most soldier-like precision to the convict's church at Hobart town, to hear the detested ritual of the Church of England. Many spectators came from curiosity to see the "Yankee rebels," and we were continually insulted with jeers and abuse, not only by the road side, but even in the very sanctuary(I) — if such a place can be called a sanctuary. Dressed, too, in our full convict's suit, we were considered the law- ful butt of every vagabond loafer, or high bred gen- tleman, that chanced to meet us. Our American blood boiled in our veins, and could we have had pos- session of our rifles, with a sufficient supply of am- munition, we felt as though we should have raised a "rebellion" that would have blanched the faces of many a dastardly coward, and shown the base ty- rants that we were men who knew our rights, and knowing them, would stand by them even to the death. Yes, we felt this, though sober faced thought li' iii i!' 2'^ I'iji 94 SANDY BAY I' I would have cried out upon the folly of it, when such a pitiful handful could so easily be crushed by the giant wrong that was swayed by her majesty's Gov- ernment. But there we were, helpless, and forced to submit to it all, and compelled to endure the purgatory of two and three long doleful hours — rising, kneeling, and sitting, according to the most precise formula, all the while holding our faces as grave as an owl, and for all the world looking perhaps, about as wise. This done, we were marched to the station, and back again to endure an afternoon purgatory of increased mis- ery. Thus had we to submit to those above us, and sit under the ministrations of Parson Bedford. Like the greater portion of her majesty's hirelings, Bedford loved the bottle more than the Lord. In fact the only god or gods he really served were Bacchus and Mammon. Scarcely a service passed, especially in the afternoon, but he was so intoxicated that he could not travel correctly ; and whilst going through the ceremonies, as he passed from one position to another, he would be obliged to cling to the railing to keep uprightly in the house of the Lord ! And such was the man who would instruct us in the way of life eternal ! It may be well imagined that his teachings, which were but the repetition of a styreo- typed service, that in itself was as heartless and de- void of devotion as the soul of its ministrator, parson Bedford, made no other impressions on our minds than those of hatred and disgust. We heartily be- STATION. 95 lieved the old man as great a reprobate as the veriest vagabond that ever was forced to listen to his voice. At one time he was chosen to examine a gallows, and report whether eleven fellow beings could be hung upon it at one time. The old man went, and after a due inspection, reported, that " Ten men of ordinary size could hang comfortahly^ but eleven would be rather crowded!" Accordingly the ten were hung, and the same drop ushered them alike to the unknown future. He afterward, and before I left the island, died — died as the fool dieth. Our work continued without abatement. Our tyr- ranical taskmasters seemed to delight in making us as miserable as possible. We were treated worse than the slaves of a despot. If we demurred at our overburdens, the only consolation we could get was the comfortable assurance of a lodgment in the cells, or the pleasure of a flagellation with the cat o' nine tails. ., . ; . . We had agreed among ourselves, that if any of our number were taken up to be flogged, as we had seen some of the old hands, we would to a man re- sist, though death should be the result. We were fully determined not to submit to such inhuman bar- barity. Not long afterward, our carts were so heav- ily loaded that it was impossible for men in our situ- ation to draw them. We remonstrated. He wit swore we should draw them, or else be flogged. We gave him to understand that we should not submit to the treatment. Being asked our reason, we told hira \\'M to the island, and as many places of execution, viz ; at Hobart town, at Launceston, and at Oatland, about halfway between. These had their victims almost weekly, though executions were not as frequent as formerly. Though it was a relief at first to be placed on the cart, yet the labor itself was the severest on the roads. Whether the loading was dirt or stone, the carts were invariably filled full, except in muddy weather, when the loads would be a little lightened, but not in cor- responding ratio. Ten loads drawn a mile made our daily task, which therefore made a travel of twenty miles, half of which was steady and severe pulling. If we came to a hard or difficult place, we were not permitted to unload the le^ast fragment, but must pull and tug and lift, till we got over the trouble. In the fore part of the third week, another of our number was accidentally removed from his woe and misery. It was William Nottage, who was engaged in blasting, and while tamping a charge it premature- ly ignited. He was most cruelly mangled — the rod passing through both thighs, which were broken — his arms shattered — ^his eyes blown out, and his face c>nd breast horribly disfigured. He was taken to the hospital, where he lingered but for a short time. As in the case of Curtis, so now, none of his comrades were allowed to visit him. About this time, four of our number "took the bush," as fleeing into the woods is called. It is seldom indeed that one succeeds in eventually escaping. Probably not one in a thous^ STATION. 99 and does it. There are so many hirelings on the watch, and tlie convict is so readily distinguished, that it is quite an easy matter to secure him again, when he has lo pay the forfeit on the gallows, or in dragging out a still more miserable existence in some yet more degr ided situation. These four evaded a detection for < fortnight, when they were taken, tried for abscond ini^, and sentenced to Port Arthur for two years. This station is considered the very worst on the whole island. There were a number taken in the first troubles in Canada that liad been previously sent out. Of these, Lynus W. Miller, John Grant, James Gamel and Jacob Bemer, were put upon the roads, and the oth- ers distributed among the settlers. Miller and. his comrades, hearing of our arrival, requested a change to our station. At first they were refused, being told that our company wore marked for hard treatment. But they importuned and urged, that though we were to receive harder usage, they would rather be with their countrymen than among the old hands. They were permitted to join us, and found it true regarding the greater severity of our treatment. But why it was so, I am unable to answor, unless it was the un- fortunate circumstance of being Yankees. From them we roceived a recountal of their sufferings, and in returr we unfolded them ours. Thus time wore on. We were bowed down with suffering. Our rations were poor and miserable, and very frequently not more than half the allotted allowance, We com- Ti 100 RANDY BAV 1 :,|l M^ plained to the magistrates, and received no redress. We exhibited symptoms of disaffection — we gave vent frequently to our curses. Though we were in the hands of cruel tyrants, they had not power to chain our thoughts, and our Yankee spirits were not so far subdued but that we would give tongue now and then to those thoughts. We were continually half starved. We rose up tormented with the gnawings of hunger, we worked through the day with those gnawings un- satisfied, and laid down at night, and still they were unappeased. Thus it was at this station. And for the two long years I was on the roads, not a day passed but 1 was in this hungry condition. // • - . In the latter part of June, a Captain of an Ameri- can whaler called to see us. His express errand was, to give us a chance to quit the country, if pos- sible. We hailed the opportunity with joy in our hearts. He inquired if all our company were on the road. We told him some ten or a dozen were at the station. He then wished to have all that could come out the next day, and he would take us on board as he passed down the river. Our work lay quite near the river, below the town. The shore was a bold one. The cantain had five or six good, strong boats. He could sail quite close to the land, send the boats ashore, receive us all on board at once, and be off before the alarm could be spread, and cjt of danger ere we could be pursued. Ah! how our hearts leaped then with delight ! Another day, and we sliould be beyond the power of those we so heartily !.. STATION. 101 dress. gave ero in 3 chain t so far id then arved. unger, gs un- were nd for ; a day A.meri- errand if pos- in our 5 on the 3 at the d come ard as te near a bold ; boats. 5 boats be off ianger hearts nd we eartily hated and despised. But this gleam of hope, too, was brief, and darkness again settled over our pros- pects. The overseer, noticing the captain in conver- sation with us, mistrusted we were plotting an escape, which, so near the harbor and in sight of the ship, we might efiect, mustered us up to prepare for a move. Thus we saw the cup tliat was almost to our lips dashed rudely to the earth, and we compelled to thirst on for that freedom from which we had so shamefully been driven. . , .-■ ... Three days' rations were allowed us, which, with our cup and plate, were rolled up in our blankets, that swarmed with fleas, and slung over our backs. Escorted by a company of soldiers and constables, we were started for some place toward the interior. We were told that our destination was for another part of the road, where the work was hghter and con- sequently easier, and where we should enjoy greater privileges. But we knew very well the cause of our sudden removal. They dared not let us remain there longer, lest we should escape. In their other flattering assurances we put no confidence whatever. We afterward learned that the whaleman sailed as contemplated, coasted down the shore, and continued plying about the vicinity for a considerable length of time, in hopes we might be enabled to meet him. Little, probably, did he imagine that we .were on our route in another direction. lijj'j^gr*' • j ? !Ji I 1 111' bi i ( CHAPTER VI. , LOVELY BANKS STATION. , It was a hard travel for us from Sandy Bay. The road was exceedingly muddy ; a nunil)er of our men were too feeble to travel at all ; the thick, clumsy shoes chafed our feet till they were almost raw, when we were obliged to carry them in our hands, whilst some of the distance the road had been newly laid with the pounded flint stone, which with their sharp edges made our suffering feet still worse. These things, combined as they were with otb.er grievances, made our travel a jaunt not at all to be desired. The first day, we made a distance of only ten or twelve miles, stopping at a station where were a hun- dred and fifty men, with whom we were turned in for the night. Here we lost a share of our rations, which the poor hungry fellows stole from us. I could not blame them much, though it was cruelty to us. In the morning we were mustered out with the rest, to witness the flagellation of four men, before break- fast. It is universally the cas^, that when a man is to be flogged the whole gang must witness it. ». v After cooking a little of our meat, and drinking our akilly, we were hurried on. If any o *w wearied LOVELY BANKfl. 108 and lagged behind, he was rudely urged ' rward, as- sured there was a watch house not far ahead, where he might remain on bread and water a few days for his comfort. Before night a few gave out from sheer ex- haustion. That night we remained at Bagdad, which was a small village, of two or three stores, a tavern or two, a large watch house, and a range of prisoners* barracks. Here were a large number of constables and small magistrates, and other minions of oppress- ion. It was a place, too, where convicts were sent from the surrounding stations and country for trial and punishment, and of course the implements of cruelty were pretty numerous, and quite frequently used. Here we cooked and ate the last of our ra- tions, and heard the same list of names called over by the keeper of the watch house which started with us from Fort Henry, and which had continued to haunt us like a spirit of evil destiny ; and which, so far as I could learn, constituted the only warrant or sentence we ever received. After answering to our names, we were turned in among the prisoners, some of whom had lain there months, and were more foul and filthy even than we had yet been forced to be. As a consequence, we rested that night in agony-— if such an anomaly can be — and received a strong reinforcement to the already numerous vermin that infested our own persons and blankets. ■ ■ "' ' » We were glad when we left Bagdad, though wo had to leave without a morsel of food. We repre- sented our case to thoso who had us in charge, telling f :l V: , li ! 104 LOVELY BANKS. Im i. m. them that our rations had been stolen. But it made no difference. We were informed that we had had our rations for three '^lays, and whether they were stolen or not, we should have no more till those days were fully expired. That afternoon we arrived at Lovely Banks station, forty or more miles from Hobart town. Here, we were informed, we should stop for the present. ' The huts at this station were built of stone. They were not yet quite finished, and some tenor a dozen billeted men were at work upon them. Here our work lay two miles fron. the station, and was mostly in the rock. Our tasks were even harder than at Sandy Bay. Our loaded carts we had to draw two miles, fiv e times a day. At early dawn we were routed, and away at our tasks by sunrise, which we wtre not allowed to quit till sundown, when we were marched back in double file, and by the time we had our pint of skilly, it would be long after dark, when, to cap our enjoyments, we would be forced to the huts and locked in, where was no fire nor light, nor any convenience . hatever ; cold, shivering, hungry, and generally wet to the skin with the chilly rains that fall almost daily in that country during its winter months. ■,i,^^ 5 Branberson, the superintendent, King, the o ver- se* .r, and the other petty officers, were even more tyranical than those we had just left. They seemed to delight in having a "down" upon some one or more of the men. The meaning of this term is, that when LOVELY BANK8. 105 any of the men have done any thing accidentally or otherwise, to displease the superintendent or over- seer, and which is not sufficient to be taken cogni- zance A by a magistrate — or if a dislike be taken to the prisoner, for any cause, fancied or real — every method is taken that suggests itself, to torment and make worse their or his situation. It is the meanest, most devilish sort of revenge that can be imagined. King, the overseer, particularly had his "downs" up- on some of us almost continually, and many of our number had to spend weary hours in the cells, for no other apparent reason than they should feel and know they were in his power. There are number- less ways by which the overseer can vent his spite on his victim — as, compelling him to do with a poor tool as much as another with a better one — making his task heavier, or putting him into muddy places, or into the worst positions. These and many other means are resorted to, to make the labor of some one more degrading, more onerous, and more bitter than that of another. And for all these petty annoyances there was no relief. If the victim cried out againpt the abuse, or refused to submit, he was pretty sure to be chucked into the watch house, then brought before the magistrates to receive his solitary or stripes for disobedience of orders — the very thing the tyrants most wanted. If the convict complained to the mag- istrate, the result was almost universally the same. The overseer is sure to be found there too with his etory, which is to the effect that, the complainant is ■<; i i 'W ■: > 106 LOV£LY BANKS. i^ ii lazy, slights his work, is insolent, and in fact one who causes the greatest trouble of any in the gang. Tom is believed, while the poor fellow's story goes for nothing, unless it be a warrant to the solitary for ten, fifteen or twenty days, or to the triangle for thirty- six or more lashes ; and so soon as the punishment is ended, the victim is returned ^o his work to be far- ther victimized, with the abuse and insult aggravated. " See what you get by complaining ; guess you'll be trying it again!" Such were the words of con- solation. There were t^vo of the men, Marsh and White, that Tom King had an extra antipathy against. They had both worsted him before the magistrate, for which he never forgave them. They had before this lost something, which they felt pretty well as- sured was stolen by the billeted men, with probably Tom's connivance. They complained of it to Tom, and charged it on those men, which incensed him beyond measure, and he took every possible occa- sion to make their condition as irksome and degrad- ing as possible. ^ Marsh's health was feeble and he could not endure the tasks. He was daily sinking under the tyrrany Oi the overseer. Therefore, as a last resort, he com- plained to the magistrate who was then at the station. Tom, as usual, went on with his story. But Marsh's appearance so strongly sustained his complaint that the doctor was called to examine him, who reported to the magistrate that Marsh was unable to labor, ez- / i LOVELY BANKS. 107 le who Tom 3es for for ten, thirty- shment be far- avated. s you'll of con- White, against, gistrate, d before well as- )robably to Tom, sed him )le occa- degrad- i endure tyrrany he com- ) station. Marsh's aint that reported ibor, ex- cept at the very lightest work. The result was, that Tom got a sharp reprimand, with an order to put the complainant only on the very lightest work. — This had the effect to lighten his burden in some measure for a season ; yet the overseer took every opportunity to vent his spleen in little pitiful acts of meanness. ? ? - ' « ,, i» Wright was one day taken sick while at work, and asked permission to go in to the station, which Tom refused to grant. The man was in great pain, and utterly unable to work. Still he was ordered to work on. It was a rule, that if a man felt indisposed in the morning, he must wait on the assistant doctor, who frequently resides at a station, and is generally a convict himself, and ask his permission to remain in. If the assistant concludes he is sick, he gives him a permit to stay. But if he go to the works he must remain there till night, no matter how unwell he may be. We advised Wright to go tc the statioji, whether King would give his consent or not. He asked permission again, but received only curses for his answer. He went. The assistant doctor exam- ined him and declared him not sick. Branberson then thrust him into a cell. When the gang returned to the station, and not finding Wright in his hut, we made inquiry for him and learned he was in a cell. We represented his case to Branberson, whom we asked to release and place him in the hospital. This was refused by the superintendent, who affirmed he was not sick l^ut sulky. We replied, we knew ho • I'll t' II I { 'i ; ' f s •• " V ill '"H !i '.{ .11 : •* i ii I ■ Mm , I 108 LOVELY BANKS. h\ he was dangerously sick, and unless he immediately let him out, we should be under the necessity of at- tempting to do it ourselves. Branberson saw we were in earnest, and through fear acceded to our de- mand ; not, howeve r, without hoping to make an ex- ample of us before the magistrate. The magistrate and doctor having come and inquired into the matter and ascertained the facts, gave the superintendent, overseer and assistant doctor, a severe reprimand, telling them at the same time, they might be indeed thankful that they were not broke of their offices. Wright lay in the hospital nearly six weeks, unable to do a stroke of work. •' ^^^'^'■- --^ /'<{;{> !mvt©p/ u. Here we were too far away to be sent to church, accordingly the service was gone through with by the superintendent in the open yard. Our clothing was distributed twice a year, and was the same for winter as for summer. If it did not last the allotted time, or was stolen, we had no other al- ternative than to go without, unless the compassion of some one should be moved in our favor, which in- deed was very seldom. Many of our number were without shoes, and underwent very much. Some were stolen, others worn out. My own proved a worthless pair and were soon gone. The bell usu- ally rang at daylight for us t3 rise, dress and wash, which done, another called us into the yard — with our collars unbuttoned and turned down, exposing our necks and bosoms, our pantaloons turned up to the knees and our shirt sleeves rolled above the el* was ling! stab LOVELY BANKS. 109 idiately y of at- saw we our de- e an ex- igistrate e matter tendent, )rimand, B indeed • offices. 5, unable > church, with by , and was id not last other al- mpassion which in- ber were . . Some proved a I bell usu- 3ind wash, ard — with exposing 'ned up to )ve the el- bows — where we stood till the whole company were inspected. During the winter months a thick frost usually covered the ground in the morning — and to stand there in the chilling atmosphere, with bare feet on the frost, one may judge was no comfortable bus- iness. Now and then some old rag would be given me, which I would wrap about my feet and partially keep them from the ground till the sun was up and the frost melted. For six weeks I endured this ex- posure. I complained to the overseer and superin- tendent without avail. I thought I could not stand it, and quite resolved upon the desperate alternative of "taking the bush." Darting pains shot through my limbs ; my legs were lame with rheumatism and my feet sore with travel on the sharp stones. Once I left the gang and went a distance into the woods, but returned again that night. I told some of my companions I was determined to go, for I could but die, and that were better than such lingering tor- ment. But they reasoned so stoutly against it, that for the while I abandoned the idea. A day or two afterward the magistrate, whose name was Cruik- shank, visited our station. He was of a more com- peissionate nature than any we had yet had to do with at the stations. I laid my case before him. Turning to a constable that stood by, he asked if there were any shoes in the store-house. To which was replied, none. Taking tw^ half-crowns (ten shil- lings) from his pocket, he handed them to the con- stables, with orders to procure me a pair of shoes ';;i| > ,i&b- on. We requested our old suits, t ^' we might be made more comfortable ; but as the law would allow us only one suit at a time, they refused them to us. The pantaloons of our *' magpie," instead of being 8 fk 114 LOVELY BANKS. W' I: ved up the legs and sides, were fastened with but- tons placed about six inches apar*^^, thus letting in even more of the cold atmosphere than our old thread- bare suit. The *'magpie" was made in this manner for the convenience of chained criminals, who are not allowed to have their irons removed. We asked permission to seam them up, but this was denied too. We had grown so familiar with our old suits of grey that we could readily recognize each other ; but our acquaintance was again thrown into that confusion we experienced when first we donned the convict's dress. , , We had now been at Lovely Banks station — which the reader will have seen by this time \vas a sad misnomer — nearly all the winter ; during all which time our party had seldom retired at night with a dry shirt, and then with no means under heaven to warm the shivering frame, save one poor, solitary blanket, and what little heat the vital functions were capable of arousing ! The only wonder is, that we were not all tumbled into the dead hole, or carried away to the dissecting room. , r. In •: ; I « - » - A t. se^ an( m( nol th( upi , i,i i I but- [ig in liread- anner o are asked d too. fgrey but our ifusion mvict's ation — 5 was a ring all ght with heaven solitary ns were that we : carried k tK ' 1 ■ It ■ \ I . ' -: » I ^ i. tl... ' t .■ CHAPTER VII. • i :' • « '•'• GREEN PONDS STATION. We were ranked up preparatory for a start. One day's rations and our household furniture — the plate and cup — wrapped in our lousey blankets and slung across the shoulder. Presently the men in blue roundabouts had all things ready, when we moved off — a "magpie" regiment. We had a hard day's march, reaching at njglit Green Ponds station, twen- ty miles nearer Ilobart town, where at present we were to remain. There were here the usual num- ber of her majesty's pnid minions, and twelve soldiers, occupying the barracks. The huts were in a worse condition than any we had yet inhabited — were more filthy, and swarmed with greater numbers of ver- min. Our labor, under Nutman, or "Bobby," as he was generally called — though occasionally termed "Tiger" by the old hands — was only of ordinary severity. Nutman was renowned for savageness, and many, very many, carried the effects of his treat- iifient to " " , not their graves — for the convict is not allowed a decent interment — but to the hole in the earth, when indeed their bodies were not snapped up for the operator and dissecting room. It sewned ii;i It Vw ! m i ii i( 116 OREEiN rONDfi. 1 . 1 : thereforo an anomoly to every one that Nutman should use us so well — for him. He told us, though, one day, that ho looked upon us as different from other prisoners, and so long as we did a good amount of work without grumhling, he should treat us accord- ingly. Now, as we had been, particularly of late, marked for an increased amount of abuse and op- pression, Nutman fell into displeasure with the gov- ernor, who removed him within three weeks, to make place for one Wright, who had every requisite in the character of the most barbaric tyrant. For the governor's system of oppression it was just Wright ; but for us poor, starved earth-crushed prisoners, it was all wrong. He had been captain of a vessel, and had sailed several times between Eng- land and Van Dieman. Knowing his character, Sir John readily advanced him to the superintendency of the rebel, vagabond Yankees. He had no experi- ence in the business, but with a fertile invention for cruelty, he worked his royal master good service. About three miles distant was another station, called Picton, whose superintendent, Sandyloe, was also noted for great cruelty. He was himself a convict for life, but having been there for many years, had been advanced to the superintendence and chief over- seership of Picton station. His soul was completely deadened to every feeling of human nature ; and it seemad to be his only study, how he might add mis- ery and woe te his fellow convicts, and give pleasure to his masters, whereby his situation should be con- \ \ i i t i GREEN rONDS. 117 itman ugh, from lount ;corcl- f late. 1(1 op- |e gov- makc site in it was rushed ptain of n Eng- 3ter, Sir lency of experi- ition for service. 1, called ras also convict ars, had iefover- npletely ; and it idd mis- pleasure be con- tinued. Like every petty tyrant, he felt himself of great consequence, and of all others I ever saw, none could go beyond him for assuming dignity. I believe it is generally true, that the lower and more degraded the man, when raised to some petty station, the great- er his tyrrany and the greater his would-be dignity. For several nights after the arrival of Wright, San- dyloe would come over to muster us into the cells, and instruct Wright in such matters as pertained to his new calling ; and it may be well imagined that Sandyloe lost no opportunity to impress lessons of cruelty on his ready pupil. There was a tavern midway between the stations, where our quondam overseer would stop to carouse, so that it was seldom we got mustered in earlier than ten o'clock, and of- tener much nearer midnight ; and when he did come, he was ever so drunk and so excessively abusive, that we came to hate him worse even than his satanic ma- jesty. Whenever our names were called, we were compelled to touch our caps, make a bow, and speak up deferentially, "Yes, sir." This ground our feel- ings of independence, which were not yet dead in our bosoms, more than any thing which had yet been forced upon us. The idea of paying such homage to a felon, convicted, for aught we knew, of the most damning crimes in the dark catalogue of sin, was more than we felt disposed to submit to. Now and then a man, at first, would refuse to answer. But Sandyloe would command the clerk to call the name again, when, eyeing the man with the malignity of n m ii .■/ f 118 GREEN PONDS. demon, he would exclaim in great rage : " Now, do you touch your cap to me, sir ! and when your name is called, do you say yes sir, or I will punish you severely." Of course the man, utterly powerless, would have to yield. ' ■ At last we were determined to rid ourselves of the detested imp, at all risks. Having talked the matter over, we drew lots, when it fell upon Hiram Sharpe and myself to waylay him on his way from the tav- ern. The carpenter made us two stout, heavy blud- geons, with which we stole out after dark, and secre- ted ourselves behind a large stump of the green tree, some thirty rods from the station and directly in the path Sandy loe came. It was a very dark night, and withal stormy. We watched in vain till past mid- night, when we returned to our hut. He did not come that night, nor ever again, to muster us. Whether the storm was too violent for him, or he had misgivings that all things were not as they should be, wc never knew. One of our ends was obtained — we v\^ere no more troubled with his arrogance. .: A Our work was exceedingly severe. We had to draw our carts from one^to three miles, a part of the timi. obtaining our loads from a quarry, up the sides of a vSteep hill. Usually they were loaded full ; and to g'> down the hill with them was exceedingly dan- gerous business, the pressure of the loads being so great as to oblige us to run. holding on to the carts with all our might. One man was thus run over and severely injured ; but no one else received any seri- i GREEN PONDS. 119 [ow, do kur name iiish you )werless, es of the e matter Sharpe the tav- avy blud- nd secre- reen tree, tly in the night, and past mid- le did not nuster us. , or he had should be, obtained — ince. , ,i We had to part of the p the sides 1 full ; and lingly dan- s being so o the carts n over and d any seri- ous hurt, though it was far worse upon our constitu- tions, and more wearying to our limbs than the steady pulling upon the ordinary road. ■■ * - j Whilst here, we sent a memorial to Sir John, com- plaining of our hard situation, and pleading for some mitigation of our sufferings. We first spoke of the matter to Wright, who replied we had no business to send ; that if we wanted to say any thing to the gov- ernor, we must say it through him. But knowing we should have a poor advocate in his person, we chose to send it on our own responsibility. Still it availed us nothing. -_ - .- ^ ^ Not long afterward, it was announced one eve- ning that his excellency would visit the station the next day. We accordingly remained in to get things to rights against the coming of the governor at noon. ■ ■ '■ "^^ ^- ' - ^• We were just sitting down to our maggoty mutton, when an advanced messenger arrived, informing us that Sir John would be presently at the station, as he was but two miles back. Instantly were we mus- tered in the yard, where we stood nearly two hours waiting for the approach of the great man, some one of whose guards would gallop into the yard every few minutes to announce his progress. At last he was before us, going through the same manoeuvres and nearly the same rigmarole, as when he favored our presence at Sandy Bay ; from all of which we concluded that cruelty and punishment were to his soul what brandy and mutton were to his physical I ;: t ; ! M 120 GREEN PONDS. |! nature. He informed us he had been to Port Arthm*, and had told Miller and Stuart that they should nev- er hope for an abatement of punishment. Such dreadful bad men, for trying to escape, and we were almost as bad in hoping for it. Had ordered us dressed in "magpie" to punish us, and had sent us here to be punished with harder labor, and where his military could shoot us down for trying to get into the bush. If we attempted it, not a mun of us would live ; used to hiang those who took the bush, but now sent most of them to harder stations. Glad our con- duct was good, but must be punished. Were sent there to be punished, and must be. Had sent home to government ; when he got an answer would let us know. Hoped it would be lenient ; wanted to help us all he could. Had received our memorial, but couldn't do any thing now ; were treated well, &;c. This sort of stuff was repeated over some three or four times, till we got heartily tired, not only of it, but of him who talked it, and were right glad when we were released from the presence and sound of the old sinner. Wright plucked up greater courage, and after Sir John had gone, appeared to tax his wits how he could increase our misery. No superintendent, nor any officer employed about the stations, was permitted by government to keep pigs or fowls, or any creature, lest the prisoners' ra- tions should suffer thereby ; yet Wright managed to hold four pigs, two dogs, and a number of fowls ; and for their support, made quite heavy drafts upon our 'i ■ ♦ GREEN PONDS. 121 hor, nev- 3uch were d us nt us :e his into vould tnow r con- 1 sent home let us help al, but 11, &c. iree or Y of i/, 1 when I of the ge, and its how d about keep ers' ra- aged to Is; and )on our flour for the benefit of the shoats and biddies, whilst portions of the mutton passed down canine throats. We complained of our scant rations,but Wright repHed to the magistrate that we had our full tub of bread. Perhaps we did ; but the deficiency of flour was coun- terbalanced by a superfluity of water, and our "damp- er" (flour and water baked in ashes) came to us but half baked, and heavy as a stone. Our meat, too, was of poorer quahty than any we had yet had. Less care was taken with it, so that it generally swarmed with crawling things. But such food was all we could get, and famine compelled us to eat it or die. The prisoners were allowed Saturday afternoons to wash their shirts — in cold water, without soap — and to clean out' the yard and huts. I was one after- noon thus engaged at a brook some rods from the station, when a settler passing, threw me some ten pounds of "damper," a bit of a leg of mutton, and a couple of plugs of tobacco. No one was in sight, and it may be imagined how thankfully I picked up the articles, anc^ with what haste I secreted them away, as though they were so much gold. I ate a little of it, and though the damper was so old that it was hard and musty, yet I never in my own country ate any sweet-cakes that tasted half so delicious. I told my messmate of my fortune, and for several days afterward we would steal away from the yard before muster time, and make a draft on the de- posit. Aye, we husbanded it with all the care of a miser. . ili^; 1 1 122 GREEN PONDS. r / At another time, an old he goat — so old indeed that his head was toothless, and so poor that the winda almost whistled through his bones— was given to us by another settler. We cooked a part of him at once, the other half we buried till we had an oppor- tunity of cooking that undiscovered. At another time, on a vSaturday noon, I asked per- mission to go in the afternoon and work for some settler. It was in harvest time, and 1 had been prom ised work by one of them. Wright refused. Pres ently he left the station to be gone till night. Tak ing advantage of his absence, I went and worked, re ceiving at night my pay in tea, sugar, tobacco anc flour. Anxious to earn all I possibly could, I staid a little too long, so that when I returned the muster had just been made. Wright immediately questioned me. I replied, I had been at work for a settler, to get a little something to keep me from starving. He tried hard to find out the man, but I would not inform him, lest the settler should have been fined. He next asked me if I brought anything home. I an- swered I had not. I had hid them about forty rods from the station. Had I brought them in, I should have been punished f-)r it, besides losing them in the bargain. I was clapped in the watch house, where I lay till Monday noon, when I was taken before a magistrate and sentenced to seven days of solitary, on the daily allowance of a pound of ^'damper" and a pint of water. This was the only solitary I received on the roads, and it seemed to me I should starve to magij The' just malsl just enrai hardi fear I seei hari tionl busl hop] we }d that winds to us lim at oppor- led per- \y some prom- Pres- Tak- •ked, re- lcco and I staid 3 muster lestioned ettler, to ng. He 3t inform id. He J. I an- DYiy rods I should Bm in the le, where before a sohtary, per" and . received starve to GREEN PONDS. 123 death before I came out. By the old hands this sort of punishment is considered the hardest that can be inflicted, and they had far rather take the quota of lashes from *he cat, than the week of solitary. After the seven days were expired, I enjoyed the fruits of my half day's labor as often as I could get the op- portunity of doing it unobserved. Wright continued to make so many depredations on our rations, that we determined to stand it no longer. If one way would not stop it, we began to think that desperation might bring it about by other means. We complained again to the magistrates, demanding and insisting upon an investigation of the matter, for we kneiv that Wright did keL^> pigs, dogs and fowls, contrary to law, and that he did appropriate some portion of our rations to their sustenance. The magistrate could not well avoid noticing the complaint. They looked into the matter, and found the pigs &c. just as we had represented, when they took the ani- mals from his custody, and gave the villain — not his just deserts — but a severe reprimand. This affair enraged him so greatly that he strove harder and harder to take vengeance on us ; still he had some fear of the powers that were above him. But it seemed by his treatment that he was determined to harrass our lives out of us, or drive us to despera- tion : to do something that should compel us to the bush, or to certain death. Still we strove to bear it, hoping against hope for a better time to come, when we should be released from our cruel bondage. ,. - \\\ \ '■ i\ 1 i ^1 ( 1 i i ) ■ \ i : 1 :i i 1 11 '■ 1 ; , i,l t. 134 GREEN PONDS. Two months or thereabouts after Sir John's visit, we received information of his second coming. To describe his speech and manner, would be but a repe- tition. The only new feature was a letter from Lord John Russell, which was read to us by the great man's secretary. Whether we heard the whole of it I cannot say. What we did hear, was to the ef- fect that the noble lord had delayed writing till he should hear from Lord Sydenham, governor general of Canada, who had no objection that Sir John should treat us as he chose, only, that he should not allow us to return to America. So, it was in the old mut- ton eater's power to give us every indulgence that could be ; and with all his great professions in our remembrance, we looked upon him with scorn and hatred. All the consolation that we got, was the as- surance that if we continued to be good men till our probation of two years was expired, we should have tickets-of-leave — not to leave the island — but to go any where on it we chose, so long as we should make weekly returns to some peace officer, of our doings and whereabouts. This privilege, he assured us, was a great privilege, and the next thing to free- dom. But if our conduct was extraordinarily good, we might possibly get "tickets" before the two years were fully expired. This I thought mighty poor consolation. We were entitled to tickets at the expiration of two years without any ifs or ands, provided we kept clear of a sw?ond condemnation. The other assurance seemed GREEN rONDS. 125 visit, To repe- Lord great lole of Ithe ef- till he general I should 3t allow Id mut- ice that s in our orn and s the as- 1 till our uld have 3ut to go e should r, of our 3 assured yto free- ily good, wo years 1. We svo years lear of a 3 seemed more like the apples of Sodom. We had been try- ing by every thing in our power to keep out of pun- ishment, and to merit the reasonable approbation of those over us ; but instead of bringing ivors, it seemed only to result in harder work and deeper misery. Yes, if we would be "very good men" — that is, I suppose, if we would unmurmuringly put up with every exaction that should be required, and submit to every insult that could be heaped on us, and then toil on with an energy that should quickly exhaust the physical system and put out the lamp of life, we should have a ticket-of-leave — su«h a ticket, though, as the unscrupulous doctor would administer in his potions ! Yes, it would be liberty ! The freed spirit would be liberated from the tyranizedbody and take its flight to other realms. There is one conso- lation for the convict there : his soul shall not rest in Van Dieman. There was one of our number who had managed to keep a journal for the greater part of the time since our capture. His name was Woodman. He exer- cised a good deal of ingenuity in secreting it from those who had to do with us. Two or three of the men were seen one day with pieces of paper. It was enough to rouse the suspicions of Wright, who had us that night strictly examined, some being stripped. Woodman's journal, and scraps of journals by one or two others, were found. They were taken before the magistrate, Erskine, who only laughed at Wright, teUing him if the mean little tricks there depicted of 126 GREEN PONDS. him were true, he'd better say nothing of the matter, else he would get himself into trouble. It being pro- hibited the prisoners keeping any thing of the sort, Woodman and the others saw no more of their pen- ciHngs. The bits of paper seen, and which were the occasion o" the search, were pieces of newspa- pers which would be occasionally dropped among the men, containing some delusive hope of our being speedily delivered. Settlers as they came along would talk in the same manner, adding now and then reasons that indeed ap-peared plausable. '' ' -'•!'''- At this station were six men attached to a wood cart, whose business it was to furnish the station with wood. Their daily tasks were three loads, each con- taining a half cord of dry wood, which was drawn three miles. Besides this, they had also to cut it, which made a hard day's work of it. Wright had a "down" on them for some trifling matter, nobody knew what. So, to vent his spleen, he ordered them back one Friday night just at dusk for the fourth load. They refused to go. Almost universally, for a person to refuse to work, no matter what the de- mand is, is the worst thing he can do. He is quite sure to receive some sharp punishment. If it be an overtask, his source of redress is the magistrate. -But it is so seldom that the prisoner gets even a shad ow of justice, that to appeal is almost an act of des- peration. If he do not succeed, his situation is sure to become worse, and if he does, the overseer has so many ways of making him feel his displeasure, that GREEN PONDS. 127 a wood on with ich con- s drawn ;o cut it, ht had a nobody red them e fourth sally, for i the de- is quite ' it be an gistrate. n a shad t of des- 1 is sure 3r has so lure, that a victory is almost as bad as a defeat. Wright then asked them separately, calling them by name, " Will you go?" To which they decidedly answered " No." They were then placed in the watch house. Pris. oners while here awaiting an examination, have their full rations. If sentenced to the cells, they have then the pound of bread and pint of water. Monday morning the principal doctor came round. He spoke of the folly of these men in disobeying orders, and remarked they would undoubtedly be severely flagel- lated. That day the carpenter was ordered to make repairs on the triangle. By this time our blood was getting up, and we came to the determination that our comrades should not be flogged, or if they were flogged, our masters would be compelled to flog every man of us. That night, whilst the constables and officers were at their tea, we tore the triangle in pieces and burned it in the cook's room. The next morning another took its place, which during the day was secreted in a brush fence some distance from the station, by the baker, cook, and wardsmen, who remain behind to get the victuals and keep the station in order. Dilhgent inquiries were made for the mis- sing triangles, but as no one was seen in the acts, all remained innocent. The second morning a third one made its appearance, which was locked in the store house. ■ • >- - " • > Our clamor and the expressed determination to re- sist the flogging of our fellow prisoners, spread out among the settlers and caused a great excitement. I ! ' * m \\- i- V' 128 GREEN rONDS. Many of them came to the station to reason with us against our folly : *'for," said they, "if your masters set out to punish these men, they will do it, though they have to flog you all. Do it, you may depend they will, even if it should cost some of you your lives." But we replied : " Be that as it may, if those men are flogged, we shall be too; for we will not sub- mit to see the punishment inflicted ; come what may, we shall surely resist it." - - • The magistrates came on Friday, when the men were brought before them. Wright made his state- ment ; to which the men answered — that it was their daily task to supply the station with three loads of wood — that that day they had drawn the loads as usu- al ; but for some little ill will, Wright had ordered them after the fourth load, which would have taken them till midnight to procure, and that, as tired and hungry as they were, it was an impossibility to doit; therefore they refused to obey the order. The re- sult of the magistrates' deliberation, was to sentence the men to remain where they were till Monday morning, when they should resume their usual labor. So Wright, in this instance, by reason no doubt of our determination, failed in his object, while the men had ten days of rest with their usual allowance of food. But Wright did not relish the result, and he took yet more occasion, if possible, to aggravate our situation. . As a fair specimen of the tender mercies of these tyranical overseers, I will mention one circumstance 1 , rk on the roads. lie looked more the pictuio of death than of a laboring man. A drayman passing him one day, threw down a piece of tobacco, weighing probably two or three ounces. This method is the only one a freeman has of giving the prisoner anything. He may throw it away, or on the ground, and the law takes no cognizance of the matter ; but if the prisoner be seen picking it up, or disposing of it, he must suffer as the caprice of his overseer shall dictate. Sandy loe was at some dis- tance when he saw the poor man picking up the to- bacco. He immediately came to him in a great rage, demanding what he had. Searching him, he discov- ered what it was, when he ordered the man over to our station, to receive thirty-six lashes for the heinous crime ! A gain, that same week, another person pass- ing, threw him a bit of bread and a bone of mutton, weighing in all not over a pound. And the picking up of this morsel of food, which was to satisfy, though but for a brief hour, the intolerable pinchings of hun- ger, was deemed by the tyrant Sandyloe such a sin that only another quota of lashes from the cat-o'-nine- tails could expiate ! Thus was the starving, dying mar, subjected to seventy-two cruel lashes on the bare back, within four days — and for what ? Oh, heav- ens I for what ? And such things were of frequent occurrence. 9 !>■ J: ; r,. ; 180 GREEN rONDS. There are usually at every station what are termed hilleted men, who are prisoners that can work at such trades as blacksmithing, carpentry, masonry, dec. It is the law they shall work only for government ; but Wright, with his characteristic clutching, man- aged to get a good deal from three billeted men for his own private use and benefit. It is, in fait, at almost every station that the overseer or superintend- ent receives more or less of such benefits. But they generally do it cautiously, with a reward given to thfr mechanic, so that the matter is hushed from the ears of those who would take cognizance of such transac* tions* J ^. . V f Wright continued his tyranizing reign with a tight- er and yet tighter grasp. He kept the billeted men busy a good share of the Lime for his own benefit.. In this manner he furnished himself with bedsteads, chairs, tables, bird cages, &c. Farmers would pay him a fair price for chairs or harrow teeth, with some- thing of a sop to the overseer. Wright would then go to the smith, take government iron, and order him to make the article, saying they were for a settler, who would give him a few shillings for the job. But it was so managed that the shillings found their way into the superintenden;'^s pocket, whilst the pence only were visible to the billeted man. These exac- tions on the mechanics had grown beyond endurance, whilst his treatment of us all was so inhuman, that we resolved to submit to it no longer. We com- plainedt billeted men and all, telling the magistrate I! 1 GREEN F0ND8. 131 we could not stand it longer — that if either Wright or we were not removed, there would something oc- cur that would be more readily explained than the reason of our treatment could be ; — that, besides, wo knew he had taken such government property as iron, lumber, &c., and had caused them to be converted to his own benefit. Erskine replied, that as he was a superintendent and freeman, it would be necessary that three magistrates should sit upon the matter, but he should presently be brought to trial. Within a few days he was arraigned and the billeted men brought forward as witnesses. The result was, that the charges were proved — Wright broke of his office and deprived of the privilege of ever holding another under the government — the things all taken from him — and we shortly afterward removed to Bridge- water. V" ,,'■'■■ ^■'•' ' ,' ■* ' " «"^ " ivfl '■ 1'--- ' I'J il- .•'';.! ■'„,■,,,' I-,' ■i^-'>; :> VK ,;i^i:*- . V'.'- i".<|j.;(,i>0 >J . i' fiO'i 1 iv'v.; : .(..-'..-v .' )il^?n'' -if ■ f :;US-: ,: . . ,.■';■• '- ■_' ; iitr ' V f^*;i-v '' : ^i ;" •;' in <-.■ 1 * ', ;-'ij "ji^y^i V*. •' ii .'»:?..- il ,11^ I i > ' 1 ■ V X'iJ'- f ' hi I' r' ! ■ ! '• • \: .) Ai- I ' CHAPTER VIII. i r l^-.J: >0 f I ; ■•-''' ■ ' • ■ ; .' f :ii i>; . BRIDGEWATER STATION. , . . ,1^ We were now within twelve miles of Hobart town, and our hopes consequently brightened up somewhat witli the idea that some good opportunity might turn up, whereby we should be enabled to escape. We knew not but our masters were intending to bring us again to Hobart, in which case we were determined to look well to our chances. The work at this sta- tion, was the construction of a massive bridge across the Derwent, which is here three-fourths of a mile in breadth. It had been a long time since it was commenced, and was not yet completed when I finally left the island. It is composed almost entirely of stone. From either shore solid stone abutments ex- tend to some distance into the river. Other abut- ments are placed at regular distances, also filled with stone. Arches of stone span the spaces, at a suffi- cient height to permit the passage of small steam- boats. Before its final completion, the bridge some- what resembles a shallow aqueduct, but instead of water it is filled with the pounded stone, thus making a way over the water in all respects like the road itself. ,,u: . ' Lh BRIDGE WATER. 133 sta< There were here some one hundred and eighty old hands, and among them a good many billeted ones. The magistrates and flagellators were pretty steadily employed, and the cells, of which there were twenty-five, were kept almost constantly occupied, whilst there was scarcely a morning passed but two or three, and more often six or eight, were flogged. Never is one treated to less than three dozen stripes, and from that number to one hundred. The sever- ity differs upon different individuals, not always ac- cording to the heinousness of the offence, but more generally according to the mood of the flagellator, or the number of pence or shiUings the culprit may have it in his power to bestow as a "sop" for light strokes. For the most part our men were employed by themselves ; and for the want of an overseer, one of our nu'^iber, Atchison, was placed over us, as a sub. This was some consolation, though we could not relapse our labor, yet we were free of the con- tinual slang of abuse, which our former overseers were so flush of. . It had been ordered at the first that our company should not be mixed up with the old hands, as those are termed who have been there from England a year, and now we were in no very pleasant mood about the matter, for we felt too severely the contact with them. .J'^i>/ t/^n^ H -"^^nji :/fi! -a'^^r'^s' ..•':,; :''^}^ -^' 1,.;{:i ' When the men returned at night, the cook and the baker would appear in the yard with their loaves for tliose who could pay for them. It was too tanta- lizing to see those comparatively fine, sweet loaves passing about, without having a bite at them too, es- pecially when we felt confident that some measure of our own flour helped to give them their propor- tions, whilst our damper was half baked and "soggy." We complained to'Atchison, that had we money we might bu3^ very good bread made from flour that was lawfully ours ; but in our present condition it was useless to hope for it, and consequently we did not feel disposed to submit tamely to such a state of things much longer. Atchison replied, he had an English shilling in his pockot that some one of the men might take to purchase a loaf with, which, if the baker would sell to him, would give us an opportu- nity to do something effectual In the matter. Ac- cordingly it was given to one Richardson, who put ilgen- [raised jndent iplain- |r flour jre not )machs )ockets j, with- an ac- ok and loaves |o tanta- t loaves too, es- tneasure propor- 3oggy.'> »ney we that was a it was did not state of had an ) of the h, if the >pportu- Ac- vho put BRIDGEWATER. 135 upon it a private mark, whereby it might be recog- nized again. A loaf was purchased without difficul- ty, when Richardson immediately reported to Atchi- who took the loaf and called on the superintendent, with a complaint that the baker was selling bread which he believed was made from our rations, and as proof exhibited the loaf which he had just taken from one of his own gang. The superintendent tried to evade the matter and put him off, but our overseer mistrusting the object to be to smother it up, would not consent, but demanded an immediate inspection of the baker, to ascertain whether the shilling said to have been paid by the prisoner could be found with him. The superintendent was obliged to go, though exceedingly reluctant. He questioned the baker whether he had any money. " Yes, a few shillings.'* "Let me see them j" whereupon the baker pulled out a handful from his pocket, and among them the shilling which Richardson identified. The matter was now fastened in such a manner that a magistrate would be compelled to notice it, and bestow some sort of a punishment. The rogues were well aware of it and tried hard to bribe Atchison to drop it, but to no pur- pose. The superintendent, thinking to forestall Atch- ison, complained to the magistrate of our insubordi- nation, and want of due respect, &c. Atchison in three or four days preferred his complaint before the same dignitary, whose name was Mason. He could not avoid taking notice of it. The trial came on, and resulted in the conviction of the superintendent, ( i f J r ■ i ^ H m 1 •11 1 ' ) I 136 BRIDGEWATER. the overseers, the baker and the cook. . The former 'were reprimanded, and ordered to other and differ- ent stations ; the latter two were punished with thir- ty-six stripes each, and also ordered to separate sta- tions. We really took delight in witnessing the op- eration, tmd should have been still more delighted, could we have had the others bound to the triangle, and ourselves have held the "cat." But then it was considered a deep disgrace to convict a superintend- ent before a magistrate and transfer him to another station. Mason did not like our conduct at all. He gave us a bitter harangue. We had furthermore com- plained of broken promises in being placed with the old hands, and demanded redress. We had been there scarcely a month, when one morning nine of our number were told to step out of the ranks, get their rations and blankets and prepare for a move. As they passed us we asked them whither they were going, but they knew no more of the matter than did the rest of us. Thus it is with the prisoner ; he knows not when he is to leave one station till the moment he starts, nor where he is to stop until he arrives at the place. The next morning myself and eight others were ordered in the same manner to prepare for a start. Two days' rations were allowed, when wt? were quickly on our way, leaving our companions behind us, whom perhaps we should never again see, and going we knew not whither. Heretofore we had been on the road that lead:? from Hobart to Lau afte] our stati not, plai] we ; wer pun feeli BRIDGEWATER 137 Iformer difier- 1th thir- jate sta- the op- (lighted, riangle, In it was :intend- another le gave re com- with the ad been nine of nks, get a move, lev were than did le knows )ment he es at the it others ire for a ^hen Vve ipanions gain see, fore we [obart to Launceston, but now we diverged to the right. We afterward learned that this course was pursued till all our men were distributed in gangs of nine to various stations. For what reason this was t^^ne we knew not, nor could we imagine, unless it was for com- plaining of the doings at this station, and to which we refused to submit ; and so to be revenged, we were divided and sent hither and thither as a greater punishment, and n^ a greater aggravation to our ■.ViU.i i4 vi:,':, ytr ;'>r ••/>/. / .': .•:i:a*-*^' ,-«.' * •t\ ■w •■■i'. -h if--- v/' !'* • • .. '-^ '■• -':■', -••> "• 'y^ '■;■, '^ V 'V ii*<;:^- i T^i'.if i/^t'Tf |,v.w)('{ :;v :v/i,jff ,-ii;.'^/;,i^'^«^i,A~; ^.!.' :.L<\\ ■':'>* f -^i.-M ''1^ .-!- '•-; ••j> yi-t- ^^;t>' ^i.tvUiS^h ;■ -'■ ^^y'ii'- •i*n r .;i-sV^-: Mc »•!.{,•] ■>i;:.d;w i;;,^.' ai > ^^j.n ^lt;,.>^;i.' !' ** ji;'^ -" i- /M,.!? ■ n- i^/'W 10 Irmm ;ii!?"t; ■ 6^J I I'' 1' i z CHAPTER IX. ■I ' I JERICHO STATION. The first night we stopped at Brighton station and the second at Jericho, thirty miles from Bridgewater, where for the present we learned we had to stay. This had been a station for a chain gang, that but a few days previous had been moved elsewhere. There were, however, one hundred and eighty pris- oners, fresh from England, and who had been at work but a few days. White, the superintendent, was a man who had been overseer at Port Arthur, and was an exceedingly tyranical fellow, showing very sel' dom any mercy. Still, to us he was comparatively kind. So were the overseers, Goodwin and Sher- wood, the latter of whom had charge of us, and whom we found a strong friend, the only one, too, we had among the whole of them. From him we received every possible indulgence that he dared allow us. He had come from England, where he resided at the time of the Patriot difficulties in Canada, and of which he had heard considerable. He was himself a warm reformer, and therefore felt a stronger sym- pathy in our situation. During our stay at Jer- icho we were all members of one hut, and evening i; JERICHO. 139 on and iwater, > stay. it but a where. ty pris- at work ;, was a and was ery sel- ratively id Sher- d whom we had •eceived How us. 3d at the )f which nself a er sym- at Jer- evening after evening did he come and sit with us, and talk over our troubles, and sympathize in our misfortunes. From what he had seen, and what he had heard in Hobart town, he supposed we were to remain on the island for life. He however unfolded to us a plan by which, when we should obtain our tickets-of-leave, we probably might leai^e the country. He would have us see all our comrades, inform them of the mat- ter, and each save all the money possible, to help de- fray their expenses ; whilst, in the mean time, he would manage to obtain a ship, (he was a man of considerable property,) when, by various means, we might make the sea shore at some convenient point, then come on board, and change the destination of the ship to New York. He entered into the matter with his whole soul, as though he was determined we should not stay there, if his services could prevent it. But after we got our "tickets" and found that government was changing its policy somewhat, and was commencing to pardon some of our number, we went to him and advised him to abancon the scheme, as the probabilities w^ere now in our favor, so that we hoped ere long to be all free ; and that the risk to which he would expose himself was, under the cir- cumstances now too great. So for his sake, as well as ours, we wished him to give it up. •.;*..•,, ,-\ White-*vas a very different man — ^working his in- genuity to catch the overseers off their duty, or some of the men idle. He frequently visited them at their work, coming now upon him from the bush, then ■'% \ IM ! I: 140 JERICHO. ^^^ II i 1' m pi-^ i 1 ! 1 1 Liid. from that direction, and again from this ; sure alway?* of making his appearance from some quarter least expected ; and when" he found a man idle, or the overseer apparently negligent, a punishment was sure to follow. The new prisoners felt their situation most griev- ously, and were all so unused to it — and yet knew so little of the consequences that would result — that they were continually taking the bush, often ten and a dozen at a time. But universally they would be caught again in two, three, or four days, or if stand- ing it longer, hunger would drive them to some set- tler's door, who in securing them obtained his £2 each. I have known instances where the constable has bai'gained with the prisoners to take the bush and remain concealed long enough for him to claim the reward in their apprehension, when he would divide the gain, or not — as he was governed by the sense of honor. If the prisoner plead the fact of the con- stable's connivance in the matter, as a bar to punish- ment, his story received no ere dit, whilst the consta- ble went his way with the honor of being an active and efficient officer, perhaps worthy of promotion ? A prisoner there has not so many rights in law as our southern slaves, whilst the treatment of the negro is far superior. I remember one little fellow, thirteen years of age, who took the bush, was caught, and sentenced to receive thirty-six lashes. The flagel- lator, Big Sandy, was a large six foot man, of strong wiuscular proportions. It seemed somehow inhu- man, th fasten i ison ap[ the bloo stripped courage Sandy, busines! warrant was su( stout, ai dicrous muscles blow br murder, niagislr to see I he, '• G the bus and I'll ings W( ceed. blows ous the turnedl "Marl that b( fulfilh yetm< sense i JERICHO. 141 lway5« least )r the It was gviev- ew so ,t they and a uld be stand- lie Set- his £2 nstable \ish and lim the 1 divide e sense he con- punish- consta- n active motion ! w as our negro is thirteen jht, and 3 flagel- f strong w inhu- man, that a man of his size, a giant almost, should fasten upon the triangle a little boy, that in compar- ison appeared a perfect Lilliputian, to flagellate with the bloody cat. The little fellow, as he was being stripped and fastened to the triangle, plucked up great courage and spoke pertly to Sandy : *'Now, Big Sandy, I want you should do good justice in your business. .Tust put it on, hard as you please, and I'll warrant you'll not hear this chap sing out." There was such a contrast, and the' boy's spunk was so stout, and there seemed something so irresistably lu- dicrous in the scene, that we could not control our muscles, but had to laugh pretty heartily. The first blow brought forth such a shriek and a cry of bloody murder, that the flagellator stopped at once. The magistrate smiled, and some of the spectators laughed, to see how quick his valor had oozed away. Says he, '* Good magistrate let me go, and I'll never take the bush again. Oh ! good magistrate, do let me go, and I'll do anything you want me to." His plead- ings were useless ; the man was commanded to pro- ceed. Two more blows were struck, not extreme blows either, but the little fellow's cries were so piti- ous that Sandy again stopped. The magistrate then turned to him and with a bitter, sarcastic voice, said, " Mark me, Sandy, do you do your faithful duty upon that boy, ari if you stop again until the sentence is fulfilled, you shall be tied in his place and flogged yet more severely." This speech touched the man's sense of honor. Then came the heavy blows upoa I 142 JERICHO. i ;. 1 that tender back till it was a gore of blood. Every stroke opened fresh streams of it. It made my very heart sick and faint to look upon the horrible sight. Ho was taken to the hospital where he lay several weeks scarcely able to move hand or foot. Had he kept still and uttered none of his bravado, he might have escaped with a much lighter punishment. Big Sandy afterward remarked he intended to punish him as lightly as he dared to, and the first blow was a much heavier one than he should have given him had he not been "so sassy," as he termed it. There was no station between Jericho and Brigh- ton, and for the first fortnight our work lay at a dis- tance of five miles. The quarry was near the road, so that we had not over half a mile to cart the stone, and as the road was good, we found this work easier than we had elsewhere. Under all our rough treatment and hard labor my constitution was gradually giving away. With my work and food I was famished to a skeleton almost, and was consequently weak and spiritless. Sher- wood commisserated my condition and really wished to do something in my favor. Accordingly, one day he asked me if I would not like to go into the car- penter's shop. [ told him I should but for one rea- son : it gave such fi chance of getting a shilling now and then, that I should not know how to resist the temptation, which would expose me to severe pun- ishment. "Oh,'* says he, "you must be careful About it." I consented, when he said he would speak to tho SI such as was, I ^ same tin cart to s only hal them als of tobac< Our oth< where tl the privi we felt ^ this resu Thet] of anyi on the i were oi formed White t] little of we no^ Ihac like fori ped in planed dinner of tobad one in comforl dow ai I I I JERICHO. 143 Every my very ible sight. ay several Had he I, he might ent. Big punish him ►low was a given him dit. and Brigh- lay at a dis« ar the road, rt the stone, work easier ird labor my . With my [eton almost, less. Sher- •eally wished igly, one day into the car- for one rea- i^illing now to resist the severe pun- it be careful would speak 10 the superintendent, that my work should be light, such as making barrow handles, &c. The result was, I was soon transferred to the shop. At the same time six of the number were put upon the wood cart to supply the station with wood, which, having only half a mile to draw, was an easy task. It gave them also a favorable opportunity of receiving bits of tobacco, pieces of bread, &c., from the passers by. Our other two comrades were placed on the watch, where they had to keep guard through the night, with the privilege of sleeping through the day. Indeed we felt great gratitude to Sherwood, by whose means this result had been brought about. The time we passed at this station was the first of anything like ease that we had experienced on the island. With all parties at this place we were on pretty fair terms. Our work was per- formed faithfully and without grumbling ; and though White tyranized it over the others, we felt but a very little of it indeed. Our food, too, had improved, and we now received our full rations. I had been working on barrow handles and the like for several days, when the superintendent step- ped in one morning and ordered some dry pine boards planed for cart boxes. That noon as I came from dinner T procured a pipe, wherewith to smoke a bit of tobacco that had been given me. I expected no one in the shop, and therefore was anticipating a comfortable smoke. My bench was before the win- dow and at the left of which was the door. I was 144 JERICHO. , ( puHlng away at a fair rate, when I saw the tbrrn o( White pass the window, and by the time I could cast my pipe on the bench and brush a few shavings ever it, he entered the door. He was no smoker himsell and could instantly detect the least scent of tobacco. I had no ho})c now to rest upon to keep me from the triangle, unless it was the faint one, that if my pipe did not betray itself, he might take a notion not to notice the scent, inasmuch as he saw nothing. He stopped a minute or two to talk — ^^just long enough for the shavings to betray the pipe. "Ah!" said White, "what smoke is that?" "Well," said I, my heart almost rising into my throat, "it is a pipe ; I had a bit of tobacco and I knew it would be so deli- cious to have a smoke, I thought I might, as no ono would probably see me." "But you see I have caught you ?" " Yes," I replied, " but I didn't mean you should, though." Said he, after a moment or two, "Gates, I will let you pass this time, but do you be careful in future, for if I catch you again I shall punish you severely." It was quite a reUef ; but I was not caught again. riu-.* wf^ ^.i^-- We remained here about two months, when we again received orders to prepare for a move. We were quite loth to leave this place — the only ono where we had received any kindness on the whole island. Sherwood felt for us too. He counselled us to act well and do our work without grumbling. so long as it might well be borne, for we should in- variably find it to our advantage, not only for the pres- JEMCHO. 145 ent, but when we should receive our tickets of leave. He strove to cheer us with kiud words, and to strengthen our hearts to bear our misfortune as mnn- fully as possible. And when we *cd he could not yet leave us, but accompanied '< ^ouple of miles. He urged me when I should get .ny ticket to come to him, and he would try and assist nie. With his fervent blessing upon us, we severally shook hands with him, whilst the sympathetic tears chased each other down his cheeks. Nor were our eyes dry. Our hearts were full, too full for expression, for kind- ness like that of Sherwood'^ was to us like a welcome rain to the parched desert. 'J.» V. .i'[ / ., . .: '■ '(>i i'l ' '-/iii > n J: i.'-r ; 'J „ 10 * •,• ■, "1 •' . i.o -V \: '- : 1 t I 'iV jA > ii., ■ ■'/'.■'■. >' t . ' • •1 / - i. U.»,*ii < i !> .'• \. !• j\f,.J-'' '.'4 ii • -it;" *;•'.■» '! ' ! . ; ' / I • i'jt'lJ J > . ^"■':4 t !»..';> -'.;■ -.■;.■■»» '^', >'i i I 1 : I lJ 1 .1 much of our earnings as we might, and eventually succeed in obtaining our liberty. These we ima- gined were to be some of the fruits that would spring from our tickets. What sort of a harvest we reaped, will be presently seen. I asked and obtained leave to go the next day to Jericho, for the purpose of vis- iting Sherwood. Our meeting was Hke the meeting of long absent friends. I spent what time I could with him, and when I left I was fitted out with a nice suit of clothes, the free will offering of our warm hearted friend Shervood. I felt more thankful to my benefactor than I had words to express. I ob- tained warm water, soap, &c., and gave my whole person a thorough cleansing, which was the first op- portunity I had had since my capture at the Wind- mill, of freeing myself frorr ♦he vermin that had con- tinually infested my person in greater or ^ess quan- tities. This being done, and dressed in the suit which my friend had given me, I felt once more like a man. • - On Monday we left Jerusalem and all its thieves, without regret, and made our way to Oatland, a town of some importance near the centre of the island, and on the road from Hobart town to Launceston, distant from Jerusalem eight miles — having spent our two years of probation on the roads, viz : about four months at Sandy Bay, three at Lovely lianks, eight at Green Ponds, one at Bridgewater, two at Jericho and six at Jerusalem. '< Kl »■- •I t » • ' -v ' :l [ntually re i ma- spring [reaped, id leave of vis- [meeting I could t with a ur warm mkful to . I ob- ly whole ! first op- le Wind- ■ had con- ess quan- the suit more like s thieves, id, a town le island, unceston, spent our ibout four aks, eight U Jericho t^;,/. ^ ' ^.-i'--- ' • J- •■ /. . I I CHAPTER XI -, U» ' TICKET OP LEAVE WORK FOR TABART. We repaired to White foot, the magistrate's, office and reported ourselves due tickets of leave, present- ing a certificate to that effect from the superintend- ent. We were asked several questions, and our names, ages, &c., enrolled on a book as ticket of leave men. But instead of having the rang', of the whole island, we found we were to be confired to one dis- trict, the choice of which was given to us. The pre- text assigned for this change, was tho escape but a short time before of Chandler and Wait from the is- land. The government seemed fearfu • that we might gather at some favorable place, and by some fortu- nate concurrence of circumstances tak ; sudden leave, so we were distributed as much as possible and con- fined to separate districts. This wa a drawback to our warm anticipations; still we cou 1 but feel it a privilege to have only one district to roam in, free from the merciless road taskers. F om the fact of having a warm friend (Sherwood) in iiis district, and it appealing in other respects to b as favorable a place as any on the island for sec ^ ring work,* we chose Oatlaiul, when to each of us w as given a pass 1 ! 154 TICKET OF LEAVE. \ I- i ■ t|ii i ' f ' V H J L i' '■ that would last three days. If we found no employ- ment in that time, we were to return and get it re- newed for another three days, and if wo succeeded in finding work, then were we to return and report ourselves. When we left his oflice, Whitefoot ad- vised us to demean ourselves in all reepects accord- ing to law — to appear contented, and be industrious. If our behavior was circjmspect, he assured us he liad not tlie least doubt but we should ere long receive full pardons. .,. ^ iyifi,,'-'\' Wo went forth, but day after day were we turned away, and no employment could we secure for three weeks. During that time we wandered up and down, shelterless and foodless. If we approached a set- tlor's house and asked if we could obtain work, wo were gruffly met with a negative. If we supplicated for a morsel of food, we were yet more gruffly re- fused and ordered off — "for beggars were so thick they could not harbor any of the lazy vagabonds.''- Not a mouthful of food did we receive from a farmer in all that time, nor could we get the privilege of working a single day, even for a meal of victuals — ^ nor would they give us any shelter at night. Now and then we received a spare mouthful from the la- borers, who were themselves allowed but stinted ra- tions, and who after dark would suffer us to crawl into their huts with them. What little food we were able to procure, was obtained from roots, and occa- sionally from potatoe and turnip fields, which, had. wo been discovered at it, would have subjected us to* TICKET OF LEAVE. 155 jmpk)}'- et it re- jceeded I report bot ad- accord - strious. i us he receive turned )r three i down, d a set- )rk, we ilicatcd [fly re- thick onds."' farmer lege of uals — ^ Now the la- ted ra- i crawl c were 1 occa- h, had. i us to- severe punishment. Whatever the laws may be. the desperation of hunger will drive man to hreak them to satisfy its insatiate cravings. When we se- cured a potatoe or two, or accidentally found a kan- garoo snared, or succeeded in capturing one our- selves, we sought the most secluded place possible and cautiously built a fire wherewith to roast them. This, too, was in violation of the law, for the prison- er, or ticket-of-leave man, was not allowed to kindle even the slightest fire. Yet we did it, because wc could not well do without it. Almost every night we were forced to lie in the bush. At such times the atmosphere is cold even to suflfering, and to keep ourselves in a measure comfortable, we sought the most obscure place and kindled a small blaze around which we huddled. Once or twice wc were hailed by constables : " Whose there ?" " Ticket-of-leave h an." Continuing their advance, they inquired why we had kindled a fire. We answered, we were seek- ing work, which we could not yet find, neither shel- ter nor food, and consequently were compelled to lay in the wood, and we had built the fire to keep warm. "You must put out the fire." "But what shall we do ?" " Get into the huts of the laborers." " But if their masters find it out we shall be punished for that" Still our fire must be put out, and we obliged to pass the remainder of the night chilled and benumb- ed to such a degree that we could scarcely move. Returning the eighth time dispirited to Oatland for a renewal of my pass, I was informed by White . I r;il 156 AT TABARt's. foot i!..*t r. settler by the name of Tabart, who wished to obtaiii a hand, had left word to have me call on him. W(3 had previously been to this same settler, and been turned away because he didn't want any more heli'. But it appeared he had since learned something; of our charncter, and that wc were not like the j: e.ierality of other prisoners. For this luck I was in 'ebted to my friend at Jericho, who had par- ticularly recommended me to this Tabart. Accord- ingly I called at his house, twelve miles distant, and soon agroed to work for him one year for £8. My other comrades had just before agreed with another settler, by the name of Comode, to take a quantity of land iy till on shares. This man had talked very fair indeed, promising to furnish them with teams, utensils and seed, and allow them half the products. They were quite sanguine of success, and were ur- gent tb xt I should join them also. But I felt suspi- cious tliey would not come out so well at the last, and chose to follow the advice of Sherwood, and have nothinf»' to do with working land on shares, recom- mendivg the same course to them. They were af- terwards joined by four others of our original num- ber. Poor Thomas, who had managed to hobble about on his crutch, was taken into the company and injitalled as cook, with a right to an equal share of the profits. They toiled faithfully and worked hard, bat found themselves at last not receiving a div- idend, but in debt to Comode. '* ' - '? Tftbart was a man of about fifty-five years — had p AT TABART'fl. 157 ) wished call on J settler, ant any learned vere not this luck had par- Accord- ant, and 9, My another antity of ted very h teams, iroducts. were ur- 5lt suspi- the last. and have I, recom- were at- lal num- hobble company lal share worked ng a diV' 3 — had {I family, consisting of a wife, two sons, and tour daugh- ters. The girls were ordinarily handsome, and to men in our situation quite affable. There, particu- larly for a womar., to speak with a prisoner, is con- sidered a disgrace. They entertain high notions of honor, shunning the person of him who is a convict with almost as much dread as the cold Brahmin of India would that of the djspised Sudras. f . ' From Tabavt and his whole family I received quite fair treatment, and of which I had no great cause to complain. So long as his men performed their tasks well and without grumbling, he was not over tyrani- cal. But if one complained, ho was sure to feel the displeasure of his master, who nt such times seemed much exasperated and indeed dealt with a cruel hand. ,j i:, •ir . {ryu* i '^ -*r^L. 158 AT T abort's. I ' ) ■■ I Tabart's estate included an area of four thousand acres, three liundred only of which were cultivated. the remainder being forest and used for pasturage. The woods there are clothed in perpetual green, and the ground beneath is not strewed with dead leaves, but carpeted with wild grass that affords sustenance to herds and Hocks. The number of sheep i)ossess- od by my employer was ten thousand. He also had one hundred head of cattle. The sheep are placerl under the care of shepheixls, in flocks of one thous- t nd each. The shepherd is furnished with a gun and ammunition, to protect his flock from wild dogs and other animals. He lives in a hut situated with- in his range, which is defined by a brush fence, or a fence composed of dry and decayed logs. On the t'arm he had ten to fifteen men employed in the till- age of the ground, securing the crops, and in making and repairing fences, dec. Besides, he had an hostler. a butler, a cook, a gardener and two kitchen maids. These had the privilege of the kitchen, with good and well-cooked victuals, and with them I also messed. I had now to work but little—my business being the oversight of the farm, &c., yet I had to give a strict daily account to Tabart, who was evidently placing more and more confidence in my integrity, ' ^ During my stay with him he was building a large stone house. The carpenter had become indebted to me in the sum of ten shillings, which was a small sum to be sure; but one in my situation would think more of a few shillings than they would at home of Nt AT TABART H. 159 thousarnl ultivnted. asturn/i;c. reeii, and 1(1 leaves, istenance possess- also had re })lace'd no thous- th a gun wild dogs ited with- mce, or a On the n the till- n making m hostler, ;n nnaids. good and 5 nnessed. being the ve a strict y placing ig a large indebted IS a small )uld think home of so many hundreds of thoni. So when ho wont down to Oatland to draw his pay, I was anxious to go also, for I knew he was a poor drunken fellow, that would spend it all in carousing, and unless I could find him flush in the pocket I should stand u very slim chance indeed. Accordingly when he went down on Sat- urday afternoon, I obtained leave and followed him on foot a little before sundown. I had twelve miles to walk, and as a ticket-of-leave man it was my duty to report myself to the police immediately on my ar- rival, stating my objects in coming and the time of my stay ; nor could 1 be allowed in the street after night o'clock. If found out after that time, the man is thrust into the watch-house, from whence he is taken before the magistrate who sentences him to some punishment. But with all my efforts, eight o'clock arrived and I was nol yet in town. Here ^vas a dilemma. My anxiety for my money was so «;rcat that 1 continued on, hoping by some means to avoid detection. I knew where I should probably iind the carpejitev, and I knew too that if I went to the police first, I should fail of seeing him that night, and probably fail in getting the ten shillings. 1 ac- cordingly kept on, and succeeded in finding the man and in obtaining my pay. He was then carousing with several boon companions. I intended then to leave, and if possible make my way a little out of town to a friend's house, where I would stay till niorning, when I would report myself as just arrived, iiut the people heie insisted I should stay, and not. 160 AT TABART'S. V i V .. t 1 1 ■i « go out to expose myself to danger in the street. I yielded to their persuasion and soon retired to bed. I had not lain long when a dispute arose among the men, and fearing some danger I again got up. It appeared they had drunk up what liquor there was in the house, and were about sending for more, when the mistress denied them the privile3'e of spree ing it there any longer. The carpenter tauntingly told her she was only afraid of getting the money — "but there is the change," said he, as he thrust a handful on the table, when turning to one of his com- panions he bade him go and get the liquor. But the woman interposed at the door, calling upon her hus- band, who was in bed, for help. At this juncture the constables burst into the room, whilst the men fled, leaving me alone. Unsuspecting any wrong on my part, the men of function at first took me for the vic- tim of a robbery, and asked me if that was my money on the table ; to which question I gave a negative answer. They quickly saw I was not a proper per- son there, when they invited me over to the watch house, whither I was forced to go much against my inclination. On the way my friends, the constables, urged me quite strenuously to declare the money was mine, and that I had been robbe.l of it. They told me it would be of great advantage — that they could secure and punish the men, whilst I should escape. However, I withstood their seductions, declaring as the money was none of mine I should lay no chum to it as such. 1 expected certain punishment — that \\ 3 street. 1 ired to bed. among the )t up. iquor there g for more, 3'e of spree • tauntingly le money — he thrust a I of his cou> r. But the on her hus- juncture the e men fled, rong on my } for the vic- s my money i a negative , proper per- the watch against iny 3 constables, ) money was They told . they could >uld escape. JecJaring as ay no chum iment — that AT tabart's. at least my ticket of leave would be broken self sent either to Port Arthur or bac and 161 my- again to the roads. It may well be imagined, then, that these strong forebodings gave me no very pleasant feel- ings ; besides, I was galled exceedingly by being thrust in again among the vermin and filth of a watch house, since I had succeeded in getting my person free from those pests, and had therefore felt more human-hke. A friend who was going out past Tabart's called on me in the morning and ofl?ered to convey any in- telligence I wished to send. I accordingly wrote a line to my employer, giving him information of the circumstances and trouble into which I had fallen. He immediately addressed the magistrate (he was one himself) in my favor, teUing him as I was a great favorite of his, and an overseer on his farm, he hoped he would be easy with me — give me perhaps a reprimand and send me back, and for his kindness he should receive a fine roast pig. Monday in the afternoon I was brought before the magistrate, when I repeated to him the facts of my case. I was ac- cordingly reprimanded and sent away, with the in- junction to be careful how I got again in a like scrape; but as I had borne a good character, and had not been arraigned but once before a magistrate, his honor felt disposed to be thus lenient. But when I afterward learned the import of Tabart's line, I thought verily that the savory smell of " roast pig" wrought more on his honor's clemency than did my "good be- ll ■1% !? f havior." That, however, was my last adventure before a magistrate. I was welcomod back by my employer, who with a smile accosted me : " Well, Willit into the els of th^' said he a.-> 1 began to apologize ; " never mind, never mind, we shall have a mess of mutton for dinner. I intended killing one myself; so you were just fortunate enough to save me the trouble." And catching another, he bade me try again ; which 1 did, with better success, iiftcrward 1 kept |>racticing, till 1 could shear tv/cnty- fivo and thirty in a day before the season was gone. Soon after the shearing is over the wool is sent to market. Tabart was anxious I shouM market his clip, but there was a dilhculty in the way. Our par- ty had been strictly prohibited from going into Ho- bart town or Launceston. Tabart however saw Whitefoot, who wrote to Ilobart on the matter, and received answer that Taba:.! might have the privi- lege, provided he would give security for my good conduct. This he quickly did, and soon after I was on my way to Hobart town, with three dray loads of wool, each load weighing some three thousand pounds, and drawn by three yoke of oxen, with a driver to each dray. I was myself on horseback. At night we camped out, turning into the edge of the woods, where we built a fire and cooked our victuals, whilst the oxen were turned loose, with one of the teamsters to keep watch that they did not wander off. This is the usual custom. The third day we arrived oppo- site Hobart, where I left the men and teams, and put- ting the wool aboard a boat, crossed the river, which is here two miles in width. My first care was to proceed to the police, report myself and obtain a permit for the time I wished to '1 t . H t! 164 AT TABART's. Stay. This being done, I was permitted to go about my business. Besides making a sale of the wool, 1 had a quantity of teas, sugars, cloths, &;c., to pur- chase for my employer, who, like most of the set- tlers, kept a small store of his own for the accommo- dation of his men and neighbors. I iiad not gone far before I came upon an Ameri- can var "half seas over." I accosted him, asking if he was from America. "Wliat business is that to you, you bloody constable ?" and he squared himself ready to pitch bodily and personally into my pres- ence. " But," says I, " my friend, it is of some bus- iness to me, for I am not what you take me to be, but an American too." "The Dickens you are ! how came you here '?" cried Jack, his features relax- ing and his arms falling to his sidj. I told him briefly how I was taken prisoner in Canada, and with others transported, and made to drag out a miserable exis- tence there. The heart of the weather-beaten man was now opened, and nothing was too good for me. Go away from that place I should. His vessel left in a few days, and beside, there were two others there. He would take me on board at once and secrete me. But I was afraid — I dared not do it then. I knew there was a strict watch kept over me, for I felt pretty well assured that I was marked at the police, and constables were continually dogging me. I told the good natured fellcw that I would not then, but would think of it more. That evening he met me again with several of his comrades, who urged me harder • i 1 A."* AT TABART's. 165 go about 3 wool, I to pur- tlie set- commo- 1 Ameri- nsking if s that to J himself iTiy pres- ume bus- le to be, you. are ? es relax- m briefly th others ble exis- iten man for me. )ssel left 5 rs there, rete me. I knew 3lt pretty lice, and [ told the ut would ne again e harder » than ever to go with them. It was a hard struggle with me : I had hopes — strong hopes — of getting my liberty from govcrimnent before many months, and I knew that if I attempted an escaj)e and should be unsuccessful, m}'' hope of liberty would be forever fled, if my life did not pay tlio forfeit. I was aware too that under such strict surveilance it would be a difficult mntter. These considerations, and the ar- dent longing for home — "that home of the free and the brave " — made me irresolute : now almost de- termi^.od to go, and then afraid of the consequences and abandoning the idea. Thus did I come almost to a thousand conclusions in twenty-four hours. The next day T had disposed of the wool and had the required purchases, and still had £1000 left in my pocket — equivalent to five thousand dollars. The impulse now to leave the land and seek my na- tive country, was stronger than ever, and the men- tal struggle I endured no one can im.'igine. The sailors met me again and importuned me to go. I told them of the difficulties that surrounded me, and what would be the result in case of my failure. But they swore they would get me off* safely— that they would go aboard and get the mate, whom they would warrant could put mo where the British would never find me. Still I told them I would wait a while longer, when I believed I should get my freedom from government — tliat at present 1 was suffering much less than I had done, and therefore [ would trv nnd stand it a few months more. Nevertheless I left Ij '!«: 16G AT TAB ART'S. i . • i ■ i i >i i i m A' them in a more undecided state than ever. There I had $'5000 in my pocket, which if I could succeed in getting olF with, v/ould partially remunerate me for my time and sulfering, and to take which seemed to be no very heinous sin. Bat conscience whis- pered — "it is not thine. Tiic owner of it hath done tiiee no harm ; moreover, he hath put great confi- dence in thy integrity. Wherefore, then, shouldst thou betray thy trust, and prove thyself a rogue ?" 1 got the goods across the river, loaded them on the drays, and started again for Oatland. Still L was tormented with the v/ish. Once I did conclude I would turn back ; but then the thought came to me, I should not only deprive my employer of his right- ful money, but would also leave the drays to be plun- dered by the teamsters of the goods. Then I thought I would go further along, when I would feign some- thing forgotten, for which I would return whilst they should drive to the next station, but a short distance beyond, and wait my return. This done I could make the river, hire a little boat, float dowm, and un- der cover of darkness perhaps evade the water po- lice, and get aboard the American ship, which the next morning would set sail. This idea i also aban- doned ; for I began to think that if I ever left the island, I v/ould not do it so dishonorably. Had the money in my pocket belonged to Government, I could have taken it without compunctions. I had ever been taught that honesty was the best policy, and thus far I had endeavored to live to the princi- AT TABART'r«. 167 There succeed !rate me seemed ce vvhis- atli done at confi- shouldst I'ognc ?" n on the ill L was nclude I le to me, Ills right- be plun- I thought gn some- hilst they t distance e I could 1, and un- ^^ater po- v^hich the dso aban- r left the Had the nment, I I , I had St policy, le princi- ple. Though in escaping I should have 'lone no wrong, but acted perfectly right, my better judgment told me that the taking of the mojiey was doing wrong to an individual who had himself treated rne with comparative kindness. I returned and delivered everything safe to Tabart, who 1 imagined had felt some fears lest I should not come again. He was gratified with the result of my labors, declaring I had done as well, if not better, than he could have done himself. For weeks after- wards, I could hardly sleep at night, thinking of the chance I had let slip of getting to America ; and at times I was half ready to curse myself for not attempting it. The longing for home, sweet home, was doubly increased. A while after this a number of our men determined upon an attempt to escape from the shore in Swan- port district. They made very extensive arrange- ments, and sent me word to join them also, but I preferred remaining in my present situation, rather than run the great risk of being taken and sent again to the roads, of which I had the utmost horror. They however went forward — and failed, as I had strong reason to fear thev would. Those who have not })cen througli the furnace can have no idea of the com- plete surveilance that is held over the poor prisoners. AVhilst J was with Tabart, Sir Eardly Wilmot n J rived to relieve Sir John Franklin. Wilmot was much more liumanely disposed, and I believe it was- mainly through his representations and influence that m^^ ) 1 1 i i ,1 i 1 1 t 1 1 i: 168 AT TABART S. the government was induced to commence freeing us from the deep degradation into which she had so unmercifully plunged us. Soon after his arrival, he passed through Oatland. Tahart had a very fine span of young horses, which he was anxious to sell his Excellency, and accordingly, the day before his arrival I was dispatched to Oatland to endeavor to effect a sale. I saw the Governor and tried to drive a bargain with him, but as he was in no trading mood I only had the honor of the conversation. At one time I was half disposed to speak concerning our confinement, but a farther thought determined me to say nothing. We had complained so much without effecting anything, but incurred abuse, I imagined I would be as stoical as possible and bide my time, for life at the longest would be short. My first year as ticket-of-leave man was drawing to a close. Tabart was anxious I should remain another year, but was not willing to raise my wages. There was one Kimberly living seven miles from Tabart's who also wanted to engage me. From his conversation I was satisfied he would give me more than £8, if I choose to leave where 1 was. I told my employer I could not stay with him unless he would raise my pay, still he would not advance, and yet I was loth to leave him. II li. freeing had so ival, he sry fine to sell fore his avor to to drive g mood At one ng our d me to without gined I me, for [rawing remain wages, cs from rom his le more I told iless he ice, and CHAPTER XII. A PROXY CONSTABLE OVERSEER FOR KIMBERLY. About this time that vicinity was much disturbed by a gang of ''bush rangers," which are prisoners who have taken the las' , and succeeded in capturing arms and ammuniL :>n from the shepherds, with a determination to live or die in their wild freedom. — If a prisoner take the bush and arm himself, it is certain death for . au when taken. This gang, though numbering but three, was a desperate set, and had put the settlers in much fear by their frequent and" daring depredations. The constabulary force was called out — many of the freemen joined the pursuit also, and yet they evaded them all, though a reward of £300 was on their heads. Tabart was evidently piqued at my refusal to continue with him at £8 a year, and through his recommendation I was ordered to appear before the magistrate at Oatland to equip myself and join in the pursuit of the rangers. A ticket-of-leave man is compelled to do this duty when it is demanded of him, and yet he receives no pay, unless he succeeds in capturing the ranger, when he has a share of the reward and a free pardon. ^ f fif 170 A PROXY rONSTARLE. m' I (Jiportuni- ties to neglect the duty as much as I could, knowing that if I made poor business of it, I should bo less A PROXY CONSTABLi:. 171 (los, iny n siUTor- iiion to •god my cvoedod 1 the rc- io to re- lic con- absenct; iiicd six morning crawling ;h house, 5 usually receipts, such ap- one did uch as I "ofticial ated the )n by all and con- lised by ;ant bus- ilcss and to mr.ke tportuni- inowiii.o- be leps likely to be called avoukl » renson to w me thai lulgencies their fruit- 5 and anx- her it had re. 1 felt "retire." lice, wsome tiled over- widower, srs as Ta- he house. \nd feared as rfiuch listinction a of soul, id kind — with six six thous- tion being iced with ACTING OVERSEER. 175 him, his men were seeding five hundred acres of wheat. Ordinarily, ho had from twenty-five to thirty hands, who liked him mucli, because he seldom pun- ished or overtasked them ; and yet he received as much work as those who were continually driving, and half the time punishing. In his charge to me, he bade me be kind to the men, but see they did their work faithfully. And for the two years I was his overseer, but one man on his premises received any punishment. This was in wheat harvest. I had been to a station and hired forty extra hands at five shillings (Sl,^5) per day. Whenever a settler call:5 upon a station for help it is granted to him. The prisoners in this respect are divided into three grades, according to their ^^ood behavior. The settler has his pick in the wh-'le gang. If he takes those of the first grade, the prisjner receives the wages himself. If of the second grade, he receives one half and the government the other half; and ifof the third grade, iie receives one third only. If any of theiii do not suit, or they are refractory, they are returned, pun- ished, and kept on the road. And this is why it is the frecinaa or ticket-of-leave man cots no more. The settler is supplied v/ith convict labor at any price, between £6 and £0 per annum, he choses to give. In this instance the man was slow, and yet was anxious to keep up with his companions ; to do which he would clip off the wheat, letting it scatter on the ground, and lay the blame to the grub, which that • 176 ACTING 0VER8EER. season infested the wheat fields to a large extent. Going with Kimberly one day into the harvest field, we saw the man at his trick. When we t;arne up and Kimberly (juestioned him, he stoutly denied the fact ; but finding we had seen him at it, he finally owned up and confessed the reason. Kimberly was for sending him immediately to the magistrate for punishment. I ventured to ask for the liberty of in- flicting the penalty upon the spot. " Oh, certainly, if you wish," said he. I then made a few remarks to the man, setting forth the reasonableness of my punishment, which was, that he should for three days gather up the heads of wheat, without receiving any other remuneration than his daily food. It did the fellow more good than a visit to the triangle or the cells could have done. My employer often told me that he had never had an overseer that got as much I'rom his men, and with so little trouble, and yet had it so well done as 1 did. And yet 1 took no harsh measures, nor enforced any obsequious homage, and I believe I had their confidence and respect ecjually as much as I did Kimberiy's. He scarce ever took any notice of them, except in my absence. The whole management of the estate was conferred upon me, with power to make bargains in buying and selling stock, sheep, produce, &c. Upon either side of us at a distance of a mile and a half were taverns, and Kimberly never left home without returning pretty-well-to-do for liquor, lie also kept a large quantity in his own cellar, so that ill ATTING 0\ERSEEK. 177 je extent. vest field, r.ame up lenied the be finally berlv was strate for 5rty of in- certainly, r remarks ss of my ;hree days iving any It did the jle or the n told me as much 1 yet had lo harsh lage, and t ecjuallv ever took e. The rod uj)on iiig and mile and eft home or. lie , so that he was half and two thirds drunk a greater part of die time. He freijuently «tamo into the kitchen of an evening, and spent the time, often till midnight, talking about America and tolling anecdotes. About three months after my coming with liim, we antici- pated an attack from those same Bush Rangers tlitit were hunted whilst I was at Oatland. Tlicy were Irishmen, of the names of Cash, Jones and Cavorner, and hud grown quite bold and daring in their depre- dations. There was a constable who resided a ; art of the time with Kimberly, and against whom these men had a particular grudge for informing of their wiiereabou.ts some months before. We knew tbey were prowling about the vicinity from the fact of several recent robberies. My employer had been absent for two or three days on a "spree." Return- ing about ten o'clock at night, he stopped at the kitch- en fire to warm and clsat a while with me, as 1 had not yet retired. The other members of the house- hold were abed. The old man was pretty chirp in Jul; liquor, and remained talking nearly two hours. About midnight I heard a noise at the men's huts, and remarked to Kimberly that I thought tlie Bush Rangers were tliere. But be laughed at tlic idea, saying — " Pshaw, dates, they wouldn't come out such a stormy night as this." It was raining ve»^' hard at the time. " It must be them, I think, the noise is so unusual," I replied ; but the old man would not believe it, until we heard them approach- ing the house. "Sure enough, they have come," 12 178 A< TlXr. OVERSEEil, ejaculated the old man, who shock with fear like a leaf in the wina, und wlio withal was now so drnnk that lie could hardly stand up. The Rangers had surj)riscd the men at the huts, and secured iheir hands behind them. This done, thev marched tliem to- wards the house, denuded of every garment but their shirts. As they approached, the Rangers demanded where the constable slept. The men did not know, but replied, probably in the kitchen bedroom — (he usually slept on a sofa in the parlor.) Jones stepped to the window and commanded him to rise, when he fired — his ball passing through the open door of the bedroom and lodging in the mantle of the fire place, close by the cook's head, who but a minute before had risen and w-as standing by the fire. At the same moiiient the kitchoK door was flung oj)en, and the muzzles of two guns presented, backed by the com- mand to stir not, lest death should be the result. Our hands were then socured behind us. The cook, but- ler, gardener, y them vash it out. !])atched a ACTINO OVERSEER. 181 messenger on horseback to Oatland with the news ; the constables wore ngnin in |)ur.suit, but Mithout suc- cess. The gardener rolurned the next morning at nine o'clock, locking more woebegone than if ho had just passed through six months' road service. A cold heavy rain had bc(3n falling almost incessantly, and denuded as he \\\v., u\' cUjlliiiig, he suilercd be- yond description, lie had been compollcd to carry the "swag" some five miles iiito tiie bush, to what WQs known as the "murdering tier," a rocky eleva- tion of ibrest, that furnii-bed in its caves a comi)ara- tively sale retreat. Its vicinity had been the scene of several murders — hence its name, and the feeling of dread tluit encom}>ass(.!d it. Cash before taking the bush was a tioket-of-leavc man, at work for one of ibe settlers. One night in the summer season, he went to the " safe " — a i)lace for keeping meat, &c., from the (lies — and took there- from a slice of bacon and one o^^^ which he ate to satisfy his hunger. lie was disrovored, arraigned before a nragistrate, nnd sentenced to two years at Port Arthur and live more upon the roads. No sooner was he released fr;;m Port Arthur and placed upon the road, than he took t!ie bush, inducing Jones and Caverner to ncc'^>r»)pnny him. Soon after they succeeded in disarm i,.g some shopherds, and thus far had maintained their pv)sition ; but which, how- ever, tlioy kept but six mouth** longer. One of them had a wife, or a woman with whom ho lived, now residing in flobart town. Thinking ,r-:r 183 ACTING OVERSEER. ' I they Imd been ro long away from ITobart, and had changed so much in their appoaranco, that they might pass unrecognized and thereby escape from the isl- and, they decided to go to town. On their way down they diverged I'roni the **ticr" which they were fol- lowing to rob a tavern, wliere they obtained quite a large sum of money. Immediately returning again to the *'tier," they fell into a dispute about the divis- ion of the spoils, which dispute ended in a duel, and the wounding of Caverner, who was left by his com- panions, asthey supposed, mortally wounded. Cav- erner succeeded in crawling to a shepherd's hut not far off. The sliepiierd was an old man, sentenced to the island for life. lie at once took his prisoner to Ilobart, where he received the reward of JG200, a free pardon and a free passage home. Cash and Jones succeeded in passing three or four weeks in town undiscovered. Accidentally Cash was recognized by an old acquaintance, who imme- diately gave the alarm, and |)resently the whole town was astir. It was a bright moonlight evening. Cash quickly perceived there was mischief in the wind, and started at once, as he supposed, for the bush, but instead was running at the top of his speed into the very heart of the town, lie was noticed thus com- ing down the walk by a constable standing on the steps of his own house, and who at once judged him to be the outlaw. The ofTicer sprang into the street and grasped him bodily, when Cash drew a pistol from his belt and fired, the man falling heavily to tho ACTING OVERSEER. 183 md had y might 1 the isl- ly down /ere fol- ([liitc a ig again ic divis- ucl, and hiscom- Cav- hut not lUenccd prisoner £200, a ) or four y Cash imme- e town Cash e wind, ish, hut nto tho iLis com- on the ed him c street a pistol Y to tho pavement, alifcloss rorpso. TTo ran but a sljort dis- tance further, ere ho was ovcrpowored by nun)!)crs and disarmed, .fonos was also soon red, but not un- til he had brcMi fired upon, and both eyes destroyed by the ball passing obliquely through them. Cash was soon hung, whilst .lonos and Cavernor were placed in tho hospittd and fully cured, when they too paid the fori'eit of their lives upon the gallows — Jones begging like n dog tluU his life niijGjht be spared, as he could now do no harm, when the light of heaven was blotted out of his enjoyment. Awhile afterwards two others, Conway and .TefTs, took the bush and sucfocdod in furnishing themselves with guns and anmiunition. They were both young men, about eiglitecn years of age, prepossessing in appearance, and witlial rather talented, particularly Conway. They had not been in the bush long when a force was mustered out and sent in pursuit. Whitefoot urged Kimbcrly to consent that I should be pressed into the service, l)ut K. refused unless I was willing, and Whitefoot thought too much of my employer to press any of his men apjainst his wishes. As a matter of course I wo'.ild go only upon compul- sion, for it was busine::s I did not like. I could not blame the R Uigers so much for trying to gain thoir freedom — for it truly seemed to the convict that ev- ery man's b md was against him, and he might be well pardoni d for standing out in his own defence ; and therefor:^ for me, who had felt so much and so keenly the tyrant's power, to go and liunt them to 184 ACTING OVERSEER. Iho (Icntb, was something tlmt my spirit revolted at, mvl was more than I wns willing to do. Aaron Dresser and Stephen Wriglit, two of my comrades, wore however prfv-scd and compelled to go. There were fourteen sunt out in two e(|al com- panies, who ranged the busli for two months, when at lust one of I'fem discerned '^moko issuing from a deserted shc^pherd's hut. Creeping cautiously up, they surpriried tlie men in the act of preparing their morning me:d, when tlicy rpiickly secured them. Just as tliey were leading them fortli handcuHbd, the party to which Dresser and Wright l)e]onged came up. They held a short consultation, agreeing that the captains should report both parties engaged in the capture, whereby all should receive an equal share of the result, which was the reward of JC200, a free pardon for each, and a free p.-issago home. This was good luck for my friends, which gave them a speedy passage home. They were put on board a boat just leaving for London, with ordnrs to the captain to place them upon the first American ves- sel spoken, homeward bound. They were not long at sea before they hailed a returning whaler, upon which they were placed, and their passage paid to New Bedford, where they arrived in due course of time. Conway and JefTs were soon executed atOatland. Conway requested of the high constable, a day or two before his execution, that he might be hung in a clean white shirt. It was procured for him. " No," h< Arrixo 0VKnsKi:n. 185 revolted 3 of my lollcd to {III coni- s, when from tt isly up, ng their il them, llbfl, the ^d ramc ng thnt iiged in n equal f £200, home, ve them n board ^ to the an vos- lut long r, ii})on paid to ursc of 'atland. (lav or ung in ''No,'" ho said, '* 1 will not put it on now. Let it be laid away till I fun led from the jail, fur I want it should bo clean and nice. I cannot bear to die in tliis dirty convict's sliirt." liis wish was graiilicd. A large concourse assembled to witncs their execution, lie ascended the scailbld with a calm counlonancc and a firm step, when he addressed the spectators at con- siderable length in an clorpiont and touching manner. Indeed 1 was not the only one that (olt a pang, that one so well endowed to have done the world good service, should come to such an rr? timely and igno- ble end. At another time, a company were prensed to go in pursuit of two other JUish Rangers. Among the number was l>emas Woodburv, who had so much of the American spirit that he peremptorily told them he should not lift his hand to fight for them, though they did compel him to go so much against hi.'j will. Tliey came upon the Rangers, when the company were ordered to fire, which tlicy did saving Wood- bury. Yet the men escaped unharmed. Tlio cap- tain was very angry, probably because he did not succeed in shooting them down, and therefore vented his spite upon Woodbury, who was brought before a magistrate, his tickct-of-leave broken, and himself re- manded again to the roads for a year. lie had been ihu? at work about two months, when one day being in Oatland, I observed his name gazetted as due a free pardon. I immediately jumped on my horse and galloped out to the works, two miles distant, ac- ^%. ^*^^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) % // /^/ ^ .>% .V4 V. 5^^ ^ 1.0 I.I .:^ I4S IIIIIM IL25 i 1.4 1.8 1.6 vl ^ /a % >. ^m ■CM 7: ^ %. NJr ^"^ y -^ Photographic Sciences Corporation #" iV :\ \ '% V ■<^>. 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 «-' ^ ^^ ^<^^ f/ f/. ^ & i 186 ACTING OVERSEER. > '* \ I ' f \ ! 1/ ' ■ r I i f: i if I ' ■ ■■ j ' ' : ' 1 ;■: Ir ;-^ f ' : 1' •1 ■ '11 . . 1k^ costing him at once — " Woodbury, do you know you are free ?" The man was astonished ; " No, I am not free," he said in rather a bitter tone. " But you are free." "Are you sure of it ?" he asked eagerly. " Yes ; for I have just read it in the Gazette." The poor fellow was so overjoyed he scarcely knew whether he was in the body or out of the body. He jerked off his old skull cap, danced, and capered about as if he were delirious with pleasure, "/s it so though. Gates ?" "Are you sure it's so ?" he asked, I presume, a dozen times. The superintendent came up in quite a rage and ordered Woodbury to work. "But you have no authority over him now," said I, "he's free!" "Free? what business have you coming here telling him he's free ?" and the myr- midon of tyranny ordered me to be gone. " Not so fast, sir," I replied ; " for whether you desire it or not, it is my business, and the man's business too ; for we have suffered the hellish cruelty of such men as you are long enough to know how sweet freedom is." We then left him, foaming and swearing the direst vengeance against us, if Woodbury was not indeed free. There were nineteen others pardoned at the same time with Woodbury. Others had also received the same boon previously. :m '''"■ Calling it a crime for which we had been sent there, each was equally guilty therein, so that it could but fieem to us, that whilst they were liberating some they were doing injustice to others. But as it was oil injustice, from beginning to end, it was only heap- M ACTING OVERSEER. 187 low you fo, I am But you eagerly. The y knew y. He capered "Js it so ic asked, snt came .0 work. " said I, ave you he myr- " Not so ;ire it or ess too ; uch men freedom ring the was not )ardoned had also nt there, ould but ig some is it was ily heafi- ing more and greater wrongs on a part than on the whole. It was some nine months after Woodbury's de- parture, t:iat my hopes began again to flutter faintly. Comode, who was one of the Governor's council, was gone to Ilobart on official business. Who knew but there might be more of us who should be granted pardons 1 and what if 1 should be one of them ? Oh ! how I hoped and longed it might be, and yet dared not to hope but fiuntly — very faintly indeed. Thursday, the 13th of September, 184.5, I was sent by Kimberly to the post office for his papers and letters. Just as I rode up, the mail coach arrived from Hobart. Among the passengers that dismount- ed for a shortstop I noticed Comode. I was so anx- ious that I ventured to intrude myself on his notice. He was then sitting alone in the parlor. I bowed to him, remarking that, as I was one of the Canadian prisoners, I felt much anxiety to know what were the intentions of Government respecting those of us who were not yet pardoned, and why it was that a part were liberated, and the rest, who were guilty of no more crime, should still be held in confinement. He replied, "J am pretty well assured it is the inten* tion of Government to release you all ; but it was thought best ihat it should not be done at once, lest the liberation of so many should create an i5\cite- ment among the other prisoners. But," continued he, "there have been eleven pardoned at this pres- eut sitting of the Council. What is your name V* ill 188 ACTING OVERSEER. fm\ I ' I i'1^ it ^'William Gates." "Gates, — Gates," said he, mu- singly, "I believe your name is one of the eleven, though I am not certain. I have a list of them in my portmanteau ; — (here the mail was about start- ing) I have not time to look for it now, for I must be going ; but you ride round to my place this after- noon and I will let you know." This was news I had longed for a great while, and yet had not dared to indulge hope lest it should prove a phantom; and now, when it seemed as though the boon was almost mine, I could not credit it, yet wished in were true. I returned to Kimberly's with conflicting emotions in my bosom, and spoke to him on the matter, when he advised me by all means to call on Comode and ascertain the truth. • ^ ■. . * In a direct line the distance was but seven miles, whilst by the road it was fifteen. My horse was not very long in carrying me thither. I rapped at the door, when a servant appeared, and eyeing me pretty closely, announced me to his master, who bade him admit me at once ; and there I stood, before the councillor, trembling with such feelings of hope and fear as may be felt, but not described. " Gates, you are free !" said Comode. " It cannot be ! that boon is not for me," I replied, hardly knowing what I did say, for I feared — oh ! how I feared — he was tantal- izing me. *' You can see for yourself," he remark- ed, handing me the list at the same time. I ran it over with my eyes, and there, near the bottom, was a name — could it be mine ? I doubted my senses — ACTING OVERSEER. 189 he, mu- elevcn, them in out start- >r I must .his after- ; news I lot dared m; and as ahnost ere true, emotions ter, when node and en miles, e was not led at the me pretty bade him ►efore the hope and Tates, you that boon vhat I did ras tantal- e remark- I ran it ttom, was senses — rubbed my eyes — looked again — still doubted — and yet I spelled it out : " William Gates !" Could it be me ? was my name indeed Gates ? Had I not lost my identity, and w^as not this some other person? These, and a thousand other conflicting thoughts, rushed through my mind in less time than I have oc- cupied in detailing even this shadow of the scene. — "Are you sure this is me, Mr. Comode ?" I inquired doubtingly, as I held one fmger on the name. "It is for you," he answered, his countenance beaming with delight. :_ ':- '^i ■■ ■\ ' '-r ■-■■■' It was enough. It seemed as though my heart would burst through my bosom, or choke up my throat, it leaped so wildly ; and my w^hole frame seemed so suddenly to expand, and to such a degree, that I incontinently put out my hands to pull down my trowsers legs, that I imagined had shrunk above my knees ; whilst my coat sleeves in hke manner were left near the elbows, vainly endeavoring to cov- er the arms below ; and my vest was nigh to burst- ing its buttons, so tight had it come to be about my body. It actually seemed that my body would burst its garments asunder, and leave me standing there before the man of office in a state of nudity. I know not how else I acted. I was in a delirium of joy and felt entirely like a new man. I reigned my horse directly for Kimberly's. It was one which had been trained expressly for driving cattle, and was there- fore well used to leaping fences, logs, &c. It took a direct line home, scaling brush and rail fences, and ii 190 ACTING OVERSEEE. m ''f I IN n^; I :;-jM ' ) ; ■ a whatever obstructions interposed, with perfect ease, how long I was in passing the distance I know not, but the horse stood panting at his master's gate before I was scarcely aware we had left Comode's. " It is true, it is true, Mr. Kimberly ; I am free!" I shouted, as I burst into the old man's presence. "God bless you," said he ; "but what will you do now ?" " Leave the island just as quick as I can get away from '♦." "But how will you get awayl" "Trust luck for that." "Oh, you had better stay with me another year ; I'll advance your wages to j£l6, which will help you materially in getting home another year." Although I had experienced good treatment from Kimberlv, and thought much of him as a man and a gentleman, yet I so detested the isl- and, I could not bear the idea of remaining, hardly another day. I was therefore determined to go im- mediately to Hobart town, and secure a passage home if possible ; but if not, then proceed to Austra- lia, where I had heard wages were far better, so that I could the quicker earn my passage money. My employer had been so kind, in giving me at various times shirts, &c., and even a nice suit of clothes, that I had been enabled to lay aside nearly all my wages, so that he was nov/ indebted to me £16. Had I been so disposed, I might have secured my- self £100 by peculating his funds, and he would never have known the difference. Seeing my de- termination to leave, he went to the tavern to pro- cure me the money ; but instead of returning, he urn ACTING OVERSEER. 191 2t ease, ow not, before esence. you do IS I can away*?'* ter stay ages to tg home jH good of him the isl- , hardly ) go im- passage Austra- , so that y. My various clothes, r all my le £16. red my- e would my de- to pro- ling, ho fell drunk and remained three da}^s. Three longer days it seemcrl to me I had never seen. Friday I was at Oatland, where I saw my name gazetted for a free pardon. I was joined by a comrade, Riley Whitney, who was also one of the eleven. Sunday night the old man came home, and the next morning paid me the £10. He was extremely loth to have me go, and renewed his solicitations to have me stop another year. But still, he said he would not com- pel me to stay, if it were in his power. We bade each other a hearty good bye, and soon I was on my way, footing it with Whitney to Hobart town. Just as we entered Oatland, we witnessd the execution of a female who had murdered a child. As usual upon such occasions, there were many spectators out. We arrived at the town, a distance of fifty miles, at eleven o'clock in the night, well tired with our day's travel. Early the next morning we called at the police office for our "Pardons." We had to pass through another searching examination, to ascertain whether we corresponded with the description on record. Everything appearing satisfactory to the man of function, we were permitted to have the bit of parch- ment that restored us the libertv of which we had so long and so wrongfully been deprived. But there it left us, just as far away from home, without means to return to those we loved. We went down among the shipping, but there was no vessel there from at was bound th ii h any way. 192 ACTING OVERSEER. f ' ! I' ) again went into the city to stroll about for an iiour or two. Wo had not gone far when we stumbled upon another execution — that of two women. The hangman was just preparing them for the drop. It soon fell. One of the women died almost instantly; the other struggled for several moments, when the hangman stepped forward, jumped upward, grasped the feet of the criminal, which he pulled downward with his whole force, swinging himself clear of the ground for the space of a minute or more. It was so revolting that even the spectators, who are there hardened to revolting sights, cried out " For shame !" Whitney and myself turned away, sick at heart, and presently were again on the wharves. We soon found a small schooner, loaded with lum- ber for Malbourne, in Australia. Wo went on board V a that afternoon left — I trust forever — Van Die- man's Land : that place so horribly stamped upon the memory. , ■'^. ■ *-■ ^1. • .; 'i ' 1 ■ t ". ; Ai LiLi ■ an liour tumbled I. The rop. It istantly; hen the grasped wnward clear of ore. It who are Lit "For ray, sick vharves. ^ith lum- on board ^^an Die- 3cd upon '••j.- ^ CHAPTER XIII. VAN DIEMAN AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS. Whitney and I remained on deck watching our late prison home with feelings of pleasure — pleasure that we were no longer forced to tread its soil. And as it receded from our view, and appeared to sink beneath the waters, we involuntarily exclaimed, "So may it go down, never, never more to lift its crest above the wave." Our sufferings had been so great it seemed almost a miracle tb!.t we should have sur- vived them. For a long time I had been afflicted with a cough, that was fast wearing away what lit- tle of my constitution the road service had spared. It had been contracted from exposure at the stations, and instead of getting better had been gradually in- creasing in violence. The doctor at Hobart told me I could not survive it long, for it would inevitably bring me to the grave, and that too, he thought, with- in a few months. A thousand thoughts thronged through my mind. The vicisitudes of life that had been my lot for the last eight years, seemed like some terrible dream, or some horrid vision. But yonder lay the island, whose first welcome to us was 13 llil VAX DIEM AN AND i i I : i i J ' i ! ^ i J ' tlie sight of men in gibbets, and whereon we had been forced to drag out some five and a half years of most degraded servitude — and whose last greeting was the more disgusting sight of women in those same gibbets. Oh! what a comment upon that isl- and of heavy loaded sin. Had we been sent there for f?omc crime — murder* or treason — we might not have had reason to com- plain. Life is sweet, and man clings to it with des- peration. It is well that the love of it is so strongly entwined about the soul, else earth would present a dreary waste — an uninhabited desert. But it is in- deed the truth, that if the horrors of the convict life be as faithfully delineated as the capacity of language will permit, still there is that about it which yet re- mains untold. There are sufferings there which not only rend the flesh and break down the stalwart heart of proud manhood, but they pierce the inmost spirit and make dead every feeUng of humanity. There could be tales told of that island that would curdle the blood — tales that would make man blush to think tliem true of his fellow man, and which, if one should relate them so far away, his listeners would but think him attempting a game upon their credulity — so fiend- like are many of the hellish souls that lord it there but briefly over a gang of their fellow clay. I would not speak thus harshly ; but when one thinks of those sufferings which bowed his spirit even to the dust — that crushed and took from him his manhood, and degraded him to the level of a beast, he must indeed ITB OnAKACTElUHTlca. 195 I we had alf yoarft t greeting in tliose )n thatisl- —murder' 1 to com- with des- strongly present a it it is in- onvict life 'language ich yet rc- vvhich not wart heart inost spirit . There curdle the 1 to think ne should I but think —so fiend- d it there I would :s of those he dust — hood, and ist indeed be a man of more patience than wag ever Job, if he can smother the bitterness of his heart. We were ten days in making the passage, wh'w.U in fair wind and weather is accomplished in four or five days. When the weather was suitable we amused ourselves in taking fish, of which great num- bers hovered around our little ship. • As nothing of particular interest occurred on board the schooner, we may spend the time in taking a bird's eye glance of the "Land" we have left, and upon which were still remaining eighteen of our num- ber. '•'■'-'■ '^'■■^^-"^»'- ■ ' -^ ■■ ■ '-'^ '■ When it was discovered, I am not well enough in- formed to say ; though I believe, some two hundred years since — by a Dutchman, whose name it bears. It was first appropriated to the purposes of a penal colony, somewhere about the year 1800. Of the first ship load landed, several yet remained on the island. One of these, by the name of Johnson, who had obtained his emancipation, was reputed to be the richest person in the whole country. He was an old man, and longed very much to see his native country. He offered the government the pledge of his whole property, save enough to carry him home and back, if it would but permit him to visit old Eng- land 07ice before he died. But government was rig- orous, and the old man could not leave the island. There were then probably not far from ninety thousand inhabitants ; more than half of whom were convicts, including such as were emancipated. — hi 190 VAN UIEMAN AND I i '" trj ■I There arc three grades of thorn. I'hose who are compelled to labor for government, generally upon the roads, are the convicts proper. Having served in this capacity an allotted time, if their behavior is such as suits their tyrannical masters, they are grant- ed tickets of leave, when they are called ticket-of- leave men. These usually have the liberty to seek employment throughout the greater portion of the island, subject, however, to the demands of govern- ment, and under its supervision. It is very seldom they are able to save any thing from their earnings. If their conduct continues to satisfy their masters, and they have succeeded in keeping out of punishment or from a re-commitment to the roads, they are al- lowed emancipations, and are then called Emancipa- tionists, having the full privilege of citizenship, and the full freedom of the island. ._ . The natives have nearly all disappeared. The contact of the English has been even more deadly to them than it was to our aboriginees. I saw sev- eral of them whilst residing there. They were less in statute than our Indians — were tattoed — had black hair, which was rather curly — a dark skin, with rath- er high cheek bones. There is a small colony of ihem on a small adjacent island, which is the only remnant of several thousands ; and very soon will it be when the last of these shall have yielded to the white race. f.> ... r -J, -r. - .-i:,^ r-i^)v/ •.•. hi'a- . Van Dieman society is indeed loathsome. Drunk- enness and debauchery are common among those ,} ! ITS CHARACTERl»TIC8. 197 who are ally upon iig served lavior is are grant- ticket-of" ty to seek on of the f govern- :'y seldom earnings. isters, and inishment By are al- iimancipa- iship, and ed. The )re deadly [ saw sev- were less •had black with rath- colony of the only soon will led to the Drunk- >ng those who claim themselves the gentry. Nor are the mem- bers of the female sex free from the practice. La- dies of high rank indulge in the social glass with as much gusto as do their leigo lords ; and among the lower classes, and in the streets, it is as common a thing to see females as males, reelirgin all the fdth of beastly drunkenness, and blaspheming most horri- bly. The poor man there, though le be as virtuous as a saint, has no more hope of hoior and prefer- ment, or the privilege of associating with the higher grades of society, than the most ab ndoned wretch that wallows in the ditch. But give him wealth — make him rich in the things of this f irth, and he be- comes one of the greatest "gentlem 'n" on the isl- and, though he were the veriest va| iibond that dis- graced the magistrate's calendar. "V ce of every de- scription seemed almost to run riol ; nor could it otherwise be well expected, so long as the greater share of the convicts were but the s( um and filth of England's society. Obscenity and c )arse vulgarity walked the streets and country bra;- ^n faced — nor sought to hide their deformity in d -rkness. The chief amusements were horse racing cock fighting, hunting, theatre going, and the like. The face of the country in most parts is broken. Ridges or "tiers" of land are frequent, some of which are rugged and rocky. Between these the land is generally of a rich loomy character, ]> reducing good crops, where '* is not swampy or mr-rshy. There are but few streams, and in all my time there I nev- 'Ni I'ilh ; !■' \\ , *-l •:i' s i ll J i 1 198 VAN DIEMAN AND er saw one real gurgling spring. Through the sum- mer season it very seldom rains ; as a consequence the country becomes parched, the swamps dry up, and nearly all the streams cease running. Good water is obtained by sinking wells from fifty to one hundred and fifty feet in depth. For their cattle the farmers often scoop out deep ponds in the swamps or marshes, which may retain water for the greater part if not wholly through the year. The settlers live some distance apart, on estates ranging from four and five thousand to twenty and twenty-five thousand acres, very little of which they till, devoting them mainly to purposes of pasturage. Wheat however is raised to some extent, but is not always a sure crop, the heavy frosts frequently injuring not only this but other crops ilso. The average yield of crops is nearly the same as here. Rye is occasionally raised. Oats and barley, which are considered the surest grains, are extensively cultivated. Potatoes flourished, but were affected with the same unex- plained disease that is destroying the crop through- out the world. Gorn cannot flourish. Fruits and grapes do well when sheltered from the frost. The prices of produce may be judged of somewhat by the following rates, which was about the average price for the time I was there : One shilling of that cur- rency is worth just two York shillings : Wheat was six to eight shillings — though I have known it as low as three shillings, and again as high as thirty shil- lings — ^barley brought five shillings ; potatoes two ITS CHARACTERISTICS. 199 1 the sum- iseqiienc^ )S dry up, Good ty to one ■ cattle the g wamps or eater part ttlers live n four and ) thousand ting them however lys a sure I not only Id of crops casionally dered the Potatoes me unex- > through- ruits and )st. The hat by the age price * that cur- ^heat was 1 it as low lirty shil- itoes two shillings and six pence — and oats two shilHngs. The roads were all constructed by and at the ex- pense of government, and when I left were nearly completed. They are first graded, somew' ,t simi- lar to our railroads, then a layer of stone five inches thick is well bedded down, and upon this is put eight inches of pounded stone, and the whole covered with a light layer of earth, sufficient to fill the interstices of the surface. When once well worn, these roads are smooth and almost as hard as a rock. Not only are the main roads thus built, but cross roads and ofF- setts to settlers' houses. The government was about turning its convict labor to farming and wheat rais- ing. It will be somewhat easier than road work, yet hard enough in all conscience for the poor prisoner. No animal labor is used on the works, everything being done by the unaided muscles of man. The climate is generally healthy. Snow is nev- er seen, except in isolated flakes that vanish almost as soon as they touch the earth. The winter is one continued rain storm, the days being moderate, but the nights cold. In spring and autumn the nights are also cool. ' ' ?" - '' ' ■ Of the animals, the kangaroo is the most numer- ous. He is a singular animal, possessing a good de- gree of speed, but is not long winded — is of an inof- fensive nature, and whose flesh is considered very palatable eating. They use their hind feet, which are very much longer than the fore feet, mainly for purposes of locomotion. I have seen them at times I, •. ' 1 i I I \ 1 H!MM I If I J' P|!i!':fl- .HaV' h: • 200 VAN DIEMAN AND when hard pressed by the dog, turn in defence, and not unfrequently seize their pursuer in their arms, hug him tightly, whilst they would bound away to the nearest water, where they would plunge him beneath the surface till he was strangled. Opossums, badg- ers, and rabbits were thick. There is also a species of wild dog or wolf, but which is not numerous. The "devil," as he is called there — but which bears no resemblance inform or disposition to those of human shape from whom we suffered so much, nor indeed, to their great father, the arch fiend himself — is a small black animal, with a thick head and a bushy tail, about the size of a common cat. Skunks were com- mon. There were no ferocious animals, and but a few species of the serpent kind, all of which were exceedingly venomous in their bite. The largest was the black snake — four and five feet in length. The silver snake resembles our common striped snake, and is from a foot to eighteen inches long. The crow and raven are found here, also species of the eagle. Parrots, magpies and cockatoos are very numerous, and oflen commit serious depredations on the crops of the settlers. They are often caught and tamed, and may be taught to imitate the human voice. This is particularly the case with the cockatoo, which is an unmitigated scoundrel, seeking all manner of mischief that he can get into. If a shirt or any gar- ment be left within their reach, the buttons are sure to disappear, if the article itself is not dragged away. I have seen a strong jack-knife taken by one of them . *-tvl ITS CHARACTERISTICS. 201 ice, and ir arms, ay to the beneath IS, badg- i species s. The jears no f human indeed, s a small shy tail, Bre com- id but a ch were I largest L length. striped es long, ecies of are very tions on ight and n voice. 3, which tnner of -ny gar- ire sure d away, of them and entirely pulled apart and every rivet extracted. There is a bird- commonly called a jackass. It is a homely bird, about the size of a common blackbird — is a melodious singer, and a great favorite with the gentry as a cage bird. It possesses quite strong powers of imitation, learning to pronounce words to a limited extent. The wattle is a brownish bird, a trifle La'ger than the robin, and whose flesh is esteem- ed a delicacy. A small kind of quail is found ; and ducks are numerous. The black swan is seen in considerable numbers. They are a large bird, and sit exceedingly graceful upon the water. Those however that I saw were of a mottled color and ex- ceedingly beautiful. Besides these mentioned, there are other birds of a smaller size, with names that 1 knew not, but all presenting a different appeai'ance from our own warblers. Taking them as a class, they possess more beautiful plumage, but less melody of voice than ours. They give a lively appearance to the woods, which are not by any means steeped in silence. * Of the insects, the bee, butterfly, wasp, gnats, flies, &c., were numerous. The forest is clothed in perpetual green. The timber is different from ours. The stringy bark and peppermint I have already spoken of. The timber on the "tiers" is usually very large and tall. The wattle, with needle shaped leaves, and of which there is the black, white and silver, is a small scrubby tree, never growing larger than eight inches in diameter, '!! it !! 202 VAN DIEMAN AND If I' I t \ : J ' 1 k \^ ■ 1 1 ( 1 ! n i I ' i ■ ■j ' ; f T ( and is considered of no particular value. The gum tree, of which there is the blue, red and white, grows to a large size, and is used for timber and lumber. The wood of the white gum is as white as our bass, but much harder ; the red exudes a very bitter gum of a beautiful red color. It is often found in blisters under the bark and in seams in the wood. This species is free rifted, the others tough. The bark is usually shed like the American sycamore, when it presents an equally picturesque appearance among its fellow trees. There are two kinds of oak, very unlike ours and of little worth. The white- wood resembles our hickory, particularly in the wood. The leaves are smaller and the bark less jagged. The honeysuckle is a shrub like tree, very soft, and of which shoemakers manufacture their lasts. There is said to be, in some places near the coast, cider trees, which, when incisions are made upon them, exude a liquid strongly resembling cider in flavor. There is a sort of wild cherry, bearing red fruit about the size of a pea, and which is quite pleasant tasted. These comprise all the principal part of the trees and shrubs. Brush wood abounds, but no native vines, or any thing of the sort. None of the trees produce edible nuts, nor are there but a few berries — neither are flowers abundant. There is a sort of ground fruit dug by the natives, about the size of one's double fist, * which crumbles into parti- cles, looking much like rice. This is eaten by the natives, who are quite fond of it, but which to my ITS CHARACTERISTICS. 203 taste was perfectly insipid. There are no saw mills on the island, and what native lumber is used, is cut out with whip or pit saws, at a cost of ten to twenty sterling shillings per hundred feet. The pine lum- ber is brought from England and New Zealand, at a high cost. '-"■ ;,^- -Hi-- '''■.:'-. .--'^f ,•^ ^ ;'=-:,-.,.-, The thirtieth of September we landed at Melborne or Port Hope, in Australia, and the next day hired to a settler whose estate lay one hundred and fifty miles into the country, when we almost immediately started with him for his home. .. .: ,...„, .,... »fTf ■•* .* t - iiirAi ^Mm M \<^ 0. »i<. ?M* '':R r-V^?' I t.-r W> :ti r\ u f^iV^'' r '¥-^t> ?f>* w !■«^*r"^^l/''^*;i' i^f'^l -fAi- ■,\:: if \ M d^ ^yl^y^ ■pit^i W' fx -61' ?»*»?' jt: i-^ ofi: •\\ eai:*^ .„,vp ■ »-|i. ^« •_*,. •t^c^:^ > ^-fet ♦i- y- -A:; :f ■ m\% ^fl^m^i'H y ■ tiff "'■;.#' t^. I) ll p CHAPTER XIV. rfi i'j-r.i^ 1) I. ; { W 'if i ml, >■ H ji ;• I'll AUSTRALIA. '" It was just the commencement of the shearing season. Our employer, Anderson, had a flock of ten thousand sheep and ten hands shearing. I had sheared some at Kimberly's, and had so far got my hand in that I could do nearly a full day's work — though at first it fatigued me exceedingly. We re- mained here six weeks, shearing at the rate of $3 a hundred. Thence we went to Johnson^s, eight mileL"> distant, where we continued shearing at the same wages four weeks longer. By this time the season was pretty much over, and we accepted Johnson's ofTer and remained with him as shepherds, at a sala- ry of £26. Johnson's flock numbered twelve thou- sand. When the following season came, we re- sumed the shears for three months. At the expira- tion of this time we hoped to be able to get home. We had husbanded every shilling that we could, and though we knew not what the price could be, flat- tered ourselves that at least by some freak of good fortune, we might take our final leave. With these thoughts, and knowing that the London wool ships were in port loading for home, we returned to Mel- AUSTRALIA. 205 t * shearing I flock of I had ir got my work — We re- bof$3 a ight milei"> the sanie be season Fohnson's at a sala- elve thou- 3, we re- le expira- ^et home, sould, and I be, flat- k of good /"ith these ^ool ships d to Mel- borne. We tried faithfully, but were unable to ac- complish what we desired. The cheapest fare we could find exceeded our united means by £80. So we saw there was no hope of getting to London — to say nothing of the distance thence to New York. Things looked gloomy again ; for we had worked our anticipations up to quite a high pitch, and to have them thus dashed down was, to say the least, deci- dedly unpleasant. We saw then there was no other alternative than to strive to be content for another year, by which time we hoped for certain to leave that part of the world. We now engaged to another settler, by the name of Wm. Wilhs, who hved two hundred miles into the country. There were three brothers of them in company, possessing seventy thousand sheep and two thousand cattle. This one was in market with his wool, which having disposed of and purchased his stores, we started in company with the teamsters for their home. During the journey we came upon a body of the natives, who were having a sort of family fight, oc- casioned by a love afiair. If two or more happen to be suitors at the same shrine, the rivalry is settled by an appeal to arms, and he who remains victor of the field has the undisputed claim upon the affections of the fair one. In this instance, the defeated one had thrown his lance and pierced the woman through the neck, killing her almost instantly. This enraged others of the tribe, when a general set-to was the re- r IT 1 i h' h 206 AUSTRALIA. 1 "f i f j i 1 * ■i 1 ' 1 ' : i ' r \ ; '■ 1 1 ii ¥ % suit; in which a number were wounded and throe or four killed. ■' ^ • '• ' .;,.... . Their instruments ofwarfare are the lance or spear, which is made of the very hardest kind of wood, per- fectly round, and generally eight to ten feet in length, with the end sharpened and notched. They have also an instrument called the bumering. It is made somewhat in the shape of a triangle, of the root of a very hard kind of wood. Each of the three sides is from twelve to eighteen inches in length, and made thin and sharp at each edge. They will throw them with amazing swiftness and an unerring aim. The natives have the art of throwing them so as to des- cribe almost any curve they choose, even to describ- ing an almost perfect circle. ■■ '^f^' .t7y*fTfH;'i «r*^ The Australians are rt^ther tall, well formed, with straight black hair, high cheekbones, and a color of skin between the Negro and Indian. They live an easy, jolly life, hating work worse than the whites do the plague, and passionately fond of tobacco. Oc- casionally one can be induced to turn shepherd for a week, or even to roll fleeces for an hour or two, but never longer. They subsist upon roots and game, and what little they can get by begging. They are exceedingly expert in throwing the lance, launching it with certainty for ten or twelve rods, and even to as great a distance as twenty rods. By this means they kill the kangaroo and the wild turkey, of which there are great numbers. These creatures are very shy ; so shy indeed that it is uncommon that a whito hV- AUSTRALIA, 207 man can capture one. But the Australian accom- plishes his end, by securing a thick bush behind which he secretes himself, and cautiously creeps for- ward whilst the bird is feeding ; but the moment it lifts its head the bush is as still as though it were itself a part of the forest or plain. Seeing nothing suspicious, the feeding is resumed, and the stealthy native creeps yet closer. Thus he continues to ad- vance until near enough to throw hi^* lance, when the bird is pretty sure to be victimized. In this man- ner they succeed in taking them quite frequently. The Australian has a remarkable acute sense of see- ing. They will trace animals or persons by their tracks, when the European can see nothing at all. They will discover them, though they be made on the smoothest rock. It matters not if the track, be several days old ; they will follow it with a fidelity almost equal to that of the dog. They are engaged frequently to hunt the Bush Rangers of Sydney, Melborne, and other places in Australia. They go entirely naked, except when about the towns, where the whites compel them to wear something to hide their nakedness, but which they soon throw aside. The climate is warmer than in Van Dieman, and is very mild and salubrious, which probably is one rea- son why they live in no houses or huts. When the weather is cool and windy, they weave together boughs as a rude defence, perhaps build a fire in the centre around which they huddle, squatting on the ground. They have such a horror of fire arms that i^'j, i j Ill' HI 208 AUSTRALIA. IS ill one gun will put to flight a hundred of them. But if they can creep up unseen to a sheph ^'s hut, they may impale him with their spears, or s.. .1 away his victuals. Yet they commit very few murders, and those mostly toward the interior. - We had an easy time of it sheep-tending. Each shepherd has in charge one thousand sheep. To each station are three shepherds, and at the hut or station is another person, styled station-keeper, who remains there through the day — takes care of the hut, cooks the victuals, guards the sheep when they are brought in at night, and sleeps in a little watch box close by the yard till morning — that he may be at hand in case of any attack by wild dogs. The yard, or hurdle, as it is termed, is composed of very light frame work, which can be easily removed and quickly set up again, when it becomes necessary to change the station for a better range. In the morn- ing the shepherd receives his flock from the hands of the station tender, when he leads them forth upon his range, which is often two miles in extent, and perhaps gives them in charge of his dog, whilst he reclines himself in the umbrageous shade to enjoy the pleasant companionship of some book, or perchance to sleep and dream away the hours in some delicious reverie. Thus I spent many a day, particularly at Willis', who furnished us with many books and papers. Had it been the home of my friends, or of my choice, I could have remained there happy and con- Ml i I ^~k^ AUSTRALIA. 209 n. But lilt, they iway his Brs, and Each 3p. To e hut or Der, who e of the len they e watch maybe R. The of very )ved and ssary to le morn- le hands rth upon tent, and whilst he mjoy the jrchance delicious ilarly at oks and r of my and con- tented. As it was, I enjoyed myself infinitely bet- ter than I did on Van Dieman's Land. In ni) lium- ble opinion, it is one of the best countries for a poor man, as far as money-getting is concerned, tlie;e is on the globe. It matters not if one is deprived of an arm or leg, he can secure just as good wages — which range from £20 to £30 — for the labor of the shep- herd and also of the station-tender is easy and read- ily performed. Society, though, is based upon wealth for its foundation — the same in this respect as in Van Dieman. Still, it is less degraded, because there are far less convicts mixed in, and these are for the most part confined to the towns on the seaboard. ' The amount of rations allowed each shepherd for a week, is usually ten pounds of flour, one pound of sugar, two ounces of tea, and as much meat as he desires. If he wishes for vegetables, or aught else, he has the privilege of purchasing them from his wa- ges. Salt is plenty, and is procured from salt lakes, further toward the interior. Farmers usually send their men to these lakes annually for their supply. It is gathered with ease from the shores, where it is found in large quantities already crystalized for use. The land is owned by government, and leased to the settlers for any desired length of time for the an- nual rent of £10 — whether the estate be large or small — whilst whatever improvements be made by the settler, in buildings, &;c., are paid for at the expi- ration of his lease. They scarce ever have any fence to mark the division lines, which are usually 14 210 AUSTRALIA. I I! traced by heaps of stone, or a furrow jnaJc with the plow, or, as they do here, by ''blazed" trees. But a very scant quantity of grain is raised, except in the vicinity of towns, where mills exist. Nevertheless, the soil is well adai)ted to purposes of agriculture. It is truly a splendid country, generally level or gently undulating — covered here and there with noble, open forests, carpeted with a rich verdure, whilst largo plains are interspersed, always covered with a most luxuriant growth of grass. Aye, the woods are en- chanting — with their myriads of bright plumaged birds, and the gaudy peacock — which, here in its wild state, far exceeds its domesticated kindred in size and proud bearing, and the unrivalled brilliancy of its plumes. It is indeed a country where the seek- er after wealth, wivh a little capital, can grow rich more surely than in delving among the auriferous sands of the Sacramento. And it is a place, too, where the lover of nature and the worshipper of the beautiful, may find themes worthy of their contem plation and adoration. In reahty I enjoyed myself much whilst here, bur not so highly as I could, had I been placed in other circumstances. Home was almost ever on my mind, and the anxiety to see it again before I died lay heavy on my thoughts, marring the pleasure that else 1 could have feasted upon. Living quite alone by ourselves, the fictitious grades of society affected us not, nor cared we much for them. We now had our liberties, though toiling for means — means that should a ot i A AUSTRALIA. 211 with thr 'CCS. But ccpt in the vcrthelcs!:!, gi'iculturc. d1 or gently loble, open hilst largo vith a most ods are cn- plumaged here in its kindred in id brilliancy sre the seek - 1 grow rich e auriferous place, too, ipper of the leir contem 1st here, but jed in other m my mind, 3d lay heavy ! that else 1 te alone by ' affected us now had our s that should nave been granted us by the British Government— lo enable us to see blessed America again. This thought sweetened our solitude, and in some slight degree lessened our anxiety. I recruited up amaz- ingly in my physical energies. The cough that had so long afllicted me was sensibly diminishing, and I felt more rugged and better enabled to endure fa- tigue. ■ - : '^I'.O'H.iT 1..; M,;, . , I, ^. . , ■ , The timber of Australia includes the kinds found on Van Dieman, but is generally more thrifty and of better quality. There are more brooks and larg- er streams, which in the wet season are deep and difficult of fording. In the dry season their volume was very small, often disappearing entirely. There were no springs in the country, or at least, none that I saw or heard of. Water of good quality was ob- tained by sinking wells to a depth of thirty-five and fifty feet. ..'i f»t ■.:. >fi, :•: .?.-.' 1 ■ r^'-atJ v^T' :'^v.r .•;■ ^V\. •H It.', 'v. Avu ,.^-5 : . ' .1.; vp'-*^'. :; f,i i^s^•.^. , •' ••>.;' -'/t :>■ /* . . . •■ ! 1 -.'■ ^;ni:/V .-,•'•» .:i I ' .1 ■I f»' ; ■lU ( lear and in a fair ) loading led port. >rtals we Sydney, ad, look- ovv heart- actually had not (ring, but '.-'< V(. « :-fir ■;' .>■ •MJ- JW'"^.^ i;':-^-; ;-> CHAPTER XV. :*wi PASSAGE HOME — FRIENDS, ETC. Our orders from the ex-captain were, to sail direct- ly for New Bedford, taking what whale we could on the passage. Including the captain and officers, with Whitney and myself, there were twenty-four souls aboard the Kingston, which was a staunch built boat and a fair sailor. At first the weather was pleasant and our saiHng was dehghtsome. ^ ^ ^ %' i^ ^^ We bore down in sight of Van Dieman's Land. It yet looked detestable to me ; and still there was beauty in its outward appearance. Thus it often is, that our associations make hidious what otherwise might be very pleasant. But there indeed the tyrants had deformed the loveliness of nature, and made the sylvan wilderness a pandemonium of misery. How then could a fair exterior look beautiful to him who knew of the vile abominations that lay hid within ? I had learned from the former captain of the Kings- ton, who stopped at Hobart, that all the Canadian prisoners had been hberated, and but three were yet remaining on the island. These were rather disso- lute in their habits and could not get means to leave, i''^ n t I" , 1' 1 ••' ' • ■ f 1 ! 1 I <;i I II i'P 218 PASSAGE HOME. and indeed they did not seem to care much whether they did or not. Twelve or thirteen of our original number left their bones in that land ; but whether their bones are now there, is another question, for beyond doubt some of them may now be hanging in some doctor's office in old England, or elsewhere. Quite a traffic of this nature is carried on there. We had not been to sea many days when we were overtaken with rough weather ; and for two weeks I again experienced the horrors of sea-sickness, but not under such grievous circumstances as when on board the Buffalo. It undoubtedly proved a great benefit to me, for my health afterward improved rap- idly. My appetite too was exceedingly active, whilst the cough grew less and less. From this time till we doubled Cape Horn we had ordinary weather. Here we experienced the most terrific storm I ever witnessed. For four days and nights we were driv- en under bare poles, expecting almost hourly to find our home down, down in the briny deep. The weath- er was cold, with sleet and snow that encased every thing about the ship in a glare of ice. It may bo more readily imagined than described, how dreary and forlorn was our situation, with the cold southern waves breaking over our decks, and threatening to cngulph our gallant ship. Below deck we found it almost as difficult to keep our position, though we had in a good measure be- come familiar with the ordinary pitching of the ves- sel. We could not with any certainty steer clear of PASSAGE HOME. 219 whether original whether :ion, for nging in ewhere. re. we were weeks less, but vhen on 1 a great >ved rap- ^e, whilst time till weather, n I ever ere driv- ly to find le weath- }d every may bo ^v dreary southern tening to t to keep isure be- the ves- : clear of any particular object. If we laid our course across the cabin, ten chances to one if we did not find our- selves stretched at length, or pitched into a heap be- neath the table, or in some other unwilling but not- to-be-helped position. Often were we obliged to cut antics that caused many a hearty laugh from our comrades. If we undertook to sup a saucer of cof- fee, it more often found its way into the bosom than into the throat. Nevertheless we came safely out of the storm, suffering but slight damage. Thence we had fine weather and wind till we ar- rived at the equator, where for three days we lay becalmed beneath a burning, vertical sun, and on a sea that lay as motionless as though it had been so much glass. As we neared our native land, our long- ings grew more and more intense, and the slightest delay seemed prolonged into hours and days. Here we were, laying perfectly motionless — not even the most doubtful zephyr to allay the sweltering heat ; while we knew not but we might be compelled to lay thus for weeks. We were in no very agreeable mood, yet we strove to be as contented as we could. Having the whole range of the ship, we amused our- selves as much as possible. Compared to our out- ward passage, our condition was infinitely better; and when we reverted to our situations then, and drew the contrast, our murmerings vanished, for we were indeed happy though impatient. While thus laying becalmed, the mates one day invited me to enjoy with them a sea bath. Accordingly we robed ourselves in tir 220 PASSAGE HOME. I*. i ; 5- , P a bathing dress and plunged over the ship's side. We had not sported in the water but a few minutes, when we heard the voice of the captain, who was leaning over the railing, crying — "A shark!" We comprehended the danger without any explanation. I was the farthest from the ship, and though but three or four rods distant, was so frightened that I could scarcely use my hmbs. Ropes were immediately thrown to us by the sailors, who hauled us in as speedily as possible, myself barely escaping the mon- ster, which swam directly under me just at the mo- ment I was elevated from the water. For my own part, having no particular affection for sharks, I was afterward careful how I exposed myself to their sal- utations. I preferred to admire their beauties at a respectful distance, and therefore kept not only my head, but my whole person, "above water." '"^-*' The third day a light breeze sprang up, which wafted us within the influence of the trade winds, when we again made good progress. We had not seen any whale yet. The crew had no anxiety upon the matter, and therefore the man at mast-head took no pains to discover the animals, or if discovering any, he kept the knowledge a secret. They did not wish to expose themselves to the perils of whale catching at the common wages they were receiving, and too, when they should draw no bounty on what they took. I had never witnessed the sport, and was anxious to see a bit of it. At length I was gratified. ** There she spouts !" was heard from the mast-head. PASSAGE HOME. 221 s side, linutes, ho was We mation. ut three I could ediately IS in as le mon- th e mo- ny own s, I was leir sal- ies at a nly my ), which 3 winds, had not sty upon sad took 5overing r did not f whale ceiving, on what and was ;ratified. ist-head. " Wliere away ?" "Dead ahead," was the reply ; and sure enough we were running under a /inc breeze full upon a school of sperm. The man aloft could not now avoid giving the cry without a glaring neglect of duty. h,Mi .:, .. The sails were taken in, the speed of the ship, aba- ted, and when within half a mile, two boats, under the charge of the mates, let down aud pulled away for the victim. I was anxious to accompany the ni«{i,.but not being experienced in the business, was not permitted by the captain. Accordingly I ascend- ed to the cross trees to witness the scene. The boats approached the whale selected, when the mate launched the harpoon deep within the monster's flesh, when he darted off at a speed that seemed to me in- credible. The length of the rope was quickly reach- ed, when the boat, with its bows depressed quite even with the surface, shot through the water like an ar- row, scattering the foam from its sides like liquid sil- ver. Whilst the rope is being paid out, one man stands with a pail and tub of water to prevent igni- tion by keeping the coil of rope wet, whilst another stands with uplifted hatchet, ready to sever it the moment there is danger of being dragged beneath the waves : for it is sometimes the case that the whale descends so deep, or runs so swiftly, that he would submerge the boat unless this precaution were taken. In this instance, the creature darted off in a direct line for a full mile and a half, when it turned almost short about and nearly retraced its course with 222 PASSAGE HOME. \ i ! , 1.1 Pm • l mt a velocity that little diminished until it came near the ship, where it stopped. The line was then hauled in, and the boat approached near enough to use the lance. At the first stroke the boat was stove and the men precipitated into the water. Another boat was close at hand, which soon rescued them all, none re- ceiving any serious injury. The whale made no farther attempt tO escape, but lashed the water furi- ously till it was like a seething pot. The lancers continued their duty, till in a short time the creotyje lay a motionless bulk upon the water, which for some distance around was almost as crimson as the life cur- rent itself. i.^.«v.. .w. ,.. ? >, . . i The carcass was then towed to the ship's side and made fast, when the upper jaw with the head was re- moved to the deck. Men then descended with hatch- ets to cut the blubber, which was five or six inches in thickness, overlaying the meat or muscle, into strips from the heac downward. This done, they were loosened at the upper extremity, hooks fastened therein, and by the aid of pulleys and ropes, pulled off and raised on deck. These blankets were next cut into blocks six and eight inches square, which was conveyed to the mincing block, where they were minced fine and then put in the trying kettles, which at first were heated with coal or wood, but afterward with the scraps. The blubber being all secured, the carcass was set adrift for the benefit of sharks, &c. The jaw and head, as they lay on the deck, were some seven feet long, and three and a half or four PASSAGE HOME. 22a )ar the hauled se the md the lat was )ne re- ide no r furi- ancers •eoty/e •r soine ife cur- ide and was re- 1 hatch- inches le, into e, they Bistened , pulled •e next , which jy were I, which ;erward red, the is, (fee. k, were or four feet thick. A hole was cut through tlic blubber and flesh some three feet deep, when there appeared u hard tough case, looking as black, and about the thickness of strong cowhide. This was perforated, and three barrels of oil, of the very purest quality, were dipped from the cavity beneath. This is one of the peculiarities of the sperm whale ; but for wliat purpose such a reservoir is designed, is more than 1 am able to explain. It was a small whale, yielding but twenty-four barrels, which we were three days in securing. During this time, Whitney, the cap- tain and I, amused ourselves with the multitude ol' sharks that surrounded the vessel. They were ex- ceedingly ravenous, and took not a few mouthfulls of the blubber whilst the men were engaged at their work. We had on board a large number of stout, long handled spades, that were ground exceedingly sharp. With these we would strike at the sharks as they hovered about the carcass and the ship, occa- sionally completely severing them in two parts ; yet so tenacious were they of life that they would swim to some distance before expiring. Shortly after this, as we came nearer our own country, we frequently spoke ships, both outward and homeward bound. Sometimes we would make a point of stopping to spend a few hours of sociality; or, if sailing the same course, keep in company for a day or two, visiting and re-visiting each other. By this means we learned a little of the things that had transpired in the States since we had been away> } r 004 FA88AOE HOME. Whilst in Van Dieman and Australia, 1 had not learned a word of tho things done at homo, or heard a syllahle from my friends, though I had written at least seven or eight times. But I afterward learned that not a line of them had ever reached their desti- nation. Whether they ever left the island, is a ques- tion that may undoubtedly be answered in the nega- tive. ■>'^' -I ••» ^ '-•■ '■■■ ''' '•• ■• When within two days' sail of our port, we were befogged and becalmed, and were five days in get- ting to the wharf. At this time my impatience to get on shore was so great that each day seemed al- most a month. At last, on the thirty-first day of May, 1848, my foot pressed the soil of glorious New England. Since we had passed from the sight of Van Dieman, New Bedford was the first land that we had greeted. Our captain made no stops, and having nu loading of consequence, and on the whole favorable weather, we were but four months and a half between Sydney and Now Bedford. 1 had had good accommodations, plenty of exercise, pure air and wholesome food, so that I had suffered scarcely, if any. Indeed I am inclined to think the voyage, on the whole, was high- ly beneficial ; in some respects, J am confident it was so. *•?-?^-!l•.y^'^1fl 01 ;;-.''MV ; i; But here I was again, in the land of the free. I could hardly realize it. My bosom was thronged with the most tumultuous feehngs. Had I not just awaked from a dream ? Could it be reality ? At i I PAB&AGE HOME. 225 i lad not I* heard ttcn at learned r desti- a ques- e nega- e were in get- ence to Tied al- 48, my ngland. )ieman, greeted, ading of t'eather, Sydney dations, food, so id I am as high- ident it Vec. I ironged Qot just v? At limes 1 was almost led to doubt the reality — to think it had only been a terrible trance. Yet it was so. For almost ten long years — none but the captive can tell what heaviness there is in the hours of time — had I been forced away — doomed to a life worse than of slavery, compelled to bow down to suffering thai seemed to quite crush the spirit from its tenement, and still I had been spared — how miraculously ! — to return again to my kindred and my home. But of those kindred and that home ! What changes hatt time wrought ? Were those friends living ? or, was that home desolate ? These, and other things crowd- ed upon my mind ; and for the two nights and one day I was at New Bedford, not a wink of sleep came to my eyelids. Oh, how vividly did the scenes of my life, from 1838 to that moment, throng back upon my memory. Then, fancying with what a warm welcome I should be received again by my parents, brothers, sisters and friends — the thought where are they ? and how has time dealt with them ? would dash the joy, and l^ave my mind in a harrowing suspense. • - * The second day of June I stepped into the cars for Boston ; at which place I purchased a little cloth- ing to replenish my wardrobe, which had become threadbare : thence I proceeded by the same con- veyance to Utica, where I took the stage for Water- town. Here I began to make inquiries concerning my friends, but could learn nothing. I kept forward for Cape Vincent. At Chemaunt (Shemo) Bay, ten 15 I r 226 HOME AND miles distant, I found an old acqiiaintancs who had known my parents ; yet he could give me no defi- nite information. He had heard nothing of them for two or three years, nor did not know where they or the other members of the family were. But he be- lieved that either my father or eldest brother, he did not know which, was dead. This vague informa- served only to make more intense the conflicting feclingfj that held my mind in suspense ; and which continued to grow stronger and stronger as I neared my old home. As the open stage approached Cape Vincent, I was recognized by a little Frenchman, who immediately spread the intelligence, and by the time I alighted at the hotel I was completely sur- roimded bv the citizens, who welcomed me back with cordial greetings, and quite overwhelmed me with the multitude of their questions. Disengaging my- self as soon as possible from the throng, I sought the old homestead ; but instead of my nearest and dear- est friends, only strangers came out to greet me. This was quite too much. I was discouraged and ready to sink down in despair. A falntness came over me ; from which, however, I soon rallied. I now learned that my parents had, two or three years previously, sold out and started for Wisconsin. My eldest brother, who was a robust, healthy man, when I left, hfid been dead nearly eight years ; whilst my other brothers and sisters were scattered here and there. I had now remaining a lone half dollar of my funds, which was all the means I possessed. To ITS FRIENDS. 227 who had no defi- them for they or it he he- r, he did informa- mflicting id which I neared bed Cape mchman, tid by the etelv sur- back with me with ging my. nought the [ind dear- greet me. aged and less came allied. I iree years sin. My lan, when .vhilst my here and liar of my sed. To seek my parents away in the far west, where 1 could not ascertain, seemed anotlicr task added to my af- flictions. Still I gave not out, but continued as stout- hearted as I could. I remained in this place two weeks, visiting such friends and relatives as yet re- mained there. ' ♦';;•'•!.:; < .. Whilst here I was called upon by a gentleman from Kingston, who olTered me his homo and a life of ease, if I would but accept it. He said that Can- ada had been greatly benefitted by the outbreak in which we had been concerned ; and although it had failed, and lue had cruelly suffered therefor, they had secured nearly all the privileges at first desired. And as he had himself been greatly benefitted there- by, he wished me to make his home my home, and that so long as I would remain with him I should not labor, but have my every desire granted. I thanked him very kindly indeed, but assured him most deci- dedly, that 1 had no inclination whatever to reside under British rule, for 1 had already been compelled to suffer enough of her barbarous treatment. But if the time should come in my day, when it would be necessary for them to make an appeal to arms for their liberties and homes, I was ready to give again my feeble aid. I was probably somewhat excited, and replied with more warmth than the occasion called for. Be that as it may, I felt stung with the injustice I had suffered. My spirit was not broken, and though I had been chained in slavery till dooms- day, I should have never regretted the act of taking m 228 HOME AND up arms as I did. I went forward under the dictates of duty ; and though the many craven hearts turned back when danger began to appear, yet the cause was none the less worthy. . • • I From Cape Vincent I proceeded to Wilson in Ni- agara county, where I had ascertained one of my sis- ters, who was married, was living. She had given up all hopes of my returning, and was therefore not a little surprised at seeing me, and was nearly over- come with her joy. She could hardly credit her senses, that in truth it was her brother who stood be- fore her. Here I remained another fortnight, and learned that my parents had not gone to Wisconsin, but had stopped on the way, and were then residing at Aylmer, in C. W. This was better news for me, and I began to hope again I should soon see them. I left Wilson on the sixth of July to visit my father and mother. At Buffalo I took passage on the "Ex- periment" for Port Stanley. This was the same steamer that had ten years before been engaged against us at the Windmill. She had been brought upon Lake Erie and placed upon the Hne between these two ports. It was an unexpected meeting, and I could not help indulging in reflections which such a circumstance would naturally givv rise to. Against the innocent boat I had no sort of ill feeling. But here it was engaged in a better calling than when, in r^ovember, 1838, it was meide an instrument, with its sister, the Cobourg, in thwarting the effort for liberty. . ., . , ITS FRIENDS. 229 dictates s turned le cause n in Ni- f my sis- id given fore not ly over- edit her stood be- yht, and sconsin, residing 3 for me, } them, ly father he "Ex- he same engaged brought between ting, and ich such Against ig. But when, in !nt, with ifTort for I had not been on board long when, inquiring the distance to Port Stanley, I was informed by a couple of gentlemen, who remarked they lived near there. This knowledge interested me, and I made bold to push my inquiries farther, when 1 found they lived at Aylmer and near my friends. I then inquired for Touzer, whom I had learned one of my sisters had married five years before. This led to inquiries on the other side, when I was informed that another of my sisters lived with one of my informants, who was a hotel-keeper at Aylmer. We spent the remainder of the trip quite pleasant- ly, and at length arrived at the home of my new friend, where soon after I met my sister, just returned from Touzer's. To him I was introduced, and pres- ently all three of us turned back to his house. On the way we met another sister and brother, who joined our party. My brother-in-law introduced me to his wife as a friend of her brother's, who had just returned from Van Dieman's Land. . She made a few inquiries, and remarked that they had heard so many accounts, and which were so contradictory, that she could place but little confidence in any of them. At one time they had been told I was acting as servant for a very rich man at a salary of $500, with scarce any thing to. do. At another time, that I was married, and doing so well I had no desire to return ; and had, beside, lost all aflection for my kin- dred and home. And again, that I had been so cru- elly treated that I was on the verge of the grave, and m m 230 HOME AND It I '<;.. probably ere then gone down into its darkness for- ever. Mrs. Touzer would not therefore place but little confinence in my story, neither believing nor disbelieving it — not dreaming that it was indeed her brother himself who was talking with her. And when I was declared to her as truly her brother, she would hardly believe it, imagining that we were playing a trick upon her. Still there was something that whis- pered to her it was even so. For some time she ap- peared bewildered, as it were, like a person half waking from a dream, not knowing whether it were a reality or a phantasy. My brother and other sis- ters pretty readily recognized me, although I had so greatly changed in appearance that but a few tra- ces of my more youthful lineaments remained. My sister was soon satisfied that I was indeed her broth- er William, and her joy was now so great it could scarcely be controlled. It was midnight, yet we all started for my father's, who lived a mile and a half distant. My parents were quite aged ; and fearing my sudden appear- ance might too greatly overpower their feelings, my brother went forward to break the news. They could scarcely credit the information ; but by the time we had arrived they were risen, waiting our ap- proach. They were both so much overcome, that for a long time they could only give utterance to their feelings through their tears and sobs. It was a scene that beggars description — one of those times in which the heart can feel so intensely, that tlw; ITS FRIKNDS. 231 ncss for- )lace but ving nor ideed her ^nd when ;he would playing a that whis- le she np- rson half r it were other sis- gh I had a few tra- ced. My her brotli- at it could y father's, y parents )u. appear- slings, my 5. They but by the ngourap' iome, that terance to '." It was hose times y, that the tongue is dumb and the pen powerless. With them I remained three months, when I induced them to leave Canada and return again to the States. They were anxious I should remain with them, as a solace in their old age. This, too, was my own desire ; but I could not bear the idea of staying in Canada, to become a citizen of her most gracious majesty's government — ^a government that I had come to loathe with an abhorrence as sincere as it was deep. ■ And now, my reader, I have done with "the story of my wrongs." Whatever you may think of it, you can rest assured I have not set down "aught in malice," or penned that which is asirb from truth. I do not ask that your opinions should coincide with my own. I grant you the same free privilege which is my own — to think according to the light that may be within. But were fate to order tha you should be forced through similar scenes, there would be no mar- vel, if your soul was stirred v/ith deeper indignation than is shown within these pages. *' Spurn not at eeeniing error, but dig below its surface for the IruUi; And beware of seeming truths, that grow on tiie toots of error: For comely are the apidos that spring from the Dead Sea's cursed shore^ But within are they dust and ashes, and tlie hand that pUicketh thetn ehall rue it." THE E N U .