Page 99

3 Boundary Street, Chorlton-upon-Medlock

Manchester 15^th May 1849.

 

Hon @d Sir,

I feel that I should not be discharging my duty to my God, my Country, and myself, and also to Her Majesty’s Secretary of State through whose merciful Consideration I have lately been permitted to return to my native Country, did I not fearlessly bring before you Sir, a few facts relative to the Convict Establishment at Bermuda.

 

I am deeply sensible of the importance of trespassing upon the Valuable time of one of the Principal Minister’s of State, but I humbly trust Sir, that the importance of the Subjects to which I am about only briefly to refer to here, will Supersede that objection.

 

My great desire Sir is to Expose the discipline, and the abominable wickedness carried on in the Hulks at Bermuda, and I assure you Sir, that it does not arise from any malice I bear any of the Officers connected with them, on the contrary Sir, that it does not arise from any malice I bear any of the Officers connected with them, on the contrary Sir, I was at all times humanely dealt with and Experienced great kindness at their hands, but, I feel impelled by a sense of duty I owe to the Public to bring before you Sir the facts I am anxious to have investigated, with an Earnest hope Sir that you will be pleased to make a strict and Searching Enquiry into the Hulk system, a system which I have found after 6 ½ years Experience to be the most soul destroying, and hellish Ever devised by man. This is strong language Sir, but it is

 

not

 

Page 99 (2)

 

not strong Enough adequately to represent to you the demoralizing habitations set apart for the reformation of misguided men, for the Support of which at Bermuda alone it Costs the Country

£43,200 per annum allowing the strength of the Establishment to be 1800 Convicts.

 

In preparing the various Subjects which I have considered it my duty Sir to bring under your notice it has been the work of Some Clerks, and is rather voluminous occupying about 50 sheets of Foolscap, but to Enable you Sir to judge upon the importance of the work I have taken in hand, I Enclose the facts I have thought proper to refer to in Support of Subject’s No: *2 and 10, which I would thank you Sir, to direct the same to be returned to me after perusal. __

 

I am Enabled to refer Sir to official returns made from time to time connected with the Convict Department at Bermuda, having been Employed as a Convict Clerk in the Establishment upwards of 5 years, _and I have been particularly Cautious Sir, in not referring to any circumstances which I could not substantiate, either by returns lodged in the Home Office, or upon the Evidence of some of the officers connected with the Department, and who are at the present time in England.

 

I am extremely desirous Sir to point out the abuses of the Convict System, and I sincerely hope, that an opportunity will be afforded me of proving that the intentions of the Government are completely defeated, in the great End and aim of Transportation. ___

 

*At the time I wrote the Enclosed (papers?) I had no intention of laying them before (?) Secretary of (?)_­­­

 

Page 100

 

His Excellency Governor Elliot has done all in his power to produce morality and religion amongst the Convicts by using mild and persuasive language in requiring obedience to the orders which he has felt it to be his duty to i*LONGF*ue, respecting the Common practice of swearing, and making use of the most awful Execrations, and upon other subjects having reference to the moral improvement of the Convicts, but Sir His Excellency’s knowledge of the Convict Establishm.*** is very limited, having so much Colonial business to attend to. I regret to say Sir, that during the last 5 years, many of the Officers have been men of the worst description, their rank in Society being low, and they are generally of little or no education.

 

Three men lately Employed as Guards on board the Thames are at the present time keeping “Grog Shops” in the Town of St. Georges. I have no hesitation in saying that until the Rank and Estimation of the Officers are raised, the Estabt.*** will continue in a bad state, and Sir the reformation of the Convicts depends mainly upon the Conduct of those placed over them. The amount paid to the 21 Officers and Guards of the “Thames” including allowances (***) for the years Ending 31^st  dec. 1848 was (*symbol) 1900, and the average number of Convicts born on the Ship’s books for that year were 228 so that it Cost the Country very little less than (*symbol) 9 for guarding Each Convict which ought to secure the Services of respectable men.

 

The statement of facts Sir that I feel it my duty to bring forward can be substantiated in a great measure in this Country without any investigation being made at Bermuda. I must admit Sir, that I should have no Confidence in any Court of Enquiry that

 

you

 

Page 100 (2)

 

you might think proper to institute for the purpose of reporting upon the truth of what I advance, not that I should be afraid that the Officers appointed by the Governor would not conscientiously do their duty, but because they are totally unacquainted with the accounts and returns of the Establish(ment?), as well as of the various books which it would be necessary to refer to, in order to detect the fraudulent practices of some of the Officers.

 

It requires a person of some Experience in the Ship’s accounts to bring to light the “artful manoeuvre” which some have had recourse to in order to deceive the Auditor, and until Sir, additional Quarterly returns are made which it is unnecessary for me to point out here, the frauds I Complain of Cannot be detected in this Country.

 

I am prepared to prove Sir, with the assistance of any Junior Officer Employed in the Convict department in London, the serious charges on the opposite side.

 

With these few remarks Sir, I shall conclude by again intimating my readiness to bring before any Officer connected with the Government, or to avoid unnecessary Expense, before any Agent for the Government in this Town, the documentary Evidence I can produce in support of the serious charges I profer against the Convict Establishment at Bermuda, and whatever steps Sir, you may in your wisdom consider it your duty to take in this important matter, I sincerely trust that they will be the means of bringing to light the abominable deeds that daily take place in those Establ(ishments) which are derogatory to the laws of God and man, and of Establishing a better system of discipline, and Sir the object I have in view will be obtained. _

 

Page 101

 

Humbly apologizing for the great liberty I have taken Sir in _addressing you.

 

I have the Honor to subscribe myself,

With Every respect,

Sir,

Your very obedient, and very humble Servant,

George B Grundy.

 

1^st Charge is against J.H. Capper Esqr. (?) Late Superintendent of the Convict Estabt. in England and at Bermuda, for gross neglect of public duty in consequence of which, upwards of 300 Prisoners were unjustly and cruelly punished Either by Flogging, stoppage of Earnings, part of rations, and work’d in heavy irons. _

 

Also for negligently allowing many prisoners to complete their Sentences, after having received repeated information that such would be the case if the (Mr. Capper) did not prevent it by

sending a Vessel to Bermuda, the Consequences of such neglect being that the Prisoners were unlawfully detained on board the Hulks after the Expiration of their Sentences and a Sacrifice of human life in an attempt to obtain that freedom which through Mr. Capper’s neglect had been illegally and unwarrantedly withheld from them.

 

2^nd. Charge That during the last 5 years, many of the Quarter Masters and Guards have been guilty of Drunkenness, Debauchery, Blasphemy, and Theft, which has materially effected the discipline and good order of the Convict Establishment at Bermuda. __

 

3^rd Charge That the moral and religious improvement of the Convicts is neglected, the regulations laid down by the Secretary of State with regard to Prayers

 

being

 

Page 101 (2)

 

being read are violated, and the Consequence is that Sin of Every description is committed on the Lords day, which demoralizes and hardens many men, and makes their last state worse than the first. __

 

The 4^th Charge is against the Surgeon of the Thames Hulk for violating the instructions laid down for his guidance by the Secretary of State, with regard to the treatment of the Sick placed under his (?) charge.

 

The 5^th Charge is against the Officers connected with H.M. Dock Yard at Bermuda, for illegally abstracting Convicts from the Public Works and Employing them on Private Work at the Expense of the Government, contrary to the orders of the Secretary of State, and in defiance of the Commands of the Lord’s Commissioners of the Admiralty.

 

The 6^th Charge is against the Officers of the Convict Est: for Employing Prisoners to do private work such as Tailors, Shoemakers, Carpenters etc, for frequently retaining them on board for that purpose, and for making false Entries in the Log Book with regard to their Employment, thereby violating the regulations of the Secretary of State, by robbing the Government of their Labor.

 

__________________

 

7       Reasons why the Wives & Families of the Officers should not be permitted to reside on board the Hulks.

 

8       Disgraceful Conduct of Officers in the Removal of Convicts to the Colonies.

 

9       The Danger of the present system of discharging Convicts at Bermuda.

 

10     Evils arising from the present mode of Expending the Convicts Earnings.

 

11     Convict Labor-Expenditure & Income _ Estimates.

 

12     Punishment of Convicts for violating the Regulations.

 

13     The Ends of justice defeated by the present system of discharging Convicts at Bermuda.

 

14     Death caused by cruel and inhuman treatment.

 

15     Accounts, Returns etc.

 

16     State of the Convict Establisht. at Bermuda.

 

Page 102

 

Copy  [Note in another person’s handwriting at the top of this page: “These are copies of the original Paper returned to Grundy on 26 July Vide (?) his letter 6250 (?).]

 

3 Boundary Street Chorlton upon

Medlock, Manchester, 15 May/49

 

Honored Sir,

 

I feel that I should not be discharging my duty to my God, my country, and myself, and also to Her Majesty’s Secretary of State, through whose merciful consideration I have lately been permitted to return to my native Country did I not fearlessly bring before you Sir, a few facts relative to the Convict Establishment at Bermuda –

 

I am deeply sensible of the importance of trespassing upon the valuable time of one of the principle Ministers

 

The Right Hon.

Sir George Grey Bart (?) M.P.

 

Page 102 (2)

 

ters of State, but I humbly trust Sir, that the importance of the subjects to which I am about only briefly to refer to here, will supersede that objection –

 

My great desire Sir, is to expose the discipline, and the abominable wickedness carried on in the Hulks at Bermuda, and I assure you Sir, that it does not arise from any malice I bear any of the Officers connected with them, on the contrary Sir, I was at all times humanely dealt with and experience great kindness at their hands, but I feel impelled by a sense of duty I owe to the public to bring before you Sir the facts I am anxious

 

to

 

Page 103

 

to have investigated, with an earnest hope Sir, that you will be pleased to make a strict and searching enquiry into the Hulk system, a system which I have found after 6 ½ years experience to be the most soul destroying, and hellish ever devised by man. This is strong language Sir, but it is not strong enough adequately to represent to you the demoralizing habitations set apart for the reformation of misguided men, for the support of which at Bermuda alone it costs the Country £43,200 p annum, allowing the strength of the Establishment to

 

be

 

Page 103 (2)

 

be 1800 Convicts _ In preparing the various subjects which I have considered it my duty Sir to bring under your notice it has been the work of some weeks, and is rather voluminous, occupying about 50 sheets of Foolscap, but to enable you Sir to judge upon the importance of the work I have taken in hand, I enclose the facts I have thought proper to refer to in support of subjects No#2 and 10, which I would thank you Sir, to direct the same to be returned to me after perusal –

 

I am enabled to refer Sir to official returns made from time,

 

To

 

*As the time I wrote the enclosed papers, I had no intention of laying them before H. M. Secretary of State _____

 

Page 104

 

to time, connected with the Convict Department at Bermuda having been employed as a Convict Clerk in the Establishment upwards of 5 years, and I have been particularly cautious Sir, in not referring to any circumstance which I could not substantiate, either by returns lodged in the Home Office, or upon the evidence of some of the officers connected with the Department, and who are at the present time in England __

 

I am extremely desirous Sir to point out the abuses of the Convict system, and I sincerely hope, that

 

an

 

Page 104 (2)

 

an opportunity will be afforded me of proving that the intentions of the Government are completely defeated, in the great end and aim of transportation __

 

His Excellency Governor Elliot has done all in his power to produce morality and religion amongst the Convicts by using mild and persuasive language in requiring obedience to the orders which he has felt is to be his duty to issue, respecting the common practice of swearing, and making use of the most awful execrations, and upon other subjects having reference to the moral im

 

provement

 

Page 105

 

provement of the Convicts, but Sir, His Excellency’s knowledge of the Convict Establishment is very limited, having so much Colonial business to attend to – I regret to say Sir, that during the last 5 years, many of the Officers have been men of the worst description, their rank in Society being low, and they are generally of little or no education –

 

Three men lately employed as Guards on board the Thames are at the present time keeping “grog shops” in the Town of St Georges – I have no hesitation in saying that until the rank and estimation of the

 

Officers

 

[Note on the left margin beside “Three men”]

J Murphy

1. Robinson
2. Jefferies

 

Page 105 (2)

 

are raised, the Establishment will continue in a bad state, and Sir the reformation of the Convicts depends mainly upon the conduct of those placed over them – The amount paid to the 21 Officers and Guards of the “Thames” including allowances Sir, for the year ending 31^st December 1848, was £1900 and the average number of Convicts borne on the Ship’s books for that year were 228 so that it cost the Country very little less than £9 for guarding each Convict, which ought to secure the services of respectable men_ The statement of facts Sir, that I feel

 

it

 

Page 106

 

it is my duty to bring forward can be substantiated in a great measure in this Country without any investigation being made at Bermuda –

 

I must admit Sir, that I should have no Confidence in any Court of Inquiry that you might think proper to institute for the purpose of reporting upon the truth of what I advance, not that I should be afraid that the Officers appointed by the Governor would not conscientiously do their duty, but because they are totally unacquainted with the accounts and returns of the Establishment, as well as of

 

the

 

Page 106 (2)

 

the various books which it would be necessary to refer to, in order to detect the fraudulent practices of some of the Officers – requires a person of some experience in the Ship’s accounts to bring the “artful manouvere”  which some have had recourse to, in order to deceive the Auditor, and until Sir, additional quarterly returns are made which it is unnecessary for me to point out here, the frauds I complain of cannot be detected in this Country, I am prepared to prove Sir, with the assistance of any Junior Officer employed in the Convict de

 

partment

 

Page 107

 

partment in London, the serious charges on the opposite side_ With these few remarks Sir, I shall conclude by again intimating my readiness to bring before any Officer connected with the Government, or to avoid unnecessary expense, before any Agent for the Government in this Town, the documentary evidence I can produce in support of the serious charges I profer against the Convict Establishment at Bermuda, and whatever steps Sir, you may in your wisdom consider is your duty to take in this important

 

matter,

 

Page 107 (2)

 

matter, I sincerely trust that they will be the means of bringing to light the abominable deeds that daily take place in those Establishments which are derogatory to the laws of God and man, and of establishing a better system of discipline, and Sir the object I have in view will be obtained .

 

Humbly apologising for the great liberty I have taken Sir in adderessing you —

 

I have (?)

 

George. B. Grundy

 

1^st Charge

 

Page 108

 

1^st Charge is against J. H. Capper Esqr. late Superintendent of the Convict Establishment in England and at Bermuda; for gross neglect of public duty in consequence of which upwards of 300 Prisoners were unjustly an cruelly punished either by Flogging, stoppage of earnings, part of rations, and worked in heavy irons – Also for negligently allowing many Prisoners to complete their sentences after having received repeated information that such would be the case if he (M Capper) did not prevent it by sending a Vessel to Bermuda, the consequence of such neglect

 

being

 

Page 108 (2)

 

being that the Prisoners were unlawfully detained on board the Hulks after the expiration of their sentences, and a sacrifice of human life in an attempt to obtain that freedom which through M Cappers neglect had been illegally and unwarrantably withheld from them.

 

2^nd Charge – That during the last 5 years, many of the quarter Masters and Guards have been guilty of Drunkenness, Debauchery, Blasphemy, and Theft, which has materially effected the discipline and good order of the Convict Establishment at Bermuda _

 

3^rd Charge

 

Page 109

 

3^rd Charge – That the moral and religious improvement of the Convict’s is neglected, the regulations laid down by the Secretary of State with regard to Prayers being read are violated, and the consequence is, that sin of every description is committed on the Lords day, which demoralises and hardens many men, and makes their last state worse than the first _

 

The 4^th Charge is against the Surgeon of the Thames Hulk for violating the instructions laid down for his guidance by the Secretary of State, with regard to the treatment of the

 

sick

 

Page 109 (2)

 

sick placed under his charge –

 

The 5^th Charge is against the Officers connected with H. M. Dock Yard at Bermuda, for illegally abstracting Convicts from the Public Works and employing them on private work at the expense of the Government contrary to the orders of the Secretary of State, and in defiance of the commands of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty _

 

The 6^th Charge is against the Officers of the Convict Establishment for employing Prisoners to do private work, such as Tailors, shoemakers, Carpenters & for frequently return

 

ing

 

Page 110

 

ing them on board for that purpose, and for making false entries in the log Book with regard to their employment, thereby violating the regulations of the Secretary of State, by robing the Government of their labor. _

 

7 – Reasons why the Wives and families of the Officers should not be permitted to reside on board the Hulks _

 

8 – Disgraceful conduct of Officers in the removal of Convicts to the Colonies –

 

9. The danger of the present system of discharging Convicts at Bermuda –

 

10

 

Page 110 (2)

 

10. 10. Evils arising from the present mode of Expending the Convicts Earnings __

 

11. Convict labor – Expenditure and Income – Estimates –

 

12. Punishment of Convicts for violating the Regulations –

 

13. The ends of Justice defeated by the present system of discharging Convicts at Bermuda ___

 

14 – Death caused by cruel and inhuman treatment –

 

15 Accounts, returns etc.

 

16. 16. State of the Convict Establishment at Bermuda –

 

_________________________

 

Page 111

 

The 2^nd Charge I profer is, that during the last 5 years many of the Quarter Masters and Guards have been guilty of Drunkenness, Debauchery, Blasphemy and Theft, which has materially effected the discipline and good order of the Convict Establishment at Bermuda __

 

When I reflect Sir, that I make the above Charge against a body of men who are placed by the Government over others who having broken the laws of their Country are considered unfit for Society, I feel that it is one of so serious a nature that

 

it

 

Page 111 (2)

 

it demands the attention of every person interested in the moral improvement of men who are specially placed in that Establishment under the impression that it will be the means of raising their desires, and produce a change of moral feeling and action and at the same time operate as an example in deterring others from falling into the same error. _

 

In proof of the charge I have brought forward, I deem it necessary Sir, to bring to your notice a few circumstances that I have witnessed and which are recorded

 

in

 

Page 112

 

in the Occurrence book of the Ship referred to, a copy of which is transmitted quarterly to the Home Office.

 

In October 1843 the Steward of the Tenedos ( (?) E. Gane ) having been sent from the Hulk on duty, the keys of the Stores were given to a Quarter Master named Cooke with directions to do the duty in M Gane’s absence _ During the day the Quarter Master Cooke availing himself of the opportunity afforded him, drew off several bottles of Rum for his own use, and drank so much that he became intoxicated — This he could not do without the knowledge of the

 

Stewards

 

Page 112 (2)

 

Stewards man ( a Convict ) he therefore allowed that Prisoner to participate in the stolen property – About 3 P.M. they were both intoxicated and in drawing off the Evening allowance of Rum, the other prisoners took advantage of the situation they were in and abstracted a considerable quantity of rum from the Store Room – At about 5 P.M. there were not less than 60 Convicts laying about the decks in a state of Drunkenness, and some bottles of Rum were found in the Cells. For this great neglect of duty “Cooke” was reduced to the rank of Guard at a loss

 

Page 113

 

loss of 10 p annum, but was shortly afterward reinstated as Quarter Master. In October 1844 M Gane again left the Ship on duty, and the keys as before were given to Quarter Master * Cooke with orders to issue the daily provisions – I was told (being the Ship’s Clerk) to take an account of every article issued during the day – In the afternoon I noticed a Prisoner named “Albison (?)” carrying a small Cask into the Store Room; and not being called to take the issues, I thought something was wrong, on going to see I saw “Albison”

 

taking

 

*reinstated to his old rank

 

Page 113 (2)

 

taking the Cask into the Hold apparently full – M Gane arrived on board at 6 P.M. and I told him what I had seen _ A search was made in the hold but nothing could be seen of the Cask – The Prisoner “Albison” was then sent for on the quarter deck, and charged with having secreted a Cask of Rum in the hold, but he denied it – He was then placed in solitary confinement, and soon after he sent for the 1^st Mate who visited him – Albison told the Mates that he had taken a Cask of Rum which M Cooke & M Perry Quarter Masters had stolen out

 

of

Page 114

 

of the Spirit Room and placed it in one of the Tanks in the hold by their direction _ The Cask was then brought on the quarter deck, the two Quarter Masters were charged with the Robbery, and they both admitted they were guilty of the Theft _ The whole circumstance was reported by Lieut Fayrer to Governor Reid who laid it before Her Majesty’s attorney General of Bermuda, which officer recommended their dismissal from the Service which was accordingly done.

 

A guard named “Spencer”

 

was

 

Page 114 (2)

 

was discharged shortly afterwards on suspicion of breaking a box and stealing the quarters Wages of another Guard. Another Guard named “Beak” was also discharged for allowing a Prisoner to secret some leather upon his person, which had been stolen from the Public Works, for his (Beak’s) use __

 

One Steward and nine guards named Gane, Fletcher, Evans, Morris, Hopkins, Ricketts, Wood, Millar, and Smythe were also discharged from the same ship (Tenedos) from the date of her arrival July

 

1843

 

Page 115

 

1843 to December 1845, for repeated drunkenness and neglect of duty. The Steward “Gane” had been frequently suspended from duty for the same offenses and the guard “Smythe” was not content in getting drunk himself, but actually made every Prisoner in his custody on the Public Works drunk also  _ “Ricketts” the Guard was constantly drunk, on one occasion he was unable to bring his party from the Works to the Hulk, the Ganger (a Convict) took charge of them and left “Ricketts” dead drunk laying in the highway _ After he was discharged

 

from

 

Page 115 (2)

 

from the “Tenedos” he re-entered as Guard on board the “Coromandel” and soon after was promoted to the rank of Steward, but having access to the Rum Cask, he commenced his old practices for which he was reduced to Quarter Master.

 

I was transferred to the Thames Hulk in May 1846 as Clerk, and I shall now proceed to bring before you the cases of drunkenness etc. that occurred on board that Vessel _ During the quarter ending 30^th June 1846 _ Two Guards (Hughes & Wilson) were dismissed for drunkenness and making use of obscene language _

 

In

 

Page 116

 

In September 1846 1^st Quarter Master Bond was discharged, and four Guards forfeited part of their Wages for repeated Drunkeness — Although M Bond was ^the 1^st Quarter Master he made it a common practice when on night watch to get disreputable women on board which was seen by many of the Convicts – Some time after his discharge he re-entered as Guard of the Dromedary, but has since been discharged on two occasions _ He is at the present time on board one of the Hulks as a Guard _

 

In December 1846, there were

 

not

 

Page 116 (2)

 

not less than Six Guards (only 6 are allowed the Thames) dismissed for Drunkenness, and procuring spirit for the Convicts visit Hall, Hare, Gregson, Watson, Berry, & Wilson _ The Guard “Watson” was carried on board the Thames from the public Works by the Prisoners, he being unable to walk _

 

Two Quarter Masters and one Guard (Belvin, Jefferies, and Dodge) were brought on board the Hulk by two other quarter Masters on the night of the 20^th February 1847 in a state of Drunkenness _ The Guard Dodge was found laying in the highway –

 

another

 

Page 117

 

Another Guard (“Jordan”) was carried on the shoulders of the Convincts from the Public Works on the 24^th February 1847 intoxicated _ All the above discharged in March 1847 except “Belvin” who was reduced to Guard.

 

I must just remark here Sir, that the 1^st Quarter Master Belvin (who had been promoted in M Bond’s place) was an habitual drunkard and it was frequently looked over at the Thames _ Although such was the case, he was again promoted to Quarter Master and at the present time is 1^st Quarter Master of the “Dromedary” March 27^th 1847 _

Two

 

Page 117 (2)

 

Two Quarter Masters (Perrow and Jefferies) forfeited 161 (?) – each out of their wages for Fighting at midnight in the Gun room _ The dispute arose through card playing –

 

June 1847, J Wilson Guard dismissed for Drunkeness _  September 1847, J Keenan and J. Ray dismissed for repeated drunkenness –

 

December 1847 –  J. Bywater Guard dismissed for repeated drunkenness _

 

I have in the foregoing statement mentioned all that my memory will admit of Sir, but there are many more cases I do not sufficiently recollect to state the particulars _

 

You

 

Page 118

 

You will find Sir, that I have brought forward 30 dismissals of which 26 were for Drunkenness, 3 for Robbery, and 1 for suspicion of robbery, all of which occurred in the Hulks I have traped through at Bermuda, which is only equal to one Vessel out of the four having been transferred from one to another _

 

There are 5 quarter Masters and 8 guards allowed each of the Hulks I have mentioned, you will therefore perceive Sir that the dismissals have been very numerous, and double that number would have been discharged, if the Overseers could have

 

obtained

 

Page 118 (2)

 

obtained others to supply their places

 

Only think Sir, of 6 guards out of the 8 allowed being discharged ^for drunkenness & supplying the Convicts with Spirits in one quarter (Dec 1846) — The drunken idle, dissolute Guards I have named did not hesitate to supply Convicts with Rum, particularly if they were allowed a little _Percentage for doing so _ I have even known Sir of a Guard making the Gun room servant (a Convict) his agent _ the Guard has supplied the spirits, and the Prisoner has sold it to the Convicts on board _ Such traffic is very profitable on board a Convict ship, as a bottle of “ripe” or new rum can

 

be

 

Page 119

 

be purchased in Bermuda for (?) _, on board it realizes 3(?) and the Prisoners are eager to obtain it _ Many of the Officers, Quarter Masters & Guards are guilty of making use of the most awful execrations, in fact Blasphemy is almost tolerated, they swear to such an extent themselves that in many instances (not all) they are afraid to report or punish a Convict for doing so _ Swearing amongst the Officers in the presence of a Convict is strictly forbidden in the Secretary of State’s Instructions, but it is openly violated by all from the highest

 

to

 

Page 119 (2)

 

to the lowest _ A more foul mouthed blasphemer never lived than +Lieutenant Hire  he has made himself notorious, and I believe glories in giving vent to the most awful execrations ever heard _ His late 1^st Mate was no better and a Prisoner could not be corrected by either of these Gentlemen without d _ mn_g their eyes and limbs and swearing by the h_ly Gh_t what they would do to them _

 

As a proof of this I enclose you Sir, a copy of a letter addressed to Major Wright late Commanding Royal Engineer at Bermuda by a

 

Convict

 

+ new Commander Hive R.N._

 

Page 120

 

Convict who complained of the cruel conduct and language of W. Pickthorne The unfortunate man knew well that he could get no redress from the Convict Authorities, and Reapplied to the head of another department, and he obtained satisfaction inasmuch as W Rickthorne was removed for that and other serious charges lodged against him

 

That letter will give you an idea Sir, of what sort of blackguards are placed over Convicts (see opposite) at a Cost to the Country of £200  pannum each _ Another 1^st Mate named * Pope who was removed

 

from

 

*as p official letter to M Capper from the dept at Bermuda dated 18^th *** 1865

 

Page 120 (2)

 

from the “Thames” in January 1845 for repeated intemperance (and who has since been promoted) is one of the same school a low life blackguard.

 

I cannot omit to mention a circumstance that occurred very lately. A guard of the “Thames” named “Murphy” reported two Prisoners for being insolent, for which they were placed in solitary confinement on bread and water and their Pay and Grog stopped – On the following Sunday evening at about 6 P.M. the same Guard (Murphy) came reeling on board the Hulk drunk before the

 

eyes

 

Page 121

 

eyes of all the Convicts _ Now Sir, during that Sabbath day those 2 men were in the (warm quarter in a climate like Bermuda) through the report “Murphy” had made against them _ I pronounce such a man unworthy of belief and an Overseer has no right to believe a man who in correcting a Prisoner prefaces it with such language a “God eternal d_ _ n your eyes Sir”, a common expression used by the Guard Murphy when speaking to a Prisoner _

 

The same man, has no regard for truth, he is an ignorant blustering Irishman _ On the Sabbath even-

 

ing

 

[Marginalia] Murphy has lately left the “Thames”, and is at the present time keeping a Grog shop at St. George Bermuda

 

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ing I have alluded to it was remarked by many Convicts on seeing him in the degrading state I have mentioned “that he was a fine specimen to govern, and show by his own conduct an example to others” __

 

I shall now speak of the effect which such conduct has upon the discipline and good order of the Establishment, and I would respectfully ask Sir in the first place, are such a class of men whose conduct I have brought before you Sir to be placed over a great body of Convicts? Are Her Majesty’s Go-

 

-vernment

 

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-vernment aware that such men are placed over them? decidedly not, their conduct has brought upon them the contempt even of the Convicts _ Only reflect Sir for the moment of a body of Convicts carrying the Officer placed over them on their shoulders through the town to the Hulk, in a state of Drunkeness _

 

It is Sir, in consequence of having such men in authority, that drunkenness amongst the Convicts is a common occurrence, and Sir, that vice leads them to commit (I must speak plainly on this matter)

 

the

 

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the most unnatural crimes ever heard of – I am positive that were the Government aware of the abominable work carried on in the Hulks they would sink them –

 

I am prepared to prove that unnatural crimes and beastly actions are committed on board the Hulks daily, and I can substantiate it by evidence the most incontrovertible _ For some years Sir I have wished for the opportunity I now have of bringing to light the foul deeds of a Convict Hulk – They are indeed Sir, “seminaries of crime” _ I have seen it for six years

 

and

 

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and to such an extent Sir, is the abominable sin practiced that many of them boast of it – If they are not “married” as they term it, it is out of the fashion – I repeat Sir, that I must be candid on this important subject, I must not allow a false delicacy to prevent one from declaring the whole truth connected with the disgraceful scenes I have witnessed on board the Convict Hulks _ During the awful Epidemic at Bermuda in 1843 and which swept away upwards of 100 of my fellow prisoners, I prayed that God would spare my life and

 

permit

 

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permit me once more to return to England that I might represent to some Christian member of the Legislature the abominable actions I had witnessed even during that solemn period _ It was soon after this period that one of those disgraceful actions took place on Board the “Tenedos” at about 4 P.M. I shuddered at the thought of it, and others saw it also _ My conscience Sir would not allow me to let such a filthy action pass unnoticed, and I instantly reported the circumstance to

 

M

 

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Mr Rauce Mate of the “Tenedos,” the case was proved and the 2 Convicts received 24 Lashes each, put in grey clothing with yellow sleeves, heavy ironed, pay and grog stopped etc. The man’s name was “Samuel Jones” No 10 about 27 years of age, and the boy “Burnell Milford about 17 years of age. The offence “being found in a position “derogatory to the laws of God”, and the punishment awarded are recorded in the “Occurrence “Book” of the Tenedos Hulk. _

 

From the moment I made that Report I became

 

disliked

 

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disliked by many of my fellow Prisoners, and Sir, I formed, that my life was in danger, some old prisoners on board the Coromandel & Dromedary declared they would “put me to Sleep”.

 

Being a new Prisoner at the time I thought I should be generally supported for bringing such disgraceful actions under the notice of the Authorities, but such was not the case either by the Officers or the Prisoners, they did not like the exposure which it caused throughout the Islands.

 

The case I have referred

 

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to is the only one I know of that has ever been reported, although I solemnly declare such unnatural Crimes are committed daily. I call God to witness the truth of my statement, and the day I left the “Thames” there was not less than 50 men who kept what they call “Kids” (boys) and who I declare do not hesitate to offer themselves for the most trifling renumeration. You Sir, I feel sure will scarcely believe that man would thus debase himself lower than the beast

 

I

 

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I fancy you will ask yourself “Is it possible that a place set apart for the reformation of misguided men should be converted into a den of abomination and filthiness.” _

 

The men that keep these boys generally earn a good deal of money being employed as Shoemakers, Cooks, Servants etc, and they strain every nerve to procure for them as many of the good things of this world as their position will allow of, and I have seen some men

 

starve

 

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starve themselves in order that the boy might have plenty, and sell the amount of their * Earnings to enable them to purchase canvas shoes (those allowed by the Government being too hard for their tender feet) for them. The men incur all sorts of risk for them, and many a man has received 24 Lashes for Smuggling Spirits on board from the public works to indulge the insatiable appetites of those boys. I have seen their clothes washed by the Men and every other duty required of the boys,

 

performed

 

*on the Public Works

 

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performed by the former, in fact Sir, many men Endeavor which can support and clothe his boy the best. But I have said Enough. I have brought before you Sir these disgusting facts in detail to give you an idea of what is going on in the Hulks, and I much regret to say that there are no preventative measures adopted by the Authorities on board each Hulk to put down such abomination. They don’t seem to know anything about it, but the truth is, they don’t wish to Know,

 

they

 

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they are afraid of the consequences. In the Summer months the men are hatch’d Down and the heat is intense, the Prisoners lay about the decks, and many of them in a state of nakedness. It is I assure you Sir disgusting to see the position of the men in the night time, all crowded together, and the lower deck of the “Thames” measures only 5 feet 4 in from the deck to the beam.

 

Having witnessed Sir for upwards of 6 years the abominable crimes I have fearlessly

 

brought

 

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brought before you, I am determined to use my utmost, but humble efforts to lay these facts before the Public, fully convinced, that if the true Character of the Hulks are made Known, and the awful crimes committed in them brought to light, the public voice will demand enquiry, and I cherish the hope Sir, of seeing at no distant period the Hulk System completely abandoned, such a system I declare to be the most hellish ever invented. No marvel, therefore, that the Authorities have granted

 

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a Solitary Cabin to Mr John Mitchell apart from the scenes I have described. I verily believe they are afraid to place him between the decks of a Convict Ship.

 

The good Order and discipline required by the rules of the Service cannot be carried out by the reckless class of Officers I have mentioned, their disgraceful Conduct prevents them from doing their duty.

 

The prisoners look upon them as mean and contemptible hirelings, in some

 

cases

 

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cases worse than themselves, and the consequence is, that the Establishment has sunk into a loose, disorderly, and depraved state. The very frequent acts of Insubordination and Mutiny on board the Hulks are a strong proof of their mismanagement.

 

Signed,

George Baxter Grundy