. But neither of these men came
under my charge, being both Roman Catholics.

"At length the brig, which had been despatched with an account of the
affair, returned, and brought the decision of the governor of New South
Wales. He had found it extremely difficult, almost impossible, to obtain
fitting members for the commission, who would be willing to accept the
terms proposed by the government, or trust themselves in this dreadful
place, and therefore he had determined that the prisoners should be sent
up for trial. The men were sadly disappointed at this arrangement. They
wished much to end their days here, and they dreaded both the voyage and
the distracting effect of new scenes. They cling, too, with grateful
attachment to the commandant's family, and the persons who, during their
long imprisonment, had taken so strong an interest in their welfare. I
determined to accompany them, and watch for their perseverance in
well-doing, that I might counsel and strengthen them under the fearful
ordeal I could not doubt they would have to pass.

"The same steady consistency marked the conduct of these men to the
moment of their embarkation. There was a total absence of all
excitement; one deep, serious feeling seemed to possess them, and its
solemnity was communicated to all of us. They spoke and acted as men
standing on the confines of the unseen world, and who not only thought
of its wonders, but, better still, seemed to have caught something of
its spirit and purity.

"November.--The voyage up was a weary, and, to the prisoners, a very
trying one. In a prison on the lower deck of a brig of one hundred and
eighty-two tons, fifty-two men were confined. The place itself was about
twenty feet square, of course, low, and badly ventilated. The men were
all ironed, and fastened to a heavy chain rove through iron rings let
into the deck, so that they were unable, for any purpose, to move from
the spot they occupied; scarcely, indeed, to lie down. The weather was
also unfavorable. The vessel tossed and pitched most fearfully during a
succession of violent squalls, accompanied by thunder and lightning. I
cannot describe the wretchedness of these unhappy convicts; sick, and
surrounded by filth, they were huddled together in the most disgusting
manner. The heat was at times unbearable. There were men of sixty--quiet
and inoffensive old men--placed with others who were as accomplished
villains as the world could produce. These were eit