Two Voyages to New South Wales and Van Diemen's LandReid, Thomas
History
Two Voyages to New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land
Reid, Thomas
Exiles -- Australia -- New South Wales; Exiles -- Australia -- Tasmania
Their companions from Newgate, who have remained unblemished, and
progressively improving, use the most earnest intercession for the
offenders, praying to have them united with them once more. In this
instance, the recollection of the danger they had incurred made me
unwilling to listen to this charitable advocacy; but they, with a kind
perseverance which does them credit, applied to the Reverend Mr.
Reddall, and this amiable man lent his assistance to their wishes,
putting into writing the prisoners’ sentiments, which he this day
presented to me in the form of a letter, in the name of all the females
from Newgate, signed also by the penitents.
With this entreaty my compliance was easy, both in compliment to the
intercessor, and from a wish to cultivate the disposition shown by the
petitioners. I accompanied the reverend gentleman to the hospital,
where, having called them together, I remarked with much earnestness on
their general state, gave them my hearty forgiveness, and promised to
befriend them in every possible way. It would be difficult to express
the feelings of gratitude they displayed;—it was signified in sobs and
tears;—it was eloquent in the interruption of their emotions. One, the
most distinguished for habitual levity, was the most fervent in her
expressions of mingled joy, shame, and sorrow; she fell on her knees,
and repeatedly asked for that pardon which had already been pronounced.
The scene was affecting to those present. I encouraged them to persevere
in their present resolutions, and told them that they were now at
perfect liberty to mix with their companions, but forbade them
positively to go on deck, which I assured them was purely for their own
welfare. They with one voice requested to be continued in their present
sequestered situation, as best suiting their state of mind; to which
request they had my ready consent. The following is a copy of their
letter:
“Morley, at Sea, Aug. 21, 1820.
“HONOURED SIR,
“It is in the deepest sorrow of soul we presume to pray your
regard to our wretched situation. We never till now knew what it
was to be completely unfortunate, because we have drawn it all
upon ourselves by listening to the false persuasions of the wicked
sailors, who have led us astray from our duty to God and you. We
scarcely dare ask your forgiveness, our crime has been so bad, and
our ingratitude so great; and yet we cannot bear the distress we
are in at the thought of having acted as we have done.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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