d five
seamen perished, with Lieutenant Griffiths, the officer in command--a
young gentleman of amiable disposition and great promise. He exhibited a
brilliant example of humanity, calmness, and self devotion. The
prisoners broke from their quarters, rushed on the deck, and obstructed
the exertions of the seamen: entreating them to return, he gave them
_his hand_ and his word, that he would not desert the vessel until they
were clear of the wreck. While some were conveyed to the shore, he
remained knocking off the irons of the rest; and then finding the boat
could not regain the ship, he plunged into the sea, and was last seen
struggling with the current. The risk of life is common to the military
profession; but a sacrifice so nobly made, was surely not less glorious
than when on the field of battle.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 63: Sidney Smith: _Edinburgh Review_, 1803.]

[Footnote 64: _Tench's Narrative_, 1789.]

[Footnote 65: _Bigge's Report._]

[Footnote 66: This act (4 Geo. iv.) of 1823, made the punishments
legally inflicted by the overseers on board the hulks, the rule on board
the transports; but 5 Will. iv. allows such punishments as may be
_authorised by the secretary of state_, without specifying their nature.
The penalty of L20 (previously L50), for not entering the punishment in
the log-book, is in itself a feeble protection against the abuses which
such powers might produce. The instructions of the secretary of state to
the surgeon-superintendent direct--to confine in a dark cell; to lessen
the ration, even to bread and water; and whipping: first "using mild and
persuasive means." It is proper to observe, that these powers are very
rarely abused: punishments are not to be inflicted, except in the
presence of at least twelve prisoners.]

[Footnote 67: "The captain and each officer enjoy the right of
selection. Thus they continue the habit of concubinage until the
convicts arrive at Sydney Town, and some are now educating five or six
children. Each sailor or soldier is permitted to attach himself to one
of the females: the permission and the caresses of the artful wanton
have often lured the temporary parties to marry at Plymouth, more
frequently to consummate the nuptials at Sydney: such a marriage
manumits the convict."

"The unhappy male convicts are denied, save occasionally, these
profligate liberties. Occasionally, however, they range into the quarter
assigned to the women. The males, accustomed i