an's Peninsula, at the time a secondary penal station
in Van Diemen's Land. No discretion was allowed in the execution of this
imperative instruction. On further reflection, however, Earl Grey
qualified his order.[252]

When the proposal to vacate Norfolk Island, and to settle the prisoners
in this colony, became known, the inhabitants manifested the strongest
indignation. Their views coinciding with the wishes of the local
authorities, were received with respect, and the lieutenant-governor
decided to delay the measure until the secretary of state should be
fully informed. The administration of Mr. Price had quelled the mutinous
temper of the convicts, and the removal of the better class had greatly
diminished the number. The desirableness of an island prison to punish
colonial offences, and obstinate insubordination in the English
penitentiaries, overcame the intention to desert once more that spot, so
celebrated for its natural beauty and moral pollution (1849). The reader
will not, however, confide in present appearances; but will expect a
repetition, at some future day, of those startling disclosures which
have several times filled the world with horror.

The attempts of the convicts to overthrow the authorities have been
numerous. Three years after the re-occupation of the island (1827) a
large body murdered the guard, seized the boats, and crossed over to
Phillip's Island. Seventy were engaged, and their number screened them
from the capital penalty. In 1834, a still more sanguinary attempt
issued in the instant loss of several lives, and the execution of eleven
men. It was on this occasion that Mr. Justice Burton sat as judge: when
he heard the appeal which "brought tears to his eyes, and wrung his
heart;" and which, recorded by the famous anti-transportation committee
of the House of Commons, told with such power on public opinion. The
culprit being brought up for sentence said--"Let a man be what he will,
when he comes here he soon becomes as bad as the rest: _a man's heart is
taken from him, and there is given him the heart of a beast_."

Such has been always the result of capricious severity; and not only to
the prisoners--to the ministers of vengeance might often be extended,
without injustice, the appalling description.

The administration of law at Norfolk Island was but a choice of
difficulties. Special commissions were of late sent down, when cases
were urgent or numerous. The temptation to risk life