e
Secretary for the same leniency as had been extended to other three
prisoners, who had each lost a leg in prison from disease, shortly
before me.

"No prisoners have lost their legs from disease; there was some
accident connected with it."

This was the reply made to me, in a gruff, bullying tone of voice. I
then begged his pardon, and commenced to give the names of the
prisoners whose cases I had mentioned. But when the director saw that I
was familiar with the cases he would not permit me to proceed, and
refused peremptorily to look into my case. I then asked him to be kind
enough to allow me to petition the Home Secretary on the merits of my
case, as I petitioned the first time solely on the ground of having
lost my leg, and being in bad health.

"No, no, no! that will do. Call the next man."

And I was bundled out of the room, with the prayer on my lips that I
might never more be compelled to speak to such a man. Convicts, I may
add, are freely permitted to petition the Home Secretary every twelve
months; at this time nearly eighteen months had elapsed since I
petitioned first. To show that I had some grounds for my request, I
will mention the cases of the prisoners who had lost limbs at the same
prison shortly before me.

A.--Sentence nearly double mine. Crime, rape on his own daughter.
He had only been a short time in prison when his leg required to be
amputated, in consequence of disease in the knee-joint. He was told
by the doctor, before the operation, that he would be liberated on
recovery. Patient died.

B.--A regular thief, with many previous convictions. Lost a
diseased limb. Was offered his liberty by the authorities, and his
license was issued, but his father would not receive him. He
ultimately died in prison.

C.--A French housebreaker who had been in English prisons before.
Sentence, seven years. Lost his leg in consequence of disease in
the knee-joint, and recovered speedily. He was sent home a few
months after the operation, and before he had been so long in
prison as I had been at the time of my request.

I now felt rather unhappy under the severity with which I was treated,
and wrote a letter to my brother, in which I mentioned having seen the
visiting director; but this letter was also suppressed, and I was
warned not to mention the director's name in any letter, or inform my
friends of the suppressed letter to Mr. Cobden. I felt