Mitchell[21] is apparently
raising some excitement. Though I cannot apprehend any formidable
attempt at rescue, yet the notoriety of a force being at or about the
island may put an end to the vapouring menaces which are proclaimed, and
prevent any rash or foolish enterprise that may be projected."

[21] The great Chartist who, having been tried and sentenced to
transportation, had been sent to Bermuda in May, 1848.

"Thanks to you for your letter from Halifax," Lord Auckland wrote again,
on the 21st of July, "and for your last sheets on the defences of
Bermuda. I did not think, when we parted, that the question of these
defences would so soon come under serious discussion, with a view to
their practical efficiency, but I do not yet think they will be put to
the test by any formidable attempt for the rescue of Mr. Mitchell. Such
apprehensions of danger, however, as they occur occasionally, do good,
and lead men to think of and correct their weak points. What you say of
the accessible nature of the southern reef surprises me, and strengthens
your recommendation of gunboats as the means of defence which are least
to be neglected. I only hang back in regard to them, as the Naval
Department could not bear the expense of such defences for the many
colonies that would require them, and they must be provided by the
Colonial Governments. Our arrangements, however, may in some cases be
subsidiary to theirs, and, wherever it is possible, the craft of the
dockyard and other establishments should be so fitted as to be capable
of carrying a gun. I am glad you sent off the _Scourge_ to Bermuda. She
is a handy vessel and well commanded, and the notoriety of her presence
will not be without a useful effect. What you say of the character of
the emigrants that are sent forth from Ireland to our colonies is but
too true. Yet it is better that they should go than accumulate famine
and disturbance at home. The present condition of Ireland menaces
trouble and difficulty."

"I am quite aware," wrote Earl Grey, who was then Secretary of State for
the Colonies, to Lord Dundonald, on the 3rd of August, "of the
unfortunate tendency of the emigration to the North American provinces
being chiefly from Ireland; but I do not see how it is in the power of
the Government effectually to counteract the causes which are leading to
the settlement of so large a proportion of Irish in this part of the
British dominion. I fear this will, hereafter, be a