We Therefore Humbly Submit, That, As The State Looks Only
At Present To Our Being Well Secured, We Ought To Be Treated
With Every Liberality Consistent With Our Safe Custody;
And That Any Unnecessary Harshness, Or Arrogant Display
Of Power, Is Nothing More Or Less Than Wanton Cruelty.
Some of us, for instance, could wile away several hours
each day in writing, an occupation which, while it would
fill up the dreary vacuum of a prison life, as would the
moderate use of snuff and tobacco cheer it, and soothe
that mental irritation consequent upon seclusion.
But that
system of discipline which would paralyse the mind and
debilitate the body - that would destroy intellectual as
well as physical energy and vigour, cannot certainly be
of human origin.
Trusting you will remove these sources of annoyance and
complaint,
We beg to subscribe ourselves,
Sir
Your obedient servants.
[Here follow the names.]
- - -
Sheriff CLAUDE FARIE, Inspector PRICE, Turnkey HACKETT, they will praise
your names in hell!
Chapter LXXXI.
Quem Patronem Rogaturus.
The brave people of Melbourne remembered the state prisoners, forgotten by
the Ballaarat diggers, who now that the storm was over, considered
themselves luckily cunning to have got off safe; and therefore could
afford to 'joe' again; the red-streak near Golden-point, having put every
one in the good old spirits of the good old times.
Yourself devoting to the public cause,
You ask the people if they be 'there' to die:
Yes, yes hurrah the thund'ring applause,
Too soon, alas!
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