New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-10-24
letter from smit. O,Brien.
A copy of the following letter has beenreceived
the Colonial Office from Mr.. Smith o Brien:

copy OF the following letter Has bttH tcttl'
at the Colonial Office from Mr. Smith o Bren:
darlington Probation Station, Marin Island,
VAN DIEMAN's LAND, FeU %, 1850.
"MY DEAR POTTER: | would have written to
YOU sooner if had had anything agreeable to
communicate, but have been unwilling to srieve
YOU by telling you that yOur worst antlcipations
with respect to the sort OF treatment which |
might possibly experience in this colony have been
realized. During period Of about two months
suffered as much as the inhumanty OF the Cover
nor of this colony, Sir William DeuisOn aided by
the Controller General, DR.. Hampton, could inhict.
No ,o i9fagth began to give way SO rapidly
this period was consigned That IN. 49, 49, Of the
station became seriously alarmed, and his repre-.
sentations produced such relaxation OF the re-
strictions under which was placed rs has had the
effect Of restoring my strength ! shall abstain
from distressing You with detailed narrative OF
my experience OF the magnanimity Of British
tunctionaries as illustrated by my treatment III
this island shall rather immess yol with a
persuasion-happily well iounded-thm | bear,
with wonderful choertulness, all the prIVatlons
to which | am subject. Every other source OF
suffering appears to me 10 be so insignificant
compared with that of separation from my Ia
mily that | reconcile myself 10 the minor yexa.
tions incidental to my position as to matters OF
comparative Indifference. Yes, though could ter
inmate the pains OF this separation by allowing
Mrs O Brien to come to Van Dicmens Land /
feel more strongly than ever that 1t would be the
greatest injustice to my children to bring them to
country the present condition OF which viii
not trust myself to describe l. therefore, can Geo
no e .oiion Of the calantia; 81 NV lot
except that which you and other friends took 50
much pans to avert, the deyerance which will
be effected by death; and confess that deliber-
ately think that my death would be more advan
taseous to my children than that they should fol-
low ne to this colony.
g am afraid that some of my fellow exes,
though enjoying the comparative liberty which a
ticket of leave conters find their lot little more
enviable than mine and the more | reflect upon
the circumstances OF eirposltlon the more do /
rejoice that have kept myself unletteredby any
engagement even though my resolution in this re
gard Very nearly cost nue. my lie. Considered as
prison, Maria Island is as little Objectionable as
any spot that could be chosen. The scenery is
very picturesque, and the local officers have been
rs kind as they could venture to be under the III
human regulations laid down for their guidance
by the Controller General. am therefore rath-
er sorry to learn that this station will soon be
broken up. pom the abandonment Of this sta
ton shall probably be removed to Port Arthur
change which viii, fear, be productive of Meth,
er benefit nor satisfaction to me. Tell my Liner
ick friends that my recollection of their kindness
IS as vivid if | were still their Representatives
and believe me your very obliged and attached
friend, W LILLIAN S. 0'BRIEN."