Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-03-05


1887, whore, with 2ss others, he was taken
prisoner. The whole party were condemned
10 be bauished and kept at hard labor for
life, aud were transported to the penal col
ouy in Van Dieman's Land. Several of the
number died on the passage out, and the rest
were landed in safety. They were immedi-
ately set to work at breaking stone for
macadamizing roads, and at this Berry
was employed for three years, every
day when it did not rain. At the expira-
ton of that time he was hired out to
farmers in the neighborhOod, by whom ne
was employed in the cultivating of their
lands, and in this manner between seven and
eight years more were passed, when, by the
efforts of several gentlemen who interested
themselves 10 procure the release Of the un-
fortunate prisoners, pardon was at length
g-anted by the Queen to the entire number
Of those still living. TO many, the release
was merely nominal, inasnueh as they were
entirely destitute Of means for leaving the
island. Mr.. Berry was still compelled to con-
tinue there for six long years, earning a bare
subsistence by hard labor, for which he was
paid but nine pounds, or about forty-five
dollars per year. He at length managed to
ship upon a whale vessel, on which he re-
mained for two years and four months, and
was at last landed at New Bedford. He is
now on his way West to his sons, one Of
whom lives in Michigan City.
Mr., Berry gives an interesting account Of
the Yieissitudes through which he has pas
sed, and of the country where he has been
so long held IN bondage. The condition Of
the convicts, he says, is similar to, but worse
than that of the slaves in this country.
Before leaving, he went to the Superin-
tendent's office to enquire how many con
victs were now confined upon the island,
saying that be should be frequently asked
when he returned to America, and he wished
to be able to reply correctly. The answer Of
the Superintendent, after consulting his
books, was "If any one enquiries of you,
you can tell them that there are 40, 900 and
upwards" This large number, comprising
in q great measure the most desperate and
hardened villains, is kept in subsection by
two regiments OF soldiers, who are stationed
at different points all over the island. When
the Patriots landed, the overseer addressed
them, telling them that he had been in
formed by the captain of the vessel in which
they were transported, that they were an or
derly and behaved set of men, and that
therefore they should not be made to associ-
ate with the others, but at the same time he
added-'I shall consider what you are, not
what you have been" Every night they
were locked up in sort of "barraeks."--
Comfortable bedding was allowed them and
light was kept burning overhead, so that
any one who could obtain possession OF
newspaper was enabled to read. It was,
however, contrary to rules for any reading
matter, with the exception of letters, to be
received, and these were all examined by
the authorities before being delivered; but
through the kindness of the American Con-
sui, bundles of papers were frequently dis
tributed, which of course were seized and
AEau win VIC SACaNO9b ca 81 ASo9s
Those convicts who can command money
sometimes make their escape upon the YES
sells which touch at the ports. They usually
effect this by procuring suit Of ordinary
clothes and going down to the mouth of the
river, where they are enabled to get on board
ship. They all wear Uniform
one leg of the trowsers is yellow
in front and black behind, and on the other
leg these eolors are reversed. The jacket is
similar. Upon the arrival of vessel, a
guard of soldiers is Immediately placed on
board, and remains there until she leaves,
in order to prevent any but the proper per
sons from leaving with her. The strictest
discipline is maintained, and if prisoner
even looks defantly at his Overseer, he is
Immediately punished with thirty-six lashes.
No one is allowed to give anything, not
even piece of tobacco, to prisoner the
penalty for so doing being a fine of twenty
pounds. There are many Of those, who have
been there for number of years, whose SEN
tence is so far remitted that they are not
compelled to labor, and are suffered to hold
property. but they are not allowed to leave
the island Some of these have acquired
great wealth, and may be seen rolling along
the streets Of the town in elegant carriages,
with cOachmen, footmen, and all the appur-
tenances of the highest respectability.
One wealthy and jolly old farmer said to
Mr.. Berry one day, while the latter was en-
gagged in plowing, carrying his reins, as is
sometimes the custom, about his neck, +" If
you had had your deserts, you would have
been swinging at the end of that strap long
ago." Mr.. Berry retorted by telling him
that he himself had only escaped similar
fate by running off day before his execu-
ton. The old man at once exclaimed
g That's a fact )" and it proved afterwards to
have been very near the exact truth, from
the acknowledgment of the farmers
wife, although Berry was not aware of it at
the time. Another rich man, wool grower,
offered $500 to be allowed to spend but two
weeks in England, but his request was not
aceeded to.
Out Of the company Of 27s several re-
turned at once, after the pardon was granted,
and two or three are now members Of the
Canadian Parliament.
Mr.. Berry describes the climate of Van
Dieman's Land as being unequalled- Every
thing can be produced there which We raise
in this country, with the exception Of Indian
corn, which does not come TO maturity
There are few or no prevailing diseases
fevers being almost unknown.
When Mr.. Berry left this country, he says
that there was, to his knowledge, but on,
railroad in operation, and that was between
Albany and schnsctady, The telegraph ap-
pears almost miracle to him. He wal
formerly acquainted with many Of our old
citizens, IS well as those Of surrounding
towns.
The long and tedious imprisonment hai