THE VOICE OF OUR EXILES OR STRAY LEAVES FROM A CONVICT SHIP EDITED BY DANIEL RITCHIE, ESQ. SURGEON, R.N. EDINBURGH: JOHN MENZIES: LONDON: W. S. ORR & CO. M.DCCC.LIV. 232. c. 51. ΤΟ SIR WILLIAM BURNETT, KT., M.D., K.C.B., K.C.H., F.R.S., AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR AND ADMIRATION OF THOSE TALENTS AND THAT DIGNITY OF CHARACTER WHICH HAVE FOR SO MANY YEARS SHED LUSTRE ON THE PROFESSION, IN WHICH HE OCCUPIES THE FIRST PLACE, This Volume IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE EDITOR. PREFACE. THE Editor wishes it to be distinctly understood, in bringing the following volume before the public, that he has carefully avoided, while correcting the different articles, the introduction of any sentiments or ideas which would render them less truly an exposition of the inner life of a convict ship. It has been his object to present a picture of the moral and intellectual condition of our convict population, which would convey an accurate representation of these as they really exist. No method appeared to him better fitted to accomplish his purpose, than placing on the canvas the reflections of the prisoners' own minds. Although the figures are comparatively few, they may justly be regarded as characteristic of the whole body of prisoners, and are therefore probably sufficient to remove many erroneous notions that exist regarding them. For the purpose of keeping the weekly issue of nearly a uniform size, it was occasionally necessary |