ST. HELENA 121 



The taking of the Oath was more universal than had been 

 anticipated, though several hung back; amongst these, 

 Woolmarans, who urged the prisoners strongly not to take 

 it. 



On the 25th June H.M. transport Canada arrived, 5,701 

 tons, from England (Capt. Maddox),also the British steamer 

 Wakool, 3,147 tons, from South Africa (Capt. Thomas) ; the 

 latter was in quarantine, and brought the 3rd Battalion 

 Royal Sussex Regiment, taking a few days later the Buffs, 

 with their genial Colonel Theodore Brinckman. On the 

 26th there was great excitement in the town, when over 

 470 who had taken the oath came from the camp to 

 embark on the Canada for South Africa. They were 

 escorted by the band of the 3rd Wilts, and they marched 

 down with Union Jacks flying. Before going off they 

 assembled on the Lower Parade (see illustration), where 

 H.E. the Governor bade them farewell. He said he was 

 glad to have an opportunity of saying good-bye, and 

 of wishing them good luck in the future. It was a mark 

 of regard on the side of the Government that they were 

 being sent home first, and on arrival at the Cape they would 

 meet the loyalists from Ceylon, and so the first one thousand 

 men to land on their native shores would be those in whom 

 the Government felt confidence. Had all been of their 

 opinion, and refrained from countenancing a hopeless 

 contest, their country would not have been in the same 

 sad condition as it now was. He felt sure, however, that 

 under the firm and just rule of England prosperity would 

 come again, and that all would be firm friends. His 

 Excellency concluded by saying : " I trust we shall always be 

 friends and grow in prosperity day by day. You have 

 been here now over two years and we part with you with 

 regret. We have admired the fortitude and constancy 

 with which you have borne exceptional trials, and I feel 

 that amongst you I am parting with some personal friends 

 of whose welfare in the future I shall always be glad to hear. 

 And now I bid you all good-bye, and wish you all good 

 fortune in the years to come." This was translated in 

 short sentences to the prisoners by Captain Proctor, C.G.A , 

 and was replied to by Commandant Jooste on behalf of 

 himself and his fellow loyalists. He thanked the Governor 



