270 
Excursion to Port Arthur. 
unconscious of freightage, nor the ample means of 
equipment; for on its dark-green waters floated the Lady 
Franklin , a strong, staunch, wholesome-looking barque 
(just launched), of 270 tons burthen, and, a few yards 
off, H.M. 18-gun sloop Favourite was stripping, pre- 
paratory to undergoing a thorough refit. We landed at 
the Commissariat Pier, where we were met by Mr. Cart, 
the Superintendent of Convicts, through whose kindness 
we were quickly enabled to present our credentials to the 
Commandant. Captain Booth welcomed us with the 
utmost urbanity, presenting us to his accomplished 
partner, and courteously inviting us to take up our 
quarters with him; an invitation we gladly accepted— 
Port Arthur being yet unconscious of an hotel, lodging 
house, or any place of entertainment: in fact, every 
residence is a Government one- 
Next day being Sunday, we proceeded after breakfast 
to see the convicts mustered prior to their being marched 
to church. They were drawn up in three lines, each 
gang forming a separate division—the overseers (convicts) 
taking their stations in the rear. It was hideous to remark 
the countenances of the men, to which their yellow 
raiment (or half black, half yellow), with P A and their 
respective numbers stamped in various parts, imparted a 
sinister and a most revolting expression. Scarcely one 
open set of features was to be found. To read their eyes, it 
seemed as though they were speculating the chance of 
gain or advantage to be hoped from us. Crime and its 
consequences were fearfully depicted in their ill-omened 
visages ; and we turned from the disagreeable caricature 
of humanity with as much disgust as pity and regret. 
Muster over, the men were marched with the utmost 
silence to church, whither we shortly followed ; a military 
detachment, with loaded arms, being so stationed as to 
command the entire building. 
