There is a special form of morning state directed by the "Rules for the Control of the Jail" to be kept but this has not been carried into effect. On my arrival I ascertained that it was considered the arrangement directed by the said "Rules" for numbering the Convicts prevented its adoption. I directed the warden to prepare a daily state which I have frequently checked.
At about ten minutes past six A.M., Corporal Phillimore and two Indian Constables formed the guard for that party; at the time of forming this party my attention was drawn by Corporal Kent of the Royal Engineers that certain Convicts who had previously to that day been working under his orders at the erection of the sea wall had been changed to work with the party to quarry stone. The Convicts who had so changed fell in with the party to Collich, were picked out and put to proper labor.
I was told by Corporal Kent and others that the Convicts were changed to get pleasanter labor. On the 21st April, I was present at the distribution of rations. A party of 121 was told off to convey rough stone round a point of the Island out of view from the Convict Hulk. Two European Constables, Manley and Hicks, reported to me that the Convicts made complaints about the labor that was assigned.
At 8 A.M. on that day, I had the usual parade of the whole Establishment and found all present and correct, the five...