§ Lord J. Russellsaid, that an hon. Member had placed a notice on the books for an address to his Majesty, intreating the Royal clemency to those Convicts who had been transported to New South Wales, in 1831, from Hampshire, and the south of England, for the offences of machine-breaking, fire-raising, rioting, &c. It would be quite unnecessary for him to enter into the question of the propriety of that address, as he had received a letter from the Under-Secretary of the Colonies, in reply to one addressed to that hon. Gentleman on the subject, which he hoped would be satisfactory. In this letter, the Under-Secretary stated, in reply to a letter of the 1st of August, respecting the free pardon which his Majesty had been pleased to grant to 246 persons, convicts in New South Wales:—"I am directed by Lord Glenelg, to acquaint you, that Governor Arthur has done this, except in the case of ten indi- 1274 viduals, who have forfeited all claim to this act of clemency." He ought to state that the pardon was directed for 246 persons—the whole number being 264. He only made an exception in the cases of those, who had previously been committed for some other offences—such as creating riots, or machine-breaking. With respect to these parties, it was thought that some difference should be made.
§ Mr. Humeasked, if all who were transported to New South Wales at the time for the offences mentioned, were to have the benefit of the pardon?
§ Lord J. Russellsaid, that the order made no distinction.
§ Subject dropped.