The EARL of WALDEGRAVEasked whether it was true that the convict Mitchel had been invited to the table of the commander of Her Majesty's ship Scourge, on his passage out to Bermuda?
§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNEsaid, he had no objection to produce the instructions issued to the captain of the Scourge, as to the treatment of the convict Mitchel on his passage to Bermuda. At the same time, it was but fair to state that the instructions did not reach the captain of the Scourge in time; and he had, therefore, to use his own discretion to a certain extent. It should also be stated that he had received an intimation from a Member of the Irish Government that, in consequence of Mitchel's state of health, he was to be treated with such indulgence as might be necessary.
The EARL of WALDEGRAVEthen moved for an Address to Her Majesty for a copy of the instructions issued by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Commander Wingrove, of Her Majesty's ship Scourge, in May or June, 1848, upon the conduct he was to observe in the custody of the convict Mitchel, sent in that sloop from Cork, for a passage to Bermuda.
§ Agreed to.
§ House adjourned till To-morrow.