As a speciman of workmanship, it is without equal in its line in Yorkshire.
Peace expressed his intention of adding to the attractions in the Sheffield museum.
He decided on constructing one of these “monuments,” and of presenting it for exhibition in that institution.
Those whose memories it was to perpetuate were the Rev. Canon Sale, the Misses Harrison, and the “Christian poet,” Montgomery, whose names he would have engraved on tablets to be placed in the sides of the structure as already described.
He actually commenced the work, and would have completed it, had he not taken to other courses.
After receiving his discharge Peace made the best of his way to London.
One reason for this was that he was not so well known in the metropolis as at Sheffield, and before returning to his native town he was desirous of making a change in his costume; the other reason was that he had for his companions two convicts who were discharged at the same time as himself. One of these was the housebreaker who had been convicted at Manchester for burglary; the other was a regular London thief, whose acquaintance Peace had made in the parade ground of Dartmoor—the last named was a cheery gossiping gentleman, who appeared to be on good terms with himself and everybody else.
“Well, we’ve all done our dose,” said the London thief, whose name was Baxter, “and are glad enough to leave that blooming place. I hope neither on us ’ill see its dark walls again, and bad luck to it. I think it’s the worst prison as ever I was in. Why Millbank’s a king to it.”
“Ah! I never was at Millbank,” said Peace.
“Oh, no, s’pose not—you aint a London man, and may be that this is your first lagging. Ye see I’ve had some ’xperience—been to all sorts of places. Lord, a bloke gets used to it in time. I did a seven year stretch before this, and was at the Gib three out of it.”