The diminution of Convicts from 5858 to 3809 is to be accounted for, by a certain proportion leaving the Settlement after the expiration of their time, and also by deaths,[149] which in the natural course of things must be expected.
In resorting to this mode of disposing of Convicts, which at the time must be considered as a choice of difficulties, a very large sum of money has been expended.—Certainly much more than could have been foreseen at the commencement: Since it appears from the 28th Report of the Select Committee on Finance, who certainly have bestowed infinite pains in the investigation, that the total amount exceeds One Million Sterling, as will be seen from the following Statement, extracted from page 120 of that 28th Report, viz:
Disbursed for 5858 Convicts including 93 Children, transported
to New South Wales
Specification of the heads of Expences above stated—
| Expences of the first Establishment of the Settlement and Transportation of Convicts | 264,433 | 11 | 0 |
| Expences of Victualing Convicts and the Settlement from hence | 186,270 | 1 | 3¼ |
| Expences of Cloathing, Tools, and Sundry Articles | 116,658 | 15 | 3 |
| Bills drawn for the purchase of Provisions, &c. for the use of the Colony | 138,225 | 9 | 8¾ |
| Expence of the Civil Establishment | 48,134 | 0 | 2¼ |
| Expence of the Military Establishment | 94,993 | 11 | 3 |
| Expence of the Marine Establishment | 22,173 | 13 | 0½ |
| Naval Expences as above | 166,341 | 4 | 11 |
| Total | £.1,037,230 | 6 | 7¾ |
Thus it appears, that in executing the sentence of the Law on 5765 Convicts more than One Million Sterling has been expended, nearly equal to 180l. for each Convict, exclusive of the expence incurred by the Counties, and by Government in the maintenance at home; and without taking into the account the very considerable charge, which must have been borne by the private Prosecutors in bringing these Offenders to Justice.
The Select Committee in their laborious investigation of the effects of this System, very justly observe, "that the numbers of the Convicts do not appear to have kept pace with the increase of the expence."—They proceed to state (page 27 of the Report) "that after a trial of twelve years, it seems not too early to inquire whether the peculiar advantages likely to arise from this plan are such as may be considered as compensating for its probable expence. The security held out by the difficulty of return on the part of the convicts is the only advantage that strikes the eye: but the nature of this advantage, the amount of it, and the certainty of it, seem not altogether undeserving of inquiry; nor whether a security of the same sort more at command, and more to be depended on, might not be purchased on less exceptionable terms. It may be also worthy of inquiry (add the Committee) whether the advantages looked for, from this establishment may not be dependent on its weakness? and whether as it grows less disadvantageous in point of finance, it will not be apt to grow less advantageous in the character of an instrument of Police? The more thriving the Settlement the more frequented: The more frequented the less difficulty of return.—The more thriving too the less terrible. To persons in some circumstances;—to persons who otherwise would have been disposed to emigrate, it may loose its terrors altogether, especially if by money or other means the servitude be avoidable. This inconvenience had already become sensible in the instance of the comparatively old planted Colonies. Many, though innocent, went thither voluntarily, even at the price of servitude, while others under the notion of punishment, were sent thither for their crimes; so that while to some the emigration remains a punishment, to others it may become an adventure; but a punishment should be the same thing to all persons, and at all times."
Contingencies, the Committee remark, may diminish the utility of the Establishment, or may increase the expence. "Bad seasons, and the destruction of the vegetable part of the stock of food: Mortality among the as yet scanty stock of cattle.[150] Mischief from the natives,—from insurrection among the convicts, or from the enemy.