With a soul washed whiter than snow, the colonel
approached the table.
Amongst the convicts every grade of society was represented, from
King Jorgensen to the beggar. One Governor had a convict private
secretary. Officers of the army and navy, merchants, doctors, and
clergymen consorted with costermongers, poachers, and pickpockets.
The law, it is sad to relate, had even sent out lawyers, who
practised their profession under a cloud, and sometimes pleaded by
permission of the court. But their ancient pride had been trodden in
the dust; the aureole which once encircled their wigs was gone, and
they were often snubbed and silenced by ignorant justices. The
punishment for being found out is life-long and terrible. Their
clients paid the fees partly in small change and partly in rum.
The defence of the seamen accused of murdering Captain Blogg was
undertaken by Mr. Nicholas. He had formerly been employed by the
firm of eminent solicitors in London who conducted the defence of
Queen Caroline, when the "first gentleman in Europe" tried to get rid
of her, and he told me that his misfortunes (forgeries) had deprived
him of the honour of sharing with Lord Brougham the credit of her
acquittal.
Many years had passed since that celebrated trial when I made the
acquaintance of Nicholas. He had by this time lost all social
distinction.
Pages:
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47