Sydney,
New South Wales.
Dear Tom.
This is the first chance I have had to be able to write to you and express my gratitude for your loyalty and your help.
During the days of the trial, I never understood how serious my situation had become. I did not understand that the truth would condemn me, and by the time I realised it, it was too late. The London physicians had declared me mad, and it was only your intervention that saved me.
Even this was hidden from me for many months, and it was only on the transport ship I was made aware of what had happened. I was handed a letter, the second day after we left Dover, from JB, wherein he explained his motions behind the scenes, so to speak. He informed me of your continuing efforts to clear my name, and only then did I fully comprehend what had been taking place around me as I languished in Chatham magistrate’s gaol.
My dear friend. I can never repay you for what you have done for me, and it has been my endeavour, ever since we arrived here in the colony, to send back word to you with the intention to express my profound gratitude and my clear sense of honour at having known you. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to communicate with the outside world here until recently when I was released from the island and brought here to the mainland where I now work on a farm, surrounded by fate, with thousands of sheep to remind me of that fateful week.
Many times in the past few years, my mind has turned to that night. Ever I have run my mind over the time from Stokes’ death on until the morning came, and yet I can make no sense of what took place and what I saw. I cannot account for it, and it is with bitterness that I remember McKee’s betrayal. I don’t know if he would have been taken seriously by the court, but had he told them what he told me, I doubt very much if I would be here today.
Still my life has begun to improve again, so I must not burden you with my complaints! I sense the hand of JB behind my move here, and this improvement in my life, and I remain optimistic for the future.
I hope you will remember me with fond regard.
Your ever loyal friend.
Morgan.
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END.
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