An item referred to what the correspondent at Odessa 1” thick bolts parallel on each side of the upper- and lower steerage. The most problematic criminals were chained with handcuffs and fastened to iron clamps in the cages unable to move freely. The other criminals got handcuffs and leg irons of a lighter construction making walking in their cage with a length of 24-40 feet possible. In each cage was a place of 4,5-5”with bulkheads separated from the rest of the cage and to be used for sleeping. Except when the food was supplied were all food- and water dishes continuously removed. Drinking water was supplied via a gutta-percha pipe in a closed cistern. Against the ceiling of the steerage was a steam pipe fitted which was connected with the steam boilers of the ship directly against the cages. The steam pipe was fitted out with screws with cranes placed within an intermediate distance of 12 feet . If the criminals refused to obey the orders of even worse were revolting was via short gutta-percha tubes fitted to the cranes and used to cool down somehow the steam the criminals decanted with boiling water! Experiences proved that cold water not to results led. Only after the transport had left the channel are groups of convicts taking turns permitted to come on deck for some exercises and a shower. A massive iron made grating with a height of 5 feet placed around the bath prevents the convicts from escaping to the half deck when he is taken a shower without being chained. The convicts who refused to taken any order are during the whole voyage condemned to stay in their cages. The upper- and lower steerage are airy, the air condition however is excellent and the cages are kept very clean. The hair of the head is cut very short while the left side of the head is even shaven.
She was now departed with 460 banned criminals to the Russian penal colony on the island Saghalien. Among these criminals were 160 murderers one of them being prince Khanalam-Mirca age 25 years convicted to 25 years forced labour for killing his brother. He was related to the Shah of Persia. Another murderer was a respectable and wealthy squire from Vilna convicted to 18 years of forced labour for killing his neighbour also a squire. The majority of these murderers would have to do forced labour during a long time In the mines or stone quarries and could expect after the arrival a whipping with the knout (50-125) depending on which crime they committed. The convicts are continuously guarded to prevent committing suicide.
