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[has completely cowed them] in no case
has resistance of any method or system
been attempted. John had a contusion of the brain from
[by] the belaying pin. I confess I tried
to kill him, but Godfrey fell after a
short scuffle and was not hurt, both of these have since
behaved well. These were my only two
when George came to make the third his
nerves gave way and he fell at my
feet, begging mercy. He got it, after a
short cuffing with my mittoned hand
and went below thanking me.

The above reads repulsively far
worse for me than the subjects of my
treatment. Nothing could palliate
such a system but the gross worthless-
ness and depravity of the subjects.
WIlliam Godfrey is a professional thief
who smuggled himself into the Expedition
by bribing Mr. Grinnel's wharf protegé –
The old shopkeeper in the frame house – to
recommend him. He has twice threatened
and once (on boat journey south) attempted
my life. I have criminal charges against him.
John is a spotted man, entered the brig
by proxy, being concerned in the murder
and mutiny on board [this?].
He is a truculent bold able fellow. He
was my first example.

The third Whipple is a poor weak unfortunate
going to be again a useful man
but completely under the influence of
John.

These three men have strange to say
acquired the dominancy over many
of the late absentees. By bravado
& superior phisical force they completely
cowed them, and but for these