Page 285

285

[*omit*]

I had to interpose between them for
such as he was Brooks would have torn
him to pieces. The poor man could not
rise from his bed but clawed with
bony [tiny? puny?] arms towards Goodfellow in a
way that would have excited commiseration
on the part of a brute.
My gallant young gentleman, grows
[?] over this D. Cornwall like
contortions, is satirical and goading
to a remarkable degree, flings a book
at Brooks pale forehead draws blood
and laughs as it trickles down into his
beard. "So help him God" — this valliant
Mr. Goodfellow — he would have his life."
&c. &c. My looks scared the
beast, and here the thing ended.

My official notice of this sad
break in and upon our harmony was
-nothing- a mere regretful sorrowful
silence. Continue if you please -
Goodfellow was removed form his bunk
and located furthest from Mr. Brooks
just as a nuissance is placed in the
least objectionable locality. He was
assigned a seat at table furthest from
his opponent, just as a troublesome child
is removed from a coveted dish. He
was ordered to report for duty and removed
from his position as gentleman
passenge]. He is now, like my other
inmates, subject to the Regulations of the
Brig, but except in a careful attention to
his wants and comforts, shall have no intercourse
direct or indirect with myself.

He like the rest of us is sick and
wretched but I can no longer warm to
him. Nineteen months of disgust have
cured me. Tom could not wish more.

285

[*omit*]

I had to interpose between them for
such as he was Brooks would have torn
him to pieces. The poor man could not
rise from his bed but clawed with
bony [tiny? puny?] arms towards Goodfellow in a
way that would have excited commiseration
on the part of a brute.
My gallant young gentleman, grows
[?] over this D. Cornwall like
contortions, is satirical and goading
to a remarkable degree, flings a book
at Brooks pale forehead draws blood
and laughs as it trickles down into his
beard. "So help him God" — this valliant
Mr. Goodfellow — he would have his life."
&c. &c. My looks scared the
beast, and here the thing ended.

My official notice of this sad
break in and upon our harmony was
-nothing- a mere regretful sorrowful
silence. Continue if you please -
Goodfellow was removed form his bunk
and located furthest from Mr. Brooks
just as a nuissance is placed in the
least objectionable locality. He was
assigned a seat at table furthest from
his opponent, just as a troublesome child
is removed from a coveted dish. He
was ordered to report for duty and removed
from his position as gentleman
passenge]. He is now, like my other
inmates, subject to the Regulations of the
Brig, but except in a careful attention to
his wants and comforts, shall have no intercourse
direct or indirect with myself.

He like the rest of us is sick and
wretched but I can no longer warm to
him. Nineteen months of disgust have
cured me. Tom could not wish more.