16. He stated that he was empowered to quell the rebellion, that he wished
to avoid shedding blood, but that he would not quit that hall alive till
every convict had returned to his duty. They seemed balancing the strength
of the two parties, and replied that some of them were ready to die, and
only waited for an attack to see which was the more powerful; swearing
that they would fight to the last, unless the punishment was remitted, for
they would not submit to any such punishment in the prison. Major
Wainright ordered his marines to load their pieces, and, that they might
not be suspected of trifling, each man was made to hold up to view the
bullet which he afterward put in his gun.

17. This only caused a growl of determination, and no one blenched or
seemed disposed to shrink from the foremost exposure. They knew that their
number would enable them to bear down and destroy the handful of marines
after the first discharge, and before their pieces could be reloaded.
Again they were ordered to retire; but they answered with more ferocity
than ever. The marines were ordered to take their aim so as to be sure and
kill as many as possible. Their guns were presented, but not a prisoner
stirred, except to grasp more firmly his weapon.

18. Still desirous to avoid such a tremendous slaughter as must have
followed the discharge of a single gun, Major Wainright advanced a step or
two, and spoke even more firmly than before, urging them to depart. Again,
and while looking directly into the muzzles of the guns which they had
seen loaded with ball, they declared their intention "to fight it out."
This intrepid officer then took out his watch, and told his men to hold
their pieces aimed at the convicts, but not to fire till they had orders;
then, turning to the prisoners, he said: "You must leave this hall; I give
you three minutes to decide; if at the end of that time a man remains, he