It is a remarkable fact that the whole of the arms of Loanda are every night in the hands of those who have been convicts.
Various reasons for this mild behavior are assigned by the officers, but none of these, when viewed in connection with our own experience in Australia, appear to be valid.

Religion seems to have no connection with the change.

Perhaps the climate may have some influence in subduing their turbulent disposition, for the inhabitants generally are a timid race; they are not half so brave as our Caffres.

The people of Ambriz ran away like a flock of sheep, and allowed the Portuguese to take possession of their copper mines and country without striking a blow.

If we must have convict settlements, attention to the climate might be of advantage in the selection.