Transcription of letter (continued): 'or by our attorney to the opposite party? / that in the event of our pleading guilty it shall be done with the full under- standing that there shall be no Life taken away and no transportation: that the punishment shall be a imprisonment I have given my word to the attorney that I will withdraw my plea; whether any thing will transpire to induce me to alter that opinion I do not at present know. - Believe me my dearest Parents were it not that I think you would feel acutely by my persevering in my plea of not guilty, I would never withdraw it. Death is far preferable to me than Transportation or imprisonment, where I to consult my own individual feelings. I would still plead Not Guilty. but what I am about to do is with the hope of calming your minds, and affording you some little consolation. I do sincerely believe that the time is very near when our oppressors will trem- ble, if not be placed in the same situation we now fill. had I the opportunity I would immediately act the same part I have hitherto done, it is not all their tyranny and oppression shall ever quench that feeling within me. they may oppress and load with chains the body, but the mind defys them still, it scorns to be confined. Give my kindest love to Mary and John to Tom Betsy Fanny Eliza and indeed all hands. I suppose my dear Father and Mother that the money which you have prepared for me, I shall not require it, but I would be much obliged to you if you would send me as soon as possible two pounds. as I have got in debt here - ever since I've been here I have had a bed of the governor, for which I am to pay two shillings a week, it is therefore ten weeks to day since I've been here. In the event of im- prisonment I know not whether we shall be able to have any thing beside the jail allowance believe me I dread imprisonment more than Transportation and Transportation worse than Death. I believe we are to go down to the hall to day. I shall endeavour to get this put in the post by a friend If I cannot I shall not be able to send it . this will not pass current through the Jailors hands. Give my kindest Love to my Dear Abby tell her the whole circumstances of my case if I have time to day I will write to her. Give my love to all friends and believe me My Dear father and mother that while life remains in this heart, to be your Loving and Affectionate but still Radical Son Charles Walters To Mr Thos (Thomas) Walters Nelson Street Chepstow'. The letter is postmarked Monmouth JA 16 1840. Source of information: Display and exhibition text, Chepstow Museum.

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