in 1817, howe wrote to governor william sorell and offered to give himself up in return for a free pardon (not be put in gaol for any crimes). he offered to tell the government where all the gang members could be found. he was put into hobart gaol while he was being questioned about the gang. he escaped while being taken for a walk through hobart to get fresh air. he went back and rejoined the gang. governor lachlan macquarie in sydney stopped the pardon, and told sorell to put more effort in to capture howe. sorell offered money, a free pardon and a return to england for anyone that captured howe.