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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Complete Account of the Settlement at
+Port Jackson, by Watkin Tench
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson
+
+Author: Watkin Tench
+
+Release Date: May 8, 2006 [EBook #3534]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SETTLEMENT AT PORT JACKSON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Col Choat and Stuart Kidd
+
+
+
+
+whitespace; small checks; italics; poetry; dashes
+
+
+
+A COMPLETE ACCOUNT OF THE SETTLEMENT AT PORT JACKSON
+
+by Watkin Tench
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+
+
+When it is recollected how much has been written to describe the Settlement
+of New South Wales, it seems necessary if not to offer an apology, yet to
+assign a reason, for an additional publication.
+
+The Author embarked in the fleet which sailed to found the establishment at
+Botany Bay. He shortly after published a Narrative of the Proceedings and
+State of the Colony, brought up to the beginning of July, 1788, which
+was well received, and passed through three editions. This could not
+but inspire both confidence and gratitude; but gratitude, would be badly
+manifested were he on the presumption of former favour to lay claim
+to present indulgence. He resumes the subject in the humble hope of
+communicating information, and increasing knowledge, of the country, which
+he describes.
+
+He resided at Port Jackson nearly four years: from the 20th of January,
+1788, until the 18th of December, 1791. To an active and contemplative
+mind, a new country is an inexhaustible source of curiosity and
+speculation. It was the author's custom not only to note daily occurrences,
+and to inspect and record the progression of improvement; but also, when
+not prevented by military duties, to penetrate the surrounding country in
+different directions, in order to examine its nature, and ascertain its
+relative geographical situations.
+
+The greatest part of the work is inevitably composed of those materials
+which a journal supplies; but wherever reflections could be introduced
+without fastidiousness and parade, he has not scrupled to indulge them, in
+common with every other deviation which the strictness of narrative would
+allow.
+
+When this publication was nearly ready for the press; and when many of
+the opinions which it records had been declared, fresh accounts from Port
+Jackson were received. To the state of a country, where so many anxious
+trying hours of his life have passed, the author cannot feel indifferent.
+If by any sudden revolution of the laws of nature; or by any fortunate
+discovery of those on the spot, it has really become that fertile and
+prosperous land, which some represent it to be, he begs permission to add
+his voice to the general congratulation. He rejoices at its success: but
+it is only justice to himself and those with whom he acted to declare, that
+they feel no cause of reproach that so complete and happy an alteration did
+not take place at an earlier period.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+
+A Retrospect of the State of the Colony of Port Jackson, on the Date of my
+former Narrative, in July, 1788.
+
+
+Previous to commencing any farther account of the subject, which I am about
+to treat, such a retrospection of the circumstances and situation of the
+settlement, at the conclusion of my former Narrative, as shall lay its
+state before the reader, seems necessary, in order to connect the present
+with the past.
+
+The departure of the first fleet of ships for Europe, on the 14th of July,
+1788, had been long impatiently expected; and had filled us with anxiety,
+to communicate to our friends an account of our situation; describing the
+progress of improvement, and the probability of success, or failure, in
+our enterprise. That men should judge very oppositely on so doubtful and
+precarious an event, will hardly surprise.
+
+Such relations could contain little besides the sanguineness of hope, and
+the enumeration of hardships and difficulties, which former accounts had
+not led us to expect. Since our disembarkation in the preceding January,
+the efforts of every one had been unremittingly exerted, to deposit the
+public stores in a state of shelter and security, and to erect habitations
+for ourselves. We were eager to escape from tents, where a fold of canvas,
+only, interposed to check the vertic beams of the sun in summer, and the
+chilling blasts of the south in winter. A markee pitched, in our finest
+season, on an English lawn; or a transient view of those gay camps, near
+the metropolis, which so many remember, naturally draws forth careless and
+unmeaning exclamations of rapture, which attach ideas of pleasure only, to
+this part of a soldier's life. But an encampment amidst the rocks and wilds
+of a new country, aggravated by the miseries of bad diet, and incessant
+toil, will find few admirers.
+
+Nor were our exertions less unsuccessful than they were laborious. Under
+wretched covers of thatch lay our provisions and stores, exposed to
+destruction from every flash of lightning, and every spark of fire. A few
+of the convicts had got into huts; but almost all the officers, and the
+whole of the soldiery, were still in tents.
+
+In such a situation, where knowledge of the mechanic arts afforded the
+surest recommendation to notice, it may be easily conceived, that attention
+to the parade duty of the troops, gradually diminished. Now were to be
+seen officers and soldiers not "trailing the puissant pike" but felling the
+ponderous gum-tree, or breaking the stubborn clod. And though "the broad
+falchion did not in a ploughshare end" the possession of a spade, a
+wheelbarrow, or a dunghill, was more coveted than the most refulgent arms
+in which heroism ever dazzled. Those hours, which in other countries are
+devoted to martial acquirements, were here consumed in the labours of the
+sawpit, the forge and the quarry*.
+
+
+[* "The Swedish prisoners, taken at the battle of Pultowa, were transported
+by the Czar Peter to the most remote parts of Siberia, with a view to
+civilize the natives of the country, and teach them the arts the Swedes
+possessed. In this hopeless situation, all traces of discipline and
+subordination, between the different ranks, were quickly obliterated. The
+soldiers, who were husbandmen and artificers, found out their superiority,
+and assumed it: the officers became their servants." VOLTAIRE.]
+
+
+Of the two ships of war, the 'Sirius' and 'Supply', the latter was
+incessantly employed in transporting troops, convicts, and stores, to
+Norfolk Island; and the 'Sirius' in preparing for a voyage to some port,
+where provisions for our use might be purchased, the expected supply from
+England not having arrived. It is but justice to the officers and men of
+both these ships to add, that, on all occasions, they fully shared every
+hardship and fatigue with those on shore.
+
+On the convicts the burden fell yet heavier: necessity compelled us to
+allot to them the most slavish and laborious employments. Those operations,
+which in other countries are performed by the brute creation, were here
+effected by the exertions of men: but this ought not to be considered
+a grievance; because they had always been taught to expect it, as the
+inevitable consequence of their offences against society. Severity was
+rarely exercised on them; and justice was administered without partiality
+or discrimination. Their ration of provisions, except in being debarred
+from an allowance of spirits, was equal to that which the marines received.
+Under these circumstances I record with pleasure, that they behaved better
+than had been predicted of them--to have expected sudden and complete
+reformation of conduct, were romantic and chimerical.
+
+Our cultivation of the land was yet in its infancy. We had hitherto tried
+only the country contiguous to Sydney. Here the governor had established
+a government-farm; at the head of which a competent person of his own
+household was placed, with convicts to work under him. Almost the whole of
+the officers likewise accepted of small tracts of ground, for the purpose
+of raising grain and vegetables: but experience proved to us, that the soil
+would produce neither without manure; and as this was not to be procured,
+our vigour soon slackened; and most of the farms (among which was the one
+belonging to government) were successively abandoned.
+
+With the natives we were very little more acquainted than on our arrival
+in the country. Our intercourse with them was neither frequent or cordial.
+They seemed studiously to avoid us, either from fear, jealousy, or hatred.
+When they met with unarmed stragglers, they sometimes killed, and sometimes
+wounded them. I confess that, in common with many others, I was inclined
+to attribute this conduct, to a spirit of malignant levity. But a farther
+acquaintance with them, founded on several instances of their humanity and
+generosity, which shall be noticed in their proper places, has entirely
+reversed my opinion; and led me to conclude, that the unprovoked outrages
+committed upon them, by unprincipled individuals among us, caused the
+evils we had experienced. To prevent them from being plundered of their
+fishing-tackle and weapons of war, a proclamation was issued, forbidding
+their sale among us; but it was not attended with the good effect which was
+hoped for from it.
+
+During this period, notwithstanding the want of fresh provisions and
+vegetables, and almost constant exposure to the vicissitudes of a variable
+climate, disease rarely attacked us; and the number of deaths, was too
+inconsiderable to deserve mention.
+
+Norfolk Island had been taken possession of, by a party detached for that
+purpose, early after our arrival. Few accounts of it had yet reached us.
+And here I beg leave to observe, that as I can speak of this island only
+from the relations of others, never having myself been there, I shall in
+every part of this work mention it as sparingly as possible. And this more
+especially, as it seems probable, that some of those gentlemen, who from
+accurate knowledge, and long residence on it, are qualified to write its
+history, will oblige the world with such a publication.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony from the sailing of the First Fleet in July,
+1788, to the Close of that Year.
+
+
+It was impossible to behold without emotion the departure of the ships. On
+their speedy arrival in England perhaps hinged our fate; by hastening our
+supplies to us.
+
+On the 20th of July, the 'Supply' sailed for Norfolk Island, and returned
+to us on the 26th of August; bringing no material news, except that the
+soil was found to suit grain, and other seeds, which had been sown in it,
+and that a species of flax-plant was discovered to grow spontaneously on
+the island.
+
+A survey of the harbour of Port Jackson was now undertaken, in order to
+compute the number of canoes, and inhabitants, which it might contain:
+sixty-seven canoes, and 147 people were counted. No estimate, however, of
+even tolerable accuracy, can be drawn from so imperfect a datum; though it
+was perhaps the best in our power to acquire.
+
+In July and August, we experienced more inclement tempestuous weather
+than had been observed at any former period of equal duration. And yet
+it deserves to be remarked, in honour of the climate, that, although our
+number of people exceeded 900, not a single death happened in the latter
+month.
+
+The dread of want in a country destitute of natural resource is ever
+peculiarly terrible. We had long turned our eyes with impatience towards
+the sea, cheered by the hope of seeing supplies from England approach. But
+none arriving, on the 2d of October the 'Sirius' sailed for the Cape of
+Good Hope, with directions to purchase provisions there, for the use of our
+garrison.
+
+A new settlement, named by the governor Rose Hill, 16 miles inland, was
+established on the 3d of November, the soil here being judged better
+than that around Sydney. A small redoubt was thrown up, and a captain's
+detachment posted in it, to protect the convicts who were employed to
+cultivate the ground.
+
+The two last of the transports left us for England on the 19th of November,
+intending to make their passage by Cape Horn. There now remained with us
+only the 'Supply'. Sequestered and cut off as we were from the rest of
+civilized nature, their absence carried the effect of desolation. About
+this time a convict, of the name of Daly, was hanged, for a burglary:
+this culprit, who was a notorious thief and impostor, was the author of a
+discovery of a gold mine, a few months before: a composition resembling
+ore mingled with earth, which he pretended to have brought from it, he
+produced. After a number of attendant circumstances, too ludicrous and
+contemptible to relate, which befell a party, who were sent under his
+guidance to explore this second Peru, he at last confessed, that he had
+broken up an old pair of buckles, and mixed the pieces with sand and stone;
+and on assaying the composition, the brass was detected. The fate of this
+fellow I should not deem worth recording, did it not lead to the following
+observation, that the utmost circumspection is necessary to prevent
+imposition, in those who give accounts of what they see in unknown
+countries. We found the convicts particularly happy in fertility of
+invention, and exaggerated descriptions. Hence large fresh water rivers,
+valuable ores, and quarries of limestone, chalk, and marble, were daily
+proclaimed soon after we had landed. At first we hearkened with avidity
+to such accounts; but perpetual disappointments taught us to listen with
+caution, and to believe from demonstration only.
+
+Unabated animosity continued to prevail between the natives and us:
+in addition to former losses, a soldier and several convicts suddenly
+disappeared, and were never afterwards heard of. Three convicts were also
+wounded, and one killed by them, near Botany Bay: similar to the vindictive
+spirit which Mr. Cook found to exist among their countrymen at Endeavour
+River, they more than once attempted to set fire to combustible matter, in
+order to annoy us. Early on the morning of the 18th of December, word was
+brought that they were assembled in force, near the brick-kilns, which
+stand but a mile from the town of Sydney. The terror of those who brought
+the first intelligence magnified the number to two thousand; a second
+messenger diminished it to four hundred. A detachment, under the command
+of an officer was ordered to march immediately, and reconnoitre them. The
+officer soon returned, and reported, that about fifty Indians had appeared
+at the brick-kilns; but upon the convicts, who were at work there, pointing
+their spades and shovels at them, in the manner of guns, they had fled into
+the woods.
+
+Tired of this state of petty warfare and endless uncertainty, the governor
+at length determined to adopt a decisive measure, by capturing some of
+them, and retaining them by force; which we supposed would either inflame
+the rest to signal vengeance, in which case we should know the worst, and
+provide accordingly: or else it would induce an intercourse, by the report
+which our prisoners would make of the mildness and indulgence with which we
+used them. And farther, it promised to unveil the cause of their mysterious
+conduct, by putting us in possession of their reasons for harassing and
+destroying our people, in the manner I have related. Boats were accordingly
+ordered to be got ready, and every preparation made, which could lead to
+the attainment of our object.
+
+But as this subject deserves to be particularly detailed, I shall,
+notwithstanding its being just within the period of time which this chapter
+professes to comprise, allot it a separate place, in the beginning of the
+next.
+
+Nor can I close this part of my work without congratulating both the reader
+and the author. New matter now presents itself. A considerable part of the
+foregoing chapters had been related before, either by others or myself.
+I was however, unavoidably compelled to insert it, in order to preserve
+unbroken that chain of detail, and perspicuity of arrangement, at which
+books professing to convey information should especially aim.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony, from the Commencement of the Year 1789, until
+the End of March.
+
+
+Pursuant to his resolution, the governor on the 31st of December sent two
+boats, under the command of Lieutenant Ball of the 'Supply', and Lieutenant
+George Johnston of the marines, down the harbour, with directions to those
+officers to seize and carry off some of the natives. The boats proceeded to
+Manly Cove, where several Indians were seen standing on the beach, who
+were enticed by courteous behaviour and a few presents to enter into
+conversation. A proper opportunity being presented, our people rushed
+in among them, and seized two men: the rest fled; but the cries of the
+captives soon brought them back, with many others, to their rescue: and so
+desperate were their struggles, that, in spite of every effort on our side,
+only one of them was secured; the other effected his escape. The boats put
+off without delay; and an attack from the shore instantly commenced: they
+threw spears, stones, firebrands, and whatever else presented itself, at
+the boats; nor did they retreat, agreeable to their former custom, until
+many musquets were fired over them.
+
+The prisoner was now fastened by ropes to the thwarts of the boat; and when
+he saw himself irretrievably disparted from his countrymen, set up the
+most piercing and lamentable cries of distress. His grief, however, soon
+diminished: he accepted and ate of some broiled fish which was given to
+him, and sullenly submitted to his destiny.
+
+When the news of his arrival at Sydney was announced, I went with every
+other person to see him: he appeared to be about thirty years old,
+not tall, but robustly made; and of a countenance which, under happier
+circumstances, I thought would display manliness and sensibility; his
+agitation was excessive, and the clamourous crowds who flocked around
+him did not contribute to lessen it. Curiosity and observation seemed,
+nevertheless, not to have wholly deserted him; he shewed the effect of
+novelty upon ignorance; he wondered at all he saw: though broken and
+interrupted with dismay, his voice was soft and musical, when its natural
+tone could be heard; and he readily pronounced with tolerable accuracy
+the names of things which were taught him. To our ladies he quickly became
+extraordinarily courteous, a sure sign that his terror was wearing off.
+
+Every blandishment was used to soothe him, and it had its effect. As he
+was entering the governor's house, some one touched a small bell which hung
+over the door: he started with horror and astonishment; but in a moment
+after was reconciled to the noise, and laughed at the cause of his
+perturbation. When pictures were shown to him, he knew directly those which
+represented the human figure: among others, a very large handsome print of
+her royal highness the Dutchess of Cumberland being produced, he called out
+'woman', a name by which we had just before taught him to call the female
+convicts. Plates of birds and beasts were also laid before him; and many
+people were led to believe, that such as he spoke about and pointed to
+were known to him. But this must have been an erroneous conjecture, for the
+elephant, rhinoceros, and several others, which we must have discovered did
+they exist in the country, were of the number. Again, on the other hand,
+those he did not point out, were equally unknown to him.
+
+His curiosity here being satiated, we took him to a large brick house,
+which was building for the governor's residence: being about to enter, he
+cast up his eyes, and seeing some people leaning out of a window on
+the first story, he exclaimed aloud, and testified the most extravagant
+surprise. Nothing here was observed to fix his attention so strongly as
+some tame fowls, who were feeding near him: our dogs also he particularly
+noticed; but seemed more fearful than fond of them.
+
+He dined at a side-table at the governor's; and ate heartily of fish and
+ducks, which he first cooled. Bread and salt meat he smelled at, but would
+not taste: all our liquors he treated in the same manner, and could drink
+nothing but water. On being shown that he was not to wipe his hands on the
+chair which he sat upon, he used a towel which was gave to him, with great
+cleanliness and decency.
+
+In the afternoon his hair was closely cut, his head combed, and his beard
+shaved; but he would not submit to these operations until he had seen them
+performed on another person, when he readily acquiesced. His hair, as might
+be supposed, was filled with vermin, whose destruction seemed to afford him
+great triumph; nay, either revenge, or pleasure, prompted him to eat them!
+but on our expressing disgust and abhorrence he left it off.
+
+To this succeeded his immersion in a tub of water and soap, where he was
+completely washed and scrubbed from head to foot; after which a shirt,
+a jacket, and a pair of trousers, were put upon him. Some part of this
+ablution I had the honour to perform, in order that I might ascertain the
+real colour of the skin of these people. My observation then was (and it
+has since been confirmed in a thousand other instances) that they are as
+black as the lighter cast of the African negroes.
+
+Many unsuccessful attempts were made to learn his name; the governor
+therefore called him Manly, from the cove in which he was captured: this
+cove had received its name from the manly undaunted behaviour of a party of
+natives seen there, on our taking possession of the country.
+
+To prevent his escape, a handcuff with a rope attached to it, was fastened
+around his left wrist, which at first highly delighted him; he called it
+'bengadee' (or ornament), but his delight changed to rage and hatred when
+he discovered its use. His supper he cooked himself: some fish were given
+to him for this purpose, which, without any previous preparation whatever,
+he threw carelessly on the fire, and when they became warm took them up,
+and first rubbed off the scales, peeled the outside with his teeth, and ate
+it; afterwards he gutted them, and laying them again on the fire, completed
+the dressing, and ate them.
+
+A convict was selected to sleep with him, and to attend him wherever he
+might go. When he went with his keeper into his apartment he appeared very
+restless and uneasy while a light was kept in; but on its extinction, he
+immediately lay down and composed himself.
+
+Sullenness and dejection strongly marked his countenance on the
+following morning; to amuse him, he was taken around the camp, and to the
+observatory: casting his eyes to the opposite shore from the point where
+he stood, and seeing the smoke of fire lighted by his countrymen, he looked
+earnestly at it, and sighing deeply two or three times, uttered the word
+'gweeun' (fire).
+
+His loss of spirits had not, however, the effect of impairing his appetite;
+eight fish, each weighing about a pound, constituted his breakfast, which
+he dressed as before. When he had finished his repast, he turned his back
+to the fire in a musing posture, and crept so close to it, that his shirt
+was caught by the flame; luckily his keeper soon extinguished it; but he
+was so terrified at the accident, that he was with difficulty persuaded to
+put on a second.
+
+1st. January, 1789. To-day being new-year's-day, most of the officers were
+invited to the governor's table: Manly dined heartily on fish and roasted
+pork; he was seated on a chest near a window, out of which, when he had
+done eating, he would have thrown his plate, had he not been prevented:
+during dinner-time a band of music played in an adjoining apartment; and
+after the cloth was removed, one of the company sang in a very soft
+and superior style; but the powers of melody were lost on Manly, which
+disappointed our expectations, as he had before shown pleasure and
+readiness in imitating our tunes. Stretched out on his chest, and putting
+his hat under his head, he fell asleep.
+
+To convince his countrymen that he had received no injury from us, the
+governor took him in a boat down the harbour, that they might see and
+converse with him: when the boat arrived, and lay at a little distance
+from the beach, several Indians who had retired at her approach, on seeing
+Manly, returned: he was greatly affected, and shed tears. At length they
+began to converse. Our ignorance of the language prevented us from knowing
+much of what passed; it was, however, easily understood that his friends
+asked him why he did not jump overboard, and rejoin them. He only sighed,
+and pointed to the fetter on his leg, by which he was bound.
+
+In going down the harbour he had described the names by which they
+distinguish its numerous creeks and headlands: he was now often heard to
+repeat that of 'Weerong' (Sydney Cove), which was doubtless to inform his
+countrymen of the place of his captivity; and perhaps invite them to rescue
+him. By this time his gloom was chased away, and he parted from his friends
+without testifying reluctance. His vivacity and good humour continued all
+the evening, and produced so good an effect on his appetite, that he ate
+for supper two kangaroo rats, each of the size of a moderate rabbit, and in
+addition not less than three pounds of fish.
+
+Two days after he was taken on a similar excursion; but to our surprise the
+natives kept aloof, and would neither approach the shore, or discourse with
+their countryman: we could get no explanation of this difficulty, which
+seemed to affect us more than it did him. Uncourteous as they were, he
+performed to them an act of attentive benevolence; seeing a basket made
+of bark, used by them to carry water, he conveyed into it two hawks and
+another bird, which the people in the boat had shot, and carefully covering
+them over, left them as a present to his old friends. But indeed the
+gentleness and humanity of his disposition frequently displayed themselves:
+when our children, stimulated by wanton curiosity, used to flock around
+him, he never failed to fondle them, and, if he were eating at the time,
+constantly offered them the choicest part of his fare.
+
+February, 1789. His reserve, from want of confidence in us, continued
+gradually to wear away: he told us his name, and Manly gave place to
+Arabanoo. Bread he began to relish; and tea he drank with avidity:
+strong liquors he would never taste, turning from them with disgust and
+abhorrence. Our dogs and cats had ceased to be objects of fear, and were
+become his greatest pets, and constant companions at table. One of our
+chief amusements, after the cloth was removed, was to make him repeat the
+names of things in his language, which he never hesitated to do with
+the utmost alacrity, correcting our pronunciation when erroneous. Much
+information relating to the customs and manners of his country was also
+gained from him: but as this subject will be separately and amply treated,
+I shall not anticipate myself by partially touching on it here.
+
+On the 2nd of February died Captain John Shea of the marines, after a
+lingering illness: he was interred on the following day, with the customary
+military honours, amidst the regret of all who knew him. In consequence of
+his decease, appointments for the promotion of the oldest officer of
+each subordinate rank were signed by the major commandant of the marine
+battalion, until the pleasure of the lords of the admiralty should be
+notified.*
+
+[*These appointments were confirmed by the admiralty.]
+
+On the 17th of February the 'Supply' again sailed for Norfolk Island. The
+governor went down the harbour in her, and carried Arabanoo with him, who
+was observed to go on board with distrust and reluctance; when he found she
+was under sail, every effort was tried without success to exhilarate him;
+at length, an opportunity being presented, he plunged overboard, and struck
+out for the nearest shore: believing that those who were left behind would
+fire at him, he attempted to dive, at which he was known to be very expert:
+but this was attended with a difficulty which he had not foreseen: his
+clothes proved so buoyant, that he was unable to get more than his head
+under water: a boat was immediately dispatched after him, and picked him
+up, though not without struggles and resistance on his side. When brought
+on board, he appeared neither afraid or ashamed of what he had done, but
+sat apart, melancholy and dispirited, and continued so until he saw the
+governor and his other friends descend into a boat, and heard himself
+called upon to accompany them: he sprang forward, and his cheerfulness and
+alacrity of temper immediately returned, and lasted during the remainder of
+the day. The dread of being carried away, on an element of whose boundary
+he could form no conception, joined to the uncertainty of our intention
+towards him, unquestionably caused him to act as he did.
+
+One of the principal effects which we had supposed the seizure and
+captivity of Arabanoo would produce, seemed yet at as great a distance as
+ever; the natives neither manifested signs of increased hostility on his
+account, or attempted to ask any explanation of our conduct through the
+medium of their countryman who was in our possession, and who they knew was
+treated with no farther harshness than in being detained among us. Their
+forbearance of open and determined attack upon can be accounted for only
+by recollecting their knowledge of our numbers, and their dread of our
+fire-arms: that they wanted not sufficient provocation to do so, will
+appear from what I am about to relate.
+
+March, 1789. Sixteen convicts left their work at the brick-kilns without
+leave, and marched to Botany Bay, with a design to attack the natives,
+and to plunder them of their fishing-tackle and spears: they had armed
+themselves with their working tools and large clubs. When they arrived near
+the bay, a body of Indians, who had probably seen them set out, and had
+penetrated their intention from experience, suddenly fell upon them. Our
+heroes were immediately routed, and separately endeavoured to effect their
+escape by any means which were left. In their flight one was killed, and
+seven were wounded, for the most part very severely: those who had the
+good fortune to outstrip their comrades and arrive in camp, first gave the
+alarm; and a detachment of marines, under an officer, was ordered to march
+to their relief. The officer arrived too late to repel the Indians; but
+he brought in the body of the man that was killed, and put an end to
+the pursuit. The governor was justly incensed at what had happened, and
+instituted the most rigorous scrutiny into the cause which had produced it.
+At first the convicts were unanimous in affirming, that they were quietly
+picking sweet-tea*, when they were without provocation assaulted by the
+natives, with whom they had no wish to quarrel. Some of them, however,
+more irresolute than the rest, at last disclosed the purpose for which the
+expedition had been undertaken; and the whole were ordered to be severely
+flogged: Arabanoo was present at the infliction of the punishment; and was
+made to comprehend the cause and the necessity of it; but he displayed on
+the occasion symptoms of disgust and terror only.
+
+[*A vegetable creeper found growing on the rocks, which yields, on infusion
+in hot water, a sweet astringent taste, whence it derives its name: to
+its virtues the healthy state of the soldiery and convicts must be greatly
+attributed. It was drank universally.]
+
+On the 24th instant the 'Supply' arrived from Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe
+Island, bringing from the latter place three turtles.
+
+An awful and terrible example of justice took place towards the close of
+this month, which I record with regret, but which it would be disingenuous
+to suppress. Six marines, the flower of our battalion, were hanged by the
+public executioner, on the sentence of a criminal court, composed entirely
+of their own officers, for having at various times robbed the public stores
+of flour, meat, spirits, tobacco, and many other articles.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony in April and May, 1789.
+
+
+An extraordinary calamity was now observed among the natives. Repeated
+accounts brought by our boats of finding bodies of the Indians in all the
+coves and inlets of the harbour, caused the gentlemen of our hospital
+to procure some of them for the purposes of examination and anatomy. On
+inspection, it appeared that all the parties had died a natural death:
+pustules, similar to those occasioned by the small pox, were thickly spread
+on the bodies; but how a disease, to which our former observations had led
+us to suppose them strangers, could at once have introduced itself, and
+have spread so widely, seemed inexplicable.* Whatever might be the cause,
+the existence of the malady could no longer be doubted. Intelligence
+was brought that an Indian family lay sick in a neighbouring cove: the
+governor, attended by Arabanoo, and a surgeon, went in a boat immediately
+to the spot. Here they found an old man stretched before a few lighted
+sticks, and a boy of nine or ten years old pouring water on his head, from
+a shell which he held in his hand: near them lay a female child dead, and
+a little farther off, its unfortunate mother: the body of the woman shewed
+that famine, superadded to disease, had occasioned her death: eruptions
+covered the poor boy from head to foot; and the old man was so reduced,
+that he was with difficulty got into the boat. Their situation rendered
+them incapable of escape, and they quietly submitted to be led away.
+Arabanoo, contrary to his usual character, seemed at first unwilling to
+render them any assistance; but his shyness soon wore off, and he treated
+them with the kindest attention. Nor would he leave the place until he had
+buried the corpse of the child: that of the woman he did not see from its
+situation; and as his countrymen did not point it out, the governor ordered
+that it should not be shown to him. He scooped a grave in the sand with his
+hands, of no peculiarity of shape, which he lined completely with grass,
+and put the body into it, covering it also with grass; and then he filled
+up the hole, and raised over it a small mound with the earth which had
+been removed. Here the ceremony ended, unaccompanied by any invocation to a
+superior being, or any attendant circumstance whence an inference of their
+religious opinions could be deduced.
+
+[*No solution of this difficulty had been given when I left the country, in
+December, 1791. I can, therefore, only propose queries for the ingenuity of
+others to exercise itself upon: is it a disease indigenous to the country?
+Did the French ships under Monsieur de Peyrouse introduce it? Let it be
+remembered that they had now been departed more than a year; and we had
+never heard of its existence on board of them. Had it travelled across the
+continent from its western shore, where Dampier and other European voyagers
+had formerly landed? Was it introduced by Mr. Cook? Did we give it birth
+here? No person among us had been afflicted with the disorder since we had
+quitted the Cape of Good Hope, seventeen months before. It is true, that
+our surgeons had brought out variolous matter in bottles; but to infer
+that it was produced from this cause were a supposition so wild as to be
+unworthy of consideration.]
+
+
+An uninhabited house, near the hospital, was allotted for their reception,
+and a cradle prepared for each of them. By the encouragement of Arabanoo,
+who assured them of protection, and the soothing behaviour of our medical
+gentlemen, they became at once reconciled to us, and looked happy and
+grateful at the change of their situation. Sickness and hunger had,
+however, so much exhausted the old man, that little hope was entertained
+of his recovery. As he pointed frequently to his throat, at the instance of
+Arabanoo, he tried to wash it with a gargle which was given to him; but
+the obstructed, tender state of the part rendered it impracticable. 'Bado,
+bado' (water), was his cry: when brought to him, he drank largely at
+intervals of it. He was equally importunate for fire, being seized with
+shivering fits; and one was kindled. Fish were produced, to tempt him to
+eat; but he turned away his head, with signs of loathing. Nanbaree (the
+boy), on the contrary, no sooner saw them than he leaped from his cradle,
+and eagerly seizing them, began to cook them. A warm bath being prepared,
+they were immersed in it; and after being thoroughly cleansed, they had
+clean shirts put on them, and were again laid in bed.
+
+The old man lived but a few hours. He bore the pangs of dissolution with
+patient composure; and though he was sensible to the last moment, expired
+almost without a groan. Nanbaree appeared quite unmoved at the event;
+and surveyed the corpse of his father without emotion, simply exclaiming,
+'boee' (dead). This surprised us; as the tenderness and anxiety of the old
+man about the boy had been very moving. Although barely able to raise his
+head, while so much strength was left to him, he kept looking into his
+child's cradle; he patted him gently on the bosom; and, with dying eyes,
+seemed to recommend him to our humanity and protection. Nanbaree was
+adopted by Mr. White, surgeon-general of the settlement, and became
+henceforth one of his family.
+
+Arabanoo had no sooner heard of the death of his countryman, than he
+hastened to inter him. I was present at the ceremony, in company with the
+governor, captain Ball, and two or three other persons. It differed, by
+the accounts of those who were present at the funeral of the girl, in no
+respect from what had passed there in the morning, except that the grave
+was dug by a convict. But I was informed, that when intelligence of the
+death reached Arabanoo, he expressed himself with doubt whether he should
+bury, or burn the body; and seemed solicitous to ascertain which ceremony
+would be most gratifying to the governor.
+
+Indeed, Arabanoo's behaviour, during the whole of the transactions of
+this day, was so strongly marked by affection to his countryman, and by
+confidence in us, that the governor resolved to free him from all farther
+restraint, and at once to trust to his generosity, and the impression which
+our treatment of him might have made, for his future residence among us:
+the fetter was accordingly taken off his leg.
+
+In the evening, captain Ball and I crossed the harbour, and buried the
+corpse of the woman before mentioned.
+
+Distress continued to drive them in upon us. Two more natives, one of them
+a young man, and the other his sister, a girl of fourteen years old,
+were brought in by the governor's boat, in a most deplorable state of
+wretchedness from the smallpox. The sympathy and affection of Arabanoo,
+which had appeared languid in the instance of Nanbaree and his father, here
+manifested themselves immediately. We conjectured that a difference of
+the tribes to which they belonged might cause the preference; but nothing
+afterwards happened to strengthen or confirm such a supposition. The young
+man died at the end of three days: the girl recovered, and was received
+as an inmate, with great kindness, in the family of Mrs Johnson,
+the clergyman's wife. Her name was Booron; but from our mistake of
+pronunciation she acquired that of Abaroo, by which she was generally
+known, and by which she will always be called in this work. She shewed, at
+the death of her brother more feeling than Nanbaree had witnessed for the
+loss of his father. When she found him dying, she crept to his side, and
+lay by him until forced by the cold to retire. No exclamation, or other
+sign of grief, however, escaped her for what had happened.
+
+May 1789. At sunset, on the evening of the 2d instant, the arrival the
+'Sirius', Captain Hunter, from the Cape of Good Hope, was proclaimed, and
+diffused universal joy and congratulation. The day of famine was at least
+procrastinated by the supply of flour and salt provisions she brought us.
+
+The 'Sirius' had made her passage to the Cape of Good Hope, by the route of
+Cape Horn, in exactly thirteen weeks. Her highest latitude was 57 degrees
+10 minutes south, where the weather proved intolerably cold. Ice, in great
+quantity, was seen for many days; and in the middle of December (which is
+correspondent to the middle of June, in our hemisphere), water froze in
+open casks upon deck, in the moderate latitude of 44 degrees.
+
+They were very kindly treated by the Dutch governor, and amply supplied by
+the merchants at the Cape, where they remained seven weeks. Their passage
+back was effected by Van Diemen's Land, near which, and close under
+Tasman's Head, they were in the utmost peril of being wrecked.
+
+In this long run, which had extended round the circle, they had always
+determined their longitude, to the greatest nicety, by distances taken
+between the sun and moon, or between the moon and a star. But it falls
+to the lot of very few ships to possess such indefatigable and accurate
+observers as Captain Hunter, and Mr. (now Captain) Bradley, the first
+lieutenant of the 'Sirius'.
+
+I feel assured, that I have no reader who will not join in regretting the
+premature loss of Arabanoo, who died of the smallpox on the 18th instant,
+after languishing in it six days. From some imperfect marks and indents
+on his face, we were inclined to believe that he had passed this dreaded
+disorder. Even when the first symptoms of sickness seized him, we continued
+willing to hope that they proceeded from a different cause. But at length
+the disease burst forth with irresistible fury. It were superfluous to say,
+that nothing which medical skill and unremitting attention could perform,
+were left unexerted to mitigate his sufferings, and prolong a life,
+which humanity and affectionate concern towards his sick compatriots,
+unfortunately shortened.
+
+During his sickness he reposed entire confidence in us. Although a stranger
+to medicine, and nauseating the taste of it, he swallowed with patient
+submission innumerable drugs,* which the hope of relief induced us to
+administer to him. The governor, who particularly regarded him, caused him
+to be buried in his own garden, and attended the funeral in person.
+
+[*Very different had been his conduct on a former occasion of a similar
+kind. Soon after he was brought among us he was seized with a diarrhoea,
+for which he could by no persuasion be induced to swallow any of our
+prescriptions. After many ineffectual trials to deceive, or overcome him,
+it was at length determined to let him pursue his own course, and to watch
+if he should apply for relief to any of the productions of the country. He
+was in consequence observed to dig fern-root, and to chew it. Whether the
+disorder had passed its crisis, or whether the fern-root effected a cure, I
+know not; but it is certain that he became speedily well.
+
+**The regard was reciprocal. His excellency had been ill but a short time
+before, when Arabanoo had testified the utmost solicitude for his case and
+recovery. It is probable that he acquired, on this occasion, just notions
+of the benefit to be derived from medical assistance. A doctor is, among
+them, a person of consequence. It is certain that he latterly estimated our
+professional gentlemen very highly.]
+
+The character of Arabanoo, as far as we had developed it, was distinguished
+by a portion of gravity and steadiness, which our subsequent acquaintance
+with his countrymen by no means led us to conclude a national
+characteristic. In that daring, enterprising frame of mind, which, when
+combined with genius, constitutes the leader of a horde of savages, or the
+ruler of a people, boasting the power of discrimination and the resistance
+of ambition, he was certainly surpassed by some of his successors,
+who afterwards lived among us. His countenance was thoughtful, but not
+animated: his fidelity and gratitude, particularly to his friend the
+governor, were constant and undeviating, and deserve to be recorded.
+Although of a gentle and placable temper, we early discovered that he was
+impatient of indignity, and allowed of no superiority on our part. He knew
+that he was in our power; but the independence of his mind never forsook
+him. If the slightest insult were offered to him, he would return it with
+interest. At retaliation of merriment he was often happy; and frequently
+turned the laugh against his antagonist. He did not want docility;
+but either from the difficulty of acquiring our language, from the
+unskillfulness of his teachers, or from some natural defect, his progress
+in learning it was not equal to what we had expected. For the last three
+or four weeks of his life, hardly any restraint was laid upon his
+inclinations: so that had he meditated escape, he might easily have
+effected it. He was, perhaps, the only native who was ever attached to us
+from choice; and who did not prefer a precarious subsistence among wilds
+and precipices, to the comforts of a civilized system.
+
+By his death, the scheme which had invited his capture was utterly
+defeated. Of five natives who had been brought among us, three had perished
+from a cause which, though unavoidable, it was impossible to explain to a
+people, who would condescend to enter into no intercourse with us. The same
+suspicious dread of our approach, and the same scenes of vengeance acted on
+unfortunate stragglers, continued to prevail.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony until the Close of the Year 1789.
+
+
+The anniversary of his majesty's birth-day was celebrated, as heretofore,
+at the government-house, with loyal festivity. In the evening, the play of
+'The Recruiting Officer' was performed by a party of convicts, and honoured
+by the presence of his excellency, and the officers of the garrison.
+That every opportunity of escape from the dreariness and dejection of
+our situation should be eagerly embraced, will not be wondered at. The
+exhilarating effect of a splendid theatre is well known: and I am not
+ashamed to confess, that the proper distribution of three or four yards of
+stained paper, and a dozen farthing candles stuck around the mud walls of a
+convict-hut, failed not to diffuse general complacency on the countenances
+of sixty persons, of various descriptions, who were assembled to applaud
+the representation. Some of the actors acquitted themselves with great
+spirit, and received the praises of the audience: a prologue and an
+epilogue, written by one of the performers, were also spoken on the
+occasion; which, although not worth inserting here, contained some
+tolerable allusions to the situation of the parties, and the novelty of a
+stage-representation in New South Wales.
+
+Broken Bay, which was supposed to be completely explored, became again an
+object of research. On the sixth instant, the governor, accompanied by a
+large party in two boats, proceeded thither. Here they again wandered over
+piles of mis-shapen desolation, contemplating scenes of wild solitude,
+whose unvarying appearance renders them incapable of affording either
+novelty or gratification. But when they had given over the hope of
+farther discovery, by pursuing the windings of an inlet, which, from
+its appearance, was supposed to be a short creek, they suddenly found
+themselves at the entrance of a fresh water river, up which they proceeded
+twenty miles, in a westerly direction; and would have farther prosecuted
+their research, had not a failure of provisions obliged them to return.
+This river they described to be of considerable breadth, and of great
+depth; but its banks had hitherto presented nothing better than a
+counterpart of the rocks and precipices which surround Broken Bay.
+
+June, 1789. A second expedition, to ascertain its course, was undertaken
+by his excellency, who now penetrated (measuring by the bed of the river)
+between 60 and 70 miles, when the farther progress of the boats was stopped
+by a fall. The water in every part was found to be fresh and good. Of the
+adjoining country, the opinions of those who had inspected it (of which
+number I was not) were so various, that I shall decline to record them.
+Some saw a rich and beautiful country; and others were so unfortunate as to
+discover little else than large tracts of low land, covered with reeds, and
+rank with the inundations of the stream, by which they had been recently
+covered. All parties, however, agreed, that the rocky, impenetrable
+country, seen on the first excursion, had ended nearly about the place
+whence the boats had then turned back. Close to the fall stands a very
+beautiful hill, which our adventurers mounted, and enjoyed from it an
+extensive prospect. Potatoes, maize, and garden seeds of various kinds
+were put into the earth, by the governor's order, on different parts
+of Richmond-hill, which was announced to be its name. The latitude of
+Richmond-hill, as observed by captain Hunter, was settled at 33 degrees 36
+minutes south.
+
+Here also the river received the name of Hawkesbury, in honour of the noble
+lord who bears that title.
+
+Natives were found on the banks in several parts, many of whom were
+labouring under the smallpox. They did not attempt to commit hostilities
+against the boats; but on the contrary shewed every sign of welcome and
+friendship to the strangers.
+
+At this period, I was unluckily invested with the command of the outpost at
+Rose Hill, which prevented me from being in the list of discoverers of
+the Hawkesbury. Stimulated, however, by a desire of acquiring a further
+knowledge of the country, on the 26th instant, accompanied by Mr. Arndell,
+assistant surgeon of the settlement, Mr. Lowes, surgeon's mate of the
+'Sirius', two marines, and a convict, I left the redoubt at day-break,
+pointing our march to a hill, distant five miles, in a westerly or inland
+direction, which commands a view of the great chain of mountains, called
+Carmarthen hills, extending from north to south farther than the eye can
+reach. Here we paused, surveying "the wild abyss; pondering our voyage."
+Before us lay the trackless immeasurable desert, in awful silence. At
+length, after consultation, we determined to steer west and by north, by
+compass, the make of the land in that quarter indicating the existence of a
+river. We continued to march all day through a country untrodden before by
+an European foot. Save that a melancholy crow now and then flew croaking
+over head, or a kangaroo was seen to bound at a distance, the picture of
+solitude was complete and undisturbed. At four o'clock in the afternoon we
+halted near a small pond of water, where we took up our residence for the
+night, lighted a fire, and prepared to cook our supper: that was, to broil
+over a couple of ramrods a few slices of salt pork, and a crow which we had
+shot.
+
+At daylight we renewed our peregrination; and in an hour after we found
+ourselves on the banks of a river, nearly as broad as the Thames at
+Putney, and apparently of great depth, the current running very slowly in a
+northerly direction. Vast flocks of wild ducks were swimming in the stream;
+but after being once fired at, they grew so shy that we could not get near
+them a second time. Nothing is more certain than that the sound of a gun
+had never before been heard within many miles of this spot.
+
+We proceeded upwards, by a slow pace, through reeds, thickets, and a
+thousand other obstacles, which impeded our progress, over coarse sandy
+ground, which had been recently inundated, though full forty feet above the
+present level of the river. Traces of the natives appeared at every step,
+sometimes in their hunting-huts, which consist of nothing more than a
+large piece of bark, bent in the middle, and open at both ends, exactly
+resembling two cards, set up to form an acute angle; sometimes in marks on
+trees which they had climbed; or in squirrel-traps*; or, which surprised us
+more, from being new, in decoys for the purpose of ensnaring birds. These
+are formed of underwood and reeds, long and narrow, shaped like a mound
+raised over a grave; with a small aperture at one end for admission of
+the prey; and a grate made of sticks at the other: the bird enters at the
+aperture, seeing before him the light of the grate, between the bars of
+which, he vainly endeavours to thrust himself, until taken. Most of these
+decoys were full of feathers, chiefly those of quails, which shewed their
+utility. We also met with two old damaged canoes hauled up on the beach,
+which differed in no wise from those found on the sea coast.
+
+[*A squirrel-trap is a cavity of considerable depth, formed by art, in the
+body of a tree. When the Indians in their hunting parties set fire to
+the surrounding country (which is a very common custom) the squirrels,
+opossums, and other animals, who live in trees, flee for refuge into these
+holes, whence they are easily dislodged and taken. The natives always pitch
+on a part of a tree for this purpose, which has been perforated by a worm,
+which indicates that the wood is in an unsound state, and will readily
+yield to their efforts. If the rudeness and imperfection of the tools with
+which they work be considered, it must be confessed to be an operation of
+great toil and difficulty.]
+
+
+Having remained out three days, we returned to our quarters at Rose-hill,
+with the pleasing intelligence of our discovery. The country we had passed
+through we found tolerably plain, and little encumbered with underwood,
+except near the river side. It is entirely covered with the same sorts of
+trees as grow near Sydney; and in some places grass springs up luxuriantly;
+other places are quite bare of it. The soil is various: in many parts a
+stiff and clay, covered with small pebbles; in other places, of a soft
+loamy nature: but invariably, in every part near the river, it is a coarse
+sterile sand. Our observations on it (particularly mine, from carrying
+the compass by which we steered) were not so numerous as might have been
+wished. But, certainly, if the qualities of it be such as to deserve future
+cultivation, no impediment of surface, but that of cutting down and burning
+the trees, exists, to prevent its being tilled.
+
+To this river the governor gave the name of Nepean. The distance of the
+part of the river which we first hit upon from the sea coast, is about 39
+miles, in a direct line almost due west.
+
+A survey of Botany Bay took place in September. I was of the party, with
+several others officers. We continued nine days in the bay, during which
+time, the relative position of every part of it, to the extent of more than
+thirty miles, following the windings of the shore, was ascertained, and
+laid down on paper, by captain Hunter.
+
+So complete an opportunity of forming a judgment, enables me to speak
+decisively of a place, which has often engaged conversation and excited
+reflection. Variety of opinions here disappeared. I shall, therefore,
+transcribe literally what I wrote in my journal, on my return from the
+expedition. "We were unanimously of opinion, that had not the nautical part
+of Mr. Cook's description, in which we include the latitude and longitude
+of the bay, been so accurately laid down, there would exist the utmost
+reason to believe, that those who have described the contiguous country,
+had never seen it. On the sides of the harbour, a line of sea coast
+more than thirty miles long, we did not find 200 acres which could be
+cultivated."
+
+September, 1789. But all our attention was not directed to explore inlets,
+and toll for discovery. Our internal tranquillity was still more important.
+To repress the inroads of depredation; and to secure to honest industry the
+reward of its labour, had become matter of the most serious consideration;
+hardly a night passing without the commission of robbery. Many expedients
+were devised; and the governor at length determined to select from the
+convicts, a certain number of persons, who were meant to be of the fairest
+character, for the purpose of being formed into a nightly-watch, for
+the preservation of public and private property, under the following
+regulations, which, as the first system of police in a colony, so
+peculiarly constituted as ours, may perhaps prove not uninteresting.
+
+
+I. A night-watch, consisting of 12 persons, divided into four parties, is
+appointed, and fully authorized to patrol at all hours in the night; and
+to visit such places as may be deemed necessary, for the discovery of any
+felony, trespass, or misdemeanor; and for the apprehending and securing
+for examination, any person or persons who may appear to them concerned
+therein, either by entrance into any suspected hut or dwelling, or by such
+other measure as may seem to them expedient.
+
+II. Those parts in which the convicts reside are to be divided and
+numbered, in the following manner. The convict huts on the eastern side of
+the stream, and the public farm, are to be the first division. Those at
+the brick-kilns, and the detached parties in the different private farms in
+that district, are to be the second division. Those on the western side of
+the stream, as far as the line which separates the district of the women
+from the men, to be the third division. The huts occupied from that line to
+the hospital, and from there to the observatory, to be the fourth division.
+
+III. Each of these districts or divisions is to be under the particular
+inspection of one person, who may be judged qualified to inform himself of
+the actual residence of each individual in his district; as well as of his
+business, connections, and acquaintances.
+
+IV. Cognizance is to be taken of such convicts as may sell or barter their
+slops or provisions; and also of such as are addicted to gaming for either
+of the aforesaid articles, who are to be reported to the judge advocate.
+
+V. Any soldier or seaman found straggling after the beating of the tattoo;
+or who may be found in a convict's hut, is to be detained; and information
+of him immediately given to the nearest guard.
+
+VI. Any person who may be robbed during the night, is to give immediate
+information thereof to the watch of his district, who, on the instant of
+application being made, shall use the most effectual means to trace out
+the offender, or offenders, so that he, she, or they, may be brought to
+justice.
+
+VII. The watch of each district is to be under the direction of one person,
+who will be named for that purpose. All the patrols are placed under the
+immediate inspection of Herbert Keeling. They are never to receive any
+fee, gratuity, or reward, from any individual whatever, to engage their
+exertions in the execution of the above trust. Nor will they receive any
+stipulated encouragement for the conviction of any offender. But their
+diligence and good behaviour will be rewarded by the governor. And for this
+purpose their conduct will be strictly attended to, by those who are placed
+in authority over them.
+
+VIII. The night-watch is to go out as soon as the tattoo ceases beating: to
+return to their huts when the working drum beats in the morning: and are
+to make their report to the judge advocate, through Herbert Keeling, of all
+robberies and misdemeanors which may have been committed. Any assistance
+the patrols may require, will be given to them, on applying to the officer
+commanding the nearest guard; and by the civil power, if necessary; for
+which last, application is to be made to the provost martial.
+
+IX. Any negligence on the part of those who shall be employed on this duty,
+will be punished with the utmost rigour of the law.
+
+X. The night-watch is to consist of 12 persons.
+
+
+Every political code, either from a defect of its constitution, or from the
+corruptness of those who are entrusted to execute it, will be found less
+perfect in practice than speculation had promised itself. It were, however,
+prejudice to deny, that for some time following the institution of this
+patrol, nightly depredations became less frequent and alarming: the petty
+villains, at least, were restrained by it. And to keep even a garden
+unravaged was now become a subject of the deepest concern.
+
+For in October our weekly allowance of provisions, which had hitherto been
+eight pounds of flour, five pounds of salt pork, three pints of pease, six
+ounces of butter, was reduced to five pounds five ounces of flour, three
+pounds five ounces of pork, and two pints of pease.
+
+In order to lessen the consumption from the public stores, the 'Supply' was
+ordered to touch at Lord Howe Island, in her way from Norfolk Island, to
+try if turtle could be procured, for the purpose of being publicly served
+in lieu of salt provisions. But she brought back only three turtles, which
+were distributed in the garrison.
+
+December, 1789. At the request of his excellency, lieutenant Dawes of the
+marines, accompanied by lieutenant Johnston and Mr. Lowes, about this
+time undertook the attempt to cross the Nepean river, and to penetrate to
+Carmarthen mountains. Having discovered a ford in the river, they passed
+it, and proceeded in a westerly direction. But they found the country so
+rugged, and the difficulty of walking so excessive, that in three days they
+were able to penetrate only fifteen miles, and were therefore obliged to
+relinquish their object. This party, at the time they turned back, were
+farther inland than any other persons ever were before or since, being
+fifty-four miles in a direct line from the sea coast when on the summit
+of mount Twiss, a hill so named by them, and which bounded their
+peregrination.
+
+Intercourse with the natives, for the purpose of knowing whether or not the
+country possessed any resources, by which life might be prolonged*, as
+well as on other accounts, becoming every day more desirable, the governor
+resolved to make prisoners of two more of them.
+
+[*One of the convicts, a negro, had twice eloped, with an intention of
+establishing himself in the society of the natives, with a wish to adopt
+their customs and to live with them: but he was always repulsed by them;
+and compelled to return to us from hunger and wretchedness.]
+
+
+Boats properly provided, under the command of lieutenant Bradley of the
+'Sirius', were accordingly dispatched on this service; and completely
+succeeded in trepanning and carrying off, without opposition, two fine
+young men, who were safely landed among us at Sydney.
+
+Nanbaree and Abaroo welcomed them on shore; calling them immediately by
+their names, Baneelon (Bennelong), and Colbee. But they seemed little
+disposed to receive the congratulations, or repose confidence in the
+assurances of their friends. The same scenes of awkward wonder and
+impatient constraint, which had attended the introduction of Arabanoo,
+succeeded. Baneelon we judged to be about twenty-six years old, of good
+stature, and stoutly made, with a bold intrepid countenance, which bespoke
+defiance and revenge. Colbee was perhaps near thirty, of a less sullen
+aspect than his comrade, considerably shorter, and not so robustly framed,
+though better fitted for purposes of activity. They had both evidently
+had the smallpox; indeed Colbee's face was very thickly imprinted with the
+marks of it.
+
+Positive orders were issued by the governor to treat them indulgently, and
+guard them strictly; notwithstanding which Colbee contrived to effect his
+escape in about a week, with a small iron ring round his leg. Had those
+appointed to watch them been a moment later, his companion would have
+contrived to accompany him.
+
+But Baneelon, though haughty, knew how to temporize. He quickly threw
+off all reserve; and pretended, nay, at particular moments, perhaps felt
+satisfaction in his new state. Unlike poor Arabanoo, he became at once fond
+of our viands, and would drink the strongest liquors, not simply without
+reluctance, but with eager marks of delight and enjoyment. He was the only
+native we ever knew who immediately shewed a fondness for spirits: Colbee
+would not at first touch them. Nor was the effect of wine or brandy upon
+him more perceptible than an equal quantity would have produced upon one of
+us, although fermented liquor was new to him.
+
+In his eating, he was alike compliant. When a turtle was shown to Arabanoo,
+he would not allow it to be a fish, and could not be induced to eat of it.
+Baneelon also denied it to be a fish; but no common councilman in Europe
+could do more justice than he did to a very fine one, that the 'Supply' had
+brought from Lord Howe Island, and which was served up at the governor's
+table on Christmas Day.
+
+His powers of mind were certainly far above mediocrity. He acquired
+knowledge, both of our manners and language, faster than his predecessor
+had done. He willingly communicated information; sang, danced, and capered,
+told us all the customs of his country, and all the details of his family
+economy. Love and war seemed his favourite pursuits; in both of which he
+had suffered severely. His head was disfigured by several scars; a spear
+had passed through his arm, and another through his leg. Half of one of his
+thumbs was carried away; and the mark of a wound appeared on the back of
+his hand. The cause and attendant circumstances of all these disasters,
+except one, he related to us.
+
+"But the wound on the back of your hand, Baneelon! How did you get that?"
+
+He laughed, and owned that it was received in carrying off a lady of
+another tribe by force. "I was dragging her away. She cried aloud, and
+stuck her teeth in me."
+
+"And what did you do then?"
+
+"I knocked her down, and beat her till she was insensible, and covered with
+blood. Then..."
+
+Whenever he recounted his battles, "poised his lance, and showed how fields
+were won", the most violent exclamations of rage and vengeance against his
+competitors in arms, those of the tribe called Cameeragal in particular,
+would burst from him. And he never failed at such times to solicit the
+governor to accompany him, with a body of soldiers, in order that he might
+exterminate this hated name.
+
+Although I call him only Baneelon, he had besides several appellations, and
+for a while he chose to be distinguished by that of Wolarawaree. Again, as
+a mark of affection and respect to the governor, he conferred on him the
+name of Wolarawaree, and sometimes called him 'Beenena' (father), adopting
+to himself the name of governor. This interchange we found is a constant
+symbol of friendship among them*. In a word, his temper seemed pliant, and
+his relish of our society so great, that hardly any one judged he would
+attempt to quit us, were the means of escape put within his reach.
+Nevertheless it was thought proper to continue a watch over him.
+
+[*It is observable that this custom prevails as a pledge of friendship
+and kindness all over Asia, and has also been mentioned by Captain Cook to
+exist among the natives in the South Sea Islands.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony, from the Beginning of the Year 1790 until the
+End of May following.
+
+
+Our impatience of news from Europe strongly marked the commencement of the
+year. We had now been two years in the country, and thirty-two months from
+England, in which long period no supplies, except what had been procured at
+the Cape of Good Hope by the 'Sirius', had reached us. From intelligence of
+our friends and connections we had been entirely cut off, no communication
+whatever having passed with our native country since the 13th of May 1787,
+the day of our departure from Portsmouth. Famine besides was approaching
+with gigantic strides, and gloom and dejection overspread every
+countenance. Men abandoned themselves to the most desponding reflections,
+and adopted the most extravagant conjectures.
+
+Still we were on the tiptoe of expectation. If thunder broke at a distance,
+or a fowling-piece of louder than ordinary report resounded in the woods,
+"a gun from a ship" was echoed on every side, and nothing but hurry
+and agitation prevailed. For eighteen months after we had landed in the
+country, a party of marines used to go weekly to Botany Bay, to see whether
+any vessel, ignorant of our removal to Port Jackson, might be arrived
+there. But a better plan was now devised, on the suggestion of captain
+Hunter. A party of seamen were fixed on a high bluff, called the
+South-head, at the entrance of the harbour, on which a flag was ordered to
+be hoisted, whenever a ship might appear, which should serve as a direction
+to her, and as a signal of approach to us. Every officer stepped forward
+to volunteer a service which promised to be so replete with beneficial
+consequences. But the zeal and alacrity of captain Hunter, and our brethren
+of the 'Sirius', rendered superfluous all assistance or co-operation.
+
+Here on the summit of the hill, every morning from daylight until the sun
+sunk, did we sweep the horizon, in hope of seeing a sail. At every fleeting
+speck which arose from the bosom of the sea, the heart bounded, and the
+telescope was lifted to the eye. If a ship appeared here, we knew she must
+be bound to us; for on the shores of this vast ocean (the largest in the
+world) we were the only community which possessed the art of navigation,
+and languished for intercourse with civilized society.
+
+To say that we were disappointed and shocked, would very inadequately
+describe our sensations. But the misery and horror of such a situation
+cannot be imparted, even by those who have suffered under it.
+
+March, 1790. Vigorous measures were become indispensable. The governor
+therefore, early in February, ordered the 'Sirius' to prepare for a voyage
+to China; and a farther retrenchment of our ration, we were given to
+understand, would take place on her sailing.
+
+But the 'Sirius' was destined not to reach China. Previously to her
+intended departure on that voyage, she was ordered, in concert with the
+'Supply', to convey Major Ross, with a large detachment of marines, and
+more than two hundred convicts, to Norfolk Island, it being hoped that
+such a division of our numbers would increase the means of subsistence, by
+diversified exertions. She sailed on the 6th of March. And on the 27th of
+the same month, the following order was issued from headquarters.
+
+
+Parole--Honour.
+
+Counter sign--Example.
+
+The expected supply of provisions not having arrived, makes it necessary
+to reduce the present ration. And the commissary is directed to issue, from
+the 1st of April, the under-mentioned allowance, to every person in the
+settlement without distinction.
+
+Four pounds of flour, two pounds and a half of salt pork, and one pound and
+a half of rice, per week.
+
+
+On the 5th of April news was brought, that the flag on the South-head was
+hoisted. Less emotion was created by the news than might be expected. Every
+one coldly said to his neighbour, "the 'Sirius' and 'Supply' are returned
+from Norfolk Island." To satisfy myself that the flag was really flying, I
+went to the observatory, and looked for it through the large astronomical
+telescope, when I plainly saw it. But I was immediately convinced that
+it was not to announce the arrival of ships from England; for I could see
+nobody near the flagstaff except one solitary being, who kept strolling
+around, unmoved by what he saw. I well knew how different an effect the
+sight of strange ships would produce.
+
+April, 1790. The governor, however, determined to go down the harbour, and
+I begged permission to accompany him. Having turned a point about half way
+down, we were surprised to see a boat, which was known to belong to the
+'Supply', rowing towards us. On nearer approach, I saw captain Ball make
+an extraordinary motion with his hand, which too plainly indicated that
+something disastrous had happened; and I could not help turning to the
+governor, near whom I sat, and saying, "Sir, prepare yourself for bad
+news." A few minutes changed doubt into certainty; and to our unspeakable
+consternation we learned, that the 'Sirius' had been wrecked on Norfolk
+Island, on the 19th of February. Happily, however, Captain Hunter, and
+every other person belonging to her, were saved.
+
+Dismay was painted on every countenance, when the tidings were proclaimed
+at Sydney. The most distracting apprehensions were entertained All hopes
+were now concentred in the little 'Supply'.
+
+At six o'clock in the evening, all the officers of the garrison, both
+civil and military, were summoned to meet the governor in council, when
+the nature of our situation was fully discussed and an account of
+the provisions yet remaining in store laid before the council by the
+commissary. This account stated, that on the present ration* the public
+stores contained salt meat sufficient to serve until the 2nd of July, flour
+until the 20th of August, and rice, or pease in lieu of it, until the 1st
+of October.
+
+[*See the ration of the 27th of March, a few pages back.]
+
+Several regulations for the more effectual preservation of gardens,
+and other private property, were proposed, and adopted and after some
+interchange of opinion, the following ration was decreed to commence
+immediately, a vigorous exertion to prolong existence, or the chance of
+relief, being all now left to us.
+
+     Two pounds of pork, two pounds and a half of flour,
+     two pounds of rice, or a quart of pease, per week,
+     to every grown person, and to every child of more
+     than eighteen months old.
+
+     To every child under eighteen months old, the same
+     quantity of rice and flour, and one pound of pork.**
+
+[**When the age of this provision is recollected, its inadequacy will more
+strikingly appear. The pork and rice were brought with us from England. The
+pork had been salted between three and four years, and every grain of rice
+was a moving body, from the inhabitants lodged within it. We soon left off
+boiling the pork, as it had become so old and dry, that it shrunk one half
+in its dimensions when so dressed. Our usual method of cooking it was to
+cut off the daily morsel, and toast it on a fork before the fire, catching
+the drops which fell on a slice of bread, or in a saucer of rice. Our flour
+was the remnant of what was brought from the Cape, by the 'Sirius', and was
+good. Instead of baking it, the soldiers and convicts used to boil it up
+with greens.]
+
+The immediate departure of the 'Supply', for Batavia, was also determined.
+
+Nor did our zeal stop here. The governor being resolved to employ all
+the boats, public and private, in procuring fish--which was intended to
+be served in lieu of salt meat--all the officers, civil and military,
+including the clergyman, and the surgeons of the hospital, made the
+voluntary offer, in addition to their other duties, to go alternately every
+night in these boats, in order to see that every exertion was made, and
+that all the fish which might be caught was deposited with the commissary.
+
+The best marksmen of the marines and convicts were also selected, and put
+under the command of a trusty sergeant, with directions to range the
+woods in search of kangaroos, which were ordered, when brought in, to be
+delivered to the commissary.
+
+And as it was judged that the inevitable fatigues of shooting and fishing
+could not be supported on the common ration, a small additional quantity
+of flour and pork was appropriated to the use of the game-keepers; and each
+fisherman, who had been out during the preceding night had, on his return
+in the morning, a pound of uncleaned fish allowed for his breakfast.
+
+On the 17th instant, the 'Supply', captain Ball, sailed for Batavia. We
+followed her with anxious eyes until she was no longer visible. Truly did
+we say to her "In te omnis domus inclinata recumbit." We were, however,
+consoled by reflecting, that every thing which zeal, fortitude, and
+seamanship, could produce, was concentred in her commander.
+
+Our bosoms consequently became less perturbed; and all our labour and
+attention were turned on one object--the procuring of food. "Pride, pomp,
+and circumstance of glorious war" were no more.
+
+The distress of the lower classes for clothes was almost equal to their
+other wants. The stores had been long exhausted, and winter was at
+hand. Nothing more ludicrous can be conceived than the expedients of
+substituting, shifting, and patching, which ingenuity devised, to eke out
+wretchedness, and preserve the remains of decency. The superior dexterity
+of the women was particularly conspicuous. Many a guard have I seen mount,
+in which the number of soldiers without shoes exceeded that which had yet
+preserved remnants of leather.
+
+Nor was another part of our domestic economy less whimsical. If a lucky
+man, who had knocked down a dinner with his gun, or caught a fish
+by angling from the rocks, invited a neighbour to dine with him, the
+invitation always ran, "bring your own bread." Even at the governor's
+table, this custom was constantly observed. Every man when he sat down
+pulled his bread out of his pocket, and laid it by his plate.
+
+The insufficiency of our ration soon diminished our execution of labour.
+Both soldiers and convicts pleaded such loss of strength, as to find
+themselves unable to perform their accustomed tasks. The hours of public
+work were accordingly shortened or, rather, every man was ordered to do as
+much as his strength would permit, and every other possible indulgence was
+granted.
+
+May, 1790. In proportion, however, as lenity and mitigation were extended
+to inability and helplessness, inasmuch was the most rigorous justice
+executed on disturbers of the public tranquillity. Persons detected in
+robbing gardens, or pilfering provisions, were never screened because, as
+every man could possess, by his utmost exertions, but a bare sufficiency to
+preserve life*, he who deprived his neighbour of that little, drove him
+to desperation. No new laws for the punishment of theft were enacted;
+but persons of all descriptions were publicly warned, that the severest
+penalties, which the existing law in its greatest latitude would authorise,
+should be inflicted on offenders. The following sentence of a court
+of justice, of which I was a member, on a convict detected in a garden
+stealing potatoes, will illustrate the subject. He was ordered to receive
+three hundred lashes immediately, to be chained for six months to two other
+criminals, who were thus fettered for former offences, and to have his
+allowance of flour stopped for six months. So that during the operation of
+the sentence, two pounds of pork, and two pounds of rice (or in lieu of the
+latter, a quart of pease) per week, constituted his whole subsistence. Such
+was the melancholy length to which we were compelled to stretch our penal
+system.
+
+[*Its preservation in some cases was found impracticable. Three or four
+instances of persons who perished from want have been related to me. One
+only, however, fell within my own observation. I was passing the provision
+store, when a man, with a wild haggard countenance, who had just received
+his daily pittance to carry home, came out. His faltering gait, and eager
+devouring eye, led me to watch him, and he had not proceeded ten steps
+before he fell. I ordered him to be carried to the hospital, where, when
+he arrived, he was found dead. On opening the body, the cause of death was
+pronounced to be inanition.]
+
+Farther to contribute to the detection of villainy, a proclamation,
+offering a reward of sixty pounds of flour, more tempting than the ore of
+Peru or Potosi, was promised to any one who should apprehend, and bring to
+justice, a robber of garden ground.
+
+Our friend Baneelon, during this season of scarcity, was as well taken care
+of as our desperate circumstances would allow. We knew not how to keep
+him, and yet were unwilling to part with him. Had he penetrated our state,
+perhaps he might have given his countrymen such a description of our
+diminished numbers, and diminished strength, as would have emboldened
+them to become more troublesome. Every expedient was used to keep him in
+ignorance. His allowance was regularly received by the governor's servant,
+like that of any other person, but the ration of a week was insufficient
+to have kept him for a day. The deficiency was supplied by fish whenever
+it could be procured, and a little Indian corn, which had been reserved
+was ground and appropriated to his use. In spite of all these aids, want of
+food has been known to make him furious and often melancholy.
+
+There is reason to believe that he had long meditated his escape, which he
+effected in the night of the 3rd instant. About two o'clock in the morning,
+he pretended illness, and awaking the servant who lay in the room with him,
+begged to go down stairs. The other attended him without suspicion of his
+design; and Baneelon no sooner found himself in a backyard, than he nimbly
+leaped over a slight paling, and bade us adieu.
+
+The following public order was issued within the date of this chapter, and
+is too pleasing a proof that universal depravity did not prevail among the
+convicts, to be omitted.
+
+
+The governor, in consequence of the unremitted good behaviour and
+meritorious conduct of John Irving, is pleased to remit the remainder of
+the term for which he was sentenced to transportation. He is therefore to
+be considered as restored to all those rights and privileges, which had
+been suspended in consequence of the sentence of the law. And as such,
+he is hereby appointed to act as an assistant to the surgeon at Norfolk
+Island.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony in June, July, and August, 1790.
+
+
+At length the clouds of misfortune began to separate, and on the evening
+of the 3rd of June, the joyful cry of "the flag's up" resounded in every
+direction.
+
+I was sitting in my hut, musing on our fate, when a confused clamour in
+the street drew my attention. I opened my door, and saw several women
+with children in their arms running to and fro with distracted looks,
+congratulating each other, and kissing their infants with the most
+passionate and extravagant marks of fondness. I needed no more; but
+instantly started out, and ran to a hill, where, by the assistance of
+a pocket glass, my hopes were realized. My next door neighbour, a
+brother-officer, was with me, but we could not speak. We wrung each other
+by the hand, with eyes and hearts overflowing.
+
+Finding that the governor intended to go immediately in his boat down the
+harbour, I begged to be of his party.
+
+As we proceeded, the object of our hopes soon appeared: a large ship,
+with English colours flying, working in, between the heads which form the
+entrance of the harbour. The tumultuous state of our minds represented
+her in danger; and we were in agony. Soon after, the governor, having
+ascertained what she was, left us, and stepped into a fishing boat to
+return to Sydney. The weather was wet and tempestuous but the body is
+delicate only when the soul is at ease. We pushed through wind and rain,
+the anxiety of our sensations every moment redoubling. At last we read the
+word 'London' on her stern. "Pull away, my lads! She is from Old England! A
+few strokes more, and we shall be aboard! Hurrah for a bellyfull, and news
+from our friends!" Such were our exhortations to the boat's crew.
+
+A few minutes completed our wishes, and we found ourselves on board
+the 'Lady Juliana' transport, with two hundred and twenty-five of our
+countrywomen whom crime or misfortune had condemned to exile. We learned
+that they had been almost eleven months on their passage, having left
+Plymouth, into which port they had put in July, 1789. We continued to ask
+a thousand questions on a breath. Stimulated by curiosity, they inquired in
+turn; but the right of being first answered, we thought, lay on our side.
+"Letters, letters!" was the cry. They were produced, and torn open in
+trembling agitation. News burst upon us like meridian splendor on a blind
+man. We were overwhelmed with it: public, private, general, and particular.
+Nor was it until some days had elapsed, that we were able to methodise it,
+or reduce it into form. We now heard for the first time of our sovereign's
+illness, and his happy restoration to health. The French revolution of
+1789, with all the attendant circumstances of that wonderful and unexpected
+event, succeeded to amaze us*. Now, too, the disaster which had befallen
+the 'Guardian', and the liberal and enlarged plan on which she had been
+stored and fitted out by government for our use, was promulged. It served
+also, in some measure, to account why we had not sooner heard from England.
+For had not the 'Guardian' struck on an island of ice, she would probably
+have reached us three months before, and in this case have prevented the
+loss of the 'Sirius', although she had sailed from England three months
+after the 'Lady Juliana'.
+
+[*These words bring to my mind an anecdote, which, though rather out of
+place, I shall offer no apology for introducing. Among other inquiries, we
+were anxious to learn whether M. de la Peyrouse, with the two ships under
+his command, bound on a voyage of discovery, had arrived in France. We
+heard with concern, that no accounts of them had been received, since they
+had left Botany Bay, in March, 1788. I remember when they were at that
+place, one day conversing with Monsieur de la Peyrouse, about the best
+method of treating savage people, "Sir," said he, "I have sometimes been
+compelled to commit hostilities upon them, but never without suffering the
+most poignant regret; for, independent of my own feelings on the occasion,
+his Majesty's (Louis XVI) last words to me, de sa propre bouche, when I
+took leave of him at Versailles, were: 'It is my express injunction, that
+you always treat the Indian nations with kindness and humanity. Gratify
+their wishes, and never, but in a case of the last necessity, when
+self-defence requires it, shed human blood.' Are these the sentiments of a
+tyrant, of a sanguinary and perfidious man?"
+
+A general thanksgiving to Almighty God, for his Majesty's recovery, and
+happy restoration to his family and subjects, was ordered to be offered up
+on the following Wednesday, when all public labour was suspended; and every
+person in the settlement attended at church, where a sermon, suited to an
+occasion, at once so full of gratitude and solemnity, was preached by the
+Reverend Richard Johnson, chaplain of the colony.
+
+All the officers were afterwards entertained at dinner by the governor. And
+in the evening, an address to his excellency, expressive of congratulation
+and loyalty, was agreed upon; and in two days after was presented, and very
+graciously received.
+
+The following invitation to the non-commissioned officers and private
+soldiers of the marine battalion, was also about this time published.
+
+
+In consequence of the assurance that was given to the non-commissioned
+officers and men belonging to the battalion of marines, on their embarking
+for the service of this country, that such of them as should behave well,
+would be allowed to quit the service, on their return to England; or be
+discharged abroad, upon the relief taking place, and permitted to settle
+in the country--His Majesty has been graciously pleased to direct the
+following encouragement to be held up to such non-commissioned officers and
+privates, as may be disposed to become settlers in this country, or in
+any of the islands comprised within the government of the continent of
+New South Wales, on the arrival of the corps raised and intended for the
+service of this colony, and for their relief, viz:
+
+To every non-commissioned officer, an allotment of one hundred and thirty
+acres of land, if single, and of one hundred and fifty acres, if married.
+To every private soldier, an allotment of eighty acres, if single, and of
+one hundred acres if married; and also an allotment of ten acres for every
+child, whether of a non-commissioned officer, or of a private soldier.
+These allotments will be free of all fines, taxes, quit-rents, and other
+acknowledgments, for the space of ten years; but after the expiration of
+that period, will be subject to an annual quit-rent of one shilling for
+every fifty acres.
+
+His Majesty has likewise been farther pleased to signify his royal will and
+pleasure, that a bounty of three pounds be offered to each non-commissioned
+officer and soldier, who may be disposed to continue in this country, and
+enlist in the corps appointed for the service of New South Wales; with a
+farther assurance, that in case of a proper demeanour on their part, they
+shall, after a farther service of five years, be entitled to double the
+former portion of land, provided they then choose to become settlers in the
+country, free of all taxes, fines, and quit-rents, for the space of fifteen
+years; but after that time, to be subject to the beforementioned annual
+quit-rent of one shilling for every fifty acres.
+
+And as a farther encouragement to those men who may be desirous to become
+settlers, and continue in the country, his Majesty has been likewise
+pleased to direct, that every man shall, on being discharged, receive out
+of the public store, a portion of clothing and provisions, sufficient
+for his support for one year; together with a suitable quantity of seeds,
+grain, etc. for the tillage of the land; and a portion of tools and
+implements of agriculture, proper for their use. And whenever any man,
+who may become a settler, can maintain, feed, and clothe, such number of
+convicts as may be judged necessary by the governor, for the time being,
+to assist him in clearing and cultivating the land, the service of such
+convicts shall be assigned to him.
+
+
+We were joyfully surprised on the 20th of the month to see another sail
+enter the harbour. She proved to be the Justinian transport, commanded by
+Captain Maitland, and our rapture was doubled on finding that she was
+laden entirely with provisions for our use. Full allowance, and general
+congratulation, immediately took place. This ship had left Falmouth on
+the preceding 20th of January, and completed her passage exactly in five
+months*. She had staid at Madeira one day, and four at Sao Tiago, from
+which last place she had steered directly for New South Wales, neglecting
+Rio de Janeiro on her right, and the Cape of Good Hope on her left; and
+notwithstanding the immense tract of ocean she had passed, brought her crew
+without sickness into harbour. When the novelty and boldness of such an
+attempt shall be recollected, too much praise, on the spirit and activity
+of Mr. Maitland, cannot be bestowed.
+
+[*Accident only prevented her from making it in eighteen days less, for she
+was then in sight of the harbour's mouth, when an unpropitious gale of wind
+blew her off. Otherwise she would have reached us one day sooner than the
+'Lady Juliana'. It is a curious circumstance, that these two ships had
+sailed together from the river Thames, one bound to Port Jackson, and
+the other bound to Jamaica. The Justinian carried her cargo to the last
+mentioned place, landed it; and loaded afresh with sugars, which she
+returned with, and delivered in London. She was then hired as a transport,
+reladen, and sailed for New South Wales. Let it be remembered, that no
+material accident had happened to either vessel. But what will not zeal and
+diligence accomplish!]
+
+Good fortune continued to befriend us. Before the end of the month, three
+more transports, having on board two companies of the New South Wales
+corps, arrived to add to our society. These ships also brought out a large
+body of convicts, whose state and sufferings will be best estimated by the
+following return.
+
+     Names of     No. of people   No. of persons who died   No. landed sick
+     Ships         embarked          on the passage       at Port Jackson
+
+          -----------------------------------------------------------------
+     Neptune           530                 163                  269
+
+     Surprise          252                  42                  121
+
+     Scarborough       256                  68                   96
+
+          -----------------------------------------------------------------
+                      1038                 273                  486
+
+          -----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+N.B. Of those landed sick, one hundred and twenty-four died in the hospital
+at Sydney.
+
+
+On our passage from England, which had lasted more than eight months and
+with nearly an equal number of persons, only twenty-four had died, and
+not thirty were landed sick. The difference can be accounted for, only by
+comparing the manner in which each fleet was fitted out and conducted. With
+us the provisions, served on board, were laid in by a contractor, who sent
+a deputy to serve them out; and it became a part of duty for the officers
+of the troops to inspect their quality, and to order that every one
+received his just proportion. Whereas, in the fleet now arrived, the
+distribution of provisions rested entirely with the masters of the
+merchantmen, and the officers were expressly forbidden to interfere in any
+shape farther about the convicts than to prevent their escape.
+
+Seventeen pounds, in full of all expense, was the sum paid by the public
+for the passage of each person. And this sum was certainly competent to
+afford fair profit to the merchant who contracted. But there is reason
+to believe, that some of those who were employed to act for him, violated
+every principle of justice, and rioted on the spoils of misery, for want of
+a controlling power to check their enormities. No doubt can be entertained,
+that a humane and liberal government will interpose its authority, to
+prevent the repetition of such flagitious conduct.
+
+Although the convicts had landed from these ships with every mark of
+meagre misery, yet it was soon seen, that a want of room, in which more
+conveniences might have been stowed for their use, had not caused it.
+Several of the masters of the transports immediately opened stores,
+and exposed large quantities of goods to sale, which, though at most
+extortionate prices, were eagerly bought up.
+
+Such was the weakly state of the new corners, that for several weeks little
+real benefit to the colony was derived from so great a nominal addition to
+our number. However, as fast as they recovered, employment was immediately
+assigned to them. The old hours of labour, which had been reduced in our
+distress, were re-established, and the most vigorous measures adopted to
+give prosperity to the settlement. New buildings were immediately planned,
+and large tracts of ground, at Rose-hill, ordered to be cleared, and
+prepared for cultivation. Some superintendents who had arrived in the
+fleet, and were hired by government for the purpose of overlooking and
+directing the convicts, were found extremely serviceable in accelerating
+the progress of improvement.
+
+July, 1790. This month was marked by nothing worth communication, except
+a melancholy accident which befell a young gentleman of amiable character
+(one of the midshipmen lately belonging to the 'Sirius') and two marines.
+He was in a small boat, with three marines, in the harbour, when a whale
+was seen near them. Sensible of their danger, they used every effort to
+avoid the cause of it, by rowing in a contrary direction from that which
+the fish seemed to take, but the monster suddenly arose close to them, and
+nearly filled the boat with water. By exerting themselves, they baled her
+out, and again steered from it. For some time it was not seen, and they
+conceived themselves safe, when, rising immediately under the boat, it
+lifted her to the height of many yards on its back, whence slipping off,
+she dropped as from a precipice, and immediately filled and sunk. The
+midshipman and one of the marines were sucked into the vortex which the
+whale had made, and disappeared at once. The two other marines swam for
+the nearest shore, but one only reached it, to recount the fate of his
+companions.
+
+August, 1790. In the beginning of this month, in company with Mr. Dawes and
+Mr. Worgan, late surgeon of the 'Sirius', I undertook an expedition to
+the southward and westward of Rose Hill, where the country had never been
+explored. We remained out seven days, and penetrated to a considerable
+distance in a S.S.W. direction, bounding our course at a remarkable hill,
+to which, from its conical shape, we gave the name of Pyramid-hill. Except
+the discovery of a river (which is unquestionably the Nepean near its
+source) to which we gave the name of the Worgan, in honour of one of our
+party, nothing very interesting was remarked.
+
+Towards the end of the month, we made a second excursion to the north-west
+of Rose Hill, when we again fell in with the Nepean, and traced it to
+the spot where it had been first discovered by the party of which I was
+a member, fourteen months before, examining the country as we went along.
+Little doubt now subsisted that the Hawkesbury and Nepean were one river.
+
+We undertook a third expedition soon after to Broken Bay, which place
+we found had not been exaggerated in description, whether its capacious
+harbour, or its desolate incultivable shores, be considered. On all these
+excursions we brought away, in small bags, as many specimens of the soil
+of the country we had passed through, as could be conveniently carried, in
+order that by analysis its qualities might be ascertained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony in the Beginning of September, 1790.
+
+
+The tremendous monster who had occasioned the unhappy catastrophe just
+recorded was fated to be the cause of farther mischief to us.
+
+On the 7th instant, Captain Nepean, of the New South Wales Corps, and Mr.
+White, accompanied by little Nanbaree, and a party of men, went in a boat
+to Manly Cove, intending to land there, and walk on to Broken Bay. On
+drawing near the shore, a dead whale, in the most disgusting state of
+putrefaction, was seen lying on the beach, and at least two hundred Indians
+surrounding it, broiling the flesh on different fires, and feasting on
+it with the most extravagant marks of greediness and rapture. As the boat
+continued to approach, they were observed to fall into confusion and to
+pick up their spears, on which our people lay upon their oars and Nanbaree
+stepping forward, harangued them for some time, assuring them that we were
+friends. Mr. White now called for Baneelon who, on hearing his name, came
+forth, and entered into conversation. He was greatly emaciated, and so
+far disfigured by a long beard, that our people not without difficulty
+recognized their old acquaintance. His answering in broken English, and
+inquiring for the governor, however, soon corrected their doubts. He seemed
+quite friendly. And soon after Colbee came up, pointing to his leg, to show
+that he had freed himself from the fetter which was upon him, when he had
+escaped from us.
+
+When Baneelon was told that the governor was not far off, he expressed
+great joy, and declared that he would immediately go in search of him,
+and if he found him not, would follow him to Sydney. "Have you brought any
+hatchets with you?" cried he. Unluckily they had not any which they chose
+to spare; but two or three shirts, some handkerchiefs, knives, and other
+trifles, were given to them, and seemed to satisfy. Baneelon, willing
+to instruct his countrymen, tried to put on a shirt, but managed it so
+awkwardly, that a man of the name of M'Entire, the governor's gamekeeper,
+was directed by Mr. White to assist him. This man, who was well known to
+him, he positively forbade to approach, eyeing him ferociously, and with
+every mark of horror and resentment. He was in consequence left to himself,
+and the conversation proceeded as before. The length of his beard seemed
+to annoy him much, and he expressed eager wishes to be shaved, asking
+repeatedly for a razor. A pair of scissors was given to him, and he shewed
+he had not forgotten how to use such an instrument, for he forthwith began
+to clip his hair with it.
+
+During this time, the women and children, to the number of more than fifty,
+stood at a distance, and refused all invitations, which could be conveyed
+by signs and gestures, to approach nearer. "Which of them is your old
+favourite, Barangaroo, of whom you used to speak so often?"
+
+"Oh," said he, "she is become the wife of Colbee! But I have got 'bulla
+muree deein' (two large women) to compensate for her loss."
+
+It was observed that he had received two wounds, in addition to his former
+numerous ones, since he had left us; one of them from a spear, which had
+passed through the fleshy part of his arm; and the other displayed itself
+in a large scar above his left eye. They were both healed, and probably
+were acquired in the conflict wherein he had asserted his pretensions to
+the two ladies.
+
+Nanbaree, all this while, though he continued to interrogate his
+countrymen, and to interpret on both sides, shewed little desire to return
+to their society, and stuck very close to his new friends. On being asked
+the cause of their present meeting, Baneelon pointed to the whale, which
+stunk immoderately, and Colbee made signals, that it was common among them
+to cat until the stomach was so overladen as to occasion sickness.
+
+Their demand of hatchets being re-iterated, notwithstanding our refusal,
+they were asked why they had not brought with them some of their own? They
+excused themselves by saying, that on an occasion of the present sort,
+they always left them at home, and cut up the whale with the shell which is
+affixed to the end of the throwing-stick.
+
+Our party now thought it time to proceed on their original expedition, and
+having taken leave of their sable friends, rowed to some distance, where
+they landed, and set out for Broken Bay, ordering the coxswain of the boat,
+in which they had come down, to go immediately and acquaint the governor
+of all that had passed. When the natives saw that the boat was about to
+depart, they crowded around her, and brought down, by way of present, three
+or four great junks of the whale, and put them on board of her, the largest
+of which, Baneelon expressly requested might be offered, in his name, to
+the governor.
+
+It happened that his excellency had this day gone to a landmark, which was
+building on the South-head, near the flag-staff, to serve as a direction to
+ships at sea, and the boat met him on his return to Sydney. Immediately on
+receiving the intelligence, he hastened back to the South-head, and having
+procured all the fire-arms which could be mustered there, consisting of
+four muskets and a pistol, set out, attended by Mr. Collins and Lieutenant
+Waterhouse of the navy.
+
+When the boat reached Manly Cove, the natives were found still busily
+employed around the whale. As they expressed not any consternation on
+seeing us row to the beach, governor Phillip stepped out unarmed, and
+attended by one seaman only, and called for Baneelon, who appeared,
+but, notwithstanding his former eagerness, would not suffer the other
+to approach him for several minutes. Gradually, however, he warmed
+into friendship and frankness, and presently after Colbee came up. They
+discoursed for some time, Baneelon expressing pleasure to see his old
+acquaintance, and inquiring by name for every person whom he could
+recollect at Sydney; and among others for a French cook, one of the
+governor's servants, whom he had constantly made the butt of his ridicule,
+by mimicking his voice, gait, and other peculiarities, all of which he
+again went through with his wonted exactness and drollery. He asked also
+particularly for a lady from whom he had once ventured to snatch a kiss;
+and on being told that she was well, by way of proving that the token was
+fresh in his remembrance, he kissed Lieutenant Waterhouse, and laughed
+aloud. On his wounds being noticed, he coldly said, that he had received
+them at Botany Bay, but went no farther into their history.
+
+Hatchets still continued to be called for with redoubled eagerness,
+which rather surprised us, as formerly they had always been accepted
+with indifference. But Baneelon had probably demonstrated to them their
+superiority over those of their own manufacturing. To appease their
+importunity, the governor gave them a knife, some bread, pork, and other
+articles, and promised that in two days he would return hither, and bring
+with him hatchets to be distributed among them, which appeared to diffuse
+general satisfaction.
+
+Baneelon's love of wine has been mentioned; and the governor, to try
+whether it still subsisted, uncorked a bottle, and poured out a glass of
+it, which the other drank off with his former marks of relish and good
+humour, giving for a toast, as he had been taught, "The King."
+
+Our party now advanced from the beach but, perceiving many of the Indians
+filing off to the right and left, so as in some measure to surround them,
+they retreated gently to their old situation, which produced neither alarm
+or offence. The others by degrees also resumed their former position. A
+very fine barbed spear of uncommon size being seen by the governor, he
+asked for it. But Baneelon, instead of complying with the request, took
+it away, and laid it at some distance, and brought back a throwing-stick,
+which he presented to his excellency.
+
+Matters had proceeded in this friendly train for more than half an hour,
+when a native, with a spear in his hand, came forward, and stopped at
+the distance of between twenty and thirty yards from the place where the
+governor, Mr. Collins, Lieutenant Waterhouse, and a seaman stood. His
+excellency held out his hand, and called to him, advancing towards him at
+the same time, Mr. Collins following close behind. He appeared to be a
+man of middle age, short of stature, sturdy, and well set, seemingly a
+stranger, and but little acquainted with Baneelon and Colbee. The nearer
+the governor approached, the greater became the terror and agitation of the
+Indian. To remove his fear, governor Phillip threw down a dirk, which
+he wore at his side. The other, alarmed at the rattle of the dirk, and
+probably misconstruing the action, instantly fixed his lance in his
+throwing-stick*.
+
+[*Such preparation is equal to what cocking a gun, and directing it at its
+object, would be with us. To launch the spear, or to touch the trigger,
+only remains.]
+
+To retreat, his excellency now thought would be more dangerous than to
+advance. He therefore cried out to the man, Weeeree, Weeree, (bad; you
+are doing wrong) displaying at the same time, every token of amity and
+confidence. The words had, however, hardly gone forth, when the Indian,
+stepping back with one foot, aimed his lance with such force and dexterity,
+that striking* the governor's right shoulder, just above the collar-bone,
+the point glancing downward, came out at his back, having made a wound of
+many inches long. The man was observed to keep his eye steadily fixed on
+the lance until it struck its object, when he directly dashed into the
+woods and was seen no more.
+
+[*His excellency described the shock to me as similar to a violent blow,
+with such energy was the weapon thrown.]
+
+
+Instant confusion on both sides took place. Baneelon and Colbee disappeared
+and several spears were thrown from different quarters, though without
+effect. Our party retreated as fast as they could, calling to those
+who were left in the boat, to hasten up with firearms. A situation more
+distressing than that of the governor, during the time that this lasted,
+cannot readily be conceived: the pole of the spear, not less than ten
+feet in length, sticking out before him, and impeding his flight, the butt
+frequently striking the ground, and lacerating the wound. In vain did Mr.
+Waterhouse try to break it; and the barb, which appeared on the other side,
+forbade extraction, until that could be performed. At length it was broken,
+and his excellency reached the boat, by which time the seamen with the
+muskets had got up, and were endeavouring to fire them, but one only would
+go off, and there is no room to believe that it was attended with any
+execution.
+
+When the governor got home, the wound was examined. It had bled a good deal
+in the boat, and it was doubtful whether the subclavian artery might not
+be divided. On moving the spear, it was found, however, that it might be
+safely extracted, which was accordingly performed.
+
+Apprehension for the safety of the party who had gone to Broken Bay, now
+took place. Lieutenant Long, with a detachment of marines, was immediately
+sent to escort them back, lest any ambush might be laid by the natives to
+cut them off. When Mr. Long reached Manly Cove, the sun had set; however,
+he pursued his way in the dark, scrambling over rocks and thickets, as well
+as he could, until two o'clock on the following morning, when he overtook
+them at a place where they had halted to sleep, about half-way between the
+two harbours.
+
+At day-break they all returned, and were surprised to find tracks in the
+sand of the feet of the Indians, almost the whole way from the place where
+they had slept to the Cove. By this it should seem as if these last
+had secretly followed them, probably with hostile intentions but, on
+discovering their strength, and that they were on their guard, had
+abandoned their design.
+
+On reaching Manly Cove, three Indians were observed standing on a rock,
+with whom they entered into conversation. The Indians informed them, that
+the man who had wounded the governor belonged to a tribe residing at Broken
+Bay, and they seemed highly to condemn what he had done. Our gentlemen
+asked them for a spear, which they immediately gave. The boat's crew said
+that Baneelon and Colbee had just departed, after a friendly intercourse.
+Like the others, they had pretended highly to disapprove the conduct of the
+man who had thrown the spear, vowing to execute vengeance upon him.
+
+From this time, until the 14th, no communication passed between the natives
+and us. On that day, the chaplain and lieutenant Dawes, having Abaroo with
+them in a boat, learned from two Indians that Wileemarin was the name of
+the person who had wounded the governor. These two people inquired kindly
+how his excellency did, and seemed pleased to hear that he was likely to
+recover. They said that they were inhabitants of Rose Hill, and expressed
+great dissatisfaction at the number of white men who had settled in their
+former territories. In consequence of which declaration, the detachment at
+that post was reinforced on the following day.
+
+A hazardous enterprise (but when liberty is the stake, what enterprise is
+too hazardous for its attainment!) was undertaken in this month by five
+convicts at Rose Hill, who, in the night, seized a small punt there, and
+proceeded in her to the South Head, whence they seized and carried off a
+boat, appropriated to the use of the lookout house, and put to sea in
+her, doubtless with a view of reaching any port they could arrive at, and
+asserting their freedom. They had all come out in the last fleet; and for
+some time previous to their elopement, had been collecting fishing tackle,
+and hoarding up provisions, to enable them to put their scheme into
+execution*.
+
+[*They have never since been heard of. Before they went away, they tried in
+vain to procure firearms. If they were not swallowed by the sea, probably
+they were cut off by the natives, on some part of the coast where their
+necessities obliged them to land.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony in part of September and October, 1790.
+
+
+From so unfavourable an omen as I have just related, who could
+prognosticate that an intercourse with the natives was about to commence!
+That the foundation of what neither entreaty, munificence, or humanity,
+could induce, should be laid by a deed, which threatened to accumulate
+scenes of bloodshed and horror was a consequence which neither speculation
+could predict, or hope expect to see accomplished.
+
+On the 15th a fire being seen on the north shore of the harbour, a party
+of our people went thither, accompanied by Nanbaree and Abaroo. They found
+there Baneelon, and several other natives, and much civility passed, which
+was cemented by a mutual promise to meet in the afternoon at the same
+place. Both sides were punctual to their engagement, and no objection being
+made to our landing, a party of us went ashore to them unarmed. Several
+little presents, which had been purposely brought, were distributed among
+them; and to Baneelon were given a hatchet and a fish. At a distance stood
+some children, who, though at first timorous and unwilling to approach,
+were soon persuaded to advance, and join the men.
+
+A bottle of wine was produced, and Baneelon immediately prepared for the
+charge. Bread and beef he called loudly for, which were given to him, and
+he began to eat, offering a part of his fare to his countrymen, two of whom
+tasted the beef, but none of them would touch the bread. Having finished
+his repast, he made a motion to be shaved, and a barber being present, his
+request was complied with, to the great admiration of his countrymen, who
+laughed and exclaimed at the operation. They would not, however, consent
+to undergo it, but suffered their beards to be clipped with a pair of
+scissors.
+
+On being asked where their women were, they pointed to the spot, but seemed
+not desirous that we should approach it. However, in a few minutes, a
+female appeared not far off, and Abaroo was dispatched to her. Baneelon
+now joined with Abaroo to persuade her to come to us, telling us she was
+Barangaroo, and his wife, notwithstanding he had so lately pretended that
+she had left him for Colbee. At length she yielded, and Abaroo, having
+first put a petticoat on her, brought her to us. But this was the prudery
+of the wilderness, which her husband joined us to ridicule, and we soon
+laughed her out of it. The petticoat was dropped with hesitation, and
+Barangaroo stood "armed cap-a-pee in nakedness." At the request of
+Baneelon, we combed and cut her hair, and she seemed pleased with the
+operation. Wine she would not taste, but turned from it with disgust,
+though heartily invited to drink by the example and persuasion of Baneelon.
+In short, she behaved so well, and assumed the character of gentleness and
+timidity to such advantage, that had our acquaintance ended here, a very
+moderate share of the spirit of travelling would have sufficed to record,
+that amidst a horde of roaming savages, in the desert wastes of New South
+Wales, might be found as much feminine innocence, softness, and modesty
+(allowing for inevitable difference of education), as the most finished
+system could bestow, or the most polished circle produce. So little fitted
+are we to judge of human nature at once! And yet on such grounds have
+countries been described, and nations characterized. Hence have arisen
+those speculative and laborious compositions on the advantages and
+superiority of a state of nature. But to resume my subject.
+
+Supposing, that by a private conversation, she might be induced to visit
+Sydney, which would be the means of drawing her husband and others thither,
+Abaroo was instructed to take her aside, and try if she could persuade her
+to comply with our wish. They wandered away together accordingly, but it
+was soon seen, that Barangaroo's arguments to induce Abaroo to rejoin their
+society, were more powerful than those of the latter, to prevail upon her
+to come among us; for it was not without manifest reluctance, and often
+repeated injunctions, that Abaroo would quit her countrywomen; and when she
+had done so, she sat in the boat, in sullen silence, evidently occupied by
+reflection on the scene she had left behind, and returning inclination to
+her former habits of life.
+
+Nor was a circumstance which had happened in the morning interview,
+perhaps, wholly unremembered by the girl. We had hinted to Baneelon to
+provide a husband for her, who should be at liberty to pass and repass to
+and from Sydney, as he might choose. There was at the time, a slender fine
+looking youth in company, called Imeerawanyee, about sixteen years old.
+The lad, on being invited, came immediately up to her, and offered many
+blandishments, which proved that he had assumed the 'toga virilis'. But
+Abaroo disclaimed his advances, repeating the name of another person,
+who we knew was her favourite. The young lover was not, however, easily
+repulsed, but renewed his suit, on our return in the afternoon, with such
+warmth of solicitation, as to cause an evident alteration in the sentiments
+of the lady.
+
+To heighten the good humour which pervaded both parties, we began to
+play and romp with them. Feats of bodily strength were tried, and their
+inferiority was glaring. One of our party lifted with ease two of them from
+the ground, in spite of their efforts to prevent him, whereas in return, no
+one of them could move him. They called him 'murree mulla' (a large strong
+man). Compared with our English labourers, their muscular power would
+appear very feeble and inadequate.
+
+Before we parted, Baneelon informed us that his countrymen had lately been
+plundered of fish-gigs, spears, a sword, and many other articles, by
+some of our people, and expressed a wish that they should be restored,
+promising, that if they were, the governor's dirk should be produced and
+returned to us to-morrow, if we would meet him here.
+
+Accordingly on the following day we rowed to the spot, carrying with us the
+stolen property. We found here several natives, but not Baneelon. We asked
+for him, and were told that he was gone down the harbour with Barangaroo to
+fish. Although disappointed at his breach of promise, we went on shore, and
+mingled without distrust among those we found, acquainting them that we had
+brought with us the articles of which they had been plundered. On hearing
+this account, they expressed great joy, and Imeerawanyee darting forward,
+claimed the sword. It was given to him, and he had no sooner grasped it,
+than he hastened to convince his mistress, that his prowess in war, was not
+inferior to his skill in courtship. Singling out a yellow gum-tree for the
+foe, he attacked it with great fierceness, calling to us to look on, and
+accompanying his onset with all the gestures and vociferation which they
+use in battle. Having conquered his enemy, he laid aside his fighting face,
+and joined us with a countenance which carried in it every mark of youth
+and good nature.
+
+Whether Abaroo's coyness, and preference of another, had displeased him, or
+it was owing to natural fickleness, he paid her no farther attention, but
+seemed more delighted with us. He had no beard, but was highly gratified in
+being combed and having his hair clipped.
+
+All the stolen property being brought on shore, an old man came up, and
+claimed one of the fish-gigs, singling it from the bundle, and taking only
+his own; and this honesty, within the circle of their society, seemed to
+characterize them all.
+
+During this time, it was observed, that one of the Indians, instead of
+mixing with the rest, stood aloof, in a musing posture, contemplating what
+passed. When we offered to approach him, he shunned us not, and willingly
+shook hands with all who chose to do so. He seemed to be between 30 and 40
+years old, was jolly, and had a thoughtful countenance, much marked by the
+smallpox. He wore a string of bits of dried reed round his neck, which I
+asked him to exchange for a black stock. He smiled at the proposal, but
+made no offer of what I wanted; which our young friend, Imeerawanyee,
+observing, flew to him, and taking off the necklace, directly fixed it
+about my neck. I feared he would be enraged, but he bore it with serenity,
+and suffered a gentleman present to fasten his black stock upon him, with
+which he appeared to be pleased. To increase his satisfaction, some other
+trifle was given to him.
+
+Having remained here an hour we went in quest of Baneelon, agreeably to the
+directions which his companions pointed out. We found him and Barangaroo
+shivering over a few lighted sticks, by which they were dressing small
+fish, and their canoe hauled up on the beach near them. On first seeing the
+boat, they ran into the woods; but on being called by name, they came back,
+and consented to our landing. We carried on shore with us the remaining
+part of the fish-gigs and spears which had been stolen, and restored them
+to Baneelon. Among other things, was a net full of fishing lines and
+other tackle, which Barangaroo said was her property and, immediately on
+receiving it, she slung it around her neck.
+
+Baneelon inquired, with solicitude, about the state of the governor's
+wound, but he made no offer of restoring the dirk; and when he was asked
+for it, he pretended to know nothing of it, changing the conversation with
+great art, and asking for wine, which was given to him.
+
+At parting, we pressed him to appoint a day on which he should come to
+Sydney, assuring him, that he would be well received, and kindly treated.
+Doubtful, however, of being permitted to return, he evaded our request, and
+declared that the governor must first come and see him, which we promised
+should be done.
+
+The governor did not hesitate to execute the engagement which we had
+contracted for him. But Baneelon still resisted coming among us, and
+matters continued in this fluctuating state until the 8th of October, when
+a fire, which they had agreed to light as a signal for us to visit them,
+was observed. The eager desire by which we were stimulated to carry our
+point of effecting an intercourse had appeared. Various parties accordingly
+set out to meet them, provided with different articles, which we thought
+would prove acceptable to them. We found assembled, Baneelon, Barangaroo,
+and another young woman, and six men, all of whom received us with welcome,
+except the grave looking gentleman before mentioned, who stood aloof in
+his former musing posture. When they saw that we had brought hatchets, and
+other articles with us, they produced spears, fish-gigs, and lines, for
+the purpose of barter,* which immediately commenced, to the satisfaction
+of both parties. I had brought with me an old blunted spear, which wanted
+repair. An Indian immediately undertook to perform the task, and carrying
+it to a fire, tore with his teeth a piece of bone from a fish-gig, which he
+fastened on the spear with yellow gum, rendered flexible by heat.
+
+[*It had long been our wish to establish a commerce of this sort. It is a
+painful consideration, that every previous addition to the cabinet of the
+virtuosi, from this country, had wrung a tear from the plundered Indian.]
+
+
+October, 1790. Many of them now consented to be shaved by a barber whom we
+had purposely brought over. As I thought he who could perform an operation
+of such importance must be deemed by them an eminent personage, I bade him
+ask one of them for a fine barbed spear which he held in his hand; but all
+the barber's eloquence was wasted on the Indian, who plainly gave him to
+understand that he meant not to part with his spear, without receiving an
+equivalent. Unfortunately, his price was a hatchet, and the only one which
+I had brought with me was already disposed of to the man who had pointed
+my spear. In vain did I tempt him with a knife, a handkerchief, and a hat;
+nothing but a hatchet seemed to be regarded. 'Bulla mogo parrabugo' (two
+hatchets to-morrow) I repeatedly cried; but having probably experienced our
+insincerity, he rejected the proposal with disdain. Finding him inflexible,
+and longing to possess the spear, I told him at length that I would go
+to Sydney and fetch what he required. This seemed to satisfy, and he
+accompanied me to my boat, in which I went away, and as quickly as possible
+procured what was necessary to conclude the bargain. On my return, I was
+surprised to see all our boats rowing towards home, and with them a
+canoe, in which sat two Indians paddling. I pulled to them, and found that
+Baneelon, and another Indian, were in one of the boats, and that the whole
+formed a party going over to visit the governor. I now learned, that during
+my absence, the governor had passed in a boat, on his return from Rose
+Hill, near the place where they were standing; and that finding he would
+not come to them, although they had called to him to do so, they had at
+once determined to venture themselves unreservedly among us. One of the men
+in the canoe was the person to whom I was to give the hatchet I had been
+to fetch; and directly as he saw me, he held up his spear, and the exchange
+took place, with which, and perhaps to reward me for the trouble I had
+taken, he was so delighted that he presented me with a throwing-stick
+'gratis'.
+
+Not seeing Barangaroo of the party, I asked for her, and was informed that
+she had violently opposed Baneelon's departure. When she found persuasion
+vain, she had recourse to tears, scolding, and threats, stamping the
+ground, and tearing her hair. But Baneelon continuing determined, she
+snatched up in her rage one of his fish-gigs, and dashed it with such fury
+on the rocks, that it broke. To quiet her apprehensions on the score of her
+husband's safety, Mr. Johnson, attended by Abaroo, agreed to remain as a
+hostage until Baneelon should return.
+
+We landed our four friends opposite the hospital, and set out for the
+governor's house. On hearing of their arrival, such numbers flocked to view
+them that we were apprehensive the crowd of persons would alarm them,
+but they had left their fears behind, and marched on with boldness and
+unconcern. When we reached the governor's house, Baneelon expressed
+honest joy to see his old friend, and appeared pleased to find that he had
+recovered of his wound. The governor asked for Wileemarin, and they said
+he was at Broken Bay. Some bread and beef were distributed among them but
+unluckily no fish was to be procured, which we were sorry for, as a promise
+of it had been one of the leading temptations by which they had been
+allured over. A hatchet apiece was, however, given to them, and a couple
+of petticoats and some fishing tackle sent for Barangaroo, and the other
+woman.
+
+The ceremony of introduction being finished, Baneelon seemed to consider
+himself quite at home, running from room to room with his companions, and
+introducing them to his old friends, the domestics, in the most familiar
+manner. Among these last, he particularly distinguished the governor's
+orderly sergeant, whom he kissed with great affection, and a woman who
+attended in the kitchen; but the gamekeeper, M'Entire*, he continued to
+hold in abhorrence, and would not suffer his approach.
+
+[*Look at the account of the governor being wounded, when his detestation
+of this man burst forth.]
+
+Nor was his importance to his countrymen less conspicuous in other
+respects. He undertook to explain the use and nature of those things which
+were new to them. Some of his explanations were whimsical enough. Seeing,
+for instance, a pair of snuffers, he told them that they were "Nuffer* for
+candle,"--which the others not comprehending, he opened the snuffers, and
+holding up the fore-finger of his left hand, to represent a candle, made
+the motion of snuffing it. Finding, that even this sagacious interpretation
+failed, he threw down the snuffers in a rage, and reproaching their
+stupidity, walked away.
+
+[*The S is a letter which they cannot pronounce, having no sound in their
+language similar to it. When bidden to pronounce sun, they always say tun;
+salt, talt, and so of all words wherein it occurs.]
+
+It was observed, that a soft gentle tone of voice, which we had taught him
+to use, was forgotten, and his native vociferation returned in full force.
+But the tenderness which (like Arabanoo) he had always manifested to
+children, he still retained; as appeared by his behaviour to those who were
+presented to him.
+
+The first wish they expressed to return, was complied with, in order to
+banish all appearance of constraint, the party who had conducted them to
+Sydney returning with them. When we reached the opposite shore, we
+found Abaroo and the other woman fishing in a canoe, and Mr. Johnson
+and Barangaroo sitting at the fire, the latter employed in manufacturing
+fish-hooks. At a little distance, on an adjoining eminence, sat an Indian,
+with his spear in his hand, as if sentinel over the hostages, for the
+security of his countrymen's return. During our absence, Barangaroo
+had never ceased whining, and reproaching her husband. Now that he was
+returned, she met him with unconcern, and seemed intent on her work only,
+but this state of repose did not long continue. Baneelon, eyeing the broken
+fish-gig, cast at her a look of savage fury and began to interrogate
+her, and it seemed more than probable that the remaining part would be
+demolished about her head had we not interposed to pacify him. Nor would
+we quit the place until his forgiveness was complete, and his good humour
+restored. No sooner, however, did she find her husband's rage subsided,
+than her hour of triumph commenced. The alarm and trepidation she had
+manifested disappeared. Elated at his condescension, and emboldened by our
+presence and the finery in which we had decked her, she in turn assumed a
+haughty demeanour, refused to answer his caresses, and viewed him with a
+reproaching eye. Although long absence from female society had somewhat
+blunted our recollection, the conduct of Barangaroo did not appear quite
+novel to us, nor was our surprise very violent at finding that it succeeded
+in subduing Baneelon who, when we parted, seemed anxious only to please
+her.
+
+Thus ended a day, the events of which served to complete what an unhappy
+accident had begun. From this time our intercourse with the natives,
+though partially interrupted, was never broken off. We gradually continued,
+henceforth, to gain knowledge of their customs and policy, the only
+knowledge which can lead to a just estimate of national character.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+
+The arrival of the 'Supply' from Batavia; the State of the Colony in
+November, 1790.
+
+
+Joy sparkled in every countenance to see our old friend the 'Supply' (I
+hope no reader will be so captious as to quarrel with the phrase) enter the
+harbour from Batavia on the 19th of October. We had witnessed her departure
+with tears; we hailed her return with transport.
+
+Captain Ball was rather more than six months in making this voyage, and is
+the first person who ever circumnavigated the continent of New Holland. On
+his passage to Batavia, he had discovered several islands, which he gave
+names to and, after fighting his way against adverse elements and through
+unexplored dangers, safely reached his destined port. He had well stored
+his little bark with every necessary and conveniency which he judged
+we should first want, leaving a cargo of rice and salt provisions to be
+brought on by a Dutch snow, which he had hired and freighted for the use of
+the settlement. While at Batavia, the 'Supply' had lost many of her people
+by sickness, and left several others in the general hospital at that place.
+
+As the arrival of the 'Supply' naturally leads the attention from other
+subjects to the state of the colony, I shall here take a review of it by
+transcribing a statement drawn from actual observation soon after, exactly
+as I find it written in my journal.
+
+Cultivation, on a public scale, has for some time past been given up here,
+(Sydney) the crop of last year being so miserable, as to deter from farther
+experiment, in consequence of which the government-farm is abandoned,
+and the people who were fixed on it have been removed. Necessary public
+buildings advance fast; an excellent storehouse of large dimensions, built
+of bricks and covered with tiles, is just completed; and another planned
+which will shortly be begun. Other buildings, among which I heard the
+governor mention an hospital and permanent barracks for the troops, may
+also be expected to arise soon. Works of this nature are more expeditiously
+performed than heretofore, owing, I apprehend, to the superintendants
+lately arrived, who are placed over the convicts and compel them to labour.
+The first difficulties of a new country being subdued may also contribute
+to this comparative facility.
+
+Vegetables are scarce, although the summer is so far advanced, owing to
+want of rain. I do not think that all the showers of the last four months
+put together, would make twenty-four hours rain. Our farms, what with this
+and a poor soil, are in wretched condition. My winter crop of potatoes,
+which I planted in days of despair (March and April last), turned out very
+badly when I dug them about two months back. Wheat returned so poorly last
+harvest, that very little, besides Indian corn, has been sown this year.
+The governor's wound is quite healed, and he feels no inconveniency
+whatever from it. With the natives we are hand and glove. They throng the
+camp every day, and sometimes by their clamour and importunity for bread
+and meat (of which they now all eat greedily) are become very troublesome.
+God knows, we have little enough for ourselves! Full allowance (if eight
+pounds of flour and either seven pounds of beef, or four pounds of pork,
+served alternately, per week, without either pease, oatmeal, spirits,
+butter, or cheese, can be called so) is yet kept up; but if the Dutch snow
+does not arrive soon it must be shortened, as the casks in the storehouse,
+I observed yesterday, are woefully decreased.
+
+The convicts continue to behave pretty well; three only have been hanged
+since the arrival of the last fleet, in the latter end of June, all of
+whom were newcomers. The number of convicts here diminishes every day;
+our principal efforts being wisely made at Rose Hill, where the land is
+unquestionably better than about this place. Except building, sawing and
+brickmaking, nothing of consequence is now carried on here. The account
+which I received a few days ago from the brickmakers of their labours, was
+as follows. Wheeler (one of the master brick-makers) with two tile stools
+and one brick stool, was tasked to make and burn ready for use 30000 tiles
+and bricks per month. He had twenty-one hands to assist him, who performed
+every thing; cut wood, dug clay, etc. This continued (during the days of
+distress excepted, when they did what they could) until June last. From
+June, with one brick and two tile stools he has been tasked to make
+40000 bricks and tiles monthly (as many of each sort as may be), having
+twenty-two men and two boys to assist him, on the same terms of procuring
+materials as before. They fetch the clay of which tiles are made, two
+hundred yards; that for bricks is close at hand. He says that the bricks
+are such as would be called in England, moderately good, and he judges they
+would have fetched about 24 shillings per thousand at Kingston-upon-Thames
+(where he resided) in the year 1784. Their greatest fault is being too
+brittle. The tiles he thinks not so good as those made about London.
+The stuff has a rotten quality, and besides wants the advantage of being
+ground, in lieu of which they tread it.
+
+King (another master bricklayer) last year, with the assistance of sixteen
+men and two boys, made 11,000 bricks weekly, with two stools. During short
+allowance did what he could. Resumed his old task when put again on full
+allowance and had his number of assistants augmented to twenty men and two
+boys, on account of the increased distance of carrying wood for the kilns.
+He worked at Hammersmith, for Mr. Scot, of that place. He thinks the bricks
+made here as good as those made near London, and says that in the year
+1784, they would have sold for a guinea per thousand and to have picked the
+kiln at thirty shillings.'
+
+Such is my Sydney detail dated the 12th of November, 1790. Four days after
+I went to Rose Hill, and wrote there the subjoined remarks.
+
+November 16th. Got to Rose Hill in the evening. Next morning walked round
+the whole of the cleared and cultivated land, with the Rev. Mr. Johnson,
+who is the best farmer in the country. Edward Dod, one of the governor's
+household, who conducts everything here in the agricultural line,
+accompanied us part of the way, and afforded all the information he could.
+He estimates the quantity of cleared and cultivated land at 200 acres. Of
+these fifty-five are in wheat, barley, and a little oats, thirty in
+maize, and the remainder is either just cleared of wood, or is occupied by
+buildings, gardens, etc. Four enclosures of twenty acres each, are planned
+for the reception of cattle, which may arrive in the colony, and two of
+these are already fenced in. In the centre of them is to be erected a
+house, for a person who will be fixed upon to take care of the cattle.
+All these enclosures are supplied with water; and only a part of the trees
+which grew in them being cut down, gives to them a very park-like and
+beautiful appearance.
+
+Our survey commenced on the north side of the river. Dod says he expects
+this year's crop of wheat and barley from the fifty-five acres to yield
+full 400 bushels. Appearances hitherto hardly indicate so much. He says he
+finds the beginning of May the best time to sow barley,* but that it may
+continue to be sown until August. That sown in May is reaped in December;
+that of August in January. He sowed his wheat, part in June and part in
+July. He thinks June the best time, and says that he invariably finds that
+which is deepest sown, grows strongest and best, even as deep as three
+inches he has put it in, and found it to answer. The wheat sown in June
+is now turning yellow; that of July is more backward. He has used only the
+broad-cast husbandry, and sowed two bushels per acre. The plough has never
+yet been tried here; all the ground is hoed, and (as Dod confesses) very
+incompetently turned up. Each convict labourer was obliged to hoe sixteen
+rods a day, so that in some places the earth was but just scratched over.
+The ground was left open for some months, to receive benefit from the sun
+and air; and on that newly cleared the trees were burnt, and the ashes dug
+in. I do not find that a succession of crops has yet been attempted; surely
+it would help to meliorate and improve the soil. Dod recommends strongly
+the culture of potatoes, on a large scale, and says that were they planted
+even as late as January they would answer, but this I doubt. He is more
+than ever of opinion that without a large supply of cattle nothing can be
+done. They have not at this time either horse, cow, or sheep here. I asked
+him how the stock they had was coming on. The fowls he said multiplied
+exceedingly, but the hogs neither thrived or increased in number, for want
+of food. He pointed out to us his best wheat, which looks tolerable, and
+may perhaps yield 13 or 14 bushels per acre**. Next came the oats which are
+in ear, though not more than six inches high: they will not return as much
+seed as was sown. The barley, except one patch in a corner of a field,
+little better than the oats. Crossed the river and inspected the south
+side. Found the little patch of wheat at the bottom of the crescent very
+bad. Proceeded and examined the large field on the ascent to the westward:
+here are about twenty-five acres of wheat, which from its appearance we
+guessed would produce perhaps seven bushels an acre. The next patch to this
+is in maize, which looks not unpromising; some of the stems are stout, and
+beginning to throw out large broad leaves, the surest sign of vigour. The
+view from the top of the wheat field takes in, except a narrow slip, the
+whole of the cleared land at Rose Hill. From not having before seen an
+opening of such extent for the last three years, this struck us as grand
+and capacious. The beautiful diversity of the ground (gentle hill and dale)
+would certainly be reckoned pretty in any country. Continued our walk, and
+crossed the old field, which is intended to form part of the main street of
+the projected town. The wheat in this field is rather better, but not much,
+than in the large field before mentioned. The next field is maize, inferior
+to what we have seen, but not despicable. An acre of maize, at the bottom
+of the marine garden, is equal in luxuriancy of promise to any I ever saw
+in any country.
+
+[*The best crop of barley ever produced in New South Wales, was sown by a
+private individual, in February 1790, and reaped in the following October.]
+
+[**As all the trees on our cleared ground were cut down, and not grubbed
+up, the roots and stumps remain, on which account a tenth part of surface
+in every acre must be deducted. This is slovenly husbandry; but in a
+country where immediate subsistence is wanted, it is perhaps necessary.
+None of these stumps, when I left Port Jackson, showed any symptoms of
+decay, though some of the trees had been cut down four years. To the
+different qualities of the wood of Norfolk Island and New South Wales,
+perhaps the difference of soil may in some measure be traced. That of
+Norfolk Island is light and porous: it rots and turns into mould in two
+years. Besides its hardness that of Port Jackson abounds with red corrosive
+gum, which contributes its share of mischief.]
+
+
+The main street of the new town is already begun. It is to be a mile long,
+and of such breadth as will make Pall Mall and Portland Place "hide their
+diminished heads." It contains at present thirty-two houses completed, of
+twenty-four feet by twelve each, on a ground floor only, built of wattles
+plastered with clay, and thatched. Each house is divided into two rooms, in
+one of which is a fire place and a brick chimney. These houses are designed
+for men only; and ten is the number of inhabitants allotted to each;
+but some of them now contain twelve or fourteen, for want of better
+accommodation. More are building. In a cross street stand nine houses for
+unmarried women; and exclusive of all these are several small huts where
+convict families of good character are allowed to reside. Of public
+buildings, besides the old wooden barrack and store, there is a house of
+lath and plaster, forty-four feet long by sixteen wide, for the governor,
+on a ground floor only, with excellent out-houses and appurtenances
+attached to it. A new brick store house, covered with tiles, 100 feet long
+by twenty-four wide, is nearly completed, and a house for the store-keeper.
+The first stone of a barrack, 100 feet long by twenty-four wide, to which
+are intended to be added wings for the officers, was laid to-day. The
+situation of the barrack is judicious, being close to the store-house, and
+within a hundred and fifty yards of the wharf, where all boats from Sydney
+unload. To what I have already enumerated, must be added an excellent barn,
+a granary, an inclosed yard to rear stock in, a commodious blacksmith's
+shop, and a most wretched hospital, totally destitute of every conveniency.
+Luckily for the gentleman who superintends this hospital, and still more
+luckily for those who are doomed in case of sickness to enter it, the air
+of Rose Hill has hitherto been generally healthy. A tendency to produce
+slight inflammatory disorders, from the rapid changes* of the temperature
+of the air, is most to be dreaded.
+
+[*In the close of the year 1788, when this settlement was established, the
+thermometer has been known to stand at 50 degrees a little before sunrise,
+and between one and two o' clock in the afternoon at above 100 degrees.]
+
+
+'The hours of labour for the convicts are the same here as at Sydney. On
+Saturdays after ten o'clock in the morning they are allowed to work in
+their own gardens. These gardens are at present, from the long drought and
+other causes, in a most deplorable state. Potatoes, I think, thrive better
+than any other vegetable in them. For the public conveniency a baker is
+established here in a good bakehouse, who exchanges with every person bread
+for flour, on stipulated terms; but no compulsion exists for any one to
+take his bread; it is left entirely to every body's own option to consume
+his flour as he pleases. Divine service is performed here, morning and
+afternoon, one Sunday in every month, when all the convicts are obliged
+to attend church, under penalty of having a part of their allowance of
+provisions stopped, which is done by the chaplain, who is a justice of the
+peace.
+
+'For the punishment of offenders, where a criminal court is not judged
+necessary, two or more justices, occasionally assemble, and order the
+infliction of slight corporal punishment, or short confinement in a strong
+room built for this purpose. The military present here consists of two
+subalterns, two sergeants, three corporals, a drummer, and twenty-one
+privates. These have been occasionally augmented and reduced, as
+circumstances have been thought to render it necessary.
+
+Brick-kilns are now erected here, and bricks manufactured by a convict
+of the name of Becket, who came out in the last fleet, and has fifty-two
+people to work under him. He makes 25,000 bricks weekly. He says that they
+are very good, and would sell at Birmingham, where he worked about eighteen
+months ago, at more than 30 shillings per thousand.
+
+Nothing farther of public nature remaining to examine, I next visited a
+humble adventurer, who is trying his fortune here. James Ruse, convict, was
+cast for seven years at Bodmin assizes, in August 1782. He lay five years
+in prison and on board the 'Dunkirk' hulk at Plymouth, and then was sent
+to this country. When his term of punishment expired, in August 1789, he
+claimed his freedom, and was permitted by the governor, on promising to
+settle in the country, to take in December following, an uncleaned piece of
+ground, with an assurance that if he would cultivate it, it should not be
+taken from him. Some assistance was given him, to fell the timber, and he
+accordingly began. His present account to me was as follows.
+
+
+I was bred a husbandman, near Launcester in Cornwall. I cleared my land as
+well as I could, with the help afforded me. The exact limit of what ground
+I am to have, I do not yet know; but a certain direction has been pointed
+out to me, in which I may proceed as fast as I can cultivate. I have now
+an acre and a half in bearded wheat, half an acre in maize, and a small
+kitchen garden. On my wheat land I sowed three bushels of seed, the produce
+of this country, broad cast. I expect to reap about twelve or thirteen
+bushels. I know nothing of the cultivation of maize, and cannot therefore
+guess so well at what I am likely to gather. I sowed part of my wheat
+in May, and part in June. That sown in May has thrived best. My maize I
+planted in the latter end of August, and the beginning of September. My
+land I prepared thus: having burnt the fallen timber off the ground, I dug
+in the ashes, and then hoed it up, never doing more than eight, or perhaps
+nine, rods in a day, by which means, it was not like the government farm,
+just scratched over, but properly done. Then I clod-moulded it, and dug in
+the grass and weeds. This I think almost equal to ploughing. I then let it
+lie as long as I could, exposed to air and sun; and just before I sowed my
+seed, turned it all up afresh. When I shall have reaped my crop, I purpose
+to hoe it again, and harrow it fine, and then sow it with turnip-seed,
+which will mellow and prepare it for next year. My straw, I mean to bury in
+pits, and throw in with it every thing which I think will rot and turn
+to manure. I have no person to help me, at present, but my wife, whom I
+married in this country; she is industrious. The governor, for some time,
+gave me the help of a convict man, but he is taken away. Both my wife
+and myself receive our provisions regularly at the store, like all other
+people. My opinion of the soil of my farm, is, that it is middling, neither
+good or bad. I will be bound to make it do with the aid of manure, but
+without cattle it will fail. The greatest check upon me is, the dishonesty
+of the convicts who, in spite of all my vigilance, rob me almost every
+night.
+
+
+The annexed return will show the number of persons of all descriptions
+at Rose Hill, at this period. On the morning of the 17th, I went down to
+Sydney.
+
+Here terminates the transcription of my diary. It were vain to suppose,
+that it can prove either agreeable or interesting to a majority of readers
+but as this work is intended not only for amusement, but information, I
+considered it right to present this detail unaltered, either in its style
+or arrangement.
+
+
+
+A return of the number of persons employed at Rose Hill, November 16th,
+1790.
+
+
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+How Employed | Troops | Civil dept |     Troops       |      Convicts         |
+             |        |            |Wives  |  Children| Men | Women | Children|
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Storekeeper                 1
+Surgeon                     1
+Carpenters                                              24
+Blacksmiths                                              5
+Master Bricklayer                                        1
+Bricklayers                                             28
+Master Brickmaker                                        1
+Brickmakers                                             52
+Labourers                                              326*
+Assistants to the
+provision store                                          4
+Assistants to the
+hospital                                                 3
+Officers' servants                                       6
+Making Clothing                                                50
+Superintendants            4
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Total number of
+persons   552|  29    |    6       |   1   |      3   | 450 |  50   |    13   |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+[*Of these labourers, 16 are sawyers. The rest are variously employed in
+clearing fresh land; in dragging brick and timber carts; and a great number
+in making a road of a mile long, through the main street, to the governor's
+house.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+
+Farther Transactions of the Colony in November, 1790.
+
+
+During the intervals of duty, our greatest source of entertainment now
+lay in cultivating the acquaintance of our new friends, the natives. Ever
+liberal of communication, no difficulty but of understanding each other
+subsisted between us. Inexplicable contradictions arose to bewilder our
+researches which no ingenuity could unravel and no credulity reconcile.
+
+Baneelon, from being accustomed to our manners, and understanding a little
+English, was the person through whom we wished to prosecute inquiry, but he
+had lately become a man of so much dignity and consequence, that it was not
+always easy to obtain his company. Clothes had been given to him at various
+times, but he did not always condescend to wear them. One day he would
+appear in them, and the next day he was to be seen carrying them in a net
+slung around his neck. Farther to please him, a brick house of twelve feet
+square was built for his use, and for that of such of his countrymen as
+might choose to reside in it, on a point of land fixed upon by himself. A
+shield, double cased with tin, to ward off the spears of his enemies, was
+also presented to him, by the governor.
+
+Elated by these marks of favour, and sensible that his importance with his
+countrymen arose in proportion to our patronage of him, he warmly attached
+himself to our society. But the gratitude of a savage is ever a precarious
+tenure. That of Baneelon was fated to suffer suspension, and had well nigh
+been obliterated by the following singular circumstance.
+
+One day the natives were observed to assemble in more than an ordinary
+number at their house on the point, and to be full of bustle and agitation,
+repeatedly calling on the name of Baneelon, and that of 'deein' (a woman).
+Between twelve and one o'clock Baneelon, unattended, came to the governor
+at his house, and told him that he was going to put to death a woman
+immediately, whom he had brought from Botany Bay. Having communicated
+his intention, he was preparing to go away, seeming not to wish that the
+governor should be present at the performance of the ceremony. But His
+Excellency was so struck with the fierce gestures, and wild demeanour of
+the other, who held in his hand one of our hatchets and frequently tried
+the sharpness of it, that he determined to accompany him, taking with him
+Mr. Collins and his orderly sergeant. On the road, Baneelon continued
+to talk wildly and incoherently of what he would do, and manifested such
+extravagant marks of fury and revenge, that his hatchet was taken away from
+him, and a walking-stick substituted for it.
+
+When they reached the house, they found several natives, of both sexes
+lying promiscuously before the fire, and among them a young woman, not
+more than sixteen years old, who at sight of Baneelon, started, and raised
+herself half up. He no sooner saw her than, snatching a sword of the
+country, he ran at her, and gave her two severe wounds on the head and one
+on the shoulder, before interference in behalf of the poor wretch could
+be made. Our people now rushed in and seized him; but the other Indians
+continued quiet spectators of what was passing, either awed by Baneelon's
+superiority or deeming it a common case, unworthy of notice and
+interposition. In vain did the governor by turns soothe and threaten him.
+In vain did the sergeant point his musquet at him. He seemed dead to every
+passion but revenge; forgot his affection to his old friends and, instead
+of complying with the request they made, furiously brandished his sword
+at the governor, and called aloud for his hatchet to dispatch the unhappy
+victim of his barbarity. Matters now wore a serious aspect. The other
+Indians appeared under the control of Baneelon and had begun to arm and
+prepare their spears, as if determined to support him in his violence.
+
+Farther delay might have been attended with danger. The 'Supply' was
+therefore immediately hailed, and an armed boat ordered to be sent on
+shore. Luckily, those on board the ship had already observed the commotion
+and a boat was ready, into which captain Ball, with several of his people
+stepped, armed with musquets, and put off. It was reasonable to believe
+that so powerful a reinforcement would restore tranquillity, but Baneelon
+stood unintimidated at disparity of numbers and boldly demanded his
+prisoner, whose life, he told the governor, he was determined to sacrifice,
+and afterwards to cut off her head. Everyone was eager to know what could
+be the cause of such inveterate inhumanity. Undaunted, he replied that her
+father was his enemy, from whom he had received the wound in his forehead
+beforementioned; and that when he was down in battle, and under the lance
+of his antagonist, this woman had contributed to assail him. "She is now,"
+added he, "my property: I have ravished her by force from her tribe: and
+I will part with her to no person whatever, until my vengeance shall be
+glutted."
+
+Farther remonstrance would have been wasted. His Excellency therefore
+ordered the woman to be taken to the hospital in order that her wounds
+might be dressed. While this was doing, one of the natives, a young man
+named Boladeree, came up and supplicated to be taken into the boat also,
+saying that he was her husband, which she confirmed and begged that he
+might be admitted. He was a fine well grown lad, of nineteen or twenty
+years old, and was one of the persons who had been in the house in the
+scene just described, which he had in no wise endeavoured to prevent, or to
+afford assistance to the poor creature who had a right to his protection.
+
+All our people now quitted the place, leaving the exasperated Baneelon and
+his associates to meditate farther schemes of vengeance. Before they parted
+he gave them, however, to understand that he would follow the object of his
+resentment to the hospital, and kill her there, a threat which the governor
+assured him if he offered to carry into execution he should be immediately
+shot. Even this menace he treated with disdain.
+
+To place the refugees in security, a sentinel was ordered to take post
+at the door of the house, in which they were lodged. Nevertheless they
+attempted to get away in the night, either from fear that we were not
+able to protect them, or some apprehension of being restrained from future
+liberty. When questioned where they proposed to find shelter, they said
+they would go to the Cameragal tribe, with whom they should be safe. On the
+following morning, Imeerawanyee* joined them, and expressed strong fears of
+Baneelon's resentment. Soon after a party of natives, known to consist of
+Baneelon's chosen friends, with a man of the name of Bigon, at their head,
+boldly entered the hospital garden, and tried to carry off all three by
+force. They were driven back and threatened, to which their leader only
+replied by contemptuous insolence.
+
+[*This good-tempered lively lad, was become a great favourite with us, and
+almost constantly lived at the governor's house. He had clothes made up for
+him, and to amuse his mind, he was taught to wait at table. One day a lady,
+Mrs. McArthur, wife of an officer of the garrison, dined there, as did
+Nanbaree. This latter, anxious that his countryman should appear to
+advantage in his new office, gave him many instructions, strictly charging
+him, among other things, to take away the lady's plate, whenever she should
+cross her knife and fork, and to give her a clean one. This Imeerawanyee
+executed, not only to Mrs. McArthur, but to several of the other guests.
+At last Nanbaree crossed his knife and fork with great gravity, casting a
+glance at the other, who looked for a moment with cool indifference at
+what he had done, and then turned his head another way. Stung at this
+supercilious treatment, he called in rage, to know why he was not attended
+to, as well as the rest of the company. But Imeerawanyee only laughed; nor
+could all the anger and reproaches of the other prevail upon him to do
+that for one of his countrymen, which he cheerfully continued to perform to
+every other person.]
+
+Baneelon finding he could not succeed, withdrew himself for two days. At
+length he made his appearance, attended only by his wife. Unmindful of what
+had so recently happened, he marched singly up to the governor's house,
+and on being refused admittance, though unarmed, attempted to force the
+sentinel. The soldier spared him, but the guard was instantly sent for, and
+drawn up in front of the house; not that their co-operation was necessary,
+but that their appearance might terrify. His ardour now cooled, and he
+seemed willing, by submission, to atone for his misconduct. His intrepid
+disregard of personal risk, nay of life, could not however, but gain
+admiration; though it led us to predict, that this Baneelon, whom
+imagination had fondly pictured, like a second Omai, the gaze of a court
+and the scrutiny of the curious, would perish untimely, the victim of his
+own temerity.
+
+To encourage his present disposition of mind, and to try if feelings of
+compassion towards an enemy, could be exerted by an Indian warrior, the
+governor ordered him to be taken to the hospital, that he might see the
+victim of his ferocity. He complied in sullen silence. When about to enter
+the room in which she lay, he appeared to have a momentary struggle with
+himself, which ended his resentment. He spoke to her with kindness, and
+professed sorrow for what he had done, and promised her future protection.
+Barangaroo, who had accompanied him, now took the alarm: and as in shunning
+one extreme we are ever likely to rush into another, she thought him
+perhaps too courteous and tender. Accordingly she began to revile them both
+with great bitterness, threw stones at the girl and attempted to beat her
+with a club.
+
+Here terminated this curious history, which I leave to the reader's
+speculation. Whether human sacrifices of prisoners be common among them
+is a point which all our future inquiry never completely determined. It is
+certain that no second instance of this sort was ever witnessed by us.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony in Part of December, 1790.
+
+
+On the 9th of the month, a sergeant of marines, with three convicts, among
+whom was McEntire, the governor's gamekeeper (the person of whom Baneelon
+had, on former occasions, shown so much dread and hatred) went out on a
+shooting party. Having passed the north arm of Botany Bay, they proceeded
+to a hut formed of boughs, which had been lately erected on this peninsula,
+for the accommodation of sportsmen who wished to continue by night in the
+woods; for, as the kangaroos in the day-time, chiefly keep in the cover, it
+is customary on these parties to sleep until near sunset, and watch for the
+game during the night, and in the early part of the morning. Accordingly,
+having lighted a fire, they lay down, without distrust or suspicion.
+
+About one o'clock, the sergeant was awakened by a rustling noise in the
+bushes near him, and supposing it to proceed from a kangaroo, called to his
+comrades, who instantly jumped up. On looking about more narrowly, they saw
+two natives with spears in their hands, creeping towards them, and three
+others a little farther behind. As this naturally created alarm, McEntire
+said, "don't be afraid, I know them," and immediately laying down his gun,
+stepped forward, and spoke to them in their own language. The Indians,
+finding they were discovered, kept slowly retreating, and McEntire
+accompanied them about a hundred yards, talking familiarly all the while.
+
+One of them now jumped on a fallen tree and, without giving the least
+warning of his intention, launched his spear at McEntire and lodged it in
+his left side. The person who committed this wanton act was described as a
+young man with a speck or blemish on his left eye That he had been lately
+among us was evident from his being newly shaved.
+
+The wounded man immediately drew back and, joining his party, cried, "I am
+a dead man". While one broke off the end of the spear, the other two set
+out with their guns in pursuit of the natives; but their swiftness of foot
+soon convinced our people of the impossibility of reaching them. It was now
+determined to attempt to carry McEntire home, as his death was apprehended
+to be near, and he expressed a longing desire not to be left to expire in
+the woods. Being an uncommonly robust muscular man, notwithstanding a great
+effusion of blood, he was able, with the assistance of his comrades, to
+creep slowly along, and reached Sydney about two o'clock the next morning.
+On the wound being examined by the surgeons, it was pronounced mortal.
+The poor wretch now began to utter the most dreadful exclamations, and to
+accuse himself of the commission of crimes of the deepest dye, accompanied
+with such expressions of his despair of God's mercy, as are too terrible to
+repeat.
+
+In the course of the day, Colbee, and several more natives came in, and
+were taken to the bed where the wounded man lay. Their behaviour indicated
+that they had already heard of the accident, as they repeated twice or
+thrice the name of the murderer Pimelwi, saying that he lived at Botany
+Bay. To gain knowledge of their treatment of similar wounds, one of the
+surgeons made signs of extracting the spear, but this they violently
+opposed, and said, if it were done, death would instantly follow.
+
+On the 12th, the extraction of the spear was, however, judged practicable,
+and was accordingly performed. That part of it which had penetrated the
+body measured seven inches and a half long, having on it a wooden barb, and
+several smaller ones of stone, fastened on with yellow gum, most of which,
+owing to the force necessary in extraction, were torn off and lodged in the
+patient. The spear had passed between two ribs, and had wounded the
+left lobe of the lungs. He lingered* until the 20th of January, and
+then expired. On opening the corpse, it was found that the left lung had
+perished from suppuration, its remains adhering to the ribs. Some pieces of
+stone, which had dropped from the spear were seen, but no barb of wood.
+
+[*From the aversion uniformly shown by all the natives to this unhappy
+man, he had long been suspected by us of having in his excursions, shot
+and injured them. To gain information on this head from him, the moment
+of contrition was seized. On being questioned with great seriousness, he,
+however, declared that he had never fired but once on a native, and then
+had not killed, but severely wounded him and this in his own defence.
+Notwithstanding this death-bed confession, most people doubted the truth of
+the relation, from his general character and other circumstances.]
+
+The governor was at Rose-hill when this accident happened. On the day after
+he returned to Sydney, the following order was issued:
+
+
+Several tribes of the natives still continuing to throw spears at any
+man they meet unarmed, by which several have been killed, or dangerously
+wounded, the governor, in order to deter the natives from such practices
+in future, has ordered out a party to search for the man who wounded
+the convict McEntire, in so dangerous a manner on Friday last, though no
+offence was offered on his part, in order to make a signal example of that
+tribe. At the same time, the governor strictly forbids, under penalty of
+the severest punishment, any soldier or other person, not expressly ordered
+out for that purpose, ever to fire on any native except in his own defence;
+or to molest him in any shape, or to bring away any spears, or other
+articles which they may find belonging to those people. The natives will be
+made severe examples of whenever any man is wounded by them; but this
+will be done in a manner which may satisfy them that it is a punishment
+inflicted on them for their own bad conduct, and of which they cannot be
+made sensible if they are not treated with kindness while they continue
+peaceable and quiet.
+
+A party, consisting of two captains, two subalterns, and forty privates,
+with a proper number of non-commissioned officers from the garrison, with
+three days provisions, etc. are to be ready to march to-morrow morning at
+day-light, in order to bring in six of those natives who reside near the
+head of Botany Bay; or, if that should be found impracticable, to put that
+number to death.
+
+
+Just previous to this order being issued, the author of this publication
+received a direction to attend the governor at head quarters immediately. I
+went, and his excellency informed me that he had pitched upon me to execute
+the foregoing command. He added that the two subalterns who were to be
+drawn from the marine corps, should be chosen by myself; that the sergeant
+and the two convicts who were with McEntire, should attend as guides; that
+we were to proceed to the peninsula at the head of Botany Bay; and thence,
+or from any part of the north arm of the bay, we were, if practicable, to
+bring away two natives as prisoners; and to put to death ten; that we
+were to destroy all weapons of war but nothing else; that no hut was to
+be burned; that all women and children were to remain uninjured, not being
+comprehended within the scope of the order; that our operations were to
+be directed either by surprise or open force; that after we had made any
+prisoners, all communication, even with those natives with whom we were
+in habits of intercourse, was to be avoided, and none of them suffered to
+approach us. That we were to cut off and bring in the heads of the slain;
+for which purpose hatchets and bags would be furnished. And finally, that
+no signal of amity or invitation should be used in order to allure them to
+us; or if made on their part, to be answered by us: for that such conduct
+would be not only present treachery, but give them reason to distrust every
+future mark of peace and friendship on our part.
+
+His excellency was now pleased to enter into the reasons which had induced
+him to adopt measures of such severity. He said that since our arrival in
+the country, no less than seventeen of our people had either been killed or
+wounded by the natives; that he looked upon the tribe known by the name of
+Bideegal, living on the beforementioned peninsula, and chiefly on the north
+arm of Botany Bay, to be the principal aggressors; that against this tribe
+he was determined to strike a decisive blow, in order, at once to convince
+them of our superiority and to infuse an universal terror, which might
+operate to prevent farther mischief. That his observations on the natives
+had led him to conclude that although they did not fear death individually,
+yet that the relative weight and importance of the different tribes
+appeared to be the highest object of their estimation, as each tribe deemed
+its strength and security to consist wholly in its powers, aggregately
+considered. That his motive for having so long delayed to use violent
+measures had arisen from believing, that in every former instance of
+hostility, they had acted either from having received injury, or from
+misapprehension.
+
+"To the latter of these causes," added he, "I attribute my own wound,
+but in this business of McEntire, I am fully persuaded that they were
+unprovoked, and the barbarity of their conduct admits of no extenuation;
+for I have separately examined the sergeant, of whose veracity I have the
+highest opinion, and the two convicts; and their story is short, simple,
+and alike. I have in vain tried to stimulate Baneelon, Colbee, and the
+other natives who live among us, to bring in the aggressor. Yesterday,
+indeed, they promised me to do it, and actually went away as if bent on
+such a design; but Baneelon, instead of directing his steps to Botany Bay,
+crossed the harbour in his canoe, in order to draw the foreteeth of some
+of the young men; and Colbee, in the room of fulfilling his engagement,
+is loitering about the lookout house. Nay, so far from wishing even to
+describe faithfully the person of the man who has thrown the spear, they
+pretended that he has a distorted foot, which is a palpable falsehood. So
+that we have our efforts only to depend upon; and I am resolved to execute
+the prisoners who may be brought in, in the most public and exemplary
+manner, in the presence of as many of their countrymen as can be collected,
+after having explained the cause of such a punishment; and my fixed
+determination to repeat it, whenever any future breach of good conduct on
+their side shall render it necessary."
+
+Here the governor stopped, and addressing himself to me, said if I could
+propose any alteration of the orders under which I was to act, he would
+patiently listen to me. Encouraged by this condescension, I begged leave
+to offer for consideration whether, instead of destroying ten persons,
+the capture of six would not better answer all the purposes for which the
+expedition was to be undertaken; as out of this number, a part might be
+set aside for retaliation; and the rest, at a proper time, liberated, after
+having seen the fate of their comrades and being made sensible of the cause
+of their own detention.
+
+This scheme, his Excellency was pleased instantly to adopt, adding, "if
+six cannot be taken, let this number be shot. Should you, however, find it
+practicable to take so many, I will hang two and send the rest to Norfolk
+Island for a certain period, which will cause their countrymen to believe
+that we have dispatched them secretly." The order was accordingly altered
+to its present form; and I took my leave to prepare, after being again
+cautioned not to deceive by holding signals of amity.
+
+At four o'clock on the morning of the 14th we marched The detachment
+consisted, besides myself, of Captain Hill of the New South Wales Corps,
+Lieutenants Poulder and Dawes, of the marines, Mr. Worgan and Mr. Lowes,
+surgeons, three sergeants, three corporals, and forty private soldiers,
+provided with three days provisions, ropes to bind our prisoners with, and
+hatchets and bags to cut off and contain the heads of the slain. By nine
+o'clock this terrific procession reached the peninsula at the head of
+Botany Bay, but after having walked in various directions until four
+o'clock in the afternoon, without seeing a native, we halted for the night.
+
+At daylight on the following morning our search recommenced. We marched in
+an easterly direction, intending to fall in with the south-west arm of the
+bay, about three miles above its mouth, which we determined to scour, and
+thence passing along the head of the peninsula, to proceed to the north
+arm, and complete our Search. However, by a mistake of our guides, at half
+past seven o'clock instead of finding ourselves on the south-west arm,
+we came suddenly upon the sea shore, at the head of the peninsula, about
+midway between the two arms. Here we saw five Indians on the beach, whom we
+attempted to surround; but they penetrated our design, and before we could
+get near enough to effect our purpose, ran off. We pursued; but a
+contest between heavy-armed Europeans, fettered by ligatures, and naked
+unencumbered Indians, was too unequal to last long. They darted into the
+wood and disappeared.
+
+The alarm being given, we were sensible that no hope of success remained,
+but by a rapid movement to a little village (if five huts deserve the name)
+which we knew stood on the nearest point of the north arm, where possibly
+someone unapprised of our approach, might yet be found. Thither we
+hastened; but before we could reach it three canoes, filled with Indians,
+were seen paddling over in the utmost hurry and trepidation, to the
+opposite shore, where universal alarm prevailed. All we could now do was to
+search the huts for weapons of war: but we found nothing except fish gigs,
+which we left untouched.
+
+On our return to our baggage (which we had left behind under a small guard
+near the place where the pursuit had begun) we observed a native fishing in
+shallow water not higher than his waist, at the distance of 300 yards from
+the land. In such a situation it would not have been easily practicable
+either to shoot, or seize him. I therefore determined to pass without
+noticing him, as he seemed either from consciousness of his own security,
+or from some other cause, quite unintimidated at our appearance. At length
+he called to several of us by name, and in spite of our formidable array,
+drew nearer with unbounded confidence. Surprised at his behaviour I ordered
+a halt, that he might overtake us, fully resolved, whoever he might be,
+that he should be suffered to come to us and leave us uninjured. Presently
+we found it to be our friend Colbee; and he joined us at once with his
+wonted familiarity and unconcern. We asked him where Pimelwi was, and found
+that he perfectly comprehended the nature of our errand, for he described
+him to have fled to the southward; and to be at such a distance, as had we
+known the account to be true, would have prevented our going in search of
+him, without a fresh supply of provisions.
+
+When we arrived at our baggage, Colbee sat down, ate, drank, and slept with
+us, from ten o'clock until past noon. We asked him several questions about
+Sydney, which he had left on the preceding day*; and he told us he had been
+present at an operation performed at the hospital, where Mr. White had cut
+off a woman's leg. The agony and cries of the poor sufferer he depicted in
+a most lively manner.
+
+[*He had it seems visited the governor about noon, after having gained
+information from Nanbaree of our march, and for what purpose it was
+undertaken. This he did not scruple to tell to the governor; proclaiming
+at the same time, a resolution of going to Botany Bay, which his excellency
+endeavoured to dissuade him from by every argument he could devise: a
+blanket, a hatchet, a jacket, or aught else he would ask for, was offered
+to him in vain, if he would not go. At last it was determined to try to eat
+him down, by setting before him his favourite food, of which it was hoped
+he would feed so voraciously, as to render him incapable of executing his
+intention. A large dish of fish was accordingly set before him. But after
+devouring a light horseman, and at least five pounds of beef and bread,
+even until the sight of food became disgusting to him, he set out on his
+journey with such lightness and gaiety, as plainly shewed him to be a
+stranger to the horrors of indigestion.]
+
+At one o'clock we renewed our march, and at three halted near a freshwater
+swamp, where we resolved to remain until morning: that is, after a day of
+severe fatigue, to pass a night of restless inquietude, when weariness is
+denied repose by swarms of mosquitoes and sandflies, which in the summer
+months bite and sting the traveller, without measure or intermission.
+
+Next morning we bent our steps homeward; and, after wading breast-high
+through two arms of the sea, as broad as the Thames at Westminster, were
+glad to find ourselves at Sydney, between one and two o'clock in the
+afternoon.
+
+The few remarks which I was able to make on the country through which we
+had passed, were such as will not tempt adventurers to visit it on the
+score of pleasure or advantage. The soil of every part of the peninsula,
+which we had traversed, is shallow and sandy, and its productions meagre
+and wretched. When forced to quit the sand, we were condemned to drag
+through morasses, or to clamber over rocks, unrefreshed by streams, and
+unmarked by diversity. Of the soil I brought away several specimens.
+
+Our first expedition having so totally failed, the governor resolved to try
+the fate of a second; and the 'painful pre-eminence' again devolved on me.
+
+The orders under which I was commanded to act differing in no respect
+from the last, I resolved to try once more to surprise the village
+beforementioned. And in order to deceive the natives, and prevent them
+from again frustrating our design by promulgating it, we feigned that our
+preparations were directed against Broken Bay; and that the man who
+had wounded the governor was the object of punishment. It was now also
+determined, being full moon, that our operations should be carried on in
+the night, both for the sake of secrecy, and for avoiding the extreme heat
+of the day.
+
+A little before sun-set on the evening of the 22nd, we marched. Lieutenant
+Abbot, and ensign Prentice, of the New South Wales corps, were the two
+officers under my command, and with three sergeants, three corporals, and
+thirty privates, completed the detachment.
+
+We proceeded directly to the fords of the north arm of Botany Bay, which we
+had crossed in our last expedition, on the banks of which we were compelled
+to wait until a quarter past two in the morning, for the ebb of the tide.
+As these passing-places consist only of narrow slips of ground, on each
+side of which are dangerous holes; and as fording rivers in the night is at
+all times an unpleasant task, I determined before we entered the water,
+to disburthen the men as much as possible; that in case of stepping wrong
+every one might be as ready, as circumstances would admit, to recover
+himself. The firelock and cartouche-box were all that we carried, the
+latter tied fast on the top of the head, to prevent it from being wetted.
+The knapsacks, etc. I left in charge of a sergeant and six men, who from
+their low stature and other causes, were most likely to impede our march,
+the success of which I knew hinged on our ability, by a rapid movement, to
+surprise the village before daybreak.
+
+The two rivers were crossed without any material accident: and in pursuit
+of my resolution, I ordered the guides to conduct us by the nearest route,
+without heeding difficulty, or impediment of road. Having continued to push
+along the river-bank very briskly for three quarters of an hour, we were
+suddenly stopped by a creek, about sixty yards wide, which extended to our
+right, and appeared dry from the tide being out: I asked if it could be
+passed, or whether it would be better to wheel round the head of it. Our
+guides answered that it was bad to cross, but might be got over, which
+would save us more than a quarter of a mile. Knowing the value of time, I
+directly bade them to push through, and every one began to follow as well
+as he could. They who were foremost had not, however, got above half over
+when the difficulty of progress was sensibly experienced. We were immersed,
+nearly to the waist in mud, so thick and tenacious, that it was not without
+the most vigorous exertion of every muscle of the body, that the legs could
+be disengaged. When we had reached the middle, our distress became not only
+more pressing, but serious, and each succeeding step, buried us deeper. At
+length a sergeant of grenadiers stuck fast, and declared himself incapable
+of moving either forward or backward; and just after, Ensign Prentice and
+I felt ourselves in a similar predicament, close together. 'I find it
+impossible to move; I am sinking;' resounded on every side. What to do
+I knew not: every moment brought increase of perplexity, and augmented
+danger, as those who could not proceed kept gradually subsiding. From our
+misfortunes, however, those in the rear profited. Warned by what they saw
+and heard, they inclined to the right towards the head of the creek, and
+thereby contrived to pass over.
+
+Our distress would have terminated fatally, had not a soldier cried out
+to those on shore to cut boughs of trees*, and throw them to us--a lucky
+thought, which certainly saved many of us from perishing miserably; and
+even with this assistance, had we been burdened by our knapsacks, we could
+not have emerged; for it employed us near half an hour to disentangle some
+of our number. The sergeant of grenadiers in particular, was sunk to his
+breast-bone, and so firmly fixed in that the efforts of many men were
+required to extricate him, which was effected in the moment after I had
+ordered one of the ropes, destined to bind the captive Indians, to be
+fastened under his arms.
+
+[*I had often read of this contrivance to facilitate the passage of a
+morass. But I confess, that in my confusion I had entirely forgotten it,
+and probably should have continued to do so until too late to be of use.]
+
+Having congratulated each other on our escape from this 'Serbonian Bog,'
+and wiped our arms (half of which were rendered unserviceable by the mud)
+we once more pushed forward to our object, within a few hundred yards of
+which we found ourselves about half an hour before sunrise. Here I formed
+the detachment into three divisions, and having enjoined the most perfect
+silence, in order, if possible, to deceive Indian vigilance, each division
+was directed to take a different route, so as to meet at the village at the
+same moment.
+
+We rushed rapidly on, and nothing could succeed more exactly than the
+arrival of the several detachments. To our astonishment, however, we found
+not a single native at the huts; nor was a canoe to be seen on any part of
+the bay. I was at first inclined to attribute this to our arriving half an
+hour too late, from the numberless impediments we had encountered. But
+on closer examination, there appeared room to believe, that many days had
+elapsed since an Indian had been on the spot, as no mark of fresh fires, or
+fish bones, was to be found.
+
+Disappointed and fatigued, we would willingly have profited by the
+advantage of being near water, and have halted to refresh. But on
+consultation, it was found, that unless we reached in an hour the rivers
+we had so lately passed, it would be impossible, on account of the tide,
+to cross to our baggage, in which case we should be without food until
+evening. We therefore pushed back, and by dint of alternately running and
+walking, arrived at the fords, time enough to pass with ease and safety.
+So excessive, however, had been our efforts, and so laborious our progress,
+that several of the soldiers, in the course of the last two miles, gave up,
+and confessed themselves unable to proceed farther. All that I could do for
+these poor fellows, was to order their comrades to carry their muskets, and
+to leave with them a small party of those men who were least exhausted, to
+assist them and hurry them on. In three quarters of an hour after we
+had crossed the water, they arrived at it, just time enough to effect a
+passage.
+
+The necessity of repose, joined to the succeeding heat of the day, induced
+us to prolong our halt until four o'clock in the afternoon, when we
+recommenced our operations on the opposite side of the north arm to that
+we had acted upon in the morning. Our march ended at sunset, without
+our seeing a single native. We had passed through the country which the
+discoverers of Botany Bay extol as 'some of the finest meadows in the
+world*.' These meadows, instead of grass, are covered with high coarse
+rushes, growing in a rotten spongy bog, into which we were plunged
+knee-deep at every step.
+
+[*The words which are quoted may be found in Mr. Cook's first voyage, and
+form part of his description of Botany Bay. It has often fallen to my lot
+to traverse these fabled plains; and many a bitter execration have I heard
+poured on those travellers, who could so faithlessly relate what they saw.]
+
+Our final effort was made at half past one o'clock next morning; and after
+four hours toil, ended as those preceding it had done, in disappointment
+and vexation. At nine o'clock we returned to Sydney, to report our
+fruitless peregrination.
+
+But if we could not retaliate on the murderer of M'Entire, we found no
+difficulty in punishing offences committed within our own observation. Two
+natives, about this time, were detected in robbing a potato garden. When
+seen, they ran away, and a sergeant and a party of soldiers were dispatched
+in pursuit of them. Unluckily it was dark when they overtook them, with
+some women at a fire; and the ardour of the soldiers transported them so
+far that, instead of capturing the offenders, they fired in among them. The
+women were taken, but the two men escaped.
+
+On the following day, blood was traced from the fireplace to the sea-side,
+where it seemed probable that those who had lost it, had embarked. The
+natives were observed to become immediately shy; but an exact knowledge of
+the mischief which had been committed, was not gained until the end of two
+days, when they said that a man of the name of Bangai (who was known to
+be one of the pilferers) was wounded and dead. Imeerawanyee, however,
+whispered that though he was wounded, he was not dead. A hope now existed
+that his life might be saved; and Mr. White, taking Imeerawanyee, Nanbaree,
+and a woman with him, set out for the spot where he was reported to be. But
+on their reaching it, they were told by some people who were there that the
+man was dead, and that the corpse was deposited in a bay about a mile
+off. Thither they accordingly repaired, and found it as described,
+covered--except one leg, which seemed to be designedly left bare--with
+green boughs and a fire burning near it. Those who had performed the
+funeral obsequies seemed to have been particularly solicitous for the
+protection of the face, which was covered with a thick branch, interwoven
+with grass and fern so as to form a complete screen. Around the neck was
+a strip of the bark of which they make fishing lines, and a young strait
+stick growing near was stripped of its bark and bent down so as to form an
+arch over the body, in which position it was confined by a forked branch
+stuck into the earth.
+
+On examining the corpse, it was found to be warm. Through the shoulder had
+passed a musquet ball, which had divided the subclavian artery and caused
+death by loss of blood. No mark of any remedy having been applied could
+be discovered. Possibly the nature of the wound, which even among us would
+baffle cure without amputation of the arm at the shoulder, was deemed so
+fatal, that they despaired of success, and therefore left it to itself. Had
+Mr. White found the man alive, there is little room to think that he
+could have been of any use to him; for that an Indian would submit to so
+formidable and alarming an operation seems hardly probable.
+
+None of the natives who had come in the boat would touch the body, or even
+go near it, saying, the mawn would come; that is literally, 'the spirit of
+the deceased would seize them'. Of the people who died among us, they had
+expressed no such apprehension. But how far the difference of a natural
+death, and one effected by violence, may operate on their fears to induce
+superstition; and why those who had performed the rites of sepulture should
+not experience similar fears and reluctance, I leave to be determined.
+Certain it is (as I shall insist upon more hereafter), that they believe
+the spirit of the dead not to be extinct with the body.
+
+Baneelon took an odd method of revenging the death of his countryman. At
+the head of several of his tribe, he robbed one of the private boats of
+fish, threatening the people, who were unarmed, that in case they resisted
+he would spear them. On being taxed by the governor with this outrage, he
+at first stoutly denied it; but on being confronted with the people who
+were in the boat, he changed his language, and, without deigning even to
+palliate his offence, burst into fury and demanded who had killed Bangai.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+
+The Transactions of the Colony continued to the End of May, 1791.
+
+
+December, 1790. The Dutch snow from Batavia arrived on the 17th of the
+month, after a passage of twelve weeks, in which she had lost sixteen of
+her people. But death, to a man who has resided at Batavia, is too familiar
+an object to excite either terror or regret. All the people of the 'Supply'
+who were left there sick, except one midshipman, had also perished in that
+fatal climate.
+
+The cargo of the snow consisted chiefly of rice, with a small quantity of
+beef, pork, and flour.
+
+A letter was received by this vessel, written by the Shebander at Batavia,
+to governor Phillip, acquainting him that war had commenced between England
+and Spain. As this letter was written in the Dutch language we did not find
+it easy of translation. It filled us, however, with anxious perturbation,
+and with wishes as impotent, as they were eager, in the cause of our
+country. Though far beyond the din of arms, we longed to contribute to her
+glory, and to share in her triumphs.
+
+Placed out of the reach of attack, both by remoteness and insignificancy,
+our only dread lay lest those supplies intended for our consumption should
+be captured. Not, however, to be found totally unprovided in case an enemy
+should appear, a battery was planned near the entrance of Sydney Cove, and
+other formidable preparations set on foot.
+
+The commencement of the year 1791, though marked by no circumstances
+particularly favourable, beamed far less inauspicious than that of 1790 had
+done.
+
+January, 1791. No circumstance, however apparently trivial, which can
+tend to throw light on a new country, either in respect of its present
+situation, or its future promise, should pass unregarded. On the 24th of
+January, two bunches of grapes were cut in the governor's garden, from
+cuttings of vines brought three years before from the Cape of Good Hope.
+The bunches were handsome, the fruit of a moderate size, but well filled
+out and the flavour high and delicious.
+
+The first step after unloading the Dutch snow was to dispatch the 'Supply'
+to Norfolk Island for captain Hunter, and the crew of the 'Sirius' who had
+remained there ever since the loss of that ship. It had always been the
+governor's wish to hire the Dutchman, for the purpose of transporting them
+to England. But the frantic extravagant behaviour of the master of her, for
+a long time frustrated the conclusion of a contract. He was so totally
+lost to a sense of reason and propriety, as to ask eleven pounds per ton,
+monthly, for her use, until she should arrive from England, at Batavia.
+This was treated with proper contempt; and he was at last induced to accept
+twenty shillings a ton, per month (rating her at three hundred tons) until
+she should arrive in England--being about the twenty-fifth part of his
+original demand. And even at this price she was, perhaps, the dearest
+vessel ever hired on a similar service, being totally destitute of every
+accommodation and every good quality which could promise to render so long
+a voyage either comfortable or expeditious.
+
+February, 1791. On the 26th, Captain Hunter, his officers and ship's
+company joined us; and on the 28th of March the snow sailed with them for
+England, intending to make a northern passage by Timor and Batavia, the
+season being too far advanced to render the southern route by Cape Horn
+practicable*.
+
+[*They did not arrive in England until April, 1792.]
+
+Six days previous to the departure of captain Hunter, the indefatigable
+'Supply' again sailed for Norfolk Island, carrying thither captain Hill
+and a detachment of the New South Wales corps. A little native boy named
+Bondel, who had long particularly attached himself to captain Hill,
+accompanied him, at his own earnest request. His father had been killed in
+battle and his mother bitten in two by a shark: so that he was an orphan,
+dependant on the humanity of his tribe for protection*. His disappearance
+seemed to make no impression on the rest of his countrymen, who were
+apprized of his resolution to go. On the return of the 'Supply' they
+inquired eagerly for him, and on being told that the place he was gone
+to afforded plenty of birds and other good fare, innumerable volunteers
+presented themselves to follow him, so great was their confidence in us and
+so little hold of them had the amor patriae.
+
+[*I am of opinion that such protection is always extended to children who
+may be left destitute.]
+
+
+March, 1791. The snow had but just sailed, when a very daring manoeuvre was
+carried into execution, with complete success, by a set of convicts, eleven
+in number, including a woman, wife of one of the party, and two little
+children. They seized the governor's cutter and putting into her a
+seine, fishing-lines, and hooks, firearms, a quadrant, compass, and some
+provisions, boldly pushed out to sea, determined to brave every danger and
+combat every hardship, rather than remain longer in a captive state. Most
+of these people had been brought out in the first fleet, and the terms of
+transportation of some of them were expired. Among them were a fisherman,
+a carpenter, and some competent navigators, so that little doubt was
+entertained that a scheme so admirably planned would be adequately
+executed*. When their elopement was discovered, a pursuit was ordered
+by the governor. But the fugitives had made too good an use of the
+intermediate time to be even seen by their pursuers. After the escape of
+Captain Bligh, which was well known to us, no length of passage or hazard
+of navigation seemed above human accomplishment. However to prevent future
+attempts of a like nature, the governor directed that boats only of stated
+dimensions should be built. Indeed an order of this sort had been issued
+on the escape of the first party, and it was now repeated with additional
+restrictions.
+
+[*It was my fate to fall in again with part of this little band of
+adventurers. In March 1792, when I arrived in the Gorgon, at the Cape of
+Good Hope, six of these people, including the woman and one child, were put
+on board of us to be carried to England. Four had died, and one had jumped
+overboard at Batavia. The particulars of their voyage were briefly as
+follows. They coasted the shore of New Holland, putting occasionally into
+different harbours which they found in going along. One of these harbours,
+in the latitude of 30 degrees south, they described to be of superior
+excellence and capacity. Here they hauled their bark ashore, paid her seams
+with tallow, and repaired her. But it was with difficulty they could keep
+off the attacks of the Indians. These people continued to harras them so
+much that they quitted the mainland and retreated to a small island in
+the harbour, where they completed their design. Between the latitude of 26
+degrees and 27 degrees, they were driven by a current 30 leagues from the
+shore, among some islands, where they found plenty of large turtles. Soon
+after they closed again with the continent, when the boat got entangled in
+the surf and was driven on shore, and they had all well nigh perished. They
+passed rough the straits of Endeavour and, beyond the gulf of Carpentaria,
+found a large freshwater river, which they entered, and filled from it
+their empty casks.
+
+Until they reached the gulf of Carpentaria, they saw no natives or canoes
+differing from those about Port Jackson. But now they were chased by large
+canoes, jitted with sails and fighting stages, and capable of holding
+thirty men each. They escaped by dint of rowing to windward. On the 5th
+of June 1791 they reached Timor, and pretended that they had belonged to a
+ship which, on her passage from Port Jackson to India, had foundered;
+and that they only had escaped. The Dutch received them with kindness
+and treated them with hospitality. But their behaviour giving rise to
+suspicion, they were watched; and one of them at last, in a moment of
+intoxication, betrayed the secret. They were immediately secured and
+committed to prison. Soon after Captain Edwards of the Pandora, who had
+been wrecked near Endeavour straits, arrived at Timor, and they were
+delivered up to him, by which means they became passengers in the Gorgon.
+
+I confess that I never looked at these people without pity and
+astonishment. They had miscarried in a heroic struggle for liberty after
+having combated every hardship and conquered every difficulty.
+
+The woman, and one of the men, had gone out to Port Jackson in the ship
+which had transported me thither. They had both of them been always
+distinguished for good behaviour. And I could not but reflect with
+admiration at the strange combination of circumstances which had again
+brought us together, to baffle human foresight and confound human
+speculation.]
+
+
+April, 1791. Notwithstanding the supplies which had recently arrived from
+Batavia, short allowance was again proclaimed on the 2nd of April, on which
+day we were reduced to the following ration:
+
+Three pounds of rice, three pounds of flour and three pounds of pork per
+week.
+
+It was singularly unfortunate that these retrenchments should always happen
+when the gardens were most destitute of vegetables. A long drought had
+nearly exhausted them. The hardships which we in consequence suffered were
+great, but not comparable to what had been formerly experienced. Besides,
+now we made sure of ships arriving soon to dispel our distress. Whereas,
+heretofore, from having never heard from England, the hearts of men sunk
+and many had begun to doubt whether it had not been resolved to try how
+long misery might be endured with resignation.
+
+Notwithstanding the incompetency of so diminished a pittance, the daily
+task of the soldier and convict continued unaltered. I never contemplated
+the labours of these men without finding abundant cause of reflection on
+the miseries which our nature can overcome. Let me for a moment quit the
+cold track of narrative. Let me not fritter away by servile adaptation
+those reflections and the feelings they gave birth to. Let me transcribe
+them fresh as they arose, ardent and generous, though hopeless and
+romantic. I every day see wretches pale with disease and wasted with
+famine, struggle against the horror's of their situation. How striking is
+the effect of subordination; how dreadful is the fear of punishment! The
+allotted task is still performed, even on the present reduced subsistence.
+The blacksmith sweats at the sultry forge, the sawyer labours pent-up in
+his pit and the husbandman turns up the sterile glebe. Shall I again hear
+arguments multiplied to violate truth, and insult humanity! Shall I again
+be told that the sufferings of the wretched Africans are indispensable
+for the culture of our sugar colonies; that white men are incapable of
+sustaining the heat of the climate! I have been in the West Indies. I
+have lived there. I know that it is a rare instance for the mercury in the
+thermometer to mount there above 90 degrees; and here I scarcely pass a
+week in summer without seeing it rise to 100 degrees; sometimes to 105;
+nay, beyond even that burning altitude.
+
+But toil cannot be long supported without adequate refreshment. The first
+step in every community which wishes to preserve honesty should be to set
+the people above want. The throes of hunger will ever prove too
+powerful for integrity to withstand. Hence arose a repetition of petty
+delinquencies, which no vigilance could detect, and no justice reach.
+Gardens were plundered, provisions pilfered, and the Indian corn stolen
+from the fields where it grew for public use. Various were the measures
+adopted to check this depredatory spirit. Criminal courts, either from the
+tediousness of their process, or from the frequent escape of culprits from
+their decision, were seldomer convened than formerly. The governor ordered
+convict offenders either to be chained together or to wear singly a large
+iron collar with two spikes projecting from it, which effectually hindered
+the party from concealing it under his shirt; and thus shackled, they were
+compelled to perform their quota of work.
+
+May, 1791. Had their marauding career terminated here, humanity would
+have been anxious to plead in their defence; but the natives continued to
+complain of being robbed of spears and fishing tackle. A convict was at
+length taken in the fact of stealing fishing-tackle from Daringa, the wife
+of Colbee. The governor ordered that he should be severely flogged in the
+presence of as many natives as could be assembled, to whom the cause of
+punishment should be explained. Many of them, of both sexes, accordingly
+attended. Arabanoo's aversion to a similar sight has been noticed; and if
+the behaviour of those now collected be found to correspond with it, it
+is, I think, fair to conclude that these people are not of a sanguinary
+and implacable temper. Quick indeed of resentment, but not unforgiving of
+injury. There was not one of them that did not testify strong abhorrence
+of the punishment and equal sympathy with the sufferer. The women were
+particularly affected; Daringa shed tears, and Barangaroo, kindling into
+anger, snatched a stick and menaced the executioner. The conduct of these
+women, on this occasion, was exactly descriptive of their characters. The
+former was ever meek and feminine, the latter fierce and unsubmissive.
+
+On the first of May, many allotments of ground were parcelled out by the
+governor to convicts whose periods of transportation were expired, and who
+voluntarily offered to become settlers in the country. The terms on which
+they settled, and their progress in agriculture, will be hereafter set
+forth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+
+Travelling Diaries in New South Wales.
+
+
+From among my numerous travelling journals into the interior parts of
+the country, I select the following to present to the reader, as equally
+important in their object, and more amusing in their detail, than any
+other.
+
+In April 1791 an expedition was undertaken, in order to ascertain whether
+or not the Hawkesbury and the Nepean, were the same river. With this view,
+we proposed to fall in a little above Richmond Hill*, and trace down to it;
+and if the weather should prove fine to cross at the ford, and go a short
+distance westward, then to repass the river and trace it upward until we
+should either arrive at some spot which we knew to be the Nepean, or should
+determine by its course that the Hawkesbury was a different stream.
+
+[*Look at the map for the situation of this place (Unfortunately, there is
+no map accompanying this etext. Ed.)]
+
+
+Our party was strong and numerous. It consisted of twenty-one persons,
+viz. the governor, Mr. Collins and his servant, Mr. White, Mr. Dawes, the
+author, three gamekeepers, two sergeants, eight privates, and our friends
+Colbee and Boladeree. These two last were volunteers on the occasion, on
+being assured that we should not stay out many days and that we should
+carry plenty of provisions. Baneelon wished to go, but his wife would not
+permit it. Colbee on the other hand, would listen to no objections. He only
+stipulated (with great care and consideration) that, during his absence,
+his wife and child should remain at Sydney under our protection, and be
+supplied with provisions.
+
+But before we set out, let me describe our equipment, and try to convey
+to those who have rolled along on turnpike roads only, an account of those
+preparations which are required in traversing the wilderness. Every
+man (the governor excepted) carried his own knapsack, which contained
+provisions for ten days. If to this be added a gun, a blanket, and a
+canteen, the weight will fall nothing short of forty pounds. Slung to the
+knapsack are the cooking kettle and the hatchet, with which the wood to
+kindle the nightly fire and build the nightly hut is to be cut down. Garbed
+to drag through morasses, tear through thickets, ford rivers and scale
+rocks, our autumnal heroes, who annually seek the hills in pursuit of
+grouse and black game, afford but an imperfect representation of the
+picture.
+
+Thus encumbered, the march begins at sunrise, and with occasional halts
+continues until about an hour and a half before sunset. It is necessary to
+stop thus early to prepare for passing the night, for toil here ends not
+with the march. Instead of the cheering blaze, the welcoming landlord, and
+the long bill of fare, the traveller has now to collect his fuel, to erect
+his wigwam, to fetch water, and to broil his morsel of salt pork. Let him
+then lie down, and if it be summer, try whether the effect of fatigue is
+sufficiently powerful to overcome the bites and stings of the myriads of
+sandflies and mosquitoes which buzz around him.
+
+Monday, April 11, 1791. At twenty minutes before seven o'clock, we started
+from the governor's house at Rose Hill and steered* for a short time nearly
+in a north-east direction, after which we turned to north 34 degrees west,
+and steadily pursued that course until a quarter before four o'clock, when
+we halted for the night. The country for the first two miles, while we
+walked to the northeast, was good, full of grass and without rock or
+underwood.
+
+Afterwards it grew very bad, being full of steep, barren rocks, over which
+we were compelled to clamber for seven miles, when it changed to a plain
+country apparently very sterile, and with very little grass in it, which
+rendered walking easy. Our fatigue in the morning had, however, been so
+oppressive that one of the party knocked up. And had not a soldier, as
+strong as a pack-horse, undertaken to carry his knapsack in addition to his
+own, we must either have sent him back, or have stopped at a place for the
+night which did not afford water. Our two natives carried each his pack,
+but its weight was inconsiderable, most of their provisions being in the
+knapsacks of the soldiers and gamekeepers. We expected to have derived from
+them much information relating to the country, as no one doubted that they
+were acquainted with every part of it between the sea coast and the river
+Hawkesbury. We hoped also to have witnessed their manner of living in
+the woods, and the resources they rely upon in their journeys. Nothing,
+however, of this sort had yet occurred, except their examining some
+trees to see if they could discover on the bark any marks of the claws of
+squirrels and opossums, which they said would show whether any of those
+animals were hidden among the leaves and branches. They walked stoutly,
+appeared but little fatigued, and maintained their spirits admirably,
+laughing to excess when any of us either tripped or stumbled, misfortunes
+which much seldomer fell to their lot than to ours.
+
+[*Our method, on these expeditions, was to steer by compass, noting the
+different courses as we proceeded; and counting the number of paces, of
+which two thousand two hundred, on good ground, were allowed to be a mile.
+At night when we halted, all these courses were separately cast up, and
+worked by a traverse table, in the manner a ship's reckoning is kept, so
+that by observing this precaution, we always knew exactly where we were,
+and how far from home; an unspeakable advantage in a new country, where one
+hill, and one tree, is so like another that fatal wanderings would ensue
+without it. This arduous task was always allotted to Mr. Dawes who,
+from habit and superior skill, performed it almost without a stop, or an
+interruption of conversation: to any other man, on such terms, it would
+have been impracticable.]
+
+At a very short distance from Rose Hill, we found that they were in a
+country unknown to them, so that the farther they went the more dependent
+on us they became, being absolute strangers inland. To convey to their
+understandings the intention of our journey was impossible. For, perhaps,
+no words could unfold to an Indian the motives of curiosity which induce
+men to encounter labour, fatigue and pain, when they might remain in repose
+at home, with a sufficiency of food. We asked Colbee the name of the people
+who live inland, and he called them Boorooberongal; and said they were bad,
+whence we conjectured that they sometimes war with those on the sea coast,
+by whom they were undoubtedly driven up the country from the fishing
+ground, that it might not be overstocked; the weaker here, as in every
+other country, giving way to the stronger.
+
+We asked how they lived. He said, on birds and animals, having no fish.
+Their laziness appeared strongly when we halted, for they refused to draw
+water or to cleave wood to make a fire; but as soon as it was kindled
+(having first well stuffed themselves), they lay down before it and fell
+asleep. About an hour after sunset, as we were chatting by the fire side
+and preparing to go to rest, we heard voices at a little distance in the
+wood. Our natives caught the sound instantaneously and, bidding us be
+silent, listened attentively to the quarter whence it had proceeded. In a
+few minutes we heard the voices plainly; and, wishing exceedingly to open
+a communication with this tribe, we begged our natives to call to them,
+and bid them to come to us, to assure them of good treatment, and that they
+should have something given them to eat. Colbee no longer hesitated,
+but gave them the signal of invitation, in a loud hollow cry. After some
+whooping and shouting on both sides, a man with a lighted stick in his hand
+advanced near enough to converse with us. The first words which we could
+distinctly understand were, 'I am Colbee, of the tribe of Cadigal.'
+The stranger replied, 'I am Bereewan, of the tribe of Boorooberongal.'
+Boladeree informed him also of his name and that we were white men and
+friends, who would give him something to eat. Still he seemed irresolute.
+Colbee therefore advanced to him, took him by the hand and led him to us.
+By the light of the moon, we were introduced to this gentleman, all our
+names being repeated in form by our two masters of the ceremonies, who said
+that we were Englishmen and 'budyeeree' (good), that we came from the sea
+coast, and that we were travelling inland.
+
+Bereewan seemed to be a man about thirty years old, differing in no respect
+from his countrymen with whom we were acquainted. He came to us unarmed,
+having left his spears at a little distance. After a long conversation with
+his countrymen, and having received some provisions, he departed highly
+satisfied.
+
+Tuesday, April 12th, 1791. Started this morning at half past six o'clock,
+and in two hours reached the river. The whole of the country we passed
+was poor, and the soil within a mile of the river changed to a coarse deep
+sand, which I have invariably found to compose its banks in every part
+without exception that I ever saw. The stream at this place is about 350
+feet wide; the water pure and excellent to the taste. The banks are about
+twenty feet high and covered with trees, many of which had been evidently
+bent by the force of the current in the direction which it runs, and
+some of them contained rubbish and drift wood in their branches at least
+forty-five feet above the level of the stream. We saw many ducks, and
+killed one, which Colbee swam for. No new production among the shrubs
+growing here was found. We were acquainted with them all. Our natives had
+evidently never seen this river before. They stared at it with surprise,
+and talked to each other. Their total ignorance of the country, and of the
+direction in which they had walked, appeared when they were asked which
+way Rose Hill lay; for they pointed almost oppositely to it. Of our compass
+they had taken early notice, and had talked much to each other about it.
+They comprehended its use, and called it 'naamoro,' literally, "to see the
+way"; a more significant or expressive term cannot be found.
+
+Supposing ourselves to be higher on the stream than Richmond Hill, we
+agreed to trace downward, or to the right hand. In tracing, we kept as
+close to the bank of the river as the innumerable impediments to walking
+which grow upon it would allow. We found the country low and swampy; came
+to a native fireplace, at which were some small fish-bones; soon after we
+saw a native, but he ran away immediately. Having walked nearly three miles
+we were stopped by a creek which we could neither ford, or fall a tree
+across. We were therefore obliged to coast it, in hope to find a passing
+place or to reach its head. At four o'clock we halted for the night on
+the bank of the creek. Our natives continued to hold out stoutly. The
+hindrances to walking by the river side which plagued and entangled us so
+much, seemed not to be heeded by them, and they wound through them with
+case; but to us they were intolerably tiresome. Our perplexities afforded
+them an inexhaustible fund of merriment and derision: Did the sufferer,
+stung at once with nettles and ridicule, and shaken nigh to death by his
+fall, use any angry expression to them, they retorted in a moment, by
+calling him by every opprobrious name* which their language affords.
+
+Boladeree destroyed a native hut today very wantonly before we could
+prevent him. On being asked why he did so, he answered that the inhabitants
+inland were bad; though no longer since than last night, when Bereewan
+had departed, they were loud in their praise. But now they had reverted to
+their first opinion; so fickle and transient are their motives of love and
+hatred.
+
+[*Their general favourite term of reproach is 'goninpatta', which signifies
+'an eater of human excrement'. Our language would admit a very concise and
+familiar translation. They have, besides this, innumerable others which
+they often salute their enemies with.]
+
+
+Wednesday, April 13th, 1791. We did not set out this morning until past
+seven o'clock, when we continued to trace the creek. The country which we
+passed through yesterday was good and desirable to what was now presented
+to us. It was in general high and universally rocky. 'Toiling our uncouth
+way', we mounted a hill, and surveyed the contiguous country. To the
+northward and eastward, the ground was still higher than that we were upon;
+but in a south-west direction we saw about four miles. The view consisted
+of nothing but trees growing on precipices; not an acre of it could be
+cultivated. Saw a tree on fire here, and several other vestiges of the
+natives. To comprehend the reasons which induce an Indian to perform many
+of the offices of life is difficult; to pronounce that which could lead him
+to wander amidst these dreary wilds baffles penetration. About two o'clock
+we reached the head of the creek, passed it and scrambled with infinite
+toil and difficulty to the top of a neighbouring mountain, whence we saw
+the adjacent country in almost every direction, for many miles. I record
+with regret that this extended view presented not a single gleam of change
+which could encourage hope or stimulate industry, to attempt its culture.
+We had, however, the satisfaction to discover plainly the object of our
+pursuit, Richmond Hill, distant about eight miles, in a contrary direction
+from what we had been proceeding upon. It was readily known to those who
+had been up the Hawkesbury in the boats, by a remarkable cleft or notch
+which distinguishes it. It was now determined that we should go back to the
+head of the creek and pass the night there; and in the morning cut
+across the country to that part of the river which we had first hit
+upon yesterday, and thence to trace upward, or to the left. But before I
+descend, I must not forget to relate that to this pile of desolation on
+which, like the fallen angel on the top of Niphates, we stood contemplating
+our nether Eden, His Excellency was pleased to give the name of Tench's
+Prospect Mount.
+
+Our fatigue to-day had been excessive; but our two sable companions seemed
+rather enlivened than exhausted by it. We had no sooner halted and given
+them something to eat than they began to play ten thousand tricks and
+gambols. They imitated the leaping of the kangaroo; sang, danced, poised
+the spear and met in mock encounter. But their principal source of
+merriment was again derived from our misfortunes, in tumbling amidst
+nettles, and sliding down precipices, which they mimicked with inimitable
+drollery. They had become, however, very urgent in their inquiries about
+the time of our return, and we pacified them as well as we could by saying
+it would be soon, but avoided naming how many days.
+
+Their method of testifying dislike to any place is singular: they point to
+the spot they are upon, and all around it, crying 'weeree, weeree' (bad)
+and immediately after mention the name of any other place to which they
+are attached (Rose Hill or Sydney for instance), adding to it 'budyeree,
+budyeree' (good). Nor was their preference in the present case the
+result of caprice, for they assigned very substantial reasons for such
+predilection: "At Rose Hill," said they, "are potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins,
+turnips, fish and wine; here are nothing but rocks and water." These
+comparisons constantly ended with the question of "Where's Rose Hill?
+Where?" on which they would throw up their hands and utter a sound to
+denote distance, which it is impossible to convey an idea of upon paper.
+
+Thursday, April 14th, 1791. We started early and reached the river in about
+two hours and a half. The intermediate country, except for the last half
+mile, was a continued bed of stones, which were in some places so thick and
+close together that they looked like a pavement formed by art. When we got
+off the stones, we came upon the coarse river sand beforementioned.
+
+Here we began to trace upward. We had not proceeded far when we saw several
+canoes on the river. Our natives made us immediately lie down among the
+reeds, while they gave their countrymen the signal of approach. After much
+calling, finding that they did not come, we continued our progress until
+it was again interrupted by a creek, over which we threw a tree and passed
+upon it. While this was doing, a native, from his canoe, entered into
+conversation with us, and immediately after paddled to us with a frankness
+and confidence which surprised every one. He was a man of middle age, with
+an open cheerful countenance, marked with the small pox, and distinguished
+by a nose of uncommon magnitude and dignity. He seemed to be neither
+astonished or terrified at our appearance and number. Two stone hatchets,
+and two spears he took from his canoe, and presented to the governor, who
+in return for his courteous generosity, gave him two of our hatchets and
+some bread, which was new to him, for he knew not its use, but kept
+looking at it, until Colbee shewed him what to do, when he eat it
+without hesitation. We pursued our course, and to accommodate us, our new
+acquaintance pointed out a path and walked at the head of us. A canoe,
+also with a man and a boy in it, kept gently paddling up abreast of us.
+We halted for the night at our usual hour, on the bank of the river.
+Immediately that we had stopped, our friend (who had already told us his
+name) Gombeeree, introduced the man and the boy from the canoe to us. The
+former was named Yellomundee, the latter Deeimba. The ease with which these
+people behaved among strangers was as conspicuous, as unexpected. They
+seated themselves at our fire, partook of our biscuit and pork, drank from
+our canteens, and heard our guns going off around them without betraying
+any symptom of fear, distrust or surprise. On the opposite bank of the
+river they had left their wives and several children, with whom they
+frequently discoursed; and we observed that these last manifested neither
+suspicion or uneasiness of our designs towards their friends.
+
+Having refreshed ourselves, we found leisure to enter into conversation
+with them. It could not be expected that they should differ materially from
+the tribes with whom we were acquainted. The same manners and pursuits, the
+same amusements, the same levity and fickleness, undoubtedly characterised
+them. What we were able to learn from them was that they depend but little
+on fish, as the river yields only mullets, and that their principal support
+is derived from small animals which they kill, and some roots (a species of
+wild yam chiefly) which they dig out of the earth. If we rightly understood
+them, each man possesses two wives. Whence can arise this superabundance of
+females? Neither of the men had suffered the extraction of a front tooth.
+We were eager to know whether or not this custom obtained among them. But
+neither Colbee nor Boladeree would put the question for us; and on the
+contrary, showed every desire to wave the subject. The uneasiness which
+they testified, whenever we renewed it, rather served to confirm a
+suspicion which we had long entertained, that this is a mark of subjection
+imposed by the tribe of Cameragal, (who are certainly the most powerful
+community in the country) on the weaker tribes around them. Whether the
+women cut off a joint of one of the little fingers, like those on the sea
+coast, we had no opportunity of observing. These are petty remarks. But
+one variety struck us more forcibly. Although our natives and the strangers
+conversed on a par and understood each other perfectly, yet they spoke
+different dialects of the same language; many of the most common and
+necessary words used in life bearing no similitude, and others being
+slightly different.
+
+     ------------------------------------------------------------
+     English     Name on the sea coast     Name at the Hawkesbury
+     ------------------------------------------------------------
+
+     The Moon           Yeneeda                Condoen
+     The Ear            Gooree                 Benna
+     The Forehead       Nullo                  Narran
+     The Belly          Barang                 Bindee
+     The Navel          Muneero                Boombong
+     The Buttocks       Boong                  Baylee
+     The Neck           Calang                 Ganga
+     The Thigh          Tara                   Dara
+     The Hair           Deewara                Keewara
+     -------------------------------------------------------------
+
+That these diversities arise from want of intercourse with the people
+on the coast can hardly be imagined, as the distance inland is but
+thirty-eight miles; and from Rose Hill not more than twenty, where the
+dialect of the sea coast is spoken. It deserves notice that all the
+different terms seemed to be familiar to both parties, though each in
+speaking preferred its own*.
+
+[*How easily people, unused to speak the same language, mistake each other,
+everyone knows. We had lived almost three years at Port Jackson (for more
+than half of which period natives had resided with us) before we knew that
+the word 'beeal', signified 'no', and not 'good', in which latter sense we
+had always used it without suspecting that we were wrong; and even without
+being corrected by those with whom we talked daily. The cause of our error
+was this. The epithet 'weeree', signifying 'bad', we knew; and as the
+use of this word and its opposite afford the most simple form of denoting
+consent or disapprobation to uninstructed Indians, in order to find out
+their word for 'good', when Arabanoo was first brought among us, we used
+jokingly to say that any thing, which he liked was 'weeree', in order to
+provoke him to tell us that it was good. When we said 'weeree', he answered
+'beeal', which we translated and adopted for 'good'; whereas he meant no
+more than simply to deny our inference, and say 'no'--it is not bad.
+After this, it cannot be thought extraordinary that the little vocabulary
+inserted in Mr. Cook's account of this part of the world should appear
+defective--even were we not to take in the great probability of the
+dialects at Endeavour River and Van Diemen's land differing from that
+spoken at Port Jackson. And it remains to be proved that the animal called
+here 'patagaram' is not there called 'kangaroo'.]
+
+Stretched out at ease before our fire, all sides continued to chat and
+entertain each other. Gombeeree shewed us the mark of a wound which he had
+received in his side from a spear. It was large, appeared to have passed to
+a considerable depth, and must certainly have been attended with imminent
+danger. By whom it had been inflicted, and on what occasion, he explained
+to Colbee; and afterwards (as we understood) he entered into a detail of
+the wars, and, as effects lead to causes, probably of the gallantries of
+the district, for the word which signifies a woman was often repeated.
+Colbee, in return for his communication, informed him who we were; of our
+numbers at Sydney and Rose Hill, of the stores we possessed and, above all,
+of the good things which were to be found among us, enumerating potatoes,
+cabbages, turnips, pumpkins, and many other names which were perfectly
+unintelligible to the person who heard them, but which he nevertheless
+listened to with profound attention.
+
+Perhaps the relation given by Gombeeree, of the cure of his wound, now
+gave rise to the following superstitious ceremony. While they were talking,
+Colbee turned suddenly round and asked for some water. I gave him a cupful,
+which he presented with great seriousness to Yellomundee, as I supposed to
+drink. This last indeed took the cup and filled his mouth with water, but
+instead of swallowing it, threw his head into Colbee's bosom, spit the
+water upon him and, immediately after, began to suck strongly at his
+breast, just below the nipple. I concluded that the man was sick; and
+called to the governor to observe the strange place which he had chosen to
+exonerate his stomach. The silent attention observed by the other
+natives, however, soon convinced us that something more than merely
+the accommodation of Yellomundee, was intended. The ceremony was again
+performed; and, after having sucked the part for a considerable time, the
+operator pretended to receive something in his mouth, which was drawn from
+the breast. With this he retired a few paces, put his hand to his lips and
+threw into the river a stone, which I had observed him to pick up slily,
+and secrete. When he returned to the fireside, Colbee assured us that
+he had received signal benefit from the operation; and that this second
+Machaon had extracted from his breast two splinters of a spear by which
+he had been formerly wounded. We examined the part, but it was smooth and
+whole, so that to the force of imagination alone must be imputed both the
+wound and its cure. Colbee himself seemed nevertheless firmly persuaded
+that he had received relief, and assured us that Yellomundee was a
+'caradyee', or 'Doctor of renown'. And Boladeree added that not only he but
+all the rest of his tribe were 'caradyee' of especial note and skill.
+
+The Doctors remained with us all night, sleeping before the fire in the
+fullness of good faith and security. The little boy slept in his father's
+arms, and we observed that whenever the man was inclined to shift his
+position, he first put over the child, with great care, and then turned
+round to him.
+
+Friday, April 15th, 1791. The return of light aroused us to the repetition
+of toil. Our friends breakfasted with us, and previous to starting
+Gombeeree gave a specimen of their manner of climbing trees in quest of
+animals. He asked for a hatchet and one of ours was offered to him, but he
+preferred one of their own making. With this tool he cut a small notch in
+the tree he intended to climb, about two feet and a half above the ground,
+in which he fixed the great toe of his left foot, and sprung upwards, at
+the same time embracing the tree with his left arm. In an instant he had
+cut a second notch for his right toe on the other side of the tree into
+which he sprung, and thus, alternately cutting on each side, he mounted to
+the height of twenty feet in nearly as short a space as if he had ascended
+by a ladder, although the bark of the tree was quite smooth and slippery
+and the trunk four feet in diameter and perfectly strait. To us it was a
+matter of astonishment, but to him it was sport; for while employed thus he
+kept talking to those below and laughing immoderately. He descended with
+as much ease and agility as he had raised himself. Even our natives allowed
+that he was a capital performer, against whom they dared not to enter
+the lists; for as they subsist chiefly by fishing they are less expert at
+climbing on the coast than those who daily practice it.
+
+Soon after they bade us adieu, in unabated friendship and good humour.
+Colbee and Boladeree parted from them with a slight nod of the head, the
+usual salutation of the country; and we shook them by the hand, which they
+returned lustily.
+
+At the time we started the tide was flowing up the river, a decisive proof
+that we were below Richmond Hill. We had continued our march but a
+short time when we were again stopped by a creek, which baffled all our
+endeavours to cross it, and seemed to predict that the object of our
+attainment, though but a very few miles distant, would take us yet a
+considerable time to reach, which threw a damp on our hopes. We traced the
+creek until four o'clock, when we halted for the night. The country, on
+both sides, we thought in general unpromising; but it is certainly very
+superior to that which we had seen on the former creek. In many places
+it might be cultivated, provided the inundations of the stream can be
+repelled.
+
+In passing along we shot some ducks, which Boladeree refused to swim for
+when requested, and told us in a surly tone that they swam for what was
+killed, and had the trouble of fetching it ashore, only for the white men
+to eat it. This reproof was, I fear, too justly founded; for of the few
+ducks we had been so fortunate as to procure, little had fallen to their
+share except the offals, and now and then a half-picked bone. True, indeed,
+all the crows and hawks which had been shot were given to them; but
+they plainly told us that the taste of ducks was more agreeable to their
+palates, and begged they might hereafter partake of them. We observed
+that they were thoroughly sick of the journey, and wished heartily for its
+conclusion: the exclamation of "Where's Rose Hill, where?" was incessantly
+repeated, with many inquiries about when we should return to it.
+
+Saturday April 16th, 1791. It was this morning resolved to abandon our
+pursuit and to return home; at hearing of which our natives expressed great
+joy. We started early; and reached Rose Hill about three o'clock, just as
+a boat was about to be sent down to Sydney. Colbee and Boladeree would
+not wait for us until the following morning, but insisted on going down
+immediately to communicate to Baneelon and the rest of their countrymen the
+novelties they had seen.
+
+The country we passed through was, for the most part, very indifferent,
+according to our universal opinion. It is in general badly watered. For
+eight miles and a half on one line we did not find a drop of water.
+
+RICHMOND HILL
+
+Having eluded our last search, Mr. Dawes and myself, accompanied by a
+sergeant of marines and a private soldier, determined on another attempt,
+to ascertain whether it lay on the Hawkesbury or Nepean. We set out on this
+expedition on the 24th of May, 1791; and having reached the opposite side
+of the mouth of the creek which had in our last journey prevented our
+progress, we proceeded from there up to Richmond Hill by the river side;
+mounted it; slept at its foot; and on the following day penetrated some
+miles westward or inland of it until we were stopped by a mountainous
+country, which our scarcity of provisions, joined to the terror of a river
+at our back, whose sudden rising is almost beyond computation, hindered
+us from exploring. To the elevation which bounded our research we gave
+the name of Knight Hill, in honour of the trusty sergeant who had been the
+faithful indefatigable companion of all our travels.
+
+This excursion completely settled the long contested point about the
+Hawkesbury and Nepean. We found them to be one river. Without knowing it,
+Mr. Dawes and myself had passed Richmond Hill almost a year before (in
+August 1790), and from there walked on the bank of the river to the spot
+where my discovery of the Nepean happened, in June 1789. Our ignorance
+arose from having never before seen the hill, and from the erroneous
+position assigned to it by those who had been in the boats up the river.
+
+Except the behaviour of some natives whom we met on the river, which it
+would be ingratitude to pass in silence, nothing particularly worthy of
+notice occurred on this expedition.
+
+When we had reached within two miles of Richmond Hill, we heard a native
+call. We directly answered him and conversed across the river for some
+time. At length he launched his canoe and crossed to us without distrust
+or hesitation. We had never seen him before; but he appeared to know our
+friend Gombeeree, of whom he often spoke. He said his name was Deedora. He
+presented us with two spears and a throwing-stick, and in return we gave
+him some bread and beef. Finding that our route lay up the river, he
+offered to accompany us and, getting into his canoe, paddled up abreast
+of us. When we arrived at Richmond Hill it became necessary to cross
+the river; but the question was, how this should be effected? Deedora
+immediately offered his canoe. We accepted of it and, Mr. Dawes and the
+soldier putting their clothes into it, pushed it before them, and by
+alternately wading and swimming, soon passed. On the opposite shore sat
+several natives, to whom Deedora called, by which precaution the arrival of
+the strangers produced no alarm. On the contrary, they received them with
+every mark of benevolence. Deedora, in the meanwhile, sat talking with the
+sergeant and me. Soon after, another native, named Morunga, brought back
+the canoe, and now came our turn to cross. The sergeant (from a foolish
+trick which had been played upon him when he was a boy) was excessively
+timorous of water, and could not swim. Morunga offered to conduct him, and
+they got into the canoe together; but, his fears returning, he jumped out
+and refused to proceed. I endeavoured to animate him, and Morunga ridiculed
+his apprehensions, making signs of the ease and dispatch with which he
+would land him; but he resolved to paddle over by himself, which, by dint
+of good management and keeping his position very steadily, he performed.
+It was now become necessary to bring over the canoe a third time for my
+accommodation, which was instantly done, and I entered it with Deedora.
+But, like the sergeant, I was so disordered at seeing the water within a
+hair's breadth of the level of our skiff (which brought to my remembrance
+a former disaster I had experienced on this river) that I jumped out, about
+knee-deep, and determined to swim over, which I effected. My clothes, half
+our knapsacks, and three of our guns yet remained to be transported across.
+These I recommended to the care of our grim ferrymen, who instantaneously
+loaded their boat with them and delivered them on the opposite bank,
+without damage or diminution.
+
+During this long trial of their patience and courtesy--in the latter part
+of which I was entirely in their power, from their having possession of
+our arms--they had manifested no ungenerous sign of taking advantage of the
+helplessness and dependance of our situation; no rude curiosity to pry into
+the packages with which they were entrusted; or no sordid desire to possess
+the contents of them; although among them were articles exposed to view, of
+which it afterwards appeared they knew the use, and longed for the benefit.
+Let the banks of those rivers, "known to song", let him whose travels have
+lain among polished nations produce me a brighter example of disinterested
+urbanity than was shown by these denizens of a barbarous clime to a set of
+destitute wanderers on the side of the Hawkesbury.
+
+On the top of Richmond Hill we shot a hawk, which fell in a tree. Deedora
+offered to climb for it and we lent him a hatchet, the effect of which
+delighted him so much that he begged for it. As it was required to chop
+wood for our evening fire, it could not be conveniently spared; but we
+promised him that if he would visit us on the following morning, it should
+be given to him. Not a murmur was heard; no suspicion of our insincerity;
+no mention of benefits conferred; no reproach of ingratitude. His good
+humour and cheerfulness were not clouded for a moment. Punctual to our
+appointment, he came to us at daylight next morning and the hatchet was
+given to him, the only token of gratitude and respect in our power to
+bestow. Neither of these men had lost his front tooth.
+
+THE LAST EXPEDITION
+
+Which I ever undertook in the country I am describing was in July 1791,
+when Mr. Dawes and myself went in search of a large river which was said
+to exist a few miles to the southward of Rose Hill. We went to the place
+described, and found this second Nile or Ganges to be nothing but a
+saltwater creek communicating with Botany Bay, on whose banks we passed a
+miserable night from want of a drop of water to quench our thirst, for as
+we believed that we were going to a river we thought it needless to march
+with full canteens.
+
+On this expedition we carried with us a thermometer which (in unison with
+our feelings) shewed so extraordinary a degree of cold for the latitude of
+the place that I think myself bound to transcribe it.
+
+Monday, 18th July 1791. The sun arose in unclouded splendor and presented
+to our sight a novel and picturesque view. The contiguous country as white
+as if covered with snow, contrasted with the foliage of trees flourishing
+in the verdure of tropical luxuriancy*. Even the exhalation which steamed
+from the lake beneath contributed to heighten the beauty of the scene.
+Wind SSW. Thermorneter at sunrise 25 degrees. The following night was still
+colder. At sunset the thermometer stood at 45 degrees; at a quarter before
+four in the morning, it was at 26 degrees; at a quarter before six at 24
+degrees; at a quarter before seven, at 23 degrees; at seven o'clock, 22.7
+degrees; at sunrise, 23 degrees, after which it continued gradually to
+mount, and between one and two o'clock, stood at 59.6 degrees in the shade.
+Wind SSW. The horizon perfectly clear all day, not the smallest speck to
+be seen. Nothing but demonstration could have convinced me that so severe
+a degree of cold ever existed in this low latitude. Drops of water on a
+tin pot, not altogether out of the influence of the fire, were frozen into
+solid ice in less than twelve minutes. Part of a leg of kangaroo which we
+had roasted for supper was frozen quite hard, all the juices of it being
+converted into ice. On those ponds which were near the surface of the
+earth, the covering of ice was very thick; but on those which were lower
+down it was found to be less so, in proportion to their depression; and
+wherever the water was twelve feet below the surface (which happened to be
+the case close to us) it was uncongealed. It remains to be observed that
+the cold of both these nights, at Rose Hill and Sydney, was judged to be
+greater than had ever before been felt.
+
+[*All the trees of New South Wales, may I apprehend, be termed evergreen.
+For after such weather as this journal records, I did not observe either
+that the leaves had dropped off, or that they had assumed that sickly
+autumnal tint, which marks English trees in corresponding circumstances.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+
+Transactions of the Colony to the end of November, 1791.
+
+
+The extreme dryness of the preceding summer has been noticed. It had
+operated so far in the beginning of June that we dreaded a want of water
+for common consumption most of the little reservoirs in the neighbourhood
+of Sydney being dried up. The small stream near the town was so nearly
+exhausted (being only the drain of a morass) that a ship could not have
+watered at it, and the 'Supply' was preparing to sink casks in a swamp when
+rain fell and banished our apprehensions.
+
+June, 1791. On the second instant, the name of the settlement, at the head
+of the harbour (Rose Hill) was changed, by order of the governor, to that
+of Parramatta, the native name of it. As Rose Hill has, however, occurred
+so often in this book, I beg leave, to avoid confusion, still to continue
+the appellation in all future mention of it.
+
+Our travelling friend Boladeree, who makes so conspicuous a figure in the
+last chapter, about this time committed an offence which we were obliged
+to notice. He threw a spear at a convict in the woods, and wounded him. The
+truth was, some mischievous person belonging to us had wantonly destroyed
+his canoe, and he revenged the injury on the first of our people whom he
+met unarmed. He now seemed to think the matter adjusted; and probably such
+is the custom they observe in their own society in similar cases. Hearing,
+however, that an order was issued to seize him, or in case that could not
+be effected, to shoot him, he prudently dropped all connection with us and
+was for a long time not seen.
+
+But if they sometimes injured us, to compensate they were often of signal
+benefit to those who needed their assistance: two instances of which had
+recently occurred. A boat was overset in the harbour Baneelon and some
+other natives, who saw the accident happen, immediately plunged in, and
+saved all the people. When they had brought them on shore, they undressed
+them, kindled a fire and dried their clothes, gave them fish to eat and
+conducted them to Sydney.
+
+The other instance was of a soldier lost in the woods, when he met a party
+of natives. He at first knew not whether to flee from them, or to implore
+their assistance. Seeing among them one whom he knew, he determined to
+communicate his distress to him and to rely on his generosity. The Indian
+told him that he had wandered a long way from home, but that he would
+conduct him thither, on the single condition of his delivering up a gun
+which he held in his hand, promising to carry it for him and to restore
+it to him at parting. The soldier felt little inclination to surrender
+his arms, by which he would be put entirely in their power. But seeing no
+alternative, he at last consented; on which the whole party laid down their
+spears and faithfully escorted him to the nearest part of the settlement,
+where the gun was given up, and they took their leave without asking for
+any remuneration, or even seeming to expect it.
+
+The distressful state of the colony for provisions continued gradually to
+augment until the 9th of July, when the Mary Anne transport arrived from
+England. This ship had sailed from the Downs so lately as the 25th of
+February, having been only four months and twelve days on her passage. She
+brought out convicts, by contract, at a specific sum for each person. But
+to demonstrate the effect of humanity and justice, of 144 female convicts
+embarked on board only three had died, and the rest were landed in perfect
+health, all loud in praise of their conductor. The master's name was Munro;
+and his ship, after fulfilling her engagement with government, was bound on
+the southern fishery. The reader must not conclude that I sacrifice to
+dull detail, when he finds such benevolent conduct minutely narrated.
+The advocates of humanity are not yet become too numerous: but those
+who practise its divine precepts, however humble and unnoticed be their
+station, ought not to sink into obscurity, unrecorded and unpraised, with
+the vile monsters who deride misery and fatten on calamity.
+
+July, 1791. If, however, the good people of this ship delighted us with
+their benevolence, here gratification ended. I was of a party who had rowed
+in a boat six miles out to sea, beyond the harbour's mouth, to meet them;
+and what was our disappointment, on getting aboard, to find that they had
+not brought a letter (a few official ones for the governor excepted) to any
+person in the colony! Nor had they a single newspaper or magazine in their
+possession; nor could they conceive that any person wished to hear news;
+being as ignorant of everything which had passed in Europe for the last
+two years as ourselves, at the distance of half the circle. "No war--the
+fleet's dismantled," was the whole that we could learn. When I asked
+whether a new parliament had been called, they stared at me in stupid
+wonder, not seeming to comprehend that such a body either suffered
+renovation or needed it.
+
+"Have the French settled their government?"
+
+"As to that matter I can't say; I never heard; but, damn them, they were
+ready enough to join the Spaniards against us."
+
+"Are Russia and Turkey at peace?"
+
+"That you see does not lie in my way; I have heard talk about it, but don't
+remember what passed."
+
+"For heaven's sake, why did you not bring out a bundle of newspapers? You
+might have procured a file at any coffee house, which would have amused
+you, and instructed us?"
+
+"Why, really, I never thought about the matter until we were off the Cape
+of Good Hope, when we spoke a man of war, who asked us the same question,
+and then I wished I had."
+
+To have prosecuted inquiry farther would have only served to increase
+disappointment and chagrin. We therefore quitted the ship, wondering and
+lamenting that so large a portion of plain undisguised honesty should be so
+totally unconnected with a common share of intelligence, and acquaintance
+with the feelings and habits of other men.
+
+By the governor's letters we learned that a large fleet of transports, with
+convicts on board, and His Majesty's ship Gorgon, (Captain Parker)
+might soon be expected to arrive. The following intelligence which they
+contained, was also made public.
+
+
+That such convicts as had served their period of transportation, were not
+to be compelled to remain in the colony; but that no temptation should be
+offered to induce them to quit it, as there existed but too much reason to
+believe, that they would return to former practices; that those who might
+choose to settle in the country should have portions of land, subject to
+stipulated restrictions, and a portion of provisions assigned to them
+on signifying their inclinations; and that it was expected, that those
+convicts who might be possessed of means to transport themselves from the
+country, would leave it free of all incumbrances of a public nature.
+
+
+The rest of the fleet continued to drop in, in this and the two succeeding
+months. The state of the convicts whom they brought out, though
+infinitely preferable to what the fleet of last year had landed, was not
+unexceptionable. Three of the ships had naval agents on board to control
+them. Consequently, if complaint had existed there, it would have been
+immediately redressed. Exclusive of these, the 'Salamander', (Captain
+Nichols) who, of 155 men lost only five; and the 'William and Anne'
+(Captain Buncker) who of 187 men lost only seven, I find most worthy of
+honourable mention. In the list of convicts brought out was Barrington, of
+famous memory.
+
+Two of these ships also added to our geographic knowledge of the country.
+The 'Atlantic', under the direction of Lieutenant Bowen, a naval agent, ran
+into a harbour between Van Diemen's land, and Port Jackson, in latitude 35
+degrees 12 minutes south, longitude 151 degrees east, to which, in honour
+of Sir John Jervis, Knight of the Bath, Mr. Bowen gave the name of Port
+Jervis. Here was found good anchoring ground with a fine depth of water,
+within a harbour about a mile and a quarter broad at its entrance, which
+afterwards opens into a basin five miles wide and of considerable length.
+They found no fresh water, but as their want of this article was not
+urgent, they did not make sufficient researches to pronounce that none
+existed there.* They saw, during the short time they stayed, two kangaroos
+and many traces of inhabitants. The country at a little distance to the
+southward of the harbour is hilly, but that contiguous to the sea is flat.
+On comparing what they had found here afterwards, with the native produce
+of Port Jackson, they saw no reason to think that they differed in any
+respect.
+
+[*Just before I left the country, word was brought by a ship which had put
+into Port Jervis, that a large fresh water brook was found there.]
+
+
+The second discovery was made by Captain Wetherhead, of the 'Matilda'
+transport, which was obligingly described to me, as follows, by that
+gentleman, on my putting to him the underwritten questions.
+
+"When did you make your discovery?"
+
+"On the 27th of July, 1791."
+
+"In what latitude and longitude does it lie?"
+
+"In 42 degrees 15 minutes south by observation, and in 148 1/2 east by
+reckoning"
+
+"Is it on the mainland or is it an island?"
+
+"It is an island, distant from the mainland about eight miles."
+
+"Did you anchor?"
+
+"Yes; and found good anchorage in a bay open about six points."
+
+"Did you see any other harbour or bay in the island?"
+
+"None."
+
+"Does the channel between the island and the main appear to afford good
+shelter for shipping?"
+
+"Yes, like Spithead."
+
+"Did you find any water on the island?"
+
+"Yes, in plenty."
+
+"Of what size does the island appear to be?"
+
+"It is narrow and long; I cannot say how long. Its breadth is
+inconsiderable."
+
+"Did you make any observations on the soil?"
+
+"It is sandy; and many places are full of craggy rocks."
+
+"Do you judge the productions which you saw on the island to be similar to
+those around Port Jackson?"
+
+"I do not think they differ in any respect."
+
+"Did you see any animals?"
+
+"I saw three kangaroos."
+
+"Did you see any natives, or any marks of them?"
+
+"I saw no natives, but I saw a fire, and several huts like those at Port
+Jackson, in one of which lay a spear."
+
+"What name did you give to your discovery?"
+
+"I called it, in honour of my ship, Matilda Bay."
+
+November, 1791. A very extraordinary instance of folly stimulated to
+desperation occurred in the beginning of this month among the convicts at
+Rose Hill. Twenty men and a pregnant woman, part of those who had arrived
+in the last fleet, suddenly disappeared with their clothes, working tools,
+bedding, and their provisions, for the ensuing week, which had been just
+issued to them. The first intelligence heard of them, was from some convict
+settlers, who said they had seen them pass, and had enquired whither
+they were bound. To which they had received for answer, "to China." The
+extravagance and infatuation of such an attempt was explained to them by
+the settlers; but neither derision, nor demonstration could avert them from
+pursuing their purpose. It was observed by those who brought in the account
+that they had general idea enough of the point of the compass in which
+China lies from Port Jackson, to keep in a northerly direction.
+
+An officer with a detachment of troops, was sent in pursuit of them; but
+after a harassing march returned without success. In the course of a week
+the greatest part of them were either brought back by different parties who
+had fallen in with them, or were driven in by famine. Upon being questioned
+about the cause of their elopement, those whom hunger had forced back,
+did not hesitate to confess that they had been so grossly deceived as to
+believe that China might easily be reached, being not more than 100 miles
+distant, and separated only by a river. The others, however, ashamed of the
+merriment excited at their expense, said that their reason for running
+away was on account of being overworked and harshly treated, and that they
+preferred a solitary and precarious existence in the woods to a return
+to the misery they were compelled to undergo. One or two of the party
+had certainly perished by the hands of the natives, who had also wounded
+several others.
+
+I trust that no man would feel more reluctant than myself to cast an
+illiberal national reflection, particularly on a people whom I regard in an
+aggregate sense as brethren and fellow-citizens; and among whom, I have the
+honour to number many of the most cordial and endearing intimacies which
+a life passed on service could generate. But it is certain that all these
+people were Irish.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+
+Transactions of the colony until 18th of December 1791, when I quitted it,
+with an Account of its state at that time.
+
+
+The Gorgon had arrived on the 21st of September, and the hour of departure
+to England, for the marine battalion, drew nigh. If I be allowed to speak
+from my own feelings on the occasion, I will not say that we contemplated
+its approach with mingled sensations: we hailed it with rapture and
+exultation.
+
+The 'Supply', ever the harbinger of welcome and glad tidings, proclaimed
+by her own departure, that ours was at hand. On the 26th of November
+she sailed for England. It was impossible to view our separation with
+insensibility: the little ship which had so often agitated our hopes and
+fears, which from long acquaintance we had learned to regard as part of
+ourselves, whose doors of hospitality had been ever thrown open to relieve
+our accumulated wants, and chase our solitary gloom!
+
+In consequence of the offers made to the non-commissioned officers and
+privates of the marine battalion to remain in the country as settlers or to
+enter into the New South Wales corps, three corporals, one drummer and 59
+privates accepted of grants of land, to settle at Norfolk Island and Rose
+Hill. Of these men, several were undoubtedly possessed of sufficient skill
+and industry, by the assistance of the pay which was due to them from the
+date of their embarkation, in the beginning of the year 1787, to the day on
+which they were discharged, to set out with reasonable hopes of being
+able to procure a maintenance. But the only apparent reason to which the
+behaviour of a majority of them could be ascribed was from infatuated
+affection to female convicts, whose characters and habits of life, I am
+sorry to say, promise from a connection neither honour nor tranquillity.
+
+The narrative part of this work will, I conceive, be best brought to a
+termination by a description of the existing state of the colony, as taken
+by myself a few days previous to my embarkation in the Gorgon, to sail for
+England.
+
+December 2nd, 1791. Went up to Rose Hill. Public buildings here have not
+greatly multiplied since my last survey. The storehouse and barrack have
+been long completed; also apartments for the chaplain of the regiment, and
+for the judge-advocate, in which last, criminal courts, when necessary, are
+held; but these are petty erections. In a colony which contains only a few
+hundred hovels built of twigs and mud, we feel consequential enough already
+to talk of a treasury, an admiralty, a public library and many other
+similar edifices, which are to form part of a magnificent square. The great
+road from near the landing place to the governor's house is finished, and a
+very noble one it is, being of great breadth, and a mile long, in a strait
+line. In many places it is carried over gullies of considerable depth,
+which have been filled up with trunks of trees covered with earth. All
+the sawyers, carpenters and blacksmiths will soon be concentred under the
+direction of a very adequate person of the governor's household. This plan
+is already so far advanced as to contain nine covered sawpits, which change
+of weather cannot disturb the operations of, an excellent workshed for the
+carpenters and a large new shop for the blacksmiths. It certainly promises
+to be of great public benefit. A new hospital has been talked of for the
+last two years, but is not yet begun. Two long sheds, built in the form
+of a tent and thatched, are however finished, and capable of holding 200
+patients. The sick list of today contains 382 names. Rose Hill is less
+healthy than it used to be. The prevailing disorder is a dysentery, which
+often terminates fatally. There was lately one very violent putrid fever
+which, by timely removal of the patient, was prevented from spreading.
+Twenty-five men and two children died here in the month of November.
+
+When at the hospital I saw and conversed with some of the 'Chinese
+travellers'; four of them lay here, wounded by the natives. I asked these
+men if they really supposed it possible to reach China. They answered
+that they were certainly made to believe (they knew not how) that at a
+considerable distance to northward existed a large river, which separated
+this country from the back part of China; and that when it should be
+crossed (which was practicable) they would find themselves among a
+copper-coloured people, who would receive and treat them kindly. They
+added, that on the third day of their elopement, one of the party died
+of fatigue; another they saw butchered by the natives who, finding them
+unarmed, attacked them and put them to flight. This happened near Broken
+Bay, which harbour stopped their progress to the northward and forced them
+to turn to the right hand, by which means they soon after found themselves
+on the sea shore, where they wandered about in a destitute condition,
+picking up shellfish to allay hunger. Deeming the farther prosecution of
+their scheme impracticable, several of them agreed to return to Rose Hill,
+which with difficulty they accomplished, arriving almost famished. On their
+road back they met six fresh adventurers sallying forth to join them, to
+whom they related what had passed and persuaded them to relinquish their
+intention. There are at this time not less than thirty-eight convict men
+missing, who live in the woods by day, and at night enter the different
+farms and plunder for subsistence.
+
+December 3rd, 1791. Began my survey of the cultivated land belonging to the
+public. The harvest has commenced. They are reaping both wheat and barley.
+The field between the barrack and the governor's house contains wheat and
+maize, both very bad, but the former particularly so. In passing through
+the main street I was pleased to observe the gardens of the convicts look
+better than I had expected to find them. The vegetables in general are but
+mean, but the stalks of maize, with which they are interspersed, appear
+green and flourishing. The semicircular hill, which sweeps from the
+overseer of the cattle's house to the governor's house, is planted with
+maize, which, I am told, is the best here. It certainly looks in most
+parts very good--stout thick stalks with large spreading leaves--but I am
+surprised to find it so backward. It is at least a month later than that
+in the gardens at Sydney. Behind the maize is a field of wheat, which looks
+tolerably for this part of the world. It will, I reckon, yield about twelve
+bushels an acre. Continued my walk and looked at a little patch of wheat
+in the governor's garden, which was sown in drills, the ground being first
+mixed with a clay which its discoverers pretended was marle. Whatever it
+be, this experiment bespeaks not much in favour of its enriching qualities;
+for the corn looks miserably, and is far exceeded by some neighbouring
+spots on which no such advantage has been bestowed. Went round the
+crescent at the bottom of the garden, which certainly in beauty of form and
+situation is unrivalled in New South Wales. Here are eight thousand vines
+planted, all of which in another season are expected to bear grapes.
+Besides the vines are several small fruit trees, which were brought in
+the Gorgon from the Cape, and look lively; on one of them are half a dozen
+apples as big as nutmegs. Although the soil of the crescent be poor, its
+aspect and circular figure, so advantageous for receiving and retaining the
+rays of the sun, eminently fit it for a vineyard. Passed the rivulet
+and looked at the corn land on its northern side. On the western side of
+Clarke's* house the wheat and maize are bad, but on the eastern side is a
+field supposed to be the best in the colony. I thought it of good height,
+and the ears well filled, but it is far from thick.
+
+[*Dod, who is mentioned in my former journal of this place, had died
+some months ago. And Mr. Clarke, who was put in his room, is one of the
+superintendants, sent out by government, on a salary of forty pounds per
+annum. He was bred to husbandry, under his father at Lewes in Sussex;
+and is, I conceive, competent to his office of principal conductor of the
+agriculture of Rose Hill.]
+
+While I was looking at it, Clarke came up. I told him I thought he would
+reap fifteen or sixteen bushels an acre; he seemed to think seventeen or
+eighteen. I have now inspected all the European corn. A man of so little
+experience of these matters as myself cannot speak with much confidence.
+Perhaps the produce may average ten bushels an acre, or twelve at the
+outside. Allowance should, however, be made in estimating the quality of
+the soil, for the space occupied by roots of trees, for inadequate culture,
+and in some measure to want of rain. Less has fallen than was wished, but
+this spring was by no means so dry as the last. I find that the wheat grown
+at Rose Hill last year weighed fifty-seven pounds and a half per bushel. My
+next visit was to the cattle, which consists of two stallions, six mares,
+and two colts; besides sixteen cows, two cow-calves, and one bull-calf,
+which were brought out by the Gorgon. Two bulls which were on board died
+on the passage, so that on the young gentleman just mentioned depends the
+stocking of the colony.
+
+The period of the inhabitants of New South Wales being supplied with animal
+food of their own raising is too remote for a prudent man to calculate.
+The cattle look in good condition, and I was surprised to hear that neither
+corn nor fodder is given to them. The enclosures in which they are confined
+furnish hardly a blade of grass at present. There are people appointed to
+tend them who have been used to this way of life, and who seem to execute
+it very well.
+
+Sunday, December 4th, 1791. Divine service is now performed here every
+Sunday, either by the chaplain of the settlement or the chaplain of the
+regiment. I went to church today. Several hundred convicts were present,
+the majority of whom I thought looked the most miserable beings in the
+shape of humanity I ever beheld. They appeared to be worn down with
+fatigue.
+
+December, 5th. Made excursions this day to view the public settlements.
+Reached the first, which is about a mile in a north-west direction from the
+governor's house. This settlement contains, by admeasurement, 134 acres,
+a part of which is planted with maize, very backward, but in general
+tolerably good, and beautifully green. Thirteen large huts, built in the
+form of a tent, are erected for the convicts who work here; but I could not
+learn the number of these last, being unable to find a superintendant or
+any person who could give me information. Ponds of water here sufficient to
+supply a thousand persons.
+
+Walked on to the second settlement, about two miles farther, through
+an uncleared country. Here met Daveney, the person who planned and now
+superintends all the operations carried on here. He told me that he
+estimated the quantity of cleared ground here at 300 acres. He certainly
+over-rates it one-third, by the judgment of every other person. Six weeks
+ago this was a forest. It has been cleared, and the wood nearly burnt off
+the ground by 500 men, in the before-mentioned period, or rather in thirty
+days, for only that number have the convicts worked. He said it was too
+late to plant maize, and therefore he should sow turnips, which would help
+to meliorate and prepare it for next year. On examining the soil, I thought
+it in general light, though in some places loamy to the touch. He means to
+try the Rose Hill 'marle' upon it, with which he thinks it will incorporate
+well. I hope it will succeed better than the experiment in the governor's
+garden. I wished to know whether he had chosen this ground simply from the
+conveniency of its situation to Rose Hill, and its easy form for tillage,
+and having water, or from any marks which he had thought indicated good
+soil. He said that what I had mentioned no doubt weighed with him, and that
+he judged the soil to be good, from the limbs of many of the trees growing
+on it being covered with moss.
+
+"Are," said I, "your 500 men still complete?"
+
+"No; this day's muster gave only 460. The rest are either sick and removed
+to the hospital, or are run away in the woods."
+
+"How much is each labourer's daily task?"
+
+"Seven rods. It was eight, but on their representing to the governor that
+it was beyond their strength to execute, he took off one."
+
+Thirteen large huts, similar to those beforementioned, contain all the
+people here. To every hut are appointed two men, as hutkeepers, whose only
+employment is to watch the huts in working hours to prevent them from
+being robbed. This has somewhat checked depredations, and those endless
+complaints of the convicts that they could not work because they had
+nothing to eat, their allowance being stolen. The working hours at this
+season (summer) are from five o'clock in the morning until ten; rest from
+ten to two; return to work at two; and continue till sunset. This surely
+cannot be called very severe toil; but on the other hand must be remembered
+the inadequacy of a ration of salt provisions, with few vegetables, and
+unassisted by any liquor but water.
+
+Here finished my remarks on every thing of a public nature at Rose Hill.
+But having sufficient time, I determined to visit all the private settlers
+to inspect their labours, and learn from them their schemes, their hopes
+and expectations.
+
+In pursuance of my resolution, I crossed the country to Prospect Hill, at
+the bottom of which live the following thirteen convicts, who have accepted
+allotments of ground, and are become settlers.
+
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Men's names.                      |  Trades. | Number of     | Number of acres
+                                  |          | acres in each | in cultivation.
+                                  |          | allotment.    |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+John Silverthorne                   Weaver       40                 1 3/4
+Thomas Martin                         "          40                 1 1/2
+John Nichols                        Gardener     40                 2
+William Butler*, and his wife       Seaman       50 )
+---- Lisk*                          Watchmaker   40 )               4
+William Parish, wife, and a child   Seaman       60                 2 3/4
+William Kilby, and his wife         Husbandman   60                 1 1/4
+Edward Pugh, wife, and two children Carpenter    70                 2 1/2
+Samuel Griffith
+John Herbertt**
+James Castle
+Joseph Marlow***
+John Williams, and his wife
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+[*In partnership.[Butler and Lisk]
+
+[**Not out of his time; but allowed to work here at his leisure hours, as
+he has declared his intention of settling.]
+
+[***In a similar predicament with Herbert.]
+
+The terms on which these allotments have been granted are: that the estates
+shall be fully ceded for ever to all who shall continue to cultivate for
+five years, or more; that they shall be free of all taxes for the first ten
+years; but after that period to pay an annual quit-rent of one shilling.
+The penalty on non-performance of any of these articles is forfeiture of
+the estate, and all the labour which may have been bestowed upon it.
+These people are to receive provisions, (the same quantity as the working
+convicts), clothes, and medicinal assistance, for eighteen months from the
+day on which they settled.
+
+To clear and cultivate the land, a hatchet, a tomahawk, two hoes, a spade
+and a shovel, are given to each person, whether man or woman; and a certain
+number of cross-cut saws among the whole. To stock their farms, two sow
+pigs were promised to each settler, but they almost all say they have not
+yet received any, of which they complain loudly. They all received grain
+to sow and plant for the first year. They settled here in July and August
+last. Most of them were obliged to build their own houses; and wretched
+hovels three-fourths of them are. Should any of them fall sick, the rest
+are bound to assist the sick person two days in a month, provided the
+sickness lasts not longer than two months; four days labour in each year,
+from every person, being all that he is entitled to. To give protection to
+this settlement, a corporal and two soldiers are encamped in the centre of
+the farms, as the natives once attacked the settlers and burnt one of their
+houses. These guards are, however, inevitably at such a distance from
+some of the farms as to be unable to afford them any assistance in case of
+another attack.
+
+With all these people I conversed and inspected their labours. Some I found
+tranquil and determined to persevere, provided encouragement should be
+given. Others were in a state of despondency, and predicted that they
+should starve unless the period of eighteen months during which they are to
+be clothed and fed, should be extended to three years. Their cultivation is
+yet in its infancy, and therefore opinions should not be hastily formed
+of what it may arrive at, with moderate skill and industry. They have
+at present little in the ground besides maize, and that looks not very
+promising. Some small patches of wheat which I saw are miserable indeed.
+The greatest part of the land I think but indifferent, being light and
+stoney. Of the thirteen farms ten are unprovided with water; and at some of
+them they are obliged to fetch this necessary article from the distance
+of a mile and a half. All the settlers complain sadly of being frequently
+robbed by the runaway convicts, who plunder them incessantly.
+
+December 6th. Visited the settlements to the northward of the rivulet. The
+nearest of them lies about a mile due north of Mr. Clarke's house. Here are
+only the undernamed five settlers.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Men's names.                      |  Trades. | Number of     | Number of acres
+                                  |          | acres in each | in cultivation.
+                                  |          | allotment.    |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Thomas Brown*, wife, and child       ---           60 )
+William Bradbury*                    ---           30 )              3 1/2
+William Mold*                        ---           30 )
+Simon Burne, and wife               Hosier         50                3
+----Parr, and wife              Merchant's clerk   50                3 1/2
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+[*These three cultivate in partnership.(Brown, Bradbury, Mold.)]
+
+These settlers are placed on the same footing in every respect which
+concerns their tenure and the assistance to be granted to them as those
+at Prospect Hill. Near them is water. Parr and Burne are men of great
+industry. They have both good houses which they hired people to build for
+them. Parr told me that he had expended thirteen guineas on his land, which
+nevertheless he does not seem pleased with. Of the three poor fellows who
+work in partnership, one (Bradbury) is run away. This man had been
+allowed to settle, on a belief, from his own assurance, that his term of
+transportation was expired; but it was afterwards discovered that he had
+been cast for life. Hereupon he grew desperate, and declared he would
+rather perish at once than remain as a convict. He disappeared a week ago
+and has never since been heard of. Were I compelled to settle in New South
+Wales, I should fix my residence here, both from the appearance of the
+soil, and its proximity to Rose Hill. A corporal and two privates are
+encamped here to guard this settlement, as at Prospect.
+
+Proceeded to the settlement called the Ponds, a name which I suppose it
+derived from several ponds of water which are near the farms. Here reside
+the fourteen following settlers.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Men's names.                      |  Trades. | Number of     | Number of acres
+                                  |          | acres in each | in cultivation.
+                                  |          | allotment.    |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Thomas Kelly                      Servant             30          1 1/2
+William Hubbard, and wife         Plasterer           50          2 1/4
+Curtis Brand, and wife            Carpenter           50          3
+John Ramsay, and wife             Seaman              50          3 1/2
+William Field                     ---                 30          2 1/2
+John Richards*                    Stone-cutter        30 )        4 1/2
+John Summers*                     Husbandman          30 )
+----Varnell                       ---                 30          1
+Anthony Rope**, and wife, and
+two children                      Bricklayer          70          1
+Joseph Bishop, and wife           None                50          1 1/2
+Mathew Everingham, and wife       Attorney's clerk    50          2
+John Anderson, and wife           ---                 50          2
+Edward Elliot***                  Husbandman          30 )        2
+Joseph Marshall***                Weaver              30 )
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[*They (Richards and Summers) cultivate in partnership.] [**A convict
+who means to settle here; and is permitted to work in his leisure hours.]
+[***They (Elliot and Marshall) cultivate in partnership.]
+
+The Prospect Hill terms of settlement extend to this place. My private
+remarks were not many. Some spots which I passed over I thought desirable,
+particularly Ramsay's farm; and he deserves a good spot, for he is a civil,
+sober, industrious man. Besides his corn land, he has a well laid out
+little garden, in which I found him and his wife busily at work. He praised
+her industry to me; and said he did not doubt of succeeding. It is not
+often seen that sailors make good farmers; but this man I think bids fair
+to contradict the observation. The gentleman of no trade (his own words to
+me) will, I apprehend, at the conclusion of the time when victualling from
+the store is to cease, have the honour of returning to drag a timber or
+brick cart for his maintenance. The little maize he has planted is done in
+so slovenly a style as to promise a very poor crop. He who looks forward
+to eat grapes from his own vine, and to sit under the shade of his own
+fig-tree, must labour in every country. He must exert more than ordinary
+activity. The attorney's clerk I also thought out of his province. I dare
+believe that he finds cultivating his own land not half so easy a task
+as he formerly found that of stringing together volumes of tautology
+to encumber, or convey away, that of his neighbour. Hubbard's farm, and
+Kelly's also, deserve regard, from being better managed than most of the
+others. The people here complain sadly of a destructive grub which destroys
+the young plants of maize. Many of the settlers have been obliged to
+plant twice, nay thrice, on the same land, from the depredations of these
+reptiles. There is the same guard here as at the other settlements.
+
+Nothing now remains for inspection but the farms on the river side.
+
+December 7th. Went to Scheffer's farm. I found him at home, conversed with
+him, and walked with him over all his cultivated ground. He had 140 acres
+granted to him, fourteen of which are in cultivation, twelve in maize, one
+in wheat and one in vines and tobacco. He has besides twenty-three acres
+on which the trees are cut down but not burnt off the land. He resigned his
+appointment and began his farm last May, and had at first five convicts to
+assist him; he has now four. All his maize, except three acres, is mean.
+This he thinks may be attributed to three causes: a middling soil; too dry
+a spring; and from the ground not being sufficiently pulverized before the
+seed was put into it. The wheat is thin and poor: he does not reckon its
+produce at more than eight or nine bushels. His vines, 900 in number,
+are flourishing, and will, he supposes, bear fruit next year. His tobacco
+plants are not very luxuriant: to these two last articles he means
+principally to direct his exertions. He says (and truly) that they will
+always be saleable and profitable. On one of the boundaries of his land is
+plenty of water. A very good brick house is nearly completed for his use,
+by the governor; and in the meantime he lives in a very decent one,
+which was built for him on his settling here. He is to be supplied with
+provisions from the public store, and with medical assistance for eighteen
+months, reckoning from last May. At the expiration of this period he is
+bound to support himself and the four convicts are to be withdrawn. But if
+he shall then, or at any future period, declare himself able to maintain a
+moderate number of these people for their labour, they will be assigned to
+him.
+
+Mr. Scheffer is a man of industry and respectable character. He came out to
+this country as superintendant of convicts, at a salary of forty pounds per
+annum, and brought with him a daughter of twelve years old. He is by birth
+a Hessian, and served in America, in a corps of Yaghers, with the rank of
+lieutenant. He never was professionally, in any part of life, a farmer, but
+he told me, that his father owned a small estate on the banks of the Rhine,
+on which he resided, and that he had always been fond of looking at and
+assisting in his labours, particularly in the vineyard. In walking along,
+he more than once shook his head and made some mortifying observations
+on the soil of his present domain, compared with the banks of his native
+stream. He assured me that (exclusive of the sacrifice of his salary) he
+has expended more than forty pounds in advancing his ground to the state in
+which I saw it. Of the probability of success in his undertaking, he spoke
+with moderation and good sense. Sometimes he said he had almost despaired,
+and had often balanced about relinquishing it; but had as often been
+checked by recollecting that hardly any difficulty can arise which vigour
+and perseverance will not overcome. I asked him what was the tenure on
+which he held his estate. He offered to show the written document, saying
+that it was exactly the same as Ruse's. I therefore declined to trouble
+him, and took my leave with wishes for his success and prosperity.
+
+Near Mr. Scheffer's farm is a small patch of land cleared by Lieutenant
+Townson of the New South Wales corps, about two acres of which are in maize
+and wheat, both looking very bad.
+
+Proceeded to the farm of Mr. Arndell, one of the assistant surgeons. This
+gentleman has six acres in cultivation as follows: rather more than four in
+maize, one in wheat, and the remainder in oats and barley. The wheat looks
+tolerably good, rather thin but of a good height, and the ears well filled.
+His farming servant guesses the produce will be twelve bushels,* and I do
+not think he over-rates it. The maize he guesses at thirty bushels, which
+from appearances it may yield, but not more. The oats and barley are not
+contemptible. This ground has been turned up but once The aspect of it is
+nearly south, on a declivity of the river, or arm of the sea, on which Rose
+Hill stands. It was cleared of wood about nine months ago, and sown this
+year for the first time.
+
+[*I have received a letter from Port Jackson, dated in April 1792, which
+states that the crop of wheat turned out fifteen bushels, and the maize
+rather more than forty bushels.]
+
+December 8th. Went this morning to the farm of Christopher Magee, a convict
+settler, nearly opposite to that of Mr. Scheffen. The situation of this
+farm is very eligible, provided the river in floods does not inundate it,
+which I think doubtful. This man was bred to husbandry, and lived eight
+years in America; he has no less than eight acres in cultivation, five
+and a half in maize, one in wheat, and one and a half in tobacco. From
+the wheat he does not expect more than ten bushels, but he is extravagant
+enough to rate the produce of maize at 100 bushels (perhaps he may get
+fifty); on tobacco he means to go largely hereafter. He began to clear this
+ground in April, but did not settle until last July. I asked by what means
+he had been able to accomplish so much? He answered, "By industry, and by
+hiring all the convicts I could get to work in their leisure hours, besides
+some little assistance which the governor has occasionally thrown in." His
+greatest impediment is want of water, being obliged to fetch all he uses
+more than half a mile. He sunk a well, and found water, but it was brackish
+and not fit to drink. If this man shall continue in habits of industry and
+sobriety, I think him sure of succeeding.
+
+Reached Ruse's farm,* and begged to look at his grant, the material part of
+which runs thus: "A lot of thirty acres, to be called Experiment Farm; the
+said lot to be holden, free of all taxes, quit-rents, &c. for ten years,
+provided that the occupier, his heirs or assigns, shall reside within the
+same, and proceed to the improvement thereof; reserving, however, for the
+use of the crown, all timber now growing, or which hereafter shall grow,
+fit for naval purposes. At the expiration of ten years, an annual quit-rent
+of one shilling shall be paid by the occupier in acknowledgment."
+
+[*See the state of this farm in my former Rose Hill journal of November
+1790, thirteen months before.]
+
+Ruse now lives in a comfortable brick house, built for him by the governor.
+He has eleven acres and a half in cultivation, and several more which have
+been cleared by convicts in their leisure hours, on condition of receiving
+the first year's crop. He means to cultivate little besides maize; wheat
+is so much less productive. Of the culture of vineyards and tobacco he is
+ignorant; and, with great good sense, he declared that he would not quit
+the path he knew, for an uncertainty. His livestock consists of four
+breeding sows and thirty fowls. He has been taken from the store (that is,
+has supplied himself with provisions) for some months past; and his wife
+is to be taken off at Christmas, at which time, if he deems himself able to
+maintain a convict labourer, one is to be given to him.
+
+Crossed the river in a boat to Robert Webb's farm. This man was one of
+the seamen of the 'Sirius', and has taken, in conjunction with his brother
+(also a seaman of the same ship) a grant of sixty acres, on the same terms
+as Ruse, save that the annual quit-rent is to commence at the expiration of
+five years, instead of ten. The brother is gone to England to receive the
+wages due to them both for their services, which money is to be expended
+by him in whatever he judges will be most conducive to the success of their
+plan. Webb expects to do well; talks as a man should talk who has just set
+out on a doubtful enterprise which he is bound to pursue. He is sanguine
+in hope, and looks only at the bright side of the prospect. He has received
+great encouragement and assistance from the governor. He has five acres
+cleared and planted with maize, which looks thriving, and promises to yield
+a decent crop. His house and a small one adjoining for pigs and poultry
+were built for him by the governor, who also gave him two sows and seven
+fowls, to which he adds a little stock of his own acquiring.
+
+Near Webb is placed William Read, another seaman of the 'Sirius', on the
+same terms, and to whom equal encouragement has been granted.
+
+My survey of Rose Hill is now closed. I have inspected every piece of
+ground in cultivation here, both public and private, and have written from
+actual examination only.
+
+But before I bade adieu to Rose Hill, in all probability for the last
+time of my life, it struck me that there yet remained one object of
+consideration not to be slighted: Barrington had been in the settlement
+between two and three months, and I had not seen him.
+
+I saw him with curiosity. He is tall, approaching to six feet, slender, and
+his gait and manner, bespeak liveliness and activity. Of that elegance and
+fashion, with which my imagination had decked him (I know not why), I
+could distinguish no trace. Great allowance should, however, be made for
+depression and unavoidable deficiency of dress. His face is thoughtful and
+intelligent; to a strong cast of countenance he adds a penetrating eye, and
+a prominent forehead. His whole demeanour is humble, not servile. Both on
+his passage from England, and since his arrival here, his conduct has been
+irreproachable. He is appointed high-constable of the settlement of Rose
+Hill, a post of some respectability, and certainly one of importance to
+those who live here. His knowledge of men, particularly of that part of
+them into whose morals, manners and behaviour he is ordered especially to
+inspect, eminently fit him for the office.
+
+I cannot quit him without bearing my testimony that his talents promise to
+be directed in future to make reparation to society for the offences he has
+heretofore committed against it.
+
+The number of persons of all descriptions at Rose Hill at this period will
+be seen in the following return.
+
+
+A return of the number of persons at Rose Hill, 3rd of December 1791
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Quality.             |Men.|Women.|                Children
+                     |    |      |  of 10 years  | of 2 years  | under 2 years
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Convicts*             1336   133         0              9             17
+Troops                  94     9         1              5              2
+Civil Department         7     0         0              0              0
+Seamen Settlers          3     0         0              0              0
+Free Persons             0     7         2              1              2
+Total number of
+persons               1440   149         3             15             21
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[*The convicts who are become settlers, are included in this number.]
+
+Of my Sydney journal, I find no part sufficiently interesting to be worth
+extraction. This place had long been considered only as a depot for stores.
+It exhibited nothing but a few old scattered huts and some sterile gardens.
+Cultivation of the ground was abandoned, and all our strength transferred
+to Rose Hill. Sydney, nevertheless, continued to be the place of the
+governor's residence, and consequently the headquarters of the colony. No
+public building of note, except a storehouse, had been erected since my
+last statement. The barracks, so long talked of, so long promised, for the
+accommodation and discipline of the troops, were not even begun when I left
+the country; and instead of a new hospital, the old one was patched up and,
+with the assistance of one brought ready-framed from England, served to
+contain the sick.
+
+The employment of the male convicts here, as at Rose Hill, was the public
+labour. Of the women, the majority were compelled to make shirts, trousers
+and other necessary parts of dress for the men, from materials delivered
+to them from the stores, into which they returned every Saturday night the
+produce of their labour, a stipulated weekly task being assigned to them.
+In a more early stage, government sent out all articles of clothing ready
+made; but, by adopting the present judicious plan, not only a public saving
+is effected, but employment of a suitable nature created for those who
+would otherwise consume leisure in idle pursuits only.
+
+On the 26th of November 1791, the number of persons, of all descriptions,
+at Sydney, was 1259, to which, if 1628 at Rose Hill and 1172 at Norfolk
+Island be added, the total number of persons in New South Wales and its
+dependency will be found to amount to 4059.*
+
+[*A very considerable addition to this number has been made since I quitted
+the settlement, by fresh troops and convicts sent thither from England.]
+
+On the 13th of December 1791, the marine battalion embarked on board His
+Majesty's ship Gorgon, and on the 18th sailed for England.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+
+Miscellaneous Remarks on the country. On its vegetable productions. On its
+climate. On its animal productions. On its natives, etc.
+
+
+The journals contained in the body of this publication, illustrated by the
+map which accompanies it (unfortunately, there is no map accompanying this
+etext), are, I conceive, so descriptive of every part of the country known
+to us, that little remains to be added beyond a few general observations.
+
+The first impression made on a stranger is certainly favourable. He sees
+gently swelling hills connected by vales which possess every beauty that
+verdure of trees, and form, simply considered in itself, can produce; but
+he looks in vain for those murmuring rills and refreshing springs which
+fructify and embellish more happy lands. Nothing like those tributary
+streams which feed rivers in other countries are here seen; for when I
+speak of the stream at Sydney, I mean only the drain of a morass; and the
+river at Rose Hill is a creek of the harbour, which above high water mark
+would not in England be called even a brook. Whence the Hawkesbury, the
+only fresh water river known to exist in the country, derives its supplies,
+would puzzle a transient observer. He sees nothing but torpid unmeaning
+ponds (often stagnant and always still, unless agitated by heavy rains)
+which communicate with it. Doubtless the springs which arise in Carmarthen
+mountains may be said to constitute its source. To cultivate its banks
+within many miles of the bed of the stream (except on some elevated
+detached spots) will be found impracticable, unless some method be devised
+of erecting a mound, sufficient to repel the encroachments of a torrent
+which sometimes rises fifty feet above its ordinary level, inundating the
+surrounding country in every direction.
+
+The country between the Hawkesbury and Rose Hill is that which I have
+hitherto spoken of. When the river is crossed, this prospect soon gives
+place to a very different one. The green vales and moderate hills disappear
+at the distance of about three miles from the river side, and from Knight
+Hill, and Mount Twiss,* the limits which terminate our researches, nothing
+but precipices, wilds and deserts, are to be seen. Even these steeps fail
+to produce streams. The difficulty of penetrating this country, joined to
+the dread of a sudden rise of the Hawkesbury, forbidding all return, has
+hitherto prevented our reaching Carmarthen mountains.
+
+[*Look at the Map. (There is no map accompanying this etext)]
+
+Let the reader now cast his eye on the relative situation of Port Jackson.
+He will see it cut off from communication with the northward by Broken Bay,
+and with the southward by Botany Bay; and what is worse, the whole space
+of intervening country yet explored, (except a narrow strip called the
+Kangaroo Ground) in both directions, is so bad as to preclude cultivation.
+
+The course of the Hawkesbury will next attract his attention. To the
+southward of every part of Botany Bay we have traced this river; but how
+much farther in that line it extends we know not. Hence its channel takes a
+northerly direction, and finishes its course in Broken Bay, running at
+the back of Port Jackson in such a manner as to form the latter into a
+peninsula.
+
+The principal question then remaining is, what is the distance between the
+head of Botany Bay and the part of the Hawkesbury nearest to it? And is the
+intermediate country a good one, or does it lead to one which appearances
+indicate to be good? To future adventurers who shall meet with more
+encouragement to persevere and discover than I and my fellow wanderer[s]
+did, I resign the answer. In the meantime the reader is desired to look
+at the remarks on the map (there is no map accompanying this etext), which
+were made in the beginning of August 1790, from Pyramid Hill, which bounded
+our progress on the southern expedition; when, and when only, this part of
+the country has been seen.
+
+It then follows that from Rose Hill to within such a distance of the
+Hawkesbury as is protected from its inundations, is the only tract of land
+we yet know of, in which cultivation can be carried on for many years
+to come. To aim at forming a computation of the distance of time, of the
+labour and of the expense, which would attend forming distinct convict
+settlements, beyond the bounds I have delineated; or of the difficulty
+which would attend a system of communication between such establishments
+and Port Jackson, is not intended here.
+
+Until that period shall arrive, the progress of cultivation, when it shall
+have once passed Prospect Hill, will probably steal along to the southward,
+in preference to the northward, from the superior nature of the country in
+that direction, as the remarks inserted in the map will testify.
+
+Such is my statement of a plan which I deem inevitably entailed on the
+settlement at Port Jackson. In sketching this outline of it let it not be
+objected that I suppose the reader as well acquainted with the respective
+names and boundaries of the country as long residence and unwearied
+journeying among them, have made the author. To have subjoined perpetual
+explanations would have been tedious and disgusting. Familiarity with the
+relative positions of a country can neither be imparted, or acquired, but
+by constant recurrence to geographic delineations.
+
+On the policy of settling, with convicts only, a country at once so
+remote and extensive, I shall offer no remarks. Whenever I have heard this
+question agitated, since my return to England, the cry of, "What can we do
+with them! Where else can they be sent!" has always silenced me.
+
+Of the soil, opinions have not differed widely. A spot eminently
+fruitful has never been discovered. That there are many spots cursed with
+everlasting and unconquerable sterility no one who has seen the country
+will deny. At the same time I am decidedly of opinion that many large
+tracts of land between Rose Hill and the Hawkesbury, even now, are of a
+nature sufficiently favourable to produce moderate crops of whatever may
+be sown in them. And provided a sufficient number of cattle* be imported to
+afford manure for dressing the ground, no doubt can exist that subsistence
+for a limited number of inhabitants may be drawn from it. To imperfect
+husbandry, and dry seasons, must indubitably be attributed part of the
+deficiency of former years. Hitherto all our endeavours to derive advantage
+from mixing the different soils have proved fruitless, though possibly only
+from want of skill on our side.
+
+[*In my former narrative I have particularly noticed the sudden
+disappearance of the cattle, which we had brought with us into the country.
+Not a trace of them has ever since been observed. Their fate is a riddle,
+so difficult of solution that I shall not attempt it. Surely had they
+strayed inland, in some of our numerous excursions, marks of them must have
+been found. It is equally impossible to believe that either the convicts or
+natives killed and ate them, without some sign of detection ensuing.]
+
+The spontaneous productions of the soil will be soon recounted. Every part
+of the country is a forest: of the quality of the wood take the following
+instance. The 'Supply' wanted wood for a mast, and more than forty of the
+choicest young trees were cut down before as much wood as would make it
+could be procured, the trees being either rotten at the heart or riven by
+the gum which abounds in them. This gum runs not always in a longitudinal
+direction in the body of the tree, but is found in it in circles, like a
+scroll. There is however, a species of light wood which is found excellent
+for boat building, but it is scarce and hardly ever found of large size.
+
+To find limestone many of our researches were directed. But after repeated
+assays with fire and chemical preparations on all the different sorts of
+stone to be picked up, it is still a desideratum. Nor did my experiments
+with a magnet induce me to think that any of the stones I tried contained
+iron. I have, however, heard other people report very differently on this
+head.
+
+The list of esculent vegetables, and wild fruits is too contemptible
+to deserve notice, if the 'sweet tea' whose virtues have been already
+recorded, and the common orchis root be excepted. That species of palm tree
+which produces the mountain cabbage is also found in most of the freshwater
+swamps, within six or seven miles of the coast. But is rarely seen farther
+inland. Even the banks of the Hawkesbury are unprovided with it. The inner
+part of the trunk of this tree was greedily eaten by our hogs, and
+formed their principal support. The grass, as has been remarked in former
+publications, does not overspread the land in a continued sward, but arises
+in small detached tufts, growing every way about three inches apart, the
+intermediate space being bare; though the heads of the grass are often so
+luxuriant as to hide all deficiency on the surface. The rare and beautiful
+flowering shrubs, which abound in every part, deserve the highest
+admiration and panegyric.
+
+Of the vegetable productions transplanted from other climes, maize
+flourishes beyond any other grain. And as it affords a strong and nutritive
+article of food, its propagation will, I think, altogether supersede that
+of wheat and barley.
+
+Horticulture has been attended in some places with tolerable success. At
+Rose Hill I have seen gardens which, without the assistance of manure, have
+continued for a short time to produce well grown vegetables. But at Sydney,
+without constantly dressing the ground, it was in vain to expect them; and
+with it a supply of common vegetables might be procured by diligence in
+all seasons. Vines of every sort seem to flourish. Melons, cucumbers and
+pumpkins run with unbounded luxuriancy, and I am convinced that the grapes
+of New South Wales will, in a few years, equal those of any other country.
+'That their juice will probably hereafter furnish an indispensable article
+of luxury at European tables', has already been predicted in the vehemence
+of speculation. Other fruits are yet in their infancy; but oranges, lemons
+and figs, (of which last indeed I have eaten very good ones) will, I dare
+believe, in a few years become plentiful. Apples and the fruits of colder
+climes also promise to gratify expectation. The banana-tree has been
+introduced from Norfolk Island, where it grows spontaneously.
+
+Nor will this surprise, if the genial influence of the climate be
+considered. Placed in a latitude where the beams of the sun in the
+dreariest season are sufficiently powerful for many hours of the day to
+dispense warmth and nutrition, the progress of vegetation never is at a
+stand. The different temperatures of Rose Hill and Sydney in winter, though
+only twelve miles apart, afford, however, curious matter of speculation.
+Of a well attested instance of ice being seen at the latter place, I never
+heard. At the former place its production is common, and once a few flakes
+of snow fell. The difference can be accounted for only by supposing that
+the woods stop the warm vapours of the sea from reaching Rose Hill, which
+is at the distance of sixteen miles inland; whereas Sydney is but four.*
+Again, the heats of summer are more violent at the former place than at the
+latter, and the variations incomparably quicker. The thermometer has been
+known to alter at Rose Hill, in the course of nine hours, more than 50
+degrees; standing a little before sunrise at 50 degrees, and between one
+and two at more than 100 degrees. To convey an idea of the climate in
+summer, I shall transcribe from my meteorological journal, accounts of two
+particular days which were the hottest we ever suffered under at Sydney.
+
+[*Look at the journal which describes the expedition in search of the
+river, said to exist to the southward of Rose Hill. At the time we felt
+that extraordinary degree of cold were not more than six miles south west
+of Rose Hill, and about nineteen miles from the the sea coast. When I
+mentioned this circumstance to colonel Gordon, at the Cape of Good Hope, he
+wondered at it; and owned, that, in his excursions into the interior parts
+of Africa, he had never experienced anything to match it: he attributed
+its production to large beds of nitre, which he said must exist in the
+neighbourhood.]
+
+December 27th 1790. Wind NNW; it felt like the blast of a heated oven, and
+in proportion as it increased the heat was found to be more intense, the
+sky hazy, the sun gleaming through at intervals.
+
+     At 9 a.m.                  85 degrees
+     At noon                   104
+     Half past twelve          107 1/2
+     From one p.m. until 20
+     minutes past two          108 1/2
+     At 20 minutes past two    109
+     At Sunset                  89
+     At 11 p.m.                 78 1/2
+
+[By a large Thermometer made by Ramsden, and graduated on Fahrenheit's
+scale.]
+
+     December 28th.
+
+     At 8 a.m.                  86
+     10 a.m.                    93
+     11 a.m.                   101
+     At noon                   103 1/2
+     Half an hour past noon    104 1/2
+     At one p.m.               102
+     At 5 p.m.                  73
+     At sunset                  69 1/2
+
+[At a quarter past one, it stood at only 89 degrees, having, from a sudden
+shift of wind, fallen 13 degrees in 15 minutes.]
+
+
+My observations on this extreme heat, succeeded by so rapid a change, were
+that of all animals, man seemed to bear it best. Our dogs, pigs and fowls,
+lay panting in the shade, or were rushing into the water. I remarked that a
+hen belonging to me, which had sat for a fortnight, frequently quitted
+her eggs, and shewed great uneasiness, but never remained from them many
+minutes at one absence; taught by instinct that the wonderful power in the
+animal body of generating cold in air heated beyond a certain degree,
+was best calculated for the production of her young. The gardens suffered
+considerably. All the plants which had not taken deep root were withered by
+the power of the sun. No lasting ill effects, however, arose to the
+human constitution. A temporary sickness at the stomach, accompanied with
+lassitude and headache, attacked many, but they were removed generally in
+twenty-four hours by an emetic, followed by an anodyne. During the time it
+lasted, we invariably found that the house was cooler than the open air,
+and that in proportion as the wind was excluded, was comfort augmented.
+
+But even this heat was judged to be far exceeded in the latter end of the
+following February, when the north-west wind again set in, and blew with
+great violence for three days. At Sydney, it fell short by one degree
+of what I have just recorded: but at Rose Hill, it was allowed, by every
+person, to surpass all that they had before felt, either there or in any
+other part of the world. Unluckily they had no thermometer to ascertain its
+precise height. It must, however, have been intense, from the effects it
+produced. An immense flight of bats driven before the wind, covered all the
+trees around the settlement, whence they every moment dropped dead or in a
+dying state, unable longer to endure the burning state of the atmosphere.
+Nor did the 'perroquettes', though tropical birds, bear it better. The
+ground was strewn with them in the same condition as the bats.
+
+Were I asked the cause of this intolerable heat, I should not hesitate to
+pronounce that it was occasioned by the wind blowing over immense deserts,
+which, I doubt not, exist in a north-west direction from Port Jackson, and
+not from fires kindled by the natives. This remark I feel necessary, as
+there were methods used by some persons in the colony, both for estimating
+the degree of heat and for ascertaining the cause of its production, which
+I deem equally unfair and unphilosophical. The thermometer, whence my
+observations were constantly made, was hung in the open air in a southern
+aspect, never reached by the rays of the sun, at the distance of several
+feet above the ground.
+
+My other remarks on the climate will be short. It is changeable beyond any
+other I ever heard of; but no phenomena sufficiently accurate to reckon
+upon, are found to indicate the approach of alteration. Indeed, for the
+first eighteen months that we lived in the country, changes were supposed
+to take place more commonly at the quartering of the moon than at other
+times. But lunar empire afterwards lost its credit. For the last two years
+and a half of our residing at Port Jackson, its influence was unperceived.
+Three days together seldom passed without a necessity occurring for
+lighting a fire in an evening. A 'habit d'ete', or a 'habit de demi
+saison', would be in the highest degree absurd. Clouds, storms and sunshine
+pass in rapid succession. Of rain, we found in general not a sufficiency,
+but torrents of water sometimes fall. Thunder storms, in summer, are common
+and very tremendous, but they have ceased to alarm, from rarely causing
+mischief. Sometimes they happen in winter. I have often seen large
+hailstones fall. Frequent strong breezes from the westward purge the air.
+These are almost invariably attended with a hard clear sky. The easterly
+winds, by setting in from the sea, bring thick weather and rain, except
+in summer, when they become regular sea-breezes. The 'aurora australis' is
+sometimes seen, but is not distinguished by superior brilliancy.
+
+To sum up: notwithstanding the inconveniences which I have enumerated, I
+will venture to assert in few words, that no climate hitherto known is more
+generally salubrious*, or affords more days on which those pleasures which
+depend on the state of the atmosphere can be enjoyed, than that of New
+South Wales. The winter season is particularly delightful.
+
+[*To this cause, I ascribe the great number of births which happened,
+considering the age and other circumstances, of many of the mothers. Women
+who certainly would never have bred in any other climate here produced as
+fine children as ever were born.]
+
+The leading animal production is well known to be the kangaroo. The natural
+history of this animal will, probably, be written from observations made
+upon it in England, as several living ones of both sexes, have been brought
+home. Until such an account shall appear, probably the following desultory
+observation may prove acceptable.
+
+The genus in which the kangaroo is to be classed I leave to better
+naturalists than myself to determine. How it copulates, those who pretend
+to have seen disagree in their accounts: nor do we know how long the period
+of gestation lasts. Prolific it cannot be termed, bringing forth only one
+at a birth, which the dam carries in her pouch wherever she goes until the
+young one be enabled to provide for itself; and even then, in the moment
+of alarm, she will stop to receive and protect it. We have killed
+she-kangaroos whose pouches contained young ones completely covered with
+fur and of more than fifteen pounds weight, which had ceased to suck and
+afterwards were reared by us. In what space of time it reaches such a
+growth as to be abandoned entirely by the mother, we are ignorant. It is
+born blind, totally bald, the orifice of the ear closed and only just the
+centre of the mouth open, but a black score, denoting what is hereafter to
+form the dimension of the mouth, is marked very distinctly on each side
+of the opening. At its birth, the kangaroo (notwithstanding it weighs when
+full grown 200 pounds) is not so large as a half-grown mouse. I brought
+some with me to England even less, which I took from the pouches of the old
+ones. This phenomenon is so striking and so contrary to the general laws of
+nature, that an opinion has been started that the animal is brought forth
+not by the pudenda, but descends from the belly into the pouch by one of
+the teats, which are there deposited. On this difficulty as I can throw
+no light, I shall hazard no conjecture. It may, however, be necessary
+to observe that the teats are several inches long and capable of great
+dilatation. And here I beg leave to correct an error which crept into my
+former publication wherein I asserted that, "the teats of the kangaroo
+never exceed two in number." They sometimes, though rarely, amount to four.
+There is great reason to believe that they are slow of growth and live many
+years. This animal has a clavicle, or collar-bone, similar to that of the
+human body. The general colour of the kangaroo is very like that of the
+ass, but varieties exist. Its shape and figure are well known by the
+plates which have been given of it. The elegance of the ear is particularly
+deserving of admiration. This far exceeds the ear of the hare in quickness
+of sense and is so flexible as to admit of being turned by the animal
+nearly quite round the head, doubtless for the purpose of informing the
+creature of the approach of its enemies, as it is of a timid nature, and
+poorly furnished with means of defence; though when compelled to resist, it
+tears furiously with its forepaws, and strikes forward very hard with
+its hind legs. Notwithstanding its unfavourable conformation for such a
+purpose, its swims strongly; but never takes to the water unless so hard
+pressed by its pursuers as to be left without all other refuge. The noise
+they make is a faint bleat, querulous, but not easy to describe. They are
+sociable animals and unite in droves, sometimes to the number of fifty
+or sixty together; when they are seen playful and feeding on grass, which
+alone forms their food. At such time they move gently about like all other
+quadrupeds, on all fours; but at the slightest noise they spring up on
+their hind legs and sit erect, listening to what it may proceed from, and
+if it increases they bound off on those legs only, the fore ones at the
+same time being carried close to the breast like the paws of a monkey;
+and the tail stretched out, acts as a rudder on a ship. In drinking, the
+kangaroo laps. It is remarkable that they are never found in a fat state,
+being invariably lean. Of the flesh we always eat with avidity, but in
+Europe it would not be reckoned a delicacy. A rank flavour forms the
+principal objection to it. The tail is accounted the most delicious part,
+when stewed.
+
+Hitherto I have spoken only of the large, or grey kangaroo, to which
+the natives give the name of 'patagaran'.* But there are (besides the
+kangaroo-rat) two other sorts. One of them we called the red kangaroo,
+from the colour of its fur, which is like that of a hare, and sometimes is
+mingled with a large portion of black: the natives call it 'bagaray'. It
+rarely attains to more than forty pounds weight. The third sort is
+very rare, and in the formation of its head resembles the opossum. The
+kangaroo-rat is a small animal, never reaching, at its utmost growth, more
+than fourteen or fifteen pounds, and its usual size is not above seven
+or eight pounds. It joins to the head and bristles of a rat the leading
+distinctions of a kangaroo, by running when pursued on its hind legs only,
+and the female having a pouch. Unlike the kangaroo, who appears to have no
+fixed place of residence, this little animal constructs for itself a
+nest of grass, on the ground, of a circular figure, about ten inches in
+diameter, with a hole on one side for the creature to enter at; the inside
+being lined with a finer sort of grass, very soft and downy. But its manner
+of carrying the materials with which it builds the nest is the greatest
+curiosity: by entwining its tail (which, like that of all the kangaroo
+tribe, is long, flexible and muscular) around whatever it wants to remove,
+and thus dragging along the load behind it. This animal is good to eat; but
+whether it be more prolific at a birth than the kangaroo, I know not.
+
+[*kangaroo was a name unknown to them for any animal, until we introduced
+it. When I showed Colbee the cows brought out in the Gorgon, he asked me if
+they were kangaroos.]
+
+The Indians sometimes kill the kangaroo; but their greatest destroyer is
+the wild dog,* who feeds on them. Immediately on hearing or seeing this
+formidable enemy, the kangaroo flies to the thickest cover, in which, if
+he can involve himself, he generally escapes. In running to the cover, they
+always, if possible, keep in paths of their own forming, to avoid the high
+grass and stumps of trees which might be sticking up among it to wound them
+and impede their course.
+
+[*I once found in the woods the greatest part of a kangaroo just killed by
+the dogs, which afforded to three of us a most welcome repast. Marks of its
+turns and struggles on the ground were very visible. This happened in the
+evening, and the dogs probably had seen us approach and had run away. At
+daylight next morning they saluted us with most dreadful howling for the
+loss of their prey.]
+
+Our methods of killing them were but two; either we shot them, or hunted
+them with greyhounds. We were never able to ensnare them. Those sportsmen
+who relied on the gun seldom met with success, unless they slept near
+covers, into which the kangaroos were wont to retire at night, and watched
+with great caution and vigilance when the game, in the morning, sallied
+forth to feed. They were, however, sometimes stolen in upon in the day-time
+and that fascination of the eye, which has been by some authors so much
+insisted upon, so far acts on the kangaroo that if he fixes his eye upon
+any one, and no other object move at the same time, he will often continue
+motionless, in stupid gaze, while the sportsman advances with measured
+step, towards him, until within reach of his gun. The greyhounds for a long
+time were incapable of taking them; but with a brace of dogs, if not near
+cover a kangaroo almost always falls, since the greyhounds have acquired
+by practice the proper method of fastening upon them. Nevertheless the dogs
+are often miserably torn by them. The rough wiry greyhound suffers least in
+the conflict, and is most prized by the hunters.
+
+Other quadrupeds, besides the wild dog, consist only of the flying
+squirrel, of three kinds of opossums and some minute animals, usually
+marked by the distinction which so peculiarly characterizes the opossum
+tribe. The rats, soon after our landing, became not only numerous but
+formidable, from the destruction they occasioned in the stores. Latterly
+they had almost disappeared, though to account for their absence were not
+easy. The first time Colbee saw a monkey, he called 'wurra' (a rat); but on
+examining its paws he exclaimed with astonishment and affright, 'mulla' (a
+man).
+
+At the head of the birds the cassowary or emu, stands conspicuous. The
+print of it which has already been given to the public is so accurate for
+the most part, that it would be malignant criticism in a work of this kind
+to point out a few trifling defects.
+
+Here again naturalists must look forward to that information which longer
+and more intimate knowledge of the feathered tribe than I can supply, shall
+appear. I have nevertheless had the good fortune to see what was never seen
+but once, in the country I am describing, by Europeans--a hatch, or flock,
+of young cassowaries with the old bird. I counted ten, but others said
+there were twelve. We came suddenly upon them, and they ran up a hill
+exactly like a flock of turkeys, but so fast that we could not get a shot
+at them. The largest cassowary ever killed in the settlement, weighed
+ninety-four pounds. Three young ones, which had been by accident separated
+from the dam, were once taken and presented to the governor. They were not
+larger than so many pullets, although at first sight they appeared to be
+so from the length of their necks and legs. They were very beautifully
+striped, and from their tender state were judged to be not more than three
+or four days old. They lived only a few days.
+
+A single egg, the production of a cassowary, was picked up in a desert
+place, dropped on the sand, without covering or protection of any kind.
+Its form was nearly a perfect ellipsis; and the colour of the shell a dark
+green, full of little indents on its surface. It measured eleven inches and
+a half in circumference, five inches and a quarter in height, and weighed a
+pound and a quarter. Afterwards we had the good fortune to take a nest. It
+was found by a soldier in a sequestered solitary situation, made in a patch
+of lofty fern about three feet in diameter, rather of an oblong shape and
+composed of dry leaves and tops of fern stalks, very inartificially put
+together. The hollow in which lay the eggs, twelve in number, seemed made
+solely by the pressure of the bird. The eggs were regularly placed in the
+following position.
+
+                   O
+               O   O   O
+           O   O   O   O   O
+           O       O       O
+
+The soldier, instead of greedily plundering his prize, communicated the
+discovery to an officer, who immediately set out for the spot. When they
+had arrived there they continued for a long time to search in vain for
+their object, and the soldier was just about to be stigmatized with
+ignorance, credulity or imposture, when suddenly up started the old bird
+and the treasure was found at their feet.
+
+The food of the cassowary is either grass, or a yellow bell-flower growing
+in the swamps. It deserves remark, that the natives deny the cassowary to
+be a bird, because it does not fly.
+
+Of other birds the varieties are very numerous. Of the parrot tribe alone
+I could, while I am writing, count up from memory fourteen different sorts.
+Hawks are very numerous, so are quails. A single snipe has been shot.
+Ducks, geese and other aquatic birds are often seen in large flocks, but
+are universally so shy, that it is found difficult to shoot them. Some
+of the smaller birds are very beautiful, but they are not remarkable for
+either sweetness, or variety of notes. To one of them, not bigger than
+a tomtit, we have given the name of coach-whip, from its note exactly
+resembling the smack of a whip. The country, I am of opinion, would abound
+with birds did not the natives, by perpetually setting fire to the grass
+and bushes, destroy the greater part of the nests; a cause which also
+contributes to render small quadrupeds scarce. They are besides ravenously
+fond of eggs and eat them wherever they find them. They call the roe of a
+fish and a bird's egg by one name.
+
+So much has been said of the abundance in which fish are found in the
+harbours of New South Wales that it looks like detraction to oppose a
+contradiction. Some share of knowledge may, however, be supposed to belong
+to experience. Many a night have I toiled (in the times of distress) on the
+public service, from four o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock next
+morning, hauling the seine in every part of the harbour of Port Jackson:
+and after a circuit of many miles and between twenty and thirty hauls,
+seldom more than a hundred pounds of fish were taken. However, it
+sometimes happens that a glut enters the harbour, and for a few days they
+sufficiently abound. But the universal voice of all professed fishermen
+is that they never fished in a country where success was so precarious and
+uncertain.
+
+I shall not pretend to enumerate the variety of fish which are found. They
+are seen from a whale to a gudgeon. In the intermediate classes may be
+reckoned sharks of a monstrous size, skait, rock-cod, grey-mullet, bream,
+horse-mackarel, now and then a sole and john dory, and innumerable others
+unknown in Europe, many of which are extremely delicious, and many highly
+beautiful. At the top of the list, as an article of food, stands a fish,
+which we named light-horseman. The relish of this excellent fish was
+increased by our natives, who pointed out to us its delicacies. No epicure
+in England could pick a head with more glee and dexterity than they do that
+of a light-horseman.
+
+Reptiles in the swamps and covers are numerous. Of snakes there are two
+or three sorts: but whether the bite of any of them be mortal, or even
+venomous, is somewhat doubtful. I know but of one well attested instance
+of a bite being received from a snake. A soldier was bitten so as to draw
+blood, and the wound healed as a simple incision usually does without
+shewing any symptom of malignity. A dog was reported to be bitten by a
+snake, and the animal swelled and died in great agony. But I will by no
+means affirm that the cause of his death was fairly ascertained. It is,
+however, certain that the natives show, on all occasions, the utmost horror
+of the snake, and will not eat it, although they esteem lizards, goannas,
+and many other reptiles delicious fare. On this occasion they always
+observe that if the snake bites them, they become lame, but whether by this
+they mean temporary or lasting lameness I do not pretend to determine.
+I have often eaten snakes and always found them palatable and nutritive,
+though it was difficult to stew them to a tender state.
+
+Summer here, as in all other countries, brings with it a long list of
+insects. In the neighborhood of rivers and morasses, mosquitoes and
+sandflies are never wanting at any season, but at Sydney they are seldom
+numerous or troublesome. The most nauseous and destructive of all the
+insects is a fly which blows not eggs but large living maggots, and if
+the body of the fly be opened it is found full of them. Of ants there are
+several sorts, one of which bites very severely. The white ant is
+sometimes seen. Spiders are large and numerous. Their webs are not only the
+strongest, but the finest, and most silky I ever felt. I have often thought
+their labour might be turned to advantage. It has, I believe, been proved
+that spiders, were it not for their quarrelsome disposition which irritates
+them to attack and destroy each other, might be employed more profitably
+than silk-worms.
+
+The hardiness of some of the insects deserves to be mentioned. A beetle was
+immersed in proof spirits for four hours, and when taken out crawled away
+almost immediately. It was a second time immersed, and continued in a glass
+of rum for a day and a night, at the expiration of which period it still
+showed symptoms of life. Perhaps, however, what I from ignorance deem
+wonderful is common.
+
+
+*****
+
+
+The last but the most important production yet remains to be considered.
+Whether plodding in London, reeking with human blood in Paris or wandering
+amidst the solitary wilds of New South Wales--Man is ever an object of
+interest, curiosity and reflection.
+
+The natives around Port Jackson are in person rather more diminutive and
+slighter made, especially about the thighs and legs, than the Europeans. It
+is doubtful whether their society contained a person of six feet high. The
+tallest I ever measured, reached five feet eleven inches, and men of his
+height were rarely seen. Baneelon, who towered above the majority of his
+countrymen, stood barely five feet eight inches high. His other principal
+dimensions were as follows:
+
+     Girth of the Chest.              2 feet 10 inches
+     Girth of the Belly.              2 feet 6 1/2 inches
+     Girth of the Thigh.              18 1/8 inches
+     Girth of the Leg at the Calf.    12 1/8 inches
+     Girth of the Leg at the Small.   10 inches
+     Girth of arm half way between
+     the shoulder and elbow.          9 inches
+
+Instances of natural deformity are scarce, nor did we ever see one of them
+left-handed. They are, indeed, nearly ambidexter; but the sword, the spear
+and the fish-gig are always used with the right hand. Their muscular force
+is not great; but the pliancy of their limbs renders them very active.
+"Give to civilized man all his machines, and he is superior to the savage;
+but without these, how inferior is he found on opposition, even more so
+than the savage in the first instance." These are the words of Rousseau,
+and like many more of his positions must be received with limitation. Were
+an unarmed Englishman and an unarmed New Hollander to engage, the latter, I
+think, would fall.
+
+Mr. Cook seems inclined to believe the covering of their heads to be wool.
+But this is erroneous. It is certainly hair, which when regularly combed
+becomes soon nearly as flexible and docile as our own. Their teeth are not
+so white and good as those generally found in Indian nations, except in the
+children, but the inferiority originates in themselves. They bite sticks,
+stones, shells and all other hard substances, indiscriminately with them,
+which quickly destroys the enamel and gives them a jagged and uneven
+appearance. A high forehead, with prominent overhanging eyebrows, is
+their leading characteristic, and when it does not operate to destroy all
+openness of countenance gives an air of resolute dignity to the aspect,
+which recommends, in spite of a true negro nose, thick lips, and a wide
+mouth. The prominent shin bone, so invariably found in the Africans, is
+not, however, seen. But in another particular they are more alike. The
+rank offensive smell which disgusts so much in the negro, prevails strongly
+among them when they are in their native state, but it wears off in those
+who have resided with us and have been taught habits of cleanliness. Their
+hands and feet are small*, especially the former.
+
+[*I mentioned this, among other circumstances, to colonel Gordon when I
+was at the Cape, and he told me that it indicated poverty and inadequacy
+of living. He instanced to me the Hottentots and Caffres. The former fare
+poorly, and have small hands and feet. The Caffres, their neighbours, live
+plenteously and have very large ones. This remark cannot be applied to
+civilized nations, where so many factitious causes operate.]
+
+Their eyes are full, black and piercing, but the almost perpetual strain in
+which the optic nerve is kept, by looking out for prey, renders their sight
+weak at an earlier age than we in general find ours affected. These large
+black eyes are universally shaded by the long thick sweepy eyelash, so much
+prized in appreciating beauty, that, perhaps hardly any face is so homely
+which this aid cannot in some degree render interesting; and hardly any so
+lovely which, without it, bears not some trace of insipidity. Their tone
+of voice is loud, but not harsh. I have in some of them found it very
+pleasing.
+
+Longevity, I think, is seldom attained by them. Unceasing agitation wears
+out the animal frame and is unfriendly to length of days. We have seen them
+grey with age, but not old; perhaps never beyond sixty years. But it may be
+said, the American Indian, in his undebauched state, lives to an advanced
+period. True, but he has his seasons of repose. He reaps his little harvest
+of maize and continues in idleness while it lasts. He kills the roebuck or
+the moose-deer, which maintains him and his family for many days, during
+which cessation the muscles regain their spring and fit him for fresh
+toils. Whereas every sun awakes the native of New South Wales (unless
+a whale be thrown upon the coast) to a renewal of labour, to provide
+subsistence for the present day.
+
+The women are proportionally smaller than the men. I never measured but two
+of them, who were both, I think, about the medium height. One of them, a
+sister of Baneelon, stood exactly five feet two inches high. The other,
+named Gooreedeeana, was shorter by a quarter of an inch.
+
+But I cannot break from Gooreedeeana so abruptly. She belonged to the tribe
+of Cameragal, and rarely came among us. One day, however, she entered my
+house to complain of hunger. She excelled in beauty all their females
+I ever saw. Her age about eighteen, the firmness, the symmetry and the
+luxuriancy of her bosom might have tempted painting to copy its charms.
+Her mouth was small and her teeth, though exposed to all the destructive
+purposes to which they apply them, were white, sound and unbroken. Her
+countenance, though marked by some of the characteristics of her native
+land, was distinguished by a softness and sensibility unequalled in the
+rest of her countrywomen, and I was willing to believe that these traits
+indicated the disposition of her mind. I had never before seen this elegant
+timid female, of whom I had often heard; but the interest I took in her
+led me to question her about her husband and family. She answered me
+by repeating a name which I have now forgotten, and told me she had no
+children. I was seized with a strong propensity to learn whether the
+attractions of Gooreedeeana were sufficiently powerful to secure her from
+the brutal violence with which the women are treated, and as I found my
+question either ill understood or reluctantly answered, I proceeded to
+examine her head, the part on which the husband's vengeance generally
+alights. With grief I found it covered by contusions and mangled by scars.
+The poor creature, grown by this time more confident from perceiving that I
+pitied her, pointed out a wound just above her left knee which she told me
+was received from a spear, thrown at her by a man who had lately dragged
+her by force from her home to gratify his lust. I afterwards observed that
+this wound had caused a slight lameness and that she limped in walking. I
+could only compassionate her wrongs and sympathize in her misfortunes. To
+alleviate her present sense of them, when she took her leave I gave her,
+however, all the bread and salt pork which my little stock afforded.
+
+After this I never saw her but once, when I happened to be near the
+harbour's mouth in a boat, with captain Ball. We met her in a canoe with
+several more of her sex. She was painted for a ball, with broad stripes of
+white earth, from head to foot, so that she no longer looked like the same
+Gooreedeeana. We offered her several presents, all of which she readily
+accepted; but finding our eagerness and solicitude to inspect her, she
+managed her canoe with such address as to elude our too near approach, and
+acted the coquet to admiration.
+
+To return from this digression to my subject, I have only farther to
+observe that the estimation of female beauty among the natives (the men at
+least) is in this country the same as in most others. Were a New Hollander
+to portray his mistress, he would draw her the 'Venus aux belles fesses'.
+Whenever Baneelon described to us his favourite fair, he always painted her
+in this, and another particular, as eminently luxuriant.
+
+Unsatisfied, however, with natural beauty (like the people of all
+other countries) they strive by adscititious embellishments to heighten
+attraction, and often with as little success. Hence the naked savage of New
+South Wales pierces the septum of his nose, through which he runs a
+stick or a bone, and scarifies his body, the charms of which increase
+in proportion to the number and magnitude of seams by which it is
+distinguished. The operation is performed by making two longitudinal
+incisions with a sharpened shell, and afterwards pinching up with the
+nails the intermediate space of skin and flesh, which thereby becomes
+considerably elevated and forms a prominence as thick as a man's finger.
+No doubt but pain must be severely felt until the wound be healed. But the
+love of ornament defies weaker considerations, and no English beau can bear
+more stoutly the extraction of his teeth to make room for a fresh set from
+a chimney sweeper, or a fair one suffer her tender ears to be perforated,
+with more heroism than the grisly nymphs on the banks of Port Jackson,
+submit their sable shoulders to the remorseless lancet.
+
+That these scarifications are intended solely to increase personal
+allurement I will not, however, positively affirm. Similar, perhaps, to the
+cause of an excision of part of the little finger of the left hand in
+the women, and of a front tooth in the men;* or probably after all our
+conjectures, superstitious ceremonies by which they hope either to avert
+evil or to propagate good, are intended. The colours with which they
+besmear the bodies of both sexes possibly date from the same common origin.
+White paint is strictly appropriate to the dance. Red seems to be used on
+numberless occasions, and is considered as a colour of less consequence.
+It may be remarked that they translate the epithet white when they speak of
+us, not by the name which they assign to this white earth, but by that with
+which they distinguish the palms of their hands.
+
+
+[*It is to be observed that neither of these ceremonies is universal, but
+nearly so. Why there should exist exemptions I cannot resolve. The manner
+of executing them is as follows. The finger is taken off by means of a
+ligature (generally a sinew of a kangaroo) tied so tight as to stop the
+circulation of the blood, which induces mortification and the part drops
+off. I remember to have seen Colbee's child, when about a month old, on
+whom this operation had been just performed by her mother. The little
+wretch seemed in pain, and her hand was greatly swelled. But this was
+deemed too trifling a consideration to deserve regard in a case of so much
+importance.
+
+The tooth intended to be taken out is loosened by the gum being scarified
+on both sides with a sharp shell. The end of a stick is then applied to the
+tooth, which is struck gently several times with a stone, until it becomes
+easily moveable, when the 'coup de grace' is given by a smart stroke.
+Notwithstanding these precautions, I have seen a considerable degree of
+swelling and inflammation follow the extraction. Imeerawanyee, I remember,
+suffered severely. But he boasted the firmness and hardihood with which he
+had endured it. It is seldom performed on those who are under sixteen years
+old.]
+
+
+As this leads to an important subject I shall at once discuss it. "Have
+these people any religion: any knowledge of, or belief in a deity?--any
+conception of the immortality of the soul?" are questions which have been
+often put to me since my arrival in England: I shall endeavour to answer
+them with candour and seriousness.
+
+Until belief be enlightened by revelation and chastened by reason,
+religion and superstition, are terms of equal import. One of our earliest
+impressions is the consciousness of a superior power. The various forms
+under which this impression has manifested itself are objects of the most
+curious speculation.
+
+The native of New South Wales believes that particular aspects and
+appearances of the heavenly bodies predict good or evil consequences to
+himself and his friends. He oftentimes calls the sun and moon 'weeree,'
+that is, malignant, pernicious. Should he see the leading fixed stars (many
+of which he can call by name) obscured by vapours, he sometimes disregards
+the omen, and sometimes draws from it the most dreary conclusions. I
+remember Abaroo running into a room where a company was assembled, and
+uttering frightful exclamations of impending mischiefs about to light on
+her and her countrymen. When questioned on the cause of such agitation she
+went to the door and pointed to the skies, saying that whenever the stars
+wore that appearance, misfortunes to the natives always followed. The night
+was cloudy and the air disturbed by meteors. I have heard many more of them
+testify similar apprehensions.
+
+However involved in darkness and disfigured by error such a belief be, no
+one will, I presume, deny that it conveys a direct implication of superior
+agency; of a power independent of and uncontrolled by those who are the
+objects of its vengeance. But proof stops not here. When they hear the
+thunder roll and view the livid glare, they flee them not, but rush out and
+deprecate destruction. They have a dance and a song appropriated to this
+awful occasion, which consist of the wildest and most uncouth noises and
+gestures. Would they act such a ceremony did they not conceive that either
+the thunder itself, or he who directs the thunder, might be propitiated by
+its performance? That a living intellectual principle exists, capable of
+comprehending their petition and of either granting or denying it? They
+never address prayers to bodies which they know to be inanimate, either
+to implore their protection or avert their wrath. When the gum-tree in a
+tempest nods over them; or the rock overhanging the cavern in which they
+sleep threatens by its fall to crush them, they calculate (as far as their
+knowledge extends) on physical principles, like other men, the nearness and
+magnitude of the danger, and flee it accordingly. And yet there is reason
+to believe that from accidents of this nature they suffer more than from
+lightning. Baneelon once showed us a cave, the top of which had fallen in
+and buried under its ruins, seven people who were sleeping under it.
+
+To descend; is not even the ridiculous superstition of Colbee related in
+one of our journies to the Hawkesbury? And again the following instance.
+Abaroo was sick. To cure her, one of her own sex slightly cut her on the
+forehead, in a perpendicular direction with an oyster shell, so as just to
+fetch blood. She then put one end of a string to the wound and, beginning
+to sing, held the other end to her own gums, which she rubbed until they
+bled copiously. This blood she contended was the blood of the patient,
+flowing through the string, and that she would thereby soon recover. Abaroo
+became well, and firmly believed that she owed her cure to the treatment
+she had received. Are not these, I say, links, subordinate ones indeed,
+of the same golden chain? He who believes in magic confesses supernatural
+agency, and a belief of this sort extends farther in many persons than they
+are willing to allow. There have lived men so inconsistent with their own
+principles as to deny the existence of a God, who have nevertheless turned
+pale at the tricks of a mountebank.
+
+But not to multiply arguments on a subject where demonstration (at least to
+me) is incontestable, I shall close by expressing my firm belief that the
+Indians of New South Wales acknowledge the existence of a superintending
+deity. Of their ideas of the origin and duration of his existence; of
+his power and capacity; of his benignity or maleficence; or of their own
+emanation from him, I pretend not to speak. I have often, in common with
+others, tried to gain information from them on this head; but we were
+always repulsed by obstacles which we could neither pass by or surmount.
+Mr. Dawes attempted to teach Abaroo some of our notions of religion, and
+hoped that she would thereby be induced to communicate hers in return.
+But her levity and love of play in a great measure defeated his efforts,
+although every thing he did learn from her served to confirm what is here
+advanced. It may be remarked, that when they attended at church with us
+(which was a common practice) they always preserved profound silence and
+decency, as if conscious that some religious ceremony on our side was
+performing.
+
+The question of, whether they believe in the immortality of the soul
+will take up very little time to answer. They are universally fearful
+of spirits.* They call a spirit 'mawn'. They often scruple to approach a
+corpse, saying that the 'mawn' will seize them and that it fastens upon
+them in the night when asleep.** When asked where their deceased friends
+are they always point to the skies. To believe in after existence is to
+confess the immortality of some part of being. To enquire whether they
+assign a 'limited' period to such future state would be superfluous. This
+is one of the subtleties of speculation which a savage may be supposed
+not to have considered, without impeachment either of his sagacity or
+happiness.
+
+[* "It is remarkable," says Cicero, "that there is no nation, whether
+barbarous or civilized, that does not believe in the existence of
+spirits".]
+
+[**As they often eat to satiety, even to produce sickness, may not this be
+the effect of an overloaded stomach: the nightmare?]
+
+
+
+Their manner of interring the dead has been amply described. It is certain
+that instead of burying they sometimes burn the corpse; but the cause of
+distinction we know not. A dead body, covered by a canoe, at whose side
+a sword and shield were placed in state, was once discovered. All that we
+could learn about this important personage was that he was a 'Gweeagal'
+(one of the tribe of Gweea) and a celebrated warrior.
+
+To appreciate their general powers of mind is difficult. Ignorance,
+prejudice, the force of habit, continually interfere to prevent
+dispassionate judgment. I have heard men so unreasonable as to exclaim at
+the stupidity of these people for not comprehending what a small share
+of reflection would have taught them they ought not to have expected. And
+others again I have heard so sanguine in their admiration as to extol for
+proofs of elevated genius what the commonest abilities were capable of
+executing.
+
+If they be considered as a nation whose general advancement and
+acquisitions are to be weighed, they certainly rank very low, even in the
+scale of savages. They may perhaps dispute the right of precedence with the
+Hottentots or the shivering tribes who inhabit the shores of Magellan.
+But how inferior do they show when compared with the subtle African; the
+patient watchful American; or the elegant timid islander of the South
+Seas. Though suffering from the vicissitudes of their climate, strangers
+to clothing, though feeling the sharpness of hunger and knowing the
+precariousness of supply from that element on whose stores they principally
+depend, ignorant of cultivating the earth--a less enlightened state we
+shall exclaim can hardly exist.
+
+But if from general view we descend to particular inspection, and examine
+individually the persons who compose this community, they will certainly
+rise in estimation. In the narrative part of this work, I have endeavoured
+rather to detail information than to deduce conclusions, leaving to the
+reader the exercise of his own judgment. The behaviour of Arabanoo, of
+Baneelon, of Colbee and many others is copiously described, and assuredly
+he who shall make just allowance for uninstructed nature will hardly accuse
+any of those persons of stupidity or deficiency of apprehension.
+
+To offer my own opinion on the subject, I do not hesitate to declare that
+the natives of New South Wales possess a considerable portion of that
+acumen, or sharpness of intellect, which bespeaks genius. All savages hate
+toil and place happiness in inaction, and neither the arts of civilized
+life can be practised or the advantages of it felt without application and
+labour. Hence they resist knowledge and the adoption of manners and customs
+differing from their own. The progress of reason is not only slow, but
+mechanical. "De toutes les Instructions propres a l'homme, celle qu'il
+acquiert le plus tard, et le plus difficilement, est la raison meme." The
+tranquil indifference and uninquiring eye with which they surveyed our
+works of art have often, in my hearing, been stigmatized as proofs of
+stupidity, and want of reflection. But surely we should discriminate
+between ignorance and defect of understanding. The truth was, they often
+neither comprehended the design nor conceived the utility of such works,
+but on subjects in any degree familiarised to their ideas, they generally
+testified not only acuteness of discernment but a large portion of good
+sense. I have always thought that the distinctions they shewed in their
+estimate of us, on first entering into our society, strongly displayed the
+latter quality: when they were led into our respective houses, at once to
+be astonished and awed by our superiority, their attention was directly
+turned to objects with which they were acquainted. They passed without
+rapture or emotion our numerous artifices and contrivances, but when they
+saw a collection of weapons of war or of the skins of animals and birds,
+they never failed to exclaim, and to confer with each other on the subject.
+The master of that house became the object of their regard, as they
+concluded he must be either a renowned warrior, or an expert hunter. Our
+surgeons grew into their esteem from a like cause. In a very early stage of
+intercourse, several natives were present at the amputation of a leg. When
+they first penetrated the intention of the operator, they were confounded,
+not believing it possible that such an operation could be performed without
+loss of life, and they called aloud to him to desist; but when they saw the
+torrent of blood stopped, the vessels taken up and the stump dressed,
+their horror and alarm yielded to astonishment and admiration, which they
+expressed by the loudest tokens. If these instances bespeak not nature and
+good sense, I have yet to learn the meaning of the terms.
+
+If it be asked why the same intelligent spirit which led them to
+contemplate and applaud the success of the sportsman and the skill of the
+surgeon, did not equally excite them to meditate on the labours of the
+builder and the ploughman, I can only answer that what we see in its remote
+cause is always more feebly felt than that which presents to our immediate
+grasp both its origin and effect.
+
+Their leading good and bad qualities I shall concisely touch upon. Of
+their intrepidity no doubt can exist. Their levity, their fickleness, their
+passionate extravagance of character, cannot be defended. They are indeed
+sudden and quick in quarrel; but if their resentment be easily roused,
+their thirst of revenge is not implacable. Their honesty, when tempted
+by novelty, is not unimpeachable, but in their own society there is good
+reason to believe that few breaches of it occur. It were well if similar
+praise could be given to their veracity: but truth they neither prize nor
+practice. When they wish to deceive they scruple not to utter the grossest
+and most hardened lies.* Their attachment and gratitude to those among us
+whom they have professed to love have always remained inviolable, unless
+effaced by resentment, from sudden provocation: then, like all other
+Indians, the impulse of the moment is alone regarded by them.
+
+[*This may serve to account for the contradictions of many of their
+accounts to us.]
+
+Some of their manufactures display ingenuity, when the rude tools with
+which they work, and their celerity of execution are considered. The
+canoes, fish-gigs, swords, shields, spears, throwing sticks, clubs,
+and hatchets, are made by the men. To the women are committed the
+fishing-lines, hooks and nets. As very ample collections of all these
+articles are to be found in many museums in England, I shall only briefly
+describe the way in which the most remarkable of them are made. The
+fish-gigs and spears are commonly (but not universally) made of the long
+spiral shoot which arises from the top of the yellow gum-tree, and bears
+the flower. The former have several prongs, barbed with the bone of
+kangaroo. The latter are sometimes barbed with the same substance, or with
+the prickle of the sting-ray, or with stone or hardened gum, and sometimes
+simply pointed. Dexterity in throwing and parrying the spear is considered
+as the highest acquirement. The children of both sexes practice from the
+time that they are able to throw a rush; their first essay. It forms their
+constant recreation. They afterwards heave at each other with pointed
+twigs. He who acts on the defensive holds a piece of new soft bark in the
+left hand, to represent a shield, in which he receives the darts of the
+assailant, the points sticking in it. Now commences his turn. He extracts
+the twigs and darts them back at the first thrower, who catches them
+similarly. In warding off the spear they never present their front, but
+always turn their side, their head at the same time just clear of the
+shield, to watch the flight of the weapon; and the body covered. If a spear
+drop from them when thus engaged, they do not stoop to pick it up, but hook
+it between the toes and so lift it until it meet the hand. Thus the eye is
+never diverted from its object, the foe. If they wish to break a spear or
+any wooden substance, they lay it not across the thigh or the body, but
+upon the head, and press down the ends until it snap. Their shields are
+of two sorts. That called 'illemon' is nothing but a piece of bark with
+a handle fixed in the inside of it. The other, dug out of solid wood, is
+called 'aragoon', and is made as follows, with great labour. On the bark
+of a tree they mark the size of the shield, then dig the outline as deep
+as possible in the wood with hatchets, and lastly flake it off as thick as
+they can, by driving in wedges. The sword is a large heavy piece of wood,
+shaped like a sabre, and capable of inflicting a mortal wound. In using
+it they do not strike with the convex side, but with the concave one, and
+strive to hook in their antagonists so as to have them under their blows.
+The fishing-lines are made of the bark of a shrub. The women roll shreds
+of this on the inside of the thigh, so as to twist it together, carefully
+inserting the ends of every fresh piece into the last made. They are not
+as strong as lines of equal size formed of hemp. The fish-hooks are chopped
+with a stone out of a particular shell, and afterwards rubbed until they
+become smooth. They are very much curved, and not barbed. Considering the
+quickness with which they are finished, the excellence of the work, if it
+be inspected, is admirable. In all these manufactures the sole of the foot
+is used both by men and women as a work-board. They chop a piece of wood,
+or aught else upon it, even with an iron tool, without hurting themselves.
+It is indeed nearly as hard as the hoof of an ox.
+
+Their method of procuring fire is this. They take a reed and shave one side
+of the surface flat. In this they make a small incision to reach the pith,
+and introducing a stick, purposely blunted at the end, into it, turn it
+round between the hands (as chocolate is milled) as swiftly as possible,
+until flame be produced. As this operation is not only laborious, but the
+effect tedious, they frequently relieve each other at the exercise. And to
+avoid being often reduced to the necessity of putting it in practice, they
+always, if possible, carry a lighted stick with them, whether in their
+canoes or moving from place to place on land.
+
+Their treatment of wounds must not be omitted. A doctor is, with them, a
+person of importance and esteem, but his province seems rather to
+charm away occult diseases than to act the surgeon's part, which, as a
+subordinate science, is exercised indiscriminately. Their excellent habit
+of body*, the effect of drinking water only, speedily heals wounds without
+an exterior application which with us would take weeks or months to close.
+They are, nevertheless, sadly tormented by a cutaneous eruption, but we
+never found it contagious. After receiving a contusion, if the part
+swell they fasten a ligature very tightly above it, so as to stop all
+circulation. Whether to this application, or to their undebauched habit, it
+be attributable, I know not, but it is certain that a disabled limb among
+them is rarely seen, although violent inflammations from bruises, which in
+us would bring on a gangrene, daily happen. If they get burned, either from
+rolling into the fire when asleep, or from the flame catching the grass
+on which they lie (both of which are common accidents) they cover the part
+with a thin paste of kneaded clay, which excludes the air and adheres to
+the wound until it be cured, and the eschar falls off.
+
+[*Their native hardiness of constitution is great. I saw a woman on the day
+she was brought to bed, carry her new-born infant from Botany Bay to Port
+Jackson, a distance of six miles, and afterwards light a fire and dress
+fish.]
+
+Their form of government, and the detail of domestic life, yet remain
+untold. The former cannot occupy much space. Without distinctions of rank,
+except those which youth and vigour confer, theirs is strictly a system of
+'equality' attended with only one inconvenience--the strong triumph over
+the weak. Whether any laws exist among them for the punishment of offences
+committed against society; or whether the injured party in all cases seeks
+for relief in private revenge, I will not positively affirm; though I am
+strongly inclined to believe that only the latter method prevails. I have
+already said that they are divided into tribes; but what constitutes the
+right of being enrolled in a tribe, or where exclusion begins and ends,
+I am ignorant. The tribe of Cameragal is of all the most numerous and
+powerful. Their superiority probably arose from possessing the best fishing
+ground, and perhaps from their having suffered less from the ravages of the
+smallpox.
+
+In the domestic detail there may be novelty, but variety is unattainable.
+One day must be very like another in the life of a savage. Summoned by
+the calls of hunger and the returning light, he starts from his beloved
+indolence, and snatching up the remaining brand of his fire, hastens with
+his wife to the strand to commence their daily task. In general the canoe
+is assigned to her, into which she puts the fire and pushes off into deep
+water, to fish with hook and line, this being the province of the women.
+If she have a child at the breast, she takes it with her. And thus in her
+skiff, a piece of bark tied at both ends with vines, and the edge of it
+but just above the surface of the water, she pushes out regardless of
+the elements, if they be but commonly agitated. While she paddles to
+the fishing-bank, and while employed there, the child is placed on her
+shoulders, entwining its little legs around her neck and closely grasping
+her hair with its hands. To its first cries she remains insensible, as she
+believes them to arise only from the inconvenience of a situation, to which
+she knows it must be inured. But if its plaints continue, and she supposes
+it to be in want of food, she ceases her fishing and clasps it to her
+breast. An European spectator is struck with horror and astonishment at
+their perilous situation, but accidents seldom happen. The management of
+the canoe alone appears a work of unsurmountable difficulty, its breadth is
+so inadequate to its length. The Indians, aware of its ticklish formation,
+practise from infancy to move in it without risk. Use only could reconcile
+them to the painful position in which they sit in it. They drop in the
+middle of the canoe upon their knees, and resting the buttocks on the
+heels, extend the knees to the sides, against which they press strongly,
+so as to form a poise sufficient to retain the body in its situation, and
+relieve the weight which would otherwise fall wholly upon the toes. Either
+in this position or cautiously moving in the centre of the vessel, the
+mother tends her child, keeps up her fire (which is laid on a small
+patch of earth), paddles her boat, broils fish and provides in part the
+subsistence of the day. Their favourite bait for fish is a cockle.
+
+The husband in the mean time warily moves to some rock, over which he can
+peep into unruffled water to look for fish. For this purpose he always
+chooses a weather shore, and the various windings of the numerous creeks
+and indents always afford one. Silent and watchful, he chews a cockle and
+spits it into the water. Allured by the bait, the fish appear from beneath
+the rock. He prepares his fish-gig, and pointing it downward, moves it
+gently towards the object, always trying to approach it as near as
+possible to the fish before the stroke be given. At last he deems himself
+sufficiently advanced and plunges it at his prey. If he has hit his mark,
+he continues his efforts and endeavours to transpierce it or so to entangle
+the barbs in the flesh as to prevent its escape. When he finds it secure
+he drops the instrument, and the fish, fastened on the prongs, rises to the
+surface, floated by the buoyancy of the staff. Nothing now remains to be
+done but to haul it to him, with either a long stick or another fish-gig
+(for an Indian, if he can help it, never goes into the water on these
+occasions) to disengage it, and to look out for fresh sport.
+
+But sometimes the fish have either deserted the rocks for deeper water, or
+are too shy to suffer approach. He then launches his canoe, and leaving the
+shore behind, watches the rise of prey out of the water, and darts his gig
+at them to the distance of many yards. Large fish he seldom procures by
+this method; but among shoals of mullets, which are either pursued by
+enemies, or leap at objects on the surface, he is often successful.
+Baneelon has been seen to kill more than twenty fish by this method in an
+afternoon. The women sometimes use the gig, and always carry one in each
+canoe to strike large fish which may be hooked and thereby facilitate the
+capture. But generally speaking, this instrument is appropriate to the men,
+who are never seen fishing with the line, and would indeed consider it as a
+degradation of their pre-eminence.
+
+When prevented by tempestuous weather or any other cause, from fishing,
+these people suffer severely. They have then no resource but to pick up
+shellfish, which may happen to cling to the rocks, and be cast on the
+beach, to hunt particular reptiles and small animals, which are scarce,
+to dig fern root in the swamps or to gather a few berries, destitute of
+flavour and nutrition, which the woods afford. To alleviate the sensation
+of hunger, they tie a ligature tightly around the belly, as I have often
+seen our soldiers do from the same cause.
+
+Let us, however, suppose them successful in procuring fish. The wife
+returns to land with her booty, and the husband quitting the rock joins
+his stock to hers; and they repair either to some neighbouring cavern or
+to their hut. This last is composed of pieces of bark, very rudely piled
+together, in shape as like a soldier's tent as any known image to which I
+can compare it: too low to admit the lord of it to stand upright, but
+long and wide enough to admit three or four persons to lie under it.
+"Here shelters himself a being, born with all those powers which education
+expands, and all those sensations which culture refines." With a lighted
+stick brought from the canoe they now kindle a small fire at the mouth of
+the hut and prepare to dress their meal. They begin by throwing the fish
+exactly in the state in which it came from the water, on the fire. When it
+has become a little warmed they take it off, rub away the scales, and then
+peal off with their teeth the surface, which they find done and eat. Now,
+and not before, they gut it; but if the fish be a mullet or any other which
+has a fatty substance about the intestines, they carefully guard that part
+and esteem it a delicacy. The cooking is now completed by the remaining
+part being laid on the fire until it be sufficiently done. A bird, a
+lizard, a rat, or any other animal, they treat in the same manner. The
+feathers of the one and the fur of the other, they thus get rid of.*
+
+[*They broil indiscriminately all substances which they eat. Though they
+boil water in small quantities in oyster shells for particular purposes,
+they never conceived it possible until shown by us, to dress meat by this
+method, having no vessel capable of containing a fish or a bird which would
+stand fire. Two of them once stole twelve pounds of rice and carried it
+off. They knew how we cooked it, and by way of putting it in practice they
+spread the rice on the ground before a fire, and as it grew hot continued
+to throw water on it. Their ingenuity was however very ill rewarded, for
+the rice became so mingled with the dirt and sand on which it was laid,
+that even they could not eat it, and the whole was spoiled.]
+
+Unless summoned away by irresistable necessity, sleep always follows the
+repast. They would gladly prolong it until the following day; but the
+canoe wants repair, the fish-gig must be barbed afresh, new lines must be
+twisted, and new hooks chopped out. They depart to their respective tasks,
+which end only with the light.
+
+Such is the general life of an Indian. But even he has his hours of
+relaxation, in seasons of success, when fish abounds. Wanton with plenty,
+he now meditates an attack upon the chastity of some neighbouring fair one;
+and watching his opportunity he seizes her and drags her away to complete
+his purpose. The signal of war is lighted; her lover, her father, her
+brothers, her tribe, assemble, and vow revenge on the spoiler. He tells
+his story to his tribe. They judge the case to be a common one and agree to
+support him. Battle ensues; they discharge their spears at each other, and
+legs and arms are transpierced. When the spears are expended the combatants
+close and every species of violence is practiced. They seize their
+antagonist and snap like enraged dogs, they wield the sword and club,
+the bone shatters beneath their fall and they drop the prey of unsparing
+vengeance.
+
+Too justly, as my observations teach me has Hobbes defined a state of
+nature to be a state of war. In the method of waging it among these people,
+one thing should not, however, escape notice. Unlike all other Indians,
+they never carry on operations in the night, or seek to destroy by ambush
+and surprise. Their ardent fearless character, seeks fair and open combat
+only.
+
+But enmity has its moments of pause. Then they assemble to sing and dance.
+We always found their songs disagreeable from their monotony. They are
+numerous, and vary both in measure and time. They have songs of war, of
+hunting, of fishing, for the rise and set of the sun, for rain, for thunder
+and for many other occasions. One of these songs, which may be termed
+a speaking pantomime, recites the courtship between the sexes and is
+accompanied with acting highly expressive. I once heard and saw Nanbaree
+and Abaroo perform it. After a few preparatory motions she gently sunk on
+the ground, as if in a fainting fit. Nanbaree applying his mouth to her
+ear, began to whisper in it, and baring her bosom, breathed on it several
+times. At length, the period of the swoon having expired, with returning
+animation she gradually raised herself. She now began to relate what she
+had seen in her vision, mentioning several of her countrymen by name, whom
+we knew to be dead; mixed with other strange incoherent matter, equally new
+and inexplicable, though all tending to one leading point--the sacrifice of
+her charms to her lover.
+
+At their dances I have often been present; but I confess myself unable to
+convey in description an accurate account of them. Like their songs, they
+are conceived to represent the progress of the passions and the occupations
+of life. Full of seeming confusion, yet regular and systematic, their wild
+gesticulations, and frantic distortions of body are calculated rather to
+terrify, than delight, a spectator. These dances consist of short parts,
+or acts, accompanied with frequent vociferations, and a kind of hissing,
+or whizzing noise. They commonly end with a loud rapid shout, and after a
+short respite are renewed. While the dance lasts, one of them (usually
+a person of note and estimation) beats time with a stick on a wooden
+instrument held in the left hand, accompanying the music with his voice;
+and the dancers sometimes sing in concert.
+
+I have already mentioned that white is the colour appropriated to the
+dance, but the style of painting is left to every one's fancy. Some are
+streaked with waving lines from head to foot; others marked by broad
+cross-bars, on the breast, back, and thighs, or encircled with spiral
+lines, or regularly striped like a zebra. Of these ornaments, the face
+never wants its share, and it is hard to conceive any thing in the shape
+of humanity more hideous and terrific than they appear to a stranger--seen,
+perhaps, through the livid gleam of a fire, the eyes surrounded by large
+white circles, in contrast with the black ground, the hair stuck full of
+pieces of bone and in the hand a grasped club, which they occasionally
+brandish with the greatest fierceness and agility. Some dances are
+performed by men only, some by women only, and in others the sexes mingle.
+In one of them I have seen the men drop on their hands and knees and
+kiss the earth with the greatest fervor, between the kisses looking up to
+Heaven. They also frequently throw up their arms, exactly in the manner in
+which the dancers of the Friendly Islands are depicted in one of the plates
+of Mr. Cook's last voyage.
+
+Courtship here, as in other countries, is generally promoted by this
+exercise, where every one tries to recommend himself to attention and
+applause. Dancing not only proves an incentive, but offers an opportunity
+in its intervals. The first advances are made by the men, who strive
+to render themselves agreeable to their favourites by presents of
+fishing-tackle and other articles which they know will prove acceptable.
+Generally speaking, a man has but one wife, but infidelity on the side of
+the husband, with the unmarried girls, is very frequent. For the most part,
+perhaps, they intermarry in their respective tribes. This rule is not,
+however, constantly observed, and there is reason to think that a more
+than ordinary share of courtship and presents, on the part of the man,
+is required in this case. Such difficulty seldom operates to extinguish
+desire, and nothing is more common than for the unsuccessful suitor to
+ravish by force that which he cannot accomplish by entreaty. I do not
+believe that very near connections by blood ever cohabit. We knew of no
+instance of it.
+
+But indeed the women are in all respects treated with savage barbarity
+Condemned not only to carry the children but all other burthens, they meet
+in return for submission only with blows, kicks and every other mark of
+brutality. When an Indian is provoked by a woman, he either spears her
+or knocks her down on the spot. On this occasion he always strikes on the
+head, using indiscriminately a hatchet, a club or any other weapon
+which may chance to be in his hand. The heads of the women are always
+consequently seen in the state which I found that of Gooreedeeana. Colbee,
+who was certainly, in other respects a good tempered merry fellow, made no
+scruple of treating Daringa, who was a gentle creature, thus. Baneelon did
+the same to Barangaroo, but she was a scold and a vixen, and nobody pitied
+her. It must nevertheless be confessed that the women often artfully study
+to irritate and inflame the passions of the men, although sensible that the
+consequence will alight on themselves.
+
+Many a matrimonial scene of this sort have I witnessed. Lady Mary Wortley
+Montague, in her sprightly letters from Turkey, longs for some of the
+advocates for passive obedience and unconditional submission then existing
+in England to be present at the sights exhibited in a despotic government.
+A thousand times, in like manner, have I wished that those European
+philosophers whose closet speculations exalt a state of nature above
+a state of civilization, could survey the phantom which their heated
+imaginations have raised. Possibly they might then learn that a state of
+nature is, of all others, least adapted to promote the happiness of a
+being capable of sublime research and unending ratiocination. That a savage
+roaming for prey amidst his native deserts is a creature deformed by all
+those passions which afflict and degrade our nature, unsoftened by the
+influence of religion, philosophy and legal restriction: and that the more
+men unite their talents, the more closely the bands of society are drawn
+and civilization advanced, inasmuch is human felicity augmented, and man
+fitted for his unalienable station in the universe.
+
+Of the language of New South Wales I once hoped to have subjoined to this
+work such an exposition as should have attracted public notice, and
+have excited public esteem. But the abrupt departure of Mr. Dawes, who,
+stimulated equally by curiosity and philanthropy, had hardly set foot on
+his native country when he again quitted it to encounter new perils in the
+service of the Sierra Leona company, precludes me from executing this part
+of my original intention, in which he had promised to co-operate with
+me; and in which he had advanced his researches beyond the reach of
+competition. The few remarks which I can offer shall be concisely detailed.
+
+We were at first inclined to stigmatised this language as harsh and
+barbarous in its sounds. Their combinations of words in the manner they
+utter them, frequently convey such an effect. But if not only their proper
+names of men and places, but many of their phrases and a majority of their
+words, be simply and unconnectedly considered, they will be found to abound
+with vowels and to produce sounds sometimes mellifluous and sometimes
+sonorous. What ear can object to the names of Colbee, (pronounced exactly
+as Colby is with us) Bereewan, Bondel, Imeerawanyee, Deedora, Wolarawaree,
+or Baneelon, among the men; or to Wereeweea, Gooreedeeana, Milba*, or
+Matilba, among the women. Parramatta, Gweea, Cameera, Cadi, and Memel, are
+names of places. The tribes derive their appellations from the places they
+inhabit. Thus Cemeeragal, means the men who reside in the bay of Cameera;
+Cedigal, those who reside in the bay of Cadi; and so of the others. The
+women of the tribe are denoted by adding 'eean' to any of the foregoing
+words. A Cadigaleean imports a woman living at Cadi, or of the tribe of
+Cadigal. These words, as the reader will observe, are accented either on
+the first syllable or the penultima. In general, however, they are partial
+to the emphasis being laid as near the beginning of the word as possible.
+
+[*Mrs. Johnson, wife of the chaplain of the settlement, was so pleased with
+this name that she christened her little girl, born in Port Jackson, Milba
+Maria Johnson.]
+
+Of compound words they seem fond. Two very striking ones appear in the
+journal to the Hawkesbury. Their translations of our words into their
+language are always apposite, comprehensive, and drawn from images familiar
+to them. A gun, for instance, they call 'gooroobeera', that is, a stick of
+fire. Sometimes also, by a licence of language, they call those who
+carry guns by the same name. But the appellation by which they generally
+distinguished us was that of 'bereewolgal', meaning men come from afar.
+When they salute any one they call him 'dameeli', or namesake, a term which
+not only implies courtesy and good-will, but a certain degree of affection
+in the speaker. An interchange of names with any one is also a symbol of
+friendship. Each person has several names; one of which, there is reason to
+believe, is always derived from the first fish or animal which the child,
+in accompanying its father to the chase or a fishing, may chance to kill.
+
+Not only their combinations, but some of their simple sounds, were
+difficult of pronunciation to mouths purely English. Diphthongs often
+occur. One of the most common is that of 'ae', or perhaps, 'ai', pronounced
+not unlike those letters in the French verb 'hair', to hate. The letter 'y'
+frequently follows 'd' in the same syllable. Thus the word which signifies
+a woman is 'dyin'; although the structure of our language requires us to
+spell it 'deein'.
+
+But if they sometimes put us to difficulty, many of our words were to them
+unutterable. The letters 's' and 'v' they never could pronounce. The latter
+became invariably 'w', and the former mocked all their efforts, which in
+the instance of Baneelon has been noticed; and a more unfortunate defect in
+learning our language could not easily be pointed out.
+
+They use the ellipsis in speaking very freely; always omitting as many
+words as they possibly can, consistent with being understood. They inflect
+both their nouns and verbs regularly; and denote the cases of the former
+and the tenses of the latter, not like the English by auxiliary words, but
+like the Latins by change of termination. Their nouns, whether substantive
+or adjective, seem to admit of no plural. I have heard Mr. Dawes hint his
+belief of their using a dual number, similar to the Greeks, but I confess
+that I never could remark aught to confirm it. The method by which they
+answer a question that they cannot resolve is similar to what we
+sometimes use. Let for example the following question be put: 'Waw Colbee
+yagoono?'--Where is Colbee to-day? 'Waw, baw!'--Where, indeed! would be the
+reply. They use a direct and positive negative, but express the affirmative
+by a nod of the head or an inclination of the body.
+
+Opinions have greatly differed, whether or not their language be copious.
+In one particular it is notoriously defective. They cannot count with
+precision more than four. However as far as ten, by holding up the fingers,
+they can both comprehend others and explain themselves. Beyond four every
+number is called great; and should it happen to be very large, great great,
+which is an Italian idiom also. This occasions their computations of time
+and space to be very confused and incorrect. Of the former they have no
+measure but the visible diurnal motion of the sun or the monthly revolution
+of the moon.
+
+To conclude the history of a people for whom I cannot but feel some share
+of affection. Let those who have been born in more favoured lands and who
+have profited by more enlightened systems, compassionate, but not despise
+their destitute and obscure situation. Children of the same omniscient
+paternal care, let them recollect that by the fortuitous advantage of birth
+alone they possess superiority: that untaught, unaccommodated man is the
+same in Pall Mall as in the wilderness of New South Wales. And ultimately
+let them hope and trust that the progress of reason and the splendor
+of revelation will in their proper and allotted season be permitted to
+illumine and transfuse into these desert regions, knowledge, virtue and
+happiness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+
+Observations on the Convicts.
+
+
+A short account of that class of men for whose disposal and advantage the
+colony was principally, if not totally, founded, seems necessary.
+
+If it be recollected how large a body of these people are now congregated
+in the settlement of Port Jackson and at Norfolk Island, it will, I think,
+not only excite surprise but afford satisfaction, to learn, that in a
+period of four years few crimes of a deep dye or of a hardened nature
+have been perpetrated. Murder and unnatural sins rank not hitherto in the
+catalogue of their enormities, and one suicide only has been committed.
+
+To the honour of the female part of our community let it be recorded that
+only one woman has suffered capital punishment. On her condemnation she
+pleaded pregnancy, and a jury of venerable matrons was impanneled on the
+spot, to examine and pronounce her state, which the forewoman, a grave
+personage between sixty and seventy years old, did, by this short address
+to the court; 'Gentlemen! she is as much with child as I am.' Sentence was
+accordingly passed, and she was executed.
+
+Besides the instance of Irving, two other male convicts, William
+Bloodsworth, of Kingston upon Thames, and John Arscott, of Truro, in
+Cornwall, were both emancipated for their good conduct, in the years
+1790 and 1791. Several men whose terms of transportation had expired, and
+against whom no legal impediment existed to prevent their departure, have
+been permitted to enter in merchant ships wanting hands: and as my Rose
+Hill journals testify, many others have had grants of land assigned to
+them, and are become settlers in the country.
+
+In so numerous a community many persons of perverted genius and of
+mechanical ingenuity could not but be assembled. Let me produce the
+following example. Frazer was an iron manufacturer, bred at Sheffield, of
+whose abilities as a workman we had witnessed many proofs. The governor had
+written to England for a set of locks to be sent out for the security of
+the public stores, which were to be so constructed as to be incapable of
+being picked. On their arrival his excellency sent for Frazer and bade him
+examine them telling him at the same time that they could not be picked.
+Frazer laughed and asked for a crooked nail only, to open them all. A nail
+was brought, and in an instant he verified his assertion. Astonished at his
+dexterity, a gentleman present determined to put it to farther proof. He
+was sent for in a hurry, some days after, to the hospital, where a lock of
+still superior intricacy and expense to the others had been provided.
+He was told that the key was lost and that the lock must be immediately
+picked. He examined it attentively, remarked that it was the production of
+a workman, and demanded ten minutes to make an instrument 'to speak with
+it.' Without carrying the lock with him, he went directly to his shop, and
+at the expiration of his term returned, applied his instrument, and open
+flew the lock. But it was not only in this part of his business that he
+excelled: he executed every branch of it in superior style. Had not his
+villainy been still more notorious than his skill, he would have proved an
+invaluable possession to a new country. He had passed through innumerable
+scenes in life, and had played many parts. When too lazy to work at his
+trade he had turned thief in fifty different shapes, was a receiver of
+stolen goods, a soldier and a travelling conjurer. He once confessed to me
+that he had made a set of tools, for a gang of coiners, every man of whom
+was hanged.
+
+Were the nature of the subject worthy of farther illustration, many similar
+proofs of misapplied talents might be adduced.
+
+Their love of the marvellous has been recorded in an early part of this
+work. The imposture of the gold finder, however prominent and glaring,
+nevertheless contributed to awaken attention and to create merriment.
+He enjoyed the reputation of a discoverer, until experiment detected the
+imposition. But others were less successful to acquire even momentary
+admiration. The execution of forgery seems to demand at least neatness of
+imitation and dexterity of address. On arrival of the first fleet of ships
+from England, several convicts brought out recommendatory letters from
+different friends. Of these some were genuine, and many owed their birth
+to the ingenuity of the bearers. But these last were all such bungling
+performances as to produce only instant detection and succeeding contempt.
+One of them addressed to the governor, with the name of Baron Hotham
+affixed to it, began 'Honored Sir!'
+
+A leading distinction, which marked the convicts on their outset in the
+colony, was an use of what is called the 'flash', or 'kiddy' language. In
+some of our early courts of justice an interpreter was frequently necessary
+to translate the deposition of the witness and the defence of the prisoner.
+This language has many dialects. The sly dexterity of the pickpocket, the
+brutal ferocity of the footpad, the more elevated career of the highwayman
+and the deadly purpose of the midnight ruffian is each strictly appropriate
+in the terms which distinguish and characterize it. I have ever been of
+opinion that an abolition of this unnatural jargon would open the path to
+reformation. And my observations on these people have constantly instructed
+me that indulgence in this infatuating cant is more deeply associated with
+depravity and continuance in vice than is generally supposed. I recollect
+hardly one instance of a return to honest pursuits, and habits of industry,
+where this miserable perversion of our noblest and peculiar faculty was not
+previously conquered.
+
+Those persons to whom the inspection and management of our numerous and
+extensive prisons in England are committed will perform a service to
+society by attending to the foregoing observation. Let us always keep
+in view, that punishment, when not directed to promote reformation, is
+arbitrary, and unauthorised.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+
+Facts relating to the probability of establishing a whale fishery on the
+coast of New South Wales, with Thoughts on the same.
+
+
+In every former part of this publication I have studiously avoided
+mentioning a whale fishery, as the information relating to it will, I
+conceive, be more acceptably received in this form, by those to whom it is
+addressed, than if mingled with other matter.
+
+Previous to entering on this detail, it must be observed that several of
+the last fleet of ships which had arrived from England with convicts, were
+fitted out with implements for whale fishing, and were intended to sail for
+the coast of Brazil to pursue the fishery, immediately on having landed the
+convicts.
+
+On the 14th of October, 1791, the 'Britannia', Captain Melville, one of
+these ships, arrived at Sydney. In her passage between Van Diemen's Land
+and Port Jackson, the master reported that he had seen a large shoal of
+spermaceti whales. His words were, 'I saw more whales at one time around
+my ship than in the whole of six years which I have fished on the coast of
+Brazil.'
+
+This intelligence was no sooner communicated than all the whalers were
+eager to push to sea. Melville himself was among the most early; and on the
+10th of November, returned to Port Jackson, more confident of success than
+before. He assured me that in the fourteen days which he had been out, he
+had seen more spermaced whales than in all his former life. They amounted,
+he said to many thousands, most of them of enormous magnitude; and had he
+not met with bad weather he could have killed as many as he pleased. Seven
+he did kill, but owing to the stormy agitated state of the water, he could
+not get any of them aboard. In one however, which in a momentary interval
+of calm, was killed and secured by a ship in company, he shared. The oil
+and head matter of this fish, he extolled as of an extraordinary fine
+quality. He was of opinion the former would fetch ten pounds per ton more
+in London than that procured on the Brazil coast. He had not gone farther
+south than 37 degrees; and described the latitude of 35 degrees to be the
+place where the whales most abounded, just on the edge of soundings, which
+here extends about fifteen leagues from the shore; though perhaps, on other
+parts of the coast the bank will be found to run hardly so far off.
+
+On the following day (November 11th) the 'Mary Anne', Captain Munro,
+another of the whalers, returned into port, after having been out sixteen
+days. She had gone as far south as 41 degrees but saw not a whale, and had
+met with tremendously bad weather, in which she had shipped a sea that had
+set her boiling coppers afloat and had nearly carried them overboard.
+
+November 22d. The 'William and Anne', Captain Buncker, returned after
+having been more than three weeks out, and putting into Broken Bay. This is
+the ship that had killed the fish in which Melville shared. Buncker had met
+with no farther success, owing, he said, entirely, to gales of wind; for
+he had seen several immense shoals and was of opinion that he should have
+secured fifty tons of oil, had the weather been tolerably moderate. I asked
+him whether he thought the whales he had seen were fish of passage. "No,"
+he answered, "they were going on every point of the compass, and were
+evidently on feeding ground, which I saw no reason to doubt that they
+frequent." Melville afterwards confirmed to me this observation. December
+3rd, the 'Mary Anne' and 'Matilda' again returned. The former had gone to
+the southward, and off Port Jervis had fallen in with two shoals of whales,
+nine of which were killed, but owing to bad weather, part of five only were
+got on board. As much, the master computed, as would yield thirty barrels
+of oil. He said the whales were the least shy of any he had ever seen, "not
+having been cut up". The latter had gone to the northward, and had seen no
+whales but a few fin-backs.
+
+On the 5th of December, both these ships sailed again; and on the 16th and
+17th of the month (just before the author sailed for England) they and the
+'Britannia' and 'William and Anne' returned to Port Jackson without success
+having experienced a continuation of the bad weather and seen very few
+fish. They all said that their intention was to give the coast one more
+trial, and if it miscarried to quit it and steer to the northward in search
+of less tempestuous seas.
+
+The only remark which I have to offer to adventurers on the above subject,
+is not to suffer discouragement by concluding that bad weather only is to
+be found on the coast of New South Wales, where the whales have hitherto
+been seen. Tempests happen sometimes there, as in other seas, but let them
+feel assured that there are in every month of the year many days in which
+the whale fishery may be safely carried on. The evidence of the abundance
+in which spermaceti whales are sometimes seen is incontrovertible: that
+which speaks to their being 'not fish of passage' is at least respectable
+and hitherto uncontradicted. The prospect merits attention--may it
+stimulate to enterprise.
+
+The two discoveries of Port Jervis and Matilda Bay (which are to be found
+in the foregoing sheets) may yet be wanting in the maps of the coast.
+My account of their geographic situation, except possibly in the exact
+longitude of the latter (a point not very material) may be safely depended
+upon. A knowledge of Oyster Bay, discovered and laid down by the 'Mercury'
+store-ship, in the year 1789, would also be desirable. But this I am
+incapable of furnishing.
+
+Here terminates my subject. Content with the humble province of detailing
+facts and connecting events by undisturbed narration, I leave to others
+the task of anticipating glorious, or gloomy, consequences, from
+the establishment of a colony, which unquestionably demands serious
+investigation, ere either its prosecution or abandonment be determined.
+
+But doubtless not only those who planned, but those who have been delegated
+to execute, an enterprise of such magnitude, have deeply revolved, that
+"great national expense does not imply the necessity of national suffering.
+While revenue is employed with success to some valuable end, the profits of
+every adventure being more than sufficient to repay its costs, the public
+should gain, and its resources should continue to multiply. But an expense
+whether sustained at home or abroad; whether a waste of the present, or an
+anticipation of the future, revenue, if it bring no adequate return, is to
+be reckoned among the causes of national ruin."*
+
+[*Ferguson's Essay on the History of Civil Society.]
+
+
+
+A list of the Civil and Military Establishments in New South Wales
+
+Governor and Commander in Chief, His Excellency Arthur Phillip, Esq.
+
+Lieutenant Governor, Robert Ross, Esq.
+
+Judge of the Admiralty Court, Robert Ross, Esq.
+
+Chaplain of the Settlement, the Rev. Richard Johnson.
+
+Judge Advocate of the Settlement, David Collins, Esq.
+
+Secretary to the Governor, David Collins, Esq.
+
+Surveyor General, Augustus Alt, Esq.
+
+Commissary of Stores and Provisions, Andrew Miller, Esq.
+
+Assistant Commissary, Mr. Zechariah Clarke.
+
+Provost Martial, who acts as Sheriff of Cumberland County, Mr. Henry
+Brewer.
+
+Peace Officer, Mr. James Smith.
+
+
+MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT.
+
+His Majesty's Ship 'Sirius', John Hunter, Esq. Commander. Lieutenants,
+Bradley, King, Maxwell.
+
+His Majesty's armed Brig, 'Supply', Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball,
+Commander.
+
+
+FOUR COMPANIES OF MARINES
+
+Major Robert Ross, Commandant.
+
+
+CAPTAINS COMMANDING COMPANIES
+
+James Campbell, John Shea, Captain Lieutenants, James Meredith, Watkin
+Tench.
+
+
+FIRST LIEUTENANTS
+
+George Johnson, John Johnson, John Creswell, James Maltland Shairp, Robert
+Nellow, Thomas Davey, James Furzer, Thomas Timins, John Poulden.
+
+
+SECOND LIEUTENANTS
+
+Ralph Clarke, John Long, William Dawes, William Feddy.
+
+Adjutant, John Long.
+
+Quarter Master, James Furzer.
+
+Aide de Camp to the Governor, George Johnson.
+
+Officer of Engineers and Artillery, William Dawes.
+
+
+HOSPITAL ESTABLISHMENT.
+
+Surgeon General of the Settlement, John White, Esq.
+
+First Assistant, Mr. Dennis Considen.
+
+Second Assistant, Mr. Thomas Arndell.
+
+Third Assistant, Mr. William Balmain.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Complete Account of the Settlement
+at Port Jackson, by Watkin Tench
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