A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay
by
Watkin Tench
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A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay
by Watkin Tench
INTRODUCTION
In offering this little tract to the public, it is equally the writer's wish
to conduce to their amusement and information.
The expedition on which he is engaged has excited much curiosity,
and given birth to many speculations, respecting the consequences to arise
from it. While men continue to think freely, they will judge variously.
Some have been sanguine enough to foresee the most beneficial effects
to the Parent State, from the Colony we are endeavouring to establish;
and some have not been wanting to pronounce the scheme big with folly,
impolicy, and ruin. Which of these predictions will be completed,
I leave to the decision of the public. I cannot, however, dismiss the subject
without expressing a hope, that the candid and liberal of each opinion,
induced by the humane and benevolent intention in which it originated,
will unite in waiting the result of a fair trial to an experiment,
no less new in its design, than difficult in its execution.
As this publication enters the world with the name of the author,
candour will, he trusts, induce its readers to believe, that no consideration
could weigh with him in an endeavour to mislead them. Facts are related
simply as they happened, and when opinions are hazarded, they are such as,
he hopes, patient inquiry, and deliberate decision, will be found
to have authorised. For the most part he has spoken from actual observation;
and in those places where the relations of others have been
unavoidably adopted. he has been careful to search for the truth,
and repress that spirit of exaggeration which is almost ever the effect
of novelty on ignorance.
The nautical part of the work is comprized in as few pages as possible.
By the professional part of my readers this will be deemed judicious;
and the rest will not, I believe, be dissatisfied at its brevity.
I beg leave, however, to say of the astronomical calculations, that they may
be depended on with the greatest degree of security, as they were communicated
by an officer, who was furnished with instruments, and commissioned
by the Board of Longitude, to make observations during the voyage,
and in the southern hemisphere.
An unpractised writer is generally anxious to bespeak public attention,
and to solicit public indulgence. Except on professional subjects,
military men are, perhaps, too fearful of critical censure.
For the present narrative no other apology is attempted, than the intentions
of its author, who has endeavoured not only to satisfy present curiosity,
but to point out to future adventurers, the favourable, as well as adverse
circumstances which will attend their settling here. The candid, it is hoped,
will overlook the inaccuracies of this imperfect sketch, drawn amidst
the complicated duties of the service in which the Author is engaged,
and make due allowance for the want of opportunity of gaining
more extensive information.
Watkin Tench, Capt. of the Marines.
Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, New South Wales, 10 July, 1788.
CHAPTER I
From the Embarkation of the Convicts, to the Departure
of the Ships from England.
The marines and convicts having been previously embarked in the River,
at Portsmouth, and Plymouth, the whole fleet destined for the expedition
rendezvoused at the Mother Bank, on the 16th of March 1787, and remained there
until the 13th of May following. In this period, excepting a slight appearance
of contagion in one of the transports, the ships were universally healthy,
and the prisoners in high spirits. Few complaints or lamentations
were to be heard among them, and an ardent wish for the hour of departure
seemed generally to prevail.
As the reputation, equally with the safety of the officers and soldiers
appointed to guard the convicts, consisted in maintaining due subordination,
an opportunity was taken, immediately on their being embarked,
to convince them, in the most pointed terms, that any attempt on their side,
either to contest the command, or to force their escape, should be punished
with instant death; orders to this effect were given to the centinels
in their presence; happily, however, for all parties, there occurred not any
instance in which there was occasion to have recourse to so desperate
a measure; the behavior of the convicts being in general humble, submissive,
and regular: indeed I should feel myself wanting in justice to those
unfortunate men, were I not to bear this public testimony of the sobriety
and decency of their conduct.
Unpleasant as a state of inactivity and delay for many weeks appeared to us,
it was not without its advantages; for by means of it we were enabled
to establish necessary regulations among the convicts, and to adopt
such a system of defence, as left us little to Apprehend for our own security,
in case a spirit of madness and desperation had hurried them on
to attempt our destruction.
Among many other troublesome parts of duty which the service we were engaged on
required, the inspection of all letters brought to, or sent from the ships,
was not one of the least tiresome and disagreeable. The number and contents
of those in the vessel I was embarked in, frequently surprised me very much;
they varied according to the dispositions of the writers: but their constant
language was, an apprehension of the impracticability of returning home,
the dread of a sickly passage, and the fearful prospect of a distant
and barbarous country. But this apparent despondency proceeded
in few instances from sentiment. With too many it was, doubtless, an artifice
to awaken compassion, and call forth relief; the correspondence
invariably ending in a petition for money and tobacco. Perhaps a want
of the latter, which is considered a great luxury by its admirers
among the lower classes of life, might be the more severely felt,
from their being debarred in all cases whatever, sickness excepted,
the use of spirituous liquors.
It may be thought proper for me to mention, that during our stay
at the Mother Bank, the soldiers and convicts were indiscriminately served
with fresh beef. The former, in addition, had the usual quantity of beer
allowed in the navy, and were at what is called full allowance of all species
of provisions; the latter, at two thirds only.
CHAPTER II.
From the Departure, to the Arrival of the Fleet at Teneriffe.
Governor Phillip having at length reached Portsmouth, and all things
deemed necessary for the expedition being put on board, at daylight
on the morning of the 13th, the signal to weigh anchor was made in the
Commanding Officer's ship the Sirius. Before six o'clock the whole fleet
were under sail; and, the weather being fine and wind easterly, proceeded
through the Needles with a fresh leading breeze. In addition to our
little armament, the Hyena frigate was ordered to accompany us a certain
distance to the westward, by which means our number was increased to
twelve sail: His Majesty's ships 'Sirius', 'Hyena', and 'Supply', three Victuallers
with two years stores and provisions on board for the Settlement,
and six Transports, with troops and convicts. In the transports were embarked
four captains, twelve subalterns, twenty-four serjeants and corporals,
eight drummers, and one hundred and sixty private marines, making the whole
of the military force, including the Major Commandant and Staff on board
the Sirius, to consist of two hundred and twelve persons, of whom
two hundred and ten were volunteers. The number of convicts was
five hundred and sixty-five men, one hundred and ninety-two women,
and eighteen children; the major part of the prisoners were mechanics
and husbandmen, selected on purpose by order of Government.
By ten o'clock we had got clear of the Isle of Wight, at which time,
having very little pleasure in conversing with my own thoughts, I strolled
down among the convicts, to observe their sentiments at this juncture.
A very few excepted, their countenances indicated a high degree
of satisfaction, though in some, the pang of being severed, perhaps for ever,
from their native land, could not be wholly suppressed; in general,
marks of distress were more perceptible among the men than the women;
for I recollect to have seen but one of those affected on the occasion,
"Some natural tears she dropp'd, but wip'd them soon." After this the accent
of sorrow was no longer heard; more genial skies and change of scene
banished repining and discontent, and introduced in their stead cheerfulness
and acquiescence in a lot, now not to be altered.
To add to the good disposition which was beginning to manifest itself,
on the morning of the 20th, in consequence of some favorable representations
made by the officers commanding detachments, they were hailed and told
from the Sirius, that in those cases where they judged it proper,
they were at liberty to release the convicts from the fetters in which
they had been hitherto confined. In complying with these directions,
I had great pleasure in being able to extend this humane order to the whole
of those under my charge, without a single exception. It is hardly necessary
for me to say, that the precaution of ironing the convicts at any time
reached to the men only.
In the evening of the same day, the Hyena left us for England, which afforded
an early opportunity of writing to our friends, and easing their apprehensions
by a communication of the favourable accounts it was in our power to send them.
From this time to the day of our making the land, little occurred
worthy of remark. I cannot, however, help noticing the propriety of employing
the marines on a service which requires activity and exertion at sea,
in preference to other troops. Had a regiment recruited since the war
been sent out, sea-sickness would have incapacitated half the men
from performing the duties immediately and indispensably necessary;
whereas the marines, from being accustomed to serve on board ship,
accommodated themselves with ease to every exigency, and surmounted
every difficulty.
At daybreak, on the morning of the 30th of May we saw the rocks named
the Deserters, which lie off the south-east end of Madeira; and found
the south-east extremity of the most southerly of them, to be in the latitude
of 32 deg 28 min north, longitude 16 deg 17 1/2 min west of Greenwich.
The following day we saw the Salvages, a cluster of rocks which are placed
between the Madeiras and Canary Islands, and determined the latitude
of the middle of the Great Salvage to be 30 deg 12 min north, and the longitude
of its eastern side to be 15 deg 39 min west. It is no less extraordinary
than unpardonable, that in some very modern charts of the Atlantic,
published in London, the Salvages are totally omitted.
We made the island of Teneriffe on the 3d of June, and in the evening
anchored in the road of Santa Cruz, after an excellent passage
of three weeks from the day we left England.
CHAPTER III.
From the Fleet's Arrival at Teneriffe, to its Departure
for Rio de Janeiro, in the Brazils.
There is little to please a traveller at Teneriffe. He has heard wonders
of its celebrated Peak, but he may remain for weeks together at the town
of Santa Cruz without having a glimpse of it, and when its cloud-topped head
emerges, the chance is, that he feels disappointed, for, from the point of view
in which he sees it, the neighbouring mountains lessen its effect
very considerably. Excepting the Peak, the eye receives little pleasure
from the general face of the country, which is sterile and uninviting
to the last degree. The town, however, from its cheerful white appearance,
contrasted with the dreary brownness of the back ground, makes not an
unpleasing coup d'oeil. It is neither irregular in its plan, nor despicable
in its style of building; and the churches and religious houses are numerous,
sumptuous, and highly ornamented.
The morning of our arrival, as many officers as could be spared from
the different ships were introduced to the Marquis de Brancifort,
Governor of the Canary Islands, whose reception was highly flattering
and polite. His Excellency is a Sicilian by birth, and is most deservedly
popular in his government. He prefers residing at Teneriffe,
for the conveniency of frequent communication with Europe, to the Grand Canary,
which is properly the seat of power; and though not long fixed here,
has already found means to establish a manufactory in cotton, silk, and thread,
under excellent regulations, which employs more than sixty persons,
and is of infinite service to the common people. During our short stay
we had every day some fresh proof of his Excellency's esteem and attention,
and had the honour of dining with him, in a style of equal elegance
and splendor. At this entertainment the profusion of ices which appeared
in the desert was surprising, considering that we were enjoying them
under a sun nearly vertical. But it seems the caverns of the Peak,
very far below its summit, afford, at all seasons, ice in abundance.
The restless importunity of the beggars, and the immodesty of the lowest class
of women, are highly disgusting. From the number of his countrymen
to be found, an Englishman is at no loss for society. In the mercantile houses
established here, it is from gentlemen of this description that any information
is derived, for the taciturnity of the Spaniards is not to be overcome
in a short acquaintance, especially by Englishmen, whose reserve
falls little short of their own. The inland country is described as fertile,
and highly romantic; and the environs of the small town of Laguza
mentioned as particularly pleasant. Some of our officers who made an excursion
to it confirmed the account amply.
It should seem that the power of the Church, which has been so long
on the decline in Europe, is at length beginning to be shaken in the colonies
of the Catholic powers: some recent instances which have taken place
at Teneriffe, evince it very fully. Were not a stranger, however,
to be apprized of this, he would hardly draw the conclusion from his own
observations. The Bishop of these islands, which conjunctively form a See,
resides on the Grand Canary. He is represented as a man in years,
and of a character as amiable as exalted, extremely beloved both by foreigners
and those of his own church. The bishopric is valued at ten thousand pounds
per annum; the government at somewhat less than two.
In spite of every precaution, while we lay at anchor in the road, a convict
had the address, one night, to secrete himself on the deck, when the rest
were turned below; and after remaining quiet for some hours, let himself down
over the bow of the ship, and floated to a boat that lay astern, into which
he got, and cutting her adrift, suffered himself to be carried away
by the current, until at a sufficient distance to be out of hearing,
when he rowed off. This elopement was not discovered till some hours after,
when a search being made, and boats sent to the different parts of the island,
he was discovered in a small cove, to which he had fled for refuge.
On being questioned, it appeared he had endeavoured to get himself received
on board a Dutch East Indiaman in the road; but being rejected there,
he resolved on crossing over to the Grand Canary, which is at the distance
of ten leagues, and when detected, was recruiting his strength in order to make
the attempt. At the same time that the boats of the fleet were sent
on this pursuit, information was given to the Spanish Governor
of what had happened, who immediately detached parties every way
in order to apprehend the delinquent.
Having remained a week at Teneriffe, and in that time completed our stock
of water, and taken on board wine, &c. early on the morning of the 10th of June
we weighed anchor, and stood out to sea with a light easterly breeze.
The shortness of our stay, and the consequent hurry, prevented
our increasing much any previous knowledge we might have had of the place.
For the information of those who may follow us on this service, it may not,
however, be amiss to state the little that will be found of use to them.
The markets afford fresh meat, though it is neither plentiful nor good.
Fish is scarce; but poultry may be procured in almost any quantity,
at as cheap a rate as in the English sea-ports. Vegetables do not abound,
except pumpkins and onions, of which I advise all ships to lay in
a large stock. Milch goats are bought for a trifle, and easily procured.
Grapes cannot be scarce in their season; but when we were here, except figs
and excellent mulberries, no fruit was to be procured. Dry wines,
as the merchants term them, are sold from ten to fifteen pounds a pipe;
for the latter price, the very best, called the London Particular,
may be bought: sweet wines are considerably dearer. Brandy is also
a cheap article. I would not advise the voyager to depend on this place
for either his hogs or sheep. And he will do well to supply himself
with dollars before he quits England, to expend in the different ports
he may happen to touch at. Should he, however, have neglected this precaution,
let him remember when he discounts bills, or exchanges English money here,
not to receive his returns in quarter dollars, which will be tendered to him,
but altogether in whole ones, as he will find the latter turn to better account
than the former, both at Rio de Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope.
The latitude of the town of Santa Cruz is 28 deg 27 1/2 min north,
the longitude 16 deg 17 1/2 min west of Greenwich.
CHAPTER IV.
The Passage from Teneriffe to Rio de Janeiro, in the Brazils.
In sailing from Teneriffe to the south-east, the various and picturesque
appearances of the Peak are beautiful to the highest degree. The stupendous
height, which before was lost on the traveller, now strikes him with awe
and admiration, the whole island appearing one vast mountain with
a pyramidal top. As we proceeded with light winds, at an easy rate, we saw it
distinctly for three days after our departure, and should have continued
to see it longer, had not the haziness of the atmosphere interrupted our view.
The good people of Santa Cruz tell some stories of the wonderful extent
of space to be seen from the summit of it, that would not disgrace the memoirs
of the ever-memorable Baron Munchausen.
On the 18th of June we saw the most northerly of the Cape de Verd Islands,
at which time the Commodore gave the fleet to understand, by signal,
that his intention was to touch at some of them. The following day we made
St. Jago, and stood in to gain an anchorage in Port Praya Bay.
But the baffling winds and lee current rendering it a matter of doubt
whether or not the ships would be able to fetch, the signal for anchoring
was hauled down, and the fleet bore up before the wind. In passing along them
we were enabled to ascertain the south end of the Isle of Sal
to be in 16 deg 40 min north latitude, and 23 deg 5 min west longitude.
The south end of Bonavista to be in 15 deg 57 min north, 23 deg 8 min west.
The south end of the Isle of May in 15 deg 11 min north, 23 deg 26 min west;
and the longitude of the fort, in the town of Port Praya,
to be 23 deg 36 1/2 min west of Greenwich.
By this time the weather, from the sun being so far advanced in the
northern tropic, was become intolerably hot, which, joined to the heavy rains
that soon after came on, made us very apprehensive for the health of the fleet.
Contrary, however, to expectation, the number of sick in the ship
I was embarked on was surprisingly small, and the rest of the fleet were
nearly as healthy. Frequent explosions of gunpowder, lighting fires
between decks, and a liberal use of that admirable antiseptic, oil of tar,
were the preventives we made use of against impure air; and above all
things we were careful to keep the men's bedding and wearing apparel dry.
As we advanced towards the Line, the weather grew gradually better
and more pleasant. On the 14th of July we passed the Equator,
at which time the atmosphere was as serene, and the temperature of the air
not hotter than in a bright summer day in England. From this period,
until our arrival on the American coast, the heats, the calms, and the rains
by which we had been so much incommoded, were succeeded by a series of weather
as delightful as it was unlooked for. At three o'clock in the afternoon
of the 2nd of August, the 'Supply', which had been previously sent a-head
on purpose, made the signal for seeing the land, which was visible
to the whole fleet before sunset, and proved to be Cape Frio, in latitude
23 deg 5 min south, longitude 41 deg 40 1/4 min west.
Owing to light airs we did not get a-breast of the city of St. Sebastian,
in the harbour of Rio de Janeiro, until the 7th of the month, when we anchored
about three quarters of a mile from the shore.
CHAPTER V.
From the Arrival of the Fleet at Rio de Janeiro, till its Departure
for the Cape of Good Hope; with some Remarks on the Brazils.
Brazil is a country very imperfectly known in Europe. The Portugueze,
from political motives, have been sparing in their accounts of it.
Whence our descriptions of it, in the geographical publications in England,
are drawn, I know not: that they are miserably erroneous and defective,
is certain.
The city of St. Sebastian stands on the west side of the harbour,
in a low unhealthy situation, surrounded on all sides by hills, which stop
the free circulation of air, and subject its inhabitants to intermittents
and putrid diseases. It is of considerable extent: Mr. Cook makes it as large
as Liverpool; but Liverpool, in 1767, when Mr. Cook wrote, was not two-thirds
of its present size. Perhaps it equals Chester, or Exeter, in the share
of ground it occupies, and is infinitely more populous than either of them.
The streets intersect each other at right angles, are tolerably well built,
and excellently paved, abounding with shops of every kind, in which the wants
of a stranger, if money is not one of them, can hardly remain unsatisfied.
About the centre of the city, and at a little distance from the beach,
the Palace of the Viceroy stands, a long, low building, no wise remarkable
in its exterior appearance; though within are some spacious and handsome
apartments. The churches and convents are numerous, and richly decorated;
hardly a night passes without some of the latter being illuminated in honour
of their patron saints, which has a very brilliant effect when viewed
from the water, and was at first mistaken by us for public rejoicings.
At the corner of almost every street stands a little image of the Virgin,
stuck round with lights in an evening, before which passengers frequently stop
to pray and sing very loudly. Indeed, the height to which religious zeal
is carried in this place, cannot fail of creating astonishment in a stranger.
The greatest part of the inhabitants seem to have no other occupation,
than that of paying visits and going to church, at which times you see them
sally forth richly dressed, en chapeau bras, with the appendages of a bag
for the hair, and a small sword: even boys of six years old are seen
parading about, furnished with these indispensable requisites. Except when
at their devotions, it is not easy to get a sight of the women,
and when obtained, the comparisons drawn by a traveller, lately arrived
from England, are little flattering to Portugueze beauty. In justice,
however, to the ladies of St. Sebastian, I must observe, that the custom
of throwing nosegays at strangers, for the purpose of bringing on
an assignation, which Doctor Solander, and another gentleman
of Mr. Cook's ship, met with when here, was never seen by any of us
in a single instance. We were so deplorably unfortunate as to walk
every evening before their windows and balconies, without being honoured with
a single bouquet, though nymphs and flowers were in equal and great abundance.
Among other public buildings, I had almost forgot to mention an observatory,
which stands near the middle of the town, and is tolerably well furnished
with astronomical instruments. During our stay here, some Spanish
and Portuguese mathematicians were endeavouring to determine the boundaries
of the territories belonging to their respective crowns. Unhappily, however,
for the cause of science, these gentleman have not hitherto been able
to coincide in their accounts, so that very little information on this head,
to be depended upon, could be gained. How far political motives may have
caused this disagreement, I do not presume to decide; though it deserves
notice, that the Portuguese accuse the Abbee de la Caille, who observed here
by order of the King of France, of having laid down the longitude of this place
forty-five miles too much to the eastward.
Until the year 1770, all the flour in the settlement was brought from Europe;
but since that time the inhabitants have made so rapid a progress in raising
grain, as to be able to supply themselves with it abundantly.
The principal corn country lies around Rio Grande, in the latitude of
32 deg south, where wheat flourishes so luxuriantly, as to yield from
seventy to eighty bushels for one. Coffee also, which they formerly received
from Portugal, now grows in such plenty as to enable them to export
considerable quantities of it. But the staple commodity of the country
is sugar. That they have not, however, learnt the art of making palatable rum,
the English troops in New South Wales can bear testimony; a large quantity,
very ill flavoured, having been bought and shipped here for the use of
the garrison of Port Jackson.
It was in 1771 that St. Salvador, which had for more than a century
been the capital of Brazil, ceased to be so; and that the seat of Government
was removed to St. Sebastian. The change took place on account of
the colonial war, at that time carried on by the Courts of Lisbon and Madrid.
And, indeed, were the object of security alone to determine the seat
of Government, I know but few places better situated in that respect
than the one I am describing; the natural strength of the country,
joined to the difficulties which would attend an attack on the fortifications,
being such as to render it very formidable.
It may be presumed that the Portuguese Government is well apprized
of this circumstance and of the little risque they run in being deprived
of so important a possession, else it will not be easy to penetrate
the reasons which induce them to treat the troops who compose the garrison
with such cruel negligence. Their regiments were ordered out with a promise
of being relieved, and sent back to Europe at the end of three years,
in conformity to which they settled all their domestic arrangements.
But the faith of Government has been broken, and at the expiration
of twenty years, all that is left to the remnant of these unfortunate men,
is to suffer in submissive silence. I was one evening walking with
a Portuguese officer, when this subject was started, and on my telling him,
that such a breach of public honour to English troops would become a subject
of parliamentary enquiry, he seized my hand with great eagerness, "Ah, Sir!"
exclaimed he, "yours is a free country--we"!----His emotions spoke
what his tongue refused.
As I am mentioning the army, I cannot help observing, that I saw nothing here
to confirm the remark of Mr. Cook, that the inhabitants of the place,
whenever they meet an officer of the garrison, bow to him with the greatest
obsequiousness; and by omitting such a ceremony, would subject themselves
to be knocked down, though the other seldom deigns to return the compliment.
The interchange of civilities is general between them, and seems
by no means extorted. The people who could submit to such insolent
superiority, would, indeed, deserve to be treated as slaves.
The police of the city is very good. Soldiers patrole the streets frequently,
and riots are seldom heard of. The dreadful custom of stabbing, from motives
of private resentment, is nearly at an end, since the church has ceased
to afford an asylum to murderers. In other respects, the progress
of improvement appears slow, and fettered by obstacles almost insurmountable,
whose baneful influence will continue, until a more enlightened system
of policy shall be adopted. From morning to night the ears of a stranger
are greeted by the tinkling of the convent bells, and his eyes saluted
by processions of devotees, whose adoration and levity seem to keep equal pace,
and succeed each other in turns. "Do you want to make your son sick
of soldiering? Shew him the Trainbands of London on a field-day."
Let him who would wish to give his son a distaste to Popery, point out to him
the sloth, the ignorance, and the bigotry of this place.
Being nearly ready to depart by the 1st of September, as many officers
as possible went on that day to the palace to take leave of his Excellency,
the Viceroy of the Brazils, to whom we had been previously introduced;
who on this, and every other occasion, was pleased to honour us with
the most distinguished marks of regard and attention. Some part, indeed,
of the numerous indulgencies we experienced during our stay here,
must doubtless be attributed to the high respect in which the Portuguese
held Governor Phillip, who was for many years a captain in their navy,
and commanded a ship of war on this station: in consequence of which,
many privileges were extended to us, very unusual to be granted to strangers.
We were allowed the liberty of making short excursions into the country,
and on these occasions, as well as when walking in the city, the mortifying
custom of having an officer of the garrison attending us was dispensed with
on our leaving our names and ranks, at the time of landing, with the adjutant
of orders at the palace. It happened, however, sometimes, that the presence
of a military man was necessary to prevent imposition in the shopkeepers,
who frequently made a practice of asking more for their goods than
the worth of them. In which case an officer, when applied to, always told us
the usual price of the commodity with the greatest readiness, and adjusted
the terms of the purchase.
On the morning of the fourth of September we left Rio de Janeiro,
amply furnished with the good things which its happy soil and clime
so abundantly produce. The future voyager may with security depend on
this place for laying in many parts of his stock. Among these may be
enumerated sugar, coffee, rum, port wine, rice, tapioca, and tobacco,
besides very beautiful wood for the purposes of household furniture.
Poultry is not remarkably cheap, but may be procured in any quantity;
as may hops at a low rate. The markets are well supplied with butcher's meat,
and vegetables of every sort are to be procured at a price next to nothing;
the yams are particularly excellent. Oranges abound so much, as to be sold
for sixpence a hundred; and limes are to be had on terms equally moderate.
Bananas, cocoa nuts, and guavas, are common; but the few pineapples
brought to market are not remarkable either for flavour, or cheapness.
Besides the inducements to lay out money already mentioned, the naturalist
may add to his collection by an almost endless variety of beautiful birds
and curious insects, which are to be bought at a reasonable price,
well preserved, and neatly assorted.
I shall close my account of this place by informing strangers,
who may come here, that the Portuguese reckon their money in rees,
an imaginary coin, twenty of which make a small copper piece called a 'vintin',
and sixteen of these last a 'petack'. Every piece is marked with the number
of rees it is worth, so that a mistake can hardly happen. English silver coin
has lost its reputation here, and dollars will be found preferable
to any other money.
CHAPTER VI.
The Passage from the Brazils to the Cape of Good Hope;
with an Account of the Transactions of the Fleet there.
Our passage from Rio de Janeiro to the Cape of Good Hope was equally prosperous
with that which had preceded it. We steered away to the south-east,
and lost sight of the American coast the day after our departure.
From this time until the 13th of October, when we made the Cape, nothing
remarkable occurred, except the loss of a convict in the ship I was on board,
who unfortunately fell into the sea, and perished in spite of our efforts
to save him, by cutting adrift a life buoy and hoisting out a boat.
During the passage, a slight dysentery prevailed in some of the ships,
but was in no instance mortal. We were at first inclined to impute it
to the water we took on board at the Brazils, but as the effect was
very partial, some other cause was more probably the occasion of it.
At seven o'clock in the evening of the 13th of October, we cast anchor
in Table Bay, and found many ships of different nations in the harbour.
Little can be added to the many accounts already published of
the Cape of Good Hope, though, if an opinion on the subject might be risqued,
the descriptions they contain are too flattering. When contrasted with
Rio de Janeiro, it certainly suffers in the comparison. Indeed we arrived
at a time equally unfavourable for judging of the produce of the soil
and the temper of its cultivators, who had suffered considerably from a dearth
that had happened the preceding season, and created a general scarcity.
Nor was the chagrin of these deprivations lessened by the news daily arriving
of the convulsions that shook the republic, which could not fail to make
an impression even on Batavian phlegm.
As a considerable quantity of flour, and the principal part of the live stock,
which was to store our intended settlement, were meant to be procured here,
Governor Phillip lost no time in waiting on Mynheer Van Graaffe,
the Dutch Governor, to request permission (according to the custom
of the place) to purchase all that we stood in need of. How far the demand
extended, I know not, nor Mynheer Van Graaffe's reasons for complying with it
in part only. To this gentleman's political sentiments I confess myself
a stranger; though I should do his politeness and liberality at his own table
an injustice, were I not to take this public opportunity of acknowledging them;
nor can I resist the opportunity which presents itself, to inform my readers,
in honor of M. Van Graaffe's humanity, that he has made repeated efforts
to recover the unfortunate remains of the crew of the Grosvenor Indiaman,
which was wrecked about five years ago on the coast of Caffraria.
This information was given me by Colonel Gordon, commandant of the Dutch
troops at the Cape, whose knowledge of the interior parts of this country
surpasses that of any other man. And I am sorry to say that the Colonel added,
these unhappy people were irrecoverably lost to the world and their friends,
by being detained among the Caffres, the most savage set of brutes on earth.
His Excellency resides at the Government house, in the East India Company's
garden. This last is of considerable extent, and is planted chiefly
with vegetables for the Dutch Indiamen which may happen to touch at the port.
Some of the walks are extremely pleasant from the shade they afford,
and the whole garden is very neatly kept. The regular lines intersecting
each other at right angles, in which it is laid out, will, nevertheless,
afford but little gratification to an Englishman, who has been used to
contemplate the natural style which distinguishes the pleasure grounds
of his own country. At the head of the centre walks stands a menagerie,
on which, as well as the garden, many pompous eulogiums have been passed,
though in my own judgment, considering the local advantages possessed
by the Company, it is poorly furnished both with animals and birds; a tyger,
a zebra, some fine ostriches, a cassowary, and the lovely crown-fowl,
are among the most remarkable.
The table land, which stands at the back of the town, is a black dreary looking
mountain, apparently flat at top, and of more than eleven hundred yards
in height. The gusts of wind which blow from it are violent to an excess, and
have a very unpleasant effect, by raising the dust in such clouds, as to render
stirring out of doors next to impossible. Nor can any precaution prevent
the inhabitants from being annoyed by it, as much within doors as without.
At length the wished-for day, on which the next effort for reaching the place
of our destination was to be made, appeared. The morning was calm,
but the land wind getting up about noon, on the 12th of November we
weighed anchor, and soon left far behind every scene of civilization
and humanized manners, to explore a remote and barbarous land; and plant in it
those happy arts, which alone constitute the pre-eminence and dignity
of other countries.
The live animals we took on board on the public account from the Cape,
for stocking our projected colony, were, two bulls, three cows, three horses,
forty-four sheep, and thirty-two hogs, besides goats, and a very large quantity
of poultry of every kind. A considerable addition to this was made by
the private stocks of the officers, who were, however, under a necessity
of circumscribing their original intentions on this head very much,
from the excessive dearness of many of the articles. It will readily
be believed, that few of the military found it convenient to purchase sheep,
when hay to feed them costs sixteen shillings a hundred weight.
The boarding-houses on shore, to which strangers have recourse,
are more reasonable than might be expected. For a dollar and a half per day
we were well lodged, and partook of a table tolerably supplied in the
French style. Should a traveller's stock of tea run short, it is a thousand
chances to one that he will be able to replenish it here at a cheaper rate
than in England. He may procure plenty of arrack and white wine; also raisins,
and dried fruits of other sorts. If he dislikes to live at a boarding-house,
he will find the markets well stored, and the price of butcher's meat
and vegetables far from excessive.
Just before the signal for weighing was made, a ship, under American colours,
entered the road, bound from Boston, from whence she had sailed
one hundred and forty days, on a trading voyage to the East Indies.
In her route, she had been lucky enough to pick up several of the inferior
officers and crew of the Harcourt East-Indiaman, which ship had been wrecked
on one of the Cape de Verd Islands. The master, who appeared to be a man
of some information, on being told the destination of our fleet, gave it
as his opinion, that if a reception could be secured, emigrations
would take place to New South Wales, not only from the old continent,
but the new one, where the spirit of adventure and thirst for novelty
were excessive.
CHAPTER VII.
The Passage from the Cape of Good Hope to Botany Bay.
We had hardly cleared the land when a south-east wind set in, and, except
at short intervals, continued to blow until the 19th of the month;
when we were in the latitude of 37 deg 40 min south, and by the time-keeper,
in longitude 11 deg 30 min east, so that our distance from Botany Bay
had increased nearly an hundred leagues since leaving the Cape.
As no appearance of a change in our favour seemed likely to take place,
Governor Phillip at this time signified his intention of shifting his pennant
from the Sirius to the 'Supply', and proceeding on his voyage without waiting
for the rest of the fleet, which was formed in two divisions. The first
consisting of three transports, known to be the best sailors, was put under
the command of a Lieutenant of the navy; and the remaining three,
with the victuallers, left in charge of Captain Hunter, of his Majesty's ship
Sirius. In the last division was the vessel, in which the author
of this narrative served. Various causes prevented the separation from
taking place until the 25th, when several sawyers, carpenters, blacksmiths,
and other mechanics, were shifted from different ships into the 'Supply',
in order to facilitate his Excellency's intention of forwarding the necessary
buildings to be erected at Botany Bay, by the time the rest of the fleet
might be expected to arrive. Lieutenant Governor Ross, and the Staff
of the marine battalion, also removed from the Sirius into the
Scarborough transport, one of the ships of the first division, in order
to afford every assistance which the public service might receive,
by their being early on the spot on which our future operations
were to be conducted.
From this time a succession of fair winds and pleasant weather corresponded
to our eager desires, and on the 7th of January, 1788, the long wished for
shore of Van Diemen gratified our sight. We made the land at two o'clock
in the afternoon, the very hour we expected to see it from the
lunar observations of Captain Hunter, whose accuracy, as an astronomer,
and conduct as an officer, had inspired us with equal gratitude and admiration.
After so long a confinement, on a service so peculiarly disgusting
and troublesome, it cannot be matter of surprise that we were overjoyed
at the near prospect of a change of scene. By sunset we had passed between
the rocks, which Captain Furneaux named the Mewstone and Swilly.
The former bears a very close resemblance to the little island near Plymouth,
whence it took its name: its latitude is 43 deg 48 min south, longitude
146 deg 25 min east of Greenwich.
In running along shore, we cast many an anxious eye towards the land,
on which so much of our future destiny depended. Our distance, joined to
the haziness of the atmosphere, prevented us, however, from being able
to discover much. With our best glasses we could see nothing but hills
of a moderate height, cloathed with trees, to which some little patches
of white sandstone gave the appearance of being covered with snow.
Many fires were observed on the hills in the evening.
As no person in the ship I was on board had been on this coast before,
we consulted a little chart, published by Steele, of the Minories, London,
and found it, in general, very correct; it would be more so, were not
the Mewstone laid down at too great a distance from the land, and one object
made of the Eddystone and Swilly, when, in fact, they are distinct.
Between the two last is an entire bed of impassable rocks, many of them
above water. The latitude of the Eddystone is 43 deg 53 1/2 min,
longitude 147 deg 9 min; that of Swilly 43 deg 54 min south, longitude
147 deg 3 min east of Greenwich.
In the night the westerly wind, which had so long befriended us, died away,
and was succeeded by one from the north-east. When day appeared we had
lost sight of the land, and did not regain it until the 19th,
at only the distance of 17 leagues from our desired port. The wind was now
fair, the sky serene, though a little hazy, and the temperature of the air
delightfully pleasant: joy sparkled in every countenance, and congratulations
issued from every mouth. Ithaca itself was scarcely more longed for
by Ulysses, than Botany Bay by the adventurers who had traversed
so many thousand miles to take possession of it.
"Heavily in clouds came on the day" which ushered in our arrival.
To us it was "a great, an important day," though I hope the foundation,
not the fall, of an empire will be dated from it.
On the morning of the 20th, by ten o'clock, the whole of the fleet
had cast anchor in Botany Bay, where, to our mutual satisfaction, we found
the Governor, and the first division of transports. On inquiry, we heard, that
the 'Supply' had arrived on the 18th, and the transports only the preceding day.
Thus, after a passage of exactly thirty-six weeks from Portsmouth,
we happily effected our arduous undertaking, with such a train of unexampled
blessings as hardly ever attended a fleet in a like predicament.
Of two hundred and twelve marines we lost only one; and of seven hundred and
seventy-five convicts, put on board in England, but twenty-four perished
in our route. To what cause are we to attribute this unhoped for success?
I wish I could answer to the liberal manner in which Government supplied
the expedition. But when the reader is told, that some of the necessary
articles allowed to ships on a common passage to West Indies,
were withheld from us; that portable soup, wheat, and pickled vegetables
were not allowed; and that an inadequate quantity of essence of malt
was the only antiscorbutic supplied, his surprise will redouble at the result
of the voyage. For it must be remembered, that the people thus sent out
were not a ship's company starting with every advantage of health
and good living, which a state of freedom produces; but the major part
a miserable set of convicts, emaciated from confinement, and in want
of cloaths, and almost every convenience to render so long a passage tolerable.
I beg leave, however, to say, that the provisions served on board were good,
and of a much superior quality to those usually supplied by contract:
they were furnished by Mr. Richards, junior, of Walworth, Surrey.
CHAPTER VIII.
From the Fleet's Arrival at Botany Bay to the Evacuation of it;
and taking Possession of Port Jackson. Interviews with the Natives;
and an Account of the Country about Botany Bay.
We had scarcely bid each other welcome on our arrival, when an expedition
up the Bay was undertaken by the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor,
in order to explore the nature of the country, and fix on a spot to begin
our operations upon. None, however, which could be deemed very eligible,
being discovered, his Excellency proceeded in a boat to examine the opening,
to which Mr. Cook had given the name of Port Jackson, on an idea that
a shelter for shipping within it might be found. The boat returned
on the evening of the 23rd, with such an account of the harbour and advantages
attending the place, that it was determined the evacuation of Botany Bay
should commence the next morning.
In consequence of this decision, the few seamen and marines who had been landed
from the squadron, were instantly reimbarked, and every preparation made
to bid adieu to a port which had so long been the subject of our conversation;
which but three days before we had entered with so many sentiments
of satisfaction; and in which, as we had believed, so many of our future hours
were to be passed. The thoughts of removal banished sleep, so that I rose
at the first dawn of the morning. But judge of my surprize on hearing from
a serjeant, who ran down almost breathless to the cabin where I was dressing,
that a ship was seen off the harbour's mouth. At first I only laughed,
but knowing the man who spoke to me to be of great veracity, and hearing him
repeat his information, I flew upon deck, on which I had barely set my foot,
when the cry of "another sail" struck on my astonished ear.
Confounded by a thousand ideas which arose in my mind in an instant,
I sprang upon the barricado and plainly descried two ships of considerable
size, standing in for the mouth of the Bay. By this time the alarm had become
general, and every one appeared lost in conjecture. Now they were Dutchmen
sent to dispossess us, and the moment after storeships from England,
with supplies for the settlement. The improbabilities which attended
both these conclusions, were sunk in the agitation of the moment.
It was by Governor Phillip, that this mystery was at length unravelled,
and the cause of the alarm pronounced to be two French ships, which,
it was now recollected, were on a voyage of discovery in the southern
hemisphere. Thus were our doubts cleared up, and our apprehensions banished;
it was, however, judged expedient to postpone our removal to Port Jackson,
until a complete confirmation of our conjectures could be procured.
Had the sea breeze set in, the strange ships would have been at anchor
in the Bay by eight o'clock in the morning, but the wind blowing out,
they were driven by a strong lee current to the southward of the port.
On the following day they re-appeared in their former situation, and a boat
was sent to them, with a lieutenant of the navy in her, to offer assistance,
and point out the necessary marks for entering the harbour. In the course
of the day the officer returned, and brought intelligence that the ships
were the Boussole and Astrolabe, sent out by order of the King of France,
and under the command of Monsieur De Perrouse. The astonishment of the French
at seeing us, had not equalled that we had experienced, for it appeared,
that in the course of their voyage they had touched at Kamschatka,
and by that means learnt that our expedition was in contemplation.
They dropped anchor the next morning, just as we had got under weigh
to work out of the Bay, so that for the present nothing more than salutations
could pass between us.
Before I quit Botany Bay, I shall relate the observations we were enabled
to make during our short stay there; as well as those which our subsequent
visits to it from Port Jackson enabled us to complete.
The Bay is very open, and greatly exposed to the fury of the S.E. winds, which,
when they blow, cause a heavy and dangerous swell. It is of prodigious extent,
the principal arm, which takes a S.W. direction, being not less,
including its windings, than twenty four miles from the capes which form
the entrance, according to the report of the French officers,
who took uncommon pains to survey it. At the distance of a league from
the harbour's mouth is a bar, on which at low water, not more than
fifteen feet are to be found. Within this bar, for many miles up the S.W.
arm, is a haven, equal in every respect to any hitherto known, and in which
any number of ships might anchor, secured from all winds. The country around
far exceeds in richness of soil that about Cape Banks and Point Solander,
though unfortunately they resemble each other in one respect,
a scarcity of fresh water.
We found the natives tolerably numerous as we advanced up the river,
and even at the harbour's mouth we had reason to conclude the country
more populous than Mr. Cook thought it. For on the Supply's arrival in the Bay
on the 18th of the month, they were assembled on the beach of the south shore,
to the number of not less than forty persons, shouting and making many
uncouth signs and gestures. This appearance whetted curiosity to its utmost,
but as prudence forbade a few people to venture wantonly among so great
a number, and a party of only six men was observed on the north shore,
the Governor immediately proceeded to land on that side, in order to take
possession of his new territory, and bring about an intercourse between
its old and new masters. The boat in which his Excellency was, rowed up
the harbour, close to the land, for some distance; the Indians keeping pace
with her on the beach. At last an officer in the boat made signs of a want
of water, which it was judged would indicate his wish of landing.
The natives directly comprehended what he wanted, and pointed to a spot
where water could be procured; on which the boat was immediately pushed in,
and a landing took place. As on the event of this meeting might depend
so much of our future tranquillity, every delicacy on our side was requisite.
The Indians, though timorous, shewed no signs of resentment at the Governor's
going on shore; an interview commenced, in which the conduct of both parties
pleased each other so much, that the strangers returned to their ships
with a much better opinion of the natives than they had landed with;
and the latter seemed highly entertained with their new acquaintance,
from whom they condescended to accept of a looking glass, some beads,
and other toys.
Owing to the lateness of our arrival, it was not my good fortune to go on shore
until three days after this had happened, when I went with a party to the south
side of the harbour, and had scarcely landed five minutes, when we were met by
a dozen Indians, naked as at the moment of their birth, walking along
the beach. Eager to come to a conference, and yet afraid of giving offence,
we advanced with caution towards them, nor would they, at first approach
nearer to us than the distance of some paces. Both parties were armed;
yet an attack seemed as unlikely on their part, as we knew it to be on our own.
I had at this time a little boy, of not more than seven years of age,
in my hand. The child seemed to attract their attention very much,
for they frequently pointed to him and spoke to each other; and as he was
not frightened, I advanced with him towards them, at the same time baring
his bosom and, shewing the whiteness of the skin. On the cloaths being
removed, they gave a loud exclamation, and one of the party, an old man,
with a long beard, hideously ugly, came close to us. I bade my little charge
not to be afraid, and introduced him to the acquaintance of this uncouth
personage. The Indian, with great gentleness, laid his hand on the
child's hat, and afterwards felt his cloaths, muttering to himself
all the while. I found it necessary, however, by this time to send away
the child, as such a close connection rather alarmed him; and in this,
as the conclusion verified, I gave no offence to the old gentleman.
Indeed it was but putting ourselves on a par with them, as I had observed
from the first, that some youths of their own, though considerably older
than the one with us, were, kept back by the grown people.
Several more now came up, to whom, we made various presents, but our toys
seemed not to be regarded as very valuable; nor would they for a long time make
any returns to them, though before we parted, a large club, with a head
almost sufficient to fell an ox, was obtained in exchange for a looking-glass.
These people seemed at a loss to know (probably from our want of beards)
of what sex we were, which having understood, they burst into the most
immoderate fits of laughter, talking to each other at the same time
with such rapidity and vociferation as I had never before heard. After nearly
an hour's conversation by signs and gestures, they repeated several times
the word whurra, which signifies, begone, and walked away from us
to the head of the Bay.
The natives being departed, we set out to observe the country, which,
on inspection, rather disappointed our hopes, being invariably sandy
and unpromising for the purposes of cultivation, though the trees and grass
flourish in great luxuriancy. Close to us was the spring at which
Mr. Cook watered, but we did not think the water very excellent,
nor did it run freely. In the evening we returned on board, not greatly
pleased with the latter part of our discoveries, as it indicated an increase
of those difficulties, which before seemed sufficiently numerous.
Between this and our departure we had several more interviews with the natives,
which ended in so friendly a manner, that we began to entertain strong hopes
of bringing about a connection with them. Our first object was to win
their affections, and our next to convince them of the superiority
we possessed: for without the latter, the former we knew would be
of little importance.
An officer one day prevailed on one of them to place a target, made of bark,
against a tree, which he fired at with a pistol, at the distance of some paces.
The Indians, though terrified at the report, did not run away,
but their astonishment exceeded their alarm, on looking at the shield
which the ball had perforated. As this produced a little shyness, the officer,
to dissipate their fears and remove their jealousy, whistled the air
of Malbrooke, which they appeared highly charmed with, and imitated him
with equal pleasure and readiness. I cannot help remarking here,
what I was afterwards told by Monsieur De Perrouse, that the natives
of California, and throughout all the islands of the Pacific Ocean,
and in short wherever he had been, seemed equally touched and delighted
with this little plaintive air.
CHAPTER IX.
The taking Possession of Port Jackson,
with the Disembarkation of the Marines and Convicts.
Our passage to Port Jackson took up but few hours, and those were spent
far from unpleasantly. The evening was bright, and the prospect before us
such as might justify sanguine expectation. Having passed between the capes
which form its entrance, we found ourselves in a port superior, in extent
and excellency, to all we had seen before. We continued to run up the harbour
about four miles, in a westerly direction, enjoying the luxuriant prospect
of its shores, covered with trees to the water's edge, among which many
of the Indians were frequently seen, till we arrived at a small snug cove
on the southern side, on whose banks the plan of our operations
was destined to commence.
The landing of a part of the marines and convicts took place the next day,
and on the following, the remainder was disembarked. Business now sat
on every brow, and the scene, to an indifferent spectator, at leisure
to contemplate it, would have been highly picturesque and amusing.
In one place, a party cutting down the woods; a second, setting up
a blacksmith's forge; a third, dragging along a load of stones or provisions;
here an officer pitching his marquee, with a detachment of troops parading
on one side of him, and a cook's fire blazing up on the other. Through the
unwearied diligence of those at the head of the different departments,
regularity was, however, soon introduced, and, as far as the unsettled state
of matters would allow, confusion gave place to system.
Into the head of the cove, on which our establishment is fixed, runs
a small stream of fresh water, which serves to divide the adjacent country
to a little distance, in the direction of north and south. On the eastern side
of this rivulet the Governor fixed his place of residence, with a large body
of convicts encamped near him; and on the western side was disposed
the remaining part of these people, near the marine encampment.
From this last two guards, consisting of two subalterns, as many serjeants,
four corporals, two drummers, and forty-two private men, under the orders
of a Captain of the day, to whom all reports were made, daily mounted
for the public security, with such directions to use force, in case
of necessity, as left no room for those who were the object of the order,
but to remain peaceable, or perish by the bayonet.
As the straggling of the convicts was not only a desertion from the
public labour, but might be attended with ill consequences to the settlement,
in case of their meeting the natives, every care was taken to prevent it.
The Provost Martial with his men was ordered to patrole the country around,
and the convicts informed, that the severest punishment would be inflicted on
transgressors. In spite, however, of all our precautions, they soon found
the road to Botany Bay, in visits to the French, who would gladly
have dispensed with their company.
But as severity alone was known to be inadequate at once to chastize
and reform, no opportunity was omitted to assure the convicts,
that by their good behaviour and submissive deportment, every claim to present
distinction and future favour was to be earned. That this caution was not
attended with all the good effects which were hoped from it, I have only
to lament; that it operated in some cases is indisputable; nor will a candid
and humane mind fail to consider and allow for the situation these unfortunate
beings so peculiarly stood in. While they were on board ship, the two sexes
had been kept most rigorously apart; but, when landed, their separation
became impracticable, and would have been, perhaps, wrong. Licentiousness
was the unavoidable consequence, and their old habits of depravity
were beginning to recur. What was to be attempted? To prevent their
intercourse was impossible; and to palliate its evils only remained. Marriage
was recommended, and such advantages held out to those who aimed at
reformation, as have greatly contributed to the tranquillity of the settlement.
On the Sunday after our landing divine service was performed under
a great tree, by the Rev. Mr. Johnson, Chaplain of the Settlement,
in the presence of the troops and convicts, whose behaviour on the occasion
was equally regular and attentive. In the course of our passage
this had been repeated every Sunday, while the ships were in port;
and in addition to it, Mr. Johnson had furnished them with books, at once
tending to promote instruction and piety.
The Indians for a little while after our arrival paid us frequent visits,
but in a few days they were observed to be more shy of our company.
From what cause their distaste: arose we never could trace, as we had made it
our study, on these occasions, to treat them with kindness, and load them
with presents. No quarrel had happened, and we had flattered ourselves,
from Governor Phillip's first reception among them, that such a connection
might be established as would tend to the interest of both parties. It seems,
that on that occasion, they not only received our people with great cordiality,
but so far acknowledged their authority as to submit, that a boundary,
during their first interview, might be drawn on the sand, which they attempted
not to infringe, and appeared to be satisfied with.
CHAPTER X.
The reading of the Commissions, and taking Possession of the Settlement,
in form.
With an Account of the Courts of Law, and Mode of administering
Public Justice in this Country.
Owing to the multiplicity of pressing business necessary to be performed
immediately after landing, it was found impossible to read the public
commissions and take possession of the colony in form, until the
7th of February. On that day all the officers of guard took post
in the marine battalion, which was drawn up, and marched off the parade
with music playing, and colours flying, to an adjoining ground, which had been
cleared for the occasion, whereon the convicts were assembled to hear
His Majesty's commission read, appointing his Excellency
Arthur Phillip, Esq. Governor and Captain General in and over the territory
of New South Wales, and its dependencies; together with the Act of Parliament
for establishing trials by law within the same; and the patents under
the Great Seal of Great Britain, for holding the civil and criminal courts
of judicature, by which all cases of life and death, as well as matters
of property, were to be decided. When the Judge Advocate had finished reading,
his Excellency addressed himself to the convicts in a pointed and judicious
speech, informing them of his future intentions, which were, invariably
to cherish and render happy those who shewed a disposition to amendment;
and to let the rigour of the law take its course against such as might dare
to transgress the bounds prescribed. At the close three vollies were fired
in honour of the occasion, and the battalion marched back to their parade,
where they were reviewed by the Governor, who was received with all the honours
due to his rank. His Excellency was afterwards pleased to thank them,
in public orders, for their behaviour from the time of their embarkation;
and to ask the officers to partake of a cold collation at which it is
scarce necessary to observe, that many loyal and public toasts were drank
in commemoration of the day.
In the Governor's commission, the extent of this authority is defined to reach
from the latitude of 43 deg 49 min south, to the latitude of 10 deg 37 min
south, being the northern and southern extremities of the continent of New
Holland. It commences again at 135th degree of longitude east of Greenwich,
and, proceeding in an easterly direction, includes all islands within
the limits of the above specified latitudes in the Pacific Ocean.
By this partition it may be fairly presumed, that every source of future
litigation between the Dutch and us will be for ever cut off,
as the discoveries of English navigators alone are comprized in this territory.
Nor have Government been more backward in arming Mr. Phillip with plenitude
of power, than extent of dominion. No mention is made of a Council
to be appointed, so that he is left to act entirely from his own judgment.
And as no stated time of assembling the Courts of justice is pointed out,
similar to the assizes and gaol deliveries of England, the duration
of imprisonment is altogether in his hands. The power of summoning
General Courts Martial to meet he is also invested with, but the insertion
in the marine mutiny act, of a smaller number of officers than thirteen
being able to compose such a tribunal, has been neglected: so that
a Military court, should detachments be made from headquarters,
or sickness prevail, may not always be found practicable to be obtained, unless
the number of officers, at present in the Settlement, shall be increased.
Should the Governor see cause, he is enabled to grant pardons to offenders
convicted, "in all cases whatever, treason and wilful murder excepted,"
and even in these, has authority to stay the execution of the law,
until the King's pleasure shall be signified. In case of the Governor's death,
the Lieutenant Governor takes his place; and on his demise, the senior officer
on the spot is authorised to assume the reins of power.
Notwithstanding the promises made on one side, and the forbearance shewn
on the other, joined to the impending rod of justice, it was with infinite
regret that every one saw, in four clays afterwards, the necessity
of assembling a Criminal Court, which was accordingly convened by warrant
from the Governor, and consisted of the judge Advocate, who presided,
three naval, and three marine officers.
As the constitution of this court is altogether new in the British annals,
I hope my reader will not think me prolix in the description I am about to give
of it. The number of members, including the judge Advocate, is limited,
by Act of Parliament, to seven, who are expressly ordered to be officers,
either of His Majesty's sea or land forces. The court being met, completely
arrayed and armed as at a military tribunal, the Judge Advocate proceeds
to administer the usual oaths taken by jurymen in England to each member;
one of whom afterwards swears him in a like manner. This ceremony
being adjusted, the crime laid to the prisoner's charge is read to him,
and the question of Guilty, or Not guilty, put. No law officer on the side
of the crown being appointed, (for I presume the head of the court ought hardly
to consider himself in that light, notwithstanding the title he bears)
to prosecute the criminal is left entirely to the party, at whose suit
he is tried. All the witnesses are examined on oath, and the decision
is directed to be given according to the laws of England, "or as nearly
as may be, allowing for the circumstances and situation of the settlement,"
by a majority of votes, beginning with the youngest member, and ending
with the president of the court. In cases, however, of a capital nature,
no verdict can be given, unless five, at least, of the seven members present
concur therein. The evidence on both sides being finished, and
the prisoner's defence heard, the court is cleared, and, on the judgement
being settled, is thrown open again, and sentence pronounced. During the time
the court sits, the place in which it is assembled is directed to be surrounded
by a guard under arms, and admission to every one who may choose to enter it,
granted. Of late, however, our colonists are supposed to be in such a train
of subordination, as to make the presence of so large a military force
unnecessary; and two centinels, in addition to the Provost Martial,
are considered as sufficient.
It would be as needless, as impertinent, to anticipate the reflections
which will arise in reading the above account, wherein a regard to accuracy
only has been consulted. By comparing it with the mode of administering
justice in the English courts of law, it will be found to differ in many points
very essentially. And if we turn our eyes to the usage of military tribunals,
it no less departs from the customs observed in them. Let not the novelty
of it, however, prejudice any one so far as to dispute its efficacy,
and the necessity of the case which gave it birth.
The court, whose meeting is already spoken of, proceeded to the trial
of three convicts, one of whom was convicted of having struck a marine
with a cooper's adze, and otherwise behaving in a very riotous and scandalous
manner, for which he was sentenced to receive one hundred and fifty lashes,
being a smaller punishment than a soldier in a like case would have suffered
from the judgement of a court martial. A second, for having committed
a petty theft, was sent to a small barren island, and kept there on bread
and water only, for a week. And the third was sentenced to receive
fifty lashes, but was recommended by the court to the Governor, and forgiven.
Hitherto, however, (February) nothing of a very atrocious nature had appeared.
But the day was at hand, on which the violation of public security
could no longer be restrained, by the infliction of temporary punishment.
A set of desperate and hardened villains leagued themselves for the purposes
of depredation, and, as it generally happens, had art enough to persuade
some others, less deeply versed in iniquity, to be the instruments
for carrying it on. Fortunately the progress of these miscreants was not
of long duration. They were detected in stealing a large quantity
of provisions at the time of issuing them. And on being apprehended,
one of the tools of the superiors impeached the rest, and disclosed the scheme.
The trial came on the 28th of the month, and of four who were arraigned
for the offence, three were condemned to die, and the fourth to receive
a very severe corporal punishment. In hopes that his lenity would not be
abused, his Excellency was, however, pleased to order one only for execution,
which took place a little before sun-set the same day. The name
of the unhappy wretch was Thomas Barret, an old and desperate offender,
who died with that hardy spirit, which too often is found in the worst
and most abandoned class of men. During the execution the battalion
of marines was under arms, and the whole of the convicts obliged to be present.
The two associates of the sufferer were ordered to be kept close prisoners,
until an eligible place to banish them to could be fixed on; as were also
two more, who on the following day were condemned to die for a similar offence.
Besides the Criminal court, there is an inferior one composed of the
Judge Advocate, and one or more justices of the peace, for the trial
of small misdemeanours. This court is likewise empowered to decide all
law suits, and its verdict is final, except where the sum in dispute amounts
to more than three hundred pounds, in which case an appeal to England
can be made from its decree. Should necessity warrant it, an Admiralty court,
of which Lieutenant Governor Ross is judge, can also be summoned, for the trial
of offences committed on the high seas.
From being unwilling to break the thread of my narrative, I omitted to note
in its proper place the sailing of the 'Supply', Lieut. Ball, on the 15th
of the month, for Norfolk Island, which the Governor had instructions
from the ministry to take possession of. Lieut. King of the Sirius was sent
as superintendent and commandant of this place, and carried with him
a surgeon, a midshipman, a sawyer, a weaver, two marines, and sixteen convicts,
of whom six were women. He was also supplied with a certain number
of live animals to stock the island, besides garden seeds, grain,
and other requisites.
CHAPTER XI
A Description of the Natives of New South Wales,
and our Transactions with them.
I doubt not my readers will be as glad as I feel myself, to conclude
the dull detail of the last chapter. If they please, they may turn from
the subtle intricacies of the law, to contemplate the simple, undisguised
workings of nature, in her most artless colouring.
I have already said, we had been but very few days at Port Jackson, when
an alteration in the behaviour of the natives was perceptible; and I wish
I could add, that a longer residence in their neighbourhood had introduced
a greater degree of cordiality and intermixture between the old, and new,
lords of the soil, than at the day on which this publication is dated subsists.
From their easy reception of us in the beginning, many were induced
to call in question the accounts which Mr. Cook had given of this people.
That celebrated navigator, we were willing believe, had somehow by his conduct
offended them, which prevented the intercourse that would otherwise
have taken place. The result, however, of our repeated endeavours to induce
them to come among us has been such as to confirm me in an opinion, that they
either fear or despise us too much, to be anxious for a closer connection.
And I beg leave at once, to apprize the reader, that all I can here, or in any
future part of this work, relate with fidelity of the natives
of New South Wales, must be made up of detached observations, taken at
different times, and not from a regular series of knowledge of the customs
and manners of a people, with whom opportunities of communication
are so scarce, as to have been seldom obtained.
In their persons, they are far from being a stout race of men, though nimble,
sprightly, and vigorous. The deficiency of one of the fore teeth of the
upper jaw, mentioned by Dampier, we have seen in almost the whole of the men;
but their organs of sight so far from being defective, as that author mentions
those of the inhabitants of the western side of the continent to be,
are remarkably quick and piercing. Their colour, Mr. Cook is inclined to think
rather a deep chocolate, than an absolute black, though he confesses,
they have the appearance of the latter, which he attributes to the greasy filth
their skins are loaded with. Of their want of cleanliness we have had
sufficient proofs, but I am of opinion, all the washing in the world would not
render them two degrees less black than an African negro. At some of our
first interviews, we had several droll instances of their mistaking
the Africans we brought with us for their own countrymen.
Notwithstanding the disregard they have invariably shewn for all the finery
we could deck them with, they are fond of adorning themselves with scars,
which increase their natural hideousness. It is hardly possible to see
any thing in human shape more ugly, than one of these savages thus scarified,
and farther ornamented with a fish bone struck through the gristle of the nose.
The custom of daubing themselves with white earth is also frequent among
both sexes: but, unlike the inhabitants of the Islands in the Pacific Ocean,
they reject the beautiful feathers which the birds of their country afford.
Exclusive of their weapons of offence, and a few stone hatchets very rudely
fashioned, their ingenuity is confined to manufacturing small nets,
in which they put the fish they catch, and to fish-hooks made of bone,
neither of which are unskilfully executed. On many of the rocks are also
to be found delineations of the figures of men and birds, very poorly cut.
Of the use or benefit of cloathing, these people appear to have no
comprehension, though their sufferings from the climate they live in,
strongly point out the necessity of a covering from the rigour of the seasons.
Both sexes, and those of all ages, are invariably found naked. But it must
not be inferred from this, that custom so inures them to the changes
of the elements, as to make them bear with indifference the extremes of heat
and cold; for we have had visible and repeated proofs, that the latter
affects them severely, when they are seen shivering, and huddling themselves up
in heaps in their huts, or the caverns of the rocks, until a fire
can be kindled.
Than these huts nothing more rude in construction, or deficient in conveniency,
can be imagined. They consist only of pieces of bark laid together in the form
of an oven, open at one end, and very low, though long enough for a man to lie
at full length. There is reason, however, to believe, that they depend less
on them for shelter, than on the caverns with which the rocks abound.
To cultivation of the ground they are utter strangers, and wholly depend
for food on the few fruits they gather; the roots they dig up in the swamps;
and the fish they pick up along shore, or contrive to strike from their canoes
with spears. Fishing, indeed, seems to engross nearly the whole of their time,
probably from its forming the chief part of a subsistence, which,
observation has convinced us, nothing short of the most painful labour,
and unwearied assiduity, can procure. When fish are scarce, which frequently
happens, they often watch the moment of our hauling the seine, and have more
than once been known to plunder its contents, in spite of the opposition
of those on the spot to guard it: and this even after having received a part
of what had been caught. The only resource at these times is to shew
a musquet, and if the bare sight is not sufficient, to fire it over
their heads, which has seldom failed of dispersing them hitherto,
but how long the terror which it excites may continue is doubtful.
The canoes in which they fish are as despicable as their huts, being nothing
more than a large piece of bark tied up at both ends with vines.
Their dexterous management of them, added to the swiftness with which
they paddle, and the boldness that leads them several miles in the open sea,
are, nevertheless, highly deserving of admiration. A canoe is seldom seen
without a fire in it, to dress the fish by, as soon as caught:
fire they procure by attrition.
From their manner of disposing of those who die, which will be mentioned
hereafter, as well as from every other observation, there seems no reason
to suppose these people cannibals; nor do they ever eat animal substances
in a raw state, unless pressed by extreme hunger, but indiscriminately
broil them, and their vegetables, on a fire, which renders these last
an innocent food, though in their raw state many of them are of a poisonous
quality: as a poor convict who unguardedly eat of them experienced,
by falling a sacrifice in twenty-four hours afterwards. If bread be given
to the Indians, they chew and spit it out again, seldom choosing to swallow it.
Salt beef and pork they like rather better, but spirits they never could
be brought to taste a second time.
The only domestic animal they have is the dog, which in their language
is called Dingo, and a good deal resembles the fox dog of England.
These animals are equally shy of us, and attached to the natives. One of them
is now in the possession of the Governor, and tolerably well reconciled
to his new master. As the Indians see the dislike of the dogs to us,
they are sometimes mischievous enough to set them on single persons
whom they chance to meet in the woods. A surly fellow was one day out
shooting, when the natives attempted to divert themselves in this manner
at his expense. The man bore the teazing and gnawing of the dog at his heels
for some time, but apprehending at length, that his patience might
embolden them to use still farther liberties, he turned round and shot poor
Dingo dead on the spot: the owners of him set off with the utmost expedition.
There is no part of the behaviour of these people, that has puzzled us more,
than that which relates to their women. Comparatively speaking we have seen
but few of them, and those have been sometimes kept back with every symptom
of jealous sensibility; and sometimes offered with every appearance
of courteous familiarity. Cautious, however, of alarming the feelings
of the men on so tender a point, we have constantly made a rule of treating
the females with that distance and reserve, which we judged most likely
to remove any impression they might have received of our intending aught,
which could give offence on so delicate a subject. And so successful
have our endeavours been, that a quarrel on this head has in no instance,
that I know of, happened. The tone of voice of the women, which is pleasingly
soft and feminine, forms a striking contrast to the rough guttural
pronunciation of the men. Of the other charms of the ladies I shall be silent,
though justice obliges me to mention, that, in the opinion of some amongst us,
they shew a degree of timidity and bashfulness, which are, perhaps,
inseparable from the female character in its rudest state. It is not a little
singular, that the custom of cutting off the two lower joints of the
little finger of the left hand, observed in the Society Islands,
is found here among the women, who have for the most part undergone
this amputation. Hitherto we have not been able to trace out the cause
of this usage. At first we supposed it to be peculiar to the married women,
or those who had borne children; but this conclusion must have been erroneous,
as we have no right to believe that celibacy prevails in any instance,
and some of the oldest of the women are without this distinction;
and girls of a very tender age are marked by it.
On first setting foot in the country, we were inclined to hold the spears
of the natives very cheap. Fatal experience has, however, convinced us,
that the wound inflicted by this weapon is not a trivial one; and that
the skill of the Indians in throwing it, is far from despicable. Besides
more than a dozen convicts who have unaccountably disappeared, we know that
two, who were employed as rush cutters up the harbour, were
(from what cause we are yet ignorant) most dreadfully mangled and butchered
by the natives. A spear had passed entirely through the thickest part
of the body of one of them, though a very robust man, and the skull
of the other was beaten in. Their tools were taken away, but some provisions
which they had with them at the time of the murder, and their cloaths,
were left untouched. In addition to this misfortune, two more convicts,
who were peaceably engaged in picking of greens, on a spot very remote
from that where their comrades suffered, were unawares attacked by a party
of Indians, and before they could effect their escape, one of them was pierced
by a spear in the hip, after which they knocked him down, and plundered
his cloaths. The poor wretch, though dreadfully wounded, made shift
to crawl off, but his companion was carried away by these barbarians,
and his fate doubtful, until a soldier, a few days afterwards, picked up
his jacket and hat in a native's hut, the latter pierced through by a spear.
We have found that these spears are not made invariably alike, some of them
being barbed like a fish gig, and others simply pointed. In repairing them
they are no less dexterous than in throwing them. A broken one being given
by a gentleman to an Indian, he instantly snatched up an oyster-shell,
and converted it with his teeth into a tool with which he presently fashioned
the spear, and rendered it fit for use: in performing this operation,
the sole of his foot served him as a work-board. Nor are their weapons
of offence confined to the spear only, for they have besides long wooden
swords, shaped like a sabre, capable of inflicting a mortal wound, and clubs
of an immense size. Small targets, made of the bark of trees, are likewise
now and then to be seen among them.
From circumstances which have been observed, we have sometimes been inclined
to believe these people at war with each other. They have more than once
been seen assembled, as if bent on an expedition. An officer one day met
fourteen of them marching along in a regular Indian file through the woods,
each man armed with a spear in his right hand, and a large stone in his left:
at their head appeared a chief, who was distinguished by being painted.
Though in the proportion of five to one of our people they passed peaceably on.
That their skill in throwing the spear sometimes enables them to kill
the kangaroo we have no right to doubt, as a long splinter of this weapon
was taken out of the thigh of one of these animals, over which the flesh
had completely closed; but we have never discovered that they have any method
of ensnaring them, or that they know any other beasts but the kangaroo and dog.
Whatever animal is shewn them, a dog excepted, they call kangaroo:
a strong presumption that the wild animals of the country are very few.
Soon after our arrival at Port Jackson, I was walking out near a place
where I observed a party of Indians, busily employed in looking at some sheep
in an inclosure, and repeatedly crying out, 'kangaroo, kangaroo!' As this
seemed to afford them pleasure, I was willing to increase it by pointing out
the horses and cows, which were at no great distance. But unluckily,
at the moment, some female convicts, employed near the place, made their
appearance, and all my endeavours to divert their attention from the ladies
became fruitless. They attempted not, however, to offer them the least degree
of violence or injury, but stood at the distance of several paces,
expressing very significantly the manner they were attracted.
It would be trespassing on the reader's indulgence were I to impose on him
an account of any civil regulations, or ordinances, which may possibly exist
among this people. I declare to him, that I know not of any, and that
excepting a little tributary respect which the younger part appear to pay
those more advanced in years, I never could observe any degrees of
subordination among them. To their religious rites and opinions I am equally
a stranger. Had an opportunity offered of seeing the ceremonies observed
at disposing of the dead, perhaps, some insight might have been gained;
but all that we at present know with certainty is, that they burn the corpse,
and afterwards heap up the earth around it, somewhat in the manner of
the small tumuli, found in many counties of England.
I have already hinted, that the country is more populous than it was
generally believed to be in Europe at the time of our sailing. But this remark
is not meant to be extended to the interior parts of the continent,
which there is every reason to conclude from our researches, as well as from
the manner of living practised by the natives, to be uninhabited. It appears
as if some of the Indian families confine their society and connections
within their own pale: but that this cannot always be the case we know;
for on the north-west arm of Botany Bay stands a village, which contains
more than a dozen houses, and perhaps five times that number of people;
being the most considerable establishment that we are acquainted with
in the country. As a striking proof, besides, of the numerousness
of the natives, I beg leave to state, that Governor Phillip, when on
an excursion between the head of this harbour and that of Botany Bay,
once fell in with a party which consisted of more than three hundred persons,
two hundred and twelve of whom were men: this happened only on the day
following the murder of the two convict rush cutters, before noticed,
and his Excellency was at the very time in search of the murderers, on whom,
could they have been found, he intended to inflict a memorable and exemplary
punishment. The meeting was unexpected to both parties, and considering
the critical situation of affairs, perhaps not very pleasing to our side,
which consisted but of twelve persons, until the peaceable disposition
of the Indians was manifest. After the strictest search the Governor
was obliged to return without having gained any information. The laudable
perseverance of his Excellency to throw every light on this unhappy
and mysterious business did not, however stop here, for he instituted
the most rigorous inquiry to find out, if possible, whether the convicts had
at any time ill treated or killed any of the natives; and farther,
issued a proclamation, offering the most tempting of all rewards, a state of
freedom, to him who should point out the murderer, in case such an one existed.
I have thus impartially stated the situation of matters, as they stand,
while I write, between the natives and us; that greater progress in attaching
them to us has not been made, I have only to regret; but that all ranks of men
have tried to effect it, by every reasonable effort from which success might
have been expected, I can testify; nor can I omit saying, that in the higher
stations this has been eminently conspicuous. The public orders of
Governor Phillip have invariably tended to promote such a behaviour
on our side, as was most likely to produce this much wished-for event.
To what cause then are we to attribute the distance which the accomplishment
of it appears at? I answer, to the fickle, jealous, wavering disposition
of the people we have to deal with, who, like all other savages, are either
too indolent, too indifferent, or too fearful to form an attachment
on easy terms, with those who differ in habits and manners so widely
from themselves. Before I close the subject, I cannot, however, omit to relate
the following ludicrous adventure, which possibly may be of greater use
in effecting what we have so much at heart, than all our endeavours.
Some young gentlemen belonging to the Sirius one day met a native, an old man,
in the woods; he had a beard of considerable length, which his new acquaintance
gave him to understand, by signals, they would rid him of, if he pleased;
stroaking their chins, and shewing him the smoothness of them at the same time;
at length the old Indian consented, and one of the youngsters taking a penknife
from his pocket, and making use of the best substitute for lather
he could find, performed the operation with great success, and, as it proved,
much to the liking of the old man, who in a few days after reposed a confidence
in us, of which we had hitherto known no example, by paddling along-side
the Sirius in his canoe, and pointing to his beard. Various arts were
ineffectually tried to induce him to enter the ship; but as he continued
to decline the invitation, a barber was sent down into the boat along-side
the canoe, from whence, leaning over the gunnel, he complied with the wish
of the old beau, to his infinite satisfaction. In addition to the consequences
which our sanguine hopes led us to expect from this dawning of cordiality,
it affords proof, that the beard is considered by this people more as
an incumbrance than a mark of dignity.
CHAPTER XII.
The Departure of the French from Botany Bay; and the Return of the 'Supply'
from Norfolk Island;
with a Discovery made by Lieutenant Ball on his Passage to it.
About the middle of the month our good friends the French departed from
Botany Bay, in prosecution of their voyage. During their stay in that port,
the officers of the two nations had frequent opportunities of testifying
their mutual regard by visits, and every interchange of friendship and esteem.
These ships sailed from France, by order of the King, on the
1st of August, 1785, under the command of Monsieur De Perrouse, an officer
whose eminent qualifications, we had reason to think, entitle him to fill
the highest stations. In England, particularly, he ought long to be remembered
with admiration and gratitude, for the humanity which marked his conduct,
when ordered to destroy our settlement at Hudson's Bay, in the last war.
His second in command was the Chevalier Clonard, an officer also of
distinguished merit.
In the course of the voyage these ships had been so unfortunate as to lose
a boat, with many men and officers in her, off the west of California;
and afterwards met with an accident still more to be regretted, at an island
in the Pacific Ocean, discovered by Monsieur Bougainville, in the latitude
of 14 deg 19 min south, longitude 173 deg 3 min 20 sec east of Paris.
Here they had the misfortune to have no less than thirteen of their crews,
among whom was the officer at that time second in command, cut off
by the natives, and many more desperately wounded. To what cause this
cruel event was to be attributed, they knew not, as they were about to quit
the island after having lived with the Indians in the greatest harmony
for several weeks; and exchanged, during the time, their European commodities
for the produce of the place, which they describe as filled with a race
of people remarkable for beauty and comeliness; and abounding in refreshments
of all kinds.
It was no less gratifying to an English ear, than honourable to
Monsieur De Perrouse, to witness the feeling manner in which he always
mentioned the name and talents of Captain Cook. That illustrious
circumnavigator had, he said, left nothing to those who might follow
in his track to describe, or fill up. As I found, in the course
of conversation, that the French ships had touched at the Sandwich Islands,
I asked M. De Perrouse what reception he had met with there. His answer
deserves to be known: "During the whole of our voyage in the South Seas,
the people of the Sandwich Islands were the only Indians who never gave us
cause of complaint. They furnished us liberally with provisions,
and administered cheerfully to all our wants." It may not be improper
to remark, that Owhyee was not one of the islands visited by this gentleman.
In the short stay made by these ships at Botany Bay, an Abbe, one of the
naturalists on board, died, and was buried on the north shore. The French
had hardly departed, when the natives pulled down a small board, which
had been placed over the spot where the corpse was interred, and defaced
everything around. On being informed of it, the Governor sent a party over
with orders to affix a plate of copper on a tree near the place,
with the following inscription on it, which is a copy of what was written
on the board:
Hic jacet L. RECEVEUR,
E.F.F. minnibus Galliae, Sacerdos, Physicus, in
circumnavigatione mundi, Duce De La Perrouse.
Obiit die 17 Februarii, anno 1788.
This mark of respectful attention was more particularly due, from
M. De Perrouse having, when at Kamschatka, paid a similar tribute of gratitude
to the memory of Captain Clarke, whose tomb was found in nearly as ruinous
a state as that of the Abbe.
Like ourselves, the French found it necessary, more than once, to chastise
a spirit of rapine and intrusion which prevailed among the Indians
around the Bay. The menace of pointing a musquet to them was frequently used;
and in one or two instances it was fired off, though without being attended
with fatal consequences. Indeed the French commandant, both from a regard
to the orders of his Court as well as to our quiet and security, shewed
a moderation and forbearance on this head highly becoming.
On the 20th of March, the 'Supply' arrived from Norfolk Island, after having
safely landed Lieutenant King and his little garrison. The pine-trees
growing there are described to be of a growth and height superior, perhaps,
to any in the world. But the difficulty of bringing them away will not be
easily surmounted, from the badness and danger of the landing place.
After the most exact search not a single plant of the New Zealand flax
could be found, though we had been taught to believe it abounded there.
Lieutenant Ball, in returning to Port Jackson, touched at a small island
in latitude 31 deg 36 min south, longitude 159 deg 4 min east of Greenwich,
which he had been fortunate enough to discover on his passage to Norfolk,
and to which he gave the name of Lord Howe's Island. It is entirely
without inhabitants, or any traces of any having ever been there.
But it happily abounds in what will be infinitely more important to
the settlers on New South Wales: green turtle of the finest kind frequent it
in the summer season. Of this Mr. Ball gave us some very handsome
and acceptable specimens on his return. Besides turtle, the island
is well stocked with birds, many of them so tame as to be knocked down
by the seamen with sticks. At the distance of four leagues from
Lord Howe Island, and in latitude 31 deg 30 min south, longitude 159 deg 8 min
east, stands a remarkable rock, of considerable height, to which Mr. Ball gave
the name of Ball's Pyramid, from the shape it bears.
While the 'Supply' was absent, Governor Phillip made an excursion to Broken
Bay, a few leagues to the northward of Port Jackson, in order to explore it.
As a harbour it almost equals the latter, but the adjacent country was found
so rocky and bare, as to preclude all possibility of turning it to account.
Some rivulets of fresh water fall into the head of the Bay, forming
a very picturesque scene. The Indians who live on its banks are numerous,
and behaved attentively in a variety of instances while our people
remained among them.
CHAPTER XIII.
Transactions at Port Jackson in the Months of April and May.
As winter was fast approaching, it became necessary to secure ourselves
in quarters, which might shield us from the cold we were taught to expect
in this hemisphere, though in so low a latitude. The erection of barracks
for the soldiers was projected, and the private men of each company undertook
to build for themselves two wooden houses, of sixty-eight feet in length,
and twenty-three in breadth. To forward the design, several saw-pits
were immediately set to work, and four ship carpenters attached to
the battalion, for the purpose of directing and completing this necessary
undertaking. In prosecuting it, however, so many difficulties occurred,
that we were fain to circumscribe our original intention; and, instead
of eight houses, content ourselves with four. And even these, from the badness
of the timber, the scarcity of artificers, and other impediments, are,
at the day on which I write, so little advanced, that it will be well,
if at the close of the year 1788, we shall be established in them.
In the meanwhile the married people, by proceeding on a more contracted scale,
were soon under comfortable shelter. Nor were the convicts forgotten;
and as leisure was frequently afforded them for the purpose, little edifices
quickly multiplied on the ground allotted them to build upon.
But as these habitations were intended by Governor Phillip to answer only
the exigency of the moment, the plan of the town was drawn, and the ground
on which it is hereafter to stand surveyed, and marked out. To proceed
on a narrow, confined scale, in a country of the extensive limits we possess,
would be unpardonable: extent of empire demands grandeur of design.
That this has been our view will be readily believed, when I tell the reader,
that the principal street in our projected city will be, when completed,
agreeable to the plan laid down, two hundred feet in breadth, and all the rest
of a corresponding proportion. How far this will be accompanied with adequate
dispatch, is another question, as the incredulous among us are sometimes
hardy enough to declare, that ten times our strength would not be able
to finish it in as many years.
Invariably intent on exploring a country, from which curiosity promises
so many gratifications, his Excellency about this time undertook an expedition
into the interior parts of the continent. His party consisted of
eleven persons, who, after being conveyed by water to the head of the harbour,
proceeded in a westerly direction, to reach a chain of mountains,
which in clear weather are discernible, though at an immense distance,
from some heights near our encampment. With unwearied industry they continued
to penetrate the country for four days; but at the end of that time,
finding the base of the mountain to be yet at the distance of more than
twenty miles, and provisions growing scarce, it was judged prudent to return,
without having accomplished the end for which the expedition had been
undertaken. To reward their toils, our adventurers had, however, the pleasure
of discovering and traversing an extensive tract of ground, which they
had reason to believe, from the observations they were enabled to make,
capable of producing every thing, which a happy soil and genial climate
can bring forth. In addition to this flattering appearance, the face
of the country is such, as to promise success whenever it shall be cultivated,
the trees being at a considerable distance from each other, and the
intermediate space filled, not with underwood, but a thick rich grass,
growing in the utmost luxuriancy. I must not, however, conceal, that in this
long march, our gentlemen found not a single rivulet, but were under
a necessity of supplying themselves with water from standing pools,
which they met with in the vallies, supposed to be formed by the rains
that fall at particular seasons of the year. Nor had they the good fortune
to see any quadrupeds worth notice, except a few kangaroos.
To their great surprize, they observed indisputable tracks of the natives
having been lately there, though in their whole route none of them were
to be seen; nor any means to be traced, by which they could procure subsistence
so far from the sea shore.
On the 6th of May the 'Supply' sailed for Lord Howe Island, to take on board
turtle for the settlement; but after waiting there several days was obliged
to return without having seen one, owing we apprehended to the advanced season
of the year. Three of the transports also, which were engaged by the
East India Company to proceed to China, to take on board a lading of tea,
sailed about this time for Canton.
The unsuccessful return of the 'Supply' cast a general damp on our spirits,
for by this time fresh provisions were become scarcer than in a blockaded town.
The little live stock, which with so heavy an expense, and through so many
difficulties, we had brought on shore, prudence forbade us to use; and fish,
which on our arrival, and for a short time after had been tolerable plenty,
were become so scarce, as to be rarely seen at the tables of the first
among us. Had it not been for a stray kangaroo, which fortune now and then
threw in our way, we should have been utter strangers to the taste
of fresh food.
Thus situated, the scurvy began its usual ravages, and extended its baneful
influence, more or less, through all descriptions of persons. Unfortunately
the esculent vegetable productions of the country are neither plentiful,
nor tend very effectually to remove this disease. And, the ground we had
turned up and planted with garden seeds, either from the nature of the soil,
or, which is more probable, the lateness of the season, yielded but a scanty
and insufficient supply of what we stood so greatly in need of.
During the period I am describing, few enormous offences were perpetrated
by the convicts. A petty theft was now and then heard of, and a spirit
of refractory sullenness broke out at times in some individuals: one execution
only, however, took place. The sufferer, who was a very young man,
was convicted of a burglary, and met his fate with a hardiness
and insensibility, which the grossest ignorance, and most deplorable
want of feeling, alone could supply.
CHAPTER XIV.
From the Beginning of June, to the Departure of the Ships for Europe.
Hours of festivity, which under happier skies pass away unregarded,
and are soon consigned to oblivion, acquire in this forlorn and distant circle
a superior degree of acceptable importance.
On the anniversary of the King's birthday all the officers not on duty,
both of the garrison and his Majesty's ships, dined with the Governor.
On so joyful an occasion, the first too ever celebrated in our new settlement,
it were needless to say, that loyal conviviality dictated every sentiment,
and inspired every guest. Among other public toasts drank, was,
Prosperity to Sydney Cove, in Cumberland county, now named so by authority.
At day-light in the morning the ships of war had fired twenty-one guns each,
which was repeated at noon, and answered by three vollies from the battalion
of marines.
Nor were the officers alone partakers of the general relaxation.
The four unhappy wretches labouring under sentence of banishment were freed
from their fetters, to rejoin their former society; and three days given
as holidays to every convict in the colony. Hospitality too, which ever
acquires a double relish by being extended, was not forgotten on the
4th of June, when each prisoner, male and female, received an allowance
of grog; and every non-commissioned officer and private soldier had the honor
of drinking prosperity to his royal master, in a pint of porter,
served out at the flag staff, in addition to the customary allowance
of spirits. Bonfires concluded the evening, and I am happy to say,
that excepting a single instance which shall be taken notice of hereafter,
no bad consequence, or unpleasant remembrance, flowed from an indulgence
so amply bestowed.
About this time (June) an accident happened, which I record with much regret.
The whole of our black cattle, consisting of five cows and a bull,
either from not being properly secured, or from the negligence of those
appointed to take care of them, strayed into the woods, and in spite of all
the search we have been able to make, are not yet found. As a convict
of the name of Corbet, who was accused of a theft, eloped nearly at the same
time, it was at first believed, that he had taken the desperate measure
of driving off the cattle, in order to subsist on them as long as possible;
or perhaps to deliver them to the natives. In this uncertainty, parties
to search were sent out in different directions; and the fugitive declared
an outlaw, in case of not returning by a fixed day. After much anxiety
and fatigue, those who had undertaken the task returned without finding
the cattle. But on the 21st of the month, Corbet made his appearance
near a farm belonging to the Governor, and entreated a convict, who happened
to be on the spot, to give him some food, as he was perishing for hunger.
The man applied to, under pretence of fetching what he asked for, went away
and immediately gave the necessary information, in consequence of which
a party under arms was sent out and apprehended him. When the poor wretch
was brought in, he was greatly emaciated and almost famished. But on proper
restoratives being administered, he was so far recovered by the 24th,
as to be able to stand his trial, when he pleaded Guilty to the robbery
with which he stood charged, and received sentence of death. In the course
of repeated examinations it plainly appeared, he was an utter stranger
to the place where the cattle might be, and was in no shape concerned
in having driven them off.
Samuel Peyton, convict, for having on the evening of the King's birth-day
broke open an officer's marquee, with an intent to commit robbery,
of which he was fully convicted, had sentence of death passed on him
at the same time as Corbet; and on the following day they were both executed,
confessing the justness of their fate, and imploring the forgiveness of those
whom they had injured. Peyton, at the time of his suffering, was but twenty
years of age, the greatest part of which had been invariably passed in the
commission of crimes, that at length terminated in his ignominious end.
The following letter, written by a fellow convict to the sufferer's unhappy
mother, I shall make no apology for presenting to the reader; it affords
a melancholy proof, that not the ignorant and untaught only have provoked
the justice of their country to banish them to this remote region.
Sydney Cove, Port Jackson,
New South Wales, 24th June, 1788.
"My dear and honoured mother!
"With a heart oppressed by the keenest sense of anguish,
and too much agitated by the idea of my very melancholy
condition, to express my own sentiments, I have prevailed
on the goodness of a commiserating friend, to do me the
last sad office of acquainting you with the dreadful fate
that awaits me.
"My dear mother! with what agony of soul do I dedicate the
few last moments of my life, to bid you an eternal adieu!
my doom being irrevocably fixed, and ere this hour to-morrow
I shall have quitted this vale of wretchedness, to enter
into an unknown and endless eternity. I will not distress
your tender maternal feelings by any long comment on the
cause of my present misfortune. Let it therefore suffice
to say, that impelled by that strong propensity to evil,
which neither the virtuous precepts nor example of the best
of parents could eradicate, I have at length fallen an unhappy,
though just, victim to my own follies.
"Too late I regret my inattention to your admonitions,
and feel myself sensibly affected by the remembrance of
the many anxious moments you have passed on my account.
For these, and all my, other transgressions, however great,
I supplicate the Divine forgiveness; and encouraged by the
promises of that Saviour who died for us all, I trust to
receive that mercy in the world to come, which my offences
have deprived me of all hope, or expectation of, in this.
The affliction which this will cost you, I hope the Almighty
will enable you to bear. Banish from your memory all my
former indiscretions, and let the cheering hope of a happy
meeting hereafter, console you for my loss. Sincerely
penitent for my sins; sensible of the justice of my conviction
and sentence, and firmly relying on the merits of a Blessed
Redeemer, I am at perfect peace with all mankind, and
trust I shall yet experience that peace, which this world
cannot give. Commend my soul to the Divine mercy.
I bid you an eternal farewell.
"Your unhappy dying Son,
"SAMUEL PEYTON."
After this nothing occurred with which I think it necessary to trouble
the reader. The contents of the following chapters could not, I conceive,
be so properly interwoven in the body of the work; I have, therefore,
assigned them a place by themselves, with a view that the conclusions adopted
in them may be more strongly enforced on the minds of those, to whom they are
more particularly addressed.
CHAPTER XV.
The Face of the Country; its Productions, Climate, &c.
To the geographical knowledge of this country, supplied by Captain Cook,
and Captain Furneaux, we are able to add nothing. The latter explored
the coast from Van Diemen's land to the latitude of 39 deg south; and Cook from
Point Hicks, which lies in 37 deg 58 min, to Endeavour Streights.
The intermediate space between the end of Furneaux's discovery and Point Hicks,
is, therefore, the only part of the south-east coast unknown, and it
so happened on our passage thither, owing to the weather, which forbade
any part of the ships engaging with the shore, that we are unable to pronounce
whether, or not, a streight intersects the continent hereabouts: though I beg
leave to say, that I have been informed by a naval friend, that when the fleet
was off this part of the coast, a strong set-off shore was plainly felt.
At the distance of 60 miles inland, a prodigious chain of lofty mountains
runs nearly in a north and south direction, further than the eye can
trace them. Should nothing intervene to prevent it, the Governor intends,
shortly, to explore their summits: and, I think there can be little doubt,
that his curiosity will not go unrewarded. If large rivers do exist
in the country, which some of us are almost sceptical enough to doubt,
their sources must arise amidst these hills; and the direction they run in,
for a considerable distance, must be either due north, or due south.
For it is strikingly singular that three such noble harbours as Botany Bay,
Port Jackson, and Broken Bay, alike end in shallows and swamps,
filled with mangroves.
The general face of the country is certainly pleasing, being diversified with
gentle ascents, and little winding vallies, covered for the most part with
large spreading trees, which afford a succession of leaves in all seasons.
In those places where trees are scarce, a variety of flowering shrubs abound,
most of them entirely new to an European, and surpassing in beauty, fragrance,
and number, all I ever saw in an uncultivated state: among these, a tall shrub,
bearing an elegant white flower, which smells like English May,
is particularly delightful, and perfumes the air around to a great distance.
The species of trees are few, and, I am concerned to add, the wood universally
of so bad a grain, as almost to preclude a possibility of using it:
the increase of labour occasioned by this in our buildings has been such,
as nearly to exceed belief. These trees yield a profusion of thick red gum
(not unlike the 'sanguis draconis') which is found serviceable in medicine,
particularly in dysenteric complaints, where it has sometimes succeeded,
when all other preparations have failed. To blunt its acrid qualities,
it is usual to combine it with opiates.
The nature of the soil is various. That immediately round Sydney Cove
is sandy, with here and there a stratum of clay. From the sand we have yet
been able to draw very little; but there seems no reason to doubt,
that many large tracts of land around us will bring to perfection whatever
shall be sown in them. To give this matter a fair trial, some practical
farmers capable of such an undertaking should be sent out; for the spots
we have chosen for experiments in agriculture, in which we can scarce be
supposed adepts, have hitherto but ill repaid our toil, which may be imputable
to our having chosen such as are unfavourable for our purpose.
Except from the size of the trees, the difficulties of clearing the land
are not numerous, underwood being rarely found, though the country is not
absolutely without it. Of the natural meadows which Mr. Cook mentions
near Botany Bay, we can give no account; none such exist about Port Jackson.
Grass, however, grows in every place but the swamps with the greatest vigour
and luxuriancy, though it is not of the finest quality, and is found to agree
better with horses and cows than sheep. A few wild fruits are sometimes
procured, among which is the small purple apple mentioned by Cook,
and a fruit which has the appearance of a grape, though in taste more like
a green gooseberry, being excessively sour: probably were it meliorated
by cultivation, it would become more palatable.
Fresh water, as I have said before, is found but in inconsiderable quantities.
For the common purposes of life there is generally enough; but we know
of no stream in the country capable of turning a mill: and the remark made
by Mr. Anderson, of the dryness of the country round Adventure Bay,
extends without exception to every part of it which we have penetrated.
Previous to leaving England I remember to have frequently heard it asserted,
that the discovery of mines was one of the secondary objects of the expedition.
Perhaps there are mines; but as no person competent to form a decision
is to be found among us, I wish no one to adopt an idea, that I mean to
impress him with such a belief, when I state, that individuals,
whose judgements are not despicable, are willing to think favourably
of this conjecture, from specimens of ore seen in many of the stones
picked up here. I cannot quit this subject without regretting, that some one
capable of throwing a better light on it, is not in the colony. Nor can I help
being equally concerned, that an experienced botanist was not sent out,
for the purpose of collecting and describing the rare and beautiful plants
with which the country abounds. Indeed, we flattered ourselves, when at
the Cape of Good Hope, that Mason, the King's botanical gardener,
who was employed there in collecting for the royal nursery at Kew,
would have joined us, but it seems his orders and engagements prevented him
from quitting that beaten track, to enter on this scene of novelty and variety.
To the naturalist this country holds out many invitations. Birds, though not
remarkably numerous, are in great variety, and of the most exquisite beauty
of plumage, among which are the cockatoo, lory, and parroquet; but the bird
which principally claims attention is, a species of ostrich, approaching nearer
to the emu of South America than any other we know of. One of them was shot,
at a considerable distance, with a single ball, by a convict employed
for that purpose by the Governor; its weight, when complete, was
seventy pounds, and its length from the end of the toe to the tip of the beak,
seven feet two inches, though there was reason to believe it had not attained
its full growth. On dissection many anatomical singularities were observed:
the gall-bladder was remarkably large, the liver not bigger than that
of a barn-door fowl, and after the strictest search no gizzard could be found;
the legs, which were of a vast length, were covered with thick, strong scales,
plainly indicating the animal to be formed for living amidst deserts;
and the foot differed from an ostrich's by forming a triangle,
instead of being cloven.
Goldsmith, whose account of the emu is the only one I can refer to, says,
"that it is covered from the back and rump with long feathers, which fall
backward, and cover the anus; these feathers are grey on the back, and white
on the belly." The wings are so small as hardly to deserve the name,
and are unfurnished with those beautiful ornaments which adorn the wings
of the ostrich: all the feathers are extremely coarse, but the construction
of them deserves notice--they grow in pairs from a single shaft, a singularity
which the author I have quoted has omitted to remark. It may be presumed,
that these birds are not very scarce, as several have been seen, some of them
immensely large, but they are so wild, as to make shooting them a matter
of great difficulty. Though incapable of flying, they run with such swiftness,
that our fleetest greyhounds are left far behind in every attempt
to catch them. The flesh was eaten, and tasted like beef.
Besides the emu, many birds of prodigious size have been seen, which promise
to increase the number of those described by naturalists, whenever we shall
be fortunate enough to obtain them; but among these the bat of the
Endeavour River is not to be found. In the woods are various little songsters,
whose notes are equally sweet and plaintive.
Of quadrupeds, except the kangaroo, I have little to say. The few met with
are almost invariably of the opossum tribe, but even these do not abound.
To beasts of prey we are utter strangers, nor have we yet any cause to believe
that they exist in the country. And happy it is for us that they do not,
as their presence would deprive us of the only fresh meals the settlement
affords, the flesh of the kangaroo. This singular animal is already known
in Europe by the drawing and description of Mr. Cook. To the drawing nothing
can be objected but the position of the claws of the hinder leg, which are
mixed together like those of a dog, whereas no such indistinctness
is to be found in the animal I am describing. It was the Chevalier De Perrouse
who pointed out this to me, while we were comparing a kangaroo with the plate,
which, as he justly observed, is correct enough to give the world in general a
good idea of the animal, but not sufficiently accurate for the man of science.
Of the natural history of the kangaroo we are still very ignorant. We may,
however, venture to pronounce this animal, a new species of opossum,
the female being furnished with a bag, in which the young is contained;
and in which the teats are found. These last are only two in number,
a strong presumptive proof, had we no other evidence, that the kangaroo brings
forth rarely more than one at a birth. But this is settled beyond a doubt,
from more than a dozen females having been killed, which had invariably
but one formed in the pouch. Notwithstanding this, the animal may be looked on
as prolific, from the early age it begins to breed at, kangaroos with young
having been taken of not more than thirty pounds weight; and there is room
to believe that when at their utmost growth, they weigh not less than
one hundred and fifty pounds. A male of one hundred and thirty pounds weight
has been killed, whose dimensions were as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Feet. Inches.
Extreme length 7 3
Ditt of the tail 3 4 1/2
Ditto of the hinder legs 3 2
Ditto of the fore paws 1 7 1/2
Circumference of the tail of the root 1 5
------------------------------------------------------------------
After this perhaps I shall hardly be credited, when I affirm that the kangaroo
on being brought forth is not larger than an English mouse. It is, however,
in my power to speak positively on this head, as I have seen more than one
instance of it.
In running, this animal confines himself entirely to his hinder, legs,
which are possessed with an extraordinary muscular power. Their speed
is very great, though not in general quite equal to that of a greyhound;
but when the greyhounds are so fortunate as to seize them, they are incapable
of retaining their hold, from the amazing struggles of the animal. The bound
of the kangaroo, when not hard pressed, has been measured, and found
to exceed twenty feet.
At what time of the year they copulate, and in what manner, we know not:
the testicles of the male are placed contrary to the usual order of nature.
When young the kangaroo eats tender and well flavoured, tasting like veal,
but the old ones are more tough and stringy than bullbeef. They are not
carnivorous, and subsist altogether on particular flowers and grass.
Their bleat is mournful, and very different from that of any other animal:
it is, however, seldom heard but in the young ones.
Fish, which our sanguine hopes led us to expect in great quantities,
do not abound. In summer they are tolerably plentiful, but for some
months past very few have been taken. Botany Bay in this respect exceeds
Port Jackson. The French once caught near two thousand fish in one day,
of a species of grouper, to which, from the form of a bone in the head
resembling a helmet, we have given the name of light horseman. To this
may be added bass, mullets, skait, soles, leather-jackets, and many other
species, all so good in their kind, as to double our regret at their not being
more numerous. Sharks of an enormous size are found here. One of these
was caught by the people on board the Sirius, which measured at the shoulders
six feet and a half in circumference. His liver yielded twenty-four gallons
of oil; and in his stomach was found the head of a shark, which had been
thrown overboard from the same ship. The Indians, probably from having felt
the effects of their voracious fury, testify the utmost horror on seeing
these terrible fish.
Venomous animals and reptiles are rarely seen. Large snakes beautifully
variegated have been killed, but of the effect of their bites we are happily
ignorant. Insects, though numerous, are by no means, even in summer,
so troublesome as I have found them in America, the West Indies,
and other countries.
The climate is undoubtedly very desirable to live in. In summer the heats
are usually moderated by the sea breeze, which sets in early; and in winter
the degree of cold is so slight as to occasion no inconvenience; once or twice
we have had hoar frosts and hail, but no appearance of snow. The thermometer
has never risen beyond 84, nor fallen lower than 35, in general it stood
in the beginning of February at between 78 and 74 at noon. Nor is
the temperature of the air less healthy than pleasant. Those dreadful putrid
fevers by which new countries are so often ravaged, are unknown to us:
and excepting a slight diarrhoea, which prevailed soon after we had landed,
and was fatal in very few instances, we are strangers to epidemic diseases.
On the whole, (thunder storms in the hot months excepted) I know not
any climate equal to this I write in. Ere we had been a fortnight on shore
we experienced some storms of thunder accompanied with rain, than which
nothing can be conceived more violent and tremendous, and their repetition
for several days, joined to the damage they did, by killing several
of our sheep, led us to draw presages of an unpleasant nature. Happily,
however, for many months we have escaped any similar visitations.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Progress made in the Settlement; and the Situation of Affairs
at the Time of the Ship, which conveys this Account, sailing for England.
For the purpose of expediting the public work, the male convicts have been
divided into gangs, over each of which a person, selected from among
themselves, is placed. It is to be regretted that Government did not take
this matter into consideration before we left England, and appoint proper
persons with reasonable salaries to execute the office of overseers;
as the consequence of our present imperfect plan is such, as to defeat
in a great measure the purposes for which the prisoners were sent out.
The female convicts have hitherto lived in a state of total idleness;
except a few who are kept at work in making pegs for tiles, and picking up
shells for burning into lime. For the last time I repeat, that the behaviour
of all classes of these people since our arrival in the settlement
has been better than could, I think, have been expected from them.
Temporary wooden storehouses covered with thatch or shingles, in which
the cargoes of all the ships have been lodged, are completed; and an hospital
is erected. Barracks for the military are considerably advanced;
and little huts to serve, until something more permanent can be finished,
have been raised on all sides. Notwithstanding this the encampments
of the marines and convicts are still kept up; and to secure their owners
from the coldness of the nights, are covered in with bushes, and thatched over.
The plan of a town I have already said is marked out. And as freestone
of an excellent quality abounds, one requisite towards the completion
of it is attained. Only two houses of stone are yet begun, which are intended
for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. One of the greatest impediments
we meet with is a want of limestone, of which no signs appear.
Clay for making bricks is in plenty, and a considerable quantity of them
burned and ready for use.
In enumerating the public buildings I find I have been so remiss as to omit
an observatory, which is erected at a small distance from the encampments.
It is nearly completed, and when fitted up with the telescopes and other
astronomical instruments sent out by the Board of Longitude, will afford
a desirable retreat from the listlessness of a camp evening at Port Jackson.
One of the principal reasons which induced the Board to grant this apparatus
was, for the purpose of enabling Lieutenant Dawes, of the marines,
(to whose care it is intrusted) to make observations on a comet which is
shortly expected to appear in the southern hemisphere. The latitude
of the observatory, from the result of more than three hundred observations,
is fixed at 33 deg 52 min 30 sec south, and the longitude at
151 deg 16 min 30 sec east of Greenwich. The latitude of the south head
which forms the entrance of the harbour, 33 deg 51 min, and that of the
north head opposite to it at 33 deg 49 min 45 sec south.
Since landing here our military force has suffered a diminution of only
three persons, a serjeant and two privates. Of the convicts fifty-four
have perished, including the executions. Amidst the causes of this mortality,
excessive toil and a scarcity of food are not to be numbered,
as the reader will easily conceive, when informed, that they have the same
allowance of provisions as every officer and soldier in the garrison;
and are indulged by being exempted from labour every Saturday afternoon
and Sunday. On the latter of those days they are expected to attend
divine service, which is performed either within one of the storehouses,
or under a great tree in the open air, until a church can be built.
Amidst our public labours, that no fortified post, or place of security,
is yet begun, may be a matter of surprise. Were an emergency in the night
to happen, it is not easy to say what might not take place before troops,
scattered about in an extensive encampment, could be formed, so as to act.
An event that happened a few evenings since may, perhaps, be the means
of forwarding this necessary work. In the dead of night the centinels
on the eastern side of the cove were alarmed by the voices of the Indians,
talking near their posts. The soldiers on this occasion acted with
their usual firmness, and without creating a disturbance, acquainted
the officer of the guard with the circumstance, who immediately took
every precaution to prevent an attack, and at the same time gave orders
that no molestation, while they continued peaceable, should be offered them.
From the darkness of the night, and the distance they kept at, it was not easy
to ascertain their number, but from the sound of the voices and other
circumstances, it was calculated at near thirty. To their intentions
in honouring us with this visit (the only one we have had from them
in the last five months) we are strangers, though most probably it was either
with a view to pilfer, or to ascertain in what security we slept,
and the precautions we used in the night. When the bells of the ships
in the harbour struck the hour of the night, and the centinels called out
on their posts "All's well," they observed a dead silence, and continued it
for some minutes, though talking with the greatest earnestness and vociferation
but the moment before. After having remained a considerable time they departed
without interchanging a syllable with our people.
CHAPTER XVII.
Some Thoughts on the Advantages which may arise to the Mother Country
from forming the Colony.
The author of these sheets would subject himself to the charge of presumption,
were he to aim at developing the intentions of Government in forming
this settlement. But without giving offence, or incurring reproach,
he hopes his opinion on the probability of advantage to be drawn from hence
by Great Britain, may be fairly made known.
If only a receptacle for convicts be intended, this place stands unequalled
from the situation, extent, and nature of the country. When viewed
in a commercial light, I fear its insignificance will appear very striking.
The New Zealand hemp, of which so many sanguine expectations were formed,
is not a native of the soil; and Norfolk Island, where we made sure to find
this article, is also without it. So that the scheme of being able to assist
the East Indies with naval stores, in case of a war, must fall to the ground,
both from this deficiency, and the quality of the timber growing here.
Were it indeed possible to transport that of Norfolk Island, its value
would be found very great, but the difficulty, from the surf,
I am well informed, is so insuperable as to forbid the attempt.
Lord Howe Island, discovered by Lieut. Ball, though an inestimable acquisition
to our colony, produces little else than the mountain cabbage tree.
Should a sufficient military force be sent out to those employed in cultivating
the ground, I see no room to doubt, that in the course of a few years,
the country will be able to yield grain enough for the support of its new
possessors. But to effect this, our present limits must be greatly extended,
which will require detachments of troops not to be spared from the present
establishment. And admitting the position, the parent country will still
have to supply us for a much longer time with every other necessary of life.
For after what we have seen, the idea of being soon able to breed cattle
sufficient for our consumption, must appear chimerical and absurd.
From all which it is evident, that should Great Britain neglect to send out
regular supplies, the most fatal consequences will ensue.
Speculators who may feel inclined to try their fortunes here, will do well
to weigh what I have said. If golden dreams of commerce and wealth
flatter their imaginations, disappointment will follow: the remoteness
of situation, productions of the country, and want of connection
with other parts of the world, justify me in the assertion. But to men
of small property, unambitious of trade, and wishing for retirement,
I think the continent of New South Wales not without inducements.
One of this description, with letters of recommendation, and a sufficient
capital (after having provided for his passage hither) to furnish him
with an assortment of tools for clearing land, agricultural and domestic
purposes; possessed also of a few household utensils, a cow, a few sheep
and breeding sows, would, I am of opinion, with proper protection
and encouragement, succeed in obtaining a comfortable livelihood,
were he well assured before he quitted his native country, that a provision
for him until he might be settled, should be secured; and that a grant of land
on his arrival would be allotted him.
That this adventurer, if of a persevering character and competent knowledge,
might in the course of ten years bring matters into such a train as to
render himself comfortable and independent, I think highly probable.
The superfluities of his farm would enable him to purchase European commodities
from the masters of ships, which will arrive on Government account,
sufficient to supply his wants. But beyond this he ought not to reckon,
for admitting that he might meet with success in raising tobacco, rice, indigo,
or vineyards (for which last I think the soil and climate admirably adapted),
the distance of a mart to vend them at, would make the expense
of transportation so excessive, as to cut off all hopes of a reasonable profit;
nor can there be consumers enough here to take them off his hands,
for so great a length of time to come, as I shall not be at the trouble
of computing.
Should then any one, induced by this account, emigrate hither, let him,
before he quits England, provide all his wearing apparel for himself, family,
and servants; his furniture, tools of every kind, and implements of husbandry
(among which a plough need not be included, as we make use of the hoe),
for he will touch at no place where they can be purchased to advantage.
If his sheep and hogs are English also, it will be better. For wines,
spirits, tobacco, sugar, coffee, tea, rice, poultry, and many other articles,
he may venture to rely on at Teneriffe or Madeira, the Brazils and
Cape of Good Hope. It will not be his interest to draw bills on his
voyage out, as the exchange of money will be found invariably against him,
and a large discount also deducted. Drafts on the place he is to touch at,
or cash (dollars if possible) will best answer his end.
To men of desperate fortune and the lowest classes of the people,
unless they can procure a passage as indented servants, similar to the custom
practised of emigrating to America, this part of the world offers
no temptation: for it can hardly be supposed, that Government will be fond
of maintaining them here until they can be settled, and without such support
they must starve.
Of the Governor's instructions and intentions relative to the disposal
of the convicts, when the term of their transportation shall be expired,
I am ignorant. They will then be free men, and at liberty, I apprehend,
either to settle in the country, or to return to Europe. The former will be
attended with some public expense; and the latter, except in particular cases,
will be difficult to accomplish, from the numberless causes which prevent
a frequent communication between England and this continent.
POSTSCRIPT
Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, New South Wales.
October 1st, 1788. Little material has occurred in this colony since
the departure of the ships for England, on the 14th July last. On the 20th
of that month His Majesty's ship Supply, Captain Ball, sailed for
Norfolk Island, and returned on the 26th August. Our accounts from thence
are more favourable than were expected. The soil proves admirably adapted
to produce all kinds of grain, and European vegetables. But the discovery
which constitutes its value is the New Zealand flax, plants of which
are found growing in every part of the island in the utmost luxuriancy
and abundance. This will, beyond doubt, appear strange to the reader
after what has been related in the former part of my work: and in future,
let the credit of the testimony be as high as it may, I shall never
without diffidence and hesitation presume to contradict the narrations
of Mr. Cook. The truth is, that those sent to settle and explore the island
knew not the form in which the plant grows, and were unfurnished with
every particular which could lead to a knowledge of it. Unaccountable as this
may sound, it is, nevertheless, incontestably true. Captain Ball brought away
with him several specimens for inspection, and, on trial, by some flax-dressers
among us, the threads produced from them, though coarse, are pronounced to be
stronger, more likely to be durable, and fitter for every purpose
of manufacturing cordage, than any they ever before dressed.
Every research has been made by those on the island to find a landing-place,
whence it might be practicable to ship off the timber growing there,
but hitherto none has been discovered. A plan, however, for making one
has been laid before the Governor, and is at present under consideration,
though (in the opinion of many here) it is not such an one as will be found
to answer the end proposed.
Lieut. King and his little garrison were well when the 'Supply' left them:
but I am sorry to add, that, from casualties, their number is already five less
than it originally was. A ship from hence is ready to sail with an increase
of force, besides many convicts for the purpose of sawing up timber,
and turning the flax-plant to advantage.
So much for Norfolk. In Port Jackson all is quiet and stupid as could
be wished. We generally hear the lie of the day as soon as the beating
of the Reveille announces the return of it; find it contradicted by breakfast
time; and pursue a second through all its varieties, until night,
welcome as to a lover, gives us to sleep and dream ourselves transported
to happier climes.
Let me not, however, neglect telling you the little news which presents itself.
All descriptions of men enjoy the highest state of health; and the convicts
continue to behave extremely well. A gang of one hundred of them, guarded
by a captain, two subalterns and 20 marines, is about to be sent up to the head
of the harbour, at the distance of 3 leagues, in a westerly direction,
from Sydney Cove, for the purpose of establishing a settlement there.
The convicts are to be employed in putting the land around into cultivation,
as it appears to be of a more promising nature than that near the encampment.
Indeed this last hitherto succeeds but very indifferently, though I do not
yet despair, that when good seeds can be procured, our toil will be better
rewarded. But as this is an event at a distance, and in itself very
precarious, Governor Phillip has determined on procuring a supply of flour
and other necessaries from the Cape of Good Hope, as our stock on hand is found
to be, on examination, not quite so ample as had been reckoned upon.
To execute this purpose his Excellency has ordered the Sirius to prepare
for the voyage; by which conveyance the opportunity of writing to you
is afforded me. It was at first intended to dispatch the Sirius to some
of the neighbouring islands (the Friendly or Society) in the Pacific Ocean,
to procure stock there, but the uselessness of the scheme, joined to the
situation of matters here, has, happily for us, prevented its being put
into execution.
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