Produced by Col Choat
The Voyage
of
Governor Phillip
to
Botany Bay
with an
Account of the Establishment of the Colonies of
Port Jackson and Norfolk Island;
compiled from Authentic Papers,
which have been obtained from the several Departments
to which are added
the Journals of Lieuts. Shortland, Watts, Ball and Capt. Marshall
with an Account of their New Discoveries,
embellished with fifty five Copper Plates,
the Maps and Charts taken from Actual Surveys,
and the plans and views drawn on the spot,
by Capt. Hunter, Lieuts. Shortland, Watts, Dawes, Bradley, Capt. Marshall, etc.
London
Printed for John Stockdale, Piccadilly
1789
TO THE MOST NOBLE
THE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY,
LORD CHAMBERLAIN OF HIS MAJESTY'S HOUSEHOLD, ETC., ETC.
THIS VOLUME,
CONTAINING ALL THAT IS YET KNOWN OF THE
SETTLEMENT AT SYDNEY COVE,
IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY
HIS LORDSHIP'S
MUCH OBLIGED, AND
MOST FAITHFUL
HUMBLE SERVANT,
JOHN STOCKDALE.
NOVEMBER 25, 1789.
ANECDOTES OF GOVERNOR PHILLIP.
Arthur Phillip is one of those officers, who, like Drake, Dampier, and
Cook, has raised himself by his merit and his services, to distinction
and command. His father was Jacob Phillip, a native of Frankfort, in
Germany, who having settled in England, maintained his family and educated
his son by teaching the languages. His mother was Elizabeth Breach, who
married for her first husband, Captain Herbert of the navy, a kinsman of
Lord Pembroke. Of her marriage with Jacob Phillip, was her son, Arthur,
born in the parish of Allhallows, Bread-street, within the city of London,
on the 11th of October, 1738.
Being designed for a seafaring life, he was very properly sent to the
school of Greenwich, where he received an education suitable to his early
propensities. At the age of sixteen, he began his maritime career, under
the deceased Captain Michael Everet of the navy, at the commencement of
hostilities, in 1755: and at the same time that he learned the rudiments
of his profession under that able officer, he partook with him in the early
misfortunes, and subsequent glories of the seven years war. Whatever
opulence Phillip acquired from the capture of the Havannah, certain it is,
that, at the age of twenty-three, he there was made a Lieutenant into the
Stirling-castle, on the 7th of June, 1761, by Sir George Pococke, an
excellent judge of naval accomplishments.
But of nautical exploits, however they may raise marine officers, there
must be an end. Peace, with its blessings, was restored in 1763. And Phillip
now found leisure to marry; and to settle at Lyndhurst, in the New Forest,
where he amused himself with farming, and like other country gentlemen,
discharged assiduously those provincial offices, which, however unimportant,
occupy respectably the owners of land, who, in this island, require no office
to make them important.
But sailors, like their own element, are seldom at rest. Those occupations,
which pleased Phillip while they were new, no longer pleased him when
they became familiar. And he hastened to offer his skill and his services to
Portugal when it engaged in warfare with Spain. His offer was readily
accepted, because such skill and services were necessary amidst an arduous
struggle with a too powerful opponent. And, such was his conduct and such
his success, that when the recent interference of France, in 1778, made
it his duty to fight for his king, and to defend his country, the Portugueze
court regretted his departure, but applauded his motive.
His return was doubtless approved by those who, knowing his value, could
advance his rank: For he was made master and commander into the Basilisk
fireship, on the 2d of September, 1779. But in her he had little opportunity
of displaying his zeal, or of adding to his fame. This step, however, led
him up to a higher situation; and he was made post-captain into the Ariadne
frigate, on the 13th of November, 1781, when he was upwards of three and
forty. This is the great epoch in the lives of our naval officers, because
it is from this that they date their rank. In the Ariadne, he had little
time for active adventures, or for gainful prizes, being appointed to the
Europe of sixty-four guns, on the 23d of December, 1781. During the memorable
year 1782, Phillip promoted its enterprises, and shared in its glories.
And in January, 1783, he sailed with a reinforcement to the East Indies,
where superior bravery contended against superior force, till the policy
of our negotiators put an end to unequal hostilities by a necessary peace.
The activity, or the zeal of Phillip, was now turned to more peaceful
objects. And when it was determined to form a settlement on that part of
New Holland, denominated New South Wales, he was thought of as a proper
officer to conduct an enterprize, which required professional knowledge,
and habitual prudence. His equipment, his voyage, and his settlement, in
the other hemisphere, will be found in the following volume. When the time
shall arrive that the European settlers on Sydney Cove demand their historian,
these authentic anecdotes of their pristine legislator will be sought for
as curious, and considered as important.
ERRATA (These have been corrected in this eBook)
Page, line
1, 15, for enterprizes, read enterprises.
13, penult. for only fifty, read an hundred.
Ibid. ult. for Penryn, read Penrhyn.
75, 7, for Surprize, read Surprise.
87, 14, after 17, dele th.
96, 13, for into, read in.
149, 10, for Kangooroo, read Kanguroo. The orthography of a word
derived only from oral sound is in some degree arbitrary; but
it ought to be consistant. The plates, by mistake, have Kangooroo.
185, 14, for it were were, read if it were.
203, 3, for Fobn, read Thomas.
213, 10, for four, read forty.
228, 23, bis, for Macauley, read Macaulay.
231, 15, for Patri, read Pabi.
252, Margin, for May, read June.
253, Ditto.
255, Margin, for July, read June.
256, Ditto.
232, 18, for Taha, read Toha.
242, 9, for who, read whom.
246, 25, for veer'd, read near'd.
N. B. Some of the early impressions of the plates have erroneously Wulpine
Oppossum for Vulpine Opossum. After a few were work'd off the fault was
perceived, and corrected.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The arrangement of materials in this volume being in some respects less
perfect than might be wished, it is necessary that something should be
said to obviate any imputation of negligence. The truth will be the best,
and, as it ought, the only apology. The official papers of Governor Phillip,
which were liberally communicated by Government, formed at first our principal
source of intelligence. These, from their nature, could contain but little
information on subjects of natural history, and many other points, concerning
which the curiosity of every reader would naturally be excited. The efforts
of the publisher to give satisfaction to the public in these respects produced
a gradual influx of materials; and the successive arrival of different vessels
from the Indian seas, occasioned additions to the work, which made it
necessary to engrave new plates. While, therefore, the completion
of the book was anxiously pressed by many who were eager to possess it,
that desirable point has constantly been deferred by the communications of
those who were studious to render it more valuable; and the word Finis, has
seemed to fly from us, like Italy before the wandering Trojans. From the
combination of these circumstances it has arisen, that every separate part
has been hurried on in the execution; and yet, in the finishing of the
whole, more time has elapsed, than would have been necessary to complete
a much more ample volume. The defects that proceed from these causes, it
is hoped, the reader will forgive, and accept with complacency a volume
in which, it is confidently hoped, nothing material has been omitted that
is connected with its principal object, the formation of a settlement
promising both glory and advantage to this country; in which several
important discoveries are announced; no small accession is made to the
stores of natural history; and interesting notices are communicated of
countries visited before, and persons in whose fate the public has long
felt an interest.
The publisher thinks it his duty, in this place, to return thanks to the
following noblemen and gentlemen, for their kind assistance and free
communications. The Marquis of Salisbury, Viscount Sydney, Lord Hood,
Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. Mr. Rose, Mr. Nepean, Mr. Stephens, Sir Charles
Middleton, Sir Andrew Snape Hammond, Mr. Dalrymple, and Mr. Chalmers: but,
to Mr. Latham particularly, the most grateful acknowledgements are due,
for having furnished many drawings and accurate descriptions, which stamp
a value on the natural history contained in this work, and must for ever
render it an object of attention to all lovers of that science: and to
Lieutenant Shortland, Lieutenant Watts, and Captain Marshall, of the
Scarborough transport, the public owe whatever important discoveries and
useful knowledge may be found in their journals, which they communicated
with a disinterestedness that the publisher will be always happy to
acknowledge.
ACCOUNT OF THE VIGNETTE.
The elegant vignette in the title-page, was engraved from a medallion which
the ingenious Mr. Wedge-wood caused to be modelled from a small piece of
clay brought from Sydney Cove. The clay proves to be of a fine texture,
and will be found very useful for the manufactory of earthern ware. The
design is allegorical; it represents Hope encouraging Art and Labour,
under the influence of Peace, to pursue the employments necessary to give
security and happiness to an infant settlement. The following verses upon
the same subject, and in allusion to the medallion, were written by the
author of The Botanic Garden, and will speak more powerfully for themselves
than any encomium we could bestow.
VISIT OF HOPE TO SYDNEY-COVE, NEAR BOTANY-BAY.
Where Sydney Cove her lucid bosom swells,
Courts her young navies, and the storm repels;
High on a rock amid the troubled air
HOPE stood sublime, and wav'd her golden hair;
Calm'd with her rosy smile the tossing deep,
And with sweet accents charm'd the winds to sleep;
To each wild plain she stretch'd her snowy hand,
High-waving wood, and sea-encircled strand.
"Hear me," she cried, "ye rising Realms! record
"Time's opening scenes, and Truth's unerring word.--
"There shall broad streets their stately walls extend,
"The circus widen, and the crescent bend;
"There, ray'd from cities o'er the cultur'd land,
"Shall bright canals, and solid roads expand.--
"There the proud arch, Colossus-like, bestride
"Yon glittering streams, and bound the chasing tide;
"Embellish'd villas crown the landscape-scene,
"Farms wave with gold, and orchards blush between.--
"There shall tall spires, and dome-capt towers ascend,
"And piers and quays their massy structures blend;
"While with each breeze approaching vessels glide,
"And northern treasures dance on every tide!"--
Then ceas'd the nymph--tumultuous echoes roar,
And JOY's loud voice was heard from shore to shore--
Her graceful steps descending press'd the plain,
And PEACE, and ART, and LABOUR, join'd her train.
VIEW of the FLEET and ESTABLISHMENT sent out with
GOVERNOR PHILLIP to NEW SOUTH WALES.
Captain ARTHUR PHILLIP of the Navy, Governor and Commander in Chief of
the territory of New South Wales, and of his Majesty's ships and vessels
employed on that coast.
Major Robert Ross, Lieutenant Governor.
Richard Johnson, Chaplain.
Andrew Miller, Commissary.
David Collins, Judge Advocate.
John Long, Adjutant.
James Furzer, Quarter-Master.
*George Alexander, Provost Martial.
John White, Surgeon.
Thomas Arndell, Assistant Ditto.
William Balmain, Ditto Ditto.
His Majesty's ship Sirius,
Captain Arthur Phillip.
Captain John Hunter.
His Majesty's armed tender Supply,
Lieutenant H. L. Ball.
Six transports carrying the convicts.
Alexander 210 men convicts. women convicts.
Scarborough 210 men convicts.
Friendship 80 men convicts. 24
Charlotte 100 men convicts. 24
Prince of Wales -- -- 100
Lady Penrhyn -- -- 102
Each transport had a detachment of marines on board.
Three store ships:
The Golden Grove, Fishburn, and Borrowdale;
With provisions, implements for husbandry, cloathing,
etc. for the convicts.
Lieutenant John Shortland, agent for the transports.
The garrison is formed from the marines.
Distribution of the Detachment of MARINES for NEW SOUTH
WALES, with the Number embarked on board of each of
the Transports upon that Service.
Ships |Names |Captains |Subs|Serj-|Corp-|Drum and|Privates|Embarked|
Names |of Officers | | |eants|orals|fife | | |
Lady Captain Campbell 1 2 0 0 0 3 Portsmouth
Penrhyn Lieut G. Johnston
Lieut. Wm Collins
Scarb- Captain Shea 1 2 2 2 1 26 Portsmouth
orough Lieutenant Kellow
Lieutenant Morrison
Friend- Capt. Lieut. Meredith 1 2 2 3 1 36 Plymouth
ship Lieutenant Clarke
Lieutenant Faddy
Charl- Captain Tench 1 2 3 3 1 34 Plymouth
otte Lieutenant Cresswell
Lieutenant Poulden
Alex- Lieutenant J. Johnston 0 2 2 2 1 30 Woolwich.
ander Lieutenant Shairp
Prince Lieutenant Davy 0 2 2 2 1 25
of Lieutenant Timmins
Wales Provost Martial
---------------------------------------
4 12 11 12 5 154
put on board his Majesty's ship 0 0 1 0 3 6
Sirius, as supernumeraries.
---------------------------------------
Total of the detachment 4 12 12 12 8 160
---------------------------------------
Forty women, wives to the Marines, permitted to go out with the Garrison.
CONTENTS
Chapter I.
Public utility of voyages--Peculiar circumstances of this--New Holland
properly a continent--Reasons for fixing our settlement
there--Transportation to America, its origin, advantages, and
cessation--Experiments made--The present plan adopted--Disadvantages of
other expedients.
Chapter II.
Preparation of the fleet ordered to Botany Bay.--Particulars of its
arrangement.--Departure and passage to the Canary Isles.
Chapter III.
Reasons for touching at the Canary Isles--Precautions for preserving
Health--Their admirable Success--Some Account of the Canaries--Fables
respecting them--Attempt of a Convict to escape--Departure.
Report of the Marines and Convicts under medical treatment, June 4, 1787
Chapter IV.
Attempt to put in at Port Praya--Relinquished--Weather--Sail for Rio de
Faneiro--Reasons for touching at a South American port--The Fleet passes
the Line--Arrives at Rio de Faneiro--Account of that Place--Transactions
there--Departure.
Chapter V.
Prosperous passage from Rio to the Cape--Account of the Harbours there--The
Cape of Good Hope not the most Southern point--Height of Table Mountain
and others--Supineness of the European nations in neglecting to occupy the
Cape--Live stock laid in--Departure--Separation of the fleet--Arrival of the
Supply at Botany Bay.
Chapter VI.
First interview with the natives--the bay examined--arrival of the whole
fleet--Port Jackson examined--second interview with the natives--and
third--Governor Phillip returns to Botany Bay--and gives orders for the
evacuation of it.
Chapter VII.
Removal from Botany Bay--Arrival of two French ships--Account of
them--Preparations for encampment--Difficulties--Scurvy breaks out--Account
of the red and yellow gum trees.
Chapter VIII.
Description of Port Jackson and the adjacent country--The Governor's
commission read--his Speech--his humane resolutions respecting the
Natives--difficulties in erecting huts and other buildings--departure of
Lieutenant King to Norfolk Island. Instructions for P. G. King, Esq;
Superintendant and Commandant of the Settlement of Norfolk Island
Chapter IX.
A Criminal Court held--Broken Bay explored by Governor Phillip--Interviews
with the Natives--Peculiarities remarked--Friendly behaviour and
extraordinary courage of an old man.
Chapter X.
Departure of the French Ships--Death of M. Le Receveur--Return of the
Supply from Norfolk Island--Description of that Place--Howe Island
discovered. Particulars of the life of P. G. King, Esq
Chapter XI.
Three of the transports cleared--Two excursions made into the country, on
the fifteenth of April, and on the twenty-second--Huts of the
natives--Sculpture, and other particulars. Description of the Kanguroo.
Dimensions of the stuffed Kanguroo, in the possession of Mr. Stockdale.
Account of the live stock in the settlement at Port Jackson, May 1, 1788
Chapter XII.
The Supply returns from Lord Howe Island--Some convicts assaulted by the
natives--excursion of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay by Land--interview
with many natives--the fourth of June celebrated--some account of the
climate. Return of Sick, &c. June 30, 1788
Chapter XIII.
Particular description of Sydney Cove--Of the buildings actually
erected--and of the intended town--A settlement made at the head of the
harbour.
Chapter XIV.
Fish violently seized by the natives--Another expedition of the
Governor--Further account of the manners and manufactures of the native
inhabitants of New South Wales--Difficulty of obtaining any intercourse.
Remarks and Directions for sailing into PORT JACKSON, by Capt. J. HUNTER,
of the SIRIUS. Height of neap and spring tides, at full and change of the moon.
Chapter XV.
Some Specimens of Animals from New South Wales; description of The spotted
Opossum; Vulpine Opossum; Norfolk Island Flying-Squirrel. Blue Bellied Parrot;
Tabuan Parrot; Pennantian Parrot; Pacific Parrakeet; Sacred King's-fisher;
Superb Warbler, male; Superb Warbler, female; Caspian Tern; Norfolk Island
Petrel; Bronze-winged Pigeon; White-fronted Heron; Wattled Bee-Eater;
Psittaceous Hornbill; dimensions of a large Kanguroo.
Chapter XVI.
Papers relative to the settlement at Port Jackson.--General return of
marines.--Return of officers.--Artificers belonging to the Marine
Detachment.--List of officers and privates desirous of remaining in the
country.--Return of provisions.--Return of Sick.
Chapter XVII.
Nautical directions, and other detached remarks, by Lieutenant Ball,
concerning Rio de Janeiro, Norfolk Island, Ball Pyramid, and Lord Howe
Island.
Chapter XVIII.
Concise account of Lieutenant Shortland--His various services--Appointed
agent to the transports sent to New South Wales--Ordered by Governor
Phillip to England, by Batavia--Journal of his voyage--New discoveries.
Chapter XIX.
August 1788 to February 1789
Appearance of the scurvy--The boats land at one of the Pelew
Islands--Account of the Natives who were seen, and conjectures concerning
them--Distresses--The Friendship cleared and sunk--Miserable condition of
the Alexander when she reached Batavia.--Conclusion.
Chapter XX.
Lieutenant Watts's Narrative of the Return of the Lady Penrhyn Transport;
containing an Account of the Death of Omai, and other interesting
Particulars at Otaheite.
Chapter XXI.
The Scarborough leaves Port Jackson--Touches at Lord Howe's Island--Joins
the Charlotte--Falls in with a large Shoal--Discover a number of
Islands--Short account of the Inhabitants--Canoes described--Ornaments--
Discover Lord Mulgrave's Islands--Arrival at Tinian--Sick people sent on
shore--Departure from Tinian--Arrival in Mocao Roads.
CHAPTER XXII.
Supplemental Account of Animals from New South Wales, containing, Descriptions
of the Bankian Cockatoo; Red-shouldered Parrakeet; Crested Goat Sucker;
New Holland Cassowary; White Gallinule; Dog from New South Wales; Spotted
Martin; Kanguroo Rat; Laced Lizard; Port Jackson Shark; Bag Throated Balistes;
Unknown Fish from New South Wales; Watts's Shark; Great Brown
Kingsfisher.--Additional Account of the Kanguroo--Anecdote of Captain Cook
and Otoo, by Mr. Webber.--Dr. Blane's Account of the good Effects of the
Yellow Gum.--Botany Bay Plants.--Lieut. Watts's Account of the Weather at
Botany Bay and Port Jackson.--Conclusion.
CONTENTS OF THE APPENDIX.
Table I. Route of the Alexander, Lieutenant Shortland, from the Cape
of Good Hope to Botany Bay
Table II. Route of the Supply, Lieut. Ball, after parting with the
Alexander, to Botany Bay
Table III. Route of the Supply, Lieut. Ball, from Port Jackson to Norfolk
Island
Table IV. Route of the Supply from Norfolk Island to Port Jackson
Table V. Route of the Supply from Port Jackson to Lord Howe Island,
and from thence to Port Jackson
Table VI. Route of the Alexander, Lieut. Shortland, from Port Jackson
to Batavia
Table VII. Route of the Lady Penrhyn, Capt. Sever, from Port Jackson
to Otaheite
Table VIII.Route of the Lady Penrhyn, Capt. Sever, from Otaheite to China
Table IX. Route of the Scarborough, Capt. Marshall, from Port Jackson to China
List of the Convicts sent to New South Wales
A LIST OF THE SUBSCRIBERS
A.
ANDREWS, James Pettit, Esq. F. A. S.
Apsley, Viscount, M. P.
Aubrey, Sir John, Bart. M. P.
Allen, Robert, Esq.
Aylesford, Earl of
A'Court, William Pierce Ashe, Esq. M. P.
Aldersey, William, Esq.
Andrews, Sir Joseph, Bart.
Addington, Right Hon. Henry, Speaker of the House of Commons
Arden, John, Esq. Arden Hall
Addington, John Hiley, Esq. M. P.
Arden, Sir Richard Pepper, M. P. Master of the Rolls
Anson, George, Esq. M. P.
Adams, Mr. James Blake
Arnold, George, Esq.
Astley, Sir Edward, Bart. M. P.
Annesley, Hon. Richard
Appleyard, Mr. 6 copies
Allen, Thomas, Esq.
Ashton, Nicholas, Esq.
Aisley, Stephen, Esq. Kensington
B.
Bath, Marchioness of
Bickingham, Mr.
Baber, Edward, Esq.
Bathurst, Thomas, Esq.
Blackburne, John, Esq. M. P.
Breadalbane, Earl of
Belgrave, Lord, M. P.
Buccleugh, Duke of
Barwell, Thomas Smith, Esq.
Barker, Francis, Esq.
Bootle, R. Wilbraham, Esq. M. P.
Bissett, Maurice, Fsq.
Banks, Sir Joseph, Bart.
Bolton, Duke of
Butler, Rev. Mr.
Black, Captain Alexander
Bosville, William, Esq.
Buckingham, Marquis of
Barwell, Richard, Esq. M. P.
Bland, General
Beaufort, Duke of
Bearcroft, Edward, Esq. M. P.
Bath, Marquis of
Black, Mr. 4 copies
Bond, Mr.
Berkeley, Earl
Beresford, Right Hon. John
Bull, Mr. bookseller, Bath, 6 copies
Baleman, Mr.
Beach, Captain
Baldwin, Mr. bookseller, 20 copies
Brown, Mr. bookseller
Blamire, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Booker, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Beckett, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Binns, Mr. bookseller, Leeds
Breadhower, Mr. bookseller, Portsmouth
Burbage, Mr. bookseller, Nottingham
Baker, Mr. Bookseller, Southampton, 3 copies
Blackwell, Sir L. Bart.
Bevor, Dr.
Boucher, Rev. Mr.
Brown, Richard
Barry, Mr. Library, Hastings
Bell, Mr. bookseller, 3 copies
Buckland, Mr. bookseller, 5 copies
Byfield, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Bindley, James, Esq. F. S. A.
Boosey, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Bagshaw, John, Esq.
Bew, Mr. bookseller, 12 copies
Barnet, Mr. Thomas
C.
Cottrell, John, Esq.
Clements, John, Esq.
Chalmers, George, Esq.
Chatham, Earl of
Calthorpe, Sir Henry Gough, Bart.
Call, John, Esq. M. P.
Clayton, George, Esq.
Campbell, Major
Chesterfield, Earl of
Cox, Mr.
Crauford, Mr. A. 2 copies
Charlival, Countess of
Chiswell, R. M. T. Esq.
Chetwynd, Hon. Richard
Chichester, Sir John, Bart.
Crespigny, P. C. Esq.
Carysfort, Earl of
Collins, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Cadell, Mr. bookseller, 20 copies
Cornell, Mr. bookseller, 3 copies
Clarke, Mr. bookseller, Manchester
Collins, Mr. bookseller, Salisbury
Constable, Golding, Esq.
Cook, Mr. bookseller, Godalming, 2 copies.
Clarke, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Cuthell, Mr. bookseller, 3 copies
Charlton, St. John, Esq.
Cooper, Dr.
D.
Dickens, Francis, Esq. M. P.
De Salis, Rev. Dr.
Dodswell, T. Esq. Pool-court
De Lancy, Colonel
Donowell, Mr. architect
Dalrymple, Alexander, Esq.
Dayrell, Edmund, Esq.
Davies, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Debrett, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Dalling, Sir John, Bart.
Dartmouth, Earl of
De Freire, Chevalier, 2 copies
Dacre, Lord
Davison, Alexander, Esq.
Dilly, Mr. bookseller, 50 copies
Dangerfield, Mr. bookseller
Drewry, Mr. bookseller, Derby
Dover, Lord
Dawes, John, Esq. M. P.
Delaval, Lord
Drummond, John, Esq. M. P.
E.
Effingham, Earl of
Essex, Earl of
East, Gilbert, Esq.
Eliott, Lord
Egerton, Colonel William, M. P.
Enderby, Mr. Samuel
Eardley, Lord
Elliott, William, Esq.
Erving, George, Esq.
Edwards, Captain
Eyre, Edward, Esq.
Evans, Mr. bookseller, 30 copies
Egertons, Messrs. booksellers, 12 copies
Edwards, Mr. bookseller, 20 copies
Edwards, Mr. bookseller, Halifax
Enderby, Mr. Charles
Ernst, Anthony, Esq. jun. Camberwell
Enderby, Mr. George
Edmiston, Rev. William
Elmsley, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
F.
Fairford, Lord
Finch, Hon. William
Ford, Richard, Esq. M. P.
Fitzgerald, Lord Robert
Fane, Francis, Esq. M. P.
Frost, John, Esq.
Frederic, Sir John, Bart. M. P.
Fletcher, Mr. bookseller, Oxford, 6 copies
Fortescue, Earl of
Forster, Mr. bookseller, 12 copies
Forsyth, William, Esq. Kensington
Faulder, Mr. bookseller, 31 copies
Fife, Earl of
Fetherston, Thomas, Esq. Lincoln's-inn
Ferrier, Robert England, Esq.
Faden, Mr. bookseller, 3 copies
G.
Goulding, Mr. Geo. bookseller, 25 copies
Glover, Richard, Esq.
Grigby, Joshua, Esq. M. P.
Greame, Charles, Esq.
Graham, Sir James, Bart. M. P.
Gregory, Rev. Edward Langar
Grenville, Hon. Mrs.
Gardner, Mr. bookseller, 25 copies
Gernay, Mr. bookseller, Dublin, 50 copies
Goodwyn, Henry, Esq.
Goodwin, Henry, Esq. jun.
Grey de Wilton, Lord
Grote, George, Esq.
H.
Hopetoun, Earl of
Hawke, Lord
Hanmer, Job, Esq. Holbrook Hall
Harpur, Sir Harry, Bart.
Hunt, Joseph, Esq.
Hood, Lord, M. P.
Houghton, Sir Henry, Bart. M. P.
Hayes, Mr. Charles
Hetherington, J. Esq.
Hodges, Mr.
Humphries, Captain James
Hannay, John, Esq.
Herman, Francis Anthony, Esq.
Hanrot, Mr.
Hamilton, Duke of
Hardinge, George, Esq. M. P.
Hannay, Sir Samuel, Bart. M. P.
Hill, Mr. bookseller, 12 copies
Hughes, Mr.
Hobart, Major, M. P.
Howard de Walden, Lord
Hoare, Charles, Esq.
Hawkins, Christopher, Esq. M. P.
Hinuber, Mr.
Haydon and son, booksellers, Plymouth, 5 copies
Hooper, Mr.
Hookham, Mr. bookseller, 25 copies
Hastings, Warren, Esq.
Hill, Sir Richard, Bart. M. P.
Harlow, Mrs. bookseller, 12 copies
Hall, Micah, Esq.
I.
Johnston, Peter, Esq.
Jenkyns, Mr.
Irwin, ----, Esq.
Jackson, William, jun. Esq. Exeter
Jolliffe, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Inchiquin, Earl of, M. P.
Johnson, Mr. bookseller, 20 copies
K.
Keith, Captain, R. N.
Kingsmill, Captain, R. N. M. P.
Kynaston, John, Esq. M. P.
Kent, Sir Charles, Bart. M. P.
Kensington, Charles, Esq.
Kirby, Mr. bookseller
King, Mr. bookseller, 4 copies
Knight and Son, booksellers, 3 copies
L.
Lewisham, Lord
Lambert, J. Esq.
Law, Edward, Esq.
Lane, Mr. bookseller, 2 copies
Lane, Mrs.
Loveden, Edward Loveden, Esq. M. P.
Long, ------, Esq. Aldermaston
Latrobe, Mr. Benjamin Henry
Lucas, Mr. William
Lovaine, Lord
Long, Samuel, Esq.
Lee, Mr. James, Hammersmith
Longmate, Mr. engraver
Lindergreen, Andrew, Esq.
Leinster, Duke of
Lodge, John, Esq.
Lister, Thomas, Esq. M. P.
Long, Sir James Tylney, Bart. M. P.
Le Mesurier, Paul, Esq. M. P.
Lowndes, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Longman, Mr. bookseller, 20 copies
Law, Mr. bookseller, 20 copies
Lackington, Mr. bookseller, 25 copies
Le Fleming, Sir Michael, Bart. M. P.
Latham, John, Esq. M. D.
Latham, John, jun. Esq.
Latham, Miss Ann
Langston, John, Esq. M. P.
Luttrell, Lady Elizabeth
Lewisham, Viscount, M. P.
Little, Richard, Esq. Kensington
Lewis, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
M
Mitchel, Capt. A. R. N.
Miles, William, Esq.
Mornington, Lord, M. P.
Moreau, Simon, Esq. Cheltenham
Martin, George, Esq.
Martin, Edwin, Esq. Priory
Mazell, Mr. Peter, engraver
Medland, Mr. engraver
Macclesfield, Earl of
Middleton, R. Esq.
Mineur, Mr.
Marshall, Lieutenant S. E.
Mehaux, John, Esq.
Milnes, Richard Slater, Esq. M. P.
Mecormick, Mrs.
Murray, Mr. bookseller, 18 copies
Marshall, John, Esq.
Maberly, Mr. Stephen
Martindale, John, Esq.
Mulgrave, Lord, M. P.
Monro, Dr.
M'Queen, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Matthews, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Merrill, Mr. bookseller, Cambridge
Mapletoft, Mr.
Macbride, Captain John, Esq. M. P. R. N.
Mainwaring, William, Esq. M. P.
Macnamara, John, Esq. M. P.
Middleton, William, Esq. M. P.
Morshead, Sir John, Bart. M. P.
Muncaster, Lord, M. P.
Marsh, Samuel, Esq.
Marsham, Charles, Esq.
Melbourne, Lady
Montolieu, Lewis, Esq.
N
Nepean, Evan, Esq.
Norton, Mr. James, bookseller, Bristol, 6 copies
Nares, Rev. Mr.
Nicol, Mr. George, bookseller, 12 copies
Neville, Richard Aldworth, Esq. M. P.
Nicholls, Frank, Esq. Whitchurch
Nash, Mr. jun.
Nowell, Henry Constantine, Esq. Shiplake
Newberry, Mrs. bookseller, 6 copies
O
Orchard, Paul, Esq. M. P.
Ogilvie and Speare, booksellers, 9 copies
Otridge, Mr. bookseller, 18 copies
P
Portlock, Capt. Nathaniel, R. N.
Pye, Walter, Esq.
Potenger, Thomas, Esq.
Prattent, Mr. engraver
Pitt, Right Hon. William, M. P.
Pocock, Sir Isaac, Bart. Reading
Peachey, John, Esq. M. P.
Penn, Granville, Esq.
Pochin, William, Esq. M. P.
Phiney, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Parkyns, Thomas Boothby, Esq. M. P. F. R. S. and F. A. S.
Pennant, Thomas, Esq.
Pitman, Thomas, Esq. Loxford Hall
Pye, Henry James, Esq. M. P.
Putland, William, Esq.
Peachey, Sir James, Bart.
Popham, Home, Esq.
Pollock, W. Esq.
Pierse, Henry, Esq. M. P.
Pery, Rev. John
Prince and Cook, booksellers, Oxford, 6 copies
Patterson, Captain
Phillips, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Peat and Newcomb, booksellers, Stamford
Pearson and Rollason, booksellers, Birmingham
Payne and Son, booksellers, 12 copies
Petrie, William, Esq.
Plampin, Lieutenant, R. N.
Phipps, Hon. Henry, M. P.
Pitt, William Morton, Esq. M. P.
Popham, William, Esq. M. P.
R
Rivers, Lord
Richards, Mr.
Ramsay, Capt. John
Rose, George, Esq. M. P.
Robinson, William, Esq.
Rolle, John, Esq. M. P.
Rawstorne, Lieut. Col.
Robinsons, Messrs. booksellers, 200 copies
Richardson, Mr. bookseller, 20 copies
Rome, George, Esq.
Roberts, Mr.
Ramsford, Nicholas, Esq.
Rous, Sir John, Bart. M. P.
Rodney, James, Esq.
Rivington, and Sons, booksellers, 20 copies
Robson and Clarke, booksellers, 25 copies
S
Salisbury, Marquis of, 2 copies
Salisbury, Marchioness of
St. Albans, Duke of
Stanley, Thomas, Esq. M. P.
Sturt, Charles, Esq. M. P.
Speke, Mrs.
Swale, John, Esq.
Smyth, John, Esq.
Saville, Hon. Henry
Scott, Major, M. P.
Shuckburgh, Sir George, Bart. M. P.
Stephens, Philip, Esq. M. P.
Skipwith, Sir Thomas George, Bart.
Sykes, Sir Francis, Bart. M. P.
St. John, St. Andrew, Esq.
Stanley, John, Esq. M. P.
Shore, Samuel, Esq.
Sitwell, Francis, Esq.
Spooner, Charles, Esq.
Smith, Sir John, Bart.
Smart, Baptist, Esq.
Sydney, Viscount, two copies
Spence, Mr. George
Scott, Thomas, Esq. M. P.
Sotheron, William, Esq. M. P.
Strahan, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Steele, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Scatcherd and Whittaker, booksellers, 6 copies
Sewell, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Spens, Walter, Esq.
Silvester, Mr. John, architect
Smith and Gardner, booksellers
Simmons and Kerby, booksellers, Canterbury
Swinney, Mr. bookseller, Birmingham
Smart and Cowslade, booksellers, Reading
Steele, Thomas, Esq. M. P.
Secker, George, Esq.
Swain, Rev. John Hadley
Scowen, James, Esq.
Staunton, G. T. Esq.
Sumner, John, Esq.
Society, the Philosophical, Derby
Stockdale, Mr. Jeremiah
Selkirk, Lord
Sumner, George, Esq. M. P.
Stanley, John Thomas, Esq.
Stalker, Mr. bookseller, 12 copies
Southern, Mr. bookseller, 3 copies
T
Townsend, Hon. John Thomas, M. P.
Thomson, Rev. Doctor, Kensington
Temple, Grenville, Esq.
Tullock, Mr.
Turnor, John, Esq. Gray's-inn
Tattersall, Mr. jun.
Townley, Charles, Esq.
Todd, Mr. bookseller, York, 6 copies
Tutte, Rev. Mr.
Townson, Lieutenant
Thorkelin, Dr. G. J.
Tessyman, Mr. bookseller, York
Trewman, Mr. bookseller, Exeter
Trotman, Fiennes, Esq. M. P.
Thorold, Sir John, Bart. M. P.
Temple, Sir John, Bart.
Thornton, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
V
Vansittart, George, Esq. M. P.
Vansittart, Nicholas, Esq.
Vernor, Mr. bookseller, 18 copies
W.
Weymouth, Lord
Warren, Sir John Borlase, Bart.
Wolfe, Arthur, Esq. Attorney-General, Ireland
Walsh, John, Esq.
Wentworth, Lord
Willis, H. N. Esq.
Wright, Mr.
Woodford, Col. John
Wray, Sir Cecil, Bart.
Willis, Rev. Thomas
Wolfe, Lewis, Esq.
Watts, Lieutenant John, R. N.
Watts, Mr. D. P.
Wilton, George, Esq.
Wale, G. Esq.
Watts, Mr. Thomas
Warren, Sir George, M. P.
Walter, Mr. bookseller, 12 copies
Webber, Mr. John
Walker, James, Esq.
Watson, Serjeant
Welch, Mr. Joseph
White and Son, booksellers, 12 copies
Ware and Son, booksellers, White-haven
Woodmason, Mr.
Williamson, Captain
Wright, Mr. Thomas
Walcot, John, Esq.
Wood, Mr. bookseller, Shrewsbury
Wilson, Mr.
Wetton, Mr. bookseller, Chertsey
Wenman, Mr. bookseller, 3 copies
Wigglesworth, John, Esq.
Wedgewood, Josiah, Esq.
Wheeler, Mr. G. Wanstead
Wilkie, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Whieldon, Mr. bookseller, 12 copies
Williams, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Walker, Mr. bookseller, 3 copies
Wynne, Mr. bookseller, 6 copies
Y
Yorke, Hon. Philip, M. P.
Yorke, Charles, Esq.
Young, Sir Wm. Bart. M. P.
Yorke, the Hon. Mrs. Sydney-Farm
Young, William, Esq.
Yonge, Right Hon. Sir George, Bart. M. P.
Younge, Major William, Little Darnford Place.
LIST OF THE PLATES.
1. Head of Governor Phillip
2. View of Botany Bay
3. Yellow Gum Plant
4. View in Port Jackson
5. Caspian Tern
6. Natives of Botany Bay
7. Chart of Norfolk Island
8. Lieutenant King
9. Hut in New South Wales
10. The Kanguroo
11. View in New South Wales
12. Sketch of Sydney Cove
13. Axe, Basket, and Sword
14. Plan of Port Jackson
15. Spotted Opossum
16. Vulpine Opossum
17. Flying Squirrel
18. Blue-bellied Parrot
19. Tabuan Parrot
20. Pennantian Parrot
21. Pacific Parrakeet
22. Sacred Kings-fisher
23. Male Superb Warbler
24. Female Superb Warbler
25. Norfolk Island Petrel
26. Bronze-winged Pigeon
27. White-fronted Heron
28. Wattled Bee-eater
29. Psittaceous Hornbill
30. Skeleton of the Head of the Kanguroo and Vulpine Opossum
31. Map and View of Lord Howe Island
32. Ball's Pyramid
33. Lieutenant Shortland
34. Chart of the Track of the Alexander
35. Shortland's Chart of New Georgia
36. Curtis's Isles
37. Macaulay's Isles
38. Track of the Scarborough
39. A Canoe, &c. Mulgrave's Range
40. Bankian Cockatoo
41. Red Shouldered Parrakeet
42. New Holland Goat-sucker
43. New Holland Cassowary
44. White Gallinule
45. Dog of New South Wales
46. Martin Cat
47. Kanguroo Rat
48. Laced Lizard
49. Bag-throated Balistes
50. Fish of New South Wales
51. Port Jackson Shark
52. Watt's Shark
53. Great brown Kingsfisher
54. Black flying Opossum
55. Vignette in title page.--For an explanation see the Preface.
Chapter I.
Public utility of voyages--Peculiar circumstances of this--New Holland
properly a continent--Reasons for fixing our settlement
there--Transportation to America, its origin, advantages, and
cessation--Experiments made--The present plan adopted--Disadvantages of
other expedients.
From voyages undertaken expressly for the purpose of discovery, the
public naturally looks for information of various kinds: and it is a fact
which we cannot but contemplate with pleasure, that by the excellent
publications subsequent to such enterprises, very considerable additions
have been made, during the present reign, to our general knowledge of the
globe, of the various tribes by which it is peopled, and of the animals
and vegetables to which it gives support.
An expedition occasioned by motives of legislative policy, carried on by
public authority, and concluded by a fixed establishment in a country
very remote, not only excites an unusual interest concerning the fate of
those sent out, but promises to lead us to some points of knowledge
which, by the former mode, however judiciously employed, could not have
been attained. A transient visit to the coast of a great continent
cannot, in the nature of things, produce a complete information
respecting its inhabitants, productions, soil, or climate: all which when
contemplated by resident observers, in every possible circumstance of
variation, though they should be viewed with less philosophical
acuteness, must yet gradually become more fully known: Errors, sometimes
inseparable from hasty observation, will then be corrected by infallible
experience; and many objects will present themselves to view, which
before had escaped notice, or had happened to be so situated that they
could not be observed.
The full discovery of the extent of New Holland, by our illustrious
navigator, Capt. Cook, has formed a singular epocha in geography; a doubt
having arisen from it, whether to a land of such magnitude the name of
island or that of continent may more properly be applied. To this
question it may be answered, that though the etymology of the word
island,* and of others synonymous to it, points out only a land
surrounded by the sea, or by any water, (in which sense the term is
applicable even to the largest portions of the habitable globe) yet it is
certain that, in the usual acceptation, an island is conceived to signify
a land of only moderate extent, surrounded by the sea.** To define at what
point of magnitude precisely, a country so situated shall begin to be a
continent, could not answer any purpose of utility; but the best and
clearest rule for removing the doubt appears to be the following: As long
as the peculiar advantages of an insular situation can be enjoyed by the
inhabitants of such a country, let it have the title of an island; when
it exceeds those limits let it be considered as a continent. Now the
first and principal advantage of an island, is that of being capable of a
convenient union under one government, and of deriving thence a security
from all external attacks, except by sea. In lands of very great
magnitude such an union is difficult, if not impracticable, and a
distinction founded on this circumstance, is therefore sufficient for
convenience at least, if*** not for speculative accuracy. If we suppose
this extent to be something about one thousand miles each way, without,
however, affecting much rigour in the limitation, the claim of New
Holland to be called a continent, will be indisputable: The greatest
extent of that vast country being, from East to West, about two thousand
four hundred English miles, and, from North to South, not less than two
thousand three hundred.****
[* Insula, from which island is derived, is formed from in sulo, in the
sea; and, the corresponding word in Greek, is usually deduced from to
swim, as appearing, and probably having been originally supposed to swim
in the sea.]
[** Thus when Dionysius Periegetes considers the whole ancient world as
surrounded by the sea, he calls it, an immense island; on which
Eustathius remarks, that the addition of the epithet immense was
necessary, otherwise the expression would have been low and inadequate.]
[*** We do not here consider whether a country be actually united under one
government, but whether from its size it might be so conveniently. If we
might derive from, or to inhabit, the etymological distinction would be
complete on these principles. An island being one distinct habitation of
men; and a continent land continued from one state to another. The former
derivation might be rendered specious by remarking how singularly Homer
and others use with, as if they had a natural connection. See II. B.
626. and, Sophoc. Ajax. 601.]
[**** In or near the latitude of 30° South, New Holland extends full 40
degrees of longitude, which, under that parallel, may be estimated at 60
English miles to a degree. The extent from York Cape to South Cape is full
33 degrees of latitude, which are calculated of course at 69½ English
miles each.]
To New South Wales England has the claim which a tacit consent has
generally made decisive among the European States, that of prior
discovery. The whole of that Eastern coast, except the very Southern
point, having been untouched by any navigator, till it was explored by
Captain Cook. This consideration, added to the more favourable accounts
given of this side of the continent than of the other, was sufficient to
decide the choice of the British government, in appointing a place for
the banishment of a certain class of criminals.
The cause of the determination to send out in this manner the convicts
under sentence of transportation, was, as is well known, the necessary
cessation of their removal to America; and the inconveniences experienced
in the other modes of destination adopted after that period.
Virginia, greatly in want, at its first settlement, of labourers to clear
away the impenetrable forests which impeded all cultivation, was willing,
from very early times, to receive as servants, those English criminals
whom our Courts of Law deemed not sufficiently guilty for capital
punishment.* The planters hired their services during a limited term; and
they were latterly sent out under the care of contractors, who were
obliged to prove, by certificates, that they had disposed of them,
according to the intention of the law.
[* Banishment was first ordered as a punishment for rogues and vagrants,
by statute 39 Eliz. ch. 4. See Blackst. Com. IV. chap. 31. But no place
was there specified. The practice of transporting criminals to America is
said to have commenced in the reign of James I; the year 1619 being the
memorable epoch of its origin: but that destination is first expressly
mentioned in 18 Car. II. ch. 2.--The transport traffic was first
regulated by statute 4 George I. ch. II. and the causes expressed in the
preamble to be, the failure of those who undertook to transport
themselves, and the great want of servants in his Majesty's plantations.
Subsequent Acts enforced further regulations.]
The benefits of this regulation were various. The colonies received by
it, at an easy rate, an assistance very necessary; and the mother country
was relieved from the burthen of subjects, who at home were not only
useless but pernicious: besides which, the mercantile returns, on this
account alone, are reported to have arisen, in latter times, to a very
considerable amount.* The individuals themselves, doubtless, in some
instances, proved incorrigible; but it happened also, not very
unfrequently, that, during the period of their legal servitude, they
became reconciled to a life of honest industry, were altogether reformed
in their manners, and rising gradually by laudable efforts, to situations
of advantage, independence, and estimation, contributed honourably to the
population and prosperity of their new country.**
[* It is said, forty thousand pounds per annum, about two thousand
convicts being sold for twenty pounds each.]
[** The Abbe Raynal has given his full testimony to the policy of this
species of banishment, in the fourteenth Book of his History, near the
beginning.]
By the contest in America, and the subsequent separation of the thirteen
Colonies, this traffic was of course destroyed. Other expedients, well
known to the public, have since been tried; some of which proved highly
objectionable;* and all have been found to want some of the principal
advantages experienced from the usual mode of transportation.--The
deliberations upon this subject, which more than once employed the
attention of Parliament, produced at length the plan of which this volume
displays the first result. On December 6, 1786, the proper orders were
issued by his Majesty in Council, and an Act establishing a Court of
Judicature in the place of settlement, and making such other regulations
as the occasion required, received the sanction of the whole legislature
early in the year 1787.
[* ¶ Particularly, the transporting of criminals to the coast of Africa,
where what was meant as an alleviation of punishment too frequently ended
in death.]
To expatiate upon the principles of penal law is foreign to the purpose
of this work, but thus much is evident to the plainest apprehension, that
the objects most to be desired in it are the restriction of the number of
capital inflictions, as far as is consistent with the security of
society; and the employment of every method that can be devised for
rendering the guilty persons serviceable to the public, and just to
themselves; for correcting their moral depravity, inducing habits of
industry, and arming them in future against the temptations by which they
have been once ensnared.
For effectuating these beneficial purposes, well regulated penitentiary
houses seem, in speculation, to afford the fairest opportunity; and a
plan of this kind, formed by the united efforts of Judge Blackstone, Mr.
Eden, and Mr. Howard, was adopted by Parliament in the year 1779.
Difficulties however occurred which prevented the execution of this
design: a circumstance which will be something the less regretted when it
shall be considered, that it is perhaps the fate of this theory, in
common with many others of a very pleasing nature, to be more attractive
in contemplation than efficacious in real practice. A perfect design,
carried on by imperfect agents, is liable to lose the chief part of its
excellence; and the best digested plan of confinement must in execution
be committed, chiefly, to men not much enlightened, very little armed
against corruption, and constantly exposed to the danger of it. The
vigilance which in the infancy of such institutions effectually watches
over the conduct of these public servants, will always in a little time
be relaxed; and it will readily be conceived that a large penitentiary
house, very corruptly governed, would be, of all associations, one of the
most pernicious to those confined, and most dangerous to the peace of
society.
In some countries, malefactors not capitally convicted, are sentenced to
the gallies or the mines; punishments often more cruel than death, and
here, on many accounts, impracticable. In other places they are employed
in public works, under the care of overseers. This method has been
partially tried in England on the Thames, but has been found by no means
to produce the benefits expected from it. There is, therefore, little
temptation to pursue it to a further extent. The employment of criminals
in works carried on under the public eye, is perhaps too repugnant to the
feelings of Englishmen ever to be tolerated. Reason, indeed, acquiesces
in the melancholy necessity of punishing, but chains and badges of
servitude are unpleasing objects, and compassion will always revolt at
the sight of actual infliction. Convicts so employed would either by an
ill placed charity be rewarded, or the people, undergoing a change of
character far from desirable, would in time grow callous to those
impressions which naturally impel them to give relief.
It remains therefore, that we adhere as much as possible to the practice
approved by long experience, of employing the services of such criminals
in remote and rising settlements. For this purpose the establishment on
the eastern coast of New Holland has been projected, and carried on with
every precaution to render it as beneficial as possible. That some
difficulties will arise in the commencement of such an undertaking must
be expected; but it is required by no moral obligation that convicts
should be conveyed to a place of perfect convenience and security; and
though the voluntary emigrants and honourable servants of the state, must
in some measure, be involved for a time in the same disadvantages, yet to
have resisted difficulties is often finally an advantage rather than an
evil; and there are probably few persons so circumstanced who will repine
at moderate hardships, when they reflect that by undergoing them they are
rendering an essential and an honourable service to their country.