Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
John Harris - Papers, 1791-1837
A 1597
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Harbour
Sydney, Port Jackson: March 20th 1791
Dear Sir
Rose Hill
Norfolk [indecipherable]
Bill [indecipherable]
Myself [indecipherable] Land South
[indecipherable]
I cannot omit this favourable opportunity of informing you of our situation on this barren unhospitable Territory of New South Wales, which God forbid that, wer another pupil of yours should be so Unfortunate as embark on any expedition to such a place let the prospects be ever so aluring and which I am sorry to find not so promising as I flatterd myself previous to Embarcation, but I shall Live in Hope what will be the result God only knows – I always hitherto had hopes of seeing England when in other climates but I positively give over all hopes from this ( not from sickness) but From Starvation) Hunger has once previous [indecipherable] our arrival been dreadfully pressing and if a ship is not at hand soon we will be worse than before
The Vessel which I now write by is a Scow from Batavia which came laden with provisions for the Colony &which the Governor has taken up to send home the Sirius’s men from hence which ship (Sirius) was cast away some time Since on Norfolk Island which with the loss of the Guardian has been a terrible stroke to this place
To Sydney Port Jackson. I wrote you by the Neptune some time since by China which I hope you have received but as I do not keep duplicates of my Letters I scarce recollect the matter specified therein however I recollect promising to give you some acct. of the Settlement at a future period and I shall as far as I am able now give you a true and Circumstantial acct also with my opinion freely of them it and from your knowledge of the World and of Matters in General you will be able to form a much more thorough knowledge of the probability of its Future Existance than the generality [indecipherable] part of the busy world whose ideas are rather clouded by ignorance of things that does not concern themselves or their minds busidd by pecuniary motives and will found their judgement on the slight knowledge that can be formed of hastily running over a publication catch penny publication
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Which the nominated author denies knowing anything of. Indeed it cannot be denied that as far as description of places reaches in that publication they are in general pretty just but fertility should never be mentioned in any place that I have ever seen, for many miles round the camps except of that of Gum Trees. Finches Narritive is wrote with much accuracy and correctness but He has been much too sparing in his opinion of the place and I think it myself but just to give a True statement of the place that adventurers might not Emigrate to a place where they can never hope for gain but live in penury and want lest their industrious endavours be ever so great.
Sydney Town then was you to believe the place on the Chart in the Publication would be considered as a Neat pretty little place but I must beg leave to Undeceive you in that as I am new myself that it is the most miserable looking place I ever beheld indeed it is much improved since we arrived as the Public Buildings as they are call’d has been carried on with much more spirit since that time notwithstanding which only 3 people are comfortably lodged as yet Viz the Governour the Judge and the Commisary and even those on a small contracted and ill judged scale.
They have run up two very good Brick Store houses and they have got them neatly tyld in one of Which contains the sum of our scanty allowance and the other is to contain what God may please to send – Bricks are made here very good but no kind of Cement whatever has yet been discoverd except that of the White Clay. There is now a building a House for the parson and one for the Surveyor General and the Bricks are laid down for the Surgn Generals but when they will be finish’d I know not – The Marine offices are as yet lodged in the Huts which they Built on their first arrival of Cabbage Tree . They are very small and incomodious but are a temporary resistance to the Weather they are formed in a line and fronted by Wooden Barracks for the Soldiers which are but poor Quarters. The Officers New South Wales Corps are lodged in the Marine Officers Huts that were sent to Norfolk with Lieutn. Gover Ross and the Privates in their Barracks and they have talked of a long time Building other accommodations for the remainder of our [indecipherable].
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supposed on their passage but they are not as yet begun
The convicts huts are equal in magnificence to that of the Officers and are interspursed at pleasure about the cove and amongst the Rocks without any kind of Regularity whatever – We are told that the governour has laid down the plan future buildings in Streets with a Church &c and I read in his book something to the like purpose with plans of Houses 60 Feet in front and 100 in Depth but I think if my Head may never Act till this is executed I will remain in my present state a long time –
Sydney Cove may in my opinion be justly termed one of the most Barren Rocky Situations for a Colony under Heaven nor do I see any inducement Whatever that could oblige justify a Settlement to be formed here, the Run of fresh Water which we have been told would turn a mill is so reduced as scarce to be able to supply the Colony it is at any rate but the drain from a Swamp above the Camp is is far from being good of its kind but good or bad if the Dry Weather continues much longer (which has this Season been Very grave) we shall have none at all.
The Governour farm at this place is so bad as indeed is all the Land about here that it will produce nothing/only a few Bushells of Indian Corn, has been rais’d this Season nor will even the Gardens the great Care has been taken of many of the produce Common European Culinary Vegetables – Melons Pumpkins [indecipherable] &c &c flourish amazingly but when I have said that I have Said all indeed in some Certain Seasons Cabbage Pease etc has been known to flourish but this seasons by no means common. The gardens of this part worth anything are mostly made ground soil having been Carried from other parts and laid on them free from that in places
– as the whole place as I have before said is on solid rock either of Free or Iron Stone the soil is sandy and sometimes of the Tough Clay which they make the Bricks of and when harden’d by the Vertical heat of the Sun Vegetables cannot make their way through
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without Rain – the whole Coast next the Sea in every part that I have seen is of this Free Stone which is easily cut and good for Building but in the internal parts are hard stone which the Natives makes their hatchets of their spears &c. We are and have been much troubled with the Natives Killing and Wounding our people when they meet them singly in the woods or without arms many instances of the like has occurd lately, the most Remarkable instance was that of the Governour being pierced throuth with a barb’d spear in a place call’d Manlley Cove but He soon Recoverd, the Spear enter’d above the Clavicle and Came through bhind the Shoulder – The Circumstances were as follows
Some time previous to our arrival in the Country the Governour had sezd on two Natives which he confind with a View to instruct them our language however one found means to make his Escape. With an Iron on His Leg the other was not so fortunate but was with us sometime till he had attaind some of our Education. He was then liberated in Camp and a strict watch kept after him and dress’d in English Cloathing however he preferd his Native modes to that of ours and Decamped In the Night leaving all his Clothes behind. Some time after our arrival here we formd a party for 4 or 5 to Explore the parts to the Northward towards Broken Bay which.
The party Consisted of Capn Nepean Mr White Surgeon Lieun Abbot and your Hum.l Serv.t with a Small party of men. Some days previous to our outset a Whale had by some means or other enterd the harbour and was chas’d by the Boats one of which it upset and Drown’d a Mid in Two Min however it was so much [indecipherable] Hurt that it had run itself ashore in Manley Cove which was the place we were to be landed at from Sydney on our outset on our entering this Bay which we saw a Party of Natives to the ammt of 200 which is rather extraordinary [indecipherable] soon after the Whale. It seems they had collected to eat it but on our approach to them we spoke to them by means of a wild Boy which Mr White has brought up Naturalizd and amongst the rest appeard their 2 former acquaintances that had made their Escape who Enquird earnestly for the Governour the one had got his Iron off by some means or other but how God knows. They
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Gave us several pieces of the Whale bone as presents for the Governour and express’d much wish to see him as the Govern’r had that day come down to the Lookout We landed and pursued our Rout without molestation From them after having given them what Cloathing we could spare which they seem’d anxious to have and we also desired the boat to call at the Lookout on her way back home and tell the Govr What had hapd. On hearing he imprudently Went Over Without a party of Soldiers with him acomp only by the Judge Waterhouse and Boats crew With a Couple of [indecipherable] Which Were in Bad order and havin landed amongst them and went too far from the Boat some one or other of thim impress’d either by fear or Resentment at His former Conduct to their Companions hove the Spear which perced him as before mentioned nor would Any of our Arms go off till they had all Run off as the Weapon had Went through its Barb was sawn of and extracted easily and heald by the first intention – A large party of Marines With an Officer Was despatch’d after us and as we had not got above 12 miles they Came to our Encampment in the Night and we Returned the Next Day Without any Material Occurance / as this matter Will make some noise in the News papers you may rely on this acc’t as genuine – it is something singular that these Savages tho they own a Chief seems to be under no kind of Awe with Regard to a person before him and tho they were Convinc’d that you was their Real Friend if by any means you should affront them they would instantly put you to death – Their Hostile weapons are no other than the Spear and Club and sword the Spear is 12 or 14 feet in length made of the Stem of the Yellow Gum Tree to Which is fix’d about 3 Feet of hard wood at Top and barbed either by Shells Kangaroo Bones [indecipherable] Glass – With Which they always carry a Throwing stick Which is made by flattening a piece of Wood of about three feet long and fastening a peg of wood at the upper head by means of the yellow Gum – Which peg they Fix to the End of the spear and throw it with great velocity and acuracy.
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Their Sword is made of hard heavy Wood of the form of a Scymeter but Very Crooked and broad and upon the Whole I think a Dangerous Weapon. Their [indecipherable] need no other description than being short and heavi and sometimes both I think and the swords neatly Curv’d – The people are about the middle size and pretty stoutly made except their Limbs which are but small I think they are full as dark as the Africans but not so well form’d. Their Hair is neither Wooly nor long but grows bushy and thick Cloathing they wear none whatsoever either male or Female and are in themselves a very nasty dirty set of wretches.
The Women are very expert at fishing in their canoes with Lines which they make out of bark of Trees as they also do their canoes which are the most Miserable Machins I ever saw – The men does not Fish with Lines but are Very Dextrous at Striking with a Gigg which is made in and thrown in the same manner as they Do the spear only it varies from the Spear by having 5 or 6 points. The men each wants a front Tooth and the Women the 2 joint of the little finger and tho we have frequently seen them at the operation of Both We can not learn the Cause – The finger is taken off when young by Ligature and the Tooth at the age of 12 or 15 by affixing a piece of hard wood against it and Striking it with another as the Ancient formerly did that of to extract Stumps [indecipherable]
Their Whole subsistence seems to be a Nut which is poisonous to our men from their ignorance of Dressing it also Fish, Oisters etc Which is Amazing large and which they get by Diving for them. Both young and old can Remain an amazing time under water. They take down a stone with them and Hump them of the Rocks nor do they ever come up without an arm full – Shortly after the Governour arr’d we prevailed on a party that was on the North Shore to come over with us to see the Gover’n and they really had the temerity to do it one of which was He that had lived With us so long He express’d much sorrow at the Accid’t and told us the Fellow’s name that done the [indecipherable] is I have a hansome boat that Was given me by the Capn of the Neptune I was one at this memorable exploit – The Whole Tribe with their visitors have plagued us ever since nor can we now get rid of them they come and go at pleasure. They are very fond of our Bread Beef etc and are amazing fraid of our Guns We indeed have been obliged to Shoot some of them but not lately
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The Govr built a House for them to which they Come and go at pleasure – I know of no good they have as yet been to us nor do I think they ever will/ and from their Vindictive Disposition I am certain they will never be in friendship with us specially when their party is stronger than ours – They Diffr tribes are continually at war with each other and savage like are savage to each other –
The Tribe that is with us has taken a Woman belonging to another Tribe and brough her with them to to their house and sent for the Govr to see them hack her to pieces which the gover’n with difficulty prevented tho’ not before he was obliged to send for the Main Guard and tho they knew the Govr so much their friend the Chief atempted sevr. times to strike him (so much for their hospitality – I have here made a Wonderful digression in my Descriptive narrative of Sydney but as I am no [indecipherable] Writer I know you will readilly excuse as I write whatever comes uppermost but I shall again remark that of Sydney only remark that the Red Gum Tree is the only Vegetable production that seems to thrive here well I wish I could say Beneficial to Brittain but am sorry to add that the Wood is not yet to be Wrought into any material X. The Gum is so acrid and disagreeable to the Stomach as not be be palliated by any opiatic whatever consequently never applied in medicine tho a most powerful astringent – it is easily Collected from the Tree by Tapping it with an Instrumn of any Kind it may be found out of Use in Varnish &c. but I think never will in medicine we Call it here Sang Draconis-and I have only to rem.k that any thing that you or any friend of yours may write from hence you have only to send me Word and I will procure it if possible. The Yellow gum which Dr Blain says is a few grains of such a powerful remedy against Chronic Fluxes I have never been able to find out the many opportunities that offerd. I myself have taken it to the quantity of 2 Drahams in a Little Rum & Water as a Substitute for milk punch as it is possessd a grateful flavor & Changes the Colour of the Liquid to a milky Whiteness.
I know of no more Vegetable productions worth Notice at Sydney the Next thing Worth Notice mention is the Birds the most remarkable of which you have drawings of in the late publications such as the Parrot Tribe [indecipherable] the Small Birds are Numerous and some of them Elegant plumage Numbers of Which I find are most Descripts should [indecipherable] be thought in acquisition to any of your friends let me know – Game are very scarce – quales the only bird of that kind I know – Ducks a Trial indeed are plenty about Botany Bay but Very Wild and ill to Come at – The only Baia Avis I know is the Black Swan numbers of Which we frequently see but only 2 or so have as yet been Shot – The Emu or rather Cassorwary is a Bird that is also [indecipherable] some times 3 or 4 has only been kill’d since the commencement
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of the Colony – one of their Eggs has also been found it is a Dark Green Colour with little black specks about the Size of Pin points all over it and is Very Beautiful its about a degree larger than that of a Gooses – It perhaps may astonish you or any that you may relate it to but upon my Word and honor its an absolute fact that seven gentm. of this Colony has eat a hearty Dinner off the Sides Bone of the Creature – it is much swifter than the fleetest of our Greyhounds having been frequently tried with several Capital Dogs of which we have many –
The animals known about this place are not very numerous they are all of the Oppossum Tribe of Which the Kanuroo is the principal. This animal I need not describe it is accurately Deliniated in the plate it is to be seen almost every place about here but the places Where they frequent & feed most on seems much better Ground from the [indecipherable] of Grass [indecipherable] than is Generally met with –
They are Very Vigilant and ill to be got at the Modes practiced are lying in their Hounds at night but this is attended with mighty inconvenience as well as danger – Greyhounds indeed in any any sort of level ground will soon come up with them but from this amazing strength one dog is not capable of Holding them without being Dreadfully torn by their Claws with Which Nature has furnishd them Luxuriantly – The flying opossum – flying mice and many sorts of Rats are Readily got but those are no rarities with you in England now as so many has been sent home – Reptiles are not very numerous here Snakes indeed are plenty but those have been found not dangerous – Lizards Guanas and other productions of Eastern Climes are also plenty but not different variation.
In this Dreadful place then a Botanist may furnish himself with ample Recompense for so Dangerous a Voyage. I now know some of the most beautiful shrubs that I ever saw being easily procurable here amongst this I have [indecipherable] in this Science and regret any Ignorance – Seeds of useful in a vinelike substance resembling Wood and the leaves of which when boild with Water makes a useful and palatable Drink which tastes like Liquorice Infusion it is call’d Sweet Tea
these shrubs are procurable with a little trouble but whether or not they would [indecipherable] come forward in Eng I know not [it requires regular]; I wish I had the Opinion of my Worthy Friend Mr Forsyth I should have certainly sent him qantities had I known of so favourable an opportunity offering but the Season for collecting is now over.
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This Climate is indisputably the pleasantest I ever saw and very healthy its well we have something to compensate for the other miserable objects that presents to our View had those gloomy months that you experience in Europe to Encounter with I believe the next Ship that would arrive here would find a desolate Colony we should all be died with the Vapours – In the Winter Months the Mercury in the Thermometer stands at the freezing point in the Nights & mornings and in summer rise from 90 to 112 but is temperd by a gentle sea Breeze daily – flues and [indecipherable] other inflammatory [indecipherable] prevale here but not violently and thus the transition from Heat to cold are very quick and frequent which might be accounted an inducement to Disease yet from Experience we do not find it so – It is very lucky that this place is not so Endemical as many other that I have been at (as it was) our salt Rations Would be a bad antiseptic.
Our appetites are seldom regaild with a fresh ship and when they are I asure you we pay dearly for it – a Fowl at 10.6 or Pork at 1.6 per lb, but ill suits the purse of a subaltern - stock may be and are now rais’d in great quantities in [indecipherable] but as we go on short allowance immediately we will be obliged to kill indeed we cannot use grain or furnish them with food at any rate. We have hitherto fed them with the Rice Which the skow brought from Batavia and which is sent us as Rations –
[inserted between lines] a laying Hen 1.10 together with the enormous sums the Master of Vessel makes us pay for what we want, such as ˝ per pd for coarse brown sugar tea and every other article in proportion. Tobacco and rum you may get anything for reasonably enough by Barter. the latter sells for 15d per quart & I believe you might have any sum for Tobacco soap.
Tho I am but ill versd I have been informd that upwards of ˝ a million Sterlg. has been expended, to furnish materials for this place which never will return to the Crown one penny for each Ten Crowns on its present Establishment. Yet I am well convincd that had the quarter of this Sum been laid out on Stock we would ere this been able to Support ourselves for many months without danger of Slavery for many months; even should the [indecipherable] of a Ship happen; which now we cannot do.
Now only [indecipherable] to yourself my dear sir What can avail this labour of a set of poor half starved naked miserable Convicts with a grubbing hoe lightly turning over the surface of this tough ground in the intense heat that we must suffer here. Would not oxen or horses be much fitter for this purpose like then with the manure which these cattle would make with the conjunction [indecipherable] of the convicts be able to go on well, and some sort of a market might be form’d wherin we might be able to grow something fresh and not be obliged to go to the Store weekly for our 4 pounds of flour 4P of [indecipherable] 4 P of Pork or of Beef we are sent only once a month as it is almost out. There is no kind of distinction made between the Officers and convicts whatever and we are all serv’d alike without any kind of preference
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but believe me should we ever come to be hard drove by hunger that those who wear swords will then make a material distinction – it was nearly the case at Norfolk – The Women are a useless burthen to this Colony no work being fit to put them to consequently they do nothing They are indeed impl’d at Rose Hill pulling up sticks of the cleared ground which tho [indecipherable] is much too severe from the heat of the place if womens delicate constitutions are the same all the world over –
I am convinc’d much better land is to be found that would yield spontaneously on this territory both to the North’d & South’d but as it has never been look’d after we are still in ignorance small [indecipherable] To survey the heart would be very remunt’ve as it is every bodys opinion that this place must sooner or later be relinquished –
The only inducement is the Harb’r which is as fine as any in the world & which abounds with plenty of fish but very difficult to be caught it is by no means such a fine place for fishing as [indecipherable] – About the [indecipherable] then above head of this Harbour in a Westerly direction stands the settlement of Rose Hill it is about 17 miles from Sydney and is the place which the Gov’r makes his hobby home of.
He has built himself a Neat House there also a Capital Brick Store and Brick Barracks to contain a Company as also officers quarters but they are not yet occupied it is supposed he means to make it Headquarters I am told the Officers Rooms are on a Bad plan one only being the allotment for each & so small as to be barely able to contain their things.
Their Barracks are built near the landing place of the River and about a mile from the Governour’s House from which a street is formed 100 feet broad with little Wattled huts at equal distances [indecipherable] which cuts a curious appearance & the head of this S’t stands the Governour’s House fronting
Another street is now forming of the like about London dimentions and the Whole has I assure you a grand & magnificent appearance - A great quantity of ground has been cleared as it is call’d and cultivated – the clearing is no other than sawing the trees about 4 feet above the surface and burning them leaving the Stumps and Roots behind and as they are very close together they have a strang look.
– Neither mines nor minerals have yet been discovered as was apprehended would be indications of [indecipherable] has been discov’d here but no use as yet made of it.
In making the ground ready for the seed they use the Hoe as I before described – The first year this Maiden Land produced 5 fold then 2 2and a half the third about the seed of this last they were obliged to dig many Acres down
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so much for Rose Hill as it is so much more distant from the sea it is consequently much hotter. The Thermometer has one day this season been 125 in the shade Thousands of birds Parroquetes &c drop’d from the trees deadby our and were pick’d up by our people – for several nights previous to this day several many large Birds supposed of the Owl or bat kind were observ’d to fly in a Southerly direction and endavouring to make good their former residence Hundreds drop’d down by the Heat. When cropping the Clear’d ground indeed to such quantities as to prevent the Water being used by the disagreeable smell and taste they occasion’d As many were sent to me I did not think them a Curse by being no other than the Flying Fox of the East Indies and the island of Iohanna –
We have not had any Intelligence for many months from Norfolk as we had no vessel to send the Sirius having been last & the Brig gone to Batavia but as she has since her arrival been sent from there to bring the Sirius officers and men to take their passage home I am enabled to give you a Good acc. of it – They have been very ill for for provisions as well as ourselves being reduced to the scanty allowance of three pounds of flour with the bran in it [indecipherable] without any meat whatever but even then they had the superiority over us the soil of that place being so good as to produce whatever they push in the Ground
The Wood that such fuss was kept about in London is proven not to be of any Service for Masts or Yards of Vessels but will work nobly into household furniture as does many other sorts of Wood on the Island The Whole Island is so surrounded by a surf that no boat whatever can land except at particular times nor can any vessel come in close with the shore without a certainty of being cast on shore away by the swell and Under Current nor even let go their Anchor without losing it in such a place you may soon discover the benefit that will accrue from a Settlement and as the celibrated Navigator Monsieur de Periouse justly remark’d it is fit for nothing but Eagles or angels. The soil by every body that has seen it is allowed to be as fine as any in the World and will with a little care and Trouble Use anything Potatoes &c are very fine there and spontaneous
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produces very good Bananas no Animal of the Kangaroo kind tribe is to be met on this Island but in compensation they have a Bird which they call the mount Pit Bird that are so numerous that 4000 has been known to be taken in the Night during short allowance which was accounted a blessing from heaven sent to save their lives Pidgeons are in great plenty on the Island and can be procured at will they are larger than the English pidgeon – Their colour are blue with a White Breast & I am informed but poor eating Neither them nor the Mt Pit Birds are now allowed to be destroyed but are kept for some other Emergency that may occur.
Things would go on well at that place were the [indecipherable] but the Lt. Govern’r is such a strong character that he will allow no one under him to be comfortable.
However the Gov’r is now Sending the Brig back to make some [indecipherable] arrangement in that place which now prevent things going on as they ought.
A Detachment of our Corps with three officers are this day order’d to Emb’k for that place myself was ordered but has happily got off indeed [indecipherable] no inducement for [indecipherable] in of the frying pan into the fire as the Removal of Baggage is very troublesome and which will justify my wish to remain where I am.
I hope you will excuse all inaccuracies that I have been guilty of in this long detail where I am sure in many and as I have put off this narrative from time to time owing to the uncertainty of the Vessells sailing that I am at length pinch’d for time opportunity to finish but I have still, and hope ever Will have the pleasure to assure you that I remain with the greatest respect and Regard Dr your ever obedient & most Humble Serv’t
John Harris
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To Capt. W Hill at Norfolk Is.
1791
Dear Sir
I congratulate myself in having it in my Power to send you some News respecting the Corps to which you belong which so long has employ’d our most anxious thoughts [indecipherable] indeed I doubt how will you be pleased at many Little particulars that has ocurr’d since our Departure from them so to begin with you [indecipherable] I must first Inform you that a ship appear’d off the Coast on the 9th of July which ship I boarded about 4 leagues at sea being then at Sydney Town on a Criminal Court Action and Extremely Anxsious for you must know that Cap’t N. Company has been at Rose Hill since the 20th of May. I found the ship was from London called the [indecipherable] [indecipherable] & belonging to [indecipherable] with 240 Female Convicts on b’d. had been only 4 months and 9 days for her passage and very Healthy having only lost 2 women, that she was part of a Fleet of 12 Sail that had sail’d in March for this with 2000 Convicts on b’d but what astonished and almost petrified me was that he could give no acc’t of Major Grose or the NSWs and from the Ignorance of Him of his Officers I had almost come back without my principal errand however on enquiry if no guard was sent out with him he inform’d me that the Botany Bay Rangers was dispers’d amongst the Ships & with this happy News I returned back to congratulate my quondam Major and Capn Mick that the [indecipherable] was still in asistance and on that passage to this place nothwithstanding all these handsome conjectures.
On Monday last one of the Ships turned back, with Convicts Which Ship Mate [indecipherable] is sent to Norfolk With 200 Convicts in Her also Came [indecipherable] Ln Beckworth With [indecipherable] which also is sent to you tho’ not all your Own men [indecipherable] the following Intelligence is brought – That your Humble Harris is surgeon to the NSW in Room of Macaulay [indecipherable] to go out to [indecipherable] Sound on the north west Coast of America with Col. [indecipherable] who is [indecipherable] gov’or & has promised him to get Him app’d. to be Surg’n. Gen’l to that 2 add’d Companies and [indecipherable] for us the one is purchased by Foveaux over McArthur and the other by some person else - that [indecipherable] Prentice is Lieu’n of the one and Mr Beckworth of the other – That Rowley has got an Enignt. Com and Sarg Mack a Quarter Masters, that Duberly was obligd to quit for neglect of Duty and Bullying of [indecipherable] when call’d out & that Capn. Patterson and his Lady are hourly expected in the ship Barrington,
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that Ensing Cummings was coming in one of the Transports and hourly expected in is the Gorgon with the quar Master A McClitten of the 17th another [indecipherable] appt. he has sold out of the 17 to an old Lieut. and purchas’d in our Corps Govn. King is in the Gorgon was mast. & Comr. for his journey home the most vile flattering Acct. that ever was heard of is entertaining and firmly rely’d on about this place in Europe but their Eyes will sooner or later be open’d. The passage of this last Ship has been Very Fine only 4 Months and 5 Days out of which they stop’d 15 at the Cape and Elsewhere.
Mr Bean the Parson and I believe the Surgs Mate is in the Gorgon and We expect them dayly as she saild a Week before this Ship.
Major Grose Will not be out there 5 or 6 months being left at Home to compn. the 2 Compy. 40 of Which was raisd before the Ship Sail’d and What will surprise you more than all Another Major Appd. Who perhaps you know he is son to the [indecipherable] Bishop of York of the Name of Malcolm, this leaves Cap Nepean quite in the Dumps & my Friend Mac being so before by God I am perfectly happy, the reason of 2 Majors We cannot define but think tht Major Grose will be Lt. Col Comm. However I learn that the Major has agreed that all other preferments shall go thro the Corps – Major Grose has got a Young Son of Which he is very fond – the detainment of the Corps so long Was owing to there being draughted to Serve as Marines on Bd. The Grand Fleet – Which Was the grandest ever, produc’d in Europe in so Short a period 47 sail of the Line Commanded by Earl Howe was in the Channel in an instant & so well found as to astonish all Europe this was caus’d by the Spaniards taking several of our Mercht. Ships up Nootha Sound but I must for an Accurate Accn. Of this refer you to the News Papers.
They are all at peace in Europe now I mean Engd; but they have not settled in France as yet besides the Turk and Russians are still at War. An Alliance and trade is settled between us and Turkey and a Fleet of ours up the Baltic now under Lt. Hood and it is thought
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and it is though Russia and us will be at Loggerheads ere Long.
Expect promotion has taken place in the Naval [indecipherable] during the [indecipherable] 100 [indecipherable] and Comrs. and as many Mids. Lieuts. Amongst the rest our old friend Gilbert but this is [indecipherable] too far on Minutia the papers Will inform you When you see them of every particular and tho many has been brought out I have not intrest to procure you any as they are with Nepean and McArthur here but I hope my good friend Capn. Campl. will send Major Ross some you then may see them. I have only been a few hours in Compy With Mr Backwith therefore there may be many little accts that I have not been able to learn that I hope you will hear from others Mr Backwith is not come up as yet from sidney to Stay as yet. He only was here a few Hours to receive Orders from the Commander.
I was very happy to hear you had landed safe on Norfolk and content with your Situation nor did I expect from your Hurry that you would have taken the trouble to write at all – I hope the Major & you have put your Horses up quietly together I asure you its my Anxious Wish – I sincerely hope my dear Hill that you have not let your temper get the better of your able judgement so as to Tender the Situation of the Two Officers for Whom I have the greatest respect that went with you in any manner disagreeable to them. Tho I have your own word that they now thought you would not harrass them with [indecipherable] yet a report to the contrary prevaild that you were a perfect Tart – This only by your good friends of which I took much pains to contradict with all the severity I was master of – My good Friend. If you have through any Means qurrelld with them let me by that that you will make peace with them and let it not be said that you have it not in your Nature to agree with any one – make the [indecipherable] offer yourself of reconciliation is any Dispute and let them all see as well as I know that you are a man of [indecipherable]
[Page 16]
and a very forgiving temper – The officers all at Sydney are very [indecipherable] when I saw them last I hope several have wrote you tho I believe it out of their power to send any thing to you as there ships as far as I can learn has not brought any thing to Dispose of nor indeed has [indecipherable] with even brought out Tea or Sugar such the [indecipherable] in Europe of every thing being in great quantities here – Your Friend Major Nepean acts much in the same manner as When you [indecipherable] us, but I think rather with more inconsistence on our arrival at Rose Hill he [indecipherable] a whim of not speaking to Townson but he has since made a kind of apology and now does – his behaviour is so [indecipherable] with Mrs Morgan that he is the Common [indecipherable] of this place of Sydney.
McArthur remaind at Sydney doing Duty till the return of the brigs from Norfolk and Capn N. consold himself with in his wish the Compn of Mr Timmins neither speaking to Townson or me exept on Duty of Thomas Haughity that it was very disagreeable; However on the return of the Brig he came up and Capn. N. [indecipherable] an unseperable companion as before but that did not last long for they soon fell out and are now the bitterest Enemies – Nep is on the same old Vagary clearing land as at Sydney under the denomination of a Public Garden of the one that has clear here and everything in good order. He means to monopolise the Soldiers by Which means are always without Vegetables and from this Low living Very Weake & many with Dropsical Comp.s – the Gov.n has given him a Game Keeper but tho many Kangurooes are kill’d some times Two of a Day He never sends any of His officers a mouthful but with every New face he is much taken. He has permitted several of the Soldiers to be insolent to me nor would He hear my Compt but this I mean to Settle when I see the Major – But I could say so many things of this kind that I would fill up a quire of Paper. I shall therefore leave you to conjecture the rest. Mac was making brass one day about his Captainship & I being present bluntly told Him not to flatter himself for I would [indecipherable] him [indecipherable] as many as [indecipherable]
[Page 17]
New South Wales
By His Excellency Philip Gidley King
Esq.r Captain General and Governor in
Chief in and over His Majesty’s Territory
Called New South Wales and its
dependencies
&c. &c. &c.
Know You that by Virtue of the Power Vested in me
I have assigned you John Harris of Sydney Esquire
My Justice to keep His Majesty’s peace and for the
Preservation thereof and the Quiet Rule and Government of
His Majesty’s people within the said Territory.
Given at Government House Sydney
this twenty ninth day of
September in the Year of our Lord 1800.
Signed: Philip Gidley King
The Oath
I John Harris of Sydney in this Territory Esquire Do
Swear that as Justice of the peace in this Territory in all
Articles as a Justice of the peace I will do equal Right to the
poor and the rich after my Cunning Wit and Power and
after the Laws and Customs of the Realm and Statutes thereof
[Page 18]
made and I will not be of Council of any Quarrel
hanging before me and that I hold my Sessions after
the form of the Statutes hereof made and the [indecipherable]
Fines and Amerciaments that shall happen to be made
and All Forfeitures which shall fall before me I
will Cause to be entered without any Concealment or
Embezzling and truly send them to the King’s [indecipherable]
in this Territory I will not let for Gift or other Cause
but well and truly do my Office of Justice of the Peace
in that behalf and that I will take nothing for my Office
of Justice of the peace to be done but of the Kind and few
accustomed and Costs limited by Statute and I will not direct
or Cause to be directed any Warrant (to be made) to the
Parties but I will direct them to the Provost Marshall of
this Territory or other the King’s Officers or Ministers or other indifferent Persons to do Execution thereof.
So Help me God!
Signed: John Harris
Sworn Before me one of His Majestys
Justices of the peace for the Territory
of New South Wales and also His
Majestys Judge Advocate for the same
this Twenty Ninth Day of
September 1800
Signed: Rich. Dore
Judge Advocate
[Page 19]
These are to Certify that John Harris Esquire of Sydney
made and subscribed the following Declaration against
Transubstantiation previous to his being Sworn in as a
Justice of the peace at Which time he took the Oath of
Allegiance Supremacy and Abjuration.
Declaration
I John Harris do declare that I believe there is
not any Transubstantiation in the Sacrament of the
Lords Supper or in the Elements of Bread and Wine at
or After the Consecration thereof by any Person whatever.
Signed: John Harris
Made and Subscribed before me
this twenty ninth day of September
1800.
Signed: [indecipherable] Dore
Judge Advocate
[Page 20]
Dedimus Potestatem
Oaths
John Harris Esqr. of Sydney
Qualifying as a Magistrate
in the Commission of the peace
Dated
1800
[Page 21]
Sydney 10 Sept. 1825
Sir
Before I make an application in the Supreme Court for you to show cause why a certiorari should not issue to show cause bring up the proceedings in the following cases on a charge of the punishments ordered being illegal, I think it is my duty to state to you my intention to do so, if you do not give me reason to alter it.
I have no authority to require a reply from you on this subject, but usually I offer to parties liable to accusation an opportunity of staying proceedings if they think proper to use it.
The cases are
That of Patrick Neville ordered on the 17 June 1820 to be confined in a solitary cell on bread and water until he should tell who had taken certain property from His Master’s premises.
That of Joseph Colley sentenced on the 9 Sept. 1820 to receive 50 lashes and to be brought out again on Saturday next to answer for where he had disposed of certain clothes stolen by him.
That of Joseph Colley brought at under reexamination on 16 Sept. 1820 to answer for making away with the Barrack shop clothing having been punished on the preceding Saturday- and refusing to tell to whom he had sold the things sentenced to receive 25 lashes and to be brought up again on Saturday following.
That of William Murphy on 10 Nov 1820
[Page 22]
on a similar case.
and that of Rodman sentenced on the 7 Dec 1822 to receive 50 lashes every morning until he should tell where certain stolen property was.
I am
Sir
Your obedient Servant
Bannister
to John Harris Esq
J.P.
Shanes Park
[Page 23]
Sep.r 10th 1825
Sir
I have the Honor to acknowledge the rect of your Letter of the 8th Inst. enquiring why a certiorari should not be Issued against me to bring up the Proceedings of the following cases for Illegal Punisht
By Patk Nevill, Josh Colly Wm Murphy
and Rodman
I beg most respectfully to say that I have not the slightest recollection of the Punishments alluded to by you nor to the above names ever having been before me as a Magistrate on any occasion = But I will cause the Parramatta Books to be Examined & will again reply to you on this subject.
I have the Honor to remain
Sir
Your Obt Servn
Signed: JH.
To
Rex Bannister Esqr
Attorney Genl
[Page 24]
[Not transcribed]
[Page 25]
Colonial Secretary’s Office
Sydney 31st December 1829
Circular
No 29/55
Sir,
The distinction between the Several forms of Remission of Sentence granted to Prisoners of the Crown, and the nature of the indulgence which they are respectively intended to bestow, appearing to be imperfectly understood, I am directed by His Excellency the Governor to request your attention to the following Statement viz:
1. An Absolute pardon when issued under the Great Seal of England, but not before, [indecipherable] the Individual to all the rights of a free subject in every part of His Majesty’s Dominions, from the date of the instrument.
2. A Conditional Pardon when approved by His Majesty through the Secretary of State; but not before [indecipherable] the rights of freedom, from the date of the instrument, within the Colony. But it bestows no power of leaving the Colony, and no rights whatsoever beyond its limits.
This and the former
[indecipherable] Harris Esqre
J.P.
South Creek
[Page 26]
where once Confirmed according to Law Cannot be revoked except by a Judicial process and the holders are of course equally empowered to pursue their lawful occupations in any part of the Country as if they had never been Convicted.
3. A Ticket of Leave is a permission to the Individual to employ himself for his own benefit and to acquire property on condition of residing within the district therein specified of presenting himself and producing his Ticket before the Magistrates once a Quarter and of attending Divine Worship Weekly if performed within a reasonable distance. But he is not allowed to remove into another District without the express Sanction of Government entered on the face of his Ticket; the Ticket itself is liable to be resumed at any time at the pleasure of the Governor and in that case the Individual reverts to the situation of a Prisoner of the Crown in every
[Page 27]
respect.
4. A Ticket of Exemption from Government Labor. differs from a Ticket of Leave, in Conferring no permission for the individual to employ himself for his own benefit or to acquire property, but simply the privilege of residing until the next 31st December with the person therein named, generally a relation, in some specific District, and no other. In requiring the attendance at Muster and Divine Worship, it is as strict as a Ticket of Leave; and like it is liable to be resumed at any time by His Excellency’s order. It is also void, if not renewed on the 1st of January every Year, and the holder then becomes liable to be treated as a Prisoner of the Crown, unlawfully
at large.
As it is evidently of importance that the Regulations with regard to these Individuals should be strictly enforced, and their residence and employment always known – and as
[Page 28]
numerous instances have been detected of persons who hold the inferior pretending to possess the superior indulgence, also of their residing at a great distance from the prescribed Districts, and [indecipherable] attending on the appointed Muster days I am further directed by His Excellency to recommend your adopting the following Rules, with a view to prevent the above mentioned and other similar irregularities viz.-
That a Register be immediately opened, of every person residing in your Neighbourhood, under a remission of Sentence of any kind noting the same accordingly.
2. That every change of District in Tickets of Leave and Exemption Tickets sanctioned by the Government, be carefully entered in the same Register, both of individuals allowed to come from other Districts into yours and of those permitted to remain elsewhere. With this view the proper particulars will always be duly communicated to you by the Principal Superintendent of Convicts.
[Page 29]
[Not transcribed]
[Page 30]
[CIRCULAR]
[Not transcribed]
[Page 31]
[Not transcribed]
[Page 32]
By His Excellency Lachlan Macquarie Esquire Captain General and Governor in Chief of His Majesty’s Territory of New South Wales and its Dependencies &c &c &c
Whereas by this Letter patent of His present Majesty under the Great Seal of the United Kindom of Great Britain and Ireland bearing dates at Westminster this Twenty fourth day of May in the forty fifth year of the reign of His present Majesty King George the third by the Grace of God of the United Kindom of Great Britain and Ireland King Defender of the faith His said Majesty was graciously pleased to constitute and appoint Mr Lachlan Macquarie Esquire to be His said Majesty’s Captain General and Governor in chief in and over His said Majesty’s Territory called New South Wales and did therein and thereby amongst other things also authorize and impower me the said Lachlan Macquarie to constitute and appoint Justices of the Peace and other necessary Officers and Ministers in His Majesty’s said Territory and its Dependencies for the better administration of Justice and putting the Law in execution and to administer and cause to be administered such oath or oaths as are usually given for the execution and performance of Offices and place Now know ye that I Lachlan Macquarie Captain General and Governor in Chief as aforesaid by virtue of the power and authority so in me vested by and in pursuance of the said Royal Letters Patent aforesaid HAVE assigned and by these Pursuits Do assign you John Harris of Ultimo House Sydney Esquire in this Territory a Justice to keep His Majesty’s peace and for the preservation of the same and for the quiet rule and government of His Majesty’s People in and throughout the said Territory in all and singular their Articles in His Majesty’s said Territory according to the force form and effect of the same doing therein what to Justice appertains according to the Law and Custom of England saving to His Majesty the Amendments and other things to His said Majesty therefrom belonging.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal at Government House Sydney this Tenth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
Signed: L. Macquarie
Transcribed by Robin Matthews, Jan Bransgrove, Ray King for the State Library of New South Wales]