David Collins

“ The land behind them was the abode of a civilized people; that before them was the residence of savages: when, if ever, they might again enjoy the commerce of the world, was very uncertain. The refreshments and pleasures of which they had so liberally partaken at the Cape, were to be exchanged for coarse fare and hard labour at New South Wales. ”

“ The day, which had been extremely fine, concluded with the safe arrival of the Sirius and the convoy from Botany Bay,—thus terminating the voyage with the same good fortune which had from its commencement been so conspicuously their friend and companion.
The disembarkation of the troops and convicts took place from the following day, until the whole were landed. The confusion that ensued will not be wondered at, when it is considered, that every man stepped from the boat literally into a wood. Parties of people were every where heard and seen variously employed ”

“ To have permitted them to live, and to remain amid their former haunts, would have been compelling them to live in guilt; for in what other manner, however well disposed, could they preserve that life which, in this case, it would have been inhumanity to have granted? ”

“ In addition to the medicines that were administered, every species of esculent plants that could be found in the country were procured for them: wild celery, spinach, and parsley, fortunately grew in great abundance: those who were in health, as well as the sick, were very glad to introduce them into their messes, and found them a pleasant as well as wholesome addition to the ration of salt provisions. ”

“ A portable canvas-house, brought over for the Governor, was erected on the East side of the Cove (which was named Sydney) , where a small body of convicts were put under tents. The detachment of marines was encamped at the head of the Cove near the stream; and on the West side was placed the main body of the convicts. Every person belonging to the settlement being landed, the numbers amounted to 1030 persons. The tents for the sick were placed on the West side; and it was observed, with concern, that their numbers were fast increasing. ”

“ From exile, if they have any thing to lose, they have much to hope; they are removed from temptation; and with the necessaries of life they are provided, until such time as they shall prove that they are deserving of further favour; when no encouragement is withheld that can contribute to their present comfort, or confirm them in the path of rectitude. ”

“ Governor Phillip, having been pressed for time when he first visited this harbour, had not thoroughly examined it. The completion of that necessary business was left to Captain Hunter, who, with the first lieutenant of the Sirius, early in the month of February made an accurate survey. It was found to be far more extensive to the westward than had been imagined; and Captain Hunter described the country as wearing a much more favourable aspect toward the head, or upper part, than it did immediately about the settlement. ”

“ Every precaution was used to guard against a breach of this friendly and desirable intercourse, by strictly prohibiting every person from depriving them of their spears, fizgigs, gum, or other articles, which it was soon perceived they were accustomed to leave under the rocks, or loose and scattered about upon the beaches. ”

“ On board of these three ships was the greater part of the male convicts, whom Captain Phillip had sanguine hopes of employing to much advantage, before the Sirius, with that part of the fleet which was to remain under Captain Hunter’s direction, should arrive upon the coast. He was also attended by Major Ross, the commandant of the marine detachment (and lieutenant-governor of the settlement) , together with the adjutant and quarter-master, in order to co-operate with him in his intention of preparing, as far as time might allow, for the reception of the rest of the convoy. ”

“ To such circumstances as these must be attributed the termination of that good understanding which had hitherto subsisted, and which Governor Phillip laboured to improve whenever he had an opportunity. But it might have been foreseen that this would unavoidably happen: the convicts were every where straggling about, collecting animals and gum to sell to the people of the transports, who at the same time were procuring spears, shields, swords, fishing-lines, and other articles from the natives, to carry to Europe ”

“ The Governor having also received instructions to establish a settlement at Norfolk Island, the Supply sailed for that place about the middle of February, having on board Lieutenant King of the Sirius, named by Captain Phillip superintendant and commandant of the settlement to be formed there. Lieutenant King took with him one surgeon, one petty officer, two private soldiers, two persons who pretended to some knowledge in flax-dressing, and nine male and six female convicts, mostly volunteers. ”

“ In one of the coves of this noble and capacious harbour, he determined to fix the future feat of his government, it having been found to possess a sufficiency of water and soil. Having completed his research in three days, he returned to Botany Bay, and gave directions for an immediate removal thence ”

“ So soon as the transports were properly prepared for their reception, the stock intended for the colony was embarked; viz. 1 bull, 1 bull-calf, 7 cows, 1 stallion, 3 mares, and 3 colts; together with as great a number of rams, ewes, goats, boars, and breeding sows, as room could be provided for.
As it was earnestly wished to introduce the fruits of the Cape into the new settlement, Captain Phillip was ably assisted in his endeavours to procure the rarest and the best of every species, both in plant and seed, by Mr. ”