Into The Head Of The Cove, On Which Our Establishment Is Fixed, Runs
A Small Stream Of Fresh Water, Which Serves To Divide The Adjacent Country
To A Little Distance, In The Direction Of North And South.
On the eastern side
of this rivulet the Governor fixed his place of residence, with a large body
of
Convicts encamped near him; and on the western side was disposed
the remaining part of these people, near the marine encampment.
From this last two guards, consisting of two subalterns, as many serjeants,
four corporals, two drummers, and forty-two private men, under the orders
of a Captain of the day, to whom all reports were made, daily mounted
for the public security, with such directions to use force, in case
of necessity, as left no room for those who were the object of the order,
but to remain peaceable, or perish by the bayonet.
As the straggling of the convicts was not only a desertion from the
public labour, but might be attended with ill consequences to the settlement,
in case of their meeting the natives, every care was taken to prevent it.
The Provost Martial with his men was ordered to patrole the country around,
and the convicts informed, that the severest punishment would be inflicted on
transgressors. In spite, however, of all our precautions, they soon found
the road to Botany Bay, in visits to the French, who would gladly
have dispensed with their company.
But as severity alone was known to be inadequate at once to chastize
and reform, no opportunity was omitted to assure the convicts,
that by their good behaviour and submissive deportment, every claim to present
distinction and future favour was to be earned.
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