An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales, Volume 1 - With Remarks on the Dispositions, Customs, Manners, Etc. of The - Native Inhabitants of That Country. to Which Are Added, Some - Particulars of New Zealand; Compiled, By Permission, From - Th by David Collins
page 290 of 882 (32%)
page 290 of 882 (32%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
these specimens, little expectation was to be formed of this article ever
answering even the common culinary purposes to which canvas can be applied. Those officers who had passed some time in both settlements remarked, that the air of Norfolk Island was somewhat cooler than that of ours, here at Sydney; every breeze that blew being, from its insular situation, felt there. Martial law continued in force until the supplies arrived; and of the general demeanor of the convicts during that time report spoke favourably. The _Lady Juliana_, passing the island in her way to China, was the first ship that was seen; but, to the inexpressible disappointment and distress of those who saw her, as well as to the surprise of all who heard the circumstance, the master did not send a boat on shore. Nor were they relieved from their anxiety until two days had passed, when the other ships arrived. This was the substance of the information received from Norfolk Island. From an exact survey which had been made, it was computed, that not more than between three and four hundred families could be maintained from the produce of the island; and that even from that number in the course of twenty years many would be obliged to emigrate. On the _Supply's_ coming to an anchor, the _Sirius's_ late ship's company, whose appearance bore testimony to the miserable fare they had met with in Norfolk Island for several months, were landed, and lodged in the military or portable hospital, until the _Waaksamheyd_ Dutch snow |
|