Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/302

my pistol to Johnston's head, whilst the trooper did the same to Cunningham, and drove them with their swords in their hands to the Quartermaster and the detachment, whom I ordered to advance and charge the main body of the rebels then formed in line; the detachment immediately commenced a well-directed fire, which was but weakly returned, for the rebel line being soon broken, they ran in all directions. We pursued them a considerable way, and have no doubt but that many of them fell. We have found twelve killed and six wounded, and have taken twenty-six prisoners. Any encomium I could pass on Quartermaster Laycock and the detachment I had the honour to command would fall short of what their merit entitles them to, and I trust their steady perseverance (after a fatiguing march of upwards of 45 miles) to restore order and tranquillity will make their services acceptable. Mr. Provost-marshal Smith, the inhabitants and constables who voluntarily accompanied the detachment, are equally entitled to my thanks; nor can I be neglectful of the very soldier-like conduct of the trooper who accompanied me."^[1]

Muskets, bayonets on poles, reaping-hooks, a pistol, and a pitchfork, were taken. The inhabitants who accompanied Major Johnston were as various as the captured weapons. A sheriff's officer, and a tailor, and many overseers, compose the list, with six settlers. To King, Johnston reported his success in discomfiting the rebels (whom he numbered as two hundred and fifty) on the field of action, and stated that his men" are excessively fatigued from the long march they have had; and as I understand another party of runaways is expected from Castle Hill, I should think a reinforcement necessary to meet us to-morrow morning, as the present detachment will feel the fatigue more to-morrow than they even do at present."

King received this despatch at five p.m. on the 5th. On the 6th Major Johnston announced his intention to return to Parramatta on the 7th if all should be quiet,

"leaving eleven of the party who are unable to march. I have this moment returned after marching above 3 miles with the detachment, to fall in (as I was informed) with sixty of the rebels, but upon coming to the ground I found it was a false alarm. Upon my return to headquarters I found five more desperate fellows brought in, each having loaded muskets, with a quantity of ammunition; and I beg to assure your