Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/329
to complain of the grasping nature of the Governor's claims.
The Surprise started on her curtailed cruise, and was lost. In May 1802, just after the arrival of the Naturaliste, the Governor had said he would immediately form a settlement at Port Phillip, but that he had no person who could be spared or entrusted with the command.
"When more officers come out, perhaps I may be able to select one who would answer for that situation, which will require a person of some abilities and perseverance. Unless I find it absolutely necessary I shall not take this step without your Grace's approval. . . . I am the more solicitous respecting forming this settlement from the probability of the French having it in contemplation to make a settlement, . . . which I cannot help thinking is a principal object of their researches."
Writing to Lord Hobart (9th Nov. 1802), while the Geographe and Naturaliste were still at Sydney, King said—
"Notwithstanding the collection he has made in every branch of natural history, yet I am inclined to think that collecting alone is not the principal object of Monsieur Baudin's mission, as it has very forcibly struck ine that they have an intention of looking for a place proper to make a similar establishment to this on the W. or N.W. coast. It has also occurred to me that they may have some intention of laying claim to Van Diemen's Land now it is known to be insulated from New Holland. My only reason for this supposition is the length of time, and the very accurate and extensive survey he has taken of what is called by us Storm Bay Passage,' and by the French 'Le Canal d'Entrecasteaux,' to whom they attribute the discovery of that passage. How far either or both these conjectures may be probable I cannot say, but I judge it necessary to communicate my thoughts thereon, and to request instructions for my conduct in case the latter conjecture should be verified. I have already stated my ideas respecting the policy of forming a settlement at Port Phillip in Bass's Straits and in Storm Bay Passage, or Derwent River, and reflection on this subject confirms me in the necessity of forming a settlement at one or both those places. Unfortunately I have no person I can at present name to such a situation. Should one offer equal to that charge I shall take it upon me to settle one or both those places, for the reasons given in iny former letter."
Colonel Paterson thought more of botanical collections than of extending the cords of British sovereignty. The coolness between himself and the Governor may have partly contributed to his reticence when he heard and did not inform King, during the stay of the French, that they intended to form a colony at Van Diemen's Land. It is certain that as soon as the French ships sailed (17th Nov. 1802) the Governor was informed by the acting principal Burgeon that Col. Paterson was in possession of information