Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/472

pursuits for which the colony was so much his debtor. Lord Bathurst refused. It was honourable in Macarthur not to accept a present benefit by sacrifice of principle, but if he still thought his conduct in the colony proper, he might again act as before.

"Whether there might not be circumstances in the colony to palliate, or to a certain degree to justify, Mr. Macarthur's conduct is another question, but we cannot subscribe to the opinion that the conduct was not improper upon the very ground upon which Mr. Macarthur thinks it out of his power to subscribe to the contrary. I have stated freely to you Lord Bathurst's sentiments on this subject. There is certainly every disposition to comply with Mr. Macarthur's wish, but Lord Bathurst does not think he can go further than he has done."^[1]

However torturing the suspense, Macarthur besought his wife (19th Aug. 1816) not to suffer herself

"to be dispirited at the apparent difficulties that obstruct my return. They will, they must be overcome; and be assured that they will terminate in the most reputable manner to me, to you, and to all our dear children. . . . It is clear that Mr. Watson Taylor thinks I am correct in deciding as I have done, not to submit to anything which can cast the smallest stain on my honour. It is also evident that government feel themselves greatly embarrassed, and all my friends are of opinion that they must be sorry for having proposed anything which may provoke public discussion of my conduct, or an examination of the motives that induced them to raise Bligh to the rank of an admiral, and to give him a pension for the faithful discharge of his duty in New South Wales. Many think they will not persevere. . . . others think they will. There is, however, no good ground upon which any correct judgment can be reared; because when men act without regard to fixed principle, and make expediency alone the rule of their conduct, it is impossible to say what they may or may not do."

He implored his wife not to let his letters on the subject pass out of her own hands. He asked her for documents which, in case of parliamentary inquiry, would enable him to prove Bligh's delinquencies.

For months the negotiations dragged their slow length along. Macarthur saw Mr. Goulburn, and told his wife^[2] (1st Oct. 1816):

"I believe I succeeded in convincing him that I am not to be tempted by any consideration, whether promising present ease, or threatening future