Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/56

be pursued for sending out of this kingdom such of the convicts as are under sentence of transportation." The Nautilus sloop, having explored the southern coast of Africa, between 15° 50 south and 33° south, and found it barren and unfit, His Majesty "has thought it advisable to fix upon Botany Bay as a place likely to answer" the required purposes. Seven hundred and fifty convicts, and three companies of marines, were to be sent with provisions for two years, and it was thought that "perhaps two hundred females" might be "procured from places in the neighbourhood as companions for the men." Cattle, pigs, and seed grain were to be obtained at the Cape of Good Hope, and "every possible expedition" was to be used.

On the 31st Aug. further instructions reached the Treasury from Lord Sydney, to whom Lord Howe wrote (3rd Sept., 1786), "I cannot say the little knowledge I have of Captain Phillip would have led me to select him for a service of this complicated nature, but as you are satisfied of his ability, and I conclude he will be taken under your direction, I presume it will not be unreasonable to move the King for having His Majesty's pleasure signified to the Admiralty." The marines were told that three years would probably elapse before they would be relieved. Phillip asked that ten wives in each company of marines might be allowed to go with their husbands, and (2nd Dec.) "feared much discontent in the garrison if there is no allowance of wine or spirits (to which they have been accustomed) until spruce beer can be procured for them."

The Prime Minister's hand is seen even in the management of details. The paramount control of his advice can only be inferred. A memorandum still preserved in the Record Office in London conveys a promise (13th Dec.) from Sir Charles Middleton to "furnish Mr. Pitt with the information required as far as the state of the business will admit as soon as possible, probably this evening or early to-morrow." On the 28th Dec. a secretary at the Admiralty sent, for "the information of Mr. Pitt," an estimate of the cost of the marines for three years—£45,752.^[1]