Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/58

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MARINE CORPS. THE FIRST FLEET.

the northward, where there appeared to be a good harbour and several islands." Lord Sydney replied that there could be no objection to Phillip establishing the principal settlement where he thought fit, "but at the same time you must understand that you are not allowed to delay the disembarkation of the establishment upon the pretence of seeking a more eligible place than Botany Bay." On the 12th March, Phillip wrote:—

"I am prepared to meet difficulties, and I have only one fear. I fear, my lord, that it may be said hereafter, the officer who took charge of the expedition should have known that it was more than probable he lost half the garrison and convicts crowded and victualled in such a manner for so long a voyage; and the public, believing it rested with me, may impute to my ignorance or inattention what I have never been consulted in, and which never coincided with my ideas;—to avoid which is the purport of this letter, and I flatter myself that your lordship will hereafter point out the situation in which I have stood through the whole of this business, should it ever be necessary."

A glimpse at some of the obstacles encountered is afforded by a note from Phillip urging Under-Secretary Nepean to apply for "such forms as are issued for holding Vice-Admiralty Courts." . . . "If I apply it is more than probable that I may not succeed." Nevertheless he fared better than he would if Lord Sydney had not been his patron, and Nepean had not been his friend. He pleaded earnestly for a supply of essence of malt or other anti-scorbutic. "The situation in which the magistrates sent the women on board the Lady Penrhyn stamps them with infamy (the poor creatures were)—almost naked and very filthy."

On the 27th April Phillip received his formal commission and instructions,[1] and on the following day a dormant commission naming Captain J. Hunter as successor in case of Phillip's death or absence.

A source of lasting trouble revealed itself amongst the guards of the convicts while the fleet was slowly receiving its heterogeneous freight. Lord Sydney told Phillip (5th

  1. ↑ Dated 25th April.—They enjoined him to procure seeds and livestock at ports on the way, to disembark at Botany Bay, and, "as soon as circumstances will admit of it, to send a small establishment 'to Norfolk Island,' to secure the same to us, and prevent it being occupied by any other European power." Norfolk Island was discovered by Captain Cook in 1774.
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