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CHAPTER II. FIRST SETTLEMENT OF FORT PHILLIP. The British Cabinet determined, to form another settlement for their criminal exiles, at the place so favourably mentioned. Appointments at that period seem to have been judiciously made. The leader of the expedition, the Governor of the future colony, was not selected from among the frequenters of the court, the importunate but syco phantic place-hunters. David Collins, Esq., Colonel of the Marines, received the nomination. He was worthy of the position. He accompanied the first fleet to Sydney ; had been Secretary to the first Governor ; had inaugurated the new settlement; and, as Judge Advocate, had presided at the earliest Australian Law Court. More than this, he had just published a highly interesting account of the colony of New South Wales. Born in Ireland, 1756, the son of a general, he was present in the memorable conflict at Bunker’s Hill. He there engaged in a struggle by which the British Crown lost its colonies in the western world. Years after he assisted in adding to that crown the brilliant jewels of the Southern Land. The expedition was organized early in 1803. The “Ocean" transport, 500 tons, was to be accompanied by the “ Calcutta ” man of war, having 18 guns on the upper deck, rigged as a 56 gun ship, with a complement of 170 men. Her commander was Captain Daniel Woodriff, and first lieutenant Mr. J. H. Tuckey. Captain Mathews was in the “ Ocean.” The King’s ship was ready at Portsmouth in February, but was not joined by her consort till April. We will now regard the voyagers themselves ; a gloomy band, going against their will to an unknown shore. The hapless convicts con templated no El Dorado. The news of the sufferings of their fellow criminals at Botany Bay, as it was then called, had reached the dens of vice at home, and spread terror amongst the evil-doers. The very officers of the expedition had no hopeful visions. The chaplain thus records his own feelings :—“ On our departure it is natural to indulge the refleotions which obtrude themselves upon those who are
