shared the same fate, and four or five others were severely flogged. ^^ This was but one of many cases io which actual or suspected mutiny induced severity on the part of the guards, who knew that then* own fate would be sealed if the convicts should gain the upper hand. The reason aheged for the absence of proof of the terms of sentence of prisoners sent by the first fleet was the unsatisfactory one that the masters of the transport- ships had left the lists with the shipowners in England. The claimants of freedom were told to wait for accounts from England, but one of them was so indignant at the continu- ance of his terra that he railed in presence of the Governor, was tried for disrespect, and sentenced to 600 lashes and to wear irons for six months. At a later date (July 1791) the convicts whose sentences had expired were collected and informed that those who wished to become settlers should be encouraged ; those who declined to settle would have to labour for their provisions, while though no obstacle would be thrown in the way of those who wished to return to England, the Government would afford them no assist- ance. The wish to return to their friends was general, a few* only wishing to become settlers, and none engaging to work. One man who had been most useful in the erection of various buildings was, in 1790, declared free, absolutely, tW'O years before his sentence had expired; but the priulent Phillip made an agreement with him tbat he should work two years longer in the colony, food and clothing being supplied to him. To mark the contrast between good and bad conduct, this grace ^vas conferred at a time when two other convicts were executed for repeated crimes. In Jan. 1792 it was falsely rumoured that Phillip was about to seize the corn in i)rivate hands^ whereupon he notified that the settlers who had maize or other grain for which they had no secure storage-room, might send it to the public store, and withdraw it as they required ; and, "* After Buppresflian of the mutiny the AlhfmarJe (4th Jlay) touched lit St. Jago, where P. G. King in the OorfjoH hatl touched. King infonned SiMJretary Nepean of the fact thua: — "It seema the convicta on Ijoard the Albemarle rose, with tlie intention of running away with the ship to America. Mr. Young very properly hmi^ two of the ringleaders, and I behBve a third was shot in the inaitrrection." Governor Phillip after- wards highly coimiwnded. YoiiDgs conduct. 4
