and its coiicocters were punished, but it was well to streii^hen the force on the island. Phillip (Feb., 1790) described the plot to Lord Sydney, and commended the conduct of King, whoso force, including himself, was only 1,^ ^iixteen in number, while there were lifty-one male convicts jjm and twenty-three females to control. ^m At head-quarters PhilHp set a personal example. Collins wrote ; — ^
- The Governor, from a motive that hIkI him iniinortal honour, in this
season of general diRtreas gavu np three huiulted-weight of flour wiiich waa ] His Excellency's private property, declaring that he wished nut to see any more at his table than the ration which was received in common from the public store, withoot any distinction of persona ; and to thia renolntion he rigidly adhered, wishing that if a convict complained he migiii see that »want was not onfelt even at (Government House." Sticdi a man^B motives were regarded with respect, even when he ordered the niarineB to death for stealing pro- visions. He maintained a cheerful countenance throughout ■ this dreary period. Not only was the daily work of the i^ettlement performed, but exploring expeditions w^ere at various timen sent out to discover what kind of land surrounded the settlement. Numerous efforts were made by Phillip to conciliate the aborignies. Alas ! w^here the evil passions of a low subordinate may destroy in a moment all the effect of a leader^s patient kindness, that kindness cannot be judged by its fruit. Phillip had many troubles with his white subjects* Collins tells us (April, 1789): '* Attention to our religious duties'^*^ was never omitted. Divine service was performed in one of oiu* emptied storehouses on the morning of Good Friday, and the convicts were recommended to employ the remainder of it in their gardens. But . , . very lew were observed to he so profitably employed." I Little forethought or assistance on the part of the con- pricts could be relied upon. When the SiriuH and Supply I X, M ^y^ Accoimt of the English Colony of New South Wales." By pavid Uollinsj late Judge Advocate and Secretary of the Colony. Lon- Bon; 1798. I ^^ The prayers read were those of the Church of England. With what BBpecial force the Litatiy must have struck thoughtful men wrestling with II wild and rocky soil^ aa they repeated the words : *^* That it may pleaae Thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruita of the earthy so aa in due time we may enjoy thetn."
