48 PREPARATIONS 1787 Much. ReputatioD at stake. Over- ■crowding. Critical sltuatioii. Public opinion. Another protest. and passengers — ^would have experienced much the same fate as that which befell the second : — As the Navy Board have informed me that no alteration can be made respecting the victualling of the marines daring the passage, it is to prevent my character as an officer from being called in question, should the consequence I fear be realised, that I once more trouble your lordship on this subject. The contracts for the garrison and convicts were made before I ever saw the Navy Board on this business, and though I never have had it in my power officially to interfere, in any req>ect, yet I have repeatedly pointed out the consequences that must be expected from the men being crowded on board such small ships, and from victualling the marines according to the contract^ which allows no flour, as is customary in the Navy. This must be fatal to many, and the more so as no anti-scorbutics are allowed on board the transports for either marine or convict; in fact, my lord, the garrison and convicts are sent to the extremity of the globe as they would be sent to America, a six weeks' passage. I see the critical situation I may be in after losing part of the garrison, that is at present very weak, when the service for which it is intended is considered; but 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 your lordship will here- after point out the situation in which I have stood through the whole of this business, should it ever be necessary. Knowing that it was his ^^ duty to repeat complaints that may be redressed," Phillip sent a still more emphatic repre- sentation of the state of affairs to the Under Secretary^ under date March 18th : — A letter which I have received from the surgeon states the situation of the convicts to be such that I am under the necessity of requesting you to lay their case before Lord Sydney, that directions may be given to the Commissioners of the Navy for the Digitized by Google
