others the odium of their opposition, and the penalty of obnoxious laws.
It is fitting that the men who now enjoy such extension of franchise in Australia should cast a grateful glance on the memory of those who bled in their purse, and ached in their imprisoned bodies, that British settlers might possess British rights. At this moment, one of the worthy fathers of the colonial press, and one of the fathers of colonial freedom, wanders through London a too-forgotten and neglected man. In the feebleness of advanced age, with the pressure of impecunious circumstances, he can stand forth as a man who, with all the strength of conscious intellect, and the resolution of an unquailing will, could endure the confiscation of fortune, and the indignity of a gaol, while battling against the despotic régime of the past, and helping to usher in a brighter and a better day.
The name of Mr. Gilbert Robertson shines in the annals of the "Black War," and will be often recognised in these pages. It was after his engagement with Government that his career as a politician began. Strong-headed and impulsive as he was, too unbending in opinion, too unrelenting in attack, he was not unpossessed of geniality, and had a warm interest in the Natives from his sympathy with the rights of man. Such a person was not likely to find favour with the advocates of Imperialism. It is to be regretted, however, that when he sought the recommendation of his chief, Mr. Anstey, on behalf of some indulgences for his men, his application was rather surlily refused.
In his address to Colonel Arthur on November 17th, 1828, his energetic and sanguine nature led him to exclaim: "In that time (a year) I think I could manage to catch every one in the Settled Districts." He stipulated, upon engagement, December 25, 1828, that he should receive a salary of 150l., with rations, and a grant of land, if successful; but that, in the event of any casualty occurring to himself, his wife should receive a grant of land, and be provided with the means of returning to Scotland.
His engagement extended to March 24th, 1830. As may be imagined, the restlessness of his spirit did not render him submissive to the stern rule of the Superintendent, Mr. Anstey, who complained of his irregularity of reports, and his impracticability with other leaders. He felt himself exposed to the array
