160 ^ BETTIiEBS 1791 one more than the number stated by Phillip, and of these, fifty took np land at Norfolk Island, while thirty-seven were SiikT*"^ placed at Rose Hill. Phillip was satisfied with the progress differ. which had been made in settling the marines and conyicts on the soil ; but Collins looked at the matter in a difiEerent light. According to his account, the conyicts who went on the land at this time formed only a sm^ll number of those whose sentences had expired. He speaks also of an alter- native proposal, not referred to in the despatches, by which convicts who did not care to become settlers were to work for twelve or eighteen months after their time of sentence was over : — Expirees " The convicts whose terms of transportation had expired were fcoTOtJ^ now [July, 1791] collected, and by the authority of the Grovemor informed that such of them as wished to become settlers in this country should receive every encouragement ; that those who did not, were to labour for tlieir provisions, stipulating to work for twelve or eighteen months certain ; and that in the way of such as preferred returning to England no obstacles would be thrown, provided they could procure passages from the masters of such ships as might arrive; but that they were not to expect any Their desire assistance on the part of the Governor to that end. The wish to EngiaSd! return to their friends appeared to be the prevailing idea, a few only giving in their names as settlers, and none engaging to work for a certain tima"* Phillip pointed out this difiiculty in his despatch of 5th November, but he did not say in so many words that the ex-convicts had refused to bind themselves to work for the Government. Those who could make themselves useful at sea would, he foresaw, be carried away by the transports, but by far the greater number ^^ must remain, discontented, and desirous of seizing the first opportunity which offers of escaping." Phillip improved the occasion by suggesting settiew that if settlers with means were sent out they would be able with means *' required, to offer employment to the people under conditions that would make them content to remain in the colony.
- Collins, ToL i, p. 169.
