give the natives? The first artide I recommended was bread; so the boat was immediately sent off for two bags of biscuits, and these were distributed at a great Corrobberree we had that night; which entertainment—if it may be so called—very much delighted the visitors.
My task now was to keep alive the good understanding which existed; in that I succeeded: and in the mean time, the vessel had floated off the sand-bank, and we landed from her, provisions, blacksmiths', carpenters', and other tools.
As Mrs. Batman with her family had arrived in the vessel, they were landed also, as soon as the best accommodations that could be prepared had been made ready for their reception.
The brig sailed the following day, leaving Messrs. Batman, Wedge, and the whole party behind making permanent arrangements for a settlement.
To Mr. Wedge I had fully explained all the circumstances of my case, and my anxiety about my position, an a runaway from the Calcutta. That gentleman said he would represent them in the most favourable light to Lieutenant-Governor Arthur, so that I might feel safe in returning to Van Diemen's Land; for I was resolved on not doing so as a prisoner, after so many years' suffering. Mr. Wedge kindly promised to use all the interest he had to procure me a free pardon; and so I waited the next arrival of the vessel, employing myself in the meantime as an Interpreter, and as the friend of both parties, seldom leaving the camp, in case any unfortunate dispute might arise during my absence.
