invitation to accompany him to his home, where I was hospitably entertained more than three weeks; when, being tired of an indolent life, I begged my friend to make interest with his Excellency Sir John Franklin, so that I might have employ. My friend lost no time in acceding to my wishes; and, in a few days I was directed to call at Government House at an early hour, and had the honour to be introduced to Sir John and Lady Franklin, and to several gentlemen who were breakfasting there. Numerous were the questions they put to me, and amongst the rest was, what I wished on my own account? I replied, a small allotment of land! His Excellency said he could not grant land, but that he would see what could be done in the way of finding me employment.
According to this promise, I was soon afterwards appointed Assistant to the Storekeeper at the Immigrants' Home, Hobart Town; which situation I held about three months; when the immigrants having been all settled, the establishment was broken up, and I was transferred to the Female Nursery, as Gate-keeper.
At the Immigrants' Home I had become acquainted with a family—consisting of a respectable mechanic, his wife, and daughter; the former of whom, thinking to better himself, went on to Sydney; but, whilst on a journey he afterwards undertook overland to Port Phillip, he was killed by natives near the Murray River; thus leaving his family unprovided for.
The fact of his death having been ascertained, I tendered myself to the mother; she accepted me as her
