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round the big fire. I spoke in German face to face, for the last time, with Thonen. M'Gill and two-thirds of the Independent Californian Rangers' Rifle Brigade, in accordance with the avocation expressed in the title, were out "starring" to intercept reinforcements reported on the road from Melbourne. Nealson and his division were off for the same purpose. Was their lot that of Lot's wife?
Sir Charles Hotham must have possessed the rod of Moses to convert the quartz of Victoria into red coats, as numerous as the locusts that plagued Pharaoh's land. The Local Court of Ballaarat should recommend His Excellency to carry out the "abolition of shepherding at Sebastopol."
I asked Thonen to see Lalor. I was answered that Peter, from shear exhaustion, must rest for an hour or two, and was asleep.
Myself not having closed an eye since Thursday, I felt severely the want of sleep. Is not sabbath-keeping our day's cant in the English language? Anyhow it must be admitted, in justice to both silver and gold lace, that they take it in good earnest: to keep the sabbath is a holy and wholesome thing for them. I do not remember what was my frame of mind at the time I wished Thonen good night; very probably, "Enough for the day, the morrow will have its own trouble": at any rate, Thonen gave word to the "outposts," chiefly Californians to let me pass to my tent: and having thrown myself on my stretcher, with every thing quiet round about, I soon fell asleep.
On the afternoon of Saturday, the following notice wait posted up :——
V. .svg)
R.
NOTICE.
No light will be allowed to be kept burning in any tent within musket-shot of the line of sentries after 8 o'clock p.m. No discharge of fire-arms in the neighbourhood of the Camp will be permitted for any purpose whatever.
The sentries have orders to fire upon any person offending against these rules.
- (By order), T. BAILEY RICHARDS,
- Lieut. 40th Regt., Garrison Adjutant.
- (By order), T. BAILEY RICHARDS,
