Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1848 edition. Excerpt: ... in open order, ready for the inspection of his Excellency the Governor. In a short time that functionary arrived, attended by his chief officers, including his private and colonial secretaries, principal superintendent of convicts, and the officer commanding royal engineers. After complimenting the men upon their clean and creditable appearance, and the favourable report which had been made to him of their general conduct during the voyage, Sir George Gipps called out such as had been specially recommended to him by the surgeon-superintendent and captain of the vessel, in which list I had the good fortune to be included, and, after expressing his perfect approbation of our behaviour, he intimated his intention of extending to us every indulgence which the regulations of the colony would au thorise and allow. Having duly acknowledged his Excellency's notice, we were dismissed to our respective wards in the barracks, and then locked up, to prevent all communication with any of the old hands who might be in the yard. At the time of our arrival the different gangs were out at work, and the yard was comparatively empty; but when, at the hour of five in the evening, they returned to their quarters, I really imagined (as troop after troop poured in, in one continuous stream) that they would never cease, and, the before restrained freedom of their tongues being now removed, that the inmates of some gigantic Bedlam had actually broken loose. But what sound is that which rises superior to the confused and commingled din, whose shrill echoes pierce the remotest precinct occupied by the turbulent mass, and stills, as if by magic power, the clash of convict tongues? It is the voice of their King--that fearful voice which quells the stoutest...
