th no farther harshness than in being detained among us. Their
forbearance of open and determined attack upon can be accounted for only
by recollecting their knowledge of our numbers, and their dread of our
fire-arms: that they wanted not sufficient provocation to do so, will
appear from what I am about to relate.

March, 1789. Sixteen convicts left their work at the brick-kilns without
leave, and marched to Botany Bay, with a design to attack the natives,
and to plunder them of their fishing-tackle and spears: they had armed
themselves with their working tools and large clubs. When they arrived near
the bay, a body of Indians, who had probably seen them set out, and had
penetrated their intention from experience, suddenly fell upon them. Our
heroes were immediately routed, and separately endeavoured to effect their
escape by any means which were left. In their flight one was killed, and
seven were wounded, for the most part very severely: those who had the
good fortune to outstrip their comrades and arrive in camp, first gave the
alarm; and a detachment of marines, under an officer, was ordered to march
to their relief. The officer arrived too late to repel the Indians; but
he brought in the body of the man that was killed, and put an end to
the pursuit. The governor was justly incensed at what had happened, and
instituted the most rigorous scrutiny into the cause which had produced it.
At first the convicts were unanimous in affirming, that they were quietly
picking sweet-tea*, when they were without provocation assaulted by the
natives, with whom they had no wish to quarrel. Some of them, however,
more irresolute than the rest, at last disclosed the purpose for which the
expedition had been undertaken; and the whole were ordered to be severely
flogged: Arabanoo was present at the infliction of the punishment; and was
made to comprehend the cause and the necessity of it; but he displayed on
the occasion symptoms of disgust and terror only.

[*A vegetable creeper found growing on the rocks, which yields, on infusion
in hot water, a sweet astringent taste, whence it derives its name: to
its virtues the healthy state of the soldiery and convicts must be greatly
attributed. It was drank universally.]

On the 24th instant the 'Supply' arrived from Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe
Island, bringing from the latter place three turtles.

An awful and terrible example of justice took place towards the close of
this month, which