.

VIII. The night-watch is to go out as soon as the tattoo ceases beating: to
return to their huts when the working drum beats in the morning: and are
to make their report to the judge advocate, through Herbert Keeling, of all
robberies and misdemeanors which may have been committed. Any assistance
the patrols may require, will be given to them, on applying to the officer
commanding the nearest guard; and by the civil power, if necessary; for
which last, application is to be made to the provost martial.

IX. Any negligence on the part of those who shall be employed on this duty,
will be punished with the utmost rigour of the law.

X. The night-watch is to consist of 12 persons.

Every political code, either from a defect of its constitution, or from the
corruptness of those who are entrusted to execute it, will be found less
perfect in practice than speculation had promised itself. It were, however,
prejudice to deny, that for some time following the institution of this
patrol, nightly depredations became less frequent and alarming: the petty
villains, at least, were restrained by it. And to keep even a garden
unravaged was now become a subject of the deepest concern.

For in October our weekly allowance of provisions, which had hitherto been
eight pounds of flour, five pounds of salt pork, three pints of pease, six
ounces of butter, was reduced to five pounds five ounces of flour, three
pounds five ounces of pork, and two pints of pease.

In order to lessen the consumption from the public stores, the 'Supply' was
ordered to touch at Lord Howe Island, in her way from Norfolk Island, to
try if turtle could be procured, for the purpose of being publicly served
in lieu of salt provisions. But she brought back only three turtles, which
were distributed in the garrison.

December, 1789. At the request of his excellency, lieutenant Dawes of the
marines, accompanied by lieutenant Johnston and Mr. Lowes, about this
time undertook the attempt to cross the Nepean river, and to penetrate to
Carmarthen mountains. Having discovered a ford in the river, they passed
it, and proceeded in a westerly direction. But they found the country so
rugged, and the difficulty of walking so excessive, that in three days they
were able to penetrate only fifteen miles, and were therefore obliged to
relinquish their object. This party, at the time they turned back, were
farther inland than any other persons ever were before or since, being
f