c labour was suspended; and every
person in the settlement attended at church, where a sermon, suited to an
occasion, at once so full of gratitude and solemnity, was preached by the
Reverend Richard Johnson, chaplain of the colony.

All the officers were afterwards entertained at dinner by the governor. And
in the evening, an address to his excellency, expressive of congratulation
and loyalty, was agreed upon; and in two days after was presented, and very
graciously received.

The following invitation to the non-commissioned officers and private
soldiers of the marine battalion, was also about this time published.

In consequence of the assurance that was given to the non-commissioned
officers and men belonging to the battalion of marines, on their embarking
for the service of this country, that such of them as should behave well,
would be allowed to quit the service, on their return to England; or be
discharged abroad, upon the relief taking place, and permitted to settle
in the country--His Majesty has been graciously pleased to direct the
following encouragement to be held up to such non-commissioned officers and
privates, as may be disposed to become settlers in this country, or in
any of the islands comprised within the government of the continent of
New South Wales, on the arrival of the corps raised and intended for the
service of this colony, and for their relief, viz:

To every non-commissioned officer, an allotment of one hundred and thirty
acres of land, if single, and of one hundred and fifty acres, if married.
To every private soldier, an allotment of eighty acres, if single, and of
one hundred acres if married; and also an allotment of ten acres for every
child, whether of a non-commissioned officer, or of a private soldier.
These allotments will be free of all fines, taxes, quit-rents, and other
acknowledgments, for the space of ten years; but after the expiration of
that period, will be subject to an annual quit-rent of one shilling for
every fifty acres.

His Majesty has likewise been farther pleased to signify his royal will and
pleasure, that a bounty of three pounds be offered to each non-commissioned
officer and soldier, who may be disposed to continue in this country, and
enlist in the corps appointed for the service of New South Wales; with a
farther assurance, that in case of a proper demeanour on their part, they
shall, after a farther service of five years, be entitled to double the
forme