256 DIFFICULTIES AND CHANGES. [1839. 



regiment of troops destined for service in New South Wales, 

 was raised in England, and subsequently recruited from 

 there. The officers' commissions were sold to dissipated 

 adventurers, and the men placed under their command were 

 little better than convicts in character and habits. Governor 

 Phillip had hitherto manfully contended against numerous 

 difficulties ; but on the arrival of this regiment, in 1791, the 

 embarrassments of his position were increased in a tenfold 

 degree. The officers set at defiance the civil authority, and 

 organized a separate faction ; and having secured the mono- 

 poly of the trade in Sydney, they encouraged the use of 

 ardent spirits, and in that way exercised a most pernicious 

 influence. 



Utterly despairing of accomplishing any good by remain- 

 ing at his post, the governor resigned his office in 1792. 

 He was succeeded by Governor Hunter in 1795, who founded 

 Castlehill, Bankstown, and Windsor. He, too, was unable, 

 with the powers at his command, to repress the disorders and 

 excesses in the colony, which daily grew more outrageous, 

 wherefore he also resigned. Captain King was then appoint- 

 ed to succeed him, in 1800. He likewise soon resigned, and 

 was followed, in 1806, by Captain Bligh, who first attempted 

 to resist the military ; but a rebellion ensuing, headed by 

 Captain M' Arthur, he was seized by the insurgents, and 

 sent as a prisoner to Europe. Governor Macquarrie was 

 then sent out, in 1810, and continued at the head of affairs 

 till 1822. During his administration, the refractory and 

 turbulent leaders of the military combination were effectu- 

 ally put down, and law and order in great part restored.- 

 Settlements were established on every side ; roads were con- 

 structed between the principal towns; and measures taken 

 to develop the resources if the country, and ensure its con- 

 tinued advance in prosperity. Under the administrations of 

 the subsequent governors, Brisbane, Darling, Bourke, and 

 (iipps, the affairs of the colonies in Australia have grown 

 more and more promising, till now nothing short of a miracle 

 could retard them in their successful career. 



