120 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE 
distance which it is more than probable they did not,) left | 
no doubt on the mind of every person on Norfolk Island 
of their having perished in the very heavy weather that 
prevailed throughout the first day and night of their voyage" —— 
Mr. Cunningham often spoke of the extraordinary escape 
he had experienced on this occasion—for taking into consi- 
deration the reckless, determined, and brutal character of 
the party who landed on Phillip Island, it was a most provi- 
dential circumstance that on being disappointed in not finding 
nautical instruments in his possession, that they had not 
wreaked their vengeance on him, and added murder to a long 
list of crimes. The amount of property plundered from him, 
was worth about £25; and on his return to Sydney, he 
presented a memorial to the Colonial Government, praying 
for remuneration for what had been stolen from him, but he 
was coolly (officially) informed that not being in the employ- 
ment of the Colonial government his Excellency would not 
be justified in granting indemnification. 
Our botanist now became desirous of returning to Sydney, 
but the vessel which had been long expected, had not yet 
made her appearance, and it was not until the 5th of Au- 
gust, that she was perceived making for the island; the state 
of the weather during her stay was exceedingly tempestu- 
ous, so much so that the master was fearful of anchoring on 
that rocky coast, and consequently kept under weigh the 
whole time he was discharging his cargo of convicts and stores. 
At length, on the 31st, Mr. Cunningham sent off his baggage 
and collections ; among which, were four large cases of living 
plants; and on the second of September, having bade fare- 
well to the friends with whom he had so long resided, and 
who accompanied him to the beach, he prepared to quit the 
shore with the despatches of the Commandant. However, à , 
sudden squall appeared outside, and Colonel Morriset not 
caring to order the boat off until it was seen how far it would 
affect the bar, waited a short period. In a few minutes à 
heavy surf came rolling in and breaking high over the edge 
of the reef, covered its surface with a white foam ; this was 
