166 HISTORY or 



these people made them understand that they 

 had seen among the natives to the Northward, 

 a white woman. 



On the 29th, the Francis returned from 

 Norfolk Island. The criminal court at that 

 settlement had been assembled, and one con- 

 vict suffered death for a most daring burg- 

 lary, which he and two others effected with 

 circumstances of cruelty. The accomplices 

 were sentenced to hard labour on Phillip Island. 



The gangs at this place employed in public 

 works were seldom seen in the afternoon. It 

 appeared that, notwithstanding the orders given 

 tor the regulation of public labour, the super- 

 intendants had tasked the people as they thought 

 proper. By this, the work of government was 

 almost neglected, and the convicts time applied 

 to the use of individuals. 



To remedy this evil, the Governor informed 

 the superintendants and overseers, that if they 

 should be found applying to any other use the 

 time to be employed for the public, they would 

 be instantly dismissed. 



A court of criminal judicature was assembled 

 early in August, for the trial of several offenders 

 on different charges. 



Four were tried for a burglary in the house of 

 William Miller, but acquitted. David Lloyd 

 was tried for the wilful murder of John Smith, 

 the seaman belonging to the Indispensable. It 

 appeared, that the seamen had in a state of in- 

 toxication gone to the house, to take from a 

 female convict (then living as a servant at 



