216 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



in lieu of Western Africa, whither felons had been trans- 

 ported during recent years. The opportunity of sending 

 them to a better climate was worth considering, together 

 with the almost certainty that personal reclamation 

 would be more likely to follow in a land which gave better 

 opportunity. After two years or so of deliberation the 

 Pitt Ministry determined on carrying out the joint 

 experiment. 



It should be stated, that Matra had no part in these 

 things, after all. Through Banks's influence he obtained 

 a secretaryship in the British Embassy at Constantinople ; 

 and afterward a consular appointment at Tangier, which 

 he held for over twenty years. He wrote long letters to 

 Sir Joseph, full of interest to him in botany, and in 

 Moorish travel, especially with reference to the exploits 

 of Hornemann and Park and Lucas. He makes a com- 

 plaint, the like of which has been heard since, that the 

 English Government treats its Consuls with great in- 

 difference. Coins from Barbary were duly gathered for 

 Miss Banks. Stories of Moorish superstition and crafti- 

 ness fill many entertaining pages. And Sir Joseph re- 

 warded him with return letters, which he well deserved. 



The first fleet for Botany Bay was at length dispatched 

 in May, 1787. It included six transports, three store- 

 ships, H.M.S. Sirius, and the Supply, tender ; all under 

 the command of Captain Arthur Phillip. They carried 

 more than one thousand persons, including a number of 

 male and female convicts, and a first party of settlers. 

 Their destination was reached safely in January, 1788. 

 After some consideration, Phillip determined to make the 

 settlement at Port Jackson, as presenting far the most 

 suitable conditions for the purpose. It happened that 

 two ships were standing in that famous harbour, under 

 the command of the gallant La Perouse. The English 

 captain resolved to lose no time in selecting a station, 



