OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 203 



The expedition, in conformity to the instructions, proceeded in the 

 first instance to Botany Bay. This, to their disappointment, was 

 found an unsafe harbour; and the country far from suitable for the 

 intended purpose. On exploring the coast, they unexpectedly found, 

 about seven miles to the northward, a capacious and beautiful harbour, 

 which Cook had reported as fit only for boats ; this, which they called 

 Port Jackson, proved to be adapted to the intended purpose, and to it 

 they removed. The people of the colony were landed on the 26th of 

 January, 1788. The Governor delivered an address to his settlers on 

 the 7th of February, strongly recommending marriage to the con- 

 victs ; and in consequence of this admonition, fourteen marriages took 

 place the succeeding week. 



In 1790, one of the severe droughts to which the country is liable 

 occurred, and the colony was reduced to great distress for provisions. 

 All the live-stock, which had been imported for breeding, was killed 

 off for food, and the inhabitants were reduced to an ear of corn per day. 

 From the exhaustion which prevailed, all labour was suspended. 



In February, 1792, the first lieutenant-governor arrived. He was 

 also commandant of the New South Wales corps. This corps was 

 specially raised for service in the colony, and was one of the greatest 

 evils under which it suffered for many years. 



In December, 1792, Governor Philips returned to England. 



In September, 1795, Governor Hunter arrived, and assumed the 

 direction of affairs. His administration lasted until 1802. 



During the interregnum between Governors Philips and Hunter, 

 Captain Paterson acted as governor. 



In 1794, the first free settlers arrived in the colony. 



The officers of the New South Wales corps soon became merchants, 

 and dealt in all that was issued from the public stores. Rum was the 

 great article of traffic ; and an act was passed, that on the arrival of 

 any vessel with stores, an issue of spirits from her cargo should be 

 made to each officer in proportion to his rank. 



The officers also obtained the manifest of every vessel that arrived, 

 selected what they thought proper from her cargo, and afterwards 

 disposed of it to the soldiers, settlers, and convicts, at a large profit. 



They claimed the privilege of importing spirits, which was refused 

 to others, and of selling it to the non-commissioned officers, many of 

 whom held licenses to sell spirits by retail. In this way, many of 

 the officers of the New South Wales corps realized large sums by 

 trade, and counteracted all the endeavours of the governor to effect a 

 reform in the colony. 



In September, 1800, Captain King assumed his duties as governor, 



