NEW SOUTH WALES. 



277 



and we did not get to sea till the afternoon. When we were about 

 passing the Heads, our worthy consul and some others of our country- 

 men took their leave, and by way of dispelling the gloom that was 

 naturally felt at parting, and to show the good wishes entertained for 

 their welfare, we gave them at parting several hearty cheers, and then 

 bore away on our course. 



It falling calm, the Vincennes and tender were obliged to anchor 

 between the Heads. The Peacock and Porpoise succeeded in getting 

 outside, and when the tide made, we weighed and stood after them. 

 On getting to sea, although every search had been previously made by 

 the master-at-arms, I learned that there were two strangers on board, 

 who had contrived to evade his watchfulness, and on beating to 

 quarters, and mustering the crew, they were among the forthcoming. 

 Their appearance was any thing but convict-like ; but I felt after all 

 the attentions heaped upon us, it was seemingly but an ungrateful 

 return, to appear to have committed an infraction of their laws, and 

 this after I had received intimation that an attempt would be made 

 through us, to effect desertion among the troops. From their appear- 

 ance and carriage I thought they showed the drill of soldiers, and at 

 once told them and the assembled crew, that they were mistaken if 

 they expected to be harboured as such, and that on my return from the 

 south, I should send them back to Sydney to be delivered over. I 

 then entered them on the rolls for provisions only, until I ascertained 

 whether they were entitled to receive compensation ; and after telling 

 the men they must look forward to a hard and dangerous cruise, and 

 saying a few words relative to what was expected of them by the 

 country and myself, I enjoined upon them the necessity of economy in 

 their food and clothing, in aiding me in my endeavours to promote 

 their health and comfort. We then piped down, and set about pre- 

 paring the ship for the Antarctic cruise, the events of which will be 

 detailed in the following chapters. 



