6B ACCOUNT OF THE ENGLISH COLONY [August, 



The fettlement was divided into four diftri&s, over each of which 

 was placed a watch of three perfons, one principal and two fubordU 

 jiate watchmen. Thefe, being feleded from among thofe convict 

 whofe condud and character had been unexceptionable fi nee their 

 landing, were verted with authority to patrole at all hours in the 

 night, to vifit fuch places as might be deemed requifite fos the dis- 

 covery of any felony, trefpafs, or mifdemeanor, and to fecure ail per- 

 fons that might appear to be concerned therein. They were required 

 to detain and give information to the neareft guard-houfe of any fol- 

 dier or feaman who mould be found {haggling after the tattoo had 

 been beat. They were to ufe their utmoft endeavours to trace out 

 offenders on receiving accounts of any depredation; and they were 

 likewife to take cognizance of fuch convicts as gamed, or fold or bar- 

 tered their flops or provifions, and report them for punifhment. A 

 return of all occurrences was to be made to the Judge-advocate; and 

 the military were required to furnifh the watch with any affiltance of 

 which they might be in need beyond what the civil power could give 

 them. They were provided each with a fhort ftafl to diftinguiih them 

 during the night, and to denote their office in the colony ; and were 

 arTured that any negligence or mifconducl: in the execution of their 

 truft: would be punifhed with the utmoft rigour. 



It was much to be regretted, that neceffity had compelled the Go- 

 vernor^ in fele&ing the firft members of this little police, to appoint 

 them from a body of men in whofe eyes, it could not be de- 

 nied, the property of individuals had. never before been facred. But 

 there was not any choice. 



The Sirius, on being clofely infpected, was found to be fo much 

 weakened, that the repairs which were requifite would require the 

 labour of fix months. This was unfortunate ; the refources of a 

 king's yard were not to be found in a careeniiig-cove at Port Jack- 

 fon ; people who looked forward beyond the event of the morrow be- 

 gan to think that her fervices might be wanted before fhe could be 

 in. a condition to render them ; and it was confidered a matter of 



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