1795.] OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 315 



On the 1 8th failed for the north-weft coaft of America the Otter, 

 in which went Mr, Thomas Muir (one of the perfons fent out for fe- 

 dition), and feveral other convicts whofe fentences of tranfportation 

 were not expired. Mr. Muir conceived, that in withdrawing (though 

 clandeftinely) from that country, he was only afferting his freedom, 

 and meant, if he mould arrive in fafety, to enjoy what he deemed 

 himfelf to have regained of it in America, until the time fhould come 

 when he might return to his own country with credit and comfort. 

 He purpofed practifing at the American bar as an advocate ; a point 

 of information which he left behind him in a letter. At Sydney he 

 had chiefly paiTed his time in literary eafe and retirement, living out 

 of the town at a little fpot of ground which he had purchafed for the 

 purpofe of feclufion. 



Difcharging the ftore-fhips formed the principal labour of the 

 month ; during one or two hot days of which, the fhrubs and brufli- 

 wood about the weft point of the cove caught fire, and burnt within a 

 few yards of the magazine. On its being extinguifhed, the powder 

 was removed for a few days on board the Supply, until fome fecu- 

 rky againft any future accident of that kind could be thrown up round 

 the building. 



By the return of the Reliance from Norfolk Ifland, accounts were 

 received, that Mr. Bampton, who had left Port Jackfon in September, 

 on reaching Dufky Bay, in New Zealand, found his fhip fo leaky, 

 that, with the advice of his officers and people, (he was run on fhore 

 and fcuttled. By great good fortune they found there a fmall veffel, 

 which had been built by the carpenter of the Britannia, when left with 

 the mate and others in that fhip's firft voyage from thence to the Gape 

 of Good Hope. Her they completed and launched. It may be re- 

 membered, that in addition to the large number of perfons which Mr. 

 Bampton had permiffion to take from Port Jackfon, nearly as many 

 more found means to fecrete themfelves on board his fhip and the 

 Fancy. For thefe, as well as his officers and fhip's company, he had 

 now to provide a paflage from the truly defolate fliores of New 

 Zealand (a fufficient punifhment for his ingratitude in taking them 



s s 2 away). 



