1 798-] OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 435 



a plan had been formed, by fame of thefe deluded people, of efcaping 

 from their then residence to this ideal one. The Governor, however, 

 having received early information of the intentions of this party, fent 

 a magiftrate to them, defiring that he would expofe the folly of their 

 plan ; but if, as was fufpected, they mould prove deaf to reafon, and 

 refufe to be convinced, he was to propofe that any four whom they 

 would felecj; from their number, and whom they might think capable 

 of travelling over fteep and rocky mountains, through thick and ex^ 

 tcnfive woods, and fording deep and rapid ftreams, fhould be fur- 

 niilied with as much provifions as each could carry ; and further, for 

 the protection of their lives during the journey, three other men, ac- 

 cuftomed to the woods, and well acquainted with the lavages of the 

 mountains, fhould be ordered to attend them as far as they mould find 

 themfelves able to proceed, or until a convidion of the impoiTibility 

 of fuccefs in their mad attempt fhould induce them to return. The 

 Governor, finding that they perfifted in their intention of feeking this 

 New World, directed a party of conftables to way-lay and fecure as 

 many of them as they were able; which was effected, and fixteen were 

 put into confinement. On fpeaking to them the following day, they 

 appeared to be totally ignorant whither they were going ; but, ob- 

 ferving in them as much obilinacy as ignorance, his Excellency juftly 

 thought that he could not life an argument more likely to convince 

 them of their mifconducl:, than by ordering a fevere corporal punifh- 

 ment to be inflicted on thofe who appeared to be the principals in 

 the bufinefs ; and accordingly feven of them received each two 

 hundred lames. 



Being, on further confideration of the neceflity of checking this 

 fpirit of emigration, determined to convince them, by their own ex- 

 perience, of the danger and difficulties which attended it, the Go- 

 vernor caufed four of the flrongeft and hardier! among them to be 

 chofen by themfelves, and properly prepared for a journey of difco- 

 very. They were to be accompanied by three men, upon whom his 

 Excellency could depend, and who were to lead them back, when fa- 



3 k 2 tigued 



