*79^] OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 447 



be taken away, and room made for the accommodation of the 

 fettlers. 



A report prevailed among the labouring people, particularly the 

 Irim, who were always foremoft in every mifchief and difcontent, 

 that an old woman had prophefied the arrival of feveral French fri- 

 gates, or larger mips of war, who were, after deftroying the fettle- 

 ment, to liberate and take off the whole of the convicts. The rapi- 

 dity with which this ridiculous tale was circulated is incredible - } and 

 the effecl fuch as might be expe&ed. One refra&ory fellow, while 

 working in" a numerous gang at Toongabbe, threw down his hoe, 

 advanced before the reft, and gave three cheers for liberty. This for 

 a while feemed well received ; but the bufinefs was rather unpleafantly 

 interrupted, by the advocate for liberty being feized by order of a ma- 

 giftrate, tied up, and treated with a fevere flogging. The prophe- 

 tefs, a poor old Scotch woman, took an early opportunity of excul- 

 pating herfelf to the Governor, whom me affured of her innocence ; 

 protefting that all the foundation for the accufation againft her was 9 

 her having related a dream that fhe had had, of fhips having ar- 

 rived. 



CHAP, 



