OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



453 



at the time exceedingly dry and combuftible, it was completely con- 

 fumed in one hour. This was a great lofs ; for during the working 

 days of the week the building was ufed as a fchool, in which from 

 150 to 200 children were educated, under the immediate infpecTion 

 of M'\ Johnfon, the clergyman. As this building ftood alone, and 

 no perfon was fuffered to remain in it after the fchool hours, there 

 was not a doubt but the atrocious act was the effect of defign, and had 

 been perpetrated in confequence of an order enforcing attendance on 

 divine fervice, and with a view of rendering the fabbath a day of as 

 little decency and fobriety as any other in the week. The workers 

 of the mifchief were, however, difappointed ; for the Governor, 

 highly irritated at fuch a fhameful act, fuffered not a fingle Sunday to. 

 be loft, having ordered a new ftore-houfe, which was juft finifhed, 

 to be fitted up as a church. 



On the 7th the two Americans failed for China ; and at the fame 

 time the Nautilus brig and Norfolk long-boat failed for Van Diemen's 

 land. The Nautilus was to try, during that feafon, what the feat- 

 fifhing among the illands to the fouthward might produce. In the 

 Norfolk were Lieutenant Flinders and Mr. Bafs, who were inftructed 

 to examine the exiftence of the ftrait fuppofed to divide Van Diemen's 

 land from the continent. 



The rage for trade occafioned fuch a continued fcene of contention 

 and litigation among the people, that much inconvenience was ex- 

 perienced, in the liberties which were taken of imprifoning the public 

 fervants of the crown for debts contracted with many of the petty 

 dealers ; notwithstanding an order which had been given out in the 

 year 1788, by the late Governor Phillip, in which the colony was 

 informed, that the convicts had no property of their own, their clo- 

 thing, their time, and their labour, being the property of Govern- 

 ment, and not at their own difpofal. This order having worn out 

 of their recollection, it became neceOary to renew it. Notice was 

 therefore given, that the pu' lie "ervants of the crown were not to be 

 detained from their duty by impritonment for debt ; and if any perfon 



mould 



