410 WHALING ADVENTURE. 
removed to the after part, and in spite of the 
kicking and fighting of the whale, held on till 
the other boats came to their assistance, which 
was scarcely done when the broken boat, being 
full of water, rolled over, bottom up. In that 
boat I had three sons and two sons-in-law. On 
their return, I remonstrated with them for their 
rashness, but they seemed to think there was no 
great danger. 
" The season has been very favourable for our 
crops, and we have plenty of Indian corn and 
sweet potatoes, with fish, milk, and butter. 
Irish potatoes will not thrive ; would they do so, 
whale ships would supply us with almost every- 
thing we need. Flour we must also import. 
There has been very little sickness among the 
community ; the most are becoming contented, 
and consequently comfortable. 
" Mr. Rossiter is, I think, just such a man as 
was needed — industrious in school, and out, and 
very unassuming. 
" Her Majesty's ship Niger was here a short 
time since, bringing a large quantity of articles, 
purchased by Sir William Denison, for opening 
a store under the direction of Mr. Rossiter. The 
only expensive thing is flour, which at the 
present time is dear at Sydney. Sir William 
Denison has taken the control of the sheep into 
his own hands. The wool is to be sent to 
Sydney, and the proceeds therefrom will be 
placed in bank for the benefit of the community; 
but can only be drawn with the consent of the 
Governor, whose signature must be affixed to 
the drafts. 
