uckingham; the utmost care being
employed to prevent escape through the lines, while chasing them to
Tasman's Peninsula.

A chain of posts was occupied, under Captain Welman, from St. Patrick's
Head on the east coast; including the source of St. Paul's River, and
stretching to Campbell Town. A second chain, under Major Douglas,
extending from Campbell Town, passed south of the Macquarie, to its
junction with the Lake River. Both divisions, marching in a southerly
direction, formed a line from Oyster Bay tier to Lackey's Mills. During
these manoeuvres, a party were sent to examine the tier, extending
from Swan River to Spring Bay; carefully, however, concealing the
movement from the natives, lest they should be deterred from passing the
subjacent isthmus. Other parties were employed, under Captain Wentworth,
to force the aborigines from the neighbourhood of the lakes in the west,
towards the same centre, advancing due east to the Jordan. The lines
being compressed and thickened, and joined by the settlers on their
march, were then moved forward, followed by scouring parties, to guard
against their escape, should the natives cross the line. Fires were kept
burning to direct the troops, who were expected to march in unbroken
order.

Captain Donaldson, who directed the operations in the north of the
island, swept over the vast extent of country from Norfolk Plains to the
Ouse--from Sorell Lake to Lake Echo. There he remained, closing the
avenues of escape, while Douglass and Wentworth advanced to their last
position: he then joined the main body. Twenty-two parties, under Major
Douglas, and fifteen under Captain Wentworth, were then sent within the
lines, to catch the natives, or drive them toward Tasman's Peninsula.

The distribution of provisions to this force, was entrusted to Messrs.
Scott, Wedge, and Sharland, surveyors. The rations were delivered to the
leader of each party weekly, and consisted of sugar, tea, flour, and
meat, in considerable proportions. The principle depot was at Oatlands:
where 1,000 muskets were provided, 30,000 rounds blank cartridges, 300
pairs of handcuffs, and whatever might contribute to the success of the
assailants. Many thousands of rations were stored, and the settlers saw,
with pleasure, their produce rise in the neighbourhood of this
formidable band, to twice its recent value. L2,000 was paid to one
merchant for the tobacco. The officers, to avoid its destruction,
inevitable on so lo