r, was to provide such free settlers,
as might act in different official capacities, at little or no
expense.[154] The reply to these communications was favorable, and the
prospect of emigration cheering; but the result was insignificant. It is
stated by Collins, that several families, members of the Society of
Friends, proposed to accept the offers of government, but were deterred
by the reputation of the colony, and the disorders which prevailed.[155]

The _Bellona_ at length arrived, with free settlers and their families,
including a millwright and blacksmith; one of whom had been already in
the colony, under other auspices! An authority to the Governor was now
conveyed, to establish such persons as were eligible on terms highly
advantageous. They chose a fertile spot, and to mark their civil
condition, called their locations "Liberty Plains" (February, 1793). The
British government provided their passage, an assortment of tools and
implements, provisions for two years; their lands free of expense; and
the service of convicts, with two years' rations and one year's
clothing. It is difficult to imagine a more alluring offer; yet, except
a Dorsetshire farmer, the rest were not _bona fide_ settlers: two
formerly belonged to the _Sirius_, and a third to the _Lady Juliana_
transport; in short, they were sailors. Concluding, then, the secretary
of state had sought settlers in earnest, the presumption is strong that
no considerable number of persons could be found to engage in such an
enterprise: one which seemed to comprehend all the perils of distance,
of official tyranny, and of social corruption.[156]

The additions, thus made to the free population, were generally of
persons connected with the merchant service or the military profession;
and who, by a residence intended only to be temporary and official,
contracted a preference for the climate; where they found great respect
and deference, by the paucity of their numbers. It was their example
which finally overcame the reluctance to settle, which no mere offers of
the crown were sufficient to conquer.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 138: _Bigge's Report._]

[Footnote 139: Colonial Fund (1820): Quarter's salary, A. P. Humphrey,
superintendent, L25; government printer, L7 10s.; Mr. Fitzgerald,
schoolmaster, L6 5s.; G. Northam, chaplain's clerk, L3 5s.; James
Charlton, executioner, L6 5s.!]

[Footnote 140: "Report of Oxley."--_Barrow Field's Collection._]

[Footnote 141: _