and planted with garden seeds, either
from the nature of the soil, or, which is more probable, the lateness
of the season, yielded but a scanty and insufficient supply of what we
stood so greatly in need of.

During the period I am describing, few enormous offences were
perpetrated by the convicts. A petty theft was now and then heard
of, and a spirit of refractory sullenness broke out at times in some
individuals: one execution only, however, took place. The sufferer, who
was a very young man, was convicted of a burglary, and met his fate with
a hardiness and insensibility, which the grossest ignorance, and most
deplorable want of feeling, alone could supply.

CHAPTER XIV.

From the Beginning of June, to the Departure of the Ships for Europe.

Hours of festivity, which under happier skies pass away unregarded,
and are soon consigned to oblivion, acquire in this forlorn and distant
circle a superior degree of acceptable importance.

On the anniversary of the King's birthday all the officers not on duty,
both of the garrison and his Majesty's ships, dined with the Governor.
On so joyful an occasion, the first too ever celebrated in our new
settlement, it were needless to say, that loyal conviviality dictated
every sentiment, and inspired every guest. Among other public toasts
drank, was, Prosperity to Sydney Cove, in Cumberland county, now named
so by authority. At day-light in the morning the ships of war had fired
twenty-one guns each, which was repeated at noon, and answered by three
vollies from the battalion of marines.

Nor were the officers alone partakers of the general relaxation. The
four unhappy wretches labouring under sentence of banishment were freed
from their fetters, to rejoin their former society; and three days given
as holidays to every convict in the colony. Hospitality too, which ever
acquires a double relish by being extended, was not forgotten on the 4th
of June, when each prisoner, male and female, received an allowance of
grog; and every non-commissioned officer and private soldier had the
honor of drinking prosperity to his royal master, in a pint of porter,
served out at the flag staff, in addition to the customary allowance
of spirits. Bonfires concluded the evening, and I am happy to say, that
excepting a single instance which shall be taken notice of hereafter, no
bad consequence, or unpleasant remembrance, flowed from an indulgence so
amply bestowed.

About this time (J