ver could trace,
as we had made it our study, on these occasions, to treat them with
kindness, and load them with presents. No quarrel had happened, and we
had flattered ourselves, from Governor Phillip's first reception among
them, that such a connection might be established as would tend to the
interest of both parties. It seems, that on that occasion, they not only
received our people with great cordiality, but so far acknowledged their
authority as to submit, that a boundary, during their first interview,
might be drawn on the sand, which they attempted not to infringe, and
appeared to be satisfied with.

CHAPTER X.

The reading of the Commissions, and taking Possession of the Settlement,
in form. With an Account of the Courts of Law, and Mode of administering
Public Justice in this Country.

Owing to the multiplicity of pressing business necessary to be performed
immediately after landing, it was found impossible to read the public
commissions and take possession of the colony in form, until the 7th of
February. On that day all the officers of guard took post in the marine
battalion, which was drawn up, and marched off the parade with music
playing, and colours flying, to an adjoining ground, which had been
cleared for the occasion, whereon the convicts were assembled to hear
His Majesty's commission read, appointing his Excellency Arthur Phillip,
Esq. Governor and Captain General in and over the territory of New South
Wales, and its dependencies; together with the Act of Parliament for
establishing trials by law within the same; and the patents under the
Great Seal of Great Britain, for holding the civil and criminal courts
of judicature, by which all cases of life and death, as well as matters
of property, were to be decided. When the Judge Advocate had finished
reading, his Excellency addressed himself to the convicts in a pointed
and judicious speech, informing them of his future intentions, which
were, invariably to cherish and render happy those who shewed a
disposition to amendment; and to let the rigour of the law take its
course against such as might dare to transgress the bounds prescribed.
At the close three vollies were fired in honour of the occasion, and the
battalion marched back to their parade, where they were reviewed by the
Governor, who was received with all the honours due to his rank. His
Excellency was afterwards pleased to thank them, in public orders,
for their behaviour from