settlement was involved in
actions arising out of the debt, rescue, and criminal charge, either as
parties or witnesses. The provost marshal was dismissed for "drunken
ignorance." These trials occurred in 1821, during the circuit of the
judge, Barron Field, who was induced, by the representations of
Commissioner Bigge, to hold a session in this colony.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 116: _Hunter's Historical Journal._]
[Footnote 117: _Methodist Magazine_, 1821.]
[Footnote 118:
"No. 20. _Hobart, 1st May, 1823._
SIXPENCE. I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum
of Sixpence, for value received.
A. B."]
[Footnote 119: Names of first directors and officers:--E. F. Bromley, A.
Bethune, F. Champion, G. C. Clarke, A. F. Kemp, A. Macleod, and D. Lord;
R. Lewis, cashier.]
[Footnote 120: _Curr's Account_, p. 44.]
SECTION VIII.
The ecclesiastical notices contained in this work, will relate chiefly
to external and material interests. The eye of a stranger cannot be
expected to survey with impartiality the peculiarities of systems. It
will be attempted to supply a few general facts acceptable to the
community at large.
During the first years of this colony the duty of providing religious
instruction, was both admitted and neglected by the state. The clergy
were limited to the towns, who with the clerical functions united the
business of agriculture and the administration of punishments. The
church of England was then regarded by statesmen as the religion of the
empire, and to clergymen of the episcopal persuasion the spiritual
interests of the settlements were confided.
The first clergyman of New South Wales was the Rev. Richard Johnson: his
labors were prosecuted under many discouragements. The priest of a
Spanish vessel raised his hand with astonishment when he found (1793) no
sacred edifice had been provided, and that the clergyman sought some
shady spot to evade the burning sun in the performance of his ministry.
He remarked, that the first house his own countrymen would erect, would
be a house for God.[121] The habits of the officers discouraged a moral
reformation. Earl St. Vincent had prohibited the marine officers taking
their wives. A lady, who followed her husband in the disguise of a
sailor, was sent home by Governor Phillip, when half her voyage had been
completed.[122]
Four years having elapsed, in vain expectation of official help, Mr.
Johnso
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