e
_Greenock_; among the rest, the _Triton_, Captain Crear. These vessels
introduced many families from Scotland, whose moral worth and successful
enterprise have established their families among the chief of the land.
The shipments provoked the anger, and broke up the monopoly of the local
merchants.

The administration of Sorell was successful in colonial estimation: his
habits were familiar without rudeness, and his fine countenance
attracted the confidence of the stranger. He was accustomed to linger
about the gate of government house, chatting with the passers by, and a
slight excuse entitled the humblest ranks to prefer their solicitations.
The admiration expressed by the settlers for his character, was partly
the result of their relative positions. He was a dispenser of crown
favors, and when compelled to refuse an immoderate suitor, he could
refer his request to the governor-in-chief. The rigour of king's
commissioner was softened by his official worth: nor is it necessary to
search for a censure, amidst such concurrence of praise. The settlers,
to express their regard, agreed to offer Sorell a testimonial of L750
value. They deprecated his recall by petition[139]--a rare instance of
popular favor: there was but one dissentient. A request so unusual
might, perhaps, have been successful, had it not come too late.

On his return to England, he received a pension, which commencing in
1825, continued until his death--twenty-four years, and amounted to
L11,500: more than the official salary he received during his government
twice told. This pension was authorised by the crown, and charged on the
colonial revenue. Sorell was colonel of the 48th regiment: he died on
the 4th June, 1848, in the seventy-fourth year of his age.

The aspect of the country at this time was not inviting to strangers;
but the current of colonisation was set in, and its ultimate
superiority, compared with all others, became an article of Tasmanian
faith. On this subject the agricultural societies maintained a war of
papers. Baron Field, the chief justice of New South Wales, was the
champion of that country, and dwelt on its vast forests, its wool, its
boundless pastures and rivers. The president of the Tasmanian
agriculturists urged all in the defence of Van Diemen's Land, which
became his position. At that time, protective laws had not furnished
them with more formidable weapons.

The trials and disappointments of the colonist pioneer, will