t fifty Indians had appeared
at the brick-kilns; but upon the convicts, who were at work there, pointing
their spades and shovels at them, in the manner of guns, they had fled into
the woods.

Tired of this state of petty warfare and endless uncertainty, the governor
at length determined to adopt a decisive measure, by capturing some of
them, and retaining them by force; which we supposed would either inflame
the rest to signal vengeance, in which case we should know the worst, and
provide accordingly: or else it would induce an intercourse, by the report
which our prisoners would make of the mildness and indulgence with which we
used them. And farther, it promised to unveil the cause of their mysterious
conduct, by putting us in possession of their reasons for harassing and
destroying our people, in the manner I have related. Boats were accordingly
ordered to be got ready, and every preparation made, which could lead to
the attainment of our object.

But as this subject deserves to be particularly detailed, I shall,
notwithstanding its being just within the period of time which this chapter
professes to comprise, allot it a separate place, in the beginning of the
next.

Nor can I close this part of my work without congratulating both the reader
and the author. New matter now presents itself. A considerable part of the
foregoing chapters had been related before, either by others or myself.
I was however, unavoidably compelled to insert it, in order to preserve
unbroken that chain of detail, and perspicuity of arrangement, at which
books professing to convey information should especially aim.

CHAPTER III.

Transactions of the Colony, from the Commencement of the Year 1789, until
the End of March.

Pursuant to his resolution, the governor on the 31st of December sent two
boats, under the command of Lieutenant Ball of the 'Supply', and Lieutenant
George Johnston of the marines, down the harbour, with directions to those
officers to seize and carry off some of the natives. The boats proceeded to
Manly Cove, where several Indians were seen standing on the beach, who
were enticed by courteous behaviour and a few presents to enter into
conversation. A proper opportunity being presented, our people rushed
in among them, and seized two men: the rest fled; but the cries of the
captives soon brought them back, with many others, to their rescue: and so
desperate were their struggles, that, in spite of every effor