Page:A colonial autocracy, New South Wales under Governor Macquarie, 1810-1821.djvu/294

 a sincere and unconsciously comic document, after referring to the "scurrilous anonymous productions" continued in these words:—

"These we see issuing from the pens of men so much our inferiors in rank and situation that we know them not but among that promising class which (with pride we seek it) have been ever excluded from intercourse with us. And here, Sir, allow us still more to approve and applaud that system of exclusion which even prior to our arrival in a colony of this description was wisely adopted—the benefits of which we have reaped with advantage to ourselves as officers and gentlemen, and which although it may have prompted the malignity of those whom we have kept aloof, has established the name of the 46th Regiment on a most respectable basis. And, Sir, we presume that so salutary a rule will obtain the most perfect approbation of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief and be as tenaciously adhered to by every regiment that may in succession compose this garrison.

"Henceforth we are confident no hostile inventions can disturb that union which it will be our zealous purpose to cultivate and support, and the prospect of shortly quitting this (a quarter in no point of view congenial to military feelings) will we hope afford us ample opportunities to evince that our hearts steadily accompany you no less in the active duties of our profession than they will keep pace with you in the social walks of life and in every wish for your domestic felicity and prosperity."

One sentence had been deleted before the address was circulated, though not before Macquarie had seen it. This was an assertion "that the mess-table of the 46th Regiment was regarded as the standard of society in the Colony".

The Governor was very indignant with the whole tone of the document, and sent to Molle the heads of charges which he proposed to lay against the officers of the regiment collectively at a general Court-Martial. He offered the officers the alternative of trial or the withdrawal of the address, and they accepted the former. But as in New South Wales the members of the court would have been themselves members of the regiment, Macquarie gave up the scheme and contented himself with