Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/283

 the Glattou, Whittle threatened to cut off the ears of the officer who had Btriick his son. The officer complained to Colnett, who complained to King. The military and naval authorities could not agree as to an inquiry. A soldier could not be tried on board for words said on parade, and the msulted officer was not satisfied to let the sergeant be i dealt with by his commanding,' officer. These things were reported to England as an insult to the dignity of the commander of the Glttttott, but his indignation and reports were due to a very different matter, which deserves mention, as an instance of the duties in performing which a Governor made enemies on land and sea. I Before Captain Cohiett left England he interested him- self to obtain remission of sentemie for a female convict placed on board the GluUini. He was informed that it was too late to do anything in England, but tluit the Governor would be written to, '* to remit ]>art or a!l of the sentence of this female convict on whose behalf you have interested yourself, when she has remained at New South AVales twelve months. ... If you like you may show j him this letter.'* In effect the Governor received a letter from a subordinate at Whitehall, hoping that he would do what he could, '' consistently with your duty, without being biased or swayed by any personal motive." After the GliiUon^^ had been some weeks in Sydney, Cohiett wrote to King, He had been comply with any ret|iieafc of mine/^ *, » '*I am sure you will pardon me by petitioning you to griint her (M.S.) eniancipLition Eind permission to return in the Glattmu 1 am not so ignoiunt of the favour I aolicit as not to reiuemher it with tim warmest friendship ; if necessary to be kept a secret, you may rely I will not dividge it till we i^uit the Cove/' Kmg told him verbally that he could not grant a free pardon to a convict who iiad never landed ; and that Governor Hunter had been rtibiiked for granting a con- ditional pardon on the arrival of a convict. Colnett lU'ged 'that he had promised ''that she should retui*n in the -*" Captain Colnett bad requested that " KM) men ami ii number of women uonvicta" might remain on board the Ghitlmi wdiile in Sydney. They ^ remained *' until three days liefore her departure/' — DespaLeh, King to [Lord Hobart, 16th .May ISU.I
 * sensible ever since my arrival of youi* poUteneas and inclinaticm to