Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/302

 niy pistol to Jolmstou'a head, whilst the trooper did the same to Cimningham, and drove them with theii' sworda in tlieir hands to the Quartermaster and the detachment^ whom I ordered to advance and charge the main hofiy of the rebek then fonned io line; the detachment immediately commenced a well-directed lire^ which was hut weakly returned, for the rebel line heing aoon broken, they ran in all directions. We pursued them a conBiderable way, and have no doubt but that many of them felL We have found twelve killed and six wounded, and have taken twenty-six prisoners. Any eoeomiura I could pass on Quartermaster ^_ Laycock and the detachment I had the honour to command would faU^f short of what their merit entitles them to, and I trust their steady ^| perseverance (after a fatiguing march of upwards of 45 miles) to restore order and tranquillity will make their services acceptable. Mr. Provost-marahal 8niith, the inhabitants and constablea who volimtarily accompanied the detachment, are equally entitled to my thanks; nor can I be neglectful of the very soldier-Uke conduct of the trooper who accom* panied me."*^ Muskets, bayonets on poles, reaping-hooks, a pistol, and a pitchfork, were taken. The inhabitants who accompanied Major Johnston were as various as the captured weapons. A sheriffs officer, and a tailor, and many overseers, compose the list, with six settlers. To King, Johnston reported his success in discomfitiug the rebels (whom he numbered as two hundred and fifty) on the field of action, and stated that his men '* are excessively fatigued from the long march they have had; and as I understand another party of run- aways is expected from Castle Hill, I should think a rein- forcement necessary to meet us to-morrow morning, as the present detachment will feel the fatigue more to-morrow than they even do at present," King received this despatch at five p.m. on the 5th. On the 6th Major Johnston announced his intention to return to Parramatta on the 7th if all should be quiet, •'leaving eleven of the party who are nnable to march, I have tbi« moment returned after marching above 3 miles with the detachment, tn fall in {as I waa informed) with eixty of the rebels, but upon coming to the ground I found it was a fal&e alarm* Upon my return to head- quarters I found five more desperate fellows brought in, each having loaded muakets, with a quantity of ammunition ; and I b«g to assure your " In a private letter of 12th April, Johnston mention<^d that he himBolf had marched 28 miles before mounting hia horse : that no one had anything ** to drink but water (of which I believe about aix gallons waa my share) ... it will show that our poor fellows do not want spirit, aad I only wish we could have an opportuoity of their showing it on the Spaniah Main." J