Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/438

 to the Governor/' In 1811, at the trial of Colonel Johnston hi England, fc. Cami^bell did not deny Imving so stated, but pleaded that he was in a ''very agitated state of mind, and Bcarcely knew what he said/* CroBsley was probably the most determfned amongst Bligl/s counsellors. Swindler, forger, and perjured, he shrank from nothhig whicdi might procure success. For him crime had no terrors. Eligh and Crossley were con- founded by the celerity with which, on Johnston's arrival, their victim had been taken from their grasp* That victim, whom Grose had styled *' Counsellor," became at once by force of character the guide of Johnston. Johnston in his defence declared : were clamorously renewed; aiul when Macarthnr arnved he observed to me tlxat if I resolved to adopt MUch a iiicaaure I should not do it with- out a reiiuisition in writing. He drew np a paper to that effect, which as soon as laid on the table was lilled with as inanv signatinea as it could contain." Macarthtn* wrote it on a gini in the barrack-square. It I was thus worded: property, liberty, and life are endangereil, induces ua nioat earnestly to implore yon instantly to place  We pledge ouraelvea at a Tuoment of leas agitation to come forward to support the measure with our' fortunes and onr lives '' Amongst the signers of this address were Macartluir, hiB partner Blaxcell, D'Arcj Wentworth, Jolm and Gregory Blaxland, Nicholas Baylej, Thomas Jamison, Charles Grimes, and ofcliers.'^' A few signatures were affixed at once, and Johnston determhied to act without delay. Having previously sent '■* The original MS. ij^ (I87H) in the hatida of Colonel Johnston's son »t Aiinandale, .Sydney. AVhen a few names had heeii signed, Joha«ton acted, but aigiiaturea were ohtained afterwards until ijiore than 150 representative Banies were procured. The convict -siipeniitendent of lahour (who had pulled down the fence on MacarthurB leiisehold) at ten overlook at night after BUglrs deposition, joined the signers of the declaration. He scented the fate of Crossley from afar ; and aaid, an he entered the room to aign, that '* self preservation was the first law of nature, and he was come Ui tell Colonel Johnaton everything that he knew/"^ — (Evidence of Crimes, IHl L) When Mactjuarie assumed the government the man recanted again, nnd went to England as a witnes.M on hohalf of Bligh.
 * ^ Willie Ma<'ai tliur was sent for, tlie solicitations ta arrest the Governor 1
 * SiH»^-Tke present alannintr state of thiis colon}*, in which every nian*s