Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/452

 Bligh's arrest a suspension until the commands of the King could be received.

Bligh's friends on shore intrigued on his behalf. Foveaux, by a General Order, sharply reproved (in Aug.) "men who have been prisoners in the colony who have be far forgotten their former condition as to obtrude themselves into the Courts of Justice in the character of counsellors and advocates." Those who thus "interfered" without special permission would be punished "in the most exemplary manner."

In Oct, a General Order announced that an illicit still had been seized on the premises of Martin Mason (one of Bligh's friends at the Hawkesbnry), who had formerly been "dismissed on account of misconduct" from the post of assistant-surgeon in the settlement, Foveaux ordered that the still should be destroyed, but as it was represented that the said M. Mason had a large family in indigent circumstances, further penalties were remitted.

In Dec. Foveaux asserted his authority over Mr. George Suttor, who with others promoted a petition to England on Blights behalf, and, with regard to it, wrote to Foveaux, Suttor was indicted before the Criminal Court for having directed to the Lt. Governor a letter "containing certain contumelioas expressions with intent to bring into contempt His Honour's authority." Suttor denied the legality of the Court. He welcomed the position of a martyr. His allegiance was due to Governor Bligh alone. The Court was cleared. After a few minutes it was reopened. Suttor was found guilty and sentenced to six months' imprisonment and a line of one shilling.

A few days afterwards (15th Dec.) a Gazette notice intimated that the War Office had in May promoted Paterson to be a Colonel, Jobnston to be Lt.-Col., Abbott to be Major, and Collins to be Colonel. Collins had in May 1808 written from Hobart Town to thank Johnston for timely supplies of provisions, which he had failed to obtain from Bligh.