Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/463

 accortliu^^ to the report of a special cominissioiier (J, T» Bigge) sent frotn Eiij^land, **the Imbits of his domestic life .were immoral," and lie had, after acquiring property, ''carried on the illicit distillatiou of spirits'* at the Hawkes- ■"bury. Lord Liverpool (Secretary of State in 1810) and Earl Bathiirst, who succeeded him in 181*2, must share the blame of permitting JIacquarie's conduct to pass without rebuke. Though they could not divine what Macijuarie concealed, he had told them enough to show that the confessedly new com'se he had adopted woulil tend to sap the foundations and poison the morals of society. The officers of Macquarie's regiment were fain to receive at their mess the associate of him who was their Colonel as well as Governor, It is convenient at this stage to follow the fortunes of BUgh, Johnston, Macarthiir, and Lieut. Kent to the trials which took place in 1811. The facts elicited at the trial of Johnston have already been ruirrated, and only the mode of trial need be told. Though Lord Castlereagh had umouncetl an intention to try Johnston for his conduct, there seemed an unwillingness to liazard an exposiu'e of that of Bligh. Lieut. Kent was thirteen months under close confine- njent in his ship, and his imprisonment was continued after his arrival in England. Kent and Johnston desired to be brouglit to trial in order to establish their innocence. Kent's trial did not take place until Johnston had im- plored Lord Castlereagh's successor, the Earl of Liverpool, to put an end to suspense. Kent was tried at Portsmouth (8th Jan. 1811) by order of the Admiralty. The fervid Macartliur went thither to advise the defendant, and his advice (to prove Bligh 's tyrannical conduct) was welcomed. The charges w^ere — 1st. Having sailed from Port Jackson without Bhgirs order. 2nd, Having hauled down the pros- IjBcutor's broad pendant which he was ordered to keep flying m the Forpttise, and again proceeding to sea without Bligh's forders. 3rd. Having *' permitted Lieutenant J. Symons to the persons who had usurped the goverumewt, ^mv ^^"^ ^apprehending him and kinging liim to mmtt"m.^i." "^V^ 2
 * quit His Majesty's service, and carry home despatches from