Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/580

 Arrested, and alarmed, Miisqiiito escaped into the bush. He associated with the native tribes, aed became their leader. When urged to abandon his vagrant life and become a tiller of the soil, he replied that none of his companions would join him. He did prevail upon his newly-found comrades to nialte some rude attempts to cultivate their territory. In war he trained them so well that though before his escape from the whites he had joined in outrages committed against the natives, they acknowledged his supremacy, and would wait for his signal to advance while he strode to the hut of a settler with the dignity of a general. Before the arrival of Arthur he was a power in the land. He is known to history only by the name con- ferred upon him by the whites. The terror he inspired amongst them, and the sway he exercised in his exile over his former enemies, the Tasmanian natives, would of them- selves redeem his race from the imputation of incapacity often cast upon it. In commerce and in agriculture much progress had been made in the island. The morals of the community were rather fortuitous, and Sorell in this regard left a wide field for his successor. Free immigration wa» stimulated in the dependency as well as in the parent colony, when Mac- quarie's influence was withdraw^n. By all classes Sorell was beloved. His handsome person accorded with hia ^ affability, and although none were refused audience, all vere proud when they obtained it. Sorell was succeeded (12th May 1824) during Brisbane's government by Colonel George Arthur, who was to sway the destiny of the young settlement for twelve years. His industry, keenness, and determination were quickly Bhown. His sense of morality was impressed upon society. The inhabitants, who had parted reluctantly with Sorell, were not effusive towards his successor. In a formal reply to their address, Arthm- reminded them that the moral example of the free was essential in improving the condition of the remainder of the population, Wliat Sorell had not discountenanced Arthur promptly repressed. If he could not directly punish social disorder, he discountenanced it. Those who had children by convict women, and were yet unmarried, learned that if they would obtain any favour from the government