Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/77

 and its concocters were punished, but it was well to strengthen the force on the island. Phillip (Feb., 1790) described the plot to Lord Sydney, and commended the conduct of King, whose force, including himself, was only sixteen in number, while there were fifty-one male convicts and twenty-three females to control.

At head-quarters Phillip set a personal example. Collins wrote:—

"The Governor, from a motive that did him immortal honour, in this season of general distress gave up three hundred-weight of flour which was His Excellency's private property, declaring that he wished not to see any more at his table than the ration which was received in common from the public store, without any distinction of persons; and to this resolution he rigidly adhered, wishing that if a convict complained he might see that want was not unfelt even at Government House."

Such a man's motives were regarded with respect, even when he ordered the marines to death for stealing provisions. He maintained a cheerful countenance throughout this dreary period. Not only was the daily work of the settlement performed, but exploring expeditions were at various times sent out to discover what kind of land surrounded the settlement. Numerous efforts were made by Phillip to conciliate the aborigines. Alas! where the evil passions of a low subordinate may destroy in a moment all the effect of a leader's patient kindness, that kindness cannot be judged by its fruit.

Phillip had many troubles with his white subjects. Collins tells us (April, 1789): "Attention to our religious duties was never omitted. Divine service was performed in one of our emptied storehouses on the morning of Good Friday, and the convicts were recommended to employ the remainder of it in their gardens. But . . . very few were observed to be so profitably employed."

Little forethought or assistance on the part of the convicts could be relied upon. When the Sirius and Supply