Page:History of New South Wales from the records, Volume 2.djvu/140

 112 1789 Phmipand the land question. The " founda- tions of an empire.** Apportion- ment of land grants. THE DISPOSAL OF CROWN LANDS UNDER PHILLIP. Phillip's sentiments in regard to the alienation of Crown lands were worthy of the man who did not doubt '' that this country will prove the most valuable acquisition Great Britain ever made.'^* Prior to the departure of the First Fleet from England, and before his General Instructions were drawn up, he had impressed upon the Government the desirability of furnishing specific directions respecting land grants to seamen and marines. It is evident he was anxious to put free men, and not convicts, in possession of the soil. His chief anxiety in regard to the latter was that they should be kept apart from the rest of the community. " As I would not wish convicts to lay the foundations of an empire, I think they should ever remain separated from the garrison and other settlers that may come from Europe, and not be allowed to mix with them, even after the seven or fourteen years for which they are transported may be expired."t When he received his General Instructions, Phillip dis- covered that the views of the authorities on this point were diametrically opposed to his own. The only class to which he was empowered to issue land grants was tho emanci- pated convicts, to whom he was directed to allot areas as follows: — To single men, 80 acres; to married men, 50 acres, and an additional 10 acres for each child, with provi- sions, in each case, for twelve months, and tools, seed, and
 * Historical Beoords, toL i, port 2, p. 151. f lb., p. 53.