Page:New history of Botanybay (sic) and Port Jackson.pdf/14

 territory, it is presumed this partition will obviate all cause of future litigation between us and the Dutch. It appears from the Commission, considered in the whole that Government have been no less attentive in arming Mr. Philip with plenitude of power, than extent of dominion.

It was found necessary to enforce the rigour of the law, in order to restrain the violation of public security. A set of desperate and hardened miscreants leagued themselves for the purposes of depredation; and, as is generally the case, had insinuation enough to entice others, less versed in iniquity, to become instrumental in carrying it on.

On the 2d of March, 1788, Governor Philip went with a long boat to examine a bay about eight miles to the North of Port Jackson, called Broken Bay; the first night they slept in the boats, as the natives, tho' friendly, seemed to be very numerous. Next day they examined the land and found it much higher than at Port-Jackson. Great trees were seen growing to the summits of the mountains, which appeared accessible only to birds. In this excursion, some interviews with the natives took place. Several women came down to the beach with the men; one of these a young woman, was very talkative and cheerful. This was a singular instance, as the women appear less cheerful than the men, and appear to be under great awe and subjection. They certainly are not treated with much tenderness, as they are often seen in the canoes, fishing, with young children at the breast.