Page:The Eureka Stockade.djvu/62

52 The armed men numbered now (six o'clock) above five hundred.

Vern's gall was fermenting, but on being proclaimed Commander-in-chief, the appointment was ratified by hurrah! from the diggers.

There was such a decided intention to do "something," with the strong arm, and at once, that I was called on the stump. I requested the diggers to give us time for deliberation, and pledged my word that I would inform them of the result. "Go a-head! Great works!" was the shout.

XL.

BEATI QUI SUNT PACIFICI, QUONIAM FILII DEI VOCABUNTUR.

was dark: myself took the light in the council room.

Father P. Smyth and Mr. George Black were present; both looking serious and anxious.

All of us were much concerned, and felt the responsibility of our position. By this time the diggers from all parts had swelled to the number of eight hundred. They were not clamorous, they wanted to know what was determined on by the leaders.

Proposed by Black, seconded by Manning, " That a deputation from the armed diggers, should be forthwith sent to the Camp—

"1. To demand—that was our temper in those days—the immediate release of those diggers who had been dragged to the lock-up in the morning hunt, for want of the licence.

"2. To demand from Commissioner Rede a pledge not to come out any more for licence-hunting."

Two of us were to form the deputation, and proceed at once.

Father Smyth proposed Mr. Black, proposed Signor Raffaello: agreed to unanimously. This news, being made public to the diggers, was well received by all; and the council kept sitting until our return.

The deputation was accompanied by Father Smyth. It was a starry night, and rather cold; the moon shone in all its southern splendour. On approaching the main road, the noisy band of Row's Circus, and the colonial cursing and shouting from inveterate grog-bibbers, forced into my mind the meditation, "Unde bella et pugna inter vos?" etc.—James, chap. iv.

We met here and there several groups, who were anxiously