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 CHAPTER XIII.

So long ago as the year 1817, the Right Honourable Earl Bathurst, who had then been but recently appointed principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, appears to have come to the conclusion, that some change was requisite in the mode of distributing and employing the convicts in New South Wales, and that the formation of other penal settlements on different parts of the coast had become necessary. The following judicious sentiments on that subject are extracted from his Lordship's letter to Lord Viscount Sidmouth, of date, "Downing Street, 23d April,