Index  Return to Colonial Events 1808

The Morning Chronicle (England)

Thursday September 15 1808

The Dart is arrived from New South Wales, with accounts of some disturbances having taken place in that Settlement. Governor Bligh has, it is said, been arrested and sent home in confinement. The following Proclamation was issue by the Lieut. Governor -

PROCLAMATION

George Johnston,

The public peace being happily, and I trust in Almighty God, permanently established, I hereby proclaim the cessation of Martial Law.

I have this day appointed Magistrates and other Public Functionaries, from among the most respectable officers and inhabitants, which will, I hope secure the impartial administration of justice, according to the Laws of England, as secured to us by the Patent of our most gracious Sovereign

Words cannot too strongly convey my approbation of the behavior of the whole body of people on the late memorable event. By their many, firm, and orderly conduct, they have shewn themselves deserving of that protection which I Have it my duty to give them, and which, I doubt not, they will continue to merit.

In future no man shall have just cause to complain of violence, injustice or oppression: no free man shall be taken, imprisoned, or deprived of is house, land or liberty,  but by the Law. Justice shall be impartially administered, without regard to or respect of persons; and every man shall enjoy the fruits of his industry in security.