1820   1821   1822    1823   1824  1825 Newcastle 1821 The Sydney Gazette 6 January 1821 THE WEATHER - LIGHTENING STRIKE On Wednesday evening, we learn that a heavy thunder storm was experienced at Newcastle settlement on Saturday evening last, attended with extremely vivid lightning. Three men in one house were struck, two of whom were found dead, and the other senseless, in which state he continued till conveyed to the hospital, but has now perfectly recovered from the effects – that of the impression, it is to be hoped, alone excepted. Another man, who made the fourth in number that was in the house, had to behold this awful catastrophe: he escaped uninjured. The names of the men killed are Charles Louch and Francis Farrell. The spire of the church was also struck and received much damage.     The Sydney Gazette 13 January 1821 TRANSPORTATION TO NEWCASTLE At a Bench of Magistrates convened this day at Sydney, Francis Ewer and Robert Ward, prisoners of the Crown, were found guilty of purloining a quantity of lead, the property of government, and were sentenced to receive 25 lashes each and be transported to Newcastle for two years. Peter Jackson, and Mary Jackson his wife, each possessing the indulgence of a ticket of leave, were convicted of receiving the said lead, knowing it to be stolen and sentenced two years to Newcastle. Lawrence Murphy and Daniel Keane, also prisoners of the Crown, were charged with having sundry articles of wearing apparel, with other property, in their possession, which were identified as belonging to Patrick Troy, a settler of Kissing Point, whose house had been broken into about six months since, at which time the articles in question were stolen. The prisoners said they had found them; but such a declaration not proving satisfactory to the Bench, they were ordered a corporal punishment, and three years to Newcastle. William Price was charged by his overseer with working in government hours and being convicted, was ordered 25 lashes and 12 months to Newcastle     The Sydney Gazette 27 January 1821 DROWNED IN THE HUNTER RIVER On the 17th instant a boat was upset in Hunter’s River, about a mile from Newcastle, when, melancholy to relate, two men, two women, and an infant, were unfortunately drowned. The names of the sufferers are Mrs. Allen, wife of a settler at Wallis Plains, Mrs. Swan, also wife of a settler at Paterson’s Plains, with her infant child, and Thomas Trainer and Jeremiah O’Neil, prisoners.     The Sydney Gazette 3 March 1821 ABSCONDING PRISONERS Principal Superintendent's Office The undermentioned Prisoners having absented themselves from their respective employments, and some of them at large with false Certificates, all constables and others are hereby strictly required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in safe Custody. From Newcastle: William Kennedy George Hammerly Edward Burke     The Sydney Gazette 10 March 1821 ABSCONDING PRISONERS Absconded from Newcastle: William Kennedy, George Hammersley and Edward Burke   APPOINTMENT OF REVEREND MIDDLETON Government and General Orders His Excellency the Governor is pleased to direct that the Reverend George Augustus Middleton, Assistant Chaplain shall till further orders be stationed as such at the settlement of Newcastle on Hunter River. The Reverend Mr. Middleton will accordingly proceed to assume the Clerical Duties at that settlement with as little delay as may suit his personal convenience. By Command of His Excellency.   The Sydney Gazette 17 March 1821 COURT SENTENCES Hobart – Friday February 2 – This morning the Court assembled at ten o’clock; but, in consequence of several witnesses long since expected from Port Dalrymple over land not having arrived, adjourned till tomorrow at one o’clock at noon; when the prisoners already convicted were ordered to be brought up for sentence. Saturday February 3 – This day the Court assembled at one o’clock; when the following prisoners that had been convicted and remanded for sentence were placed at the bar, and the following sentences pronounced Of Death on  - William Franklin for highway robbery, and levelling a pistol at Roger Gavin, a constable, with intent to prevent legal apprehension; James Turner, for a rape; Joseph Potaskie, Robert Hunter, Edward Brady, and James Flinn, for Mr. Thrupp’s robbery; John Oliver and William Smith for cattle stealing; John Procter, Edward O’Hara, Francis Collins; Thomas Clough, James Delany, Joseph Risbey, Benjamin Risbey, Patrick Murphy and John McGinnis, for sheep stealing; Daniel Clark, Samuel O’Hara, Patrick Coulton, and Christopher Read, for stealing goods from on board and cutting out the Young Lachlan schooner, then lying in the Derwent River; John Higgins, John Hill, and Michael Riley, for several outrages and robberies while in the woods; and William Jackman for burglary – in all twenty five John Sullivan, for sheep stealing, transported for life to Newcastle William Clark, for receiving stolen goods knowing them to have been stolen, transported for 14 years to Newcastle John Fryar for prison breaking 7 years to Newcastle.     The Sydney Gazette 7 April 1821 ABSCONDING PRISONERS The undermentioned prisoners having absented themselves from their respective employments, and some of them at large with false Certificates, all constables and others are hereby strictly required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in safe Custody. From Newcastle: Lewis Collins; James Read SHIP NEWS Arrived on the ‘Jessie’ - Mr. Dangar, Mr. Dillon, Mr. & Miss Clarke, Mr & Mrs Sadler, Mr & Mrs Hill and Mr Durban   SENTENCED TO NEWCASTLE Patrick Burke for absconding from the prisoners barracks and absenting himself from public labour was sentenced to 25 lashes and two years at Newcastle Settlement.   PRISONERS FROM VAN DIEMEN'S LAND We omitted in our last to notice the return from the settlement of Port Dalrymple, on Saturday last of His Majesty’s brig Elizabeth Henrietta, Mr. Grey commander. She conveys hither, for Newcastle, 20 male and 2 female prisoners convicted at the late Criminal Sessions at Van Diemen’s Land.   The Sydney Gazette 14 April 1821   ABSCONDING PRISONERS The undermentioned Prisoners having absented themselves from their respective employments, and some of them at large with false Certificates, all constables and others are hereby strictly required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in safe Custody. From Newcastle: Daniel Tierney Lewis Collins James Read   SENTENCED TO NEWCASTLE John Fewins for the manslaughter of George Hancock at a stockkeeper’s hut at Jacob’s Plains on 9th August last sentenced to three years at Newcastle settlement.     The Sydney Gazette 28 April 1821 COURT OF CRIMINAL JURISDICTION Hobart Town Richard Clark was charged with a misdemeanour under 23 Geo III chap. 28, for receiving and purchasing knowing the same to have been stolen, 1000 lbs of mutton the property of John Riseley at the New Plains Pitt Water, from three of the prosecutor’s servants, who had some time in the month of October last, stolen a number of sheep from their master, and soon afterwards sold them to the defendant, living in the neighbourhood, for five gallons of rum. After proof of the larceny the principal evidence, as to the receiving was given by an accomplice, Francis Davidson (who has been admitted an approver on this and some other trials during the present sittings of the Criminal Court; but was very strongly corroborated by the testimony of Mr. Gordon the Magistrate as to having himself found a great quantity of salted mutton on the premises of Clark at Pitt water; which neither at the time nor at the trial he at all gave any satisfactory account for having in his possession. After a trial of nearly two hours the defendant was found guilty and sentenced to be transported to Newcastle for three years Thomas Whitaker was indicted for stealing about the 18th of January last 100 weather sheep, the property of John Clarke stockowner at the Tea Tree Brush. The prisoner was found guilty on very clear evidence; but the court in clemency sparing capital punishment sentenced him to be transported to Newcastle for the term of his natural life Michael Antonia a man of colour was arraigned on a capital charge of breaking and entering on Wednesday last at two o’clock in the morning a dwelling. It appeared in evidence that the prisoner got into the premises by undermining the foundation at the sill of the door; an alarm however being made by the children he was apprehended soon after having effected the burglary by the prosecutor with his head under the table at the foot of the children’s bed. A constable speedily took him into custody; when, upon his reproaching the prisoner as to the folly of the attempt he had made he said, ‘It was better he thought o’ be hung out of the way at once’ The prisoner was of course found guilty, and sentenced to Newcastle for the term of his natural life. Joseph Pritchard and William Williams were indicted; the former for stealing a 1 Bank of England Note and sundry monies out of a box in the dwelling house of John Petchey the County Gaoler; and the latter for receiving the said note knowing it to be stolen. Both the prisoners were found guilty; and sentenced to be transported for the term of seven years to such place as His Excellency may be pleased to direct. William Mitchell and Thomas Davidson were capitally indicted for stealing 60 sheep, the property of John William and Ann Bide; at their grazing ground at Pittwater on the 10th January last. This case like most others of this nature was supported on circumstantial evidence. One of the proprietors casually met with a number of the sheep, as they were on the way to a butcher’s in Hobart Town with the original brand and ear marks upon them; who swore positively that he purchased them of the prisoner, as the drover did, of having the day before, got the sheep for that purpose. No satisfactory account was offered as to the possession of them, and both were found guilty. In consideration as it was suggested by the court of the general good character which it seemed they had borne up to the commission of the crime they were sentence to be transported to such place as His Excellency may think proper to direct for their respective terms of their natural lives.   CHARLES THROSBY'S TOUR OF DISCOVERY Charles Throsby returned from tour of discovery into the interior. Made some valuable discoveries.     The Sydney Gazette 2 June 1821 FAST VOYAGE TO NEWCASTLE The new Government vessel the Snapper has made the shortest trip to Newcastle ever known since the formation of that settlement; she sailed from Sydney Cove on Friday evening last and returned early on Sunday morning in all 38 hours.     The Sydney Gazette 16 June 1821 PRISONERS TO NEWCASTLE On Thursday morning last the following circumstance occurred in the county gaol: Several prisoners were leaving the gaol to go on board the Snapper for Newcastle, when an altercation took place between John Ducey and John Reid. The latter, who was not going by this opportunity, was indebted to the former some few shillings, payment of which was demanded by Ducey; very opprobrious language ensued; which was speedily terminated by the prisoner Reid drawing a knife, and twice stabbing Ducey. The wounded man, who we are informed is not in any great danger, was conveyed immediately to the Hospital; and the prisoner Reid was closely confined in a cell, where he at present remains, to await the issue of the sanguinary deed. From R. Mart, "Extract from the Report of the Purveyor of the Navy board on the timber of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land, 26th June 1821", in Barron Fields (ed) Geographical memoirs of New South Wales (London: John Murray, 1825), pp 319 - 320. WHERE DID ALL THE CEDAR GO? The cedar, which grows principally at Newcastle (Hunter's River) and at the Five Islands, is generally allowed to be the most valuable wood for inside work of ships and houses, of any found in New South Wales. it grows from thirty to forty feet high, and from one to three in diameter. It is brought from Hunter's river and the Five Islands in small vessels, as the navigation of these places, being difficult, will not admit large ones.     The Sydney Gazette 30 June 1821 TRANSPORTATION TO NEWCASTLE Henry Butler sentenced to transportation to Newcastle for 4 years for the manslaughter of Benjamin Davis on 26 March 1821 at Norfolk Plains. VDL     The Sydney Gazette 7 July 1821 ABSCONDING PRISONER The undermentioned prisoner having absented himself from employment, all constables and others are hereby strictly required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging him in safe Custody. From Newcastle: Thomas Lane   TRANSPORTATION TO NEWCASTLE Joshua Peck the elder, William Peck, Joshua Peck the younger and Thomas Peck were placed on trial charged with feloniously killing 10 sheep the property of our Lord the King. The prisoners were in this case father and three sons, the younger about 15 years of age. All were transported to Newcastle Settlement for 14 years.   The Sydney Gazette 11 August 1821 CRIMINAL COURT John Brown was indicted for wilfully and feloniously cutting and maiming with intent to kill and murder, Isaac Elliott, Superintendent of Convicts at Newcastle on the 30th ult. The evidence in support of the prosecution was clear and conclusive; and what the prisoner had to urge in his defence only rendered his guilty more indubitable. The sentence of Guilty being recorded, the prisoner was remanded. William Williams, Gilbert Brown, William Tunicliffe, Edward McAvoy, John McGuire and William Landsdown were severally and respectively indicted for forging certain Bank of New South Wales Notes, for the sum of £10 and also for passing and uttering the said notes, well knowing them to be forged. From the evidence it appeared that various notes purporting to be legal and just, for the sum of £10 had obtained circulation in the towns of Liverpool, Parramatta, and Sydney, in and about the commencement of the present year, and some short time elapsed before the discovery took place of such notes being abroad, which were not other than genuine one pound notes fraudulently converted into tens; and all the prisoners at the bar, at various times and upon divers occasions, had been apprehended by the Police, and were consequently now brought to their trial for the offences specified in the various counts in the indictment. The trial lasted some considerable time. Six notes were produced in support of the prosecution, and were all proved by Mr. John Black, the Accountant of the Bank, to be forgeries; who stated, as it appeared by the date of the bills, that no ten pound notes had been issued at the Bank till this year, and all the notes in question bore dates of real one pound notes that had all been issued the end of last year. Several respectable publicans and house keepers swore to having actually received the bills from the prisoners at different times; and, after a long chain of well connected evidence being heard by the Court, the prisoners were called upon for their defence. Landsdown denied all knowledge of the charged alleged against him, as also any participation in the spoil arising from such acts of fraudulence; and McAvoy said he was completely ignorant as to the notes being otherwise than genuine. Gilbert Brown, William Tunicliffe and John McGuire found guilty of uttering knowing to be forged. Landsdown and McAvoy were acquitted (N.B. John McGuire and Gilbert Brown were later executed) John Stone and David Ingley were indicted for feloniously entering the dwelling house of James Cook at Parramatta, on the 18th March last and stealing there from sundry articles of wearing apparel; of which offence being found guilty they were sentenced to be transported for 14 years William Kennedy was arraigned for burglary in the dwelling of Henry McAlister, and convicted. The prisoner had been an absentee from Newcastle, to which settlement he had been sent about three years since by a judgment of the Criminal Court; and had, in company with others, been suspected of committing various robberies. The hut of the prosecutor McAlister, in the interior, somewhere contiguous to Prospect, had been entered at midnight and plundered of many articles, among which was his conditional emancipation. The district constable at Prospect shortly after succeeded in apprehending the prisoner, and some others; when a hat, razor, and comb, were found in the possession of the prisoner, which were produced in Court, and identified by McAlister to be his property, together with the emancipation, which was found near the spot where the hat had been picked up. The prisoner had nothing as usual in such cases to say in his defence and consequently was pronounced guilty. He was remanded for sentence and exhorted to prepare for the awful day that was approaching William Kitchenman for stealing five pair of window sashes, and James Cook for receiving the same – severally received sentence of transportation for seven years. William Johnson convicted of larceny sentenced to four years transportation Michael Hoar found guilty of watch stealing and sentenced to four years transportation Joseph Aldan (Alden) found guilty of purloining a one pound note from Thomas Ward and sentenced to 3 years transportation Samuel Ratlcliffe and Samuel Crossley were indicted for feloniously stealing from the stores of Captain Thomas Raine, on the 26th July, four bushels of wheat, the growth of Valparaiso. Found guilty and sentenced to three years transportation Andrew Murtagh (alias Minta) and William Clark, found guilty of pig stealing and sentenced to seven years transportation William Ward was indicted for feloniously stealing from the premises of Mr. George Williams in George Street, a double-barrelled pistol. The prisoner did not attempt to deny the act of thieving but attributed the circumstance wholly to the usual excuse, drunkenness; but it happened, very unfortunately for his extenuating plea, that the prisoner was apprehended within an hour and a half after the theft, and that, with all his alleged insensibility arising from miserable inebriety, he had craftily managed to have the letters ‘G.W. effaced from the instrument stolen. The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to three years transportation. William Laheigh was convicted of stealing a quantity of wheat at Windsor the property of Thomas Dargon and sentenced to three years transportation. George Grover was indicted for feloniously stealing from the person of David Hosely, on the 22nd September last at Box hill farm £20 dollars, 9 three shilling pieces and 39 dumps; and putting him, the said David Hosely in bodily fear. The prosecutor stated that he was a shepherd in the employ of Mr. Samuel Terry at the place already mentioned, which is within 5 miles of Windsor; and that one morning, about the hour of eight he was accosted by the prisoner at the bar, who presented a pistol at him, and desired that he would instantly deliver over what money was in his possession. With this mandate the prosecutor (replete with terror) readily complied, by taking off his waistcoat, and throwing it on the ground. The prisoner however, not satisfied with this ordered him to strip. The poor shepherd unhesitatingly obeyed. After a close inspection of the apparel, the prisoner declared he had been misinformed having been given to understand that the prosecutor had on his person the sum of £23 but being satisfied he (the prisoner) had thus villainously and basely obtained all the plundered old man was ordered to look after his flock, while the thief decamped with the booty. These are the principal circumstances of this unfeeling transaction; and it is only necessary to state, that the prosecutor repeatedly and over and over again swore that he believed the prisoner to be the man; that he was like the man; and that, were they to be the last words he had to utter the prisoner was the man who had robbed him in manner above described, and no other. The prosecutor minutely described the dress worn by the prisoner at the time of the robbery. A sentence of guilty was pronounced and the prisoner was remanded Hugh McMullins, found guilty of larceny was sentenced to six months hard labour at Newcastle. Celia Wright, found guilty of purloining a watch sentenced to twelve months at Newcastle James Kirton, of Parramatta, was indicted for keeping a disorderly house in the town of Parramatta; also with selling spirituous liquors without a license; and likewise, with assaulting the constables in the execution of their duty. Of every charge the prisoner was found guilty. Want of room prevents our giving publicity to the dreadful depravity that was this day unfolded, which it is the firm determination of our Courts of Judicature to discountenance and repress, by all the legal means with which they are invested so infamous a character as the prisoner the court conceived it necessary to remove from a scene in which he had but too successfully practised iniquity for a long season. To be transported to Newcastle for two years.     The Sydney Gazette 18 August 1821 CRIMINAL COURT Edward Farrell, William Sheehan and Patrick Fox were indicted for stealing a sheep, the property of Gregory Blaxland Esq; and Thomas Styles and Barbara Styles, were indicted as accessories and receivers. Edward Farrell and Barbara Styles were found guilty. Sheehan, Fox, and Styles were acquitted. Thomas Fitzsimmonds, John Squires and Peter Burns were convicted of burglary – remanded Thomas Digby and John Thompson found guilty of robbing the cart of John Oxley Esq., on the Cowpasture road and sentenced to 7 years transportation William Geary, Thomas Smith, Charles Young, William Whiteman, John Cochrane alias Cockling, Samuel Becket, Peter Hilson, William Baker, John Mills and John Lloyd were conjointly and severally indicted for having perpetrated various highway robberies and felonious entries of dwelling houses. All were found guilty. Charles Franklin and Robert Allan were also indicted for receiving the proceeds of the said felonies knowing them to be stolen. Robert Allan found guilty of harbouring and encouraging the bushrangers and remanded for sentence. William Tunicliffe (Tunnecliffe), Robert Allan and Barbara Styles sentenced to transportation for life     The Sydney Gazette 25 August 1821 CRIMINAL COURT Joseph Legg was indicted for feloniously stealing two sheep, the property of Messrs Cox at Bathurst; and James Schofield was also indicted for feloniously receiving a part of the carcasses of the said sheep, knowing it to have been stolen. The prisoners were adjudged guilty and remanded Margaret Roach was indicted for stealing and Catharine Clarkson for feloniously receiving sundry articles of wearing apparel the property of Mr Henry Kitchen. Both guilty and sentenced to 5 years transportation. George Clarke and John Cradon (Creedon) were severally found guilty of larcenies and sentenced to be removed from this part of the territory (Sydney). George Kable and Charles Kable were respectively indicted for a violent and outrageous breach of His Majesty’s peace in the town of Windsor, and with assaulting the police officers in the performance of their duty. The prisoners were found guilty and sentenced as follows: George Kable to be imprisoned in His Majesty’s gaol at Newcastle 3 calendar months and to pay a fine to the King of £20 previous to his liberation. Charles Kable – 3 months imprisonment. William Swan was found guilty of stealing a game cock, and sentenced to twelve months transportation Solomon Davis was indicted for stealing from the person of William Kalay  £9 in notes and cash. The prisoner was found guilty of the charge specified in the indictment; and such a development of iniquity seldom even in this Colony transpires, as was on this trial manifested to a Court of Justice; the prisoner was not only found guilty of the robbery, but also proved to be a notorious gambler, with which dreadfully double character was combined that of a cool and deliberate perjurer. The prisoner was held up as a proper object of execration, in which his trifold character was faintly delineated, and he then received the sentence of the Court, which was seven years transportation. William McDonald, John Bird, and Henry Singer, were indicted for feloniously entering the dwelling house of John Wood, on the 29th ult. and stealing there from a quantity of wearing apparel. All found guilty and sentenced to Life to such place as His Excellency the Governor may think proper to direct. EXECUTIONS (Sydney) On Wednesday morning last were executed, pursuant to their sentence the following unfortunate men, condemned to die at the present criminal sessions: viz Francis Pasco, Pasco Haddycott, Miles Jordan, and John Ryan. Also yesterday morning the following suffered the awful sentence – William Geary, Thomas Smith, John Whiteman, John Cochrane, Charles Young, John Mills and William Kennedy.   The Sydney Gazette 29 September 1821 ABSCONDING PRISONERS The undermentioned Prisoners having absented themselves from their respective employments, and some of them at large with false Certificates, all constables and others are hereby strictly required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in safe Custody. From Newcastle: Joshua Smith, Felix Patshaw, Thomas Gibbons     The Sydney Gazette 6 October 1821 OVERLAND TO NEWCASTLE Government and General Orders Civil Department His Excellency the Governor having lately received a report that certain individuals have proceeded overland to Newcastle without permission, it is his express desire that this irregularity may not occur again.     The Sydney Gazette 27 October 1821 GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO NEWCASTLE Government and General Orders  - Colonial Secretary’s Office, 27th October 1821 Civil Department – It being the intention of His Excellency the Governor to proceed on a Tour of Inspection to the Settlements of Newcastle and Port Macquarie, on Tuesday next, the 30th Instant, He directs that all Reports and Returns from the Civil and Military Departments, shall be made, during his Absence, to His Honor Lieutenant Governor Erskine, C.B His Excellency also directs that all Letters Memorials or other Papers, intended to be submitted to Himself or to His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, shall be sent open, under cover, addressed to the Colonial Secretary; failing of which, they will be returned unanswered to the Parties from whence they came. ABSCONDING PRISONERS The undermentioned prisoners having absented themselves from their respective Employments, and some of them at large with false Certificates, all Constables and others are hereby required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in Custody: Thomas King, William Wedlock, James Warwick, J. Davis, John Fulton, Michael Byrne, Michael Smith, Ben Risby and Thomas Gibbons all from Newcastle Any persons harbouring concealing or maintaining any of the said Absentees, will be prosecuted for the Offence, William Hutchinson, Principal Superintendent Sydney October 27, 1821. NEW VESSEL THE 'NEWCASTLE' Our Colonial marine establishment has received another valuable acquisition in the arrival on Thursday of a pretty little barque from Hunter River. She has been six months in building; measures 3 ½ tons; is schooner rigged; has surprising accommodation for such a vessel; and has received the designation of ‘The Newcastle’   The Sydney Gazette 3 November 1821 GOVERNOR'S VISIT His Excellency the Governor attended by his Aide-de-Camp Lieutenant Macquarie, embarked on board His Majesty’s colonial brig Elizabeth Henrietta, Mr. Grey commander, on Thursday afternoon. The vessel immediately got under weigh with a fair wind, which has ever since been favourable. His Excellency we are given to understand, will be absent from the Seat of Government, on this Tour of Inspection to the Northern Settlements about three weeks. The sloop Snapper is in attendance upon the Elizabeth Henrietta; and the following Gentlemen have accompanied the Governor; viz. Lieutenant Robert Johnston, R.N; Mr. Nicholson Master Attendant; and Mr. Meehan, Deputy Surveyor   PUNISHMENT At a full Bench of Magistrates held this day week, at the Police Office, John Blower (Bluer), a prisoner of the Crown, was charged with plundering the cart of Elizabeth Legg on the Parramatta Road. As this is a crime of frequent and determined repetition, the Magistrates were induced to visit it with a punishment somewhat proportionate to its magnitude; and therefore sentenced the prisoner, who was adjudged guilty to be punished on a market day in the market place by receiving 100 lashes; to be sent to Newcastle; and from thence to be conveyed to the settlement of Port Macquarie – there to spend the residue of his sentence of transportation.     The Sydney Gazette 17 November 1821 SHIPPING The Sloop Sally, belonging to Government, arrived from Newcastle on Thursday morning, having left that settlement the preceding evening. On clearing the heads of Hunter’s River she was spoken by His Majesty’s colonial brig Elizabeth Henrietta, with His Excellency Governor Macquarie and Suite on board, all well. His Excellency reached Newcastle that evening; and his return to head quarters may be looked for the first favourable wind. ABSCONDING PRISONERS The under mentioned prisoners having absented themselves from their respective Employments, and some of them at large with false Certificates, all Constables and others are hereby required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in Custody Christopher Doyle James Rourke William Webb J. Doyle Morris Wright Pat Burke   The Sydney Gazette 24 November 1821 GOVERNOR'S VISIT Government and General Orders Civil Department His Excellency the Governor having deemed it necessary, previous to His final Departure from the Colony, to visit the Settlements at Newcastle and Port Macquarie embarked for this Purpose, on the 1st Instant, and arrived in three Days at the latter Settlement. His Excellency is happy in bearing Testimony to the correctness and Accuracy of the Report formerly made to Him by Mr. Oxley, the Surveyor General, respecting the Harbour of Port Macquarie, the River Hastings, and the Nature and Quality of the Soil and Productions of the adjacent Country, and thereby relieved from the Necessity of making any Observations at present on those several Heads, or to remark further than that He considers the Settlement of Port Macquarie from local and other Circumstances, particularly well selected and adapted for the Purposes of its Establishment; namely as a place of Transportation, or secondary Punishment for Delinquents, who shall be convicted in the colony. In viewing the Measures hitherto proposed by Captain Allman, the Commandant of Port Macquarie, in the first Establishment of that Settlement by His Excellency, He has much Pleasure in expressing His entire Approbation of them, both as they have Reference to the Works carried on, and to the humane and judicious Treatment of the Prisoners under his Directions. His Excellency has also to express His entire Satisfaction at the Attention shewed by Captain Allman towards the Troops under his Command in providing them with good lodgings and rendering them as comfortable as the Circumstances of their local Situation would admit. His Excellency is therefore happy in rendering this Tribute to the zealous and judicious Exertions of that Officer. His Excellency, having determined on the Site for the Town to be hereafter built at Port Macquarie, sailed thence on the 11th and arrived at Newcastle on the 14th instant. This being His third Visit to Newcastle, His Excellency has been thereby enabled the more fully to appreciate the Progress made in the Improvement of this important Settlement,; and he was much and agreeably surprised to observe the very great Improvements it had undergone since the Period of his former visit in 1818. The substantial Buildings which have been erected, and the repairs and improvements of old ones reflect much Credit on the judicious arrangements of the Commandant, Major Morisset, of the 48th Regiment; which, combined with the zealous and unremitting Attention he has shewn for the general Progress and advancement of the Settlement, highly entitle him to the Expression of His Excellency’s fullest Commendation. His Excellency was particularly struck with the good Order and Regularity with which every Part of the Public Service is conducted at Newcastle, and He observed with much Pleasure that the Progress made towards the Completion of the Pier some time since commenced on, for the Security of the Harbour, fully equalled His Excellency’s Expectations, and, when finished, will be of the utmost Benefit to the future Navigation of Hunter’s River. His Excellency, being accompanied on this Occasion by Lieutenant Robert Johnston, of the Royal Navy, and Mr. Nicholson, the Master Attendant in His Majesty’s Dock Yard at Sydney and a Master in the Navy, He was happy to avail Himself of their Judgement and Experience in Regard to the Benefits expected to result from the Construction of this Pier; and was thereby confirmed in the Opinion He had Himself entertained of its absolute Necessity for the Safety of Vessels resorting thither. His Excellency, having proceed up the principal Branch of Hunter’s River to a distance of from 70 to 80 miles from Newcastle is enabled to express His Decided Opinion, that from the Fertility of the Soil, and the Facilitates afforded by Water Carriage, the Country, generally on the Banks of Hunter’s River is meriting of Attention, as peculiarly well adapted for the Purposes of pasturage and Agricultures. His Excellency having thus completed His Tour of Inspection at Port Macquarie and Newcastle embarked at the latter Settlement on the 20th and arrived at Sydney on 21st November instant.   INCREASE IN COMMANDANT'S SALARY Government and General Orders Colonial Secretary’s Office, Saturday 24th November 1821 In consideration of the great Increase of Duty, and consequent Responsibility of the Officers commanding at the Settlements of Newcastle and Port Macquarie, in their Civil and Military Capacities, and of the Expenses they are unavoidable exposed to at those distant Dependence, His Excellency the Governor is pleased to increase the Salaries of Major Morisset and Captain Allman, as Commandants of Newcastle and Port Macquarie respectively, to Ten shillings per Diem, commencing on and from the 1st of October last, until His Majesty’s Pleasure shall be made known thereon.   APPOINTMENT OF E.C. CLOSE  - ENGINEER AT NEWCASTLE Government and General Orders - Colonial Secretary Office Saturday 24th November1821 The Commandant of Newcastle having strongly recommended that a competent Person should be appointed to act as Engineer at that Settlement, to assist him in superintending the extensive Public Works now in Progress there, and the Governor entirely concurring in Opinion with the Commandant as to the Expediency of this Measure, His Excellency has been pleased to appoint Lieutenant Edward Charles Close, of the 48th Regiment, to act as Engineer and Inspector of Public Works at the Settlement of Newcastle with a Salary of Five Shillings per Diem, commencing on and from the 1st of the present Month of November, and to be paid from the colonial Police Fund, until His Majesty’s Pleasure shall be made known thereon.   The Sydney Gazette 15 December 1821 PARDON OFFERED FOR SURRENDER Proclamation -  His Excellency Sir Thomas Brisbane, Knight commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over the Territory of New South Wales and its Dependencies Whereas certain Prisoners of the Crown, and Others have absconded, and are now at large within the Woods in the Interior of the Colony, where, as Bushrangers, they can sustain themselves by Means only of Pillage and Rapine; And whereas, on Succession to the Government of these Colonies, the respective Governors have been heretofore accustomed to extend the Prerogative of Royal Mercy, vested in the governor in Chief of the Territory, to certain Offenders against the Law or Regulations of these Settlements – Now in consideration of the Premises, and by the authority aforesaid, I, Sir Thomas Brisbane K.C.B. do, by this my Public Proclamation, declare, order, and proclaim, that all such Prisoners, and others who may have made Escape from Justice, or the respective stations assigned to them in the government Gangs or private Places of Service for any cause or offence except of murders, Highway or House Robbery with violence then before or since committed, and who shall give themselves up to any Magistrate of and in the Territory on or before the Thirty first Day of January next, in the Year 1822 shall receive a full and sufficient Pardon, and go wholly free and unpunished for and in Respect of any such Matter and Offence or Offences heretofore done and committed, so far as to any Charge being exhibited thereupon by the Judge Advocate of the Territory to the Court of Criminal Jurisdiction Given under my Hand and Seal, at Government House, Sydney, New south Wales, this Fifteenth Day of December 1821, Sir Thomas Brisbane   ABSCONDING PRISONERS The Undermentioned Prisoners having absented themselves from their respective Employments, and some of them at large with false Certificates, all Constables and others are hereby required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in Custody From Newcastle Phelan Hughes, Patrick Tully, William Franklin, J. Sullivan, Charles Leonard, Edward Malady, Thomas Ambridge, William Browne, J. McCarthy, William Peck, James How.     The Sydney Gazette 29 December 1821 ABSCONDING PRISONERS The undermentioned prisoners having absented themselves from their respective Employments, and some of them at large with false Certificates, all Constables and others are hereby required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in Custody From Newcastle Richard Bradburn, Charles Clifford, David Gabellio, Lawrence Fennell, Michael Hagaty, James Wooley, James Chamberlain, James Wall, Patrick Berry, J. Gorman, Richard Rochford, Phelan Hughes, Patrick Tully