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RESEARCHED BY PETER KILLACKEY
A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay
by Watkin Tench
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CHAPTER XVII.
Some Thoughts on the Advantages which may arise to the Mother Country
from forming the Colony.
The author of these sheets would subject himself to the charge of presumption,
were he to aim at developing the intentions of Government in forming
this settlement. But without giving offence, or incurring reproach,
he hopes his opinion on the probability of advantage to be drawn from hence
by Great Britain, may be fairly made known.
If only a receptacle for convicts be intended, this place stands unequalled
from the situation, extent, and nature of the country. When viewed
in a commercial light, I fear its insignificance will appear very striking.
The New Zealand hemp, of which so many sanguine expectations were formed,
is not a native of the soil; and Norfolk Island, where we made sure to find
this article, is also without it. So that the scheme of being able to assist
the East Indies with naval stores, in case of a war, must fall to the ground,
both from this deficiency, and the quality of the timber growing here.
Were it indeed possible to transport that of Norfolk Island, its value
would be found very great, but the difficulty, from the surf,
I am well informed, is so insuperable as to forbid the attempt.
Lord Howe Island, discovered by Lieut. Ball, though an inestimable acquisition
to our colony, produces little else than the mountain cabbage tree.
Should a sufficient military force be sent out to those employed in cultivating
the ground, I see no room to doubt, that in the course of a few years,
the country will be able to yield grain enough for the support of its new
possessors. But to effect this, our present limits must be greatly extended,
which will require detachments of troops not to be spared from the present
establishment. And admitting the position, the parent country will still
have to supply us for a much longer time with every other necessary of life.
For after what we have seen, the idea of being soon able to breed cattle
sufficient for our consumption, must appear chimerical and absurd.
From all which it is evident, that should Great Britain neglect to send out
regular supplies, the most fatal consequences will ensue.
Speculators who may feel inclined to try their fortunes here, will do well
to weigh what I have said. If golden dreams of commerce and wealth
flatter their imaginations, disappointment will follow: the remoteness
of situation, productions of the country, and want of connection
with other parts of the world, justify me in the assertion. But to men
of small property, unambitious of trade, and wishing for retirement,
I think the continent of New South Wales not without inducements.
One of this description, with letters of recommendation, and a sufficient
capital (after having provided for his passage hither) to furnish him
with an assortment of tools for clearing land, agricultural and domestic
purposes; possessed also of a few household utensils, a cow, a few sheep
and breeding sows, would, I am of opinion, with proper protection
and encouragement, succeed in obtaining a comfortable livelihood,
were he well assured before he quitted his native country, that a provision
for him until he might be settled, should be secured; and that a grant of land
on his arrival would be allotted him.
That this adventurer, if of a persevering character and competent knowledge,
might in the course of ten years bring matters into such a train as to
render himself comfortable and independent, I think highly probable.
The superfluities of his farm would enable him to purchase European commodities
from the masters of ships, which will arrive on Government account,
sufficient to supply his wants. But beyond this he ought not to reckon,
for admitting that he might meet with success in raising tobacco, rice, indigo,
or vineyards (for which last I think the soil and climate admirably adapted),
the distance of a mart to vend them at, would make the expense
of transportation so excessive, as to cut off all hopes of a reasonable profit;
nor can there be consumers enough here to take them off his hands,
for so great a length of time to come, as I shall not be at the trouble
of computing.
Should then any one, induced by this account, emigrate hither, let him,
before he quits England, provide all his wearing apparel for himself, family,
and servants; his furniture, tools of every kind, and implements of husbandry
(among which a plough need not be included, as we make use of the hoe),
for he will touch at no place where they can be purchased to advantage.
If his sheep and hogs are English also, it will be better. For wines,
spirits, tobacco, sugar, coffee, tea, rice, poultry, and many other articles,
he may venture to rely on at Teneriffe or Madeira, the Brazils and
Cape of Good Hope. It will not be his interest to draw bills on his
voyage out, as the exchange of money will be found invariably against him,
and a large discount also deducted. Drafts on the place he is to touch at,
or cash (dollars if possible) will best answer his end.
To men of desperate fortune and the lowest classes of the people,
unless they can procure a passage as indented servants, similar to the custom
practised of emigrating to America, this part of the world offers
no temptation: for it can hardly be supposed, that Government will be fond
of maintaining them here until they can be settled, and without such support
they must starve.
Of the Governor's instructions and intentions relative to the disposal
of the convicts, when the term of their transportation shall be expired,
I am ignorant. They will then be free men, and at liberty, I apprehend,
either to settle in the country, or to return to Europe. The former will be
attended with some public expense; and the latter, except in particular cases,
will be difficult to accomplish, from the numberless causes which prevent
a frequent communication between England and this continent.
A Narrative of the Expedition
to Botany Bay
by Watkin Tench |
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