Paterson threw his lot in with the disaffected. He discovered that by the instructions of the Commander-in-Chief, officers were "not permitted on any account whatever to engage in the cultivation of farms, or any other occupation to detach them from their military duty. Ensign Barrallier could therefore serve no longer as Military and Civil Engineer and Artillery Officer. Dr. Harris could not act as Naval Officer. It was hoped that King's necessities would humble him. But by a General Order (9th Oct. 1802) he paid high compliments to Barrallier and Harris, and dispensed with their valuable services "in deference to Colonel Paterson's idea of the instruction" quoted.
Paymaster Cox, as a magistrate, received certain advantages. King, unasked, dispensed with the services of Cox, he being "precisely in the same situation" as Barrallier and Harris:
"And as the Governor finds it necessary to anticipate any interpretation of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief's instructions to Lt.-Colonel Paterson, he dispenses with the attendance of the corporal and four privates of the New South Wales Corps acting as a guard to the Governor when travelling, and requests that Lt. Colonel Paterson will order his thanks to be given to them for their attachment and alacrity. The Governor as Commander-in-Chief of this territory directs that no officer or soldier in the territory be employed on any other than their military duty, except the Governor's orderly sergeant and an orderly private at Parramatta."
Three days after the publication of this Order another appeared, granting provisional conditional pardons to "five prisoners of good character, who are to be mounted, and serve as a body-guard for the Governor."
The cup of disappointment was not yet full. It was firmly believed that no officer would be found to assist the deserted Governor; but the belief was turned to dismay. Lieut. Bellasis, in a duel in India, killed his antagonist. The Fly cruiser was despatched for the sole purpose of conveying him to Sydney, whither he was transported for fourteen years.[1] His wife and children accompanied him, and a memorial signed by the principal residents "at Bombay, and the heads of corps serving in that Presidency, and other stations," was sent to influence King in his
- ↑ Despatch of King, 1st March 1802.
