68 THE FLEET AT SEA. 1787 the casks, and some tents and slops that were onlj in wrappers AvgotL were damaged. I fear many articles will be destroyed before they are landed, and which it is not now possible to prevent. Fruits and I have been able to procure all sach fruit and plants as I think 'Plaats. . . . likely to thrive on the coast of New South Wales, particularly the coffee, indigo, cotton, and cochineal In a letter written at Rio to Nepean, Phillip referred to an official reception at the Viceroy's palace^ but made no attempt to describe the ceremonies : — Royal The 2l8t being the Prince of Portugal's birthday, and the Vice- King receiving the compliments of all the officers, I waited on him with those I had present>ed to him on our arrival The Sirius fired twenty-one guns, having the flag of Portugal hoisted at the fore-topmast, and the Union at the mizen. He seemed much pleased with this compliment, and we part perfectly satisfied with each other. Earthquake. Three slight shocks of an earthquake have been felt at Trinidad, where the Portuguese still keep a small garrison. Surgeon White has left us a graphic account of a reception at the palace, on the occasion of Phillip's final visit* : — A state On our landing, the same officer who had attended us upon every at lUa other public occasion conducted us to the presence-chamber. As we passed, every military and public honour was paid to the Com- modore; the colours were laid at his feet, as they hitherto had been whenever he landed in his public character ; a token of re- spect that is never bestowed on any person but the Governor him- The ^ self. When we arrived at the palace, an officer of the household, paiE^^^ who was waiting to receive us, conducted us through a most de- lightful recess, hung round with bird-cages, whose inhabitants seemed to vie with each other both in the melody of their notes and the beauty of their plumage. The passage we walked through was adorned on each side with odoriferous flowers and aromatic shrubs ; which, while they charmed the eye, spread a delightful fragrance around. This passage led to a private room, on the out- side of the door of which we were received by the Viceroy, who stood uncovered, and noticed each person separately in the most friendly and polite manner. His Excellency preceded us into the
- JonnuJ, p. 55.
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