A convict who fled to the woods after committing a robbery returned after being absent eighteen days, forced in by hunger; he had got some small support from the people, and the few fish left by accident on the beach after hauling the seine, and had endeavoured to live amongst the natives, but they could but give him but little assistance; he says they are now greatly distressed for food, and that he saw several dying with hunger.  It is possible that some of the natives at this time of year might find it easier to support themselves on birds and such animals as shelter themselves in the hollow trees, than on fish; but then, I think, they would not go to the top of the mountains, where at present it must be very cold.  I intend going to Lansdown or Carmarthen Hills as soon as the weather permits, if it is possible, and which will explain what is at present a mystery to me—­how people who have not the least idea of cultivation can maintain themselves in the interior part of this country.  When I went to the westward, in hopes of being able to reach the mountains, we carried six days’ provisions, and proceeded five days to the westward; returning we were very short of provisions, and our guns only procured us two scanty meals.

I shall conclude with saying that I have no doubt but that the country will hereafter prove a most valuable acquisition to Great Britain, though at present no country can afford less support to the first settlers, or be more disadvantageously placed for receiving support from the mother country, on which it must for a time depend.  It will require patience and perseverance, neither of which will, I hope, be wanting on the part of

Dear Sir,
Yours, etc. 
A. PHILLIP.

PHILLIP’S RESIGNATION

After four years of strenuous labour Phillip was forced to leave the work he had so well begun.

GOVERNOR PHILLIP TO LORD GRENVILLE

Sydney, 21st November, 1791.
My Lord,

I am honoured with your Lordship’s letter of the 19th of February in answer to mine to Lord Sydney, and beg leave to assure your Lordship that I should not hesitate a moment in giving up my private affairs to the public service; but from a complaint which so very frequently puts it out of my power to use that exercise which my situation requires and the present state of this colony, in which I believe every doubt respecting its future independency as to the necessaries of life is fully done away, I am induced to request permission to resign the Government, that I may return to England in hopes of finding that relief which this country does not afford.

I have, etc. 
A. PHILLIP.

NEW SOUTH WALES CORPS

+Source.+—­Historical Records of Australia.  Vol.  I, p. 122; Vol.  II, pp. 573-576