I was known as a far-sighted governor, and I soon saw that New South Wales would need a civil administration and a system for emancipating the convicts. My original plan to bring skilled tradesmen on the voyage had been rejected back in Britain, and I faced immense problems of labour, discipline and supply in the colony.
I had a very difficult time assembling the fleet which was to make the eight-month sea voyage to Australia. Everything a new colony might need had to be taken, since I had no real idea of what we might find when we got there. There were few funds available for equipping the expedition. I put forward the suggestion that people with experience in farming, building and crafts be included was rejected. . Instead of trained and experienced workers I had to make do with the convicts, most of who were petty thieves from the London slums. On this journey I was accompanied by a contingent of marines and a handful of other officers who were to administer the colony.
The 11 ships of the First Fleet set sail on 13 May 1787. The leading ship, HMS Supply reached Botany Bay setting up camp on the Kurnell Peninsula,on 18 January 1788. I soon decided that this site, chosen on the recommendation of Sir Joseph Banks, who had accompanied James Cook in 1770, was not suitable, since it had poor soil, no secure anchorage and no reliable water source. After some exploration I decided to go on to Port Jackson, and on 26 January the marines and convicts were landed atSydney Cove, which I then named after Lord Sydney.
As to reports of a missing convict, I find this impossible! Surely my captain of the marines would have confided this information to me if it were true, you best go check with him.
I had a very difficult time assembling the fleet which was to make the eight-month sea voyage to Australia. Everything a new colony might need had to be taken, since I had no real idea of what we might find when we got there. There were few funds available for equipping the expedition. I put forward the suggestion that people with experience in farming, building and crafts be included was rejected. . Instead of trained and experienced workers I had to make do with the convicts, most of who were petty thieves from the London slums. On this journey I was accompanied by a contingent of marines and a handful of other officers who were to administer the colony.
The 11 ships of the First Fleet set sail on 13 May 1787. The leading ship, HMS Supply reached Botany Bay setting up camp on the Kurnell Peninsula,on 18 January 1788. I soon decided that this site, chosen on the recommendation of Sir Joseph Banks, who had accompanied James Cook in 1770, was not suitable, since it had poor soil, no secure anchorage and no reliable water source. After some exploration I decided to go on to Port Jackson, and on 26 January the marines and convicts were landed atSydney Cove, which I then named after Lord Sydney.
As to reports of a missing convict, I find this impossible! Surely my captain of the marines would have confided this information to me if it were true, you best go check with him.