CHAPTER XIV.
From the Beginning of June, to the Departure of the Ships for Europe.
Hours of festivity, which under happier skies pass away unregarded,
and are soon consigned to oblivion, acquire in this forlorn and distant
circle a superior degree of acceptable importance.
On the anniversary of the King's birthday all the officers not on duty,
both of the garrison and his Majesty's ships, dined with the Governor.
On so joyful an occasion, the first too ever celebrated in our new
settlement, it were needless to say, that loyal conviviality dictated
every sentiment, and inspired every guest. Among other public toasts
drank, was, Prosperity to Sydney Cove, in Cumberland county, now named
so by authority. At day-light in the morning the ships of war had fired
twenty-one guns each, which was repeated at noon, and answered by three
vollies from the battalion of marines.
Nor were the officers alone partakers of the general relaxation. The
four unhappy wretches labouring under sentence of banishment were freed
from their fetters, to rejoin their former society; and three days given
as holidays to every convict in the colony.
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