Page:A colonial autocracy, New South Wales under Governor Macquarie, 1810-1821.djvu/304

to-morrow, but the waters are too much out to attempt it. … The joint letter and return I enclose you signed by the magistrates of these districts, and I would much wish the question as to who should act as jurymen should not be agitated at this meeting. I have no doubt the Legislature will form their own opinion on that subject and lay down the law for us—but should they not, it will be time to canvas it here. If done now it will create division which in my humble opinion is better avoided if possible."^[1]

Cox's advice was taken, and nothing in the petition suggested that there was any ill-feeling in the Colony between emancipists and free men.

Marsden, who was collecting signatures at Parramatta, also had trouble from the floods. He wrote to Eager: "I am sorry that the weather was so bad some persons could not be visited. I sent a man on horseback to Mr. Bayly's, but he came back not being able to cross the creeks. I had left a place for his signature … and I have sent it to him at Sydney."^[2]

Jenkins in Sydney had troubles of a different nature.

"I return you the skin of signatures," he wrote to Eager "with the addition of only one name (Mr. Secretary Campbell's). I have been and solicited the following persons:—

Mr.Wentworth.
„Broughton.
„Garling.
„Harris (I believe Harris is out of town)
„Oxley.
„Johnston.^[3]

but without effect. Some declare their signing would be improper while holding the King's Commission. Mr. Johnston thinks his name might injure our petition. Mr. O. dislikes the Trial by Jury. Mr. Garling will consider about the propriety of signing. Mr. Campbell signed very cheerfully and freely."^[4]

Campbell's readiness to sign was a good indication of the Governor's hearty approval of the petition. Indeed Macquarie

1. Appendix to Bigge's Reports. R.O., MS.
2. Ibid. Dated 18th March, 1819.
3. The deposer of Bligh.
4. Appendix, Bigge's Reports. Dated 18th March, 1819. R.O., MS.