King in room of Patersoii. King's position ^vas embarrass- ing. By his despatches (Nov* 1802) accompanied by charts, he had persuaded the government to adopt his views about founding settlements to bar the footing of the French in the territory ; but the circumstantial instructions of Lord Hobart it was impossible to obey* Port Dalrymple was not upon the southern coast of Van Diemen's Land, nor was it near the eastern entrance to Bass's Straits- In this dilemma King, on the 17 th May 1804, " exhibited queries"^*^ by *' precept" to himself as Governor, Colonel Paterson as Lt,-Governor, and Brevet-Major George John- ston. On the 18th l^Iay all three subscribed their opinions. They agreed that King had in Nov. 1802 recommended settlements at Storm I3ay Passage and Port Phillip or Iving's Island, ** to counteract any intention of the French intruding a claim to the prescribed limits of any part of this territory," and that Lord Hobart's instructions were founded on the recommendation, Th ey r ep or ted —
- 'tliat, Ilia Lortlaliip having ao particularly designed Port Dalrymple to be
settlefl, although its situ at ion is named on the south part of Van Diemen's Laiidj whereas its situation is on the north side, yet the command of Port Dalrymple ia ao posit ive that we are uiianiniou&ly of opinion that that place ahoultl be immediate!}' settled in conijiliance with any political re^iaon that, his Lordahip stfl.t€s, renders that measure peculiarly necessary." The significance of the next query will he seen when it is remembered that the armed rehellion of March 1804 had just been put down by the exertions of Iving and Johnston. What force should Paterson take with him ? How could it be replaced ?
- It appears to he necessary that Colonel Pateraon should take with
him his company with tlireo officers under him ; and although a part of the military establiahnient at Norfolk Island will he mthdrawn when the final arrangementB are made, yet we ai-e imaninioualy of opinion from reiient circumstances thai an additional number of troopers is liighly neees&ary to answer sucJi exigeiiciea as may occur, wiiich addition we think ought not to be leaa than twenty to the five already mounted-^fta proper oflicera and men can ho selected and obtained." j(*The officers of the New South Wales Corps were no longer jealous of the little band of troopers formed by King when Paterson denied him military assistance iji administer- /• •* A despatch, May 1804, from King to Lord H<jbart, enclosed the queries and replieB,
