beginning of this chapter the circumstances of the importation of
Irish convicts in the year 1800, and of their attempts to
disseminate amongst their fellow-prisoners the seeds of
insubordination and riot. The vigilance and prudence of Governor
Hunter, at that time, checked the rapid progress of the flame of
sedition; but, although apparently extinguished, the fire was
only smothered for a time. Discontent had taken root, and its
eradication was a matter of more difficulty than could have been
foreseen. The most unprincipled of the convicts had cherished the
vile principles of their new companions, and only waited for the
maturity of their designs to commence the execution of schemes
which involved the happiness and security of the whole colony.
The operations of these disaffected persons had hitherto been
conducted with such secrecy, that no suspicion of their views was
entertained, until the 4th of March in this year, when a violent
insurrection broke out at Castle Hill, a settlement between
Parramatta and Hawkesbury, and the insurgents expressed their
determination to emancipate themselves from their confinement, or
to perish in the struggle for liberty. Information of the extent
and alarming appearance of this mutiny having reached the
governor, it was deemed necessary, on the following day, to
proclaim martial law; and a party of the troops, under the
command of Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston, were directed to
pursue the rebels. After a long march, the military detachment
came up with the insurgents, near the Ponds, about half-way
between Parramatta and Hawkesbury, and a short parley ensued,
when the Colonel found it necessary to fire upon them; and, after
killing several of the misguided rebels, and making prisoners of
the principals who survived, the remainder made a rapid retreat.
Ten of the leaders of this insurrection, who had been observed as