plenitude of power, than extent of dominion. No mention is made of a
Council to be appointed, so that he is left to act entirely from his own
judgment. And as no stated time of assembling the Courts of justice is
pointed out, similar to the assizes and gaol deliveries of England,
the duration of imprisonment is altogether in his hands. The power of
summoning General Courts Martial to meet he is also invested with, but
the insertion in the marine mutiny act, of a smaller number of officers
than thirteen being able to compose such a tribunal, has been neglected:
so that a Military court, should detachments be made from headquarters,
or sickness prevail, may not always be found practicable to be obtained,
unless the number of officers, at present in the Settlement, shall be
increased.

Should the Governor see cause, he is enabled to grant pardons to
offenders convicted, "in all cases whatever, treason and wilful murder
excepted," and even in these, has authority to stay the execution of
the law, until the King's pleasure shall be signified. In case of the
Governor's death, the Lieutenant Governor takes his place; and on his
demise, the senior officer on the spot is authorised to assume the reins
of power.

Notwithstanding the promises made on one side, and the forbearance
shewn on the other, joined to the impending rod of justice, it was
with infinite regret that every one saw, in four clays afterwards, the
necessity of assembling a Criminal Court, which was accordingly convened
by warrant from the Governor, and consisted of the judge Advocate, who
presided, three naval, and three marine officers.

As the constitution of this court is altogether new in the British
annals, I hope my reader will not think me prolix in the description