May

May 1.
I commanded the Town Hall Party (of 2 Subalterns and Fifty Men with the Regimental Colour) over the Governor at the Quarter Sessions of Bombay – the two Officers and myself dined with the Governor: – he was particularly civil and attentive to me during dinner and afterwards; – I had the honor of sitting on his right Hand, which is reckoned a particular mark of distinction and favor, at the Table of the Governor of Bombay. —

May 9.
Thursday. Major General Sir Robert Abercromby Reviewed H.M. 77th. Regt. on their own Exercising Grounds on the Island of Coolabah; – the General was pleased, in very handsome terms, to express his entire approbation and satisfaction, both verbally and in Genl. Orders, of the Military appearance and good order of the Corps, as well as of the attention of Colonel Balfour and his officers to the several parts of their duty. — I had some conversation with the Genl. after the Review about my friend Genl. Maclean and his Nephew Archy McLaine who he has recommended to Sir Robert for a Commission. — I dined with the General this day, and visited Mr. Morley's Family at the Grove in the Evening. —

May 14.
Tuesday. Anchored in the Harbour this forenoon, the Honble. Company's Ships Bombay Castle Capt. Montgomerie, and Brunswick Capt. Cooper, from England; – they sailed in January and bring accounts of an alarming nature respecting our own Country, where a great number of disaffected People to the present Government and Constitution, are endeavouring to foment a spirit of tumult and disorder amongst the lower classes; and that this spirit has shewn itself in acts of Riot and insurrection in different parts of the united Kingdoms, which required the interposition of a Military force in support of the Civil Magistrate. — Parliament had met on the 13th. of Decr.; – the King's Speech on that occasion gives an affecting description of the times – and savours strongly of a War with France; a part of the Militia embodied; the Army and Navy is augmented; One Hundred Independent Companies of Foot are ordered to be raised, and the Garrisons at home are put in the best state of Defense. — The troubles in France continue as violent and cruel as ever; – the Royal Family degraded and kept close Prisoners without being allowed any attendants; – the National Convention or Executive Government, alias the violent infamous Republican leaders, have brought their Cidevant King at last to a Trial! which was pending. —

I had letters from Colonel Marsh, Colonel Small and Capt. Montresor by the Ships that arrived today; but not a word from my Brother or any of my Friends in the country which I am very much astonished and surprised at. —

I gave a Dinner today to several respectable Friends from whom I have received very great civility and attention – my Company consisted of the following Gentlemen vizt. Mr. Morley, Mr. Herring, Mr. Halliday, Major Oakes, Major Auchmuty, Colonel Nicholson, Commodore Thistleton, Major Woodington, Doctor Findlay, Doctor Anderson, Major Stirling, Capt. Whitelocke and Colonel Balfour – we passed a pleasant day.

May 16.
The Earl of Chesterfield Indiaman Capt. Burgess, arrived from England, which she left a week before the two other Ships arrived on the 14th. Inst.; I had no letters by this Ship. —

May 28.
The 77th. Regiment removed to Bombay.

I omitted to mention, that on the removal of the Regiment from Coolabah on this day to the Barracks in Bombay, that I took a neat little up–stair House adjoining to the Ramparts in the Rear of the Garden Ravelin, for Fifty Rupees per Month; where I am very well accommodated.

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No. 2: 26 March 1792 – 28 December 1794.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A768 pp.40–45 & 53 [Microfilm Reel CY299 Frames #215–217 & #221].