Farewells: April 1810

On Tuesday last in the forenoon embarked His Majesty's 102d Regiment for England; an occasion which was certain of producing a universal sentiment of regret among the Inhabitants with whom they had so many years lived in habits of the closest friendship. In their passage from the Grand Parade to the Government Wharf they were wholly occupied in exchanging the melancholy term ADIEU ! with their unnumbered friends; and in taking boat, when all further communication was at an end they exchanged cheers with the populace, many of whom took leave of them in tears.

On Thursday His Majesty's 73d Regiment exchanged ground from their first Encampment to a scite that had been marked out on the common between Sydney and the Brickfields, from whence, as soon as the Barracks were cleared and got in readiness for their reception, one of the wings of the Regiment marched in, the other remaining still encamped.

On Monday evening list a Farewell Ball and Supper were given by the Captain and Officers of His Majesty's ship Porpoise to the Officers Civil, Military, and Naval, and their Ladies. Among the company were his Honor Lieutenant Governor O'CONNELL, and many of the Officers of the 73d Regiment, Major Abbot, of the 102d, and most of the Officers of that Regiment also; Captains Pasco and Pritchard, of the Navy, and most of the Officers of His Majesty's ships now in the Cove; Mr. Secretary Campbell, and other Officers of the Civil Department; and among the fair part of the assembly were, Mrs. Paterson, Mrs.Pasco, Mrs. M'Arthur, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Minchin, Mrs. Mell; Mrs. Birch, Mrs. Bell and many other Ladies of the principal Officers. At six the company began to assemble: the ship was elegantly decorated; and the atmosphere resounded with loyal airs from a large Band. The quarterdeck was covered with an awning, and fitted up in a style of neatness and elegance scarcely to be imagined; the spaces between the ports were occupied by sideboards covered with wines, fruits, and every delicacy that was to be procured. At 8 the ball commenced; and was supported with great vivacity till eleven, when an elegant supper, to which not less than one hundred persons sat down, lay claim to its portion of attention. After supper the "merry dance" resumed, and continued till nearly three; when the company left the ship, very much delighted with the hospitality of the Entertainment.

On Tuesday a farewell dinner was given by Commodore BLIGH to a select party of Fashionables; which was succeeded by a ball and supper, conducted in an unusual style of elegance. Present, HIS EXCELLENCY and LADY, Lieutenant Governor O'CONNELL, R. Campbell, Esq. and Lady, J. Palmer, Esq. W. Gore, Esq. and Lady, C. Hook, Esq. and Lady, G. Palmer, Esq. and Lady, and many others of the first respectability.

And on Thursday a splendid farewell Fête was given by ROBERT CAMPBELL Esq. to a large party, of whose number were His Excellency and Lady, Commodore Bligh and daughter, Miss Putland; Captains Pasco and Pritchett, [sic] with many other principal Officers and their Ladies.

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Provenance
Sydney Gazette, 14 April 1810 p.2a.

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