The Embarkation of Governor Bligh

On Monday last a farewell Fête was given by his EXCELLENCY in honour of Commodore BLIGH and his Daughter, Mrs. PUTLAND, on which occasion a numerous party of Ladies and Gentlemen were invited, among whom were most of the Officers Civil, Military, and Naval. Government house was neatly decorated, and brilliantly lighted; the ball-room hung round with festoons of flowers, encircling the initials of MRS. PUTLAND and Commodore BLIGH in a very neat device. In the Evening a Ball was given, which was supported with uncommon vivacity until "the twinkling stars gave notice of approaching day;" a handsome firework was also displayed on the occasion, between the hours 10 and 11; and no single circumstance was omitted that could convey an idea of the respect entertained by HIS EXCELLENCY for the distinguished persons in compliment to whom the Entertainment had been given.

On Friday the day appointed for the Commodore's Embarkation, the 73d Regiment were under arms at 11, for the purpose of paying the usual honors to the late GOVERNOR in CHIEF on his departure, the lines extending from the Government Wharf round by Government Gate and down the Avenue to Government House which faces the Bridge. At half past eleven the COMMODORE, conducting Mrs. PUTLAND, entered the ranks at the end of the Bridge, and proceeded to Government House, where the Officers Civil and Military were assembled to take their leave. About 12 the COMMODORE, accompanied by His EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR in CHIEF, attended by a numerous company of Officers, moved towards the Wharf, the Military presenting arms, and the Band of the 73d preceding the procession, playing "God save the King". As soon as the COMMODORE, Mrs PUTLAND and suite entered the COMMODORE'S barge, on the bow of which the broad pendant was displayed the Battery commenced saluting; the barge passed round the Shipping, from each of which he was saluted with yards manned; and on reaching the Porpoise the Hindostan first began saluting, which immediately became general.

The Invalid Company formed by the men enlisted into it from the 102d Regiment, is to be considered a supernumerary Company of the 73d till further orders.

... Monday last being Easter Monday, a fair commenced on the Cricket Ground, to which a sort of popular acquiescence has given the appellation of St. George's Fields; the recreative pastimes of which were carried on with much decorum and with no less festivity for three days, during which the "merry dance" was kept alive in every booth, and other fair costumes of the mother country closely imitated.

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Provenance
Sydney Gazette, 28 April 1810 p.2a.

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