Sydney Gazette: 15 February 1822

EMBARKATION OF GOVERNOR MACQUARIE.

Agreebly [sic] to the Government and General Orders of the 6th inst. His Majesty's 48th Regiment, under the command of Colonel ERSKINE, C. B. (Lieutenant Governor), paraded the domain in front of Government-house, on Tuesday, at half-past 11, forming a line through the grounds to the water's-edge. About noon His Excellency Major General MACQUARIE, Mrs. MACQUARIE, Master MACQUARIE, and Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp MACQUARIE, took final leave of Government-house, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor (Sir THOMAS BRISBANE, K. C. B.) and Suite with a number of distinguished Friends. The Band played "God save the King!" The Regiment presented arms, and the Officers saluted, in honor of the beloved MAJOR GENERAL. — At about half-past 12, HIS EXCELLENCY and FAMILY embarked in the GOVERNOR'S barge, which had the Union displayed the mizen, [sic] from the landing-place at Bennelong's Point; His Excellency Sir THOMAS BRISBANE accompanying the MAJOR GENERAL on board the Surry. Unions were seen flying as early as sun-rise on Fort Phillip, Dawes' Battery, and Fort Macquarie. By 8 o'clock most of the vessels in the harbour were decorated in their accustomed costume, honorary to the occasion; and, as soon as the barge, with its illustrious Burthen, retired from the shore, a salute of 19 guns was fired from Dawes' Battery. Launches, barques, [?] cutters, pinnaces, and wherries, were seen crowded with those who appeared determined on catching a parting glimpse of the OBJECT of their profound veneration and fondest regard, who for some time stood up, uncovered, and kept bowing ADIEU as he passed. Never did Sydney Cove look so attractive and gay, as upon this occasion; and the shores were lined with spectators innumerable; but each countenance was indicative of sombre feelings too big, too sincere for utterance; — and yet, who witnessed the scene, and could repress the inward sigh? Australia saw her Benefactor, FOR THE LAST TIME, treading her once uncivilized and unsocial shores and FELT it too; — THE PARENT AND THE CHILD MUST ENDURE THE PARTING PANG ! Australia cannot repine at the varied events Time brings about; for Time has wrought vast and beneficial changes in her midst; and it is to Time we have to look forward, with all the pleasure anticipation affords, to even much greater things than have yet been accomplished. Tho' "young Hope" confidently bids Australasia look forward to the patronage, and protection, and esteem of a benignant MONARCHÕS ILLUSTRIOUS REPRESENTATIVE, still she will not be censured, it is trusted, for an evincement of proper affection towards HIM, whose principal aim and chief happiness was the Colonists' Good; So pronounce twelve years! — HE, that no longer has a place amongst us (the heart excepted), has doubtless recommended us to the high notice and kind consideration of HIS SUCCESSOR; therefore, be it our undeviating axiom to prove ourselves, as British Colonists, entitled to and worthy of such exalted beneficence; and then we shall still be happy, and continue to prosper in all the blessings of peace!

Captain RAINE, in the course of the afternoon, got the Surry under weigh, and by about five o'clock this well-known sea-boat was safely moored in Watson's Bay, off South-head. She is elegantly and commodiously fitted up; and should the weather be at all propitious, a pleasant and agreeable passage of four months is contemplated: her course is to England direct. Some of the large boats, laden with respectability and opulence, were cruizing round the Surry while at anchor down the harbour, having convoyed her so far in safety; and the MAJOR GENERAL, and Mrs. MACQUARIE, occasionally gratified the anxious eye, and departing cheers were consequent upon every glance.

We have sincere pleasure in stating, that the last commands which we received, in person, from Our late Ruler (His Excellency Major General MACQUARIE), were, to assure the Public, and especially the aquatic parties, that HIMSELF, and Mrs. MACQUARIE, received such kind attention in its fullest force, and that it would remain indelibly engraven on each of their hearts, and be fondly cherished by their only SON; and that the Colony, in the interests of which they will ever feel warmly interested, should never Š never be forgotten. The whole FAMILY were in excellent health. We, at length, draw to the close of the scene; and all that remains for us now to say, is — Adieu, GOVERNOR MACQUARIE ! — Farewell !

His Excellency SIR THOMAS BRISBANE arrived in Town on Tuesday morning early; and returned to Parramatta, we are informed, immediately after the Embarkation of His Excellency Major General MACQUARIE.

Just previous to the Embarkation of Major General MACQUARIE on Tuesday, His Excellency inspected the Male Orphan Children, who were drawn up for that purpose in front of Government-house, and took an affecting leave of the little members of this prospering Institution. What must have been the sweet and joyous sensations of the FOUNDER, on this painful but gratifying occasion, to behold so many babes snatched from starvation and ruin — Kind PROVIDENCE will ever shield Him from danger.

The MAJOR GENERAL also took leave of the Students at Dr. Halloran's Academy, who were likewise formed in front of Government-house. Many of the young Gentlemen had handsome medals of merit suspended from their collars. Master Halloran, a fine youth, addressed the late GOVERNOR, on behalf of himself and fellow-students, in an appropriate speech, which was delivered with peculiar sweetness, natural feeling, and impressive energy. His EXCELLENCY was evidently much pleased, and much affected.

... We had almost forgot to mention that the Surry had the honor of being saluted, as she passed Point Piper, on Tuesday afternoon last, by a discharge of seventeen guns.

There are three vessels now, we believe, waiting for a change of weather, and a fair wind, to leave the harbour of Port Jackson; viz. the Surry, Minerva, and John Bull (East India Ship).

Source:
Sydney Gazette 15 February 1822 p.2a-2b.

Return to 1822