THE ARREST OF GOVERNOR HLIGH. Presentation of Valuable Historical Documents.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 241, 11 February 1888, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE ARREST OF GOVERNOR HLIGH. Presentation of Valuable Historical Documents.

The Premier of New South Wales lately received at the hands of two of the grandsons of Major Johnston, who in 1808 arrested and imprisoned Governor Bligh, some documents bearing on fchab event which are of rare historical value. Accompanying the documents is a letter fiom Mrs Johnston, widow of the late Captain Johnston, -whose father was the chief actor in the detention of Bligh. Writing from Annandale House, Annandalo, Mrs Johnston states that she thinks the centennial year a fitting: time to present to the people of New South Wales, through tho Premier, documents closely being on one of the most exciting episodes in our history, and which are necessary to the formation of a correct opinion concerning it. The only condition made is that the documents shall be kept in a place where they may at all times be inspected by the public. It appears when Sir Henry Parkes was Colonial Secrotary, some twenty years ago, fchesa same documents came for a short time into his possession, but Captain Johnston, who was then alive, refused to part with them or allow their contents to be published. They aie now freely handed over without any condition save the one mentioned, and the value of the presentation will be realised when it is known that Captain Johnston during his lifetime refused to part with the documents in spite of an offer of £1,000 which had been made to him. Although historical writers have freely enlarged on the details of Bligh's arrest, and are probably aware of someof the facts which tho documents disclose, there is reason for believing that their actual contents have never before been oommunicatod to the; press. The presentation includes three separatedocuments, which, although brown and dingy with age, still preserve with singular legibility the signatures of the various gentlemen whose names are attached. The first is a memorial, dated, curiously enough, January 26th, 1808, in which the signatories view "with increasing alarm the state of the colony." Major Johnston's interposition is asked for in order that " the present order of things— which threaten destruction to all that men hold dear— may be altered." The colonists looked to him as the "protector of our lives, properties, and reputation," inasmuch as " every man's property, liberty, and life is in danger" from the Governor ; and a consideration of this fact "induces us most earnestly to implore you (Major Johnston) to instantly place Governor Bligh under arrest." Major Johnston appears to have lost notime in yielding to the entreaties of the memorialists, for the second document; (which is dated on the 9th of January of sameyear), in thankinghim for arrestingthe Governor, states : "We pledge ourselves at a moment of less agitation to come forward and support the measure with our fortunes and our lives." Then follow the signatures of men whose names have become historic. Tho memorable John McArthur signs in a clear firm commercial hand, and following him are Edward McArthur, John and Gregory Blaxland, Simon Lord Nicholas Bayley, Isaac Nichols, Jas. Badzery, J, Harris, J.P., and others. Amongst the papers is a sworn declaration of a person who was present at the Governor's arrest and who describes it as follows :—: — 1 ' Lance Corporal Warlborough came before me this day and deposeth that he was the man on duty on the 26th January. After Major Johnston had taken the command and was ordered to search for the late Governor Bligh, that on himself and a soldier named Sutherland examining the •scalene' upstairs in Government house where the servants slept, he put a musket under the bed and touched Bligh, which make him make a noise. On feeling, caught Governor Bligh by the collar and dragged him out. On his getting up Governor Bligh put his hand on his breast, and deponent, supposing he might hare arms, told him that if he attempted to resist? he would put him to death. But Governor Bligh declaring he had no arms, deponent told him he would treat him like a gentleman. On Governor Bligh asking deponent what he was going to do with him, was in j formed that he would keep him until the adjutant came, who afc the instant came in, when Governor Bligh said to the adjutant that if he had done anything wrong he was ready to die. Minchin, on coming in, assured the Governor that his person was perfectly safe, and offered his arm to take him to the Major, who was downstairs. Deponent further says that he had twice examined the ' scalene ' before. The bedstead had no curtains and was extremelylow. Governor Bligh was in his full uniform with his side-arms and medal. — (Signed) Michael Marlborough. "Svrorn before me, April 11, 1808. "E. Abbott, J.P.'f A rude drawing, allowing Governor Bligh in the act of being pulled from under the bed, accompanies thedocuments, the colour* in the uniforms worn by the soldiers are well preserved, but the picture evidently comes from an unpractised hand. It bears the following endorsement, but leaves ib open to doubt whether the sketch is the work of Lieut. Minchin or of somebody else :— " Sketch of Bligh's arrest, by Lieut Minchin." Arrangements will be made for the pre servation of the documents, and their ex hibition. to public inspection, in accordance with" the wish of the donors.

A young compoaor has just written for a soprano voice a beautiful song, entitled •* Would that I were young again." It has been so much time wasted. The woman can't be found who will sing it. "I see," said Smith, looking over th« market reports, "that imported Bolonga sausage remains firm." " Humph,'* ejaculated Jones," "of course it is firm. Did you over know a bulldog to lot go ?"