33054-002106

38/5554 – 24 Augt 1833

Commandants Office Moreton Bay 5th Augt. 1833. No 33/11

Sir With reference to the 6th Par. of your letter of the 30th Ultimo No 33/6 with the greatest submission I have the honor to state the following circumstances relative to James Hexton and William Morris free seamen at this place.

With respect to the first on finding that he came here expecting a higher rate of pay, than he has since received, I immediately offered him the option of remaining here on the reduced rate of pay, or returning to Sydney receiving from my private funds any loss he might have sustained, by coming here, when he preferred the former in consequence of being subject to scurvy and unable to proceed on long voyages, so that even with his reduced pay he has been no loser, and consequently has no particular claim on the public.

With respect to the present acting

[left margin] Report quickly Herewith

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acting pilot William Morris, I beg leave to state that for nearly two years past, he has been obliged to go out when required eight or ten miles to sea, in an open boat over a dangerous bar where the former pilot Tosh [or Losh] was drowned and where Mr. Oxley, or Mr. Nicolson, thought only a deck'd vessel should go, for which purpose the Cutter Regent Bird, was sent to Moreton Bay with a full crew of free seamen all of whom have been since dispensed with except the Master.

On the late occasion of the pilot's situation becoming vacant, I am not certain that James Hexton would have accepted of it, but as he had been only here a short time, and was unacquainted with the channels or currents, I am certain he was not at that time so well qualified for it as William Morris, whom I therefore appointed, and who though now accustomed to his situation, was then by no means anxious to hold it, on account of the risk and the miserable secluded place where he is forced to reside, and I pledge my word and honor as an Officer and a Gentleman that for the good of the public service, I promised that if His Excellency should

should not approve of his appointment I would make up his pay to that of pilot from my own private funds, which obligation I should not have come under, could I have done otherwise, as I shall consequently now be obliged to pay that difference for the greater part of the last two years.

As I may, however, have been somewhat to blame in not stating these circumstances, more fully at an earlier period, I have now thought it my duty to do so, under an impression that His Excellency having been unacquainted with them, may approve of William Morris continuing in his present situation, where he has given much satisfaction, and should His Excellency still approve of the whole of the 1/9 per day being saved to the public. James Hexton might have the option of remaining with his present pay or returning to Sydney.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your Most obedient

humble Servant

J.O. Clunie

Capt 17th Regt

Cmdt.

To

The Honble.

The Colonial Secretary

&c – &c – &c –

Sydney