July 1846

The convict island Norfolk Island did not have its own press. It was a small island for only the very worst of the worst prisoners. As such, news was second- and third-hand in the colonial press - this article took four months to read the press. It is clear from the first article this month that garrison work on Norfolk Island was extremely challenging. As a result, more soldiers from the 11th were despatched to Norfolk Island.


Cornwall Chronicle (Launceston)
Wednesday 1 July 1846

NORFOLK ISLAND. Accounts from this Settlement have reached this Colony, to the latter part of May. The weather which was sultry and oppressive, had occasioned some indisposition amongst the Civil residents; the prisoners about 1800 in number, of whom 200 are of the worst characters, transported from this colony, were in consequence of a laxity of discipline on the part of the civil authority in a state of general insubordination, and an out break had occurred, which was fortunately prevented from becoming serious, by the determined conduct of the Officer commanding the detachment of the 11th Regiment on duty, who was on the occasion called upon by the Civil Commandant to exercise his authority. On several occasions during the month of February, the prisoners had been very insubordinate, and on the 25th, above 800 of the worst of their class, assembled, and locked themselves in the Lumber Yard, refused to work, and defied the authority of their Superintendents ; the stipen diary Magistrates and Civil Commandant being unsuccessful in their attempts to enforce obedi ence to orders, called in the Military. Major Harold commanding, instantly put himself at the bead of a strong detachment of the 11th, and called on the prisoners to come from the Lumber Yard aud go tojtheir work ; this order being disobeyed, the Major forced the gate, and marched in with'a part of his men, forming them in proper offensive positions ; he tben called upon them in the name of the Queen to proceed to their work, assuring them that if they did not instantly do so, force would be used; some of them attempted to speak, but the Major told them, he was not there to hold a parley — that if they did not immediately evacuate the place he would fire upon them, and giving at the same moment, the word ' Ready,' when the click was heard of about sixty firelocks coming to that position — the Prisoners hastily left the Yard, and went to their work, terminating an affair which if vacillating measures had been adopted, might have produced fatal and embarrassing consequences. The Civil command of the Settlemcn it is evident, is in weak hands, and should be remedied. We believe the Military will be strengthened by another detachment of the 11th Regiment.

The Courier (Hobart)

Saturday 4 July 1846

LOCAL.

Military Movements.-The 51st regiment, stationed in this colony for so long time, are under orders for Bengal, and are expected to embark in the present month of July. The Joseph Somes, which conveyed to Sydney the detachments of the 65th regiment which arrived in this colony per Pestonjee Bomanjee and the Samuel Bodington, is to return to Launceston, from Sydney, with the head-quarters of the 11th regiment.

Norfolk Island.-Francis Burgess, Esq., the newly appointed Judge of Norfolk Island, and Robert Stewart, Esq. clerk of the arraigns, will sail in the government barque Lady Franklin, which is expected to proceed on her passage this day (Saturday) with troops and stores. The Franklin conveys no prisoners. The troops consist of a detachment of 50 rank and file of the 11th Regiment - who have already embarked - to strengthen the detachment stationed at Norfolk Island, under the command of Major Harrold, of the 11th.

The Australian (Sydney)
Saturday 18 July 1846
THE RETIREMENT OF MR. JOHN ALLOTT,Crier of the Supreme Court.— -At the close of the Criminal Sessions, at Darlinghurst on Thursday last, his Honor the Chief Justice announced to the Court the retirement of Mr. Allott, and observed that he wished to call the Attention of the Court to an individual who was then present. It was the resignation of Mr. Allott, and which ought not to be passed over in silence. By the suggestion of the Judges, the Governor had allowed Mr. A. to retire from his long services, with a pension equal to his full pay. His Honor's predecessors had always held him in high estimation — an estimation which his good conduct had always maintained during his long residence in this colony, and he believed during his life; and in taking leave of him it was but justice to express publicly how much he was esteemed, and to shew him as a worthy example to all men in his society. His Honor, in the part of his brother Judges, as well as himself, hoped that Mr. Allott would have a continuance of that health which he now enjoyed, and had done for the last twenty-one years, during which time he had been attached to the Supreme Court. The Attorney-General said he felt he should not do justice to his feelings if he did not concur in what had fallen from the Bench. He had known Mr. Allott fourteen years, and during that time, his honorable and just conduct had never swerved. He might also add for his brethren at the Bar, and for the whole profession, that they all would concur with that eulogium which had fallen from the lips of his Honor. So high an opinion had the bar and profession of Mr. Allott's general character, that in 1839 a subscription by them was entered into, and a piece of plate was presented to him as a memento of their esteem, since which time, that esteem and regard had not diminished, but much increased. He wished him good health, and, in his retirement, that he may continue to enjoy that good opinion which his high character had so long obtained for him. Mr. Allott is now in his eighty-sixth year. He has been upwards of forty years in this colony, and seventy rears ago joined the 11th Regiment, which is at present stationed in this colony.

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW)

Wednesday 22 July 1846
19- China, ship, Captain Livesay, for Hobart Town. Passengers-Mr. Scrutton, Mrs. Wright, and four daughters ; Mrs. Ann Macarthy, Captain Cockburn, Ensign McLean, and 104 rank and file of the 11th Regiment.

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW)
Wednesday 22 July 1846
MULTUM IN PARVO
(From late Australasian Papers.)
Captain Blosse, commanding the detachment of the 11th Regiment at Melbourne, broke his leg, by a fall caused by his being thrown out of his gig.

Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW)
Saturday 25 July 1846
WE the undersigned, having been requested to act as arbitrators in a disputed Match for One Hundred Pounds a-side, between Lieutenant Gall's, (H.M. 99th Regiment.) br. h. Lottery, and Mr. J. F. Downes br. f. Lady Teresa, to come off at Wellington, in the Territory of New South Wales, on Saturdny, June 20th, 1846, at twelve o'clock. After a careful perusal of all documents furnished, and personal examination of the principals, we arc of opinion that Lieutenant Gall did not adhere to the terms of the Match, by neglecting to have his horse at the starting post at twelve o'clock, the time specified in the agreement (or within a reasonable time, of that hour), which default fully justified Mr. J. F. Downes in taking the step he appears to have done, viz., to declare to Lieutenant Gall that the Match was off.
AUGUSTUS FREDERICK JENNER, - Capt. 11th Regiment. 
J. R. HOLDEN.
Sydney, July 18th, 1846. - 137

South Australian (Adelaide)
Friday 24 July 1846
CLEARED OUT.     
July 21. - The brig Scout, Nicholls, for Hobart Town. Passengers - Mrs Clare, Capt. Irving, Mr and Mrs Kelah, and two children, and three rank-and-file 11th Regt.
 

June 1846

The main story for June 1846 is that Thomas Reynolds was arrested for being drunk and assaulting police. Amazingly (or perhaps not surprisingly), Reynolds was in trouble at the start of the preceding month for a similar offence and sentenced to one month in jail. He must not have been out much more than a week before his June offence before heading back in for another six weeks. We may hear from Reynolds again.


Launceston Examiner (Tas)
Saturday 13 June 1846
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE.-- Chatham, Dec. 30.- This morning, at 7 o'clock, a detachment of the 65th regiment, consisting of 2 sergeants and 33 rank and file, and 1 sergeant and 12 rank and file of the 11th regiment, marched from this garrison to Gravesend, and embarked on board.of one of the Star Company's boats at half-past 9 o'clock for Woolwich, whence they are to proceed on board the transport-ship China, as a convict-guard, in charge of convicts for Norfolk Island. Six women and five children belonging to the men of the 65th embark with the detachment. The officers in charge are Captain Johnson and Lieut. Turner, both of the 65th. 

South Australian Register (Adelaide) 
Saturday 13 June 1846

POLICE COMMISSIONER'S COURT.

Wednesday. 10th June.

Thomas Reynolds, a private in the 11th Regiment, was   charged before his Worship with being drunk and assaulting police constables Haynes and Varcoe, in the execution of their duty. Police Constable Varcoe stated that a boy came to him on Tuesday evening, requesting him to go to the " Royal Oak," Hindley-street. He went in company with Haynes, and Mr Ottoway the landlord requested them to put the prisoner out of the house as he was so disorderly. The prisoner refused to go. Haynes and he laid hold of him to put him out. After be got him outside he tried to persuade him to go home. He smote Haynes on the mouth, upon which Haynes struck him on the bead with his staff. Whilst they were taking the prisoner to the station house, Bland followed, and attempted to rescue Reynolds, but they succeeded in getting him to the station-house and after wards took Bland in custody in Currie-street. His Worship fined the prisoner ten pounds, and in default sentenced him to three months' imprisonment. John Bland, was charged with being drunk in Currie street, and with aiding and inciting Thomas Reynolds to resist police constables Haynes and Varcoe in the execution of their duty. Prisoner pleaded guilty. His Worship fined him five pounds and in default of payment to six weeks' imprisonment.

Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday 23 June 1846

HOBART TOWN.

ARRIVALS -June 10 China, ship, 624 tons, Captain Livesay, from London via Norfolk Island; sailed from Norfolk Island 19th May. Passengers - Surgeon Superintendent, Dr. Rutherford, R N., Captain W. Johnson, Lieut. Turner, 65th Regiment, fifty rank and file 65th and 11th Regiments; six women and five children.

Launceston Examiner (Tas)

Wednesday 24 June 1846

The latest intelligence from Norfolk Island appears to be very had: the Chief Police Magistrate and a detachment of the 11th regiment are to proceed thither immediately.

May 1846

The members of the 11th stationed in Hobart and Adelaide are doing a particularly good job of getting into trouble this month (driven by both liquor and racism), and the hangover from last month's love scandal in Sydney continues in the press. In a more formal role, the 11th contributed to the events in Sydney associated with the Queen's birthday celebrations.

Colonial Times (Hobart, Tas)
Tuesday 5 May 1846
HOBART TOWN POLICE REPORT

Symonds v. Beaumont.

This was an information against Mr. W. G. Beaumont, of the Old Wharf, for one of the many breaches of the Licensing Act, in not having his outer door closed after ten o'clock at night - in other words for serving a customer with some spirituous liquor.

The case is simply as follows :-Two soldiers of the 11th Regiment, named Crawford and Rich, went to Mr Beaumont's house, which adjoins the Barracks, serving as a Canteen, after ten o'clock on the night of the 16th of April, and called for a pint of Rum, which was put into a bottle and taken away : it was afterwards taken from them by Serjeant-Major Quinlan in the guard-room ; neither of the men had anything to drink in the house, nor was the spirit paid for : Crawford, it appeared, was on guard, and Rich ought to have gone at eleven, but did not. Serjeant Walsh stated, that he and his wife lodged at Mr. Beaumont's, and that on coming to his quarters on the night in question, he found the two soldiers in the bar, and immediately ordered them to the Barracks, himself following them ; in the guard-room the spirit was taken from Rich by Serjeant Quinlan. Mr. Walsh, also affirmed, that Mr. Beaumont kept a very regular and orderly house, closing the door at ten o'clock, and frequently before that time.

Mr. Beaumont said that he was extremely particular in keeping his house, and always had been ; he considered the present case as bearing very hard upon him, as it was impossible a publican could always be upon his guard against such accidents ; the rum was not sold to the men, nor had it been paid for.

Mr. Price observed, that it mattered not, whether the spirit had been paid or not, the publican was equally liable : his Worship considered the supplying of soldiers with drink a dangerous practice, and one which ought to be stopped : the Bench therefore imposed a fine of 60s. and costs upon Mr. Beaumont.

[We quite coincide with Mr. Beaumont as to the hardness of his case: if an offender

against an Act, which is full of traps and pit-falls, is to be punished in accordance with the amount of the delinquency committed, we certainly think that Mr. Beaumont has been hardly dealt with : the wide range of fines, comprised by the Act gives a large latitude to the officiating Justices, and we do opine that much care, consideration, and liberality too, ought to be exhibited, no less in the construction of its clauses, than in the imposition of its penalties. -EDITOR.]


South Australian Register (Adelaide)
Wednesday 6 May 1846

THE "BRANKENMOOR."

THIS ship came round from Encounter Bay, where she put in in stress of weather, on Monday last, with a detachment of the 11th Regiment, from Hobart Town, to replace the 96th ordered hence to Van Diemen's Land. The new detachment comprises four officers with ninety rank and file who are accompanied by their wives (12) and children (25). The names of the officers will be found in our port news. She also brings twenty-two passengers and several horses.

Local News.          

The following are the officers of the 11th Regiment just arrived: - Captain Webster, Lieutenant Bemes, Ensign Rowe, and Dr Marshall, Surgeon.

Launceston Examiner (Tas)

Saturday 9 May 1846

SPRING BAY. - On Tuesday, 21st April, this little township was quite enlivened by an entertainment given by Captain Kenny, commanding a detachment of the 11th regiment. The amusements of the evening commenced with an amateur theatrical performance by the men of the detachment. The pieces selected were "Fortune's Frolic, or the Ploughman turned Lord;" then singing; and concluded with "Robert Macaire, or the Murderers of Lyons." The stage was excellently arranged, and the scenery and drop scene, painted by Captain Kenny, were executed in a masterly and pleasing style. All the per formers acted well, entering into the spirit of their characters; and the curtain fell amidst universal applause. The company then went to the ball-room, which was adorned in the most tasteful manner with military arms, festoons, &c., and the sides decorated with various devices, ,which were much admired for the taste and ingenuity displayed. Dancing commenced, and the bright eyes gave additional lustre to the room, and time passed unheeded. At one supper was announced, and the party sat down to an elegant repast. The usual toasts were given in champagne; prominent amongst these "The Ladies," to which a gentleman, universally allowed to be the ladies' man, responded. After supper dancing was continued with unwearied spirit, till bright Phoebus disputed dominion with Melpomene, and was over anxious to view the fairy forms mingling in the mazy dance. The unceasing exertions of the kind entertainer to promote the happiness of the evening were crowned with complete success; and everybody departed pleased with the night's gaiety, and wishing prosperity to the gallant 11th - the Salamanca heroes! -Communicated.

South Australian (Adelaide)

Tuesday 12 May 1846

Saturday, May 9. Thomas Reynolds, a private belonging to a detachment of the 11th Regiment lately arrived from Van Diemen's Land, was brought up from the station house, charged with being drunk and assaulting the police.

Captain Webster, the officer in command, sat on the Bench and watched the proceedings.

Joshua Brown, P.C., deposed, that about nine o'clock the previous evening, he proceeded to the   house of William Reid, sergeant of police, where he found the prisoner and other soldiers creating a   disturbance ; took the prisoner and another into custody ; the prisoner was very drunk, and kicked witness in the face - the other soldier escaped.

Henry Deane, P.C., who accompanied the last witness, stated he found the prisoner on the ground, and took him into custody, but he was so very outrageous it was absolutely necessary to put on the twitch ; while lying on the ground, prisoner threw up his leg and kicked P. C. Brown on the side of the head ; took the prisoner to the station house ; he was very troublesome, and threatened to stick them

By the Court - The prisoner was very much in liquor, and foamed at the mouth like a mad dog.

William Reid, sergeant of police, about nine o'clock heard parties running towards his house,

threatening to get in ; went out of doors and found the prisoner, with two other soldiers, very noisy ; they had belts in their hands, which they flourished about and threatened to strike him ; defended himself with a stick and kept them off; called out "police," when police constables Dean and Brown

came up, and took the prisoner and another into custody. William Reid, the elder, was at his son's house, about nine o'clock ; hearing a rush at the door, went out and found Mrs Fleming very much distressed, endeavouring to get in ; two natives were fighting with the prisoner ; a scuffle ensued, when three other soldiers appeared with belts in their hands, and began striking furiously at the sergeant ; the police constables came up, and the prisoner was captured.

By the Court - The prisoner was very outrageous, and wanted to give Mr Fleming a thrashing, who appeared nearly exhausted, and said nothing to excite the prisoner.

William Thomas Fleming, of the Reed Beds, stated that he went into a public house for some yeast, with two natives, who had been in his service about seven years, when the prisoner attacked the blacks: witness endeavoured to pacify and restrain the prisoner, but he immediately turned on him (witness), a number of soldiers rushed out, yelling, and threatened to strike him - holding up their fists in his face. The black fellows pointed to Sergeant Reid's house, whither he retreated : the prisoner   having been knocked down by the natives, prevented the soldiers overtaking him.

Mr Fleming characterised the affair as unprovoked and villainous, that his life had been saved by the blackfellows, as the Soldiers appeared mad from drink, and were pursuing him like hellhounds, until kept at bay by the natives, whree he obtained shelter in the house of the police sergeant.

The prisoner, in defence, merely stated "He was too drunk to know anything about it."

The Commissioner observed that, from the evidence of Mr Fleming, it was very difficult to

arrive at the origin of the affray, but to convince the military they were not to kick up rows of assault the police, he would make an example of the prisoner by inflicting a fine of £3. The prisoner, having no means of satisfying the same, was marched of with a billet on Her Majesty's Gaoler for one calendar month's drill.

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday 15 May 1846

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.
ARRIVALS.

May 14.-Louisa, brig, 162 tons, Captain Milton, from Hobart Town the 6th instant. Passengers- Mr and Mrs. Hart, son, and servant, Mrs. Stewart and two sons, Mr. Narcout, Lieutenant Goode of the 11th Regiment, Mr. T. D. Burner., Mr. Phillips, Mr. F. Saunders, Mr. Ellsbury, Mr. D. Rees, Mr. and Mrs, W. Barclay, Mr. H. E Wise, and 13 privates of the 11th Regiment.

South Australian (Adelaide)

Tuesday 19 May 1846

POLICE OFFICE

Before B.T. FINNIS, Esq., Commissioner

Friday, May 15.
John Blatchford was brought up in custody on suspicion of having unlawfully obtained possession of a regimental great coat.    

James Gibbs, a private of the 11th regiment of Foot, stated he was not acquainted with the prisoner, but the coat produced was left in charge of the landlord of the Joiners' Arms, Morphett-street, the previous day.
William Bowden, a comrade, was carrying dinners with Gibbs, and fell in with the prisoner ; went into a public house, and gave Gibb's great coat to the prisoner, who had no opportunity of returning it, as he (witness) was picked up by the picquet and taken to the guard room.

Richard Ward, police constable, was on duty in Hindley-street, and found the prisoner about one o'clock in the morning ; he had on the coat produced, which he said a soldier gave him in exchange for a silk handkerchief.
The Commissioner discharged the prisoner, but recommended him to be more careful in future, as; by the Mutiny Act, the mere possession of regimentals rendered him liable to a fine of twenty pounds.

Sydney Morning Herald
Friday 22 May 1846

REVIEW.-His Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir Maurice O'Connell, Commander of the Forces, reviewed the 11th Regiment in the Outer Domain on Wednesday morning. His Excellency was attended by the officers of his staff. A considerable number of spectators were assembled to witness the evolutions, the precision and accuracy of which elicited his Excellency's warm approval.

Sydney Morning Herald

 Monday 25 May 1846

The Eleventh Regiment.- His Excellency the Commander of the Forces, having completed the half-yearly inspection of this gallant corps, which was commenced in the Outer Domain, on Wednesday last, has expressed his approbation of the state of the troops which he had inspected in the following general order: - "Sydney, 21st May, 1846.-The Lieutenant-General Commanding, having completed the half-yearly inspection of the head-quarters of the 11th regiment, feels it due to Lieutenant-Colonel Bloomfield, the commanding officer, to express the great pleasure he derived from that inspection. The appearance of the regiment in the field, their steadiness, the masterly manner in which they moved, and the regularity of the firing, elicited the Lieutenant-General's entire approbation. His Excellency begs that Lieutenant-Colonel Bloomfield will accept and convey to the officers of the regiment, the high sense he entertains of their attention to all the duties of the regiment, by which it has attained such a state of perfection. He also begs to convey to the non-commissioned officers and men his general approbation, not only of their appearance, and performance in the field, but also of their general steady and regular conduct in quarters. The Lieutenant-General has pleasure in stating that he has not had a single complaint of the regiment since it came into quarters at Sydney. By command, &c (Signed) E. M. O'connell, Captain, Major of Brigade."

Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday 26 May 1846
DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.
THE QUEEN'S BIRTH DAY.
THE 24th of May, the anniversary of the birth of our Most Gracious Queen, falling on a Sunday, the ceremonies which attend its celebration were postponed until yesterday.
At the usual hour in the morning the Royal Standard was hoisted on the tower of Govern- ment House, and the Union Jack at Dawes's Battery, and the usual plans. Most of the ships in port were dressed with a great number of flags of almost every description, and the foreign Consuls hoisted their respective flags at their offices.
The troops in garrison, consisting of the head quarters and three hundred rank and file of the 11th Regiment,commanded by Colonel Bloom- field, and the head quarters, with one hundred and fifty of the 99th Regiment, commanded by Colonel Despard, marched to the outer Domain, and at the conclusion of the Royal salute, fired from Fort Phillip, gave the usual feu de joi, and after three cheers for the Queen, marched past His Excellency the Commander of the Forces in slow and quick time, and then returned to the Barracks. A guard of honour, consisting of fifty rank and file of the 11th Regiment, with the band and regimental colours of the 11th Regiment, commanded by Captain Jenner, proceeding to Government House, where they remained during the levee.

Morning Chronicle (Sydney)
Wednesday 27 May 1846
HER MAJESTY'S BIRTHDAY.-On Monday last, the citizens of Sydney were entertained with a variety of sports in the Barrack Square, under the distinguished patronage of Colonel Bloomfield, and the officers of the 11th regiment as fine a body of men as ever we have seen in this Colony. The sports, which commenced a little after three o'clock, consisted of soldiers racing in sacks, wheeling hand-barrows with their eyes blindfolded, climbing a greasy pole, throwing a fifty-six pound weight, a foot race, and other amusements. The Barrack Square, was literally thronged with spectators : and the greatest order and regularity prevailed, chiefly through the good management of the officers and soldiers, who manifested the greatest courtesy and politeness to all present. We think Colonel Bloomfield is deserving of great praise for the active part he took, in getting up such a list of sports.

South Australian (Adelaide)
Friday 29 May 1846
SEDUCTION.
The following verses were written on the occasion of the recent seduction of a beautiful girl by Capt. Cockburn, of the 11th Regiment, now quartered in Sydney, which appears to have caused considerable excitement throughout the colony. They were to have been inserted in the Spectator of Saturday week, and were forwarded to us by our Sydney correspondent. -ED. P. P. H.]

We cannot sufficiently execrate the wretch, who could wager on his success as a seducer; and as to those who accepted such a wager, we can look on them in no other light than as aiders, abetters, and participators in his crime.

April 1846

The ruining of local girls is the main topic of conversation.


Colonial Times (Hobart, Tas)
Friday 3 April 1846

TEMPERANCE AMONG THE MILITARY.-A party of about thirty of the 11th Regiment, who have recently attached themselves to tbo Total Abstinence Society, held a social tea-meeting at their temporary barracks. Old Wharf, on Wednesday evening last, to which Mesors. Jordan, Dickenson, and other friends of temperance, had been previously invited. A portion of the upper story had been partitioned off for the occasion ; and being most tastefully decorated with evergreens, &c. presented a very interesting appearance. A long table was most profusely stocked with excellent plum-cake, pastry, and every available kind of fruit in season, the whole reflecting the highest credit upon Serjeant Denneen and those employed in carrying out the arrangements. Tho convivialities ceased, as a matter of course, at nine o'clock, and all parties separated Highly delighted with the courtesy of their military friends. Communicated.

Launceston Examiner (Tas)

Wednesday 8 April 1846

MILITARY.-On Saturday afternoon ninety rank and file of the 11th regiment, with four officers, besides women and children, embarked on board the Brankenmoor, for Adelaide, which vessel will return with about an equal compliment of the 96th. They were accompanied to the wharf by the band of the 96th regiment and a large concourse of spectators.

Launceston Examiner (Tas) 

Thursday 9 April 1846

DEPARTURES
April 4 - Barque Brankenmoor, 402 tons, William Carr, master, for Adelaide ; Wm. Jackson & Co., agents. Passengers— A. W. Barnett, Robt. Wells, James Eaton, Mr. Waterhouse, Captain Webster, H.M. 11th Regiment, and Mrs. Webster and six children, Dr. Marshall, 11th regiment, Lieutenant Bewer, Ensign Howe, Thomas Almond, William Hale, James Long, Joseph Weller, Win. Abrams, Charles Howe, D. Jones, William Goodie, Joseph Banister, 90 rank and file 11th regiment.

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday 17 April 1846

A CASE of seduction has caused some little excitement in Sydney within the last few days. The victim is the daughter of a respektable tradesman, and the seducer is a Captain COCKBURN, of the 11th Regiment. The fact of a vain, silly girl, listening to the advances of a licentious puppy in a red coat is not of itself, perhaps, a fit subject for comment in a public journal; but there is a circumstance in this case which calls for public reprobation. The Military Barracks have been declared to be, in fact, a kind of Alsatia, in which officers may be guilty of any offences against morality, that may be gratifying to their individual tastes. The unfortunate girl -whose case we are referring to, was known to be in the Barracks from Sunday night until yesterday afternoon, and when Colonel BLOOMFIELD, as Commanding Officer of the 11th Regiment, was applied to, he declared that he could not and would not interfere; that Captain COCKBURN'S quarters were the same as the house of any private gen- tleman, and that he had no authority to inquire what was doing there. It has also transpired, that another girl (also a minor) has been conveyed to the Barracks, and it is generally understood, that the officers take women into their quarters whenever they please ; in fact, the Mili- tary Barrack is a brothel. What Colonel BLOOMFIELD stated may be correct, although we much doubt if it be so. If a private soldier were to take into the Barracks any woman not his wife, we have little doubt that authority to turn her out would be found lo exist somewhere, and it surely will not be contended that the officers have permission to be guilty, within the Barracks; of immoralities which the private soldiers are expressly prevented from committing. If, however, the officers are allowed to act in the manner suggested, we eau but feel deep commiseration for the respectable but unfortunate married officers who are compelled to reside in the Barracks, and who must feel the deepest annoy- ance and degradation at having to reside with their wives and families in such a polluted place, and for their sakes alone we hope the COMMANDER OF THE FORCES will take the subject into his immediate consideration, and do some- thing to remove the stigma under which all who reside in the Barracks at present suffer. Yesterday afternoon, an application was made to Sir MAURICE O'CONNELL, who at once ordered that the wretched girl should be removed from the Barracks, and in the evening her friends obtained possession of her. As for the seducer, he has taken good care to keep out of the way, and it is hoped that he will be removed from Sydney ; if he remains in the colony let every body shun him as they would any other nuisance ; no woman with the slightest pretension to character can recognise him or receive him as a visitor, without tacitly admitting that she does not disapprove of his conduct. For the credit of the gallant regiment which he disgraces by wearing its uniform, let us hope he will have sufficient grace to retire from the service. For the sake of the respectable married officers, let us hope that it will be officially declared that no one has a right to convert the barrack into a brothel, as ha« been done during the present week.

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday 18 April 1846

DEPARTURES.

April 17.-Louisa, brig, Captain Million, for Hobart Town. Passengers-Mr. John How, Mr. Bird, Mr. Jones, Mr. Middleton, Mr. Norman, Mr. J. Thompson, Mr. Hyam Moses, Mrs. Inglis, Master Kelsey, a subaltern and thirteen rank and file of 11th Regiment, forty-one male and one female prisoners.

Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW)

Saturday 18 April 1846

ON Thursday last the Town was placarded by hand bills, denouncing Capt. Cockburn, of Her Majesty's 11th Regiment of Foot, as a "SCOUNDREL and COWARD." The matter, we understand, originated in the alleged seduction of a young female, respectably connected, who, on Sunday -evening last, was induced to visit the quarters of' the abovenamed swain ; he being, by the way, out of his teens, and far removed- from that romantic period of life in which either sighs or lollypops would be supposed lo have a softening effect.

The lady however, enamoured, opposed the wishes of her friends to return, and after a scene which we are loath to chronicle she was restored vi et armis to her family. Then follows a hostile message from some male relative, to which this modern PARIS refuses to reply, his friend intimating that the rules of the service precluded the possibility of any officer taking part in a duel. We are aware of the recent regulations to which allusion is here  made; we are moreover opposed to that conventional law of honor which has for centuries exercised its destructive influence over society, and in too many instances carried its deadly decision home to the cost of those who have appealed to its arbitration ; but there are cases where, independent of every worldly sacrifice, the call should be responded to. Men who lay the withering hand of the spoiler, upon the hitherto untainted bosom of innocence and happiness, should be content to share the disgrace and desolation- :

The Herald of yesterday alludes in strong terms to the matter, as well as to the fact that the Military Barrack of Sydney is a brothel. Surely our cotemporary has not now for the first time opened his eyes to the fact. "The Military Barracks have been declared to be, in fact, a kind of Alsatia, in which officers may be guilty of any offences against morality, that may be gratifying to their individual tastes. The unfortunate girl whose case we are referring to, was known to be in the Barracks from Sunday night until yesterday afternoon, and when Colonel Bloomfield, as commanding officer of the 11th Regiment, was applied to, he declared that he could not and would not interfere; that Captain Cockburn's quarters were the same as the house of any private gentleman, and that he had no authority to inquire what was doing there. It has also transpired, that another girl (also a minor) has been conveyed to the Barracks, and it is generally understood, that the officers take women into their quarters whenever they please." It is not only understood, but it is positively known throughout the colony, that some of the lowest and most abandoned women of the town have lived for months together with the officers of various regiments in the said Barrack ; while so systematic is the course pursued and acknowledged in some branches of the service that upon the removal of a regiment to the scene of action (as in the case of the 80th) the seraglio is conducted on board with as much soldierlike precision and gravity as is the plate-chest of the Mess-room.

To the assertion that an officer's quarters should be esteemed as his private dwelling' we cannot concede, since the Commander in-Chief has in a recent general order declared "the mess dinner of the officers of a regiment cannot be deemed a private convivial meeting, considering the interest which has been manifested by the public authorities in promoting its comfort and respectability." The same reasons apply to officers quarters. Comfort and respectability has been here equally studied by the authorities, and that these departments of a Barrack are, or ought to be, equally under the surveillance and control of the Commanding Militaire, no reflecting person will deny.

In every department of the service rapid strides have been made within the last few years. The researches of scientific men advanced the art of gunnery to a perfection unknown in other countries ; military manoeuvres have been at the same time tendered more simple yet more effective ; the heroic valour and the almost superhuman energy of our soldiery in different quarters of the world has even augmented the widely scattered reputation of Great Britain's prowess ; but let gross immorality be courted or vice encouraged by those in command, and discipline, the grand safe-guard of our Anny, will speedily give way to licentiousness, ignominy, and defeat.

March 1846

In Sydney, the band plays, while in VDL the troops misbehave:


Colonial Times (Hobart)
Tuesday 3 March 1846
EMBARKATION OP TROOPS.-On Wednesday, a detachment of the 11th regiment, consisting, of forty-five men. with two officers, eight women,   mid seven children, embarked on board the brig Swan, for Melbourne, Port Phillip. The men were as usual, accompanied to the wharf by a part of the band.-Cornwall Chronicle. 


Morning Chronicle (Sydney)
Wednesday 11 March 1846
Shipping Intelligence
DEPARTURES
8-Governor Phillip, brig - Captain Handley, for Hobart Town. Passengers-Assistant Cosmmissary General Smith, Mrs. Hazard, Mrs. Moriarty, and a guard of the 11th regiment.

Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday 17 March 1846

THE NATIONAL HIBERNIAN FESTIVAL.

ST. PATRICK'S DINNER will take place THIS DAY, 17th instant, "St. Patrick's Day," in the "Odd Fellows Hall," Saracen's Head, King-street. The Right Worshipful the Major has kindly consented to preside on the occasion, when it is expected that all frieuds of Ireland will attend. The dinner will be under the superintendance of Mr. Thomas Murphy, of the Adelphi Hotel, York-Street.

TICKETS, 12s. 6d. EACH, TO BE HAD AT THE Adelphi Hotel.......

Dinner will be on the table at seven o'clock precisely.

With the kind permission of Colonel Bloomfield, the Band of the 11th Regiment will attend.

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW)
Wednesday 25 March 1846
Colonial News
Van Diemen's Land

Military.-A disturbance took place in Charles-street, on Tuesday evening, between some soldiers and civilians, which was speedily checked by the interference of the military from the barracks. Several of the 11th regiment having got out on "the spree," prior to their embarking for Port Phillip, on returning to their barracks were resolved not to forsake a comrade; and two soldiers who, very tipsy, attempted to carry another soldier, also in liquor, and as the most convenient way of accomplishing their purpose, took him by the legs and dragged him along the ground. A civilian interfered, and im- mediately received a blow from one of the soldiers, who had taken off his belt for that purpose. The civilian knocked down the soldier who had struck him, and a general fight would soon have commenced, had not the "picket" been observed making up Charles-street. The soldiers engaged in the affray ran in various directions, but the majority of them being tipsy were soon secured. A riot of a more serious nature than the above occurred last evening. It is supposed the same soldiers engaged in the affray of Tuesday were drinking at the " Golden Fleece," Wellington-street, about eight o'clock, and having sallied out first visited Mr. Rundel's, the blacksmith, who resides next door to the "Golden Fleece," where they committed most wanton and heartless damage : the soldiers first cut open the large bellows, then commenced breaking the tools, knocking down the anvils, and doing other damage of serious consequence to an industrious man who has a wife and large family to support. The soldiers having taken away from the blacksmith's shop a hammer and a large stick, marched down Wellington.street, shouting and huzzaing, until they came opposite the "London Eating-house," where they halted. A portion of them having entered the house, one of them, armed with the stick, commenced breaking the tumblers, glasses, plates, dishes, and other articles that stood on the counter ; while the soldier outside, with the hammer, totally demolished the window-frame, breaking twenty-six panes of glass. When this outrage was accomplished, the soldiers ran in contrary directions, the majority of whom reached their barracks undiscovered. The "picket" arrived at the scene of destruction after the damage was done, and the dispersion of the soldiery.-Launceston Examiner, Feb. 26

February 1846

 Lots of troop movements, particularly in the wake of the 11th's sudden move from VDL to Sydney in January to deal with a slightly mutinous 99th Regiment.

Colonial Times (Hobart)
Tuesday 3 February 1846
THE ARMY.

It is said that the Commander of the Forces has decided that the 11th Regiment shall proceed to Sydney, the 99th Regiment to New Zealand, and the 58th Regiment to Hobart Town. It was supposed to have been his Excellency's intention to have sent the 51st K.O.L.I. to New Zealand, where the services of such a highly disciplined corps would of course be much wanted, but the fact that the last detachments from the depot and the clothing have-been forwarded to India, shows that Sir Maurice O'Connell determined to adhere to the original arrangement. The 51st will probably embark in April, certainly in August.

Colonial Times (Hobart) 
Tuesday 3 February 1846 

Shipping Intelligence.  

PORT OF HOBART TOWN.

January 29. - Arrived the barque Mayda, May master, from London 29th August, and Norfolk Island, 11th January, with Government stores. Passengers - Dr. Kilroy, R.N., Lieut. Wilton and lady, and Ensign Roe, 50 rank and file of the 11th Regiment, with 6 women and 1 child.

The Observer (Hobart)
Tuesday 10 February 1846

MILITARY MOVEMENTS.-Detachments of the 11th regiment arrived at head quarters by the Governor Phillip from Port Arthur, and by the Mary from South Port, on Friday last. The last detachment of the 11th regiment arrived from England, via Norfolk Island, by the Maida; and it is expected that the remainder of the regiment, now at Hobart Town, will proceed shortly to join the head quarters of the regiment at Sydney.

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday 13 February 1846

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

FEBRUARY 12. - Samuel Boddington, barque, 670 tons, Captain Naylor, from Hobart Town the 3rd instant. Passengers-Captain Boyd, 11th Regiment ; Lieutenant Stewart, 41st Regiment; Mrs. and Miss Boyd, Rev. Mr. Hall, Rev. Mr. Keating, Mr. Hunter, Surgeon Superintendent Carmichael, twenty-three labourers, eleven rank and file 11th Regiment, six women, one boy, and three girls.

Launceston Examiner (Tas)

Wednesday 18 February 1846

PORT PHILIP

Military.-The Flying Fish from Hobart Town will bring fifty privates, two corporals, and two serjeants of the 11th regiment, to do duty here; and the detachment of the 99th here will be forwarded per Shamrock to Sydney, en route to New Zealand, to have an interview with Honi Heki.--IHerald.

Launceston Examiner (Tas)

Saturday 28 February 1846

DEPARTURES

February 26.-Brig Swan, 140 tons, Bell, master, for Melbourne; J. Raven, agent. Passengers-Mrs. Swanston and servant, Miss Swanston, Miss Gill, Mr. & Mrs. Raven, Mr. Jacomb, Mr. G. S. Airey, Mr. J. Ritchie, Mr. T. Ritchie, Mr. J. Thompson, Mr. Armitage, Mr. Sanctuary, Mr. A. Hull, Mr. Grant, Mr. Lloyd, Mrs. Lloyd, Captain Bloss, Lieutenant Crooks, and detach ment of 45 men, 8 women, and 7 children, 11th regiment, Mr. Varney, Mr. Leary, Mr. Stargess, Mr. Ronie, Mr. Lem6e, Allan Eridols, Amiel Victor, John Betts, William Bartlett, John Cooper.

Jan 1846 - The first full year in Australia

In an earlier post I put up the transcript of a member of the 11th sent from VDL to Sydney to deal with insubordination from the regiment stationed in Sydney. The first article here alludes to it, however the drama of that primary source is not reflected in these articles. A colonial cover-up perhaps? It is clear that the 99th, responsible for the insubordination, was punished by being sent to NZ. The story of Mr. Allott is particularly interesting - he joined the 11th Regiment before NSW was settled! While no-one serving in the 11th would be likely to have remembered Mr. Allott, they undoubtedly appreciated an old member of the regiment residing in Sydney.

Members of the 11th were serving in several places in VDL, Sydney and Norfolk Island.


Colonial Times (Hobart, Tas)
Friday 2 January 1846
THE 11TH REGIMENT.-The head-quarters and the majority of the men of this Regiment sailed for Sydney this morning in the Tasmania. The detachment marched down to the Wharf about six o'clock, preceded by the fine bands of the Regiment.

Launceston Examiner (Tas)
Saturday 3 January 1846
The Army.--The officer commanding the 65th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Senior, has received orders from Colonel Sir Thomas Willshire, K.C.B., Commandant of this garrison, to select 1 captain, 1 sergeant, 3 corporals, and 42 privates, as a convict guard, to embark at Woolwich, on board the convict-ship Samuel Boddington, on the 26th inst., for Van Diemen's Land. Sergeant Walker and Sergeant Harrison, with three privates of the 11th Foot, proceed with, the above as supernumeraries. The officer selected to proceed in command of the guard is Captain Richard O'Connell, 65th, with Paymaster Alexander Boyd, of the 11th Regiment. Six women proceed with the guard. The remaining part of the 11th Regiment.was attached yesterday to the provisional battalion. 
Military Bands.-The band of the 55th Regiment, at Winchester, has been reduced to 10 men during the last week, pursuant to an order from the Horse Guards. At a recent review at Portsmouth, the 8th Regiment, with their band, consisting of 45 men, besides boys, in passing before General Sir H. Pakenham, attracted his attention. He immediately communicated with the Horse Guards on the subject, when an order was issued to reduce the band to its proper strength of 14 private musicians, 1 sergeant, and 1 drummer, besides a boy to every 100 men. The reduction of the band of the 55th and other regiments of the line immediately followed.-Globe. 
Military Intelligence.--Chatham, September 3.- This morning, Wednesday, at 3 o'clock, a detachment of the 65th Regiment, consisting of 3 sergeants, 9 corporals, and 42 privates, with 2 privates of the 11th Regiment of Foot, marched from this garrison en route for Woolwich, there to embark as a convict guard on board the convict ship Pestonjee Bomanjee, 400 tons burthen, bound with convicts for Van Diemen's Land. Six women and six children proceed with them. The guard is under the command of Captain William Henry Thornton, of the 11th, with Lieutenant Thomas R. M'Coy, of the 65th, and on Wednesday next, the 10th inst., another convict guard will leave the head-quarters of the 65th to proceed en route for the same destination.

Sydney Morning Herald
Friday 9 January 1846
Shipping Intelligence
Arrivals
JANUARY 8.- Tasmania, barque, 503 tons, Captain Black, from Hobart Town the 30th December. Passengers-Lieutenant-Colonel Bloomfield, Captain A. Cockburn, Captain A F. Jenner, Lieutenant O. F. L. Ward, Lieutenant H. M. Bile, Ensign Goode, Ensign Cardiff, Ensign McLean, Adjutant L. A. Boyd, Quarter Master Grant and wife, Dr. Hadley, 300 rank and file of the 11th Regiment, 36 women, 18 boys, and 23 girls. 

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser
Wednesday 14 January 1846
The 11th Regiment.-The head quarters, with 300 troops of this regiment, were marched from the Circular Wharf, preceded by their band, to the Military Barracks, on Thursday evening. They are to relieve the 99th, who will, we understand, at once proceed to New Zealand.

Morning Chronicle (Sydney, NSW)
Saturday 17 January 1846
ADVERTISEMENT
Anniversary Dinner
THE DINNER to celebrate the 58th Anniversary of the Colony will take place at the City Theatre, Market-street, on Monday the 26th instant. The Chair will be taken by THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR. By the kind permission of Lieutenant-Colonel Bloomfield, the Band of the 11th Regiment will attend. 

Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday 27 January 1846

An OLD SOLDIER.-Upwards of seventy years ago, Mr. Joshua Allott, crier of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, joined the 11th Regiment in Gibralter, as a recruit, being then about fifteen years of age; he remained in it twenty-eight years, eighteen of which he passed as a sergeant, and was invalided at Chatham Barracks in 1800, when the Regiment was under orders to embark for Jamaica, he being at that time in a state of insensibility from the treatment he had received in a French prison, from which he had just been released. So strong is the old man's military recollections, that since the detachment of the 11th Regiment has arrived in Sydney, when making his way to the Supreme Court House, he walks every day through the Barrack Square, and states freely, "that there never was such a Regiment in New South Wales as the 11th."

NOTE: This interesting man reveals that there were more connections to the 11th than just the men arriving in the colony. Joshua Allott's death was registered in NSW in 1852, aged 93 (i.e. born about 1759: V1852572 110/1852     ALLOTT     JOSHUA     AGE 93 ). Joshua's parents weren't noted in his death registration, though the name appears to hail from Yorkshire. This would mean he joined the 11th Regt about 1775, then in 1800 when staying in England he apparently transferred/enlisted in the NSW Corps arriving in 1801. There are several articles referring to Joshua in the early Sydney Gazette issues, and he was discharged around 1810. The 1828 NSW census shows Joshua living in Kent St, with his wife Mary (aged 43 in 1828, arrived on the Admiral Gambier in 1808). According to the NSW BDM Johua married Mary Champion (or Hampton?) in 1817 at Parramatta, and she died in 1867 ( 896/1867     ALLOTT     MARY     AGE 83 YEARS     DIED SYDNEY ). An article in the SMH in 1846 relates that he retired from the Supreme Court after 21 years service (i.e. serving since 1825). Relating a story on weather, the SMH in 1844 referred to Mr. Allott for his memory of the weather, as the "oldest inhabitant").

Sydney Morning Herald
Friday 30 January 1846

The Fortescue; from Sydney, Arrived at the settlement (Noifolk Island) 4th January, 1846, found lying there the Waterlily, schooner, of Sydney, from Launceston, with a detachment of the 11th Regiment, on the 5th, fresh south-west gale, the vessels obliged to slip their cables and go under the lee of the island. Thursday the 8th the Waterlily sailed for New Zealand, with part of the 59th Regiment ; the same day the Mayda, Captain May, arrived from England with prisoners, she had lost her top-masts and foremast head on the 4th instant. 10th. The Fortescue returned to the settlement anchorage, and recovered her anchor. 11. The Mayda sailed for Hobart Town, with the guard. 28th. The Foitescue at 6 p.m., exchanged colours with the schooner Anita off Broken Bay.