18 June 1802 8 N. S. Wales

Turning to Captain Collins' journal, I see traces of a variety of laws that at different times have been markd by the Governor: by the Governor alone, as it should seem, since on these occasions nobody else is ever mentioned. Expedient, all of these laws were — be it so. I make no question

of it: the question would be nothing to the purpose. Illegal

not all of them in toto: but at any rate many

of them either in toto or in part. Legal, in so far

as the Governor being steward of the public property under

authority of the crown — acted in that character, and the

by any regulation of his took upon himself to dispose of

this or that or T other article. or set of articles. Legal in so far as the Governor — being under the act, or representing

the master of these bondsmen, took upon him by any regulations of his, the disposal of their conduct or their time: supposing always that the powers created by a former act in this behalf were

competent to the purpose of conveying such authority to

the Governor, and properly pursued.

But over the either the persons or

in property of any

individual other than the Bondsmen during bondage — over either person or property of any such individual —

officer of the crown — subordinate agent

free settler — even quondam Bondsman, where once

emancipated, where was — where is the authority of the Governor? I mean for the purpose of issuing any

orders call them by any name — orders, directions. regulations

— laws —

no matter for the name so they have

were meant

to have binding power — I say there is no such binding power

in the hands of the Governor, or in any other hands. Those

who