Agreement Between William Bligh and William Paterson: The Times Report

This report on the agreement between William Bligh and William Paterson appeared in The Times on December 22, 1809. In 1806, Captain William Bligh had replaced Captain Philip G. King as governor of New South Wales. However, Bligh’s harsh rule alienated many in the colony, and on January 26, 1808, he was deposed by Major George Johnston, who was acting on behalf of officers of the New South Wales Corps (known as the Rum Corps for their successful monopolizing of the colony’s rum). In the so-called Rum Rebellion, Johnston arrested and imprisoned Bligh, and took over as governor. A year into his imprisonment, Bligh agreed with the new incoming governor, Colonel William Paterson, to return to England under arrest. At the subsequent inquiry, Bligh was exonerated, and the mutineers found guilty. In January 1810, Paterson was replaced by Lachlan Macquarie, who soon proved to be one of the most progressive early governors of the colony. Original spellings have been retained.