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James George Semple, Botany Bay & New Zealand: the London…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
30-May-2017
Lot No.
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Description:
James George Semple, Botany Bay & New Zealand: the London Chronicle, January 28-31, April 8-11, July 27-29 & August 5-8, 1797: The first edition carries a short report about 'Major Semple' being sent to the hulks at Portsmouth in preperation for transportation. In 1784, Semple was arrested for obtaining goods by false pretences, and in Sept. 1786 was sentenced to 7 years' transportation. Released on condition of quitting England, he went to Paris, where he represents himself as serving on General Berruyer's staff, and as witnessing the execution of Louis XVI. Returning to England in time to avoid arrest, he was again, on 18 Feb. 1795, sentenced to transportation for defrauding tradesmen. Disappointed in his hopes of pardon, he stabbed himself in Newgate in 1796, and tried to starve himself to death. He recovered, and in 1798 was despatched in the Lady Jane Shore transport, bound for Australia. During the voyage a mutiny broke out, Semple's warning of the plot having been disregarded by the captain, Wilcox. Semple, with several others, was allowed to put off in a boat, landed in South America, and after many adventures, reached Tangier, where he surrendered, and was sent back to England. The later editions provide news from Botany Bay ('The settlement of Sydney prospers..', a notice about Commodore Philip, now at Gibraltar ('the Officer who laid the foundation of the settlement in New South Wales') and also some news from New Zealand ('It would appear that these people must be frequently at war with some of the neighbouring tribes, as it was not unusual for them to bring on board several heads of their enemies for sale.' (4 editions)
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified