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JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE.
Some Unpublished Letters.
(By J. S. Battye).
There have recently come into the
possession of the Public Library Trustees
some letters written by Captain Roe, the
first Surveyor-General of the colony. These
throw some interesting sidelights upon
the arrangements for the establishment of
the colony, and upon the character of
one at least of the principal officials
concerned in the matter. They were written
by Roe to his father between November,
1828, and February, 1829, and the freedom
of their expression is probably due to
the confidence that the writer had in the
one to whom they were addressed.
John Septimus Roe, the son of the
Rev. James Roe, the rector of Newbury,
Berkshire, was born in 1797, and became
a midshipman on the Rippon,
commanded by Captain Sir Christopher Cole,
in 1813. The Rippon was at that time
attached to the Channel fleet, and later
in the year young Roe saw active service
at the capture of the French frigate Le
Weser. Between 1814 and 1817 he served
in the Horatio on the Newfoundland,
Home, and East India stations, and from
that time until 1823 was employed under
Captain Philip Parker King on surveying
service along the north-western coast of
Australia, and in New South Wales.
During this period, in 1822, he was promoted
to be a lieutenant, and in 1824 was
transferred to H.M.S. Tamar. Whilst on
that ship he assisted in establishing a new
colony on Melville Island, off the present
port of Darwin. He afterwards proceeded
to India and took part in the closing
operations of the Burmese War. When it
was decided to form a colony at Swan
River at the end of 1828, he was appointed
Surveyor-General, and from that time
until his death in May, 1878, spent all his
time in Western Australia, with the exception
of two short visits, to South Australia
in 1855, and to England in 1860. He retired
from active service in 1869, and was grant-
ed the full pay of his rank as a pension, at
the same time he was promoted to the
position of retired commander in the
Royal Navy.
Exploratory Work.
The position of Surveyor-General at the
establishment of the colony was perhaps
the most onerous in the Government.
Land, it will be remembered, was alienated
on the land grant system, and in the
case of many of the new settlers, huge
areas had to be provided for allotment
to claimants. This involved a considerable
amount of exploratory work, in the stress
of which opportunity had to be found for
the selection and laying out of new town
sites that were reserved as settlement
extended. In all this work Roe proved
himself a capable administrator. When the
work that he had to do, and the small
staff that he had to assist him are considered,
the accuracy of his results stand
to his lasting credit. Added to that he
impressed upon all with whom he came into
contact the high traditions and unswerving
honesty of service of the Imperial Civil
Service. He never used the opportunities
of his position unduly to his own advantage,
or to the advantage of any of his
family or connections, and his courtesy
and readiness to assist earned for him
the goodwill of the whole community.
His adventures as an explorer were not
numerous, but they were so admirably
carried out that they gained for him the
title of "the father of Australian exploration."
Of all those who composed the first
band of officials in the colony it is not too
much to say that he stood out a fine
example of the great British type which
has done so much to redeem the waste
places of the earth.
The extracts from the letters under
review show that his services might easily
have been lost, to the great disadvantage
of the State.
Writing from London on November 10,
1820, at the time when the question of
establishing a colony was still in the
balance, he said: —
I wish it was in my power to give you some
further information about the prospect of my
speedy departure, but as far as matters have
transpired, the same indecision exists as when I
last wrote, though the note of preparation in
carrying the meditated scheme into effect
appears to be proceeding with as much alacrity as
before. The Ariadne, a ship somewhat larger
than the Tamar, which is fitting out at Plymouth,
is by everyone considered as the vessel
appointed for Captain Stirling to command,
though nothing is known of it officially, nor
has he made the communication to me that he
promised in the event of his having anything
conclusive as to the intentions of the
Government.
The sooner they come to some determination
on the subject the better and the more gratifying
it will be to me as I sadly fear being appointed
to the Ariadne as I was to the Tamar, and
being thus taken from what may and must do
me some good for the purpose of following the
same routine of unpleasant and unproductive
work, as that which satiated me in the Tamar.
I must, however, not anticipate evil, and shall
very soon make a move to serve my own ends
independant (sic) of the views which may be
entertained by Captain S—— , who seems to
be manoeuvring exclusively for his own benefit.
The wish that he expressed about my not
making any official or other application in the
business before he could say what were actually
the intentions of the Government, while it places
me in rather an unpleasant predicament in the
case of being eventually placed under his command,
nevertheless, induces me to suppose he
wishes to have all his own way, to get some of
his own immediate friends into situations he
intends to recommend the Colonial Government
to adopt, and then to leave me the optional
choice of all the inferior gleanings which may
not be worthy of his own considerations. This
supposition appears illiberal as it may seem, to
be justified by the conduct he has displayed
hitherto, which still makes me exceedingly tena-
cious (sic) of seeking any employment what-
ever under him, and will induce me to try all
I can to avoid being included among the number
of officers actually attached to the ship he may
be appointed to command. As all the above
is mere speculation, and may end in smoke,
it is useless to dilate upon it; but I must say
I do not like the man.
On Saturday a ship for New South Wales went
out of the London docks, and was to sail immediately.
Great hurry and haste were made in the
hydrographical office in consequence of an urgent
order from the Board below to make a copy of
the chart of Swan River with all expedition. The
document was finished by two persons working
at each end of it, in about an hour and a half,
and instantly sent off to meet the ship at Gravesend,
but what the meaning of such haste is, we
are left at our leisure to guess. The most probable
conclusion is that the French, who are
known to have long had an eye on that part of
the country, may have some idea of anticipating
our government in the settlement of the
Swan River, and that in consequence of it formal
possession is to be immediately taken by the
man-of-war which may be at Port Jackson, or
by one of the colonial vessels.
Since writing the above I have ascertained that
the conclusion about taking possession is correct,
and that the chart was for the Governor at New
South Wales, who was to send immediately and
take formal possession of that part of the
country south of latitude 25 degrees. This must
go no farther than ourselves, and Captain Parry,
my informant, adds that the affair of Swan River
is yet too green to admit of my making any
application with a prospect of success — for that
(a) is badgering (b) and (b) badgering (c) from
the Colonial Secretary downward, all parties wishing
to have the colony established, but no one
liking to incur the responsibility. The Admiralty
demurs about allowing a man-of-war for the
service, and wish to put Captain Stirling off
with a transport which will serve as a depot,
magazine and hospital. This measure of taking
possession, it is thought will admit of Stirling's
departure of being deferred till the plan can be
properly digested.
Roe received his appointment as Surveyor-
General on December 5, 1828,
as we learn from the following letter which
was written on Monday, December 8: —
Late on Saturday evening I had the pleasure
of receiving my appointment from the Colonial
Office, dated on the preceding day, as also
permission from the Admiralty to hold it, and
accompanied by two years' leave of absence. The
Colonial appointment I had almost given up hope
of receiving till after January 1, in consequence
of Mr. Twiss having taken his departure for
Paris on a trip of one month, and was therefore,
agreeably surprised by its arrival, for Captain
Parry had, with his usual kindness, arranged
that I should take a note from him this morning
to a particular friend of his in the Colonial
Office (Mr. Barnard) for the purpose of endeavouring
to see what could be done without Mr. Twiss.
The period of our sailing is yet uncertain, though
everyone concerned with it still talks of the
early part of January.
Horace Twiss was at that time Parliamentary
Under-Secretary of State for the
Colonies. The Captain Parry that Roe
referred to was Sir William Edward Parry,
the Arctic explorer, whilst Mr. Barnard
was the officer in the Colonial Office who
dealt with all questions of supplies to
the colonies.
This uncertainty about the date of sailing
still remained at the end of the year,
according to the letter of December 30,
which also throws some further light on
Roe's estimate of Stirling's character.
Respecting the movements of our expedition,
nothing decisive is yet known, and Captain
Stirling is out of town. He was expected
yesterday and I called several times to see him,
but without success. The Parmelia, a ship of
about 450 tons, was taken up by the Colonial
Office on Saturday for the conveyance to the
Swan River of the stores provisions, and officers
of the Colony. I understand Captain S———
applied for £800 or £1,000 to enable him to
convey himself and retinue including all the
officers of the establishment, etc., but they
considered the sum so great that they have taken
up the Parmelia for £2,200 to perform the
voyage, and have allowed our passages in her.
It is quite uncertain when she will sail, but is
now ready as far as her own equipment is
concerned, and the majority of voices speak of
January 16 as the most likely time. Orders have
been sent down to Chatham for the Sulphur to
be off by New Year's Day, but she is said not
to be in a sufficient state of forwardness for that
purpose and it is considered probable the Parmelia
and Sulphur will go out together. I shall
however, hope to see 'the Governor' to-day and
to learn from him full particulars as to what
we are to expect. They refuse to allow him
passage money for his wife and it has been by
dint of perseverance and interest that Captain
Dance, of the Sulphur, has been able to take
his wife out. Therefore I fear the worst, but
hope for the best.
On December 31 he wrote: —
I have just quitted the managing man at
the Colonial Office, who has given the worst
news almost that could have been communicated.
It is to the effect that the "Parmelia," on board
of which we are all to take our passage, will
sail about the 7th or 10th of January, and
that we have no time to lose in embarking our
baggage and selves. In the present state of
affairs in respect to dearest Matilda, you must
see in what a dilemma I am placed, and will
no doubt attend to my earnest request in
endeavouring to ascertain whether or not the fifteen
days' objection cannot in some way be overcome.
If not I am completely floored. I have also
ascertained that the Colonial Office intends to
take all fees of office instead of allowing them
to the officers filling the situations. This is a
recent regulation which has taken effect since
I left Sydney, and leaves me with less than half
the pecuniary advantages which I anticipated on
accepting the appointment. I had a very long
conversation about it yesterday evening at the
Colonial Office and find them immovable . . . . .
Yesterday produced a fund of ill news, for
at the same interview with Mr. Short who
manages all these affairs by reference to Mr.
Hay, the other under secretary, during Mr.
Twiss's absence, I was given to understand that
our salaries would not commence till the time
of landing at Swan River. I could not help
demonstrating warmly against so downright
shabby a proceeding, and particularly as it was
accompanied by a breach of promise that we
should be allowed an advance on our salaries
previous to sailing, in order to enable us to fit
out. Mr. Short has, in consequence, brought
the affair before Sir George Murray, who has
ordered us to be placed on half salary from
the date of embarkation, and to continue so
till we land, when it becomes full. He has
also attended to the promise which I told him
Mr. Twiss had made me of procuring an
advance. . . . . . .
We are all to sail in the Parmelia where
accommodation will be provided for us, our
wives and families, and a free mess till we
arrive. This is the handsomest part of their
conduct, which, in every other respect, has
certainly been extremely shabby, but you had
better not mention it out-of-doors, or it may
return to me in some unpleasant shape.
Sir George Murray was Secretary of
State for War and the Colonies, and Robert
William Hay was the Permanent
Under-Secretary, dealing with colonial
affairs.
The party embarked on the Parmelia
on January 3, 1829, and in a letter
commenced upon that date, but not finished
until two days later, Roe said: —
The Parmelia is at last anchored at Spithead,
where we hope to join her in about an hour. She
had a most tedious voyage from the Downs where
she was left by the Government Steamboat on
Wednesday last, and to crown all had the
misfortune to ground upon a shoal while passing
through the Needles Passage yesterday afternoon,
which prevented her arriving at the anchorage
she now occupies so early as we had anticipated.
The wind being now fair for our proceeding
westward, the "authorities" have expressed their
intention of sailing in course of the day, and
I have just completed some arrangements with
Mr. Brown, the Secretary (Mr. Peter Brown,
the Colonial Secretary) for our taking a boat
between us to embark without any further
delay. . . . . . .
The Parmella does not seem to have suffered
at all by touching the ground, and got off
with the evening's flowing tide, but she is
represented to be in a sad state of confusion with
the additional baggage, sea-stock, etc., which
has been taken on board since her arrival, and
which has not yet been stowed away. This
makes it desirable that we should get on board
as early as possible in order to effect every
profitable arrangement for the comfort of the
female community before the ship puts to sea.
The Sulphur, having been several days in readiness
at Plymouth, an arrangement has been entered
into for her coming out as soon as we
make our appearance off the port. It Is therefore
more than probable that the Parmelia will
not anchor at all, and that we shall consequently
not have the opportunity of going on shore. . . . .
Continuing this letter on January 5, he
wrote: —
We are not yet off, the wind having changed
round from the westward before we were ready
to sail. As it has again shown an inclination
to come round from the north preparations are
now (ready) to lift the anchor, and make a
trial, to get down Channel. . . . It is early as yet
to say what we think of all around us, but in
the secretary, Mr. Brown, and his wife, I anticipate
a great acquisition, as also in a few others,
but time will develop all characters and does
not permit me as yet to say anything decisive.
Our mess is the most economical that could be
formed, and I hope it will improve.
The last letter of this series was written
from the Parmelia , off Portland on
February 6, 1829, so that it could be
despatched from Plymouth, where the boat
was expected to arrive the following day.
Roe and the other officers all hoped to
have had the opportunity of going ashore,
but Captain Stirling, who has the guidance of
the Parmelia's movements, having said we shall
only wait outside the port for the Sulphur to come
out, I suppose there is no chance of our letting
go the anchor unless some untoward or other
event shall tender it necessary to do so. We
sailed from Spithead about 4 o'clock yesterday
afternoon with the wind just fair and the
weather very fine; but the former has since shifted
from N.N.E. to N.W., somewhat against us,
though the water is very smooth and the ship
too steady to produce anything like serious in
convenience to any but bilious subjects. . . .
Our mess and accommodation improve as we
advance, and under the management of our Captain
(Luscombe), who is a very superior man in
his station, promises to be very comfortable.
Most of the ladies have been, and still continue
unwell, from the effects of Neptune's want of
civility and respect of persons, though in a few
days all will probably be well. We are, as you
may suppose, very much crowded and cramped
in our room for stowage, and have not a single
inch to spare. Indeed when the fresh passengers
and their voluminous baggage were pouring on
board at Spithead, the scene almost defied any
thing like description, and it was as much as
each individual could do to get to his cabin,
but the arrangements, that have since been made
and the quantity of things which have been put
below to fill up every little hole and corner, have
made matters considerably better. Our cabin is
now decidedly the most comfortable and clean
on board. . . . .
We have not yet seen Mrs. Stirling, who is
suffering from the motion of the ship, but must
contrive shortly to have a regular introduction
to her. Mrs. Captain Currie, Mrs. Secretary
Brown, and Mrs. Commissary Morgan are very
pleasant women, and so may also be Mrs. Sutherland.
the wife of my assistant, but she is very
retiring in her manners, and has not yet spoken
a dozen words. Mr. Drummond, the agriculturist,
is the only other married man amongst us,
and has six or seven children from eighteen to
six years of age. His wife feels rather out of
her element, and will, I hope improve, as she
seems disposed to be rather touchy. I have,
however, almost forgotten to mention Mrs. Daley,
wife of the assistant surgeon, 68rd, she is a
good motherly woman, with six children under
eight years of age, and is said to be an accomplished
as well as prolific wife. Mr. Drummond
has a daughter on board 15 years of age, a son
18, and another about 14. All the others to
the number of thirteen, are small fry. You
have now a pretty correct list of our numbers
and general descriptions with the exception of
Captain Stirling's establishment, which consists
of two or three relatives and followers, one
little son about 3 years, and another on the
stocks. Dr. Simmons, the Colonial Surgeon,
is the only bachelor among the officials, and
although appearing rather strange from speaking
broad Yorkshire, may, nevertheless prove a clever
man. We took on board some artificers at
Portsmouth and more are to follow about this
time on the Calista, a private ship taken up by
passengers for the new settlement. A report
says there will be about 7,000 persons at
Swan River in the course of the first year, which
will give plenty of work to the surveyors, and,
I hope will also, in some way or other, bring
grist to their mill. It seems the Chaplain, whose
name no one remembers, has obtained permission
from the Colonial Office to remain three or
four months in England, at the expiration of
which period I hope he will make his appearance
amongst us, as it certainly appears rather heathenish
to go out on such an expedition without
one. An engineer to superintend the public
works was also spoken of, but for some reason
or other is minus.
The chaplain, whose name no one
remembered, was the Rev. John Burdett
Wittenoom. and the engineer spoken of
was Henry W. Reverley, a friend of Byron
and Shelley. Both these officers arrived
about the end of 1829.
The series of letters stops at this point,
which is very much to be regretted, as
it would have been interesting to know
whether Roe modified his opinions
concerning some of his fellow officials as he
became better acquainted with them.
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