- Julie kindly supplied this copy
- Many thanks to Julie for preserving another
chapter of History
-
All
spelling is as used by Pidcock The following is a
transcript of a narrative written by William Pidcock
- about Sydney in the 1840s
and about the mutiny by the 99th Regiment in 1845 over
the abolition of the daily grog allowance made to
soldiers on foreign posting. The mutiny, that lasted for
approximately four weeks, came to an end when the rebels
learnt of 400 troops brought from Hobart Town to quell
their insurrection, that were onboard the ship "
Tasmania" standing off Sydney Heads. The XI th .
Regiment was the North Devonshire Regiment of which
William was a member. The 99 th. Regiment were relieved
of duty in Sydney in late 1847, being ordered to Van
Dieman's Land to await joining by its outlying
detachments. As soon as another regiment arrived to
relieve them from duty the entire 99 th Regiment was
ordered to India instead of returning to England as
punishment, for their conduct.
- Transcript begins
In
compliance to a special request, of a visitor to
Australia, to write a short narrative of events brought
- under my notice and
observation in connection with my military career in
Australia during the interval of 1845 and 1857, I herein
submit the following viz. The old military quarters in
Sydney were known as the George' s Square Barracks,
covered an area now occupied by large and modern
buildings, pleasure ground, streets, and spaces,
including, Wynyard Square, portions of the western side
of George Street and eastern side of Clarence Street,
from Barrack Street to Margaret Street. The entrance gate
to said barracks were situated as Follows, viz.
- 1. The main gate, with
Guard-room. On the western side of George Street; At
junction of York and Barrack Streets.
- 2. At northern boundary
near to Petty' s Hotel and the Scot's Church; the latter
a very plain but substantial building erected many years
ago under the auspices of the Revd John Dunmore Lang D.,
a celebrated divine, and able politician, whose labours,
and self-denial for the benefit of his adopted country
are recorded, and will be remembered in connection with
the annals of the Australian Colonies, more especially
those of N. S. Wales . Amongst the various incidents of
Soldier life in Sydney were those which occurred in the
said barracks towards the end of the year 1845. viz: the
unfortunate demonstration of insubordination, and
mutinous conduct of the rank and file of the Head Quarter
Companies of the 99th Regiment there stationed, under the
command of Liue't Colonel Despard, and was madly intended
by the said soldiers, as a protest against the
discontinuance of the daily allowance of grog previously
supplied to troops on foreign service.
Those of
the 99 th . as before mentioned were so irritated and
rebellious as to forget their obligations to
- their Queen and country, by
refusing to obey the lawful commands of their Officers,
or to perform any further Garrison or Regimental duty. L't
Despard, as in duty bound reported the occurrence to L't
General Sir Maurice O'Connell, then commanding the troops
in the Australian colonies, and residing in Sydney. Who
there upon, and in view of remonstration with the men,
proceeded at once, accompanied by his staff Officers, to
the barracks, and endeavoured to dissuade the men from
continuing a course so unsoldierlike and disgraceful, \par
which if persisted in, would bring dishonour upon the
regiment and condign punishment upon themselves which in
part could be avoided by an immediate and peaceful return
to duty. His efforts however were of no avail; they
persisted in their demand for a restoration of what they
deemed, and termed, their rights. He then threatened,
that failing compliance, obedience must be enforced, and
that in case of absolute necessity, he would request
permission of His Excellency the Governor, to arm the
convicts at Cockatoo Island, and march them against the
mutineers, at which threat, the men became exasperated
and rushed thence into their barrack-rooms, took up their
arms & accoutrements and returned to the barrack
Square, assuming menace towards the General and his
officers, compelling them to leave the barracks; to their
deep humiliation and disgust, which was also very keenly
felt by the Colonel and Officers of the 99 th
"HM
Ship Havanna was at the time at anchor in the Sydney
harbour; the Commander of which, had, it
- appears been appealed to
for help, but declined to interfere in the matter. The
General in his dilemma then forwarded a dispatch r to Lt
Col; Bloomfield of the XI Reg' t who with the Head
Quarters of his Corps was stationed at Hobart Town. Van
Diemans Land (now Tasmania) having arrived there from
England on 14th Dec1845, directing him to proceed, with
as many of his officers and men as could be spared, to
Sydney without delay for the purpose of disarming the
mutineers of the Head Quarters of the 99 th Reg t
Accordingly the barque "Tasmania" under command
of Capt Black, then anchored in Hobart Town Harbour, was
at once chartered, and the H / Quarter Companies
consisting of officers and 400 rank and file, embarked
therein for Sydney.
The Colonel
and his Officers, very judiciously kept the men
in ignorance of the object of the General' s
- command until the third day
at sea, when he assembled his men on deck, and in a very
feeling manner informed them of the painful duty they
were called upon to perform, which under the ci
rcumstances, was most repugnant to the feelings of a true
British soldier. He kindly, and in a fatherly manner,
exhorted them to be calm, obedient, and trustful, and to
exhibit their usual characteristics of true loyalty and
soldierly conduct. He hoped that the object to be gained
would be accomplished without bloodshed. To which address
the men gave a hearty response, assuring the Colonel that
they would stand by him and his officers in any emergency.
They were now in sight of Sydney Heads, but shortly afterwards, a very strong head-wind set in, and grew in
strength until it assumed the character of a gale and
kept the vessel tacking about in open sea during seven
additional days, thus lengthening the time of \par the
voyage to ten days. The ship " Havanna ",
before alluded to, had in the mean time sailed from
Sydney, and during the gale, hove in sight of the "
Tasmania" , which latter vessel then signaled to the
former, for information or assistance, but without effect,
thereby causing general surprise under the circumstances.
The 99 th .
Having by some means been informed of the determined
attitude of the General, and of a vessel
- conveying troops, having
been sighted some distance outside of the Heads, deemed
it desirable, as a matter of expediency to submit t o
authority, and offered to return to duty, and orderly
conduct. The proposal thus offered through and urged by
Col. Despard, was graciously conceded to by the General,
who notwithstanding his leniency deemed it his duty at
once to forward a report of the circumstances to the
Secretary at War in London, and to wait Her Majesty' s
pleasure. The H Quarter of the XI th . arrived in Sydney
harbour on 8 th January 1846, and landed with all speed
by means of lighters at the wharf known as the
Commissariat Wharf, where they formed into a line, and
marched four deep, with fixed bayonets, along George
Street; the band playing "Paddy will you now to the
barracks main gate". The Colonel then finding the
said gate closed, demanded, in a very authorative manner,
the gate be opened wide: The command was at once
responded to by a sentinal of the 99th presented arms,
and called , Guard turn out. The sentinals call was at
once obeyed by the guard 99th. then on duty who presented
arms to Col Bloomfield, his officers and soldiers as they
marched past the guard into the Barrack Square amidst the
cheers of Officers and men, together with the women and
children of the 99 th who together with as many of
citizens as could possibly gain admission into the
barrack grounds who g ave the XIth. a most hearty welcome.
Thus ended,
to the gratification of all concerned, what might
reasonably have been expected from
- preceeding circumstances, a
calamtous and ignominious mutiny, but was providentially
frustrated. The stain however on t he character of
those who caused and took part in the dishonorable, and
mutinous transaction still remains on record against an
otherwise brave and noble regiment, and will probably so
re main when generations, yet unborn, shall have passed
away. The principal building of Sydney at the
period above referred to were comparatively few an in
point of style and architecture, of a primitive character,
and totally insignificant (with few exceptions) in
relationship to the numerous, and stately structures, \par
which now adorn this fair city and suburbs. I may here
mention a few of the old buildings, at the period above
mentioned: Nearly opposite to the barrack main gate,
stood a cottage with green palisade in front; this was
then known as the Bank of N. S. Wales .
A little
further south was the old General--Post Office, of
limited space and dimensions, this is now replaced
- by a very large and massive
building, extending from George' St . to Pitt Street and
fronting a new and very wide street, running from George
Street to Pitt, and Castlereagh Streets. Further south,
and on the western side of George Street from Market
Street to Druitt Street, stood the old market, and the
Police Court building, the whole of which space is now
occupied by a most magnificent ornamental and very costly
building named the Queen Victoria Market. Still further
south, between Druitt and Bathurst Streets, the site of
the old C -of-England burial ground, have been erected
two most noble buildings viz:
- 1 St Andrew's Cathedral
close to Bathurst Street and fronting George Street.
- 2 The Sydney Town Hall, a
magnificent, extensive and ornamental edifice; the public
hall which is capable of seating at the least 4,000
people, with ease and comfort. In the western gallery to
its full extent has been erected one of the most costly
and the largest pipe organs in the world. An experienced
organist is employed by the City Council to manipulate
said organ for the pleasure and benefit of the citizens
and visitors. On Church Hill opposite to Perry' s Hotel
stands t he old and very plain structure, the Scott's
Church as before alluded to At a short distance from the
Scott's Church stood the venerable pile, St Phillip's old
Church, with this round tower, where the Ven Archdeacon
of Cumberland, Rev Cowper, during the greater part of
his long life, in the most zealous, and affectionate
manner, appealed to the hearts of his many hearers, and
parishioners; his labours were successful and highly
appreciated. The old church has been pulled down, and a
new and modern structure erected at a little distance
westward of the old site to a few yards distant from St
Phillip's old Church, is a very neat and modern structure,
St Patrick's, Roman Catholic Church in the basement of
which is the St Patrick's Hall, where the well known, and
welcome voice of that very earnest, and faithful apostle
of temperance,
The Very
Reverand Dean McEncroe, was heard appealing to the crowds,
who weekly assembled there to
- consecrate their service to
the cause of temperance, and use their endeavours to s
tem the torrents of iniquity and crime resulting from the
indulgence of intoxication. He being dead, yet speaketh
by the zeal and energy of those, who through his
instrumentality were plucked as brands from the burning.
To each of the churches on Church Hill the soldiers
quartered in the old barracks, (when off duty) were
marched, according to their respective creeds, and headed
by their Regimental Bands, every Sunday in the forenoon.
St James' (English) Church the spire of which was once a
well known land mark, is situated near to the head of
King Street, and figures highly in Colonial history,
being one of the oldest churches in Sydney. A short
distance eastward of (St James's English) Church the
spire of which was once a well known land mark, is
situated near to the head of King Street, and figures
highly in Colonial history, being one of the oldest
churches in Sydney. A short distance eastwards of St
James's, was situated the Roman Catholic pro-cathedral, a
wooden structure for some time and during the erection of
a massive and noble stone structure, large, extensive and
attractive, also an ornament to the City.
Vast
numbers of worshipers are congregated to herein at every
sacred service and ceremony. The
- Wesleyan Church in York
Street then, (in 1846) was considered to be an excellent
building, has of late years given place to a larger and
more modern structure including spacious Hall & camp;
Church, adapted for classes, instruction, & camp; and
for Divine Service. \par The Head Quarters of the XIth.
Regiment spent a happy period of one year in the old
barracks, performing, in turn with the 99th Garrison and
Regimental duties, in such a manner as to secure the
entire confidence of the Military Authorities, and by
good conduct and deportment, the highest respect of the
citizens, together with the good will of the 99th I may
here mention as an episode, that prior to the arrival of
the Xith in Sydney the citizens, subject to an order
given by Lt Col Despard, were prohibited, when entering
the barracks, from walking on any part of the grass-covered
area. By such disallowance they had it appears, a long
experience of disappointment and annoyance.
Lt Colonel
Bloomfield who ever issued a regimental order, that on no
portion of the ground fronting the
- quarters of the XIth were
the citizens to be prevented walking on the grass,
especially during the time the Bands of either regiment
was playing in the Rotundra, which was situated on the
parade ground directly in front of the quarters occupied
by the Xith Such liberty being the undoubted right of the
respectable citizens and visitors. As a recognition of
the good conduct of his soldiers Lt Col. Bloomfield and
his officers gave a sumptuous dinner to them, their wives,
and children, and to their friends, and at the conclusion
thereof, an entertainment consisting of old English
sports, games, and other amusements, which the men of the
XIth then off duty were invited to share. The invitation
was gratefully accepted, and tended to cement the good
will of all to each other. I may add that the barrack
grounds were thrown open to the public without
distinction during the entertainment, and Lt Col. Despard
cancelled hid Regimental orders which prevented the
citizens from walking on the grass.
- On the 6th January 1847,
the Head Quarter Companies of the XI th. were under
orders to embark for Van Dieman' s Land, in the ship
"Java" for Launceston, which immediately took
place, and after 3 days sail, they arrived safely at
their destination, and there remained until August 1848.
When they received orders to sail again for Sydney.
Previous to their departure the residents of Launceston
publicly expressed their regret, at the removal of such
well conducted soldiers, who, during their stay had won
the respect and esteem of the people. From good authority,
it appears, that many of the people of Sydney petitioned
General Wynyard the then Commander of the troops in
Australia, for the return of Head Quarters of the Xith .
to Sydney and to occupy the new Victoria Barracks,
suggesting that the remaining companies of the Regiment,
then stationed at penal settlements in various parts of V/D
Land, and in Norfolk Island should rejoin the H/Quarters
after being relieved by detachments from other regiments.
The General'
s consent subject to the approval of His Excellency the
Governor was at once conceded to.
- pleasant sail of three days
the Head Quarter Companies \par landed in Sydney when Lt
Col. Bloomfield, After a with the Officers and Soldiers,
proudly march to their new quarters as the first regiment
in H. M Service that occupied the Victoria Barracks,
being highly welcomed by the citizens of Sydney. The 99
th Reg/t. in the mean time was under orders for V/D Land,
and sailed there unto, subsequently joined by its
outlying detachments. After a shot period a regiment
having arrived in that colony from England, the 99 th .
were thereby relieved; having received orders from the
military authorities in London to embark for India
instead of England, where they had fully hoped to return.
Such however was the out come of the rash and mutinous
conduct of the Head Quarters rank and file of that
regiment to share the punishment inflicted for the grave
offence of those who took part in the fracas
During the
occupation of the Victoria Barracks by the Xith Regiment,
there occurred one of the most
- important events that ever
took place in the history of N. S. Wales viz:- the
discovery of gold, and the very successful labour s of
thousands of people who obtained much of the rich ore.
The very able and effectual manner in which Lt Col.
Bloomfield kept his men together, under the prevailing
and intense excitement, and the very tempting inducements
held out, was indeed most remarkable and praiseworthy.
One of the secrets of his success lay in his very able,
and humane administration. He gave to the soldiers every
possible indulgence (compatible with reason and the
requirements of duty) by permitting them to work at such
trades , or callings, as they were capable of performing,
in, or out of barracks (when off duty) thus enabling them
to earn money for themselves, and encouraging them to
place all or any portion of such earnings as they could
afford into the regimental Savings Bank, which had been
established for the Soldier' s future benefit. He placed
implicit confidence in all under his command. His
consideration for them was like unto that of a good
father, and was duly reciprocated by their loyal
adherence to and confidence in their Colonel.
The
sobriety and general good conduct of the men was most
remarkable. He frequently expressed himself
- as proud of his Regiment;
and thus gained a popularity of which very few of the
Commanding Officers in Her Majestys Service have
maintained amongst those under their command at such a
trying time under similar circumstances. There are and
have been many noble Officers in Her Majesty' s Service,
of various ranks, who have distinguished themselves by
bravery exemplary, and moral conduct, and have exercised
an influence for good over those under their command or
control, but who probably could never have so long
endured un wearily and successfully carried out, during a
long period of trial and anxiety the temptations and
influence which surrounded his Soldiers, as did Col
Bloomfield. His memory therefore is stamped upon the
hearts of those faithful men whose affection for their
Commander, will remain unshaken while life shall last,
and deeply impressed upon the minds of their offspring
and friends, to whom these facts have been revealed
In
September 1857 the Xith . were under orders to embark for
England. Many of the Soldiers being
- desirous of remaining in
the Colonies where they had formed strong attachments,
were permitted so to do. Colonel Bloomfield after arrival
in England with his regiment was, for his good and able
administration, rewarded, by promotion to the rank of
Major General the last page of the narrative is missing.
The finish of this paragraph and the completion of the
narrative is taken from the rough draft of the narrative
written by William Pidcock and is as follows and
subsequently to that of L t General & appointment as
Aid-de-Camp to Her Majesty the Queen. Many of his
officers, Non Commissioned Officers and private Soldiers
also received suitable promotion
- June 25 th 1894
- Transcript ends signature and date completed,
the document transcribed by Julie McCrea. August 2000