It was dark: myself took the light in the council room.
Father P. Smyth and Mr. George Black were present; both looking serious
and anxious.
All of us were much concerned, and felt the responsibility of our position.
By this time the diggers from all parts had swelled to the number of
eight hundred. They were not clamorous, they wanted to know what
was determined on by the leaders.
Proposed by Black, seconded by Manning...That a deputation from
the armed diggers, should be forthwith sent to the Camp--
1. To demand--that was our temper in those days--the immediate release
of those diggers who had been dragged to the lock-up in the morning hunt,
for want of the licence.
2. To demand from Commissioner Rede a pledge not to come out any more
for licence-hunting.
Two of us were to form the deputation, and proceed at once.
Father Smyth proposed Mr. Black, Lalor proposed Signor Raffaello:
agreed to unanimously. This news, being made public to the diggers,
was well received by all; and the council kept sitting until our return.
The deputation was accompanied by Father Smyth. It was a starry night,
and rather cold; the moon shone in all its southern splendour.
On approaching the main road, the noisy band of Row's Circus, and the colonial
cursing and shouting from inveterate grog-bibbers, forced into my mind
the meditation, 'Unde bella et pugna infer vos?' etc.
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