'An almost uninterrupted residence of nearly thirty years in New South Wales, during which period the social condition of the Colony and its relation to the Empire underwent a complete revolution, is the justification offered by the author for the publication of this book, in the hope that his recollections may prove, in some degree, both amusing and instructive...' (Source: Introductory Chapter)
Epitah: "Delightful land, in wildness ev'n benign,
The glorious past is ours, - the future thine!
As in a cradled Hercules, we trace
The lines of empire in thine infant face."
Campbell's lines to Emigrants on departure for New South Wales.
19th-Century Australian Travel Writing
Irish born Roger Therry (1800-1874) was a judge and member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. His autobiographical account of thirty years' residence in New South Wales and Victoria was constructed during his time as a judge of the Supreme Court. This role allowed Therry to travel throughout the colony. Therry's narrative was informed by his observations of the convict system and the criminal court. In the preface, Therry acknowledged that readers might find his accounts of crime in the colony unpalatable. He defended his position, arguing that his accounts were not sensationalised, rather part of his daily experience. The second edition of this controversial work was later suppressed, due to public indignation at its naming of former criminals, now working respectably in the colony. Therry participated in this retraction, buying back all available copies.
'The following is taken from a book entitled " Reminiscences of Thirty Years' Residence in New South Wales and Victoria," written by Judge Therry, a Supreme Court Judge, who tells the story entirely from official records...' (Source Introduction)
'The following is taken from a book entitled " Reminiscences of Thirty Years' Residence in New South Wales and Victoria," written by Judge Therry, a Supreme Court Judge, who tells the story entirely from official records...' (Source Introduction)