Volume 66: Macarthur family correspondence relating to land, 1819-1881: No. 218
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[Page 218]
to remark that the same arrangements which would have enabled him to put you or other persons in possession by Lease must be equally applicable to the present circumstances. That Major Goulburn's conduct has a deeper motive than appeared upon the surface.
I then pointed out his conduct in the affair of the Judge's letter, in the appeal, in the office of the Magistracy to myself & William &, I also mentioned that his confidential friend Dr Douglas was reported to have been the first instigator of the Judge's letter, I linked this with Major G's intimacy with Mr Field to the last moment, commented upon his admitting the address of the Agricl Society into the Govt Gazette, striking out the political allusion, instead of obeying His Excellency's orders, to reject the whole address, remarked upon his neglect of all the Governor's friends and adherents and begged of him to reflect upon all this but for a moment; and he must see that Major Goulburn's actuating feeling was dislike and animosity towards His Excellency and a desire to lead him into measures that were likely to involve in difficulty.
I begged of him to pardon my freedom, but that I could not avoid differing with him in his opinion that Major Goulburn only was responsible. That the blame would ultimately rest not upon Major Goulburn but upon His Excellency.
That it was for him as the representative of His Majesty to enforce obedience from the subordinate Officers of His Government (the Secretary as well as others). I