The Hobart Town races came off during our stay, and afforded good sport. There was a Governor’s cup to be run for. [Sidenote: Apr. 18.] The 99th Regiment, whose acquaintance I made in Mauritius days,--the “Neuf Neufs,” as the French called them,--and ourselves amused the inhabitants of Hobart Town by a sham fight. The soldiers were to occupy some Government ground called “The Paddocks,” and oppose an invasion. As soon as the 99th had taken up their position in a wood to the rear, the invading force effected a landing, and were driving in the enemy’s pickets, when they were suddenly outnumbered, and obliged to retire on their boats, making a gallant stand at the end to cover the re-embarkation of their artillery. Much ammunition was expended, and we were told so large a concourse of people had never before been seen in Hobart Town. [Illustration: _The Sham Fight._] [Sidenote: Apr. 20.] Before taking our departure, I had the gratification of receiving Sir William Denison on board. Saluted him, and made sail down the river as far as the “Iron Pot,” Derwent River, and then worked back again. Hove to off the anchorage, and landed His Excellency; and having collected our Sydney contingent, sailed for that port. [Illustration: Mæander _between Sydney Heads_.] CHAPTER XLVI SYDNEY [Sidenote: 1850. April 26.] Made at noon the south head of Botany Bay. 3 P.M.--Between the heads entering Port Jackson. While running up, exchanged numbers with the _Havannah_, 20, Captain J. E. Erskine, and the _Rattlesnake_. Came to in Farm Cove; making a running moor. I now heard of the death of my dear father. My old friend Erskine was in charge of the Australian station, and naturally felt jealous of the intrusion of a captain who was his senior. It was far from me to interfere, but the death of poor Owen Stanley obliged me to open the directions of the Hydrographical Office before he could be buried. In fact, I was recalled from a tour I was enjoying with Sir Charles Fitzroy. The Hydrographical instructions were simple enough, stating, in case of the death of the captain, or any other, the officer who was to succeed. Acting upon them, I gave Lieutenant Yule orders to take command of the _Rattlesnake_. This offended Erskine; who informed me that, on my departure for the Pacific, he would supersede my acting order. [Sidenote: May 2.] The _Rattlesnake’s_ time was up, so I gave her the order to return to England, and remained in harbour long enough to give her twenty-four hours’ start. She sailed May 2. [Illustration: _The_ Rattlesnake] [Sidenote: May 3.] We left Port Jackson in continuation of our route for Port Nicholson and Auckland; but, the wind heading, we stood for Norfolk Island, which we made on the evening of May 7; and hove to. [Sidenote: May 8.]