Most have heard of Captain Bligh and the Mutiny on the Bounty.
What most don't know is that Bligh after surviving his incredible
voyage on a row boat after the mutiny, became Governor of New South
Wales. However in 1808, a series of events led to a different
mutiny by the Military Officers in New South Wales and to Bligh
being deposed as Governor.
It was the first and only military coup in Australian history.
The causes of the mutiny are the subject of fierce debate,
depending on whether you side with Bligh or with Major Patterson,
the ranking officer of the "Rum Corp" at the time. Bligh is either
portrayed as either a reformer who upset the military (which had a
virtual monopoly on commerce), or as a tyrant, oppressing the
masses.
The British authorities eventually sided with Bligh, and a
subsequent Court Martial of Patterson found Patterson guilty,
although Patterson escaped with a punishment described as being hit
by a feather.
The drama began in a court room where the Military jury refused
to sit with the presiding Judge on a case involving a former
military officer. They demanded that Bligh appoint a new Judge.
Bligh refused to do, pointing out that only the King at that time
could do so. Of course it was a political stunt. The military men
on the jury could easily outvote the Judge and find their
compatriot not guilty.
First Stop.
The first waypoint takes you to the King Street Courts. They
weren't in existence at the time, but they have been a major part
of Australian legal history for many years. If you have the time,
go inside and you will find a glass floor which displays remnants
of the Tank Stream, the first water supply for Sydney. However, the
court drama at the time probably took place in the Judge's house on
Bent Street.
At this waypoint, find the first year mentioned on the green
historic marker on the wall. B is the third number of that date. F
is the last number of that date.
Second Stop.
The second waypoint takes you to the Hyde Park Barracks. The
barracks weren't in existence at the time, nor were they used to
house soldiers, but the building provides a nice backdrop for the
story as it unfolds. When the demand for a new judge wasn't met,
Bligh threatened each of the military jury with a court martial for
failing in their duty. This led to Patterson eventually declaring
martial law, assembling the army and marching down to Government
House. Apparently even the cannons were aimed at the Governor,
although I'm not sure what one man could do against an army.
At the second waypoint, find the four digit number under the
clock. From this number, take the last number and this is C.
Third location.
With the Regiment's piper piping, the Army marched on Government
House. It no longer exists and the Museum of Sydney now stands in
it place. Bligh led the Army a merry chase and it took them many
hours to find him. They alleged he was hiding under a bed, but if
that were the case, they were poor soldiers at flushing out such an
obvious hiding spot. Bligh was confined under house arrest.
At waypoint three, there are two dates. Use the the second date.
Take the second digit, and this is E.
Final location.
The last waypoint is Circular Quay. Bligh escaped to his ship in
Circular Quay, and sailed to Tasmania. He waited there until
Governor Macquarie arrived to expel the Military Rulers.
At the waypoint, you will find a statue of Bligh. There are two
dates at the front. Find the first date. Take the third digit, and
this number is used for A and D.
The Cache
The cache is at: S 33° 51.ABC E 151° 12.DEF
If you are game, go right to the top of GZ and there is a great
view to be had from a little known spot. I won't tell you what you
have to climb as it will give the location of the cache away.
Co-ord check below.
