A very extraordinary instance of folly stimulated to desperation occurred in the beginning of this month among the convicts at Rose Hill.

Twenty men and a pregnant woman, part of those who had arrived in the last fleet, suddenly disappeared with their clothes, working tools, bedding, and their provisions, for the ensuing week, which had been just issued to them.

The first intelligence heard of them, was from some convict settlers, who said they had seen them pass, and had enquired whither they were bound.

To which they had received for answer, "to China." The extravagance and infatuation of such an attempt was explained to them by the settlers; but neither derision, nor demonstration could avert them from pursuing their purpose.

It was observed by those who brought in the account that they had general idea enough of the point of the compass in which China lies from Port Jackson, to keep in a northerly direction.
An officer with a detachment of troops, was sent in pursuit of them; but after a harassing march returned without success.