Posted by BruceClarke on September 12, 2003 at 09:37:33 from 203.152.36.25 user BruceClarke.
In Reply to: Compass (and War) posted by Robert Dilley on September 11, 2003 at 17:32:07:
From an Australian point of view, the loss of the American colonies in 1776 prompted Britain by the mid 1780's to look for another place to send their convicts resulting in the British settlement of Australia in 1788.
Does anyone know how many convicts were sent to the American colonies up to the end of transportation to them in 1776?
Regarding compasses, I am sure John had the type of scout compass we first had with a pivoted needle which could be locked still with a slide on the side. The cover of the compass had a slit which could be used to line up a mark on the compass to a point on the horison. This type of compass was similar in size to a large pocket watch even to the extent of having a ring on the side to attach to a belt.