AustLit

The Colonist reports that 'Watt's case, which has occupied the Sydney Bench for so many days, has at length been brought to a close'. Most charges against William Watt were dropped; the remaining charge was that Watt had not attended muster for over twelve months (a requirement for ticket-of-leave holders). The Colonist believes that the magistracy showed great patience in this case and asks 'would they have shown equal patience or taken as much trouble with any other ticket-of-leave holder in the colony?' The Colonist answers its own question: 'We think not; but our readers see what it is to be the ticket-of-leave manager of a favouirite paper in this convict-ridden colony.'

A detailed summary of evidence given in the court case involving the Sydney Gazette's William Watt. The coverage is of evidence (from an ongoing trial) presented on 28 and 31 August 1835. Evidence on 28 August focuses particularly on Watt's relationship with a woman named 'Mary' [named as Mary Chapman in later evidence) who was sometimes to be seen at the Gazette's office (where Watt lived).

(As a ticket-of-leave man, Watt was not permitted to co-habit with a female convict; those laying charges against Watt were trying to prove that Watt was living with Mary. Those called to the bar included the Gazette's Edward O'Shaughnessy.)

An advertisement placed by Charles Macdonald seeking public support for the publication of his poems 'in monthly numbers, containing sixteen pages, at one shilling each'. (The publication would appear as the Sydney Coronal, beginning in October 1835.)

The advertisement was repeated on 17 September 1835 and 24 September 1835.