The year was 1796 and New Southland was quickly becoming a prosperous island nation in the South Pacific - rivalling the British colony of New South Wales in New Holland. The population had swelled to over 3,000 thanks to a steady stream of settlers emigrating from France to escape the ongoing Revolutionary Wars - most still loyal to the King and feared retribution if they remained in France. Although far from the theatre of war, New Southland was not immune to its consequences - for only a few months prior, local fishermen had spotted a British ship scouting the island.

Over in the British penal colony of Sydney in New South Wales, Governor John Hunter was faced with a difficult decision - one which would shape his legacy and potentially the future of the newly established colony. His scouting ship had returned with maps depicting New Southland and rough estimates of its population. The maps detailed a small fort and several French military ships at Fisher Island, the settlement of La Perouse, and also Port Gilbert, both of which appeared to be undefended. They did not however identify the major town of Port Arthur and the fleet of ships docked there, which had been concealed within Arthur's Cove. Estimating a population of around one thousand, much smaller than the population of Sydney, Governor Hunter had made his decision. The opportunity to become a military hero - the conqueror of French territory in the Pacific - was simply too tempting to pass. Underestimating the threat, Governor Hunter ordered two ships to set sail from Sydney Cove with the objective of destroying the French garrison and claiming the island for Britain.

Back in New Southland, Arthur had been working on improving defenses around the island since the first sighting of the British scouting ship. New watchtowers were established on the Northern coast near Shepheard's Bay, as well as on the Southern headland at Buck's Point, giving a much more expansive view over the seas surrounding the island. The marines had also been undergoing regular training exercises with the French soldiers at Fisher Island, in preparation for an expected British attack. When it would come, nobody knew, however the people of New Southland were sure of one thing - they would never cede to the British and would fight till the last man for their freedom.

As the two British ships approached New Southland, the French garrison at Fisher Island came into clear view. It appeared much quieter than what the British were expecting - not a single ship was in sight - nor any sight of soldiers at the camp. This could be easier than expected, thought Lieutenant George Johnston, who had been tasked with leading the expedition. "Fire away!" he yelled, as cannon fire shot out across Charlotte's Bay, destroying the primitive wooden defenses on Fisher Island. Lieutenant Johnston waited for a response, however he was only met with an eerie silence. With no retaliatory attack, and no sight of movement, Lieutenant Johnston ordered the ships to approach the island.

However, unbeknownst to the British, their each and every move was being carefully watched by a very patient Arthur Portsman, who had positioned himself high up amongst the shrub in the densely forested Western peninsula. The British ships had been spotted earlier in the day approaching New Southland, and Arthur had quickly put his plan into action. The two British ships dropped anchor and two gigs were seen rowing out towards Fisher Island filled with redcoats. As soon as the men disembarked, Arthur gave the signal - a fleet of 12 ships (mostly merchant and fishing vessels - although this was not known by the British) burst through the heads at Arthur's Cove, completely taking the British by surprise. They quickly surrounded the British at Fisher Island, who had no choice but to surrender. La Perouse, who had been commanding the fleet, disembarked to meet Lieutenant Johnston on the shore. "Good to see you again, Lieutenant" he smiled. "What a surprise to see you here!" replied Lieutenant Johnston in shock, who had met La Perouse back when he had first visited Botany Bay just over eight years ago.

After a brief negotiation, the two men agreed to the surrender terms - the British would be able to return to New South Wales unharmed, in exchange for a gentlemen's agreement that no further hostilities be pursued by either party. Lieutenant Johnston and the British had been under the impression that New Southland was a French possession, and thus a significant threat to their influence in the region. This myth was clarified by La Perouse, who insisted the island was in fact an independent nation under French protection, and posed no threat to the British colony of New South Wales. Pleased with this revelation, and thankful for the safety of his men, Lieutenant Johnston set sail back to Sydney Cove, however in slightly lighter vessels - all cannons, gunpowder and rifles had been confiscated by La Perouse to bolster his own supplies.

Arthur's plan had worked - and not a single life lost in the encounter - a victory for both sides. Although officially the British and French would remain at war, at least New Southland was safe from further attack... at least for now.