The VoyageofGovernor PhilliptoBotany Baywith anAccount of the Establishment of the Colonies ofPort Jackson and Norfolk Island;compiled from Authentic Papers, which have been obtained from the several Departmentsto which are addedthe Journals of Lieuts. Shortland, Watts, Ball and Capt. Marshallwith an Account of their New Discoveries, embellished with fifty five Copper Plates, the Maps and Charts taken from Actual Surveys, and the plans and views drawn on the spot, by Capt. Hunter, Lieuts. Shortland, Watts, Dawes, Bradley, Capt. Marshall, etc. 

LondonPrinted for John Stockdale, Piccadilly1789

TO THE MOST NOBLETHE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY, LORD CHAMBERLAIN OF HIS MAJESTY'S HOUSEHOLD, ETC. , ETC. THIS VOLUME, CONTAINING ALL THAT IS YET KNOWN OF THESETTLEMENT AT SYDNEY COVE, IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BYHIS LORDSHIP'SMUCH OBLIGED, ANDMOST FAITHFULHUMBLE SERVANT, JOHN STOCKDALE. NOVEMBER 25, 1789. 

ANECDOTES OF GOVERNOR PHILLIP. 

Arthur Phillip is one of those officers, who, like Drake, Dampier, andCook, has raised himself by his merit and his services, to distinctionand command. His father was Jacob Phillip, a native of Frankfort, inGermany, who having settled in England, maintained his family and educatedhis son by teaching the languages. His mother was Elizabeth Breach, whomarried for her first husband, Captain Herbert of the navy, a kinsman ofLord Pembroke. Of her marriage with Jacob Phillip, was her son, Arthur, born in the parish of Allhallows, Bread-street, within the city of London, on the 11th of October, 1738. 

Being designed for a seafaring life, he was very properly sent to theschool of Greenwich, where he received an education suitable to his earlypropensities. At the age of sixteen, he began his maritime career, underthe deceased Captain Michael Everet of the navy, at the commencement ofhostilities, in 1755: and at the same time that he learned the rudimentsof his profession under that able officer, he partook with him in the earlymisfortunes, and subsequent glories of the seven years war. Whateveropulence Phillip acquired from the capture of the Havannah, certain it is, that, at the age of twenty-three, he there was made a Lieutenant into theStirling-castle, on the 7th of June, 1761, by Sir George Pococke, anexcellent judge of naval accomplishments. 

But of nautical exploits, however they may raise marine officers, theremust be an end. Peace, with its blessings, was restored in 1763. And Phillipnow found leisure to marry; and to settle at Lyndhurst, in the New Forest, where he amused himself with farming, and like other country gentlemen, discharged assiduously those provincial offices, which, however unimportant, occupy respectably the owners of land, who, in this island, require no officeto make them important. 

But sailors, like their own element, are seldom at rest. Those occupations, which pleased Phillip while they were new, no longer pleased him whenthey became familiar. And he hastened to offer his skill and his services toPortugal when it engaged in warfare with Spain. His offer was readilyaccepted, because such skill and services were necessary amidst an arduousstruggle with a too powerful opponent. And, such was his conduct and suchhis success, that when the recent interference of France, in 1778, madeit his duty to fight for his king, and to defend his country, the Portuguezecourt regretted his departure, but applauded his motive. 

His return was doubtless approved by those who, knowing his value, couldadvance his rank: For he was made master and commander into the Basiliskfireship, on the 2d of September, 1779. But in her he had little opportunityof displaying his zeal, or of adding to his fame. This step, however, ledhim up to a higher situation; and he was made post-captain into the Ariadnefrigate, on the 13th of November, 1781, when he was upwards of three andforty. This is the great epoch in the lives of our naval officers, becauseit is from this that they date their rank. In the Ariadne, he had littletime for active adventures, or for gainful prizes, being appointed to theEurope of sixty-four guns, on the 23d of December, 1781. During the memorableyear 1782, Phillip promoted its enterprises, and shared in its glories. And in January, 1783, he sailed with a reinforcement to the East Indies, where superior bravery contended against superior force, till the policyof our negotiators put an end to unequal hostilities by a necessary peace. 

The activity, or the zeal of Phillip, was now turned to more peacefulobjects. And when it was determined to form a settlement on that part ofNew Holland, denominated New South Wales, he was thought of as a properofficer to conduct an enterprize, which required professional knowledge, and habitual prudence. His equipment, his voyage, and his settlement, inthe other hemisphere, will be found in the following volume. When the timeshall arrive that the European settlers on Sydney Cove demand their historian, these authentic anecdotes of their pristine legislator will be sought foras curious, and considered as important. 

ERRATA (These have been corrected in this eBook)Page, line1, 15, for enterprizes, read enterprises. 13, penult. For only fifty, read an hundred. Ibid. Ult. For Penryn, read Penrhyn. 75, 7, for Surprize, read Surprise. 87, 14, after 17, dele th. 96, 13, for into, read in. 149, 10, for Kangooroo, read Kanguroo. The orthography of a word derived only from oral sound is in some degree arbitrary; but it ought to be consistant. The plates, by mistake, have Kangooroo. 185, 14, for it were were, read if it were. 203, 3, for Fobn, read Thomas. 213, 10, for four, read forty. 228, 23, bis, for Macauley, read Macaulay. 231, 15, for Patri, read Pabi. 252, Margin, for May, read June. 253, Ditto. 255, Margin, for July, read June. 256, Ditto. 232, 18, for Taha, read Toha. 242, 9, for who, read whom. 246, 25, for veer'd, read near'd. 

N. B. Some of the early impressions of the plates have erroneously WulpineOppossum for Vulpine Opossum. After a few were work'd off the fault wasperceived, and corrected. 

ADVERTISEMENT. 

The arrangement of materials in this volume being in some respects lessperfect than might be wished, it is necessary that something should besaid to obviate any imputation of negligence. The truth will be the best, and, as it ought, the only apology. The official papers of Governor Phillip, which were liberally communicated by Government, formed at first our principalsource of intelligence. These, from their nature, could contain but littleinformation on subjects of natural history, and many other points, concerningwhich the curiosity of every reader would naturally be excited. The effortsof the publisher to give satisfaction to the public in these respects produceda gradual influx of materials; and the successive arrival of different vesselsfrom the Indian seas, occasioned additions to the work, which made itnecessary to engrave new plates. While, therefore, the completionof the book was anxiously pressed by many who were eager to possess it, that desirable point has constantly been deferred by the communications ofthose who were studious to render it more valuable; and the word Finis, hasseemed to fly from us, like Italy before the wandering Trojans. From thecombination of these circumstances it has arisen, that every separate parthas been hurried on in the execution; and yet, in the finishing of thewhole, more time has elapsed, than would have been necessary to completea much more ample volume. The defects that proceed from these causes, itis hoped, the reader will forgive, and accept with complacency a volumein which, it is confidently hoped, nothing material has been omitted thatis connected with its principal object, the formation of a settlementpromising both glory and advantage to this country; in which severalimportant discoveries are announced; no small accession is made to thestores of natural history; and interesting notices are communicated ofcountries visited before, and persons in whose fate the public has longfelt an interest. 

The publisher thinks it his duty, in this place, to return thanks to thefollowing noblemen and gentlemen, for their kind assistance and freecommunications. The Marquis of Salisbury, Viscount Sydney, Lord Hood, Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. Mr. Rose, Mr. Nepean, Mr. Stephens, Sir CharlesMiddleton, Sir Andrew Snape Hammond, Mr. Dalrymple, and Mr. Chalmers: but, to Mr. Latham particularly, the most grateful acknowledgements are due, for having furnished many drawings and accurate descriptions, which stampa value on the natural history contained in this work, and must for everrender it an object of attention to all lovers of that science: and toLieutenant Shortland, Lieutenant Watts, and Captain Marshall, of theScarborough transport, the public owe whatever important discoveries anduseful knowledge may be found in their journals, which they communicatedwith a disinterestedness that the publisher will be always happy toacknowledge. 

ACCOUNT OF THE VIGNETTE. 

The elegant vignette in the title-page, was engraved from a medallion whichthe ingenious Mr. Wedge-wood caused to be modelled from a small piece ofclay brought from Sydney Cove. The clay proves to be of a fine texture, and will be found very useful for the manufactory of earthern ware. Thedesign is allegorical; it represents Hope encouraging Art and Labour, under the influence of Peace, to pursue the employments necessary to givesecurity and happiness to an infant settlement. The following verses uponthe same subject, and in allusion to the medallion, were written by theauthor of The Botanic Garden, and will speak more powerfully for themselvesthan any encomium we could bestow. 

VISIT OF HOPE TO SYDNEY-COVE, NEAR BOTANY-BAY. 

Where Sydney Cove her lucid bosom swells, Courts her young navies, and the storm repels;High on a rock amid the troubled airHOPE stood sublime, and wav'd her golden hair;Calm'd with her rosy smile the tossing deep, And with sweet accents charm'd the winds to sleep;To each wild plain she stretch'd her snowy hand, High-waving wood, and sea-encircled strand. "Hear me, " she cried, "ye rising Realms! record"Time's opening scenes, and Truth's unerring word. --"There shall broad streets their stately walls extend, "The circus widen, and the crescent bend;"There, ray'd from cities o'er the cultur'd land, "Shall bright canals, and solid roads expand. --"There the proud arch, Colossus-like, bestride"Yon glittering streams, and bound the chasing tide;"Embellish'd villas crown the landscape-scene, "Farms wave with gold, and orchards blush between. --"There shall tall spires, and dome-capt towers ascend, "And piers and quays their massy structures blend;"While with each breeze approaching vessels glide, "And northern treasures dance on every tide!"--Then ceas'd the nymph--tumultuous echoes roar, And JOY's loud voice was heard from shore to shore--Her graceful steps descending press'd the plain, And PEACE, and ART, and LABOUR, join'd her train. 

VIEW of the FLEET and ESTABLISHMENT sent out withGOVERNOR PHILLIP to NEW SOUTH WALES. 

Captain ARTHUR PHILLIP of the Navy, Governor and Commander in Chief ofthe territory of New South Wales, and of his Majesty's ships and vesselsemployed on that coast. 

Major Robert Ross, Lieutenant Governor. Richard Johnson, Chaplain. Andrew Miller, Commissary. David Collins, Judge Advocate. John Long, Adjutant. James Furzer, Quarter-Master. *George Alexander, Provost Martial. John White, Surgeon. Thomas Arndell, Assistant Ditto. William Balmain, Ditto Ditto. 

His Majesty's ship Sirius, Captain Arthur Phillip. Captain John Hunter. 

His Majesty's armed tender Supply, Lieutenant H. L. Ball. 

Six transports carrying the convicts. Alexander 210 men convicts. Women convicts. Scarborough 210 men convicts. Friendship 80 men convicts. 24Charlotte 100 men convicts. 24Prince of Wales -- -- 100Lady Penrhyn -- -- 102

Each transport had a detachment of marines on board. 

Three store ships:

The Golden Grove, Fishburn, and Borrowdale;With provisions, implements for husbandry, cloathing, etc. For the convicts. 

Lieutenant John Shortland, agent for the transports. 

The garrison is formed from the marines. 

Distribution of the Detachment of MARINES for NEW SOUTHWALES, with the Number embarked on board of each ofthe Transports upon that Service. 

Ships |Names |Captains |Subs|Serj-|Corp-|Drum and|Privates|Embarked|Names |of Officers | | |eants|orals|fife | | |

Lady Captain Campbell 1 2 0 0 0 3 PortsmouthPenrhyn Lieut G. Johnston Lieut. Wm Collins

Scarb- Captain Shea 1 2 2 2 1 26 Portsmouthorough Lieutenant Kellow Lieutenant Morrison

Friend- Capt. Lieut. Meredith 1 2 2 3 1 36 Plymouthship Lieutenant Clarke Lieutenant Faddy

Charl- Captain Tench 1 2 3 3 1 34 Plymouthotte Lieutenant Cresswell Lieutenant Poulden

Alex- Lieutenant J. Johnston 0 2 2 2 1 30 Woolwich. Ander Lieutenant Shairp

Prince Lieutenant Davy 0 2 2 2 1 25of Lieutenant TimminsWales Provost Martial --------------------------------------- 4 12 11 12 5 154put on board his Majesty's ship 0 0 1 0 3 6Sirius, as supernumeraries. ---------------------------------------Total of the detachment 4 12 12 12 8 160 ---------------------------------------

Forty women, wives to the Marines, permitted to go out with the Garrison. 

CONTENTS

Chapter I. 

Public utility of voyages--Peculiar circumstances of this--New Hollandproperly a continent--Reasons for fixing our settlementthere--Transportation to America, its origin, advantages, andcessation--Experiments made--The present plan adopted--Disadvantages ofother expedients. 

Chapter II. 

Preparation of the fleet ordered to Botany Bay. --Particulars of itsarrangement. --Departure and passage to the Canary Isles. 

Chapter III. 

Reasons for touching at the Canary Isles--Precautions for preservingHealth--Their admirable Success--Some Account of the Canaries--Fablesrespecting them--Attempt of a Convict to escape--Departure. Report of the Marines and Convicts under medical treatment, June 4, 1787

Chapter IV. 

Attempt to put in at Port Praya--Relinquished--Weather--Sail for Rio deFaneiro--Reasons for touching at a South American port--The Fleet passesthe Line--Arrives at Rio de Faneiro--Account of that Place--Transactionsthere--Departure. 

Chapter V. 

Prosperous passage from Rio to the Cape--Account of the Harbours there--TheCape of Good Hope not the most Southern point--Height of Table Mountainand others--Supineness of the European nations in neglecting to occupy theCape--Live stock laid in--Departure--Separation of the fleet--Arrival of theSupply at Botany Bay. 

Chapter VI. 

First interview with the natives--the bay examined--arrival of the wholefleet--Port Jackson examined--second interview with the natives--andthird--Governor Phillip returns to Botany Bay--and gives orders for theevacuation of it. 

Chapter VII. 

Removal from Botany Bay--Arrival of two French ships--Account ofthem--Preparations for encampment--Difficulties--Scurvy breaks out--Accountof the red and yellow gum trees. 

Chapter VIII. 

Description of Port Jackson and the adjacent country--The Governor'scommission read--his Speech--his humane resolutions respecting theNatives--difficulties in erecting huts and other buildings--departure ofLieutenant King to Norfolk Island. Instructions for P. G. King, Esq;Superintendant and Commandant of the Settlement of Norfolk Island

Chapter IX. 

A Criminal Court held--Broken Bay explored by Governor Phillip--Interviewswith the Natives--Peculiarities remarked--Friendly behaviour andextraordinary courage of an old man. 

Chapter X. 

Departure of the French Ships--Death of M. Le Receveur--Return of theSupply from Norfolk Island--Description of that Place--Howe Islanddiscovered. Particulars of the life of P. G. King, Esq

Chapter XI. 

Three of the transports cleared--Two excursions made into the country, onthe fifteenth of April, and on the twenty-second--Huts of thenatives--Sculpture, and other particulars. Description of the Kanguroo. Dimensions of the stuffed Kanguroo, in the possession of Mr. Stockdale. Account of the live stock in the settlement at Port Jackson, May 1, 1788

Chapter XII. 

The Supply returns from Lord Howe Island--Some convicts assaulted by thenatives--excursion of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay by Land--interviewwith many natives--the fourth of June celebrated--some account of theclimate. Return of Sick, &c. June 30, 1788

Chapter XIII. 

Particular description of Sydney Cove--Of the buildings actuallyerected--and of the intended town--A settlement made at the head of theharbour. 

Chapter XIV. 

Fish violently seized by the natives--Another expedition of theGovernor--Further account of the manners and manufactures of the nativeinhabitants of New South Wales--Difficulty of obtaining any intercourse. Remarks and Directions for sailing into PORT JACKSON, by Capt. J. HUNTER, of the SIRIUS. Height of neap and spring tides, at full and change of the moon. 

Chapter XV. 

Some Specimens of Animals from New South Wales; description of The spottedOpossum; Vulpine Opossum; Norfolk Island Flying-Squirrel. Blue Bellied Parrot;Tabuan Parrot; Pennantian Parrot; Pacific Parrakeet; Sacred King's-fisher;Superb Warbler, male; Superb Warbler, female; Caspian Tern; Norfolk IslandPetrel; Bronze-winged Pigeon; White-fronted Heron; Wattled Bee-Eater;Psittaceous Hornbill; dimensions of a large Kanguroo. 

Chapter XVI. 

Papers relative to the settlement at Port Jackson. --General return ofmarines. --Return of officers. --Artificers belonging to the MarineDetachment. --List of officers and privates desirous of remaining in thecountry. --Return of provisions. --Return of Sick. 

Chapter XVII. 

Nautical directions, and other detached remarks, by Lieutenant Ball, concerning Rio de Janeiro, Norfolk Island, Ball Pyramid, and Lord HoweIsland. 

Chapter XVIII. 

Concise account of Lieutenant Shortland--His various services--Appointedagent to the transports sent to New South Wales--Ordered by GovernorPhillip to England, by Batavia--Journal of his voyage--New discoveries. 

Chapter XIX. 

August 1788 to February 1789

Appearance of the scurvy--The boats land at one of the PelewIslands--Account of the Natives who were seen, and conjectures concerningthem--Distresses--The Friendship cleared and sunk--Miserable condition ofthe Alexander when she reached Batavia. --Conclusion. 

Chapter XX. 

Lieutenant Watts's Narrative of the Return of the Lady Penrhyn Transport;containing an Account of the Death of Omai, and other interestingParticulars at Otaheite. 

Chapter XXI. 

The Scarborough leaves Port Jackson--Touches at Lord Howe's Island--Joinsthe Charlotte--Falls in with a large Shoal--Discover a number ofIslands--Short account of the Inhabitants--Canoes described--Ornaments--Discover Lord Mulgrave's Islands--Arrival at Tinian--Sick people sent onshore--Departure from Tinian--Arrival in Mocao Roads. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Supplemental Account of Animals from New South Wales, containing, Descriptionsof the Bankian Cockatoo; Red-shouldered Parrakeet; Crested Goat Sucker;New Holland Cassowary; White Gallinule; Dog from New South Wales; SpottedMartin; Kanguroo Rat; Laced Lizard; Port Jackson Shark; Bag Throated Balistes;Unknown Fish from New South Wales; Watts's Shark; Great BrownKingsfisher. --Additional Account of the Kanguroo--Anecdote of Captain Cookand Otoo, by Mr. Webber. --Dr. Blane's Account of the good Effects of theYellow Gum. --Botany Bay Plants. --Lieut. Watts's Account of the Weather atBotany Bay and Port Jackson. --Conclusion. 

CONTENTS OF THE APPENDIX. 

Table I. Route of the Alexander, Lieutenant Shortland, from the Cape of Good Hope to Botany BayTable II. Route of the Supply, Lieut. Ball, after parting with the Alexander, to Botany BayTable III. Route of the Supply, Lieut. Ball, from Port Jackson to Norfolk IslandTable IV. Route of the Supply from Norfolk Island to Port JacksonTable V. Route of the Supply from Port Jackson to Lord Howe Island, and from thence to Port JacksonTable VI. Route of the Alexander, Lieut. Shortland, from Port Jackson to BataviaTable VII. Route of the Lady Penrhyn, Capt. Sever, from Port Jackson to OtaheiteTable VIII. Route of the Lady Penrhyn, Capt. Sever, from Otaheite to ChinaTable IX. Route of the Scarborough, Capt. Marshall, from Port Jackson to ChinaList of the Convicts sent to New South Wales

A LIST OF THE SUBSCRIBERS

A. 

ANDREWS, James Pettit, Esq. F. A. S. Apsley, Viscount, M. P. Aubrey, Sir John, Bart. M. P. Allen, Robert, Esq. Aylesford, Earl ofA'Court, William Pierce Ashe, Esq. M. P. Aldersey, William, Esq. Andrews, Sir Joseph, Bart. Addington, Right Hon. Henry, Speaker of the House of CommonsArden, John, Esq. Arden HallAddington, John Hiley, Esq. M. P. Arden, Sir Richard Pepper, M. P. Master of the RollsAnson, George, Esq. M. P. Adams, Mr. James BlakeArnold, George, Esq. Astley, Sir Edward, Bart. M. P. Annesley, Hon. RichardAppleyard, Mr. 6 copiesAllen, Thomas, Esq. Ashton, Nicholas, Esq. Aisley, Stephen, Esq. Kensington

B. 

Bath, Marchioness ofBickingham, Mr. Baber, Edward, Esq. Bathurst, Thomas, Esq. Blackburne, John, Esq. M. P. Breadalbane, Earl ofBelgrave, Lord, M. P. Buccleugh, Duke ofBarwell, Thomas Smith, Esq. Barker, Francis, Esq. Bootle, R. Wilbraham, Esq. M. P. Bissett, Maurice, Fsq. Banks, Sir Joseph, Bart. Bolton, Duke ofButler, Rev. Mr. Black, Captain AlexanderBosville, William, Esq. Buckingham, Marquis ofBarwell, Richard, Esq. M. P. Bland, GeneralBeaufort, Duke ofBearcroft, Edward, Esq. M. P. Bath, Marquis ofBlack, Mr. 4 copiesBond, Mr. Berkeley, EarlBeresford, Right Hon. JohnBull, Mr. Bookseller, Bath, 6 copiesBaleman, Mr. Beach, CaptainBaldwin, Mr. Bookseller, 20 copiesBrown, Mr. BooksellerBlamire, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesBooker, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesBeckett, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesBinns, Mr. Bookseller, LeedsBreadhower, Mr. Bookseller, PortsmouthBurbage, Mr. Bookseller, NottinghamBaker, Mr. Bookseller, Southampton, 3 copiesBlackwell, Sir L. Bart. Bevor, Dr. Boucher, Rev. Mr. Brown, RichardBarry, Mr. Library, HastingsBell, Mr. Bookseller, 3 copiesBuckland, Mr. Bookseller, 5 copiesByfield, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesBindley, James, Esq. F. S. A. Boosey, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesBagshaw, John, Esq. Bew, Mr. Bookseller, 12 copiesBarnet, Mr. Thomas

C. 

Cottrell, John, Esq. Clements, John, Esq. Chalmers, George, Esq. Chatham, Earl ofCalthorpe, Sir Henry Gough, Bart. Call, John, Esq. M. P. Clayton, George, Esq. Campbell, MajorChesterfield, Earl ofCox, Mr. Crauford, Mr. A. 2 copiesCharlival, Countess ofChiswell, R. M. T. Esq. Chetwynd, Hon. RichardChichester, Sir John, Bart. Crespigny, P. C. Esq. Carysfort, Earl ofCollins, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesCadell, Mr. Bookseller, 20 copiesCornell, Mr. Bookseller, 3 copiesClarke, Mr. Bookseller, ManchesterCollins, Mr. Bookseller, SalisburyConstable, Golding, Esq. Cook, Mr. Bookseller, Godalming, 2 copies. Clarke, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesCuthell, Mr. Bookseller, 3 copiesCharlton, St. John, Esq. Cooper, Dr. 

D. 

Dickens, Francis, Esq. M. P. De Salis, Rev. Dr. Dodswell, T. Esq. Pool-courtDe Lancy, ColonelDonowell, Mr. ArchitectDalrymple, Alexander, Esq. Dayrell, Edmund, Esq. Davies, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesDebrett, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesDalling, Sir John, Bart. Dartmouth, Earl ofDe Freire, Chevalier, 2 copiesDacre, LordDavison, Alexander, Esq. Dilly, Mr. Bookseller, 50 copiesDangerfield, Mr. BooksellerDrewry, Mr. Bookseller, DerbyDover, LordDawes, John, Esq. M. P. Delaval, LordDrummond, John, Esq. M. P. 

E. 

Effingham, Earl ofEssex, Earl ofEast, Gilbert, Esq. Eliott, LordEgerton, Colonel William, M. P. Enderby, Mr. SamuelEardley, LordElliott, William, Esq. Erving, George, Esq. Edwards, CaptainEyre, Edward, Esq. Evans, Mr. Bookseller, 30 copiesEgertons, Messrs. Booksellers, 12 copiesEdwards, Mr. Bookseller, 20 copiesEdwards, Mr. Bookseller, HalifaxEnderby, Mr. CharlesErnst, Anthony, Esq. Jun. CamberwellEnderby, Mr. GeorgeEdmiston, Rev. WilliamElmsley, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copies

F. 

Fairford, LordFinch, Hon. WilliamFord, Richard, Esq. M. P. Fitzgerald, Lord RobertFane, Francis, Esq. M. P. Frost, John, Esq. Frederic, Sir John, Bart. M. P. Fletcher, Mr. Bookseller, Oxford, 6 copiesFortescue, Earl ofForster, Mr. Bookseller, 12 copiesForsyth, William, Esq. KensingtonFaulder, Mr. Bookseller, 31 copiesFife, Earl ofFetherston, Thomas, Esq. Lincoln's-innFerrier, Robert England, Esq. Faden, Mr. Bookseller, 3 copies

G. 

Goulding, Mr. Geo. Bookseller, 25 copiesGlover, Richard, Esq. Grigby, Joshua, Esq. M. P. Greame, Charles, Esq. Graham, Sir James, Bart. M. P. Gregory, Rev. Edward LangarGrenville, Hon. Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Bookseller, 25 copiesGernay, Mr. Bookseller, Dublin, 50 copiesGoodwyn, Henry, Esq. Goodwin, Henry, Esq. Jun. Grey de Wilton, LordGrote, George, Esq. 

H. 

Hopetoun, Earl ofHawke, LordHanmer, Job, Esq. Holbrook HallHarpur, Sir Harry, Bart. Hunt, Joseph, Esq. Hood, Lord, M. P. Houghton, Sir Henry, Bart. M. P. Hayes, Mr. CharlesHetherington, J. Esq. Hodges, Mr. Humphries, Captain JamesHannay, John, Esq. Herman, Francis Anthony, Esq. Hanrot, Mr. Hamilton, Duke ofHardinge, George, Esq. M. P. Hannay, Sir Samuel, Bart. M. P. Hill, Mr. Bookseller, 12 copiesHughes, Mr. Hobart, Major, M. P. Howard de Walden, LordHoare, Charles, Esq. Hawkins, Christopher, Esq. M. P. Hinuber, Mr. Haydon and son, booksellers, Plymouth, 5 copiesHooper, Mr. Hookham, Mr. Bookseller, 25 copiesHastings, Warren, Esq. Hill, Sir Richard, Bart. M. P. Harlow, Mrs. Bookseller, 12 copiesHall, Micah, Esq. 

I. 

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K. 

Keith, Captain, R. N. Kingsmill, Captain, R. N. M. P. Kynaston, John, Esq. M. P. Kent, Sir Charles, Bart. M. P. Kensington, Charles, Esq. Kirby, Mr. BooksellerKing, Mr. Bookseller, 4 copiesKnight and Son, booksellers, 3 copies

L. 

Lewisham, LordLambert, J. Esq. Law, Edward, Esq. Lane, Mr. Bookseller, 2 copiesLane, Mrs. Loveden, Edward Loveden, Esq. M. P. Long, ------, Esq. AldermastonLatrobe, Mr. Benjamin HenryLucas, Mr. WilliamLovaine, LordLong, Samuel, Esq. Lee, Mr. James, HammersmithLongmate, Mr. EngraverLindergreen, Andrew, Esq. Leinster, Duke ofLodge, John, Esq. Lister, Thomas, Esq. M. P. Long, Sir James Tylney, Bart. M. P. Le Mesurier, Paul, Esq. M. P. Lowndes, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesLongman, Mr. Bookseller, 20 copiesLaw, Mr. Bookseller, 20 copiesLackington, Mr. Bookseller, 25 copiesLe Fleming, Sir Michael, Bart. M. P. Latham, John, Esq. M. D. Latham, John, jun. Esq. Latham, Miss AnnLangston, John, Esq. M. P. Luttrell, Lady ElizabethLewisham, Viscount, M. P. Little, Richard, Esq. KensingtonLewis, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copies

M

Mitchel, Capt. A. R. N. Miles, William, Esq. Mornington, Lord, M. P. Moreau, Simon, Esq. CheltenhamMartin, George, Esq. Martin, Edwin, Esq. PrioryMazell, Mr. Peter, engraverMedland, Mr. EngraverMacclesfield, Earl ofMiddleton, R. Esq. Mineur, Mr. Marshall, Lieutenant S. E. Mehaux, John, Esq. Milnes, Richard Slater, Esq. M. P. Mecormick, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Bookseller, 18 copiesMarshall, John, Esq. Maberly, Mr. StephenMartindale, John, Esq. Mulgrave, Lord, M. P. Monro, Dr. M'Queen, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesMatthews, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesMerrill, Mr. Bookseller, CambridgeMapletoft, Mr. Macbride, Captain John, Esq. M. P. R. N. Mainwaring, William, Esq. M. P. Macnamara, John, Esq. M. P. Middleton, William, Esq. M. P. Morshead, Sir John, Bart. M. P. Muncaster, Lord, M. P. Marsh, Samuel, Esq. Marsham, Charles, Esq. Melbourne, LadyMontolieu, Lewis, Esq. 

N

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O

Orchard, Paul, Esq. M. P. Ogilvie and Speare, booksellers, 9 copiesOtridge, Mr. Bookseller, 18 copies

P

Portlock, Capt. Nathaniel, R. N. Pye, Walter, Esq. Potenger, Thomas, Esq. Prattent, Mr. EngraverPitt, Right Hon. William, M. P. Pocock, Sir Isaac, Bart. ReadingPeachey, John, Esq. M. P. Penn, Granville, Esq. Pochin, William, Esq. M. P. Phiney, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesParkyns, Thomas Boothby, Esq. M. P. F. R. S. And F. A. S. Pennant, Thomas, Esq. Pitman, Thomas, Esq. Loxford HallPye, Henry James, Esq. M. P. Putland, William, Esq. Peachey, Sir James, Bart. Popham, Home, Esq. Pollock, W. Esq. Pierse, Henry, Esq. M. P. Pery, Rev. JohnPrince and Cook, booksellers, Oxford, 6 copiesPatterson, CaptainPhillips, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesPeat and Newcomb, booksellers, StamfordPearson and Rollason, booksellers, BirminghamPayne and Son, booksellers, 12 copiesPetrie, William, Esq. Plampin, Lieutenant, R. N. Phipps, Hon. Henry, M. P. Pitt, William Morton, Esq. M. P. Popham, William, Esq. M. P. 

R

Rivers, LordRichards, Mr. Ramsay, Capt. JohnRose, George, Esq. M. P. Robinson, William, Esq. Rolle, John, Esq. M. P. Rawstorne, Lieut. Col. Robinsons, Messrs. Booksellers, 200 copiesRichardson, Mr. Bookseller, 20 copiesRome, George, Esq. Roberts, Mr. Ramsford, Nicholas, Esq. Rous, Sir John, Bart. M. P. Rodney, James, Esq. Rivington, and Sons, booksellers, 20 copiesRobson and Clarke, booksellers, 25 copies

S

Salisbury, Marquis of, 2 copiesSalisbury, Marchioness ofSt. Albans, Duke ofStanley, Thomas, Esq. M. P. Sturt, Charles, Esq. M. P. Speke, Mrs. Swale, John, Esq. Smyth, John, Esq. Saville, Hon. HenryScott, Major, M. P. Shuckburgh, Sir George, Bart. M. P. Stephens, Philip, Esq. M. P. Skipwith, Sir Thomas George, Bart. Sykes, Sir Francis, Bart. M. P. St. John, St. Andrew, Esq. Stanley, John, Esq. M. P. Shore, Samuel, Esq. Sitwell, Francis, Esq. Spooner, Charles, Esq. Smith, Sir John, Bart. Smart, Baptist, Esq. Sydney, Viscount, two copiesSpence, Mr. GeorgeScott, Thomas, Esq. M. P. Sotheron, William, Esq. M. P. Strahan, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesSteele, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesScatcherd and Whittaker, booksellers, 6 copiesSewell, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesSpens, Walter, Esq. Silvester, Mr. John, architectSmith and Gardner, booksellersSimmons and Kerby, booksellers, CanterburySwinney, Mr. Bookseller, BirminghamSmart and Cowslade, booksellers, ReadingSteele, Thomas, Esq. M. P. Secker, George, Esq. Swain, Rev. John HadleyScowen, James, Esq. Staunton, G. T. Esq. Sumner, John, Esq. Society, the Philosophical, DerbyStockdale, Mr. JeremiahSelkirk, LordSumner, George, Esq. M. P. Stanley, John Thomas, Esq. Stalker, Mr. Bookseller, 12 copiesSouthern, Mr. Bookseller, 3 copies

T

Townsend, Hon. John Thomas, M. P. Thomson, Rev. Doctor, KensingtonTemple, Grenville, Esq. Tullock, Mr. Turnor, John, Esq. Gray's-innTattersall, Mr. Jun. Townley, Charles, Esq. Todd, Mr. Bookseller, York, 6 copiesTutte, Rev. Mr. Townson, LieutenantThorkelin, Dr. G. J. Tessyman, Mr. Bookseller, YorkTrewman, Mr. Bookseller, ExeterTrotman, Fiennes, Esq. M. P. Thorold, Sir John, Bart. M. P. Temple, Sir John, Bart. Thornton, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copies

V

Vansittart, George, Esq. M. P. Vansittart, Nicholas, Esq. Vernor, Mr. Bookseller, 18 copies

W. 

Weymouth, LordWarren, Sir John Borlase, Bart. Wolfe, Arthur, Esq. Attorney-General, IrelandWalsh, John, Esq. Wentworth, LordWillis, H. N. Esq. Wright, Mr. Woodford, Col. JohnWray, Sir Cecil, Bart. Willis, Rev. ThomasWolfe, Lewis, Esq. Watts, Lieutenant John, R. N. Watts, Mr. D. P. Wilton, George, Esq. Wale, G. Esq. Watts, Mr. ThomasWarren, Sir George, M. P. Walter, Mr. Bookseller, 12 copiesWebber, Mr. JohnWalker, James, Esq. Watson, SerjeantWelch, Mr. JosephWhite and Son, booksellers, 12 copiesWare and Son, booksellers, White-havenWoodmason, Mr. Williamson, CaptainWright, Mr. ThomasWalcot, John, Esq. Wood, Mr. Bookseller, ShrewsburyWilson, Mr. Wetton, Mr. Bookseller, ChertseyWenman, Mr. Bookseller, 3 copiesWigglesworth, John, Esq. Wedgewood, Josiah, Esq. Wheeler, Mr. G. WansteadWilkie, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesWhieldon, Mr. Bookseller, 12 copiesWilliams, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copiesWalker, Mr. Bookseller, 3 copiesWynne, Mr. Bookseller, 6 copies

Y

Yorke, Hon. Philip, M. P. Yorke, Charles, Esq. Young, Sir Wm. Bart. M. P. Yorke, the Hon. Mrs. Sydney-FarmYoung, William, Esq. Yonge, Right Hon. Sir George, Bart. M. P. Younge, Major William, Little Darnford Place. 

LIST OF THE PLATES. 

1. Head of Governor Phillip2. View of Botany Bay3. Yellow Gum Plant4. View in Port Jackson5. Caspian Tern6. Natives of Botany Bay7. Chart of Norfolk Island8. Lieutenant King9. Hut in New South Wales10. The Kanguroo11. View in New South Wales12. Sketch of Sydney Cove13. Axe, Basket, and Sword14. Plan of Port Jackson15. Spotted Opossum16. Vulpine Opossum17. Flying Squirrel18. Blue-bellied Parrot19. Tabuan Parrot20. Pennantian Parrot21. Pacific Parrakeet22. Sacred Kings-fisher23. Male Superb Warbler24. Female Superb Warbler25. Norfolk Island Petrel26. Bronze-winged Pigeon27. White-fronted Heron28. Wattled Bee-eater29. Psittaceous Hornbill30. Skeleton of the Head of the Kanguroo and Vulpine Opossum31. Map and View of Lord Howe Island32. Ball's Pyramid33. Lieutenant Shortland34. Chart of the Track of the Alexander35. Shortland's Chart of New Georgia36. Curtis's Isles37. Macaulay's Isles38. Track of the Scarborough39. A Canoe, &c. Mulgrave's Range40. Bankian Cockatoo41. Red Shouldered Parrakeet42. New Holland Goat-sucker43. New Holland Cassowary44. White Gallinule45. Dog of New South Wales46. Martin Cat47. Kanguroo Rat48. Laced Lizard49. Bag-throated Balistes50. Fish of New South Wales51. Port Jackson Shark52. Watt's Shark53. Great brown Kingsfisher54. Black flying Opossum55. Vignette in title page. --For an explanation see the Preface. 

Chapter I. 

Public utility of voyages--Peculiar circumstances of this--New Hollandproperly a continent--Reasons for fixing our settlementthere--Transportation to America, its origin, advantages, andcessation--Experiments made--The present plan adopted--Disadvantages ofother expedients. 

From voyages undertaken expressly for the purpose of discovery, thepublic naturally looks for information of various kinds: and it is a factwhich we cannot but contemplate with pleasure, that by the excellentpublications subsequent to such enterprises, very considerable additionshave been made, during the present reign, to our general knowledge of theglobe, of the various tribes by which it is peopled, and of the animalsand vegetables to which it gives support. 

An expedition occasioned by motives of legislative policy, carried on bypublic authority, and concluded by a fixed establishment in a countryvery remote, not only excites an unusual interest concerning the fate ofthose sent out, but promises to lead us to some points of knowledgewhich, by the former mode, however judiciously employed, could not havebeen attained. A transient visit to the coast of a great continentcannot, in the nature of things, produce a complete informationrespecting its inhabitants, productions, soil, or climate: all which whencontemplated by resident observers, in every possible circumstance ofvariation, though they should be viewed with less philosophicalacuteness, must yet gradually become more fully known: Errors, sometimesinseparable from hasty observation, will then be corrected by infallibleexperience; and many objects will present themselves to view, whichbefore had escaped notice, or had happened to be so situated that theycould not be observed. 

The full discovery of the extent of New Holland, by our illustriousnavigator, Capt. Cook, has formed a singular epocha in geography; a doubthaving arisen from it, whether to a land of such magnitude the name ofisland or that of continent may more properly be applied. To thisquestion it may be answered, that though the etymology of the wordisland, * and of others synonymous to it, points out only a landsurrounded by the sea, or by any water, (in which sense the term isapplicable even to the largest portions of the habitable globe) yet it iscertain that, in the usual acceptation, an island is conceived to signifya land of only moderate extent, surrounded by the sea. ** To define at whatpoint of magnitude precisely, a country so situated shall begin to be acontinent, could not answer any purpose of utility; but the best andclearest rule for removing the doubt appears to be the following: As longas the peculiar advantages of an insular situation can be enjoyed by theinhabitants of such a country, let it have the title of an island; whenit exceeds those limits let it be considered as a continent. Now thefirst and principal advantage of an island, is that of being capable of aconvenient union under one government, and of deriving thence a securityfrom all external attacks, except by sea. In lands of very greatmagnitude such an union is difficult, if not impracticable, and adistinction founded on this circumstance, is therefore sufficient forconvenience at least, if*** not for speculative accuracy. If we supposethis extent to be something about one thousand miles each way, without, however, affecting much rigour in the limitation, the claim of NewHolland to be called a continent, will be indisputable: The greatestextent of that vast country being, from East to West, about two thousandfour hundred English miles, and, from North to South, not less than twothousand three hundred. ****

[* Insula, from which island is derived, is formed from in sulo, in thesea; and, the corresponding word in Greek, is usually deduced from toswim, as appearing, and probably having been originally supposed to swimin the sea. ]

[** Thus when Dionysius Periegetes considers the whole ancient world assurrounded by the sea, he calls it, an immense island; on whichEustathius remarks, that the addition of the epithet immense wasnecessary, otherwise the expression would have been low and inadequate. ]

[*** We do not here consider whether a country be actually united under onegovernment, but whether from its size it might be so conveniently. If wemight derive from, or to inhabit, the etymological distinction would becomplete on these principles. An island being one distinct habitation ofmen; and a continent land continued from one state to another. The formerderivation might be rendered specious by remarking how singularly Homerand others use with, as if they had a natural connection. See II. B. 626. And, Sophoc. Ajax. 601. ]

[**** In or near the latitude of 30° South, New Holland extends full 40degrees of longitude, which, under that parallel, may be estimated at 60English miles to a degree. The extent from York Cape to South Cape is full33 degrees of latitude, which are calculated of course at 69½ Englishmiles each. ]

To New South Wales England has the claim which a tacit consent hasgenerally made decisive among the European States, that of priordiscovery. The whole of that Eastern coast, except the very Southernpoint, having been untouched by any navigator, till it was explored byCaptain Cook. This consideration, added to the more favourable accountsgiven of this side of the continent than of the other, was sufficient todecide the choice of the British government, in appointing a place forthe banishment of a certain class of criminals. 

The cause of the determination to send out in this manner the convictsunder sentence of transportation, was, as is well known, the necessarycessation of their removal to America; and the inconveniences experiencedin the other modes of destination adopted after that period. 

Virginia, greatly in want, at its first settlement, of labourers to clearaway the impenetrable forests which impeded all cultivation, was willing, from very early times, to receive as servants, those English criminalswhom our Courts of Law deemed not sufficiently guilty for capitalpunishment. * The planters hired their services during a limited term; andthey were latterly sent out under the care of contractors, who wereobliged to prove, by certificates, that they had disposed of them, according to the intention of the law. 

[* Banishment was first ordered as a punishment for rogues and vagrants, by statute 39 Eliz. Ch. 4. See Blackst. Com. IV. Chap. 31. But no placewas there specified. The practice of transporting criminals to America issaid to have commenced in the reign of James I; the year 1619 being thememorable epoch of its origin: but that destination is first expresslymentioned in 18 Car. II. Ch. 2. --The transport traffic was firstregulated by statute 4 George I. Ch. II. And the causes expressed in thepreamble to be, the failure of those who undertook to transportthemselves, and the great want of servants in his Majesty's plantations. Subsequent Acts enforced further regulations. ]

The benefits of this regulation were various. The colonies received byit, at an easy rate, an assistance very necessary; and the mother countrywas relieved from the burthen of subjects, who at home were not onlyuseless but pernicious: besides which, the mercantile returns, on thisaccount alone, are reported to have arisen, in latter times, to a veryconsiderable amount. * The individuals themselves, doubtless, in someinstances, proved incorrigible; but it happened also, not veryunfrequently, that, during the period of their legal servitude, theybecame reconciled to a life of honest industry, were altogether reformedin their manners, and rising gradually by laudable efforts, to situationsof advantage, independence, and estimation, contributed honourably to thepopulation and prosperity of their new country. **

[* It is said, forty thousand pounds per annum, about two thousandconvicts being sold for twenty pounds each. ]

[** The Abbe Raynal has given his full testimony to the policy of thisspecies of banishment, in the fourteenth Book of his History, near thebeginning. ]

By the contest in America, and the subsequent separation of the thirteenColonies, this traffic was of course destroyed. Other expedients, wellknown to the public, have since been tried; some of which proved highlyobjectionable;* and all have been found to want some of the principaladvantages experienced from the usual mode of transportation. --Thedeliberations upon this subject, which more than once employed theattention of Parliament, produced at length the plan of which this volumedisplays the first result. On December 6, 1786, the proper orders wereissued by his Majesty in Council, and an Act establishing a Court ofJudicature in the place of settlement, and making such other regulationsas the occasion required, received the sanction of the whole legislatureearly in the year 1787. 

[* ¶ Particularly, the transporting of criminals to the coast of Africa, where what was meant as an alleviation of punishment too frequently endedin death. ]

To expatiate upon the principles of penal law is foreign to the purposeof this work, but thus much is evident to the plainest apprehension, thatthe objects most to be desired in it are the restriction of the number ofcapital inflictions, as far as is consistent with the security ofsociety; and the employment of every method that can be devised forrendering the guilty persons serviceable to the public, and just tothemselves; for correcting their moral depravity, inducing habits ofindustry, and arming them in future against the temptations by which theyhave been once ensnared. 

For effectuating these beneficial purposes, well regulated penitentiaryhouses seem, in speculation, to afford the fairest opportunity; and aplan of this kind, formed by the united efforts of Judge Blackstone, Mr. Eden, and Mr. Howard, was adopted by Parliament in the year 1779. Difficulties however occurred which prevented the execution of thisdesign: a circumstance which will be something the less regretted when itshall be considered, that it is perhaps the fate of this theory, incommon with many others of a very pleasing nature, to be more attractivein contemplation than efficacious in real practice. A perfect design, carried on by imperfect agents, is liable to lose the chief part of itsexcellence; and the best digested plan of confinement must in executionbe committed, chiefly, to men not much enlightened, very little armedagainst corruption, and constantly exposed to the danger of it. Thevigilance which in the infancy of such institutions effectually watchesover the conduct of these public servants, will always in a little timebe relaxed; and it will readily be conceived that a large penitentiaryhouse, very corruptly governed, would be, of all associations, one of themost pernicious to those confined, and most dangerous to the peace ofsociety. 

In some countries, malefactors not capitally convicted, are sentenced tothe gallies or the mines; punishments often more cruel than death, andhere, on many accounts, impracticable. In other places they are employedin public works, under the care of overseers. This method has beenpartially tried in England on the Thames, but has been found by no meansto produce the benefits expected from it. There is, therefore, littletemptation to pursue it to a further extent. The employment of criminalsin works carried on under the public eye, is perhaps too repugnant to thefeelings of Englishmen ever to be tolerated. Reason, indeed, acquiescesin the melancholy necessity of punishing, but chains and badges ofservitude are unpleasing objects, and compassion will always revolt atthe sight of actual infliction. Convicts so employed would either by anill placed charity be rewarded, or the people, undergoing a change ofcharacter far from desirable, would in time grow callous to thoseimpressions which naturally impel them to give relief. 

It remains therefore, that we adhere as much as possible to the practiceapproved by long experience, of employing the services of such criminalsin remote and rising settlements. For this purpose the establishment onthe eastern coast of New Holland has been projected, and carried on withevery precaution to render it as beneficial as possible. That somedifficulties will arise in the commencement of such an undertaking mustbe expected; but it is required by no moral obligation that convictsshould be conveyed to a place of perfect convenience and security; andthough the voluntary emigrants and honourable servants of the state, mustin some measure, be involved for a time in the same disadvantages, yet tohave resisted difficulties is often finally an advantage rather than anevil; and there are probably few persons so circumstanced who will repineat moderate hardships, when they reflect that by undergoing them they arerendering an essential and an honourable service to their country. 

Chapter II. 

March 1787 to June 1787

Preparation of the fleet ordered to Botany Bay. --Particulars of itsarrangement. --Departure and passage to the Canary Isles. 

16 March 1787

The squadron destined to carry into execution the above design, began toassemble at its appointed rendezvous, the Mother Bank, within the Isle ofWight, about the 16th of March, 1787. This small fleet consisted of thefollowing ships: His Majesty's frigate Sirius, Captain John Hunter, andhis Majesty's armed tender Supply, commanded by Lieutenant H. L. Ball. Three store-ships, the Golden Grove, Fishburn, and Borrowdale, forcarrying provisions and stores for two years; including instruments ofhusbandry, clothing for the troops and convicts, and other necessaries;and lastly, six transports, the Scarborough, and Lady Penrhyn, fromPortsmouth; the Friendship, and Charlotte, from Plymouth; the Prince ofWales, and the Alexander, from Woolwich. These were to carry theconvicts, with a detachment of Marines in each, proportioned to thenature of the service; the largest where resistance was most to beexpected, namely, in those ships which carried the greatest number ofmale convicts. Altogether they formed a little squadron of eleven sail. 

They only who know the nature of such equipments, and consider theparticular necessity in the present instance for a variety of articlesnot usually provided, can judge properly of the time required forfurnishing out this fleet. Such persons will doubtless be the leastsurprised at being told that nearly two months had elapsed before theships were enabled to quit this station, and proceed upon their voyage:and that even then some few articles were either unprepared, or, throughmisapprehension, neglected. The former circumstance took place respectingsome part of the cloathing for the female convicts, which, beingunfinished, was obliged to be left behind; the latter, with respect tothe ammunition of the marines, which was furnished only for immediateservice, instead of being, as the Commodore apprehended, completed attheir first embarkation: an omission which, in the course of the voyage, was easily supplied. 

This necessary interval was very usefully employed, in making theconvicts fully sensible of the nature of their situation; in pointing outto them the advantages they would derive from good conduct, and thecertainty of severe and immediate punishment in case of turbulence ormutiny. Useful regulations were at the same time established for theeffectual governing of these people; and such measures were taken ascould not fail to render abortive any plan they might be desperate enoughto form for resisting authority, seizing any of the transports, oreffecting, at any favourable period, an escape. We have, however, thetestimony of those who commanded, that their behaviour, while the shipsremained in port, was regular, humble, and in all respects suitable totheir situation: such as could excite neither suspicion nor alarm, norrequire the exertion of any kind of severity. 

When the fleet was at length prepared for sailing, the complement ofconvicts and marines on board the transports was thus arranged. TheFriendship carried a Captain and forty-four marines, subalterns andprivates, with seventy-seven male and twenty female convicts. TheCharlotte, a Captain and forty-three men, with eighty-eight male andtwenty female convicts. In the Alexander, were two Lieutenants andthirty-five marines, with two hundred and thirteen convicts, all male. Inthe Scarborough, a Captain and thirty-three marines, with male convictsonly, two hundred and eight in number. The Prince of Wales transport hadtwo Lieutenants and thirty marines, with an hundred convicts, all female. And the Lady Penrhyn, a Captain, two Lieutenants, and only three privates, with one hundred and two female convicts. Ten marines, of differentdenominations, were also sent as supernumeraries on board the Sirius. Thewhole complement of marines, including officers, amounted to two hundredand twelve; besides which, twenty-eight women, wives of marines, carryingwith them seventeen children, were permitted to accompany their husbands. The number of convicts was seven hundred and seventy-eight, of whom fivehundred and fifty-eight were men. Two, however, on board the Alexander, received a full pardon before the departure of the fleet, andconsequently remained in England. 

13 May 1787

Governor Phillip, on his arrival at the station, hoisted his flag onboard the Sirius, as Commodore of the squadron: and the embarkation beingcompleted, and the time requiring his departure, at day break on the 13thof May, he gave the signal to weigh anchor. To the distance of about anhundred leagues clear of the channel, his Majesty's frigate Hyena, oftwenty-four guns, was ordered to attend the fleet, in order to bringintelligence of its passage through that most difficult part of thevoyage; with any dispatches which it might be requisite for the Governorto send home. 

20 May 1787

On the 20th of May, the ships being then in latitude 47° 57', andlongitude 12° 14' west of London, the Hyena returned. She brought, however, no exact account of the state of the transports; for the sea atthat time ran so high, that the Governor found it difficult even to sitto write, and quite impracticable to send on board the several ships forexact reports of their situation, and of the behaviour of the convicts. All, however, had not been perfectly tranquil; the convicts in theScarborough, confiding probably in their numbers, had formed a plan forgaining possession of that ship, which the officers had happily detectedand frustrated. This information was received from them just before theHyena sailed, and the Governor had ordered two of the ringleaders onboard the Sirius for punishment. These men, after receiving a properchastisement, were separated from their party by being removed intoanother ship, the Prince of Wales. No other attempt of this kind was madeduring the voyage. 

We may now consider the adventurers in this small fleet as finallydetached, for the present, from their native country; looking forward, doubtless with very various emotions, to that unknown region, which, fora time at least, they were destined to inhabit. If we would indulge aspeculative curiosity, concerning the tendency of such an enterprize, there are few topics which would afford an ampler scope for conjecture. The sanguine might form expectations of extraordinary consequences, andbe justified, in some degree, by the reflection, that from smaller, andnot more respectable beginnings, powerful empires have frequently arisen. The phlegmatic and apprehensive might magnify to themselves thedifficulties of the undertaking, and prognosticate, from various causes, the total failure of it. Both, perhaps, would be wrong. The opinionnearest to the right was probably formed by the Governor himself, andsuch others among the leaders of the expedition, as from native courage, felt themselves superior to all difficulties likely to occur; and bynative good sense were secured from the seduction of romantic reveries. To all it must appear a striking proof of the flourishing state ofnavigation in the present age, and a singular illustration of its vastprogress since the early nautical efforts of mankind; that whereas theancients coasted with timidity along the shores of the Mediterranean, andthought it a great effort to run across the narrow sea which separatesCrete from Egypt, Great Britain, without hesitation, sends out a fleet toplant a settlement near the antipodes. 

3 June 1787

The high sea which had impeded the intercourse between the ships, as theywere out of the reach of rocks and shoals, was not, in other respects, anunfavourable circumstance. On the whole, therefore, the weather wasreckoned fine, and the passage very prosperous from Spithead to SantaCruz, in the Isle of Teneriffe, where the fleet anchored on the 3d ofJune. 

Chapter III. 

June 1787

Reasons for touching at the Canary Isles--Precautions for preservingHealth--Their admirable Success--Some Account of the Canaries--Fablesrespecting them--Attempt of a Convict to escape--Departure. 

3 June 1787

The chief object proposed by Governor Phillip in touching at Teneriffe, was the obtaining a fresh supply of water and vegetables. It wasadviseable also at this period to give the people such advantages andrefreshments, for the sake of health, as this place would readily supply, but which can only be obtained on shore. In this, and every port, thecrews, soldiers, and convicts, were indulged with fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, and every thing which could conduce to preserve them from thecomplaints formerly inevitable in long voyages. The allowance was, to themarines, a pound of bread, a pound of beef, and a pint of wine per man, daily: the convicts had three quarters of a pound of beef, and of bread, but no wine. The fruits obtained here were only figs and mulberries, butthese were plentiful and excellent. How successfully precautions of everykind, tending to this great end, were employed throughout the voyage, thereports of the number of sick and dead will sufficiently evince. 

Captain Cook had very fully shown, how favourable such expeditions mightbe made to the health of those engaged in them; and Governor Phillip washappy enough to confirm the opinion, that the success of his greatpredecessor, in this essential point, was not in any degree the effect ofchance, but arose from that care and attention of which he has humanelygiven us the detail; and which, in similar circumstances, may generallybe expected to produce the same result. If the number of convicts whodied between the time of embarkation and the arrival of the fleet at thisplace, should seem inconsistent with this assertion, it must beconsidered that the deaths were confined entirely to that class ofpeople, many of whom were advanced in years, or labouring under diseasescontracted in prison or elsewhere, while they were yet on shore. 

A week was passed at this place, during which time the weather was verymoderate, the thermometer not exceeding 70° of Fahrenheit's scale. Thebarometer stood at about 30 inches. 

The Governor of the Canaries, at this time, was the Marquis deBrancifort, by birth a Sicilian. He was resident as usual at Santa Cruz, and paid to Governor Phillip, and the other officers, a polite attentionand respect equally honourable to all parties. The port of Santa Cruz, though not remarkably fine, is yet the best in the Canaries, and theusual place at which vessels touch for refreshment; the residence of theGovernor General is therefore fixed always in Teneriffe, for the sake ofa more frequent intercourse with Europe: in preference to the greatCanary Isle, which contains the Metropolitan church, and the palace ofthe Bishop. The Marquis de Brancifort has lately established some usefulmanufactures in Teneriffe. 

To enter into much detail concerning the Canary Islands, which lieexactly in the course of every ship that sails from Europe to the Cape, and consequently have been described in almost every book of voyages, must be superfluous. A few general notices concerning them may, perhaps, not be unacceptable. They are in number about fourteen, of which theprincipal, and only considerable are, Canary, Teneriffe, Fortaventure, Palma, Ferro, Gomera, Lancerotta. Their distance from the coast of Africais from about forty to eighty leagues. The circumference of Teneriffe isnot above one hundred and twenty miles, but that of Canary, or as it isusually called, the Great Canary, is one hundred and fifty. They havebeen possessed and colonized by Spain from the beginning of the 15thcentury. 

There is no reason to doubt that these are the islands slightly known tothe ancients under the name of Fortunate: though the mistake of Ptolemyconcerning their latitude has led one of the commentators on Solinus tocontend, that this title belongs rather to the Islands of Cape Verd. Pliny mentions Canaria, and accounts for that name from the number oflarge dogs which the island contained; a circumstance which some modernvoyagers, perhaps with little accuracy, repeat as having occasioned thesame name to be given by the Spaniards. Nivaria, spoken of by the sameauthor, is evidently Teneriffe, and synonymous, if we are rightlyinformed, to the modern name*. Ombrion, or Pluvialia, is supposed to beFerro; where the dryness of the soil has at all times compelled theinhabitants to depend for water on the rains. 

[* Occasioned by the perpetual snows with which the Peak is covered. Teneris said to mean snow, and itte or iffe a mountain, in the language of theisland. ]

If the ancients made these islands the region of fable, and their poetsdecorated them with imaginary charms to supply the want of realknowledge, the moderns cannot wholly be exempted from a similarimputation. Travellers have delighted to speak of the Peak of Teneriffe, as the highest mountain in the ancient world, whereas, by the bestaccounts, Mont Blanc exceeds it* by 3523 feet, or near a mile ofperpendicular altitude. The Isle of Ferro, having no such mountain todistinguish it, was celebrated for a century or two on the credit of amiraculous tree, single in its kind, enveloped in perpetual mists, anddistilling sufficient water for the ample supply of the island. ** But thiswonder, though vouched by several voyagers, and by some as eye-witnesses, vanished at the approach of sober enquiry, nor could a single native befound hardy enough to assert its existence. The truth is, that the CanaryIsles, though a valuable possession to Spain, and an excellent resourceto voyagers of all nations, contain no wonders, except what belongnaturally to volcanic mountains such as the Peak, which, though it alwaysthreatens, has not now been noxious for more than eighty years***. 

[* The height of Mont Blanc, on a mean of the best accounts, is 15, 673English feet from the level of the sea, Teneriffe 12, 150. ]

[** Clipperton speaks of it as a fact, Harris's Voyages, Vol. I. P. 187. Mandelsloe pretended to have seen it, ibid. P. 806. Baudrand was thefirst who by careful enquiry detected the fiction. An account of thisimaginary tree, curious from being so circumstantial, is here given froma French book of geography, of some credit in other respects. "Mais cequ'il-y-a de plus digne de remarque, est cet arbre merveilleux quifournit d'eau toute l'isle, tant pour les hommes que pour les bêtes. Cetarbre, que les habitans appellent Caroë, Garoë, ou Arbre Saint, unique enson espéce, est gros, et large de branches; son tronc a environ douzepieds de tour; ses feuilles sont un peu plus grosses que celles desnoiers, et toujours vertes; il porte un fruit, semblable à un gland, quia un noiau d'un goût aromatique, doux et piquant. Cet arbre estperpétuellement convert d'un nuage, qui l'humecte partout, en sorte quel'eau en distille goutte à goutte par les branches et par les feuilles, en telle quantité qu'on en peut emplir trente tonneaux par jour. Cetteeau est extrémement fraiche, claire, fort bonne a boire, et fort saine. Elle tombe dans deux bassins de pierre que les insulaires ont bâtis pourla recevoir. La nuage qui couvre cet arbre ne se dissipe pas; settlementdans les grandes chaleurs de l'été il se diminue un peu; mais en échangela mer envoie une vapeur epaisse, qui se jette sur l'arbre, et quisupplée a ce manquement. " Du Bois Geogr. Part. Iii. Ch. 17. Can all thishave arisen from Pliny's arbores ex quibus aquae exprimantur?]

[*** See Captain Glasse's elaborate account of the Canaries, and CaptainCook's last Voyage. ]

The capital of Teneriffe is Laguna, or more properly San Christoval de laLaguna, St. Christopher of the Lake, so called from its situation near alake. Both this and Santa Cruz are built of stone, but the appearance ofthe latter is more pleasing than that of Laguna. They are distant fromeach other about four miles. The capital of the Great Canary, andproperly of the whole government, is the City of Palms: But that placehas been for some time the centre of ecclesiastical government only. Thecustom of reckoning the first meridian as passing through these isles wasbegun by Ptolemy; and perhaps it is still to be wished that the Frenchregulations on that subject were generally adopted. 

9 June 1787. 

Our ships were at length preparing to depart, when on the evening of the9th of June, a convict belonging to the Alexander, having been employedon deck, found means to cut away the boat, and make a temporary escape;but he was missed and soon retaken. It is not probable that he had formedany definite plan of escape; the means of absconding must have beenaccidentally offered, and suddenly embraced; and for making such anattempt, the vague hope of liberty, without any certain prospect, wouldnaturally afford sufficient temptation. 

10 June 1787

By the 10th of June the ships had completed their water, and early thenext morning, the Governor gave the signal for weighing anchor, and thefleet pursued its course. 

Report of the marines and convicts under medical treatment, given in toGovernor Phillip, June 4th, 1787. 

Charlotte, -- Marines 4 Convicts 16Alexander, -- Marines 2 Convicts 26Scarborough, -- Marine 1 Convicts 9Friendship, -- Convicts 13Lady Penrhyn, Convicts 11Prince of Wales, Marines 2 Convicts 7 --- Total Marines 9 Convicts 72

Convicts dead since the first embarkation 21Children of convicts 3

Of these only fifteen, and one child, had died since the departure fromSpithead. 

Chapter IV. 

June 1787 to September 1787

Attempt to put in at Port Praya--Relinquished--Weather--Sail for Rio deFaneiro--Reasons for touching at a South American port--The Fleet passesthe Line--Arrives at Rio de Faneiro--Account of that Place--Transactionsthere--Departure. 

Vegetables not having been so plentiful at Santa Cruz as to afford asufficient supply, it was the intention of Governor Phillip to anchor forabout twenty-four hours in the Bay of Port Praya. The islands on thisside of the Atlantic, seem as if expressly placed to facilitate thenavigation to and from the Cape of Good Hope: by offering to vessels, without any material variation from their course, admirable stations forsupply and refreshment. About latitude 40, north, the Azores; in 33, theMadeiras; between 29 and 27, the Canaries; and between 18 and 16, theIslands of Cape Verd, successively offer themselves to the voyager, affording abundantly every species of accommodation his circumstances canrequire. On the Southern side of the Equator, a good harbour andabundance of turtles give some consequence even to the little barrenisland of Ascension; and St. Helena, by the industry of the Englishsettlers, has become the seat of plenty and of elegance. Without theassistance derived, in going or returning, from some of these places, theinterval of near forty degrees on each side of the line, in a sea exposedto violent heat, and subject to tedious calms, would be sufficient todiscourage even the navigators of the eighteenth century. 

18 June 1787

On the 18th of June, the fleet came in sight of the Cape Verd Islands, and was directed by signal to steer for St. Jago. But the want offavourable wind, and the opposition of a strong current making itprobable that all the ships would not be able to get into the Bay, theGovernor thought it best to change his plan. The signal for anchoring washauled down, and the ships were directed to continue their first course;a circumstance of much disappointment to many individuals on board, who, as is natural in long voyages, were eager on every occasion to enjoy therefreshments of the shore. As an additional incitement to such wishes, the weather had now become hot; the thermometer stood at 82°, which, though not an immoderate heat for a tropical climate, is sufficient toproduce considerable annoyance. But, unmoved by any consideration exceptthat of expedience, Governor Phillip persisted in conducting his ships totheir next intended station, the harbour of Rio de Janeiro. 

It may appear perhaps, on a slight consideration, rather extraordinary, that vessels bound to the Cape of Good Hope should find it expedient totouch at a harbour of South America. To run across the Atlantic, and takeas a part of their course, that coast, the very existence of which wasunknown to the first navigators of these seas, seems a very circuitousmethod of performing the voyage. A little examination will remove thisapparent difficulty. The calms so frequent on the African side, are ofthemselves a sufficient cause to induce a navigator to keep a verywesterly course; and even the islands at which it is so often convenientto touch will carry him within a few degrees of the South Americancoast. --The returning tracks of Captain Cooks's three voyages all runwithin a very small space of the 45th degree of west longitude, which iseven ten degrees further to the west than the extremity of Cape St. Roque: and that course appears to have been taken voluntarily, withoutany extraordinary inducement. But in the latitudes to which GovernorPhillip's squadron had now arrived, the old and new continent approach sonear to each other, that in avoiding the one it becomes necessary to runwithin a very moderate distance of the opposite land. 

In the passage from the Cape Verd Islands, the fleet suffered for sometime the inconvenience of great heat, attended by heavy rains. The heat, however, did not at any time exceed the point already specified, * and theprecautions unremittingly observed in all the ships happily continuedefficacious in preventing any violent sickness. Nor did the oppression ofthe hot weather continue so long as in these latitudes might have beenexpected; for before they reached the equator the temperature had becomemuch more moderate. 

[* 82°, 51. It is not unusual in England, to have the thermometer, for aday or two in a summer, at 81°. ]

5 July 1787

On July 5, 1787, being then in long. 26° 10' west from Greenwich, theBotany Bay fleet passed from the Northern into the Southern Hemisphere. About three weeks more of very favourable and pleasant weather conveyedthem to Rio de Janeiro. 

5-6 August 1787

On the 5th of August they anchored off the harbour, and on the eveningof the 6th were at their station within it. The land of Cape Frio had beendiscovered some days before, but a deficiency of wind from that time alittle slackened their course. 

Rio de Janeiro, or January River, so called because discovered by Dias deSolis on the feast of St. Januarius, (Sept. 19) 1525, is not in fact ariver, though its name denotes that it was then supposed to be so: it isan arm of the sea, into which a considerable number of small riversdescends. 

The city of Rio de Janeiro, called by some writers St. Sebastian, fromthe name of its tutelar patron, is situated on the west side of this bay, within less than a degree of the tropic of Capricorn, and about 43° westof Greenwich. It is at present the capital of all Brasil, and has beenfor some time the residence of the Viceroy. These distinctions itobtained in preference to St. Salvador, which was formerly the capital, by means of the diamond mines discovered in its vicinity, in the year1730. The place increasing rapidly by the wealth thus brought to it, wasfortified and put under the care of a governor in 1738. The port is oneof the finest in the world, very narrow at the entrance, and withincapacious enough to contain more ships than ever were assembled at onestation. It has soundings from twenty to one hundred and twenty fathoms. A hill shaped like a sugar loaf, situated on the west side, marks theproper bearing for entering the harbour: the situation of which is fullypointed out at the distance of two leagues and a half by some smallislands, one of which, called Rodonda, is very high, and in form notunlike a haycock. The mouth of the harbour is defended by forts, particularly two, called Santa Cruz and Lozia; and the usual anchoragewithin it is before the city, north of a small island named Dos Cobras. 

There are in this port established fees, which are paid by all merchantships, Portuguese as well as strangers: 3l. 12s. Each on entering thebay, the same on going out, and 5s. 6d. A day while they remain atanchor. The entrance fee was demanded for the transports in thisexpedition, but when Governor Phillip had alledged that they were loadedwith King's stores, the payment was no more insisted upon. Nevertheless, the Captain of the Port gave his attendance, with his boat's crew, toassist the ships in coming in, there being at that time only a light air, hardly sufficient to carry them up the bay. 

In the narrative of Captain Cook's Voyage in 1768, we find, on hisarrival at this place, great appearance of suspicion on the part of theViceroy, harsh prohibitions of landing, even to the gentlemen employed inphilosophical researches, and some proceedings rather of a violentnature. The reception given by the present Viceroy to Governor Phillipand his officers was very different: it was polite and flattering to agreat degree, and free from every tincture of jealous caution. 

Don Lewis de Varconcellos, the reigning Viceroy, belongs to one of thenoblest families in Portugal; is brother to the Marquis of CastelloMethor, and to the Count of Pombeiro. Governor Phillip, who served forsome years as a Captain in the Portuguese navy, and is deservedly muchhonoured by that nation, was not personally unknown to the Viceroy, though known in a way which, in a less liberal mind, might have producedvery different dispositions. There had been some difference between them, on a public account, in this port, when Governor Phillip commanded theEurope: each party had acted merely for the honour of the nation to whichhe belonged, and the Viceroy, with the true spirit of a man of honour, far from resenting a conduct so similar to his own, seemed now to make ithis object to obliterate every recollection of offence. As soon as he wasfully informed of the nature of Governor Phillip's commission, he gave itout in orders to the garrison that the same honours should be paid tothat officer as to himself. This distinction the Governor modestly wishedto decline, but was not permitted. His officers were all introduced tothe Viceroy, and were, as well as himself, received with every possiblemark of attention to them, and regard for their country. They wereallowed to visit all parts of the city, and even to make excursions asfar as five miles into the country, entirely unattended: an indulgencevery unusual to strangers, and considering what we read of the jealousyof the Portuguese Government respecting its diamond mines, the moreextraordinary. 

Provisions were here so cheap, that notwithstanding the allowance of meatwas fixed by Governor Phillip at twenty ounces a day, the men werevictualled completely, rice, fresh vegetables, and firing included, atthree-pence three-farthings a head. Wine was not at this season to behad, except from the retail dealers, less was therefore purchased thanwould otherwise have been taken. Rum, however, was laid in; and all suchseeds and plants procured as were thought likely to flourish on the coastof New South Wales, particularly coffee, indigo, cotton, and thecochineal fig. * As a substitute for bread, if it should become scarce, one hundred sacks of cassada were purchased at a very advantageous price. 

[* Cactus Cochinilifer, of Linnaeus. ]

Cassada, the bread of thousands in the tropical climates, affords one ofthose instances in which the ingenuity of man might be said to triumphover the intentions of nature, were it not evidently the design ofProvidence that we should in all ways exert our invention and sagacity tothe utmost, for our own security and support. It is the root of a shrubcalled Cassada, or Cassava Jatropha, and in its crude state is highlypoisonous. By washing, pressure, and evaporation, it is deprived of allits noxious qualities, and being formed into cakes becomes a salubriousand not an unpalatable substitute for bread. 

By the indulgence of the Viceroy, the deficiency in the military storesobserved at the departure of the transports from England, was made up bya supply purchased from the Royal arsenal; nor was any assistancewithheld which either the place afforded, or the stores of governmentcould furnish. 

The circumstances, which in this place most astonish a stranger, andparticularly a Protestant, are, the great abundance of images dispersedthroughout the city, and the devotion paid to them. They are placed atthe corner of almost every street, and are never passed without arespectful salutation; but at night they are constantly surrounded bytheir respective votaries, who offer up their prayers aloud, and make theair resound in all quarters with the notes of their hymns. The strictnessof manners in the inhabitants is not said to be at all equivalent to thewarmth of this devotion; but in all countries and climates it is foundmuch easier to perform external acts of reputed piety, than to acquirethe internal habits so much more essential. It must be owned, however, that our people did not find the ladies so indulgent as some voyagershave represented them. 

It was near a month before Governor Phillip could furnish his ships withevery thing which it was necessary they should now procure. At length, onthe 4th of September he weighed anchor, and as he passed the fort, received from the Viceroy the last compliment it was in his power to pay, being saluted with twenty-one guns. The salute was returned by an equalnumber from the Sirius; and thus ended an intercourse honourable to bothnations, and particularly to the principal officer employed in theservice of each. 

Chapter V. 

September 1787 to January 1788

Prospercus passage from Rio to the Cape--Account of the Harbours there--TheCape of Good Hope not the most Southern point--Height of Table Mountainand others--Supineness of the European nations in neglecting to occupy theCape--Live stock laid in--Departure--Separation of the fleet--Arrival of theSupply at Botany Bay. 

4 September 1787

A Prosperous course by sea, like a state of profound peace andtranquility in civil society, though most advantageous to those who enjoyit, is unfavourable to the purposes of narration. The striking factswhich the writer exerts himself to record, and the reader is eager toperuse, arise only from difficult situations: uniform prosperity isdescribed in very few words. Of this acceptable but unproductive kind wasthe passage of the Botany Bay fleet from Rio de Janeiro to the Cape ofGood Hope; uniformly favourable, and not marked by any extraordinaryincidents. This run, from about lat. 22° south, long. 43 west of London, to lat. 34° south, long. 18° east of London, a distance of about fourthousand miles, was performed in thirty-nine days: for having left Rio onthe 4th of September, on the 13th of October the ships came to anchor inTable Bay. Here they were to take their final refreshment, and lay inevery kind of stock with which they were not already provided. In thisperiod no additional lives had been lost, except that of a single convictbelonging to the Charlotte transport, who fell accidentally into the sea, and could not by any efforts be recovered. 

13 October 1787

Table Bay, on the north-west side of the Cape of Good Hope, is named fromthe Table Mountain, a promontory of considerable elevation, at the footof which, and almost in the centre of the Bay, stands Cape Town, theprincipal Dutch settlement in this territory. This Bay cannot properly becalled a port, being by no means a station of security; it is exposed toall the violence of the winds which set into it from the sea; and is farfrom sufficiently secured from those which blow from the land. The gustswhich descend from the summit of Table Mountain are sufficient to forceships from their anchors, and even violently to annoy persons on theshore, by destroying any tents or other temporary edifices which may beerected, and raising clouds of fine dust, which produce very troublesomeeffects. A gale of this kind, from the south-east, blew for three dayssuccessively when Capt. Cook lay here in his first voyage, at which time, he informs us, the Resolution was the only ship in the harbour that hadnot dragged her anchors. The storms from the sea are still moreformidable; so much so, that ships have frequently been driven by themfrom their anchorage, and wrecked at the head of the Bay. But theseaccidents happen chiefly in the quaade mousson, or winter months, fromMay 14 to the same day of August; during which time few ships venture toanchor here. Our fleet, arriving later, lay perfectly unmolested as longas it was necessary for it to remain in this station. 

False Bay, on the south-east side of the Cape, is more secure than TableBay, during the prevalence of the north-west winds, but still less so instrong gales from the south-east. It is however less frequented, beingtwenty-four miles of very heavy road distant from Cape Town, whencealmost all necessaries must be procured. The most sheltered part of FalseBay is a recess on the west side, called Simon's Bay. 

The Cape of Good Hope, though popularly called, and perhaps prettygenerally esteemed so, is not in truth the most southern point of Africa. The land which projects furthest to the south is a point to the east ofit, called by the English Cape Lagullus; a name corrupted from theoriginal Portugueze das Agulhas, which, as well as the French appellationdes Aiguilles, is descriptive of its form, and would rightly betranslated Needle Cape. Three eminences, divided by very narrow passes, and appearing in a distant view like three summits of the same mountain, stand at the head of Table Bay. --They are however of different heights, bywhich difference, as well as by that of their shape, they may bedistinguished. Table Mountain is so called from its appearance, as itterminates in a flat horizontal surface, from which the face of the rockdescends almost perpendicularly. This mountain rises to about 3567 feetabove the level of the sea. Devil's Head, called also Charles mountain, is situated to the east of the former, and is not above 3368 feet inheight; and on the west side of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, whose nameis also meant to be descriptive, does not exceed 2764 feet. In theneighbourhood of the latter lies Constantia, a district consisting of twofarms, wherein the famous wines of that name are produced. 

Our voyagers found provisions less plentiful and less reasonable in priceat Cape Town than they had been taught to expect. Board and lodging, which are to be had only in private houses, stood the officers in tworix-dollars a day, which is near nine shillings sterling. This town, theonly place in the whole colony to which that title can be applied withpropriety, is of no great extent; it does not in any part exceed twomiles: and the country, colonized here by the Dutch, is in general sounfavourable to cultivation, that it is not without some astonishmentthat we find them able to raise provisions from it in sufficientabundance to supply themselves, and the ships of so many nations whichconstantly resort to the Cape. 

When we consider the vast advantages derived by the Dutch colonists fromthis traffic, and the almost indispensible necessity by which navigatorsof all nations are driven to seek refreshment there, it cannot but appearextraordinary, that from the discovery of the Cape in 1493, by BarthelemiDiaz, to the year 1650, when, at the suggestion of John Van Riebeck, thefirst Dutch colony was sent, a spot so very favourable to commerce andnavigation should have remained unoccupied by Europeans. Perhaps all theperseverance of the Dutch character was necessary even to suggest theidea of maintaining an establishment in a soil so burnt by the sun, andso little disposed to repay the toil of the cultivator. The example andsuccess of this people may serve, however, as an useful instruction toall who in great undertakings are deterred by trifling obstacles; andwho, rather than contend with difficulties, are inclined to relinquishthe most evident advantages. 

But though the country near the Cape had not charms enough to render itas pleasing as that which surrounds Rio de Janeiro, yet the Governor, Mynheer Van Graaffe, was not far behind the Viceroy of Brazil inattention to the English officers. They were admitted to his table, wherethey were elegantly entertained, and had reason to be pleased in allrespects with his behaviour and disposition. Yet the minds of his peoplewere not at this time in a tranquil state; the accounts from Holland weresuch as occasioned much uneasiness, and great preparations were making atthe fort, from apprehension of a rupture with some other power. 

In the course of a month, the live stock and other provisions wereprocured; and the ships, having on board not less than five hundredanimals of different kinds, but chiefly poultry, put on an appearancewhich naturally enough excited the idea of Noah's ark. This supply, considering that the country had previously suffered from a dearth, wasvery considerable; but it was purchased of course at a higher expenceconsiderably than it would have been in a time of greater plenty. 

12 November 1787

On the 12th of November the fleet set sail, and was for many days muchdelayed by strong winds from the south-east. 

25 November 1787

On the 25th, being then only 80 leagues to the eastward of the Cape, Governor Phillip left the Sirius and went on board the Supply tender;in hopes, by leaving the convoy, to gain sufficient time for examiningthe country round Botany Bay, so as to fix on the situation mosteligible for the colony, before the transports should arrive. At thesame time he ordered the agents for the transports, who were in theAlexander, to separate themselves from the convoy with that ship, the Scarborough and Friendship, which, as they were better sailorsthan the rest, might reasonably be expected sooner: in which case, by the labour of the convicts they had on board, much might be donein making the necessary preparations for landing the provisions andstores. 

Major Ross, the Commandant of Marines, now left the Sirius, and went onboard the Scarborough, that he might accompany that part of thedetachment which probably would be landed first. Captain Hunter, in theSirius, was to follow with the store-ships, and the remainder of thetransports; and he had the necessary instructions for his futureproceedings, in case the Supply had met with any accident. LieutenantGidley King, since appointed Commandant of Norfolk Island, accompaniedGovernor Phillip in the Supply. 

3 January 1788

From this time to the 3d of January, 1788, the winds were as favourableas could be wished, blowing generally in very strong gales from thenorth-west, west, and south-west. Once only the wind had shifted to theeast, but continued in that direction not more than a few hours. Thusassisted, the Supply, which sailed but very indifferently, and turnedout, from what she had suffered in the voyage, to be hardly a safeconveyance, performed in fifty-one days a voyage of more than seventhousand miles. On the day abovementioned she was within sight of thecoast of New South Wales. But the winds then became variable, and acurrent, which at times set very strongly to the southward, so muchimpeded her course, that it was not till the 18th that she arrived atBotany Bay. 

Chapter VI. 

January 1788

First interview with the natives--the bay examined--arrival of the wholefleet--Port Jackson examined--second interview with the natives--andthird--Governor Phillip returns to Botany Bay--and gives orders for theevacuation of it. 

18 January 1788

At the very first landing of Governor Phillip on the shore of Botany Bay, an interview with the natives took place. They were all armed, but onseeing the Governor approach with signs of friendship, alone and unarmed, they readily returned his confidence by laying down their weapons. Theywere perfectly devoid of cloathing, yet seemed fond of ornaments, puttingthe beads and red baize that were given them, on their heads or necks, and appearing pleased to wear them. The presents offered by their newvisitors were all readily accepted, nor did any kind of disagreementarise while the ships remained in Botany Bay. This very pleasing effectwas produced in no small degree by the personal address, as well as bythe great care and attention of the Governor. Nor were the orders whichenforced a conduct so humane, more honourable to the persons from whomthey originated, than the punctual execution of them was to the officerssent out: it was evident that their wishes coincided with their duty; andthat a sanguinary temper was no longer to disgrace the European settlersin countries newly discovered. 

The next care after landing was the examination of the bay itself, fromwhich it appeared that, though extensive, it did not afford a shelterfrom the easterly winds: and that, in consequence of its shallowness, ships even of a moderate draught, would always be obliged to anchor withthe entrance of the bay open, where they must be exposed to a heavy sea, that rolls in whenever it blows hard from the eastward. 

Several runs of fresh water were found in different parts of the bay, butthere did not appear to be any situation to which there was not some verystrong objection. In the northern part of it is a small creek, which runsa considerable way into the country, but it has water only for a boat, the sides of it are frequently overflowed, and the low lands near it area perfect swamp. The western branch of the bay is continued to a greatextent, but the officers sent to examine it could not find there anysupply of fresh water, except in very small drains. 

Point Sutherland offered the most eligible situation, having a run ofgood water, though not in very great abundance. But to this part of theharbour the ships could not approach, and the ground near it, even in thehigher parts, was in general damp and spungy. Smaller numbers mightindeed in several spots have found a comfortable residence, but no placewas found in the whole circuit of Botany Bay which seemed at allcalculated for the reception of so large a settlement. While thisexamination was carried on, the whole fleet had arrived. The Supply hadnot so much outsailed the other ships as to give Governor Phillip theadvantage he had expected in point of time. On the 19th of January, theAlexander, Scarborough, and Friendship, cast anchor in Botany Bay; and onthe 20th, the Sirius, with the remainder of the convoy*. These ships hadall continued very healthy; they had not, however, yet arrived at theirfinal station. 

[* The annexed view of Botany Bay, represents the Supply, etc. At anchor, and the Sirius with her convoy coming into the bay. ]

The openness of this bay, and the dampness of the soil, by which thepeople would probably be rendered unhealthy, had already determined theGovernor to seek another situation. He resolved, therefore, to examinePort Jackson, a bay mentioned by Captain Cook as immediately to the northof this. There he hoped to find, not only a better harbour, but a fitterplace for the establishment of his new government. But that no time mightbe lost, in case of a disappointment in these particulars, the groundnear Point Sutherland was ordered immediately to be cleared, andpreparations to be made for landing, under the direction of theLieutenant Governor. 

These arrangements having been settled, Governor Phillip prepared toproceed to the examination of Port Jackson: and as the time of hisabsence, had he gone in the Supply, must have been very uncertain, he went round with three boats; taking with him Captain Hunterand several other officers, that by examining several parts of theharbour at once the greater dispatch might be made. 

22d January, 1788. 

On the 22d of January they set out upon this expedition, and earlyin the afternoon arrived at Port Jackson, which is distant about threeleagues. Here all regret arising from the former disappointments wasat once obliterated; and Governor Phillip had the satisfaction to findone of the finest harbours in the world, in which a thousand sail ofthe line might ride in perfect security. 

The different coves of this harbour were examined with all possibleexpedition, and the preference was given to one which had the finestspring of water, and in which ships can anchor so close to the shore, that at a very small expence quays may be constructed at which thelargest vessels may unload. This cove is about half a mile in length, anda quarter of a mile across at the entrance. In honour of Lord Sydney, theGovernor distinguished it by the name of Sydney Cove. 

On the arrival of the boats at Port Jackson, a second party of thenatives made its appearance near the place of landing. These also werearmed with lances, and at first were very vociferous; but the same gentlemeans used towards the others easily persuaded these also to discardtheir suspicions, and to accept whatsoever was offered. One man inparticular, who appeared to be the chief of this tribe, shewed verysingular marks both of confidence in his new friends, and of determinedresolution. Under the guidance of Governor Phillip, to whom hevoluntarily intrusted himself, he went to a part of the beach where themen belonging to the boats were then boiling their meat: when heapproached the marines, who were drawn up near that place, and saw thatby proceeding he should be separated from his companions, who remainedwith several of the officers at some distance, he stopped, and with greatfirmness, seemed by words and gestures to threaten revenge if anyadvantage should be taken of his situation. He then went on with perfectcalmness to examine what was boiling in the pot, and by the manner inwhich he expressed his admiration, made it evident that he intended toprofit by what he saw. Governor Phillip contrived to make him understandthat large shells might conveniently be used for the same purpose, and itis probable that by these hints, added to his own observation, he will beenabled to introduce the art of boiling among his countrymen. Hithertothey appear to have known no other way of dressing food than broiling. Their methods of kindling fire are probably very imperfect and laborious, for it is observed that they usually keep it burning, and are very rarelyseen without either a fire actually made, or a piece of lighted wood, which they carry with them from place to place, and even in theircanoes. * The perpetual fires, which in some countries formed a part ofthe national religion, had perhaps no other origin than a similarinability to produce it at pleasure; and if we suppose the original flameto have been kindled by lightning, the fiction of its coming down fromheaven will be found to deviate very little from the truth. 

[* In Hawksw. Voy. Vol. Iii. P. 234, it is said that they produce firewith great facility, etc. Which account is the more correct, time willprobably show. ]

In passing near a point of land in this harbour, the boats were perceivedby a number of the natives, twenty of whom waded into the water unarmed, received what was offered them, and examined the boat with a curiositywhich impressed a higher idea of them than any former accounts of theirmanners had suggested. This confidence, and manly behaviour, inducedGovernor Phillip, who was highly pleased with it, to give the place thename of Manly Cove. The same people afterwards joined the party at theplace where they had landed to dine. They were then armed, two of themwith shields and swords, the rest with lances only. The swords were madeof wood, small in the gripe, and apparently less formidable than a goodstick. One of these men had a kind of white clay rubbed upon the upperpart of his face, so as to have the appearance of a mask. This ornament, if it can be called such, is not common among them, and is probablyassumed only on particular occasions, or as a distinction to a fewindividuals. One woman had been seen on the rocks as the boats passed, with her face, neck and breasts thus painted, and to our people appearedthe most disgusting figure imaginable; her own countrymen were perhapsdelighted by the beauty of the effect. 

During the preparation for dinner the curiosity of these visitorsrendered them very troublesome, but an innocent contrivance altogetherremoved the inconvenience. Governor Phillip drew a circle round the placewhere the English were, and without much difficulty made the nativesunderstand that they were not to pass that line; after which they satdown in perfect quietness. Another proof how tractable these people are, when no insult or injury is offered, and when proper means are toinfluence the simplicity of their minds. 

24 January 1788

January 24th, 1788. On the 24th of January, Governor Phillip havingsufficiently explored Port Jackson, and found it in all respects highlycalculated to receive such a settlement as he was appointed to establish, returned to Botany Bay. On his arrival there, the reports made to him, both of the ground which the people were clearing, and of the upper partsof the Bay, which in this interval had been more particularly examined, were in the greatest degree unfavourable. It was impossible after this tohesitate concerning the choice of a situation; and orders wereaccordingly issued for the removal of the whole fleet to Port Jackson. 

That Botany Bay should have appeared to Captain Cook in a moreadvantageous light than to Governor Phillip, is not by any meansextraordinary. Their objects were very different; the one required onlyshelter and refreshment for a small vessel, and during but a short time:the other had great numbers to provide for, and was necessitated to finda place wherein ships of very considerable burthen might approach theshore with ease, and lie at all times in perfect security. The appearanceof the place is picturesque and pleasing, and the ample harvest itafforded, of botanical acquisitions, made it interesting to thephilosophical gentlemen engaged in that expedition; but something moreessential than beauty of appearance, and more necessary thanphilosophical riches, must be sought in a place where the permanentresidence of multitudes is to be established. 

Chapter VII. 

January 1788

Removal from Botany Bay--Arrival of two French ships--Account ofthem--Preparations for encampment--Difficulties--Scurvy breaks out--Accountof the red and yellow gum trees. 

24 January 1788

Preparations for a general removal were now made with all convenientexpedition: but on the morning of the 24th the greatest astonishment wasspread throughout the fleet by the appearance of two ships, under Frenchcolours. In this remote region visitors from Europe were very littleexpected, and their arrival, while the cause of it remained unknown, produced in some minds a temporary apprehension, accompanied by amultiplicity of conjectures, many of them sufficiently ridiculous. Governor Phillip was the first to recollect that two ships had been sentout some time before from France for the purpose of discovery, andrightly concluded these to be the same. But as the opposition of thewind, and a strong current prevented them at present from working intothe harbour, and even drove them out of sight again to the south, he didnot think proper to delay his departure for the sake of making furtherenquiry. 

25 January 1788

On the 25th of January therefore, seven days after the arrival of theSupply, Governor Phillip quitted Botany Bay in the same ship, and sailedto Port Jackson. The rest of the fleet, under convoy of the Sirius, wasordered to follow, as soon as the abatement of the wind, which then blewa strong gale, should facilitate its working out of the Bay. The Supplywas scarcely out of sight when the French ships again appeared off themouth of the harbour, and a boat was immediately sent to them, withoffers of every kind of information and assistance their situation couldrequire. It was now learnt that these were, as the Governor had supposed, the Boussole and the Astrolabe, on a voyage of discovery, under theconduct of Monsieur La Perouse. 

26 January 1788

On the 26th, the transports and store ships, attended by the Sirius, finally evacuated Botany Bay; and in a very short time they were allassembled in Sydney Cove, the place now destined for their port, and forthe reception of the new settlement. The French ships had come to anchorin Botany Bay just before the departure of the Sirius; and during theintercourse which then took place, M. La Perouse had expressed a strongdesire of having some letters conveyed to Europe. Governor Phillip was nosooner informed of this, than he dispatched an officer to him with fullinformation of the time when it was probable our ships would sail, andwith assurances that his letters should be punctually transmitted. Bythis officer the following intelligence was brought back concerning thevoyage of the Astrolabe and Boussole. 

These vessels had sailed from France in June 1785. They had touched atthe Isle of Santa Catharina on the coast of Brasil, from thence had goneby the extremity of South America into the Pacific Ocean, where they hadrun along by the coasts of Chili and California. They had afterwardsvisited Easter Island, Nootka Sound, Cook's River, Kamschatka, Manilla, the Isles des Navigateurs, Sandwich and the Friendly Islands. M. LaPerouse had also anchored off Norfolk Island, but could not land, onaccount of the surf. In this long voyage he had not lost any of hispeople by sickness; but two boats crews had unfortunately perished in asurf on the north-west coast of America; and at Masuna, one of the Islesdes Navigateurs, M. L'Angle, Captain of the Astrolabe, had met with afate still more unfortunate. That officer had gone ashore with two longboats for the purpose of filling some water casks. His party amounted toforty men, and the natives, from whom the French had received abundanceof refreshments, and with whom they had been uniformly on the best terms, did not on their landing show any signs of a change of disposition. Malice unprovoked, and treachery without a motive, seem inconsistent evenwith the manners of savages; the French officers therefore, confiding inthis unbroken state of amity, had suffered their boats to lie aground. But whether it were that the friendly behaviour of the natives hadproceeded only from fear, or that some unknown offence had been given, they seized the moment when the men were busied in getting out the boats, to make an attack equally furious and unexpected. The assault was madewith stones, of which prodigious numbers were thrown with extraordinaryforce and accuracy of direction. To this treachery M. L'Angle fell asacrifice, and with him twelve of his party, officers and men, thelong-boats were destroyed, and the remainder of those who had gone ashoreescaped with difficulty in their small boats. The ships in the mean timewere under sail, and having passed a point of land that intercepted theview, knew nothing of this melancholy and unaccountable affray till theboats returned. This fatal result from too implicit a confidence, may, perhaps very properly, increase the caution of Europeans in theircommerce with savages, but ought not to excite suspicion. The resentmentsof such people are sudden and sanguinary, and, where the intercourse oflanguage is wanting, may easily be awakened by misapprehension: but itseems possible to treat them with sufficient marks of confidence, withoutabandoning the guards of prudence. Offence is often given by the men, while the officers are most studious to preserve harmony, and against thetransports of rage which arise on such occasions, it is always necessaryto be prepared. Perhaps, also, a degree of awe should always be kept up, even to preserve their friendship. It has been uniformly remarked by ourpeople, that defenceless stragglers are generally ill-treated by thenatives of New South Wales, while towards parties armed and on theirguard, they behave in the most amicable manner. 

The debarkation was now made at Sydney Cove, and the work of clearing theground for the encampment, as well as for the storehouses and otherbuildings, was begun without loss of time. But the labour which attendedthis necessary operation was greater than can easily be imagined by thosewho were not spectators of it. The coast, as well as the neighbouringcountry in general, is covered with wood; and though in this spot thetrees stood more apart, and were less incumbered with underwood than inmany other places, yet their magnitude was such as to render not only thefelling, but the removal of them afterwards, a task of no smalldifficulty. By the habitual indolence of the convicts, and the want ofproper overseers to keep them to their duty, their labour was renderedless efficient than it might have been. 

26 January 1788

In the evening of the 26th the colours were displayed on shore, and the Governor, with several of his principal officers and others, assembled round the flag-staff, drank the king's health, and successto the settlement, with all that display of form which on such occasionsis esteemed propitious, because it enlivens the spirits, and fillsthe imagination with pleasing presages. From this time to the endof the first week in February all was hurry and exertion. They whogave orders and they who received them were equally occupied; noris it easy to conceive a busier scene than this part of the coastexhibited during the continuance of these first efforts towardsestablishment. The plan of the encampment was quickly formed, and placeswere marked out for every different purpose, so as to introduce, as muchas possible, strict order and regularity. The materials and frame work toconstruct a slight temporary habitation for the Governor, had beenbrought out from England ready formed: these were landed and put togetherwith as much expedition as the circumstances would allow. Hospital tentswere also without delay erected, for which there was soon but too muchoccasion. In the passage from the Cape there had been but littlesickness, nor had many died even among the convicts; but soon afterlanding, a dysentery prevailed, which in several instances proved fatal, and the scurvy began to rage with a virulence which kept the hospitaltents generally supplied with patients. For those afflicted with thisdisorder, the advantage of fish or other fresh provisions could butrarely be procured; nor were esculent vegetables often obtained insufficient plenty to produce any material alleviation of the complaint. In the dysentery, the red gum of the tree which principally abounds onthis coast, was found a very powerful remedy. The yellow gum has beendiscovered to possess the same property, but in an inferior degree. 

The tree which yields the former kind of gum is very considerable insize, and grows to a great height before it puts out any branches. Thered gum is usually compared to that called sanguis draconis, but differsfrom it by being perfectly soluble in water, whereas the other, beingmore properly a resin, will not dissolve except in spirits of wine. Itmay be drawn from the tree by tapping, or taken out of the veins of thewood when dry, in which it is copiously distributed. The leaves are longand narrow, not unlike those of a willow. The wood is heavy and finegrained, but being much intersected by the channels containing the gum, splits and warps in such a manner as soon to become entirely useless;especially when worked up, as necessity at first occasioned it to be, without having been properly seasoned. 

The yellow gum as it is called, is strictly a resin, not being at allsoluble in water; in appearance it strongly resembles gamboge, but hasnot the property of staining. The plant that produces it is low andsmall, with long grassy leaves; but the fructification of it shoots outin a singular manner from the centre of the leaves, on a single straightstem, to the height of twelve or fourteen feet. Of this stem, which isstrong and light, like some of the reed class, the natives usually maketheir spears; sometimes pointing them with a piece of the same substancemade sharp, but more frequently with bone. The resin is generally dug upout of the soil under the tree, not collected from it, and may perhaps bethat which Tasman calls "gum lac of the ground. " The form of this plantis very exactly delineated in the annexed plate, and its proportion toother trees may be collected from the plate, entitled, A View in NewSouth Wales, in which many of this species are introduced. 

The month of February was ushered in by a very violent storm of thunderand rain. The lightning struck and shivered a tree, under which a shedhad been erected for some sheep, and five of those animals were at thesame time unfortunately destroyed by it. The encampment still went onwith great alacrity, so that in the beginning of this month the work ofbuilding public storehouses was undertaken; and unremitting diligencebegan, though very gradually, to triumph over the obstacles which thenature of the place presented. 

Chapter VIII. 

February 1788

Description of Port Jackson and the adjacent country--The Governor'scommission read--his Speech--his humane resolutions respecting theNatives--difficulties in erecting huts and other buildings--departure ofLieutenant King to Norfolk Island. A View in Port Jackson. 

Port Jackson was not visited or explored by Captain Cook; it was seenonly at the distance of between two or three miles from the coast: hadany good fortune conducted him into that harbour, he would have found itmuch more worthy of his attention as a seaman, than that in which hepassed a week. Governor Phillip himself pronounces it to be a harbour, inextent and security, superior to any he has ever seen: and the mostexperienced navigators who were with him fully concur in that opinion. From an entrance not more than two miles across, Port Jackson graduallyextends into a noble and capacious bason; having soundings sufficient forthe largest vessels, and space to accommodate, in perfect security, anynumber that could be assembled. It runs chiefly in a western direction, about thirteen miles into the country, and contains not less than anhundred small coves, formed by narrow necks of land, whose projectionsafford admirable shelter from all winds. Sydney Cove lies on the Southside of the harbour, between five and six miles from the entrance. Thenecks of land that form the coves are mostly covered with timber, yet sorocky that it is not easy to comprehend how the trees could have foundsufficient nourishment to bring them to so considerable a magnitude; butthe soil between the rocks is very good, and into those spaces theprincipal roots have found their way. The soil in other parts of thecoast immediately about Port Jackson is of various qualities. That neckof land which divides the south end of the harbour from the sea ischiefly sand. Between Sydney Cove and Botany Bay the first space isoccupied by a wood, in some parts a mile and a half, in others threemiles across; beyond that, is a kind of heath, poor, sandy, and full ofswamps. As far as the eye can reach to the westward, the country is onecontinued wood. The head of the bay in Port Jackson, seemed at first tooffer some advantages of ground, but as it is partly left dry at lowwater, and as the winds are much obstructed there by the woods and by thewindings of the channel, it was deemed that it must probably beunhealthful, till the country can be cleared. 

There are several parts of the harbour in which the trees stand at agreater distance from each other than in Sydney Cove; some of these whichhave small runs of water, and a promising soil, Governor Phillip purposedto cultivate as soon as hands could be spared; but the advantage of beingable to land the stores and provisions with so much ease, unavoidablydetermined his choice of a place for the principal settlement. Had itbeen attempted to remove those necessaries only one mile from the spotwhere they were landed, the undertaking probably would have beenfruitless; so many were the obstacles to land carriage. At the head ofSydney Cove, therefore, Governor Phillip had fixed the seat of hisgovernment; but intent upon providing the best and earliest accommodationfor those who were to be encamped with him; and wholly occupied by thecontinual necessity of giving directions, he had not yet found leisurefor assuming regularly his powers and title of Governor. At length thehurry of the first preparations gave way to this more tranquil business. 

7 February 1788

The 7th of February, 1788, was the memorable day which established aregular form of Government on the coast of New South Wales. For obviousreasons, all possible solemnity was given to the proceedings necessary onthis occasion. On a space previously cleared, the whole colony wasassembled; the military drawn up, and under arms; the convicts stationedapart; and near the person of the Governor, those who were to hold theprincipal offices under him. The Royal Commission was then read by Mr. D. Collins, the Judge Advocate. By this instrument Arthur Phillip wasconstituted and appointed Captain General and Governor in Chief in andover the territory, called New South Wales; extending from the northerncape, or extremity of the coast, called Cape York, in the latitude of tendegrees, thirty-seven minutes south, to the southern extremity of thesaid territory of New South Wales, or South Cape, in the latitude offorty-three degrees, thirty-nine minutes south, and of all the countryinland to the westward, as far as the one hundred and thirty-fifth degreeof east longitude, reckoning from the meridian of Greenwich, includingall the islands adjacent in the Pacific Ocean, within the latitudesaforesaid of 10°. 37'. South, and 43°. 39'. South, and of all towns, garrisons, castles, forts, and all other fortifications, or othermilitary works which may be hereafter erected upon the said territory, orany of the said islands. The act of Parliament establishing the courts ofjudicature was next read; and lastly, the patents under the great seal, empowering the proper persons to convene and hold those courts wheneverthe exigency should require. The Office of Lieutenant Governor wasconferred on Major Ross, of the Marines. A triple discharge of musquetryconcluded this part of the ceremony; after which Governor Phillipadvanced, and addressing first the private soldiers, thanked them fortheir steady good conduct on every occasion: an honour which was repeatedto them in the next general orders. He then turned to the convicts, anddistinctly explained to them the nature of their present situation. Thegreater part, he bade them recollect, had already forfeited their livesto the justice of their country: yet, by the lenity of its laws, theywere now so placed that, by industry and good behaviour, they might intime regain the advantages and estimation in society of which they haddeprived themselves. They not only had every encouragement to make thateffort, but were removed almost entirely from every temptation to guilt. There was little in this infant community which one man could plunderfrom another, and any dishonest attempts in so small a society wouldalmost infallibly be discovered. To persons detected in such crimes, hecould not promise any mercy; nor indeed to any whom, under theircircumstances, should presume to offend against the peace and good orderof the settlement. What mercy could do for them they had alreadyexperienced; nor could any good be now expected from those whom neitherpast warnings, nor the peculiarities of their present situation couldpreserve from guilt. Against offenders, therefore, the rigour of the lawwould certainly be put in force: while they whose behaviour should in anydegree promise reformation, might always depend upon encouragement fullyproportioned to their deserts. He particularly noticed the illegalintercourse between the sexes as an offence which encouraged a generalprofligacy of manners, and was in several ways injurious to society. Toprevent this, he strongly recommended marriage, and promised every kindof countenance and assistance to those who, by entering into that state, should manifest their willingness to conform to the laws of morality andreligion. Governor Phillip concluded his address, by declaring hisearnest desire to promote the happiness of all who were under hisgovernment, and to render the settlement in New South Wales advantageousand honourabe to his country. 

This speech, which was received with universal acclamations, terminatedthe ceremonial peculiar to the day. Nor was it altogether without itsproper effect: For we are informed, that in the course of the ensuingweek fourteen marriages took place among the convicts. The assembly wasnow dispersed, and the Governor proceeded to review the troops on theground cleared for a parade: after which, he gave a dinner to theofficers, and the first evening of his government was concludedpropitiously, in good order and innocent festivity, amidst the repetitionof wishes for its prosperity. 

A rising government could not easily be committed to better hands. Governor Phillip appears to have every requisite to ensure the success ofthe undertaking intrusted to him, as far as the qualities of one man canensure it. Intelligent, active, persevering with firmness to make hisauthority respected, and mildness to render it pleasing, he wasdetermined, if possible, to bring even the native inhabitants of NewSouth Wales into a voluntary subjection; or at least to establish withthem a strict amity and alliance. Induced also by motives of humanity, itwas his determination from his first landing, to treat them with theutmost kindness: and he was firmly resolved, that, whatever differencesmight arise, nothing less than the most absolute necessity should evercompel him to fire upon them. In this resolution, by good fortune, and byhis own great address, he has happily been enabled to persevere. Butnotwithstanding this, his intentions of establishing a friendlyintercourse have hitherto been frustrated. M. De la Peyrouse, * while heremained in Botany Bay, had some quarrel with the inhabitants, whichunfortunately obliged him to use his fire-arms against them: this affair, joined to the ill behaviour of some of the convicts, who in spite of allprohibitions, and at the risque of all consequences, have wandered outamong them, has produced a shyness on their parts which it has not yetbeen possible to remove, though the properest means have been taken toregain their confidence. Their dislike to the Europeans is probablyincreased by discovering that they intend to remain among them, and thatthey interfere with them in some of their best fishing places, whichdoubtless are, in their circumstances, objects of very great importance. Some of the convicts who have straggled into the woods have been killed, and others dangerously wounded by the natives, but there is great reasonto suppose that in these cases the convicts have usually been theaggressors. 

[* This is the right form of that officer's name; it was printed otherwisein a former passage by mistake. ]

As the month of February advanced heavy rains began to fall, whichpointed out the necessity of procuring shelter for the people as soon aspossible. To have expedited this work in the degree which was desirable agreat number of artificers would have been required. But this advantagecould not be had. Only sixteen carpenters could be hired from all theships; among the convicts no more than twelve were of this profession, and of them several were sick. These therefore together formed but asmall party, in proportion to the work which was to be done. One hundredconvicts were added as labourers; but with every effort, it was foundimpossible to complete either the barracks for the men, or the huts forthe officers, as soon as was desired. As late as the middle of May thesewere yet unfinished, as well as the hospital, and the storehouse forthose provisions which were not landed at first. The Governor himself atthat time was still lodged in his temporary house of canvas, which wasnot perfectly impervious either to wind or weather. 

14 February 1788. 

On the 14th of February a party was sent out in the Supply, to settle ona small island to the north-west of New Zealand, in latitude 29° south, and longitude 168°. 10'. East from London, which was discovered and muchcommended by Captain Cook, and by him named Norfolk Island, in honour ofthe noble family to which that title belongs. To the office ofsuperintendant and commandant of this island, and the settlement to bemade upon it, Governor Phillip appointed Philip Gidley King, secondlieutenant of his Majesty's ship Sirius, an officer much esteemed by himas of great merit in his profession; and highly spoken of in his lettersas a man, whose perseverance in that or any other service might fully bedepended on. As it was known that there were no inhabitants on NorfolkIsland, there was sent with Lieut. King only a small detachment, consisting of one subaltern officer, and six marines, a very promisingyoung man who was a midshipman, a surgeon, * two men who understood thecultivation and dressing of flax, with nine men and six women convicts. That the nature of this settlement may be fully understood, a copy of theinstructions delivered to Mr. King at his departure is subjoined to thischapter. 

[* The surgeon's name is Jamison, whose intelligent letters to LewisWolfe, Esq; were kindly lent to the publisher, and have afforded muchuseful information. ]

INSTRUCTIONS for PHILIP GIDLEY KING, Esq; Superintendant and Commandantof the Settlement of NORFOLK ISLAND. 

With these instructions you will receive my Commission, appointing you tosuperintend and command the settlement to be formed in Norfolk Island, and to obey all such orders as you shall from time to time receive fromme, his Majesty's Governor in Chief, and Captain General of the territoryof New South Wales and its dependencies, or from the Lieutenant-Governorin my absence. 

You are therefore to proceed in his Majesty's armed tender Supply, whosecommander has my orders to receive you, with the men and women, storesand provisions necessary for forming the intended settlement; and on yourlanding on Norfolk Island you are to take upon you the execution of thetrust reposed in you, causing my commission, appointing yousuperintendant over the said settlement, to be publicly read. 

After having taken the necessary measures for securing yourself andpeople, and for the preservation of the stores and provisions, you areimmediately to proceed to the cultivation of the Flax Plant, which youwill find growing spontaneously on the island: as likewise to thecultivation of cotton, corn, and other plants, with the seeds of whichyou are furnished, and which you are to regard as public stock, and ofthe increase of which you are to send me an account, that I may know whatquantity may be drawn from the island for public use, or what supplies itmay be necessary to send hereafter. It is left to your discretion to usesuch part of the corn that is raised as may be found necessary; but thisyou are to do with the greatest oeconomy; and as the corn, flax, cotton, and other grains are the property of the Crown, and as such are to beaccounted for, you are to keep an exact account of the increase, and youwill in future receive directions for the disposal thereof. 

You are to inform yourself of the nature of the soil, what proportion ofland you find proper for the cultivation of corn, flax, and cotton, aslikewise what quantity of cattle may be bred on the island, and thenumber of people you judge necessary for the above purpose. You willlikewise observe what are the prevailing winds in the different seasonsof the year, the best anchorage according to the season, the rise andfall of the tides, likewise when the dry and rainy seasons begin and end. 

You will be furnished with a four oared boat, and you are not on anyconsideration to build, or to permit the building of any vessel or boatwhatever that is decked; or of any boat or vessel that is not decked, whose length of keel exceeds twenty feet: and if by any accident anyvessel or boat that exceeds twenty feet keel should be driven on theisland, you are immediately to cause such boat or vessel to be scuttled, or otherwise rendered unserviceable, letting her remain in that situationuntil you receive further directions from me. 

You will be furnished with six months provisions, within which time youwill receive an additional supply, but as you will be able to procurefish and vegetables, you are to endeavour to make the provisions youreceive serve as long as possible. 

The convicts being the servants of the Crown, till the time for whichthey are sentenced is expired, their labour is to be for the public; andyou are to take particular notice of their general good or bad behaviour, that they may hereafter be employed or rewarded according to theirdifferent merits. 

You are to cause the Prayers of the Church of England to be read with alldue solemnity every Sunday, and you are to inforce a due observance ofreligion and good order, transmitting to me, as often as opportunityoffers, a full account of your particular situation and transactions. 

You are not to permit any intercourse or trade with any ships or vesselsthat may stop at the island, whether English or of any other nation, unless such ships or vessels should be in distress, in which case you areto afford them such assistance as may be in your power. 

Given under my hand, at Head Quarters in Port Jackson, New South Wales, this 12th day of February, 1788. 

(Signed)

ARTHUR PHILLIP. 

Chapter IX. 

February 1788 to March 1788

A Criminal Court held--Broken Bay explored by Governor Phillip--Interviewswith the Natives--Peculiarities remarked--Friendly behaviour andextraordinary courage of an old man. 

Governor Phillip soon found with great regret, though doubtless withoutmuch surprise, that in the community committed to his care the strictenforcement of the sanctions of law was peculiarly necessary. There werein it many individuals whom neither lenity could touch, nor rigourterrify; who, with all sense of social duty, appeared to have lost allvalue for life itself, and with the same wantonness exposed themselves tothe darts of the savages, and to the severe punishments which, howeverreluctantly, every society must inflict when milder methods have beentried without success. Towards the latter end of February a criminalcourt was convened, in which six of the convicts received sentence ofdeath. One, who was the head of the gang, was executed the same day; ofthe rest, one was pardoned; the other four were reprieved, and afterwardsexiled to a small island within the bay, where they were kept on breadand water. These men had frequently robbed the stores, and the otherconvicts. He who suffered, and two others, had been detected in stealingfrom the stores the very day that they had received a week's provision;at a time when their allowance, as settled by the Navy Board, was thesame as that of the soldiers, spirituous liquors excepted. So inveteratewere their habits of dishonesty, that even the apparent want of a motivecould not repress them. 

2 March 1788

On the 2d of March Governor Phillip went with a long boat and cutter toexamine the broken land, mentioned by Captain Cook, about eight miles tothe northward of Port Jackson, and by him named Broken Bay. This bayproved to be very extensive. The first night they slept in the boats, within a rocky point in the north-west part of the bay, as the natives, though friendly, appeared to be numerous; and the next day, after passinga bar that had only water for small vessels, they entered a veryextensive branch, from which the ebb tide came out so strong that theboats could not row against it in the stream; and here was deep water. This opening appeared to end in several small branches, and in a largelagoon which could not then be examined, as there was not time to seek achannel for the boats among the banks of sand and mud. Most of the landin the upper part of this branch was low and full of swamps. Pelicans andvarious other birds were here seen in great numbers. Among the rest anuncommon kind, called then the Hooded Gull, and supposed to be a nondescript; but it appears from a drawing sent to England, a plate fromwhich is here inserted, to be of that species called by Mr. Latham theCaspian Tern, and is described by him as the second variety of thatspecies. *

[* Latham's Synopsis of Birds, vol. Vi. P. 351. ]

Leaving this north-west branch they proceeded across the bay, and wentinto the south-west branch. This is also very extensive; and from it runsa second opening to the westward, affording shelter for almost any numberof ships. In this part, as far as could then be examined, there is waterfor vessels of the greatest burthen, the soundings being at the entranceseven fathoms, and in going up still more. Continual rains prevented themfrom taking a survey. The land here was found much higher than at PortJackson, more rocky, and equally covered with timber. Large trees wereseen growing even on the summits of the mountains, which appearedaccessible only to birds. Immediately round the headland that forms thesouthern entrance into the bay, there is a third branch, which GovernorPhillip thought the finest piece of water he had ever seen; and whichtherefore he thought worthy to be honoured with the name of Pitt Water. This, as well as the south-west branch, is of sufficient extent tocontain all the navy of Great Britain. But on a narrow bar which runsacross the entrance it has only eighteen feet depth at low water. Withinthe bar there are from seven to fifteen fathoms. The land is not so highin this part as in the south-west branch, and there are some goodsituations where the land might be cultivated. Small springs of waterwere seen in most of the coves, and three cascades falling from heights, which the rains at that time rendered inaccessible. 

In this excursion some interviews with the natives took place. When theparty first landed in Broken Bay several women came down to the beachwith the men. One of these, a young woman, was very talkative andremarkably cheerful. This was a singular instance, for in general theyare observed on this coast to be much less cheerful than the men, andapparently under great awe and subjection. They certainly are not treatedwith much tenderness, and it is thought that they are employed chiefly inthe canoes, in which women have frequently been seen with very youngchildren at the breast. The lively young lady, when she joined the partythe second day in her canoe, stood up and gave a song which was far fromunpleasing. The men very readily gave their assistance to the English inmaking a fire, and behaved in the most friendly manner. In a bay whereGovernor Phillip and his company landed to draw the seine, a number ofthe natives again came to them. It was now first observed by the Governorthat the women in general had lost two joints from the little finger ofthe left hand. As these appeared to be all married women, he at firstconjectured this privation to be a part of the marriage ceremony; butgoing afterwards into a hut where were several women and children, he sawa girl of five or six years of age whose left hand was thus mutilated;and at the same time an old woman, and another who appeared to have hadchildren, on both of whom all the fingers were perfect. Several instanceswere afterwards observed of women with child, and of others that wereevidently wives, who had not lost the two joints, and of children fromwhom they had been cut. Whatever be the occasion of this mutilation, itis performed on females only; and considering the imperfection of theirinstruments, must be a very painful operation. Nothing has been seen inthe possession of these people that is at all calculated for performingsuch an amputation, except a shell fixed to a short stick, and usedgenerally for pointing their spears, or for separating the oysters fromthe rocks. More fingers than one are never cut; and in every instance itis the same finger that has suffered. *

[* In Patterson's Travels in Africa, lately published, we are told, thathe met with a tribe of Hottentots near Orange River, all of whom had lostthe first joint of the little finger: the reason they gave for cutting itoff was, that it was a cure for a particular sickness to which they weresubject when young. Fourth Journey, p. 117. It would be a curiouscoincidence of customs should it be discovered that the natives of NewHolland do it for any similar reason. ]

The men are distinguished in a different manner: their fingers are notmutilated, but most of them, as other voyagers have observed, want theright front tooth in the upper jaw. Governor Phillip having remarkedthis, pointed out to them that he had himself lost one of his frontteeth, which occasioned a general clamour; and it was thought he derivedsome merit in their opinion from this circumstance. The perforation ofthe cartilage that divides the nostrils, and the strange disfiguringornament of a long bone or stick thrust through it, was now observed, asdescribed by Captain Cook; and the same appellation of sprit-sail yard, was ludicrously applied to it by the sailors. But several very old menwere seen in this excursion who had not lost the tooth, nor had theirnoses prepared to receive that grotesque appendage: probably, therefore, these are marks of distinction: ambition must have its badges, and wherecloaths are not worn, the body itself must be compelled to bear them. 

Whether the scars raised upon the skin were of this kind, or as CaptainCook understood by their signs, marks of sorrow for deceased friends, could not now be learnt. They are of a very singular nature: sometimesthe skin is raised from the flesh for several inches, appearing as if itwere filled with wind, and forming a round surface of more than a quarterof an inch diameter. Their bodies are scarred in various parts, particularly about the breast and arms, and frequently on the instep. Nordoes the head always escape; one man in particular, putting aside thehair on the forepart of his head, showed a scar, and then pointing to oneon the foot, and to others on different parts of the body, seemed tointimate that he thought himself much honoured by having these marks uponhim from head to foot. The women did not appear equally forward toproduce the mutilated finger; nor was it always possible to ascertainwhether they had lost the joints or not. For though they made no attemptto secrete themselves, nor seemed impressed with any idea that one partof the body more requires concealment than another, yet there was ashyness and timidity among them which frequently kept them at a distance. They never would approach so readily as the men, and sometimes would noteven land from their canoes, but made signs that what was offered shouldbe given to the men. We are not yet enough acquainted with the manners ofthe people to decide whether this reserve proceeds from the fears of thewomen, or from the jealousy of their husbands, by whom they are evidentlykept in great subordination. 

One of their modes of fishing was now observed: their hooks are made ofthe inside of a shell resembling mother of pearl. When a fish which hastaken the bait is supposed to be too strong to be landed with the line, the canoe is paddled to shore, and while one man gently draws the fishalong, another stands prepared to strike it with a spear: in this attemptthey seldom fail. In the plate which represents this action, the engraverhas inadvertently left the bodies of the figures rather too white; inother respects it is very accurate. 

When the southern branch of Broken Bay was first visited, the gettinground the headland that separates the branches, was attended with somedifficulty, on account of very heavy squalls of wind, accompanied withrain. An attempt was made to land, where there proved not to besufficient water for the boat. During this transaction, an old man and ayouth were standing on the rocks where the boat was trying to approach. Having seen how much our men had laboured to get under land, they werevery solicitous to point out the deepest water. Afterwards they broughtfire, and seemed willing to render any service in their power. Two of theofficers suffered themselves to be conducted by the old man to a cave atsome distance, but declined going in, though he invited them by all thesigns he could invent. This was rather unfortunate, as the rain wasfalling very violently, and the cave was found next day sufficientlylarge to have sheltered the whole party. The old man certainly took greatpains to make this understood, but the motive of his earnestnessunluckily was mistaken, and his visitors suffered for their suspicions. He afterwards assisted in clearing away the bushes, and makingpreparations for the party to sleep on shore, and next morning wasrewarded with presents for his very friendly behaviour. Two daysafterwards, when Governor Phillip returned to the same spot, the old manmet him with a dance and a song of joy. His son was with him, and severalof the natives; a hatchet was given them and other presents; and as theGovernor was to return next day to Port Jackson, it was hoped that thefriendship thus begun, and so studiously cultivated, would have continuedfirm. But as soon as it was dark, the old man stole a spade, and wascaught with it in his hand. Governor Phillip thought it necessary, onthis occasion, to shew some tokens of displeasure, and therefore when thedelinquent approached, he gave him two or three slight slaps on theshoulder, and then pushed him away, at the same time pointing to thespade. This gentle chastisement at once destroyed their friendship. Theold man immediately seized a spear, and coming close up to the Governor, poized it, and seemed determined to strike. But seeing that his threatswere disregarded, (for his antagonist chose rather to risk the effects ofhis anger than to fire upon him) or perhaps dissuaded by something theother natives said, in a few moments he dropped the spear and went away. It was impossible not to be struck with the courage displayed by him onthis occasion, for Governor Phillip at the time was not alone, but hadseveral officers and men about him. From this and other similar events, personal bravery appears to be a quality in which the natives of NewSouth Wales are not by any means deficient. The old man returned the nextmorning with many other natives, but, in order to convince him of hisfault, he was less noticed than his companions, who were presented withhatchets and various other articles. 

9 March 1788

It was now the 9th of March, and Governor Phillip returned to PortJackson: having gained some useful knowledge of the country, andmaintained an intercourse with the natives without departing from hisfavourite plan of treating them with the utmost kindness. He hadendeavoured at the same time to gain their confidence, if possible, andsecure their friendship. If these humane endeavours were afterwardsrendered fruitless by the wanton profligacy of some depraved individuals, however he might regret it, he could have no reason to reproach himself. 

The rain, which was almost constant, prevented the Governor fromreturning by land, which otherwise he meant to have done, for the sake ofexploring a part of the country which appeared to be good and free fromtimber. 

Chapter X. 

March 1788

Departure of the French Ships--Death of M. Le Receveur--Return of theSupply from Norfolk Island--Description of that Place--Howe Islanddiscovered. 

10 March 1788

On the 10th of March, the French ships sailed from Botany Bay. M. De laPeyrouse during his stay there had set up two long boats, the frames ofwhich he had brought with him from Europe. There had not been muchintercourse between the French and English in this interval: both beingtoo busily employed to waste their time in parties of pleasure. CaptainClonard had waited on Governor Phillip with the letters which were to beforwarded to the French ambassador; and a few of the English officers hadgone over by land about the same time to pay a visit in Botany Bay; bothparties were of course received with politeness and hospitality. Some fewof the convicts contrived to abscond, and endeavoured to get admittedinto the French ships, but were, with great propriety, rejected. Thosevessels returned towards the north, where they were to make anothervoyage. 

During the stay of M. De la Peyrouse in Botany Bay, Father Le Receveur, who had come out in the Astrolabe as a naturalist, died. His death wasoccasioned by wounds which he received in the unfortunate rencounter atthe Navigator's Islands. A slight monument was erected to his memory, with the following inscription. 

Hic jacet LE RECEVEUR, E. F. F. Minimis Galliae Sacerdos, Physicus in circumnavigationeMundi, Duce DE LA PEYROUSE, Ob. 17 Feb. 1788. 

The monument being soon after destroyed by the natives, Governor Phillipcaused the inscription to be engraved on copper, and affixed to aneighbouring tree. M. De la Peyrouse had paid a similar tribute ofrespect to the memory of Captain Clerke, at the harbour of St. Peter andPaul in Kamtschatka. 

19 March 1788

On the 19th of this month, Lieutenant Ball arrived in the Supply fromNorfolk Island. He had made that island on the 29th of February, but wasfive days off the coast before a place could be found at which it waspossible to land the stores and provisions. So completely do the rockssurround the island, that it was not easy to find a place even to land aman. At length, however, they succeeded, having discovered at thesouth-west end, a small opening in a reef that runs across a bay. Herethe people, provisions and stores were all put on shore in perfectsafety. The Commandant wrote in high spirits at the promising appearanceof his new territory; and subsequent accounts have proved, that theopinion he then formed was not erroneous. He described Norfolk Island asone entire wood, or rather as a garden overrun with the noblest pines, instraightness, size, and magnitude, far superior to any he had ever seen. Nothing can exceed the fertility of its soil. Wherever it has been sinceexamined, a rich black mould has been found to the depth of five or sixfeet: and the grain and garden seeds which have been sown, such onlyexcepted as were damaged in the carriage, or by the weevil, havevegetated with the utmost luxuriance. To prevent repetitions, it mayperhaps be best to unite in this place the accounts which have beenreceived of this island, though many of them will easily be perceived tobe greatly posterior to this first return of the Supply. 

Norfolk Island is about seven leagues in circumference, and if notoriginally formed, like many other small islands, by the eruption ofvolcanic matter from the bed of the sea, must doubtless have contained avolcano. This conclusion is formed from the vast quantity of pumice stonewhich is scattered in all parts of it, and mixed with the soil. Thecrater, or at least some traces of its former existence, will probably befound at the summit of a small mountain, which rises near the middle ofthe island. To this mountain the Commandant has given the name of MountPitt. The island is exceedingly well watered. At, or near Mount Pitt, rises a strong and copious stream, which flowing through a very finevalley, divides itself into several branches, each of which retainssufficient force to be used in turning mills: and in various parts of theisland excellent springs have been discovered. 

The climate is pure, salubrious, and delightful, preserved fromoppressive heats by constant breezes from the sea, and of so mild atemperature throughout the winter, that vegetation continues therewithout interruption, one crop succeeding another. Refreshing showersfrom time to time maintain perpetual verdure; not indeed of grass, fornone has yet been seen upon the island, but of the trees, shrubs, andother vegetables which in all parts grow abundantly. On the leaves ofthese, and of some kinds in particular, the sheep, hogs, and goats, notonly live, but thrive and fatten very much. To the salubrity of the airevery individual in this little colony can bear ample testimony, from theuninterrupted state of good health which has been in general enjoyed. 

When our settlers landed, there was not a single acre clear of wood inthe island, and the trees were so bound together by that kind of creepingshrub called supple jack, interwoven in all directions, as to render itvery difficult to penetrate far among them. The Commandant, small as hisnumbers were at first, by indefatigable activity soon caused a space tobe cleared sufficient for the requisite accommodations, and for theproduction of esculent vegetables of all kinds in the greatest abundance. When the last accounts arrived, three acres of barley were in a verythriving state, and ground was prepared to receive rice and Indian corn. In the wheat there had been a disappointment, the grain that was sownhaving been so much injured by the weevil, as to be unfit for vegetation. But the people were all at that time in commodious houses; and, accordingto the declarations of Mr. King himself, in his letters to GovernorPhillip, there was not a doubt that this colony would be in a situationto support itself entirely without assistance, in less than four years:and with very little in the intermediate time. Even two years would bemore than sufficient for this purpose, could a proper supply of blackcattle be sent. 

Fish are caught in great plenty, and in the proper season very fineturtle. The woods are inhabited by innumerable tribes of birds, many ofthem very gay in plumage. The most useful are pigeons, which are verynumerous, and a bird not unlike the Guinea fowl, except in colour, (beingchiefly white, ) both of which were at first so tame as to sufferthemselves to be taken by hand. Of plants that afford vegetables for thetable, the chief are cabbage palm, the wild plantain, the fern tree, akind of wild spinage, and a tree which produces a diminutive fruit, bearing some resemblance to a currant. This, it is hoped, bytransplanting and care, will be much improved in size and flavour. 

But the productions which give the greatest importance to Norfolk Islandare the pines and the flax plant, the former rising to a size andperfection unknown in other places, and promising the most valuablesupply of masts and spars for our navy in the East Indies; the latter notless estimable for the purposes of making sail-cloth, cordage, and eventhe finest manufactures; growing in great plenty, and with suchluxuriance as to attain the height of eight feet. * The pines measurefrequently one hundred and sixty, or even one hundred and eighty feet inheight, and are sometimes nine or ten feet in diameter at the bottom ofthe trunk. They rise to about eighty feet without a branch; the wood issaid to be of the best quality, almost as light as that of the bestNorway masts; and the turpentine obtained from it is remarkable forpurity and whiteness. The fern tree is found also of a great height forits species, measuring from seventy to eighty feet, and affords excellentfood for the sheep and other small cattle. A plant producing pepper, andsupposed to be the true oriental pepper, has been discovered lately inthe island, growing in great plenty; and specimens have been sent toEngland, in order to ascertain this important point. 

[* The flax plant is thus described in Captain Cook's first voyage, vol. Iii. P. 39. As found at New Zealand. "There is, however, a plant thatserves the inhabitants instead of hemp and flax, which excels all thatare put to the same purposes in other countries. Of this plant there aretwo sorts; the leaves of both resemble those of flags, but the flowersare smaller and their clusters more numerous; in one kind they areyellow, and in the other a deep red. Of the leaves of these plants, withvery little preparation, they make all their common apparel; and of thesethey also make their strings, lines, and cordage for every purpose, whichare so much stronger than any thing we can make with hemp, that they willnot bear a comparison. From the same plant, by another preparation, theydraw long slender fibres which shine like silk, and are as white as snow:of these, which are also surprizingly strong, the finer clothes are made;and of the leaves, without any other preparation than splitting them intoproper breadths and trying the strips together, they make their fishingnets; some of which, as I have before remarked, are of an enormous size. "It is added, that it is found in every kind of soil. It is perennial, andhas a bulbous root. Some of the roots have lately been sent to England. ]

The chief disadvantage experienced by those who are sent to NorfolkIsland, is the want of a good landing place. The bay which has been usedfor this purpose is inclosed by a reef of coral rock, through which thereis a passage only for a boat; and during the tide of flood, when the windis westerly, the landing is rather dangerous. In one of the debarkationsa midshipman, who was ordered to lie within the reef, that he mightattend the boats coming to shore, imprudently suffered his own boat todrive into the surf, and was lost, with four men. He had been once beforeoverset in consequence of a similar inattention, and then had lost oneman. On the coast of the island are several small bays, and there arestill hopes that a better landing place may be discovered; but thenecessity of employing all the men in sheltering themselves and thestores from the weather, or in clearing ground for various purposes, hashitherto prevented Mr. King from sending out any persons to complete theexamination. Should this enquiry prove unsuccessful, it is proposed toattempt the blowing up of one or two small rocks, by which the reef isrendered dangerous. If this expedient also should fail, the evil must beborne with patience. In summer the landing will generally be sufficientlysecure; and seamen, who have seen the bay of Riga, in the Baltic, declare, that it will at all times be safer for a ship to load with mastsand spars at Norfolk Island, than in that place, where so many ships arefreighted yearly. 

Rats are the only quadrupeds which have been found in this island; andfrom these, as well as from the ants, it was feared the crops mightsuffer; but no great inconvenience has yet been experienced from them;and proper exertions seldom fail in a short time to reduce the number ofsuch enemies, enough to make their depredations very inconsiderable. Onthe whole, Norfolk Island certainly deserves to be considered as anacquisition of some importance, and is likely to answer even the mostsanguine expectations. Some canoes have been found on the rocks, whichwere supposed to have been driven from New Zealand; but the appearance ofa fresh cocoa nut and a small piece of manufactured wood, which seemed tohave been only a small time in the water, has lately suggested an ideathat probably some inhabited island may lie at no great distance. Therehas not been as yet any opportunity to determine whether this opinion bewell founded or not. 

A small island, but entirely uninhabited, was discovered by LieutenantBall in his passage to Norfolk Island. In his return he examined it, andfound that the shore abounded with turtle, but there was no goodanchorage. He named it Lord Howe Island. It is in 31° 36' south latitude, and 159° east longitude. Part of this island being very high may be seenat the distance of sixteen leagues, and a rock to the south-east of it, may be discerned even at eighteen leagues. In latitude 29° 25' south, longitude 159° 59' east, a very dangerous reef has since been seen. Theship from which it was observed was then four leagues to the southward, and it could not at that time be ascertained how far it extends to thenorthward. 

To expedite the cultivation of Norfolk Island a fresh detachment was sentthither in October, consisting of an officer and eight marines, withthirty convicts, consisting of ten women and twenty men: Thus, thereexisted on this islet, when the last accounts were transmitted, forty-four men and sixteen women, who, having eighteen months provisions, lived comfortably on this sequestered spot, under the prudent managementof a youthful ruler, of whose busy life the reader may wish to know allthe particulars, which at present can be authentically told. 

Philip Gidley King, who had the honour to conduct the original settlersto Norfolk Island, was born at Launceston in Cornwall, on the 23d ofApril, 1758. He is the son of Philip King, of that town, draper, whomarried the daughter of John Gidley, of Exeter, attorney at law. Much ashe owes to his parents, he is indebted for his scholastic learning to Mr. Bailey at Yarmouth. He derives, probably, some advantages from making anearly choice of his profession. At the age of twelve, he went to the EastIndies on board the Swallow frigate, Captain Shirley, by whom he wasrated a midshipman. From this station he returned to England, at the endof five years, with much knowledge of his business, and some acquaintancewith the world. In 1775, he entered upon real service; and has continuedin active employment from that period to this great epoch of his life. Hewent to Virginia with Captain Bellew, in the Liverpool, during the year1775; with whom he continued till the shipwreck of that frigate inDelaware Bay. And having entered on board the Princess Royal, in October1778, he was made a Lieutenant by Admiral Byron, in the Renown, on the26th of November following. He returned to England in the subsequentyear; and served in the Channel on board the Kite cutter, and Ariadnefrigate, till the beginning of 1783. With Captain Phillip he went to theEast Indies, as Lieutenant of the Europe, in January 1783; from whence hereturned on the restoration of complete peace, in May 1784. In thisservice it was, that Phillip and King became acquainted with the merit ofeach other. And when the expedition to New South Wales was projected, King was appointed Lieutenant of the Sirius, on the 25th of October, 1786, at the same time that Phillip was nominated Commander of thevoyage. 

Chapter XI. 

March 1788 to May 1788

Three of the transports cleared--Two excursions made into the country, onthe fifteenth of April, and on the twenty-second--Huts of thenatives--Sculpture, and other particulars. 

25 March 1788

On the 25th of March, the Charlotte, Lady Penrhyn, and Scarboroughtransports, having been cleared of all their stores, were discharged fromgovernment service, and left at liberty to proceed for China, whenevertheir commanders should think proper. The other ships were of necessitydetained till the store-houses could be finished. 

15 April 1788

The month of April was not distinguished by any events that deserve to berelated, except two expeditions of Governor Phillip for the purpose ofexploring the country. On the first of these excursions he set out on the15th with provisions for four days; attended by several officers, and asmall party of marines. They landed at the head of a small cove, calledShell Cove, near the entrance of the harbour on the north side. Proceeding in this direction they arrived at a large lake, which theyexamined, though not without great labour. It was surrounded by aconsiderable extent of bog and marshy ground, in which, in the course oftheir progress, they were frequently plunged up to the waist. On thislake they first observed a black swan, which species, though proverbiallyrare in other parts of the world, is here by no means uncommon, beingfound on most of the lakes. This was a very noble bird, larger than thecommon swan, and equally beautiful in form. On being shot at, it rose anddiscovered that its wings were edged with white: the bill was tinged withred. 

In three days, with great difficulty, they passed the swamps and marsheswhich lie near the harbour. Nothing can more fully point out the greatimprovement which may be made by the industry of a civilized people inthis country, than the circumstances of the small streams which descendinto Port Jackson. They all proceed from swamps produced by thestagnation of the water after rising from the springs. When the obstacleswhich impede their course can be removed, and free channels openedthrough which they may flow, the adjacent ground will gradually bedrained, and the streams themselves will become more useful; at the sametime habitable and salubrious situations will be gained in places whereat present perpetual damps prevail, and the air itself appears tostagnate. 

On leaving these low grounds, they found them succeeded by a rocky andbarren country. The hills were covered with flowering shrubs, but bymeans of various obstacles the ascending and descending was difficult, and in many parts impracticable. At the distance of about fifteen milesfrom the sea coast Governor Phillip obtained a very fine view of theinland country and its mountains, to several of which he now gave names. The most northern of them he named Carmarthen Hills, the most southernLansdown Hills; one which lay between these was called Richmond Hill. From the manner in which these mountains appeared to rise, it was thoughtalmost certain that a large river must descend from among them. But itwas now necessary to return, without making any further examination. 

22 April 1788

On the 22d another excursion of the same kind was undertaken: GovernorPhillip landed with his party near the head of the harbour. Here theyfound a good country, but in a short time arrived at a very close cover;and after passing the chief part of the day in fruitless attempts to maketheir way through it, were obliged to relinquish the attempt, and return. The next day, by keeping close to the banks of a small creek for aboutfour miles, they contrived to pass the cover, and for the threesucceeding days continued their course to the west-ward. The countrythrough which they travelled was singularly fine, level, or rising insmall hills of a very pleasing and picturesque appearance. The soilexcellent, except in a few small spots where it was stony. The treesgrowing at the distance of from twenty to forty feet from each other, andin general entirely free from underwood, which was confined to the stonyand barren spots. On the fifth day they ascended a small eminence, whence, for the first time in this second expedition, they saw Carmarthenand Lansdown Hills. The country round this hill was so beautiful, thatGovernor Phillip gave it the name of Belle-vue. They were stillapparently thirty miles from the mountains which it had been their objectto reach, and not having found it practicable, with the tents, arms, andother necessaries, to carry more than six days provisions, were obligedto return. Even with this small stock, the officers as well as men, hadbeen under the necessity of carrying heavy loads. Water for the use ofthe day was always taken; for though it happened in every instance thatpools of water were found which had remained after the rains, yet thiswas a supply on which they could not previously depend. The extraordinarydifficulty of penetrating into this country had now been fullyexperienced; where unexpected delays from deep ravines and otherobstacles, frequently force the traveller from his direct course, andbaffle every conjecture concerning the time required for passing acertain tract. The utmost extent of this excursion in a direct line hadnot been more than thirty miles, and it had taken up five days. Thereturn of the party was effected with much more ease; the track was made, and the trees marked the whole way where they had passed; with theseassistances they reached their boats in a day and a half. 

It was still the general opinion that the appearance of the countrypromised the discovery of a large river in that district, whenever theline now taken could be fully pursued. Another expedition was thereforeplanned, in which it was determined, if possible, to reach eitherLansdown or Carmarthen Hills: and the hope of so important a discovery asthat of a river made every one anxious to go, notwithstanding the greatfatigue with which these undertakings were attended. But this design wasfor the present unavoidably deferred. Governor Phillip, who had not beenperfectly well even at the time of setting out on the excursion to BrokenBay, had then contracted a severe pain in his side, by sleepingfrequently on the wet ground. This complaint had in the two last journeysreceived so much increase, that he found it absolutely necessary to allowhimself the respite of a few weeks, before he again encountered so muchfatigue. 

The country explored in this last journey was so good and so fit for thepurposes of cultivation, that the Governor resolved to send a detachmentto settle there, as soon as a sufficient number could be spared fromworks of more immediate necessity. But notwithstanding the goodness ofthe soil it is a matter of astonishment how the natives, who know not howto avail themselves of its fertility, can subsist in the inland country. On the coast fish makes a considerable part of their food, but where thatcannot be had, it seems hardly possible that with their spears, the onlymissile weapon yet observed among them, they should be able to procureany kind of animal food. With the assistance of their guns the Englishgentlemen could not obtain, in the last six days they were out, more thanwas barely sufficient for two meals. Yet, that these parts are frequentedby the natives was undeniably proved by the temporary huts which wereseen in several places. Near one of these huts the bones of a kanguroowere found, and several trees were seen on fire. A piece of a rootresembling that of the fern tree was also picked up by Governor Phillip;part of this root had been chewed, and so recently that it was thought itcould not have been left many minutes. It seemed evident by severalmarks, that the natives had only fled at the approach of the Englishparty, but so effectually did they conceal themselves that not one wasseen. 

The number of the natives in these inland parts must, however, be verysmall. Whether these reside by choice where they must encounter so manydifficulties, or whether they are driven from the society of those whoinhabit the coast, has not yet been discovered. The huts seen hereconsisted of single pieces of bark, about eleven feet in length, and fromfour to six in breadth, bent in the middle while fresh from the tree, andset up so as to form an acute angle, not a little resembling cards set upby children. In the plate inserted here, not only the huts, but some ofthe spears of the natives are introduced. It was conjectured, that thechief use of these imperfect structures might be, to conceal them fromthe animals for which they must frequently be obliged to lie in wait. They may also afford shelter from a shower of rain to one or two who sitor lie under them. The bark of many trees was observed to be cut intonotches, as if for the purpose of climbing; and in several there wereholes, apparently the retreat of some animal, but enlarged by the nativesfor the purpose of catching the inhabitant. The enlargement of theseholes with their imperfect instruments, must itself be a work of time, and must require no little patience. In some places, where the hole wasrather too high to be reached from the ground, boughs of trees were laidto facilitate the ascent. The animals that take refuge in those placesare probably the squirrel, the opossum, or the kanguroo-rat. At thebottom of one of these trees, the skin of a flying squirrel was found. 

In many places fires had lately been made; but in one only were seen anyshells of oysters or muscles, and there not more than half a dozen. Fish-bones were not found at all, which seems to prove, that in theirjournies inland these people do not carry with them any provisions ofthat kind. Kanguroos were frequently seen, but were so shy that it wasvery difficult to shoot them. With respect to these animals, it is ratheran extraordinary circumstance, that, notwithstanding their great shyness, and notwithstanding they are daily shot at, more of them are seen nearthe camp than in any other part of the country. The kanguroo, though itresembles the jerboa in the peculiarity of using only the hinder legs inprogression, does not belong to that genus. The pouch of the female, inwhich the young are nursed, is thought to connect it rather with theopossum tribe. This extraordinary formation, hitherto esteemed peculiarto that one genus, seems, however, in New Holland not to be sufficientlycharacteristic: it has been found both in the rat and the squirrel kind. The largest kanguroo which has yet been shot weighed about one hundredand forty pounds. But it has been discovered that there are two kinds, one of which seldom exceeds sixty pounds in weight: these live chiefly onthe high grounds: their hair is of a reddish cast, and the head isshorter than in the larger sort. Young kanguroos which have been taken, have in a few days grown very tame, but none have lived more than two orthree weeks. Yet it is still possible that when their proper food shallbe better known, they may be domesticated. Near some water, in thisjourney, was found the dung of an animal that fed on grass, which, it wassupposed, could not have been less than a horse. A kanguroo, so muchabove the usual size, would have been an extraordinary phaenomenon, though no larger animal has yet been seen, and the limits of growth inthat species are not ascertained. The tail of the kanguroo, which is verylarge, is found to be used as a weapon of offence, and has given suchsevere blows to dogs as to oblige them to desist from pursuit. Its fleshis coarse and lean, nor would it probably be used for food, where therewas not a scarcity of fresh provisions. The disproportion between theupper and lower parts of this animal is greater than has been shown inany former delineations of it, but is well expressed in the plateinserted here. 

The dimensions of a stuffed kanguroo in the possession of Mr. Nepean, are these, f. In. Length from the point of the nose to the end of the tail, 6 1-- of the tail, 2 1---- head, 0 8---- fore legs, 1 0---- hinder legs, 2 8Circumference of the forepart, by the legs, 1 1---- lower parts, ---- 3 2

The middle toe of the hind feet is remarkably long, strong, and sharp. 

The natives of New South Wales, though in so rude and uncivilized a stateas not even to have made an attempt towards clothing themselves, notwithstanding that at times they evidently suffer from the cold andwet, are not without notions of sculpture. In all these excursions ofGovernor Phillip, and in the neighbourhood of Botany Bay and PortJackson, the figures of animals, of shields, and weapons, and even ofmen, have been seen carved upon the rocks, roughly indeed, butsufficiently well to ascertain very fully what was the the objectintended. Fish were often represented, and in one place the form of alarge lizard was sketched out with tolerable accuracy. On the top of oneof the hills, the figure of a man in the attitude usually assumed by themwhen they begin to dance, was executed in a still superior style. Thatthe arts of imitation and amusement, should thus in any degree precedethose of necessity, seems an exception to the rules laid down by theoryfor the progress of invention. But perhaps it may better be considered asa proof that the climate is never so severe as to make the provision ofcovering or shelter a matter of absolute necessity. Had these men beenexposed to a colder atmosphere, they would doubtless have had clothes andhouses, before they attempted to become sculptors. 

In all the country hitherto explored, the parties have seldom gone aquarter of a mile without seeing trees which had been on fire. As violentthunder storms are not uncommon on this coast, it is possible that theymay have been burnt by lightning, which the gum-tree is thoughtparticularly to attract; but it is probable also that they may have beenset on fire by the natives. The gum-tree is highly combustible, and it isa common practice with them to kindle their fires at the root of one ofthese trees. When they quit a place they never extinguish the fire theyhave made, but leave it to burn out, or to communicate its flames to thetree, as accidental circumstances may determine. 

Governor Phillip, on his return from this excursion, had themortification to find that five ewes and a lamb had been killed very nearthe camp, and in the middle of the day. How this had happened was notknown, but it was conjectured that they must have been killed by dogsbelonging to the natives. The loss of any part of the stock of cattle wasa serious misfortune, since it must be a considerable time before itcould be replaced. Fish affords, in this place, only an uncertainresource: on some days great quantities are caught, though not sufficientto save any material part of the provisions; but at times it is veryscarce. An account of the live stock at this time in the settlement issubjoined to this chapter. 

The three transports bound to China, sailed the 5th, 6th, and 8th of May;and the Supply having been caulked, sailed on the 6th to Lord Howe Islandfor turtle, in hopes of giving some check to the scurvy, with which thepeople were still so much affected that near two hundred were incapableof work. 

From the great labour which attended the clearing of the ground it provedto be impracticable to sow at present more than eight or ten acres withwheat and barley*: and it was apprehended that even this crop wouldsuffer from the depredations of ants and field mice. In the beginning ofMay it was supposed, as it had been once or twice before, that the rainyseason was set in; but in about a week the weather became fine again. 

[* Besides what was sown by the Lieutenant Governor and other individuals, for the support of their own stock: to assist whom, the labour of theconvicts was occasionally lent. ]

AN ACCOUNT OF THE LIVE STOCK IN THE SETTLEMENT AT PORT JACKSON, MAY 1ST, 1788. 

Government

Stallions 1Mares 2Bulls 2Cows 2Sheep:Ram 1Ewes 12Wethers 3Goats 1Hogs:Boar 1Sows 19

Governor

Mares 1Colts 3Cows 2Sheep:Ewe 1Lamb 1Hogs 10Rabbits 3Turkies 5Geese 8Ducks 17Fowls 22

Lieutenant Governor

Goats 1Hogs 1Pigs 7Turkies 5Geese 6Ducks 4Fowls 9

Officers and men belonging to the detachment

Cows 1Goats 12Hogs 10Pigs 17Rabbits 2Turkies 6Geese 9Ducks 8Fowls 55Chickens 25

Staff

Sheep 11Goats 5Hogs 7Pigs 1Turkies 2Geese 6Ducks 6Fowls 36Chickens 62

Other individuals

Hogs 1

Totals

Stallions 1Mares 3Colts 3Bulls 2Cows 5Sheep 29Goats 19Hogs 49Pigs 25Rabbits 5Turkies 18Geese 29Ducks 35Fowls 122Chickens 87

(Signed, ) ANDREW MILLER, Commissary. 

Chapter XII. 

May 1788 to June 1788

The Supply returns from Lord Howe Island--Some convicts assaulted by thenatives--excursion of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay by Land--interviewwith many natives--the fourth of June celebrated--some account of theclimate. 

25 May 1788

On the 25th of May, the Supply tender returned from Lord Howe Island, butunfortunately without having been able to procure any turtle. She had metwith squally weather, and had been obliged to cut away her best boweranchor, but suffered no other damage. The three transports bound forChina had all appeared off the island while the Supply remained there. 

About this time one of the convicts who, in searching for vegetables, hadgone a considerable way from the camp, returned very dangerously woundedin the back. He said, that another man who had gone out for the samepurpose, had been carried off by the natives in his sight, after havingbeen wounded in the head. A shirt and hat were afterwards found, bothpierced with spears, in one of the huts of the natives; but nointelligence of the man could be gained. There could be little doubt thatthe convicts had been the aggressors, though the man who returnedstrongly denied having given any kind of provocation. 

30 May 1788

On the thirtieth of May, two men who had been employed in collectingrushes for thatch at some distance from the camp, were found dead. One ofthem had four spears in his body, one of which had pierced entirelythrough it: the other had not any marks of violence upon him. In thiscase it was clearly proved that the first injury had been offered by theunfortunate men, who paid so dearly for their dishonesty and disobedienceof orders; for they had been seen with a canoe, which they had taken fromone of the fishing places. These events were much regretted by GovernorPhillip, as tending entirely to the frustration of the plan he had somuch at heart, of conciliating the affections of the natives, andestablishing a friendly intercourse with them. 

As the rush-cutters tools had been carried away, the Governor thought itmight be possible to discover the natives who had been concerned in thisunfortunate affray; and to make them understand that the conduct of theirassailants had been entirely unwarranted, and was very highlydisapproved. He judged the attempt to be at least worth making, as itseemed the only way to restore that confidence which must have beeninterrupted by this affair. The next day, therefore, he went out with asmall party, consisting altogether of twelve persons, and landed at theplace where the men were killed. After traversing the country for morethan twenty miles, they arrived at the north shore of Botany Bay, withouthaving met with one of the natives. 

In this place, at length, they saw about twenty canoes employed infishing: and when the fires were made, and the party encamped to pass thenight upon the beach, it was fully expected that some of those in thecanoes would have joined them, but not one appeared. The next morning, though fifty canoes were drawn up on the beach, not a single person couldbe found belonging to them. Governor Phillip had now determined to returnto Port Jackson; but as he went, keeping for some time near the seacoast, he discovered a great number of the natives, apparently more thancould belong to that district, assembled at the mouth of a cave. Theparty was within ten yards of them before they were perceived, and theGovernor had hardly time to make his people halt before numbers appearedin arms. The man who seemed to take the lead, as he advanced made signsfor the English to retire, but when he saw Governor Phillip approachalone, unarmed, and in a friendly manner, he gave his spear away and methim with perfect confidence. In less than three minutes the English partyfound itself surrounded by two hundred and twelve men; but nothingoccurred in this transaction which could in the least confirm the idea, that the natives were accustomed to act with treachery, or inclined totake any cruel advantage of superiority in numbers. The moment theoffered friendship was accepted on their side, they laid down theirspears and stone hatchets, and joined the party in the most amicablemanner. Numbers of women and children remained at a small distance, someof whom the men afterwards brought down to receive the little articleswhich were offered as presents. Nothing was seen among these people whichcould at all prove that any of them had been engaged in the affray withthe rush-cutters; and the Governor parted with them on the most friendlyterms, but more convinced than ever of the necessity of treating themwith a proper degree of confidence, in order to prevent disagreement. Hadhe gone up with all his party, or had he even hesitated a moment beforehe advanced himself, making the signals of friendship, a lance wouldprobably have been thrown, after which nothing could have prevented arencounter, which in such circumstances must have been fatal. 

Here was seen the finest stream of water that had hitherto beendiscovered in the country, but the cove into which it runs lies very opento the sea. When the natives saw that the English were going forwardtowards the next cove, one of them, an old man, made signs that he mightbe allowed to go first. He did so, and as soon as he had ascended thehill, called out, holding up both his hands, (the usual signal of amityamong these people) to signify to the natives in the next cove that theywho were advancing were friends. The Governor's party did not, however, descend to that cove, but saw about forty men, so that, unless they hadassembled themselves on some particular occasion, they must be morenumerous in that part than had been before imagined. Governor Phillip hadcalculated before, from the parties he had seen, that in Botany Bay, PortJackson, Broken Bay, and all the intermediate country, the inhabitantscould not exceed one thousand five hundred. In crossing the hills at thistime between Botany Bay and Port Jackson, smoke was seen on the top ofLansdown Hills, which seems to prove beyond a doubt, that the country isinhabited as far as those mountains, which are not less than fifty milesfrom the sea. 

Further enquiries having given some reason to suppose, that one of thenatives had been murdered, and several wounded, previously to the attackmade upon the rush-cutters, Governor Phillip on his return, proclaimedthe reward of emancipation to any convict who should discover theaggressors. This step, if it did not in this instance procure anyinformation, seemed likely to prevent such acts of violence in future. 

No very good fortune had hitherto attended the live stock belonging tothe settlement, but the heaviest blow was yet to come. About this timethe two bulls and four cows, belonging to Government, and to theGovernor, having been left for a time by the man who was appointed toattend them, strayed into the woods, and though they were traced to somedistance, never could be recovered. This was a loss which must be forsome time irreparable. 

4 June 1788

The fourth of June was not suffered to pass without due celebration. Itwas a day of remission from labour, and of general festivity throughoutthe settlement. At sun-rise the Sirius and Supply fired each a salute oftwenty-one guns, and again at one o'clock, when the marines on shore alsosaluted with three vollies. At sunset the same honours were a third timerepeated from the ships; large bonfires were lighted, and the whole campafforded a scene of joy. That there might not be any exception to thehappiness of this day, the four convicts who had been reprieved fromdeath, and banished to an island in the middle of the harbour, received afull pardon, and were sent for to bear their part in the generalexultation. The Governor, in his letters, with that humanity which sostrongly distinguishes his character, says, he trusts that on this daythere was not a single heavy heart in this part of his Majesty'sdominions. His own house was the centre of conviviality to all who couldbe admitted to that society, nor was any thing neglected which in such asituation could mark a day of celebrity, consistently with propriety andgood order. Perhaps no birth-day was ever celebrated in more places, ormore remote from each other, than that of his Majesty on this day. 

It was now, it seems, first generally known, that the name of CumberlandCounty had been given by the Governor to this part of the territory. Thisname had been fixed before the assembling of the first courts, for thesake of preserving regularity in the form of the public acts, in which itis usual to name the county. The boundaries fixed for Cumberland Countywere, on the west, Carmarthen and Lansdown Hills: on the north, thenorthern parts of Broken Bay; and to the southward, the southern parts ofBotany Bay. Thus including completely these three principal bays, andleaving the chief place of settlement at Sydney Cove nearly in thecentre. 

On the 22d of June was a slight shock of an earthquake, which did notlast more than two or three seconds. It was felt by most people in thecamp, and by the Governor himself, who heard at the same time a noisefrom the southward, which he took at first for the report of guns firedat a great distance. 

24 June 1788

On the 24th, a convict who had absconded on the 5th, having been guiltyof a robbery, returned into the camp almost starved. He had hoped tosubsist in the woods, but found it impossible. One of the natives gavehim a fish, and then made signs for him to go away. He said, thatafterwards he joined a party of the natives, who would have burnt him, but that with some difficulty he made his escape; and he pretended tohave seen the remains of a human body actually lying on a fire, butlittle credit can be given to reports from such a quarter. He was ofopinion that the natives were at this time in great distress for food, and said, that he had seen four of them dying in the woods, who madesigns for something to eat, as if they were perishing through hunger. Itis certain that very little fish could be caught at this time, and theconvict seemed desirous to suggest the notion that they supplied theirnecessities occasionally with human flesh; but there seems to be no goodfoundation for such an opinion. This man was tried for his offence, pleaded guilty, and suffered with another criminal. 

It was now sufficiently ascertained, that though the necessity ofsubsisting so long chiefly upon salt provisions, and of remainingencamped in very wet weather had produced the scurvy, and other disorderscommon in such circumstances, the climate itself wherein this newsettlement is fixed is mild and salubrious. Heavy rains had generallyattended the changes of the moon during the winter months, but there hadnot been any time that could properly be called a rainy season. Theclearing away of the woods will of course assist the circulation of air, and continually increase the healthfulness of the place. Violent stormsof thunder and lightning sometimes happened, and Governor Phillipobserved the variation of his thermometer, in the shade, to amountfrequently to thirty-three degrees, between eight in the morning and twoin the afternoon. The report of the surgeon at this time is subjoined. 

A RETURN OF SICK, ETC. JUNE 30, 1788. 

Marines sick in the hospital 4Convalescents in the hospital 2Marines sick in camp 18Convalescents in the hospital 6Wives and children of marines sick in the hospital 6Total belonging to the battalion under medical treatment 36

Of marines dead from the time of embarkation to landing 1Women dead from the time of embarkation to landing 1Children dead from the time of embarkation to landing 1Marines dead since landing 3Women dead since landing 0Children dead since landing 2Total dead from the time of embarkation to the present date 8

Convicts sick in the hospital 20Convalescents in the hospital 4Convicts sick in camp 26Convalescents in the hospital 16Total of convicts under medical treatment 66

Male convicts dead from the time of embarkation to landing 36Female convicts dead from the time of embarkation to landing 4Convicts children dead from the time of embarkation to landing 5Total 45

Male convicts dead since landing 20Female convicts dead since landing 8Convicts children dead since landing 8Total dead, from the time of embarkation to the present date 81

Convicts unfit for labour, from old age, infirmities, etc. 52

JOHN WHITE, Surgeon. Sydney Cove, Port Jackson. 

Chapter XIII. 

June 1788 to July 1788

Particular description of Sydney Cove--Of the buildings actuallyerected--and of the intended town--A settlement made at the head of theharbour. 

There are few things more pleasing than the contemplation of order anduseful arrangement, arising gradually out of tumult and confusion; andperhaps this satisfaction cannot any where be more fully enjoyed thanwhere a settlement of civilized people is fixing itself upon a newlydiscovered or savage coast. The wild appearance of land entirelyuntouched by cultivation, the close and perplexed growing of trees, interrupted now and then by barren spots, bare rocks, or spaces overgrownwith weeds, flowers, flowering shrubs, or underwood, scattered andintermingled in the most promiscuous manner, are the first objects thatpresent themselves; afterwards, the irregular placing of the first tentswhich are pitched, or huts which are erected for immediate accommodation, wherever chance presents a spot tolerably free from obstacles, or moreeasily cleared than the rest, with the bustle of various hands busilyemployed in a number of the most incongruous works, increases rather thandiminishes the disorder, and produces a confusion of effect, which for atime appears inextricable, and seems to threaten an endless continuanceof perplexity. But by degrees large spaces are opened, plans are formed, lines marked, and a prospect at least of future regularity is clearlydiscerned, and is made the more striking by the recollection of theformer confusion. 

To this latter state the settlement at Sydney Cove had now at lengtharrived, and is so represented in the plan annexed. Lines are theretraced out which distinguish the principal street of an intended town, tobe terminated by the Governor's house, the main guard, and the criminalcourt. In some parts of this space temporary barracks at present stand, but no permanent buildings will be suffered to be placed, except inconformity to the plan laid down. Should the town be still furtherextended in future, the form of other streets is also traced in such amanner as to ensure a free circulation of air. The principal streets, according to this design, will be two hundred feet wide; the groundproposed for them to the southward is nearly level, and is altogether anexcellent situation for buildings. It is proposed by Governor Phillipthat when houses are to be built here, the grants of land shall be madewith such clauses as will prevent the building of more than one house onone allotment, which is to consist of sixty feet in front, and onehundred and fifty feet in depth. These regulations will preserve a kindof uniformity in the buildings, prevent narrow streets, and exclude manyinconveniences which a rapid increase of inhabitants might otherwiseoccasion hereafter. It has been also an object of the Governor'sattention to place the public buildings in situations that will beeligible at all times, and particularly to give the storehouses andhospital sufficient space for future enlargement, should it be foundnecessary. 

The first huts that were erected here were composed of very perishablematerials, the soft wood of the cabbage palm, being only designed toafford immediate shelter. The necessity of using the wood quite greenmade it also the less likely to prove durable. The huts of the convictswere still more slight, being composed only of upright posts, wattledwith slight twigs, and plaistered up with clay. Barracks and huts wereafterwards formed of materials rather more lasting. Buildings of stonemight easily have been raised, had there been any means of procuring limefor mortar. The stone which has been found is of three sorts: A fine freestone, reckoned equal in goodness to that of Portland; an indifferentkind of sand stone, or firestone; and a sort which appears to contain amixture of iron. But neither chalk, nor any species of lime-stone has yetbeen discovered. In building a small house for the Governor on theeastern side of the Cove, (marked 1 in the plan) lime was made of oystershells, collected in the neighbouring coves; but it cannot be expectedthat lime should be supplied in this manner for many buildings, or indeedfor any of great extent. Till this difficulty shall be removed by thediscovery of chalk or lime-stone, the public buildings must go on veryslowly, unless care be taken to send out those articles as ballast in allthe ships destined for Port Jackson. In the mean time the materials canonly be laid in clay, which makes it necessary to give great thickness tothe walls, and even then they are not so firm as might be wished. Goodclay for bricks is found near Sydney Cove, and very good bricks have beenmade. The wood, from the specimens that have been received in England, appears to be good; it is heavy indeed, but fine grained, and apparentlystrong, and free from knots. The imperfections that were found in it atfirst arose probably from the want of previous seasoning. 

The hospital is placed on the west side of the Cove, in a very healthfulsituation, entirely clear of the town; and is built in such a manner asto last for some years. On the high ground between the hospital and thetown, if water can be found by sinking wells, it is the Governor'sintention to erect the barracks, surrounding them with proper works. These were to have been begun as soon as the transports were cleared, andthe men hutted, but the progress of work was rendered so slow by the wantof an adequate number of able workmen, that it was necessary to postponethat undertaking for a time. The ground marked out for a church liesstill nearer to the town, so that this edifice will form in part one sideof the principal parade. The design which demanded the most immediateexecution was that of a storehouse, which might be secure from the dangerof fire. In a country exposed to frequent storms of thunder andlightning, it was rather an uneasy situation to have all the provisionsand other necessaries lodged in wooden buildings, covered with thatch ofthe most combustible kind. On the point of land that forms the west sideof the Cove, and on an elevated spot, a small observatory has been raisedunder the direction of Lieutenant Dawes, who was charged by the Board ofLongitude with the care of observing the expected comet. The longitude ofthis observatory is ascertained to be 159° 19' 30" east from Greenwich, and the latitude 32° 52' 30" south. A small house, built by theLieutenant Governor for himself, forms at present the corner of theparade; the principal street will be carried on at right angles with thefront of this building. Instead of thatch, they now use shingles madefrom a tree in appearance like a fir, but producing a wood not unlike theEnglish oak. This, though more secure than thatching, is not enough sofor storehouses. For these, if slate-stone should not be found, tilesmust be made of the clay which has been used for bricks. The principalfarm is situated in the next cove to the east of the town, and less thanhalf a mile from it. When the plan was drawn it contained about nineacres laid down in corn of different kinds. Later accounts speak of sixacres of wheat, eight of barley, and six of other grain, as raised on thepublic account, and in a very promising way. 

Sydney cove lies open to the north-east, and is continued in a south-westdirection for near a thousand yards, gradually decreasing from thebreadth of about one thousand four hundred feet, till it terminates in apoint, where it receives a small stream of fresh water. The anchorageextends about two thousand feet up the cove, and has soundings in generalof four fathoms near the shore, and five, six, or seven, nearer themiddle of the channel. It is perfectly secure in all winds; and for aconsiderable way up on both sides, ships can lie almost close to theshore: nor are there, in any part of it, rocks or shallows to render thenavigation dangerous. Such a situation could not fail to appeardesireable to a discerning man, whose object it was to establish asettlement, which he knew must for some time depend for support on theimportation of the principal necessaries of life. 

It is supposed that metals of various kinds abound in the soil on whichthe town is placed. A convict, who had formerly been used to work in theStaffordshire lead mines, declared very positively, that the ground whichthey were now clearing, contains a large quantity of that ore: and copperis supposed to lie under some rocks which were blown up in sinking acellar for the public stock of spirituous liquors. It is the opinion ofthe Governor himself that several metals are actually contained in theearth hereabouts, and that mines may hereafter be worked to greatadvantage: but at present he strongly discourages any search of thiskind, very judiciously discerning, that in the present situation of hispeople, which requires so many exertions of a very different nature, thediscovering of a mine would be the greatest evil that could befal thesettlement. In some places where they dug, in making wells, they found asubstance which at first was taken for a metal, but which provingperfectly refractory in a very strong and long continued heat, has sincebeen concluded to be black lead. The kind of pigment called by paintersSpanish brown, is found in great abundance, and the white clay with whichthe natives paint themselves is still in greater plenty. The Abbe leReceveur was of opinion, that this clay, if cleared from the sand, whichmight easily be separated, would make excellent porcelain. 

The climate at Sydney Cove is considered, on the whole, as equal to thefinest in Europe. The rains are not ever of long duration, and there areseldom any fogs: the soil, though in general light, and rather sandy inthis part, is full as good as usually is found so near the sea-coast. Allthe plants and fruit trees brought from Brasil and the Cape, which werenot damaged in the passage, thrive exceedingly; and vegetables have nowbecome plentiful, both the European sorts and such as are peculiar tothis country. In the Governor's garden are excellent cauliflowers, andmelons very fine of their kinds. The orange trees flourish, and the figtrees and vines are improving still more rapidly. In a climate sofavourable, the cultivation of the vine may doubtless be carried to anydegree of perfection; and should not other articles of commerce divertthe attention of the settlers from this point, the wines of New SouthWales may, perhaps, hereafter be sought with avidity, and become anindispensable part of the luxury of European tables. 

The rank grass under the trees, unfortunately proved fatal to all thesheep purchased by Governor Phillip, on his own and on the publicaccount. Those which private individuals kept close to their own tents, and fed entirely there, were preserved. Hogs and poultry not only thrivebut increase very fast; black cattle will doubtless succeed as well, andit will be easy in future to secure them from straying. The horses havenot met with any accident. 

The last dispatches from Governor Phillip bring an account of his havingsent a small detachment up to that ground at the upper end of PortJackson, which he discovered in one of his excursions to be so highly fitfor cultivation. This party consisted of a captain, two lieutenants ofmarines, with twenty-five non-commissioned officers and privates: aboutfifty convicts were added as labourers. This spot is very pleasant, andhas been named by the Governor, Rose-hill. The flax-plant, which was seenat the first arrival of our people, has not been found since in any greatabundance. A most ample supply of this valuable article may, however, always be obtained from Norfolk Island. Governor Phillip, when he judgedthe seeds to be ripe, ordered them to be collected, but at that time veryfew of the plants were found, and not any in the places where thegreatest quantity had been seen. It is thought that the natives pull upthe plant when it is in flower to make their fishing lines. 

On the whole, notwithstanding the difficulties and disadvantages at firstexperienced, which, though great, were not more than must naturally beexpected to occur in such an undertaking; notwithstanding the sicknesseswhich from various causes prevailed for some time among the people, thesettlement at Sydney Cove wore a very promising aspect at the time whenthe last accounts were sent; and there can be no doubt that it will befound hereafter fully to answer every expectation which was formed whenthe design was projected. The scantiness of the streams of fresh waterwas thought at first unfavourable, but good springs have since been foundby digging. The house built for Governor Phillip stands about fifty-sixfeet above high-water mark, and there, by sinking a well about fifteenfeet in the rock, an excellent spring of pure water has been obtained. 

Chapter XIV. 

July 1788 to October 1788

Fish violently seized by the natives--Another expedition of theGovernor--Further account of the manners and manufactures of the nativeinhabitants of New South Wales--Difficulty of obtaining any intercourse. 

9 July 1788

On the ninth of July, an effort was made by a party of natives, whichseems to indicate that they were still distressed for provisions, or thatthey very highly resent the incroachments made upon their fishing places. A general order had been issued to those sent out on fishing parties, togive a part of what was caught to the natives if they approached, howeversmall the quantity taken might be; and by these means they had alwaysbeen sent away apparently satisfied. But on this day, about twenty ofthem, armed with spears, came down to the spot where our men werefishing, and without any previous attempt to obtain their purpose by fairmeans, violently seized the greatest part of the fish which was in theseine. While this detachment performed this act of depredation, a muchgreater number stood at a small distance with their spears poized, readyto have thrown them if any resistance had been made. But the cockswainwho commanded the fishing party, very prudently suffered them to takeaway what they chose, and they parted on good terms. This is the onlyinstance in which these people have attempted any unprovoked act ofviolence, and to this they probably were driven by necessity. Since thistransaction, an officer has always been sent down the harbour with theboat. 

Governor Phillip went out about this time with a small party, to examinethe land between Port Jackson and Broken Bay. Here were found manyhundred acres of land, free from timber, and very fit for cultivation. Heproceeded as far as Pitt Water, and saw several of the natives, but noneof them chose to approach. When the party returned to the boats near themouth of the harbour, about sixty of these people, men, women, andchildren, were assembled there. Some hours were passed with them in apeaceful and very friendly manner, but though in all this time theydiscovered no uneasiness, they seemed best pleased when their visitorswere preparing to depart. This has always been the case, since it hasbeen known among them that our people intend to remain on the coast. Manyof the women were employed at this time in fishing, a service which isnot uncommonly performed by them, the men being chiefly occupied inmaking canoes, spears, fish-gigs, and the other articles that constitutetheir small stock of necessary implements. Two women were here observedto be scarred on the shoulders like the men; this was the first instancein which they had been seen so marked. 

The sailors who waited on the beach to take care of the boat saw abouttwo hundred men assembled in two parties, who after some time drewthemselves up on opposite sides, and from each party men advanced singlyand threw their spears, guarding themselves at the same time with theirshields. This seemed at first to be merely a kind of exercise, for thewomen belonging to both parties remained together on the beach;afterwards it had a more serious aspect, and the women are said to haverun up and down in great agitation uttering violent shrieks. But it wasnot perceived that any men were killed. 

As it had been supposed that many of the natives had left this part ofthe coast, on account of the great scarcity of fish, the different covesof the harbour were examined in one day. At this time, not more thansixty-seven canoes were counted, and about one hundred and thirty of thepeople were seen. But it was the season in which they make their newcanoes, and large parties were known to be in the woods for that purpose. 

A few days after this examination, Governor Phillip himself went again toexplore the coast between Port Jackson and Botany Bay. In this journeyfew of the natives were seen, but new proofs were observed of theirhaving been distressed for food. In the preceding summer they would noteat either the shark or the sting-ray, but now even coarser meat wasacceptable, and indeed any thing that could afford the smallestnourishment. A young whale had just been driven upon the coast, whichthey were busily employed in carrying away. All that were seen at thistime had large pieces of it, which appeared to have been laid upon thefire only long enough to scorch the outside. In this state they alwayseat their fish, never broiling it for more than a few minutes; they broilalso the fern root, and another root, of which the plant is not yetknown; and they usually eat together in families. Among the fruits usedby them is a kind of wild fig; and they eat also the kernels of thatfruit which resembles a pine-apple. The latter, when eaten by some of theFrench seamen, occasioned violent retchings; possibly the natives mayremove the noxious qualities, by some process like those employed uponthe cassada. The winter months, in which fish is very scarce upon thecoast, are June, July, August, and part of September. From the beatenpaths that are seen between Port Jackson and Broken Bay, and in otherparts, it is thought that the natives frequently change their situation, but it has not been perceived that they make any regular migrations tothe northward in the winter months, or to the south in summer. 

In consequence of the very extraordinary shyness of these people sincethe arrival of our settlement, little addition has been made to theknowledge of their manners attained by Captain Cook: but most of hisobservations have been confirmed. The whole, indeed, that can be known ofa people, among whom civilization and the arts of life have made so smalla progress, must amount to very little. The assertion that they have nonets*, is amongst the very few that have been found erroneous. Some smallnets have been brought over, the manufacture of which is very curious. The twine of which they are made, appears to be composed of the fibres ofthe flax plant, with very little preparation; it is very strong, heavy, and so admirably well twisted as to have the appearance of the bestwhipcord. Governor Phillip mentions having had lines of theirmanufacture, which were made from the fur of some animal, and others thatappeared to be of cotton. The meshes of their nets are formed of largeloops, very artificially inserted into each other, but without any knots. At a small distance they have exactly the appearance of our common nets, but when they are closely examined the peculiar mode in which the loopsare managed is very remarkable. Some ladies who have inspected one ofthese nets lately imported, declare that it is formed exactly on the sameprinciple as the ground of point lace, except that it has only one turnof the thread, instead of two, in every loop. This net appears to havebeen used either as a landing net, or for the purpose of carrying thefish when taken. They have also small hoop nets, in which they catchlobsters, and sea crayfish. Their canoes and other implements are veryexactly described by Captain Cook. 

[* Cook's first voyage, Hawkesworth, Vol. III. P. 233. --If it was onlymeant that they have no large nets for fishing, like the feine, as theNew Zealanders have, the remark is certainly true. ]

The inhabitants of New South Wales have very few ornaments, except thosewhich are impressed upon the skin itself, or laid on in the manner ofpaint. The men keep their beards short, it is thought by scorching offthe hair, and several of them at the first arrival of our people seemedto take great delight in being shaved. They sometimes hang in their hairthe teeth of dogs, and other animals, the claws of lobsters, and severalsmall bones, which they fasten there by means of gum; but such ornamentshave never been seen upon the women. Though they have not made anyattempt towards clothing themselves, they are by no means insensible ofthe cold, and appear very much to dislike the rain. During a shower theyhave been observed to cover their heads with pieces of bark, and toshiver exceedingly. Governor Phillip was convinced by these circumstancesthat clothing would be very acceptable to them, if they could be inducedto come enough among the English to learn the use of it. He has thereforeapplied for a supply of frocks and jackets to distribute among them, which are to be made long and loose, and to serve for either men orwomen. 

The bodies of these people in general smell strongly of oil, and thedarkness of their colour is much increased by dirt. But though in thesepoints they shew so little delicacy, they are not without emotions ofdisgust, when they meet with strong effluvia to which their organs areunaccustomed. One of them, after having touched a piece of pork, held outhis finger for his companions to smell, with strong marks of distaste. Bread and meat they seldom refuse to take, but generally throw it awaysoon after. Fish they always accept very eagerly. 

Whether they use any particular rites of burial is not yet known, butfrom the following account it seems evident that they burn their dead. The ground having been observed to be raised in several places, like theruder kind of graves of the common people in our church yards, GovernorPhillip caused some of these barrows to be opened. In one of them a jawbone was found not quite consumed, but in general they contained onlyashes. From the manner in which these ashes were disposed, it appearedthat the body must have been laid at length, raised from the ground a fewinches only, or just enough to admit a fire under it; and having beenconsumed in this posture, it must then have been covered lightly overwith mould. Fern is usually spread upon the surface, with a few stones, to keep it from being dispersed by the wind. These graves have not beenfound in very great numbers, nor ever near their huts. 

When the latest accounts arrived from Port Jackson, the natives stillavoided all intercourse with our settlement, whether from dislike or fromcontempt is not perfectly clear: They think perhaps that we cannot teachthem any thing of sufficient value to make them amends for ourencroachments upon their fishing places. They seem to be among themselvesperfectly honest, and often leave their spears and other implements uponthe beach, in full confidence of finding them untouched. But the convictstoo frequently carry them off, and dispose of them to vessels coming toEngland, though at the hazard on one side of being prosecuted for theft, and on the other for purchasing stolen goods. Injuries of this naturethey generally revenge on such stragglers as they happen to meet; andperhaps have already learnt to distinguish these freebooters, by theirblue and yellow jackets, as they very early did the soldiers by their redclothes. Beyond these attacks they have not yet committed any open actsof hostility, except the seizing of the fish in the instance aboverelated. They have not attempted to annoy the settlers by setting fire tothe grass, as they did when Captain Cook was on the coast; nor have they, which is more important, shown any desire to burn the crops of corn. Soabsolutely indispensable to the welfare of the settlement is thepreservation of the grain, that an attempt of this kind must at allevents be counteracted; but in no other case will any harsh measures beadopted, or any effort made to drive them to a greater distance. Conciliation is the only plan intended to be pursued: But GovernorPhillip, when he last wrote, seemed to despair of getting any of them toremain among his people, long enough for either to acquire the languageof the other, except by constraint. Hitherto he has been unwilling totake this method, but if it can be done in such a manner as not to createany general alarm among them, it will probably turn out to be the kindestpiece of violence that could be used. Whenever it shall be practicable, by any means, to explain to them the friendly disposition of GovernorPhillip and his people towards them, and to make them understand, thatthe men from whom they receive occasional injuries, are already adisgraced class, and liable to severe punishment for such proceedings, they will then perhaps acquire sufficient confidence in their newcountrymen to mix with them, to enrich themselves with some of theirimplements, and to learn and adopt some of the most useful and necessaryof their arts. It may, indeed, admit of a doubt whether many of theaccommodations of civilized life, be not more than counterbalanced by theartificial wants to which they give birth; but it is undeniably certainthat to teach the shivering savage how to clothe his body, and to shelterhimself completely from the cold and wet, and to put into the hands ofmen, ready to perish for one half of the year with hunger, the means ofprocuring constant and abundant provision, must be to confer upon thembenefits of the highest value and importance. 

According to the latest advices from Governor Phillip, the Sirius sailedfor the Cape on the 2d of October, 1788, to purchase grain, flour, andother necessaries. Live stock was not to be procured by this ship, asbeing less wanted in the present state of the settlement, which hadprovisions in store for eighteen months, but not grain enough for seed, and for the support of cattle. The Fishburn and Golden Grove storeshipssailed in November for England; the Supply was detained in Port Jacksonfor occasional use. At this time the officers were all in separatehouses, and the whole detachment comfortably lodged, though the barrackswere yet unfinished. Nothing more, that requires to be related, has yetbeen heard from the settlement. 

* * * * *

REMARKS and DIRECTIONS for SAILING into PORT JACKSON, by Capt. J. HUNTER, of the Sirius. 

In coming in with Port Jackson, you will not immediately discover wherethe harbour is: Steer right in for the outer points, for there is not anything in the way but what shows itself by the sea breaking on it, excepta reef on the south shore which runs off a small distance only: when youare past this reef and are a-breast the next point on the same side, youwill open to the south-ward of you an extensive branch of the harbour, into which you will sail; taking care to keep the shore on either sidewell on board, for there is a reef which dries at low water and lies verynear the mid-channel, right off the first sandy cove on the east shore;this reef is pretty broad athwart, as well as up and down the channel, and shoals very gradually: The marks for it are, the outer north pointand inner south point touching, Green Point will then be on with aremarkable notch in the back land. To avoid it to the eastward, pass theinner south head a cable's length from it, and when you open any part ofthe sandy beach of Camp Cove, haul short in for it until you bring theinner north head and inner south head on with each other; that mark willcarry you up in five and six fathom: But if you cannot weather the reef, tack and stand into Camp Cove, which shoals gradually. If you pass to thewestward of the reef, steer in for Middle Cape, which is steep too, thensteer up for the next point above it on the same side; when you are thatlength, you may take what part of the channel you please, or anchor whereyou like. 

It flows Full and Change a quarter past eight. Rises 4 6 Neap Tide. Rises 6 0 Spring Tide. 

Chapter XV. 

The great advantage of a scientific eye over that of the unlearnedobserver, in viewing the productions of nature, cannot be more stronglyexemplified than by the present state of the natural history of BotanyBay, and its vicinity. The English who first visited this part of thecoast, staid there only a week, but having among them persons deeplyversed in the study of nature, produced an account, to which the presentsettlers, after a residence of near eleven months when the lastdispatches were dated, have been able to add but very little ofimportance. The properties and relations of many objects are known to thephilosopher at first sight, his enquiries after novelty are conductedwith sagacity, and when he cannot describe by name what he discovers, asbeing yet unnamed, he can at least refer it to its proper class andgenus. The observation of unskilful persons is often detailed by trivialresemblances, while it passes by the marks which are reallycharacteristic. Governor Phillip, in one of his letters, remarking theprodigious variety of vegetable productions then before his eyes, laments, that among all the people with him there happens not to be onewho has any tolerable knowledge of botany. This circumstance is perhapsless to be regretted than a deficiency in any other branch of naturalknowledge. The researches of some gentlemen among the first voyagers wereparticularly directed to botanical discoveries, and a work which is nowpreparing, in a style of uncommon accuracy and elegance by one of themost illustrious of them, will probably discover that there was littleleft undone, even in their short stay, towards completing that branch ofenquiry. Of quadrupeds the whole stock contained in the country appearsto be confined to a very few species: Wolves have not been seen, thoughthe tracks of them were so frequently thought to be detected on thiscoast by Captain Cook's party. Birds are numerous, but they belong ingeneral to classes already known to naturalists; a few drawings however, and specimens of both, have been sent over. These, to gratify, as far aspossible, the curiosity of those readers whose attention is particularlydirected to natural history, have been engraved, and a short account ofthem is thrown together in this chapter. Of reptiles few have been seenthat are at all curious. A large Lizard, of the Scincus kind, with theremarkable peculiarity of a small spine or horn standing near theextremity of the tail, is said to be among some specimens sent over asprivate presents; and also a kind of frog, whose colour is blue; butthese do not in other respects differ materially from the usual form oftheir respective species. The ants are fully described in Captain Cook'sfirst voyage. 

* * * * *

QUADRUPEDS. 

The KANGUROO has been particularly described already. 

THE SPOTTED OPOSSUM. 

The annexed plate represents a small animal of the opossum kind, whichhas not before been delineated. It is perhaps the same which is slightlydescribed in Captain Cook's first voyage as resembling a polecat, havingthe back spotted with white; and is there said to be called by thenatives Quoll. * The colour however is darker, being rather black thanbrown. 

[* Hawkesw. Iii. P. 222. ]

The Spotted Opossum, for so it may properly be named, is in length fromthe nose to the extremity of the tail about twenty-five inches, of whichthe tail itself takes up about nine or ten. The general colour of theanimal is black, inclining to brown beneath; the neck and body spottedwith irregular roundish patches of white; the ears are pretty large, andstand erect, the visage is pointed, the muzzle furnished with longslender hairs; the fore, as well as hind legs, from the knees downward, almost naked, and ash-coloured; on the fore feet are five claws, and onthe hind, four and a thumb without a claw; the tail, for about an inchand an half from the root, covered with hairs of the same length as thoseon the body, from thence to the end with long ones not unlike that of asquirrel. The specimen from which the above account was taken, is afemale, and has six teats placed in a circle, within the pouch. 

Another animal of the opossum kind has been sent alive to the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, Rector of St. Martin's, Westminster, and is now living in thepossession of Mr. J. Hunter. It appears to be of the same sort as thatmentioned in Captain Cook's first voyage, * and that also which was foundnear Adventure Bay, represented in the eighth plate of Captain Cook'sthird voyage, and slightly described in Vol. I. P. 109 of that work: butit must be owned, that neither its form nor character is very wellexpressed in that plate. 

[* Hawkesw. Vol. Iii. P. 182. ]

The countenance of this animal much resembles that of a fox, but itsmanners approach more nearly to those of the squirrel. When disposed tosleep, or to remain inactive, it coils itself up into a round form; butwhen eating, or on the watch for any purpose, sits up, throwing its tailbehind it. In this posture it uses its fore feet to hold any thing, andto feed itself. When irritated, it sits still more erect on the hindlegs, or throws itself upon its back, making a loud and harsh noise. Itfeeds only on vegetable substances. 

This specimen is a male. The fur is long, but close and thick; of a mixedbrown or greyish colour on the back, under the belly and neck, of ayellowish white. Its length is about eighteen inches, exclusive of thetail, which is twelve inches long, and prehensile. The face is threeinches in length, broad above and very pointed at the muzzle, which isfurnished with long whiskers. The eyes are very large, but not fierce. Onthe fore feet are five claws; on the hind, three and a thumb. The teethare two in the front of the upper jaw, and two in the lower; the upperprojecting beyond the under. In the Kanguroo it is remarkable that thereare four teeth in the upper jaw, opposed to two in the under. Thetesticles are contained in a pendulous scrotum, between the two thighs ofthe hind legs, as in the common opossum. The affinity of almost all thequadrupeds yet discovered on this coast to the opossum kind, in thecircumstance of the pouch in which the female receives and suckles heryoung, seems to open a field of investigation most interesting to thenaturalist: and the public will doubtless learn with pleasure, that it isthe intention of the most able comparative anatomist of the age, to givea paper on this subject to the Royal Society. It cannot, therefore, benecessary at present to pursue the enquiry any farther. 

THE VULPINE OPOSSUM. 

This is not unlike the common fox in shape, but considerably inferior toit in respect to size, being, from the point of the nose to the settingon of the tail, only twenty-six inches; the tail itself fifteen inches:the upper parts of the body are of a grisly colour, arising from amixture of dusky and white hairs, with rufous-yellow tinge; the head andshoulders partaking most of this last colour: round the eyes blackish:above the nostrils ten or twelve black whiskers, four inches or more inlength: all the under parts of the body are of a tawny buff-colour, deepest on the throat, where the bottom of the hairs are rust-colour: thetail is of the colour of the back for about one quarter of its length, from thence to the end, black: the toes on the fore feet are five innumber, the inner one placed high up: on the hind feet four toes only:with a thumb, consisting of two joints, without a claw, placed high up atthe base of the inner toe. The whole foot serving the purpose of a hand, as observable in many of the opossum genus. The legs are much shorter inproportion than those of the common fox: the ears about one inch and anhalf in length: in the upper jaw are six cutting teeth, and fourgrinders, with two small canine teeth placed at an equal distance betweenthem: in the under jaw two long cutting teeth, not unlike those of asquirrel, and four grinders to answer those in the upper jaw, but nocanine teeth. --A representation of the mouth and teeth may be seen in oneof the following plates. 

NORFOLK ISLAND FLYING SQUIRREL. 

Size of the American grey squirrel, and the general colour of the upperparts very nearly resembling that animal; the under parts white: from thenose to the tail runs a streak of dusky black, and another springs oneach side of the head behind the nostrils, passing over the eyes andfinishing behind them: ears not rising from the head: on each side of thebody is a broad flap or membrane, as in other flying squirrels, which isunited to both the fore and hind legs, as usual in many of this division:this membrane is black, fringed on the outer edge with white: the tailfor two-thirds of the length, is of an elegant ash colour, paler than thebody, from thence to the end dusky black: the toes on the fore legs arefive in number; those of the hinder uncertain, as the legs behind werewanting: length from head to rump nine inches; the tail is ten inches. 

BIRDS. 

BLUE BELLIED PARROT. Order II. Pies. Genus V. Species XIV. Var. B. 

BLUE BELLIED PARROT. 

Described thus by Mr. Latham. 

"The length of this beautiful parrot is fifteen inches. The bill isreddish: orbits black: head and throat dark blue, with a mixture oflighter blue feathers: back part of the head green; towards the throatyellow green: back and wings green: prime quills dusky, barred withyellow: breast red, mixed with yellow: belly of a fine blue: thighs greenand yellow: tail cuneiform; the two middle feathers green; the others thesame, but bright yellow on the outer edges: legs dusky. Inhabits BotanyBay in New Holland. " Latham's Synopsis, vol. I. P. 213. 

To this account little need be added, except that in our presentspecimens the parts there said to be blue are rather a bright lilac: thebill is a deep orange; and there are red spots on the back between thewings, and a few near the vent feathers. 

TABUAN PARROT. Order and Genus the same. Species XVI. A Variety. 

The bird here represented has been seen by Mr. Latham, and was by himreferred to this species; of which however it seems a very remarkablevariety: The prevalent colour of the head, neck and breast, being, instead of a deep crimson or purplish red, as in his description andplate, as well as in a fine specimen now in his own collection, a verybright scarlet: the blue mark across the lower part of the neck appearsthe same; but the blue feathers in the wings are entirely wanting; andthe bill is not black. (See Latham's Synopsis, vol. I. P. 214. )

The specimen here delineated may be thus described. 

Length twenty-four inches: bill brown, the upper mandible tinged withred: the head, neck, and all the under parts of the body a brightscarlet: the back and wings a fine green. On the lower part of the neck, between that and the back, a crescent of blue: the tail long andcuneiform, most of its feathers deep blue: the legs ash coloured: on theupper part of the wings a narrow line of lighter green. 

PENNANTIAN PARROT. Order and Genus the same. Species, 134. 

Size of the scarlet lory, length sixteen inches: the bill of a blueishhorn colour; the general colour of the plumage scarlet; the base of theunder mandible and the chin covered with rich blue feathers: the backblack, the feathers edged with crimson: wings blue, down the middle muchpaler than the rest: the quills and tail black, the feathers edgedoutwardly with blue, and three of the outer tail feathers, from themiddle to the end, of a pale hoary blue: the tail is wedge shaped, themiddle feathers eight inches in length; the outermost, or shortest, onlyfour: the bottom of the thighs blue, legs dusky, claws black. 

This beautiful bird is not unfrequent about Port Jackson, and seems tocorrespond greatly with the Pennantian Parrot, described by Mr. Latham inthe supplement to his General Synopsis of Birds, p. 61. Differing in sofew particulars, as to make us suppose it to differ only in sex from thatspecies. 

PACIFIC PAROQUET. Order and Genus the same. Species L VI. A new variety. 

Mr. Latham's description is this:

"Length twelve inches, bill of a silvery blue; end black: in some, theforehead and half the crown; in others, the forehead only, of a deepcrimson: behind each eye a spot of the same colour: on each side of thevent a patch of the same: the plumage in general of a dark green, paleston the under parts: the tail is cunei-form; the two middle feathers arefive inches and an half in length; the outer ones two inches and an half;upper parts of it the same green with the body; beneath ash colour: theouter edge of the wings, as far as the middle of the quills, deep blue;the ends of the quills dusky: legs brown: claws black. " Latham's Synopsis, vol. I. P. 252. 

The variety here represented has a brown bill, tinged with red at theend, and a cap of azure blue at the back of the head, interspersed with afew small feathers of a yellowish green; the top of the wings is of ayellow hue, and there are no blue feathers in the wings. 

THE SACRED KING'S FISHER. Order of Birds II. Pies. Genus XXIII. Species 12. 

The following description is extracted from Mr. Latham's Synopsis ofBirds, vol. Ii. P. 623. The specimen here represented, being the same ashis fourth variety of that species marked D. 

"This in size is rather less than a blackbird: the bill is black; thelower mandible yellowish at the base: head, back, wings, and tail, bluetinged with green: the under parts of the body white, extending round themiddle of the neck like a collar: legs blackish. "

To which account we may add, that the bill is very strong at the base, and sharp at the point; that the feathers immediately above the bill aretinged with yellow; and that the toes, as in most of this species, arethree before and one behind. 

SUPERB WARBLER, MALE. Birds, Order III. Passerine. Genus XLI. Warbler. Species 137. A new variety. 

"The length of this beautiful species is five inches and a half: the billblack: the feathers of the head are long, and stand erect like a fullcrest; from the forehead to the crown they are of a bright blue; fromthence to the nape, black like velvet: through the eyes from the bill, aline of black; beneath the eye springs a tuft of the same blue feathers;beneath these and on the chin, it is of a deep blue almost black, andfeeling like velvet: on the ears is another patch of blue, and across theback part of the head a band of the same, (in some specimens, the patchesof blue under the eye and on the ear unite together, and join with theband at the nape, as in the plate*) the whole giving the head a greaterappearance of bulk than is natural: the hind part of the neck and upperparts of the body and tail, deep blue black; the under, pure white:wings, dusky; shafts of the quills chesnut: the tail, two inches and aquarter long, and cuneiform; the two outer feathers very short: legsdusky brown: claws black. " Latham's Synopsis, vol. Iv. P. 501. 

[* Latham's Synopsis, vol. Iv. Pl. 53. ]

The disposition of the blue is found to differ in most of the specimens. In the present variety, the whole head is enveloped in blue, whichterminates in an irregularly waving line, and is continued below the eyein a broad band, edged in the same manner, and running almost to a point, as low as the bottom of the neck on each side; but there is no bandcontinued round the neck, which, both above and below, is of the deepblue like velvet, mentioned by Mr. Latham. Some feathers of a very brightorange lie immediately under that blue, and above the wings*. 

[* The Specimens from which Mr. Latham took his descriptions were met withat Van Diemen's Land, the most southern part of New Holland. ]

SUPERB WARBLER, Female. 

When Mr. Latham's Synopsis was published, the female of this species wasentirely unknown; and it was conjectured by that author that thedisposition of the blue might possibly mark the sexes. The female is nowdiscovered to be entirely destitute of all the fine blue colours, bothpale and dark, by which the male is adorned, except that there is a verynarrow circle of azure round each eye, apparently on the skin only: allthe upper feathers consist of shades of brown, and the whole throat andbelly is pure white. Except from the shape and size, this bird would notbe suspected at first sight to belong to the same species as the male:the epithet of superb applies very ill to the female. 

CASPIAN TERN. Birds, Order IX. Webfooted. Genus LXXXVIII. Species I. Variety B. 

The plate of this bird is inserted at pag. 77. Mr. Latham's descriptionis as follows. 

"Length nineteen or twenty inches: bill three inches, stout and of a paleyellow: nostrils pervious: the crown of the head black; the featherslongish, and forming a kind of pensile crest at the nape; the rest of thehead, neck, and under parts of the body, white: back and wings palecinereous grey: quills grey, with the ends dusky; the inner webs, halfway from the base, white: tail grey, forked; the end half of the otherfeathers white; the last is exceeded by the first an inch: legs black. Supposed to inhabit China; seen also, or very similar, from theFriendly Isles; also found at Hapaee, one of the Sandwich Islands. "Syn. Vol. Vi. P. 351. 

NORFOLK ISLAND PETREL. Order IX. Web-Footed. Genus Xc. 

Length sixteen inches, bill one inch and an half long, black, and veryhooked at the tip: the head as far as the eyes, the chin and throat, waved, brown and dusky white: the rest of the body on the upper parts ofa sooty brown, the under of a deep ash colour; the inner part of thequills, especially next the base, very pale, nearly white, and the wings, when closed, exceed the tail by about an inch: the tail is much roundedin shape, and consists of twelve feathers, of the same colour as theupper parts of the body: the legs are pale yellow, the outer toe blackthe whole length, the middle one half way from the tip, the webs alsocorrespond, the outer one being black, except just at the base; and theinner one black for about one third from the end: the claws black; thespur, which serves in place of a back toe, is also black. 

This inhabits Norfolk Island, and burrows in the sand like a rabbit, lying hid in the holes throughout the day, and coming out of evenings inquest of food. This bird appears to differ so very little from the darkgrey Petrel of Cook's Voyage, vol. I. P. 258. That it is not improbableit may prove to be the same species. This is described in the GeneralSynopsis of Birds, vol. Vi. P. 399. Under the name of Grey Petrel; asalso another species, in p. 400. By the name of White-breasted Petrel, differing only in the breast from our specimen. 

BRONZE-WINGED PIGEON. Order IV. Columbine. Genus XLVI. 

Size of a large dove-house pigeon: general colour of the plumageash-coloured, brown on the upper parts, the feathers margined with palerufous; the under parts pale ash-colour, with very pale margins: the wingcoverts are much the same colour as the back, but the greater ones, orlower series, have each of them a large oval spot of bronze on the outerwebs near the ends, forming together, when the wings are closed, two barsof the most brilliant and beautiful bronze, changing into red, copper, and green, in different reflections of light: several of the feathersalso among the other coverts have the same spots on them, but areirregularly placed: the quills are brown, with the inner webs, from themiddle to the base, pale rufous; as are the sides of the body and all theunder wing coverts: the tail consists of sixteen feathers; the two middleones are brown, the others pale lead, or dove colour, with a bar of blacknear the tips: the bill is of a dull red: the forehead very pale, nearlywhite, passing a little way under the eye: the chin and throat pale grey:the legs are red. 

This bird inhabits Norfolk Island; and is clearly a non-descript species. 

WHITE-FRONTED HERON. Order VII. Cloven-footed. Genus LXV. 

This is little more than half the size of the common Heron: length 28inches: the general colour of the plumage is bluish ash, inclining tolead colour: top of the head black, and a trifle crested; the forehead, sides of the head, chin, and throat white, passing downwards, andfinishing in a point about the middle of the neck before: on the lowerpart of the neck the feathers are long and loose, and of a pale rufouscinnamon colour; all the under parts of the body also incline to thislast colour, but are much paler: the quills and tail are dark leadcolour, nearly black: on the back the feathers are long and narrow, andhang part of the way on the tail: the bill is four inches long, andblack; but the base half of the under mandible is yellowish: the legs areformed as in other herons, of a yellowish brown colour, and the claws areblack. 

This bird was sent from Port Jackson in New Holland, and as it has notbeen noticed by any author, we consider it as a new species. 

WATTLED BEE-EATER. Order II. Pies. Genus XXVI. 

The size of this bird is nearly that of a cuckow: length fourteen inchesand a half: the bill one inch long, and of nearly the same shape and sizeas in the Poe Bird; the colour black: the general colour of the plumageis brown, palest on the under parts; most of the feathers are pointed inshape, and have a streak of white down the middle: the fore part of thehead, as far as the eyes, is smooth, but the rest of the head appearsfull, the feathers being longer: from the gape of the bill a broad streakof silvery white passes under the eye, and beneath this, on each side ofthe throat, hangs a pendulous wattle, about half an inch in length, andof an orange colour: the wings, when closed, reach about one third on thetail, which is about half the length of the bird, and cuneiform in shape:both the quills and tail feathers are of a darker brown than the rest ofbird, and have the tips white: the middle of the belly is yellow: thelegs are of a pale brown, the hind toe very stout, and the outer toeconnected to the middle one as far as the first joint. 

The above inhabits New Holland; it was received from Port Jackson, and isno doubt a non-descript species. 

PSITTACEOUS HORNBILL. Order II. Pies. Genus VIII. 

The bird is about the size of a crow: the total length two feet threeinches: the bill is large, stout at the base, much curved at the point, and channelled on the sides; the colour pale brown, inclining to yellownear the end: the nostrils are quite at the base, and are surrounded witha red skin, as is the eye also, on the upper part: the head, neck, andunder parts of the body are pale blue-grey; the upper parts of the body, wings, and tail, ash colour; and most of the feathers are tipt with duskyblack, forming bars of that colour across the wings: the wings, whenclosed, reach to near three-quarters of the length of the tail: the tailitself is long, and cuneiform, the two middle feathers measuring eleveninches, and the outer one on each side little more than seven; a bar ofblack crosses the whole near the end, and the tips of all the feathersare white: the legs are short and scaly, and the toes placed twoforwards, and two backwards, as in those of the toucan or parrot genus:the colour of legs and claws black. *

[* Mr. Latham, who has been kind enough to give his sentiments on thisoccasion, is of opinion that this bird does not strictly belong to any ofthe present established genera. The make indeed is altogether that of anhornbill, and the edges of the mandible are smooth, but the toes beingplaced two forwards and two backwards, seem to rank it with the Parrotsor Toucans; and it has been unlucky that in the specimen from which thedescription was taken, the tongue was wanting, which might in a greatmeasure have determined the point: but the inducement for placing it withthe hornbills has had the greater weight, as not a single species of thetoucan tribe has yet been met with in that part of the world. ]

This bird was killed at Port Jackson, and we believe it to be hithertonon-descript. 

* * * * *

Such is the account of the birds of which drawings or specimens have beenobtained from Port Jackson or from Norfolk Island. Wild ducks, teal, quails, and other common species are numerous in both places, and thevariety, as well as number of the small birds is considerable. Birds ofthe Cassowary or Emu kind have very frequently been seen; but they are soshy, and run so swiftly, that only one has yet been killed. That bird wasshot near the camp, while Governor Phillip was absent on his firstexpedition to Broken Bay, and was thought by him to differ materiallyboth from the ostrich and cassowary; the skin was sent over, but at thetime when this sheet was printed off, had not been stuffed, or put intoform. Should it, on examination, exhibit any remarkable peculiarities, weshall endeavour to obtain a description of it, to subjoin at theconclusion of this volume. 

* * * * *

Since stating the dimensions of the kanguroo, in page 106, Lord Sydneyhas received from Governor Phillip, a male of a much larger size, whichmeasures as follows. 

 f. In. Length from the point of the nose to the end of the tail, 8 5Length of the tail, 3 1-- head, 0 11-- fore legs, 2 0-- hind legs 3 7Circumference of the fore part by the legs, 1 9---- lower parts -- 4 5Round the thicker part of the tail, which graduallytapers to the end. 1 1

The above is the largest kanguroo that has yet been seen, and there isevery reason to believe that even this had not nearly attained its fullgrowth. 

Lieutenant Shortland describes them as feeding in herds of about thirtyor forty, and assures us, that one is always observed to be apparentlyupon the watch, at a distance from the rest. 

Chapter XVI. 

No. I. 

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE SETTLEMENT AT PORT JACKSON. 

General Return of the four Companies of Marines, doing duty in thesettlement of New South Wales. 

Return of the OFFICERS. 

* * * * *

No. II. 

Artificers belonging to the Marine Detachment, employed from the 17th Mayto the 30th September, 1788, both Days inclusive. 

[These tables are not included here. Refer to html version of this ebookavailable from http://gutenberg. Org]

These artificers were employed on the representation of theLieutenant-Governor to Governor Phillip, that it was impossible to erectthe barracks necessary for the officers and men of the detachment, without employing such artificers for that purpose as could be foundamong themselves. It was at the same time represented, that these mencould not properly be retained at such work, unless they were to be paidin the customary manner of paying all troops employed on extra works forthe public service: and more especially, as it was known that theartificers taken from the ships of war and transports were to be paid forall work done on shore. 

Governor Phillip agreed entirely as to the necessity of employing theartificers, and with respect to their pay, had no doubt that the mattermust be decided by custom: In consequence of which he issued an order forthat purpose on the 17th of May, 1788. 

* * * * *

No. III. 

The Right Hon. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in a letter, dated the 8th of October, 1786, addressed to the commanding officers ofeach division of the marines, directed them to signify to such marines aswould make a voluntary tender of their service for Botany Bay, that theyshould at the expiration of their station of three years be entitled totheir discharge on their return to England, provided their good behaviourduring this service should have merited such marks of favour: Or that, ifthey preferred it, they should at the time of relief be discharged in NewSouth Wales, and permitted to settle there. In consequence of this, atthe date of the following paper, the question was put by the LieutenantGovernor to all the officers and men, whether they chose to remain in thecountry, either as soldiers or settlers. Before this question was asked, Major Ross applied to Governor Phillip to know what encouragementGovernment held out to those who should wish to remain in eithercapacity. To this application it was answered by the Governor, that theproper instructions and authorities for giving every reasonableencouragement to such of the military and others as should be desirous toremain in New South Wales, and for making grants of land, were to be sentfrom England as soon as Government being sufficiently informed of theactual state of the country, and the quality of the soil, at and near thesettlement, could determine what was the most eligible mode of grantingthe lands. 

Those documents having been received, the amplest powers are now to besent out to Governor Phillip, that he may make such grants and give suchencouragement as may be proportioned to the merits of those who apply, and satisfactory to every individual. 

The following list exhibits the result of the question put by theLieutenant Governor to the officers and men of the marines, concerningtheir desire to return, or to remain in New South Wales. 

LIST of such OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, DRUMMERS, and PRIVATES, as are desirous of remaining in this Country, after the time when theirLordships the Commissioners of the Admiralty intended to relieve theDetachment, as expressed in their Letter of the 8th October, 1788. 

NEW SOUTH WALES, 1st October, 1788. 

Names and quality. Desirous of remaining in this country. 

Watkin Tench, Capt. Lieutenant, as a soldier for one tour more of threeyears. 

George Johnstone, First Lieutenant, having been so short a time in thiscountry, cannot determine whether he would wish to remain or not, as tosettling can say nothing. 

John Johnstone, ditto, having been so short a time in this country, cannot determine whether he would wish to remain another tour or not, asto settling can say nothing, till he knows on what terms. 

James Maitland Shairp, ditto, being so short a time in the country, hecannot yet judge whether he would wish to remain or not another tour, asto settling, until he knows the terms and nature of the grants, cannotdetermine. 

William Dawes, Second Lieutenant, as a soldier for one tour more of threeyears. 

William Baker, Serjeant, as a soldier. George Flemming, private, as a soldier for three years more. Isaac Tarr, ditto, as a settler. James Manning, as a soldier. 

All the officers, non-commissioned officers, drummers, and private men ofthe detachment, whose names are not expressed in the above list, wish toreturn to England, at the time proposed by their Lordship's letter of the8th October, 1786, or as soon after as their Lordships may find itconvenient. 

R. ROSS, MAJOR. 

* * * * *

No. IV

AN ACCOUNT OF PROVISIONS REMAINING IN HIS MAJESTY'S STORES, AT SYDNEYCOVE, NEW SOUTH WALES, 30TH SEPTEMBER, 1788. 

Flour, 414, 176 pounds, is 62 weeks ration. Rice, 51, 330 -- -- 15 --Beef, 127, 608 -- -- 43 --Pork, 214, 344 -- -- 128 --Pease, 2, 305 bushels, -- 58 --Butter, 15, 450 pounds, -- 49 --

Number of Persons victualled. Men, 698. Women, 193. Children, 42. 

Provisions at Norfolk Island, twenty months. 

Number of Persons victualled. Men, 44. Women, 16. 

ANDREW MILLER, Commissary. 

* * * * *

No. V. 

Return of Sick, September 27th, 1788. 

Marines sick in hospital 4 ---- camp 21Marine women and children in camp 5Deaths since last return 0Total belonging to the battalionunder medical treatment 30

Male convicts sick 62Female ditto and children 31Total of convicts under medicaltreatment 93

Male convicts dead since the lastreport of June 30 6Female convicts ditto since ditto 4Total convicts dead since ditto 10Convicts unserviceable from oldage, infirmities, etc. 53

Chapter XVII. 

Nautical directions, and other detached remarks, by Lieutenant Ball, concerning Rio de Janeiro, Norfolk Island, Ball Pyramid, and Lord HoweIsland. 

Some notice has already been taken in the preceding sheets of Rio deJaneiro, Norfolk Isle, and Lord Howe Isle; but since they were committedto the press, the following particulars respecting those places have veryobligingly been communicated to the editor, by Lieutenant Henry LidgbirdBall. As these remarks are the result of minute observation, they cannotfail of being useful and interesting to the seafaring reader, which, itis presumed, will be a sufficient apology for giving them a place here. 

There is no danger in going up the harbour to Rio de Janeiro but what mayeasily be seen. The course up the harbour is north-west by north; youanchor before the town in seventeen fathoms water, over a muddy bottom;the middle of the town bearing west by north, west, or west by south, about a mile and an half distant from the watering place, and the FortSaint Cruz bearing south-east. No pilot is necessary; the soundingsa-breast of St. Cruz Fort are twenty-two fathoms, and shoal gradually toseventeen fathoms, where the ships moored a-breast of the town. The tideflows two hours and thirty minutes at full and change, and rises ingeneral about eight feet. In going into the harbour, it is necessary tokeep the starboard shore best aboard, as the tide sets on the other side, till you get nearly a-breast of St. Cruz Fort, and in that situation youmust be on your guard, if going in with the flood, as the passage isnarrow: and there are whirlpools in many places, which will take allcommand from the rudder. Water is procured at a pipe, by which it isconveyed from a fountain situated in the large square near the principallanding place, which is opposite the palace. This pipe is continued downto the waterside, and you fill your casks in boats: the water is soplentiful, that a fleet might be supplied in a short time. 

Bullocks, sheep, and Portugal wine, may be had here in plenty; there isalso an excellent market for poultry and vegetables every day; in short, every refreshment that is necessary for a fleet may be procured in greatabundance, and very cheap. 

The whole harbour, as well as the town, is defended by a number of strongfortifications; and as far as Lieutenant Ball had an opportunity ofexamining the harbour, the draft of it published in the East India chartis very true, the soundings right, and the bearings very accurate. 

Their trade is chiefly to Portugal, and consists of bullion, indigo, sugar, rum, tobacco, brazil wood, whale-oil, whale bone, spermaceti, etc. And of late years diamonds and many other valuable commodities. 

In approaching Norfolk Island there is no danger: Lieut. Ball anchored innineteen fathoms, over a bottom of coarse sand and coral, the north-eastend of the island bearing west south-west quarter west; the easternmostrocks east south-east, about a mile distant from the nearest shore: atthis place Capt. Cook landed. Ships have anchored also at south end ofthe isle in twenty-two fathoms, the westernmost point of Phillip Islesouth south-east, the body of Nepean's Isle east north-east half east, and the south point of Norfolk Isle north-east by east. They anchoredagain in eighteen fathoms, over a bottom of sand and coral, the westpoint of Phillip Isle bearing south, the easternmost point of it southsouth-east half east, and the south point of Norfolk Isle north-east. Thepine trees on this island are of an immense size, measuring from twentyto twenty-seven and even thirty feet in girth, and so tall that it wasnot easy to form any exact judgment of their height. This place affordsvast numbers of cabbage trees, and amazing quantities of fish may beprocured on the banks that lie on the west side of the small island;those they got on board the Supply were of the snapper kind, and verygood, yet they were caught in such abundance that many of the people wereas much satiated with them as the sailors are with cod on the banks ofNewfoundland. 

The only places where it was found practicable to land was a-breast oftheir first station (which is the place described by Captain Cook, andwhere the people landed with the utmost difficulty, ) and at Sydney Bay onthe south end of the isle, the outer breaker off the westernmost point insight bearing north-west by west half west. 

Lord Howe Island was discovered by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, Commander of his Majesty's tender Supply, on the 17th February, 1788, andwas so named by him, in honour of the Right Honourable Lord Howe. At thesame time he observed a remarkably high pyramidical rock at aconsiderable distance from the island, which has been named Ball'sPyramid; from a correct drawing of this rock and others near it, theannexed engraving was taken. 

There is no danger in approaching Lord Howe island, the Supply anchoredthere in thirteen fathoms, sand and coral; but there lies about fourmiles from the south-west part of the pyramid, a dangerous rock, whichshows itself a little above the surface of the water, and appears not tobe larger than a boat. Lieutenant Ball had no opportunity of examiningwhether there is a safe passage between them or not. The island is in theform of a crescent, the convex side towards the north-east. Two points atfirst supposed to be separate islands, proved to be high mountains on itssouth-west end, the southernmost of which was named Mount Gower, and theother Mount Lidgbird; between these mountains there is a very deepvalley, which obtained the name of Erskine Valley; the south-east pointwas called Point King, and the north-west point, Point Phillip. The landbetween these two points forms the concave side of the island facing thesouth-west, and is lined with a sandy beach, which is guarded against thesea by a reef of coral rock, at the distance of half a mile from thebeach, through which there are several small openings for boats; but itis to be regretted that the depth of water within the reef no whereexceeds four feet. They found no fresh water on the island, but itabounds with cabbage-palms, mangrove and manchineal trees, even up to tothe summits of the mountains. No vegetables were to be seen. On the shorethere are plenty of ganets, and a land-fowl, of a dusky brown colour, with a bill about four inches long, and feet like those of a chicken;these proved remarkably fat, and were very good food; but we have nofurther account of them. There are also many very large pigeons, and thewhite birds resembling the Guinea fowl, which were found at NorfolkIsland, were seen here also in great numbers. The bill of this bird isred, and very strong, thick, and sharp-pointed. Innumerable quantities ofexceeding fine turtle frequent this place in the summer season, but atthe approach of winter they all go to the northward. There was not theleast difficulty in taking them. The sailors likewise caught plenty offish with a hook and line. 

Chapter XVIII. 

July 1788 to August 1788

Concise account of Lieutenant Shortland--His various services--Appointedagent to the transports sent to New South Wales--Ordered by GovernorPhillip to England, by Batavia--Journal of his voyage--New discoveries. 

We have been induced to subjoin in this place a concise account ofLieutenant Shortland, as well because his experience as an officer hasbeen great, as from the consideration that his journal has been deemed, by those who best know its value, of very serious importance. 

Lieutenant John Shortland very early in life had a strong predilectionfor the Navy, and in 1755, at the age of sixteen, he entered into hisMajesty's service, on board the Anson, a sixty gun ship, which went outin the fleet under the command of Admiral Boscawen. On the Banks ofNewfoundland this fleet fell in with, and took the Alcide and Ly's, twoFrench ships, of seventy-four guns. On his return from this expedition, he went on board the Culloden, a seventy-four gun ship, and was in thefleet under Admiral Byng, off Minorca. Shortly afterwards, he went intothe Hampton Court, commanded by Capt. Harvey, in which ship he waspresent at the taking of the Foudroyant and Arpè. On his arrival inEngland, he went on board the Vanguard, Commodore Swanton, to the WestIndies, in the fleet under Admiral Rodney, and was present at thereduction of Martinique, the Grenades, and the other islands which werethen captured. In 1763, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant byAdmiral Swanton; since which period he has always been employed in activeand important services. During the late war, and for some timeafterwards, he was chiefly employed in going to and from America, exceptin the year 1782, when he was appointed to command the transports withthe 97th regiment on board, destined for the relief of Gibraltar, underconvoy of his Majesty's ships Cerberus and Apollo: he was not onlysuccessful in getting all the transports in safe, but he also landed themen without any loss. 

On Lieutenant Shortland's return home from this service, in endeavouringto get through the Gut of Gibraltar in the night, he was chased by asquadron of Spanish frigates, who took three of the transports incompany, but he was so fortunate as to escape in the Betsey transport, and arrived safe in England, without either loss or damage. In the year1786, he was appointed Agent to the transports sent by Government to NewSouth Wales, at which place he arrived in January, 1788. After remainingsix months at the new settlement at Port Jackson, he was ordered toEngland by way of Batavia, by his Excellency Governor Phillip, whohonoured him with the official dispatches for Government, and he arrivedin England on the 29th of May, 1789. 

This summary recapitulation of Mr. Shortland's services sufficientlypoints out his merit and ability as an experienced seaman, without anyfurther elogium; which, it were were wanted, might be abundantly suppliedfrom the subsequent account of his passage from Port Jackson to Batavia. 

* * * * *

The Alexander, the Friendship, the Prince of Wales, and the Borrowdale, were got ready in the beginning of July, 1788, to sail for England, underthe care and conduct of Lieutenant Shortland; at which time GovernorPhillip took the opinions of the masters of those transports concerningtheir route. The season was thought to be too far advanced for them toattempt the southern course, by Van Diemen's Land; and the passage byCape Horn was objected to by the Governor. It was therefore agreedunanimously that they should go to the northward, either throughEndeavour Straits, or round New Guinea. Unfortunately the ships were illprepared to encounter the difficulties, which were to be expected inevery mode of return; their complement of men was small, only six to anhundred tons, officers included; they were without a surgeon, andunprovided with those articles which have been found essential to thepreservation of health in long voyages, such as bore-cole, sour-crout, portable soup, and the other antiseptics recommended by the RoyalSociety. It cannot therefore be wondered, though it must be deeplyregretted, that the sailors should have suffered so dreadfully from thescurvy, in the length of time necessary for exploring a passage throughan unknown sea perplexed with islands, where they were destitute ofassistance from charts, or observations of former navigators; and werenot fortunate enough to obtain a supply of salutary refreshments. 

14 July 1788

Lieutenant Shortland, in the Alexander transport, sailed out of theharbour of Port Jackson, on Monday, July 14, 1788, directing his courseto the east-north-east, with intention to touch at Lord Howe Island, andthere to appoint each ship a place of rendezvous in case of separation. This necessary step, which ought to have been previously taken, had beenprevented by the hurry of preparation; the Alexander not having been ableto join the other transports till the evening before their departure. Even then, the boats, booms, and spare anchors, were stowed loose betweendecks, in a manner which must have produced the most dangerousconsequences, had the ship been exposed in that condition to the heavysea which it was likely she would meet with off the shore. To the verylast moment, therefore, the men and officers were most busily employed inproviding against this danger; and as soon as the weather appearedtolerably favourable for working out of the harbour, Lieutenant Shortlandmade the signal to the masters of the other transports to get under way, without waiting for his ship. When the transports had cleared the harbourthey were obliged to carry a press of sail in order to get off the coast, the vessels being very light, and a powerful swell then setting in uponthe shore. The wind was at the same time strong from the south-east, andcontinued so for two days, with the same heavy swell, which made it verydifficult to keep the ships off shore. 

16 July 1788

At eight, A. M. On the 16th of July, the rocks off the entrance ofPort Stephens bore north-west by west distant three leagues. LieutenantShortland very much regretted that this place had not been surveyed;had it been known to afford safe anchorage, it would have been muchmore prudent to put in there and wait for a change of wind, than toattempt keeping the sea in circumstances so very unfavourable, withships so little calculated to run along a great extent of lee shore. This day the Prince of Wales being two or three miles to the leeward, the signal was made for her to tack into the fleet. At nine inthe evening the wind coming to the east-south-east, LieutenantShortland fired a gun, and made the signal to veer ship and sail on theother tack. At this time the Prince of Wales was about five miles on thelee bow of the Alexander, and the Borrowdale and Friendship close incompany; but by twelve at midnight the Friendship only was in sight. Attwo, the wind shifting again to the south-south-east, the signal was oncemore made to veer ship, and change the tack, as lying off east wouldclear the coast; a strong current setting to the southward. 

19 July 1788

Lieutenant Shortland, having now lost sight of the Prince of Wales andBorrowdale, was fully determined to go to Lord Howe Island to wait a dayor two for them, expecting that they might probably touch there withsimilar intentions. On the 19th, therefore, he steered a direct coursefor that island, with a strong gale at south-west, but as this wind, which was exactly favourable to the intended course of the voyage, andmade the anchoring place off Lord Howe Island a lee shore, continuedunvaried, and blew very hard on the 20th, it appeared best to relinquishthe design of calling there. At two in the afternoon, therefore, Lieutenant Shortland again altered his course and sailed north-east bynorth. The Prince of Wales and Borrowdale transports, were seen no morethroughout the voyage, and it has since been known that they took anothercourse; but the Friendship continued close in company with the Alexander. About noon this day, the men at the mast head discovered a very extensiveshoal on the larboard beam, bearing from north by west to north by south, distant between two and three leagues. It trended north by east and southby west, and was judged to be in length about three leagues and a half. The breadth could not be ascertained, for, while the ship ran along it, the sand bank was seen to extend as far as the eye could discern. It liesin latitude 29°. 20'. South, and in longitude 158°. 48'. East, and wasnamed by Lieutenant Shortland, Middleton Shoals. 

21 July 1788

At ten in the morning, on Monday July 21, the master of the Friendshipwent on board the Alexander, and Carteret's harbour in New Ireland, wasappointed by Lieutenant Shortland as the place of rendezvous. The sameday, at half past five in the afternoon, land was discovered, bearingfrom south-west by west, to west half south, at the distance of abouteight leagues. It trended to the north-north-west, and was about six orseven leagues in length, the land very high, with a remarkable peak, which bore south-south-west. This island was now named Sir CharlesMiddleton's Island: It lies in latitude 28°. 10. South, and in longitude159°. 50. East. Lieutenant Shortland thinks it probable that the reefseen on the preceding day may be connected with this island, as ittrended in a right direction for it; but it must, in that case, be ofvery great extent. The island was still in sight on the morning of the22d. 

24 July 1788

On Thursday July 24th, they had an accurate observation of the sun andmoon to determine the longitude, and found the effect of a current tohave been so great as to set the ship two degrees of longitude to theeastward of the dead reckoning. The longitude of Sir Charles Middleton'sIsland must therefore be corrected by that observation, and placedconsiderably further to the east. The latitude may be depended upon, asthe bearing was observed when the sun was on the meridian. 

27 July 1788

Many land birds being seen on the 27th and 28th, when the ship was byreckoning and observation near the north-west end of New Caledonia, Lieutenant Shortland very reasonably concluded that he must have passedvery close to that land, though it did not happen to be discerned:probably it is low at that extremity. 

31 July 1788

At noon, on Thursday the 31st, land was discovered, bearing from northhalf west to east-north-east, and distant about five or six leagues. Asthe ship was now in latitude 10°. 52'. South, Lieutenant Shortland atfirst conjectured it might be Egmont Island, which was seen by Capt. Carteret, notwithstanding a considerable difference in longitude, whichmight be accounted for from the effect of currents, as they had been forsome time very strong. The longitude laid down by Captain Carteret was164°. 49'. East; that of the Alexander at this time about 161°. 11'. Itproved however that the difference was real, and that this was anotherisland. Lieutenant Shortland now kept a north-west course, in whichdirection the land trended. He ran along the coast about six or sevenleagues, and found it formed into an island by two points, the south-eastof which he called Cape Sydney, the north-west, Cape Phillip. Havingpassed this point, he continued steering in a north-west direction tillabout seven o'clock the same afternoon, when the men who were reefing thetop-sails for the night, discovered land bearing exactly in the ship'scourse. On receiving this intelligence he immediately brought to, withthe ship's head off from the land, and gave a signal for the Friendshipto do the same. They lay to all night, and the next morning weresurprised with the sight of a most mountainous coast, bearing fromnorth-east by east to west-north-west, about five or six leagues distant. This proved sufficiently that the land seen the preceding day could notbe Egmont Island, and Lieutenant Shortland was inclined to think thatthis was united to it. At six in the morning he bore away west by north, and west by north half north, as the land trended, running along theshore at five or six leagues distance. The most eastern point of thisland he called Cape Henslow, the most western which was then in sight, Cape Hunter. Between these two points the land is very singularlymountainous, the summits of the mountains rising among the clouds to aprodigious height. It may be known by one summit more elevated than therest, which, from being discovered on the first of August, was namedMount Lammas, and is thought in height to equal, if not to exceed thePeak of Teneriffe. This day the latitude was by observation 9°. 58'. South, and the longitude 160°. 21'. East. More land still continued toopen to the west-north-west, and the same course was therefore kept at anequal distance from the shore till three in the afternoon, when the waterappearing suddenly of a different colour, they brought to, and sounded, but found no ground at 120 fathoms. At four, a part of the land which hadthe appearance of a harbour, bore north-north-east distant seven leagues. The land still continued mountainous, and at six o'clock bore fromnorth-east to north-west by west. The furthest land then in sightappeared to be at the distance of about thirteen or fourteen leagues, andwas named Cape Marsh. At half past six the ships were brought to, and layto for the night, the weather being very squally, with violent thunder, lightning, and rain. 

2 August 1788

Soon after five in the morning of August the 2d, the ships made sailagain, and bore away west by north, but the weather being hazy, no landwas then in sight; many flying fish were seen at this time. At eleven, there being a prospect of clearer weather, Lieutenant Shortlandendeavoured to make the land again. At noon the latitude was, byobservation, 9°. 40'. South, and the longitude 158°. 42'. East. Lieutenant Shortland continued to steer north-west to discover whether hehad reached the utmost extent of the land, and at eight in the eveningspoke to the Friendship, and told the master that he intended to bring toat nine. 

3 August 1788

At three in the morning, on Sunday August 3, land was discoveredbearing from north-north-east to north-west, on which the ships stood offagain with a light air of wind. At six, the land in sight appeared likeseveral islands, and an endeavour was made to pass between them to thenorth, but on approaching sufficiently near, it was discovered that allthese points were joined together by a low neck of land covered withtrees. As the land rose in nine roundish points, which seamen callhummocks, this place was named Nine Hummock Bay. At noon on this day, theship then standing to the south-west, in latitude 8°. 55'. South, andlongitude 158°. 14'. East, the extreme points of land bore from east bynorth to west, when Lieutenant Shortland named the western point CapeNepean, and the eastern Cape Pitt. The intermediate land may, he says, easily be known by the nine hummocks, and the exact resemblance they bearto islands when seen from the distance of five or six leagues. They hadnow light airs and calm weather, but at two in the afternoon a breezesprung up from the eastward, and at four Cape Nepean bore north-west, half west, distant five or six leagues. At six the Alexander shortenedsail, and stood off and on for the night under double reefed top-sails, Lieutenant Shortland imagining that he had reached the utmost extent ofthis land. At five, on Monday morning, the 4th of August, he made sailagain, and at six a bluff point of the island bore north-north-west, distant five or six leagues: this he called Point Pleasant. At noon thelatitude was by observation 8°. 54'. South, the longitude 154°. 44'. East. Point Pleasant then bore east by north; at four, the most westernpoint of land in sight, which was then supposed to be the extreme pointof the island, but proved not to be so, bore north-west by north, distantfour or five leagues. From this mistake it was named Cape Deception. 

Under the persuasion that he had reached the extremity of the land, butdesirous to ascertain that point, Lieutenant Shortland kept the shipsstanding under an easy sail all night. Some islands lying close to CapeDeception, and seeming to form a good harbour, were called Hammond'sIsles. At day light on the 5th of August, land was again discovered, bearing from east north-east to west by north half north, and forming avery deep bay. This land appeared in six hummocks, like islands, but wasjoined by a low neck of sand. Not knowing how far it might trend to thenorth-west, Lieutenant Shortland stood out to the south. At eleveno'clock, the longitude was observed to be 157° 30' east; and at noon thelatitude was also determined by observation to be 8° 44' south. At thesame time, Cape Deception bore north-east four or five leagues distant;and two remarkable hills, from their similiarity called the Two Brothers, forming the most western point then in view, bore north-west half north, distant ten leagues. At three in the afternoon, they bore away for thetwo Brothers, which at six bore north-west by north, distant sevenleagues. At eight, the ships lay to for the night. 

6 August 1788

At five o'clock in the morning of Wednesday, August 6th, they made sailagain to the north-west; and at eight discerned a rock which had exactlythe appearance of a ship under sail, with her top-gallant sails flying. So strongly were all the Alexander's people prepossessed with thisimagination, that the private signal was made, under the supposition thatit might be either the Boussole or Astrolabe, or one of the twotransports which had parted from them on the coast of New South Wales. Nor was the mistake detected till they approached it within three or fourmiles. This rock bore from the Two Brothers south south-west, distant oneleague. 

Between ten and eleven, some canoes were seen with Indians in them, whocame close up to the ship without any visible apprehension. Ropes werethrown to them over the stern, of which they took hold, and suffered theship to tow them along; in this situation they willingly exchanged a kindof rings which they wore on their arms, small rings of bone, and beads oftheir own manufacture, for nails, beads, and other trifles, givinghowever a manifest preference to whatever was made of iron. Gimlets weremost acceptable, but they were also pleased with nails, and pieces ofiron hoops. They dealt very fairly, not betraying the least desire tosteal or to defraud. But though they so readily suffered themselves to betowed after the ship, they could not by any means be prevailed upon to goalong side, and whenever an attempt was made to haul up a canoe by one ofthe ropes, the men in it immediately disengaged themselves from thatrope, and took hold of another. At the same time they appeared extremelydesirous that our people should anchor on the coast, and go ashore withthem; and, by way of enticement, held up the rind of an orange or lemon, the feathers of tame fowls, and other things, signifying that they mightbe procured on shore. They presented also to Lieutenant Shortland, afruit, which he conceived to be the bread-fruit; it was about the size ofa small cocoa-nut, brown on the outside and white within, and contained akind of soft pithy substance which stuck between the teeth, and wasrather troublesome to chew, besides three or four kernels not unlikechesnuts, but very white. The leaves of the plantain served the Indiansto make boxes or small cases, of which every man had one to contain hissmall rings and beads. At noon a point of land which runs from the TwoBrothers, and was now named Cape Satisfaction, bore north north-east; andthe rock which had been mistaken for a ship was called the Eddystone, andbore north by west, distant four leagues. The Eddystone bears from CapeSatisfaction south south-west, distant two leagues. As the land from CapeSatisfaction began to trend northward, Lieutenant Shortland againentertained hopes of finding a passage. 

It was understood from the natives that they called the island from whichthey came, Simboo; for whenever an attempt was made to put that questionto them, they pointed to the land near Cape Satisfaction, and utteredthat word. Of these men, Lieutenant Shortland remarks, that they wereremarkably stout and well built, from which appearance he veryjudiciously drew a favourable conclusion with respect to the goodness andplenty of their food. Their superiority over the New Hollanders in sizeand strength, he says, was very striking. Their canoes, which containedfrom six to fourteen men, seemed to be well put together, the bows andstems very lofty, carved with various figures, and stained with a kind ofred paint; in a word, they were to all appearance formed exactly upon thesame model and construction as those of Otaheite. The ornaments worn bythe inhabitants of Simboo were large rings of a white bone, one or moreof which every man had upon his wrist, and a shell with a feather, whichwas tied upon the head. Lieutenant Shortland was desirous to purchase oneof their lances, but could not obtain it. About two in the afternoon hisvisitors, finding perhaps that they had followed the ship as far as theycould venture to trust themselves, left him, and made immediately for theshore. From what was seen in the possession of these people, there can beno doubt that their land produces cocoa-nuts, bread-fruit, bananas, andmost other vegetables of the Society and Friendly Isles. Nor was itwithout the greatest regret that Lieutenant Shortland declined theinvitations of the natives, and proceeded without touching forrefreshments, which doubtless might have been obtained in plenty; but thelength and uncertainty of his passage seemed to forbid the least delay;nor was it at this time foreseen how much superior to every otherconsideration the acquirement of a wholesome change of diet would befound. The bay from which these men had come he named Indian Bay. Atthree P. M. The longitude was, by lunar observation, 156° 55' east; andat six the furthest land in sight bore north, Cape Satisfaction east bysouth half east, and the body of the land north-east, distant five or sixleagues. The furthest point of land north was named Cape Middleton. 

7 August 1788

After lying to in the night, the ships made sail again at four in themorning of August 7th, and bore away to the north by west. At five, theysaw the land which they had left the preceding night, and six or moresmall islands bearing from north-east to west. These were called theTreasury Isles; they are moderately high and seemed to be well clothedwith trees and herbage. At noon, the latitude was by observation 7° 24'south, the longitude 156° 30' east; and the north-west extremity of theland then in sight, which was named Cape Allen, bore east by south, distant six leagues: Cape Middleton, south-east, distant eight leagues. Off Cape Allen lies a small island, to which the name of Wallis Islandwas given. At six in the afternoon the extremes of the islands in sightbore from north-east by east to west by north; and the entrance betweentwo islands, which formed a passage or strait, bore north by east, distant five or six leagues. 

The Alexander and the Friendship had now run from the latitude of 10° 44'south, and longitude 161° 30' east, to the latitude of 7° 10' south, andlongitude 156° 50' east, the whole way nearly in sight of land. As, therefore, proceeding westward, to the south of the next land, might haveentangled them with New Guinea, Lieutenant Shortland determined to trythe passage which was now before him; and being very well convinced, before it was dark, that the way was clear, kept under a commanding sailall night. At ten o'clock in the evening, the Alexander was nearlya-breast of the two points that form the passage, and the soundings werevery irregular, from ten to thirty fathoms, on a soft, sandy bottom: theanchors were therefore cleared, that they might immediately be dropped ifit should prove necessary. 

8 August 1788

At two in the morning of August the 8th, a strong ripple of a currentwas very plainly to be perceived; and by five the ship had nearlycleared the straits. She had then the following bearings: CapeAlexander, south-east; some islands and rocks that lie off the mostwestern island of those which form the straits, west by south; andthe remotest point in sight to the north-westward, north-west bynorth, distant fourteen or fifteen leagues. This point is remarkably highand forms the centre of a large body of land, between the first and lastpoint of the straits on the western side, which were called CapeFriendship, and Cape Le Cras. 

These straits Lieutenant Shortland judged to be between four and fiveleagues in length, and about seven or eight miles broad, running in anorth-west direction; and, conceiving himself to be the first navigatorwho had sailed through them, he ventured to give them the name ofShortland's Straits. On comparing his account with the narrative of M. Bougainville, which he had not then by him, there seems to be reason tosuspect that this is the same passage through which that navigator sailedat the latter end of June, 1768; and that the island supposed to becalled Simboo, is the same which was then named Choiseul Island. Tocorroborate this suspicion, M. Bougainville's description of the canoesand persons of the natives agrees entirely, as far as it goes, with thatgiven by Mr. Shortland*. A small difference in longitude affords thechief reason for doubting the identity of the passage, which, should itbe proved, will not detract at all from the merit of the latternavigator, who proceeded entirely by his own attention and sagacity, in asea unknown to himself and those who were with him, which, if not whollyunexplored, had not, however, been surveyed before with equal minutenessof observation. 

[* Some of the vessels indeed were larger. "Il y avoit vingt-deux hommesdans la plus grande, dans les moyennes, huit ont dix, deux ou trois dansles plus petites. Ces pirogues paroissoient bien faites; elles ontI'avant et I'amere fort relévés, etc. Ils portent des bracelets, et desplaques au front et sur le col. J'ignore de quelle matiere, elle m'a paruetre blanche. " Boug. Chap. V. P. 264. ]

Lieutenant Shortland now congratulated himself on having cleared thislarge tract of land, which he had the greatest reason to suppose unitedthe whole way from the place at which he first fell in with it; as insailing at a very moderate distance from the coast, he had made everyeffort in his power to find a passage to the northward. A place called byone of the French navigators, Port Surville, is probably a part of it, aswell as Choiseul Bay, but the points seen and described by the Frenchdiscoverers are very few; and for the knowledge of the form and bearingsof the rest of the coast, throughout the whole extent of near threedegrees of latitude, and full five of longitude, we are indebted entirelyto the researches of our own countryman, as we are for the beautifuldelineation of the whole coast, to the care and ingenuity of his son, Mr. John George Shortland. The only places in which Lieutenant Shortlandsuspected there might possibly be a passage which had escaped hisobservation, was between Cape Phillip and Cape Henslow, and again betweenthe capes Marsh and Pitt. The ascertaining of these matters he leaves toother navigators, at the same time recommending the route he took as thesafest and most expeditious passage within his knowledge from PortJackson to China; Middleton Shoal, on the coast of New South Wales, beingthe only place of danger he had hitherto discovered. Should any objectionbe made to passing through a strait, where a more open sea can beobtained, he would recommend the much wider channel between Egmont Islandand Simboo, and not by any means the whole circuit to the east of the NewHebrides. To the whole of this land, consisting of the two principalislands on each side of the straits, and the Treasury Isles between them, Lieutenant Shortland gave the name of New Georgia. There is, indeed, anisland of Georgia, to the east of Staten Land, so named by Captain Cookin 1775: but between these, it seems to be a sufficient distinction tocall the one the Isle of Georgia, and the other New Georgia. The land onthe western side of Shortland's Straits, continued to be very high, andextended as far as the eye could reach; from these circumstances, andfrom the direction in which it trended, no doubt was entertained of itsjoining that which was called by Captain Carteret, Lord Anson's Isle. With respect to the charts here given of these discoveries, LieutenantShortland, though he cannot, from the distance at which they were taken, presume to vouch for the laying down of every single point, as if thecoast had undergone a regular survey, undertakes to promise, that theyare sufficiently accurate for the direction of any future navigators; ashe had, in the course of his progress along it, many opportunities oftaking lunar observations. 

9 August 1788

At six in the afternoon of Saturday, August 9th, the extreme point insight of the high land to the westward of the passage, bore south-west bysouth, distant twelve or fourteen leagues: and two islands which the shiphad just made, bore north-west by north, distant five or six leagues. They are supposed to lie in latitude 4° 50' south, and longitude 156° 11'east. At day light on Sunday August 10th, Lieutenant Shortland set hissteering sails, and bore away to the north-west, in order to make moredistinctly the islands seen the preceding evening. 

10 August 1788

At six in the morning, four were in sight, and bore south-west, distant six leagues. It was at first thought that they would prove tobe the nine islands seen by Captain Carteret; but as neither thenumber nor the longitude was found to correspond, Lieutenant Shortlandafterwards concluded they were not the same; and determined, as theweather appeared squally and unsettled, not to attempt pursuing thetract of that officer through St. George's Channel, but to go roundNew Ireland. 

Chapter XIX. 

August 1788 to February 1789

Appearance of the scurvy--The boats land at one of the PelewIslands--Account of the Natives who were seen, and conjectures concerningthem--Distresses--The Friendship cleared and sunk--Miserable condition ofthe Alexander when she reached Batavia. --Conclusion. 

10 August 1788

Hitherto no difficulties had been encountered but such as necessarilyattend the exploring of new coasts, wherein the anxiety is fullycompensated by the satisfaction of becoming a discoverer: but a dreadfulscourge now hung over our navigators, the severity of which cannot easilybe conceived, even by those who have been placed in similar scenes, somuch did it exceed in degree every thing of the same kind that has beenusually experienced. It was about this time, the 10th of August, that thescurvy began to make its appearance, which, for want of the properremedies, increased to a malignity that was destructive of many lives, rendered it necessary to sacrifice one of the ships, and finally reducedthe consolidated crews of both in the remaining transport to such a stateof weakness, that without immediate assistance they must have perishedeven in port, or would have been driven adrift again, from totalinability to take the necessary steps for their own preservation. 

13 August 1788

On the thirteenth of August, five seamen of the Alexander were already onthe sick list, complaining of pains in the legs and breast, with their gumsso swelled, and their teeth so loose that they could not withoutdifficulty eat even flour or rice. The weather was now very variable, often sultry, at other times squally, with occasional showers. The shipswere probably at no great distance from some land, as birds werefrequently seen in great numbers; and on the 16th the Friendship made thesignal for seeing land, but it could not be descried from the Alexander. Sharks were also caught with the hook, and now and then some floatingwood and vegetables were observed. On this day the two transports passedthe equator. On the 24th, Lieutenant Shortland found by observation, thata current had set the ship to the west north-west or north-west by westof her account, at the rate of eleven miles a day since the 13th, whenthe last lunar observation had been taken. 

The scurvy gained ground rapidly in the Alexander, notwithstanding theprecautions of smoking the ship, washing with vinegar, and distributingporter, spruce-beer, and wine among the seamen. On the 2d of Septembersix men and a boy, on the 5th eight, and on the 8th ten, were disabled byit from performing any duty. An increase of this kind, in the midst ofall the efforts that could be made to counteract the malignity of thedisorder, gave but too certain a prognostic of the ravages it wasafterwards to make. 

10 September 1788

About noon on the 10th of September, the looming of land was discerned tothe westward, which an hour after was clearly perceived, bearing westnorth-west, at the distance of six leagues. As the ships were then inlatitude about 6° 49' north, and longitude 135° 25' east, it is evidentthat this must have been one of the Pelew Islands, lately so muchcelebrated for their hospitable reception of Captain Wilson and his crew. As the account of that voyage was not then published, and LieutenantShortland had no charts with him that noticed these islands, he concludedthat he was among the most southern of the New Carolines; but finding hislongitude, from accurate observation, to be more westerly than thesituation of those islands, he conceived their longitude to be laid downin the charts erroneously. 

11 September 1788

At six in the morning, September 11th, a small island not seen before, bore west south-west, distant five leagues; and the wind coming roundto the south south-west, Lieutenant Shortland bore away for the passagebetween the two islands. At nine, having entered the passage, hefounded and found thirteen fathoms, with a fine sandy bottom, and astrong current setting through very rapidly. Many cocoa-palms wereseen on the shore, and excited an earnest expectation of procuringeffectual refreshment for the sick: a boat from each of the ships wastherefore manned and sent out. While the boats were sounding a-head, manyIndians approached in their canoes, and by signs invited our people toshore, giving them to understand that they might be supplied with cocoanuts and many other things; but when they attempted to land at a placewhich had the appearance of a Morai or burying-place, they would notsuffer it, insisting that they should proceed further one way or theother. In the mean time many persons of both sexes swam off from shore, holding up bamboos* full of water, which they imagined the ships to want. Mr. Sinclair, the Master of the Alexander, being in the boat, brought thefollowing account of this expedition. "Finding I could not make themunderstand that I wanted cocoa-nuts, and not water, I was resolved toland, and therefore put on shore as soon as I found a convenient place, amidst a concourse of between three and four hundred people. Iimmediately fixed upon an old man, (whom, from an ornament of bone uponhis arm, I concluded to be a chief) and made him a present of some nailsand beads, which were accepted with evident pleasure, and immediatelyconciliated his friendship. This was a fortunate step, as he afterwardsoften showed his authority by checking the most insolent of his peoplewhen they pressed forward and endeavoured to steal whatever they couldseize. One seaman holding his cutlass rather carelessly had it snatchedfrom him, and the thief had so well watched his opportunity, that he wasalmost out of sight before he was distinguished. Notwithstanding theoffers of the natives in the canoes, I could not procure above thirtycocoanuts, and those green; whether it was that the people did notcomprehend my signs, or that they were not inclined to carry on thetraffic. These islanders were well limbed men, moderately tall, with longhair: many of them chewed the betel nut, and these were all furnishedwith a small hollow stick, apparently of ebony, out of which they strucka kind of powder like lime* Their arms were a lance, and a kind of adzehung over the shoulder; some men carrying one, and others two. Theseadzes were of iron, and evidently of European manufacture. As the placewhere we landed was very rocky and unpleasant for walking, when I foundmyself unsuccessful in the chief object for which I was sent out, Ireturned as expeditiously as I could. In return for my presents, the oldchief gave one to me which was not equally acceptable. It was a mixtureof fish, yams, and many other things, the odour of which, probably fromthe staleness of the composition, was very far from being agreeable. Whenwe first landed, many of the natives repeated the word, Englees, as if toenquire whether we were of that nation, but when they understood that wewere they shook their heads and said, Espagnol: possibly, therefore, thediscovery of our nation might prevent them from being as courteous onshore as they had been in their canoes. "

[* Bamboos were the only water vessels in the Pelew Islands. See Wilson, chap. Xxv. P. 312. ]

[* This was the Chinam, or coral, burnt to lime, always used with thebetel. See Wilson's Account, p. 27. The Areca is the nut, the leaves onlyof betel are used. These are produced by different plants. ]

From some of the above circumstances it is undeniably evident that thesepeople have had intercourse with Europeans, and probably with theSpaniards; and from the aversion which they expressed to the English, itseems not an unfair conjecture that this island might perhaps beArtingall, where our countrymen had distinguished themselves five yearsbefore by the assistance they gave to a hostile state*: but if so, theirknowledge of the Spaniards must have been posterior to the departure ofthe English, who from the narrative must have been the first Europeansseen there. Had the adventures of the Antelope's crew been then madeknown to the world, Lieutenant Shortland would with joy have presentedhimself before the beneficent Abba Thulle; and probably by obtaining astock of fresh provisions and vegetables might have preserved the livesof many of his companions, and prevented the sufferings of the rest; buthe was not fortunate enough to know that so propitious a retreat waswithin so small a distance. 

[* It might, perhaps, be thought by some readers, that if this had beenthe case they would now have endeavoured to take revenge, but we findfrom Captain Wilson's narrative, that all animosity was dropped as soonas peace had been established with the inhabitants of Pelew. See thatwork, Chap. Xvi. P. 192. ]

23 September 1788

His people were doomed to find their distresses augmented instead ofdiminished. Towards the latter end of September, agues and intermittentfevers began to prevail among them; the proportion of those disabled bythe scurvy was constantly great, some deaths had happened, and the fewmen who still had health enough to carry them with difficulty through thenecessary duty, were subject to the swelling of the legs, and harrassedby violent pains in the breast. Hitherto the Friendship had been muchmore happily circumstanced. On the 23d of September she was spoken to, and had then only one man disabled by the scurvy: but this advantage wasof short duration, and the more rapid increase of the malady made a fatalcompensation for the greater delay of its commencement. 

27 September 1788-19 October 1788

On the 27th of September, about noon, the Alexander made the land ofMindanao. It bore from west by north to north-west by west, distantfourteen leagues. Part of it was remarkably high, and at this distanceappeared like a separate island, but on a nearer approach was found to beall connected. On the 30th, about four in the afternoon, Hummock Islandbore west by south, half south, distant six or seven leagues. In all thissea a strong current constantly set the ship considerably to the south ofher reckoning. On the third of October the wind fell suddenly, and theAlexander being in great danger of driving with the current upon theshore of Karkalang or Sanguir Island, was obliged to drop her anchor, which happily brought her up in forty fathoms water. In the evening of the17th, the Friendship actually struck upon a reef on the coast of Borneo, when the Alexander immediately cast anchor, and sent a boat to herassistance; but at day light the next morning it appeared that she alsolay so encompassed with sand-keys and shoals, that it was difficult todiscern how she had sailed into that situation, or what track she mustpursue to be extricated from it. The Friendship, however, fortunately gotoff from the reef without sustaining any material damage: and in themorning of the nineteenth a narrow channel was found, through which theAlexander with difficulty sailed out of her dangerous station. Attemptshad been made to weigh anchor the preceding day, but the wind failing, the force of the currents prevented it. The ships were at this time notmore than eight leagues from the coast of Borneo. 

The scurvy had now brought both the crews to a most pitiable situation. The Alexander had lost eight of her complement, and was reduced to twomen in a watch, only four seamen and two boys being at all fit for duty:and though these were willing to do their best, and further encouraged bythe promise of double wages when they should arrive at Batavia, theirutmost exertions were inadequate to the necessities of the ship, whichthey were hardly able to put about; nor could they have weighed even asmall anchor had the currents obliged them to bring to again. TheFriendship had only five men not disabled, and was by no means wellprovided with provisions. In this melancholy state of both ships, thewestern monsoon being expected soon to set in, it was indispensablynecessary to give up one for the sake of preserving the other. Upon thissubject the masters consulted, and after some time came to an agreement. As the Friendship was the smaller vessel, and would be cleared moreeasily than the Alexander, having fewer stores on board, Mr. Walton, hermaster, consented that she should be evacuated and sunk, on conditionthat he should be allowed half freight of the Alexander. In four days theFriendship had her crew and stores transferred to the Alexander, afterwhich she was bored and turned adrift. The ships company thus made outfrom both vessels was of no great strength, not amounting to half theproper complement of the Alexander, nor was it more than, allowing forthe further ravages of disease, was absolutely necessary to work thatship to Batavia. 

The following list contains the whole number of persons now on board theAlexander. 

BELONGING TO THE ALEXANDER. 

In Health. 

Lieutenant Shortland, Commander. Duncan Sinclair, Master. W. A. Long, first Mate. T. G. Shortland, second ditto. John Winter, Seamen. Ant. Hedley, Edward Waters, John Lewis, Thomas Frazer, Boys. John White

Sick. 

Charles Clay, Seamen. James Stockell, Robert Ranson, William Dixon, Boy. 

FROM THE FRIENDSHIP. 

Well. 

Francis Walton, Master. Robert Laurence, first Mate. J. Walton, second Mate. Robert Barnes, Boatswain. William Hern, Steward. William Bruce, Cook. James Craven, Seamen. William Allen

Sick. 

John Philpot, Corp. Corn. Du Heg, Seamen. R. Smith, Robert George, Rich. Sandell, John Morris, Robert Cockran, Lieutenant Collins, a passenger. 

29 October 1788

On the 29th of October, at five in the morning, a land windspringing up from the coast of Borneo, within six miles of which theAlexander had lain at anchor, she got again under way, and at ten wasabreast of the point that forms the entrance into the harbour ofPamanookan. At five in the afternoon Pulo Laoot bore fromsouth-south-west to south-west by south, distant twelve or fourteenleagues; but the wind being now southerly, and the current stronglyagainst the vessel, she did not get round this island till November the5th. 

1 November 1788

Wine was constantly served in due proportions to the sick and well, butneither that, nor any other remedy that could be tried amended thecondition of the people. Sickness continued to spread among them, insomuch that in the beginning of November only one man besides theofficers was able to go aloft. A short alarm by no means added to thecomfort of their condition: on the first of this month four large boats, three of which rowed eighteen oars, and the fourth not less than twelveor fourteen, bore down upon the ship, apparently with hostile intentions. When they approached within about a mile they lay to, as if to consultwith each other, and then continued to row and sail after the Alexander. Lieutenant Shortland hoisted English colours, which one of the boatsanswered by hoisting Dutch, and another Portugueze colours. Theycontinued in chase till five in the afternoon, and it was imagined thattheir design was to board and seize the ship in the night. During thepursuit the little strength that could be raised was put in motion, allwere stationed at their quarters, and the carronades and great guns putin order. When these preparations were made, Lieutenant Shortlanddetermined to show his own resolution, and to try that of his assailants, by firing a shot in a direct line over them. This was done accordingly, and fully answered the intention, for they immediately desisted from thepursuit, and made hastily for the shore. 

Had the Alexander been at this time a very few days sail more distantfrom Batavia, she must inevitably have been lost, not from any stress ofweather, or danger of coasts or shoals, but merely from inability toconduct her into port, as every man on board must have been totallydisabled. 

17 November 1788

On the 17th of November only one man was fit for work, besides theofficers; a very little longer continuance would have reduced her tothe condition of floating at the mercy of winds and waves, without anypossibility of assisting, impeding, or directing her course. At six thatevening, the wind being too scanty to carry her into the roads ofBatavia, an effort was made by all indiscriminately who were able towork, and anchor was cast between the islands of Leyden and Alkmara; soonafter a gun was fired, and a signal made for assistance. At two in theafternoon on the 18th, as no assistance arrived, the still greater effortof weighing anchor was tried, and the task performed with the utmostdifficulty; after which, standing in with the sea breeze, the ship cameagain to anchor at five, in nine fathoms. The boat was now hoisted out, and sent to beg assistance from the Dutch Commodore, the crew of theAlexander being so much reduced as to be unable to furl their own sails. A party was immediately sent to assist, and six of the Dutch seamenremained on board all night, lest any blowing weather should come on. Never, perhaps, did any ship arrive in port more helpless, without beingshattered by weather, from the mere effects of a dreadful and invincibledisorder. 

19 November 1788-7 December 1788

At five in the morning of the 19th, the welcome sight appeared of a boatfrom the Dutch Commodore, which he had humanely laded with refreshments. She brought also a boatswain's mate and twelve seamen to assist inrefitting the ship for sea. The sick were sent on the 20th to thehospital, where several of them died, being too far gone for anyaccommodation or skill to recover. From the Bridgewater and ContractorEast Indiamen, which lay in the road when the Alexander arrived; and fromthe Raymond, Asia, and Duke of Montrose, which came in a few days after;with the assistance of a few men from the Dutch Commodore, a fresh crewwas at length made up, in which only four of the original seamenremained, the rest being either dead, or not enough recovered to returnwith the Alexander, when she sailed again on the 7th of December. 

18 February 1789

The remaining part of the voyage was attended with few circumstancesworthy of notice, and was made in a track sufficiently known to allnavigators to permit us to dispense with a minute description of it. Atthe Cape they met with Captain Hunter, in the Sirius, who, when theAlexander arrived, on the 18th of February, 1789, had been in Table Baysix weeks. From him Lieutenant Shortland learned that the Borrowdale andthe Prince of Wales transports, which had parted from him on the coast ofNew South Wales, had returned by the southern passage, and had been heardof from Rio de Janeiro. In Table Bay the Alexander remained at anchortill the 16th of March, when she sailed again, and arrived off the Isleof Wight on the 28th of May. 

Thus concluded a voyage, the first part of which was enlivened andrendered important by discoveries; the next involved in gloom through thevirulent attacks of distemper, and the frequent inroads of death. Muchwas certainly performed, and very much was suffered, but from the wholewe are authorized to conclude, that the settlement of our countrymen onthe new southern continent, must powerfully tend to the improvement ofnavigation, and the extension of geographical knowledge. Nor is itnecessary, that any ill-omened apprehensions should be excited by themisfortunes of the Alexander and the Friendship. It may not happen againthat ships shall quit Port Jackson so ill prepared with antidotes againstthe malignant poison of the scurvy: nor, if they should, is it by anymeans certain that their visitation will be equally severe. 

LATITUDES and LONGITUDES of CAPES, HEADLANDS, ISLANDS, and SHOALS, according to the Track of the ALEXANDER, under the Directions ofLieutenant JOHN SHORTLAND, Agent for Transports. 

[Table not included in this ebook]

Chapter XX. 

Lieutenant Watts's Narrative of the Return of the Lady Penrhyn Transport;containing an Account of the Death of Omai, and other interestingParticulars at Otaheite. 

5 May 1788-17 May 1788

The Lady Penrhyn, Capt. Sever, left Port Jackson on the 5th of May, 1788. In the evening of the 7th, imagining they saw a fire on shore, theysounded, but found no bottom with ninety fathoms of line. By theirobservation at noon, on the 9th, they found a current had set the vesseleighty miles to the southward since their leaving Port Jackson. Thescurvy began already to make its appearance amongst them; one man wasrendered unfit for duty, and several others complained very much. Theweather in general was squally, with thunder, lightning, and rain. In themorning of the 14th they saw an island bearing north-east, half north, 18or 20 leagues distant, which made in two detached hummocks: At seven inthe afternoon, the island seen in the morning was about nine leaguesdistant, on which they brought to for the night, and next morning madesail and stood for it. At noon they spoke to the Supply, Lieutenant Ball, who informed them that this island is named Lord Howe's Island. Duringthe afternoon and night they stood off and on, and at nine o'clock thenext morning a boat was hoisted out, and Lieutenant Watts with a partywent on shore in search of turtle, but they could distinguish no tracesof any, though the different bays were very closely explored: about noon, Mr. Watts returned on board. This disappointment did not deter them frommaking another effort, as some turtle would have been a very valuableacquisition: accordingly Mr. Anstis went with a party in the pinnace totry his success in the night. About noon the next day Mr. Anstis returnedwithout having seen one turtle, but to make some amends, the party hadmet with great success in fishing, having caught a sufficient quantity toserve the ship's company three or four days. 

Lord Howe's Island was discovered by Lieutenant Ball on his passage toNorfolk Island in the month of February, and on his return he stopt andsurveyed it; at that time he caught a quantity of fine green turtles, ofwhich there were great numbers: this induced Governor Phillip to send theSupply a second time to this island, but she then was unsuccessful, theweather probably being so cold as to occasion the turtle to remove to thenorthward. The island is about two leagues in extent, and lies in thedirection of north 30° west, and south 30° east; the south-east endmaking in two very high mounts, which may be seen at the distance of morethan twenty leagues, and at first appear like two detached isles. Aboutthree leagues from these, and nearly in a south-east direction, is aremarkably high and pointed rock, * which may be seen at least twelveleagues off; from this there are dangerous rocks extending three or fourmiles, both in a south-east and south-west line; those to the south-westnot shewing themselves above water: there are also rocks extending fouror five miles off the north-west and north-east ends of the island, whichis of a moderate height. Both extremes are bluff, and there appears to bemuch foul ground about them: within the north-west point lies a rock witheleven fathoms water close to it, and there is a passage between it andthe island. The reef on the west side extends nearly to both extremeswith breaks in it, through which boats may pass with safety, but withinthe reef it is in general very shoaly. The island is tolerably broad ateach end, and very narrow, with low land in the center, forming two bays, that should the wind be from south-east to north-east, or south-west tonorth-west, a ship may always be secure by running to the leeward of theisland. There are regular soundings on the west side, but the ground istoo hard for holding well, being coral rocks. The east side they did notexamine. The low narrow part has evidently been overflowed and the islanddisjointed, for in the very center, as they walked across, they saw largebeds of coral rocks, and shells in great abundance; and on the east side, which seems in general to be the weather side, the sea has thrown up abank of sand, from twenty-five to thirty feet in height, which serves asa barrier against future inundations. The island has likewise everyappearance of having undergone a volcanic revolution, as they found greatquantities of burnt stone and pumice stone; and Mr. Anstis, who landed onthe reef which shelters the west bay, at dead low water, found the wholea burnt up mass. 

[* Ball's Pyramid. ]

The inhabitants of this island were all of the feathered tribe, and thechief of these was the ganet, of which there were prodigious numbers, andit should seem that this is the time of their incubation, the femalesbeing all on their nests: these are places simply hollowed in the sand, there not being a single quadruped that could be found upon the island todisturb them. The people brought numbers of their eggs on board. Verylarge pigeons were also met with in great plenty; likewise beautifulparrots and parroquets; a new species, apparently, of the coote, and alsoof the rail, and magpie; and a most beautiful small bird, brown, with ayellow breast and yellow on the wing; it seemed to be a species ofhumming bird: there was also a black bird, like a sheerwater, with ahooked bill, which burrows in the ground. Numbers of ants were seen, which appeared the only insect at this place, except the common earthworm. The soil is of a sandy nature, and fresh water extremely scarce inthose places which they had an opportunity of examining. 

This island is well covered with wood, the chief of which is the largeand dwarf mangrove, the bamboo, and the cabbage tree. The differentvegetables met with were scurvy grass, wild celery, spinach, endive, andsamphire. 

31 May 1788

From the mean of all their observations they found this island to besituated in 31°. 30'. 49". South latitude, and by comparing their lunarobservations with those of Lieutenant Ball, they found its longitude tobe 159°. 10'. 00". East of Greenwich. The mean state of the thermometer, during their short stay, was 66°. And the variation of the compass, bymany observations, was found to be 10°. East. In the afternoon thepinnace was hoisted in, and they made sail to the eastward with a freshbreeze at south-west. Nothing material occurred till the 31st, when aboutthree o'clock in the afternoon they saw two islands, one bearingnorth-east, half east, seven leagues, and the other east by south, aboutsix leagues distant. Not having an opportunity of getting well in withthe land before night came on, they plied occasionally under an easysail, and at day-light next morning [1 June 1788] made sail and bore up forit. On approaching the southernmost land, they found it to form two barrenisles, separated by a channel about a quarter of a mile over, andapparently free from danger: the north island lies in a north half eastdirection from these, and about five leagues distant. At noon, the bodyof the north island bore north-east by north three miles distant: theirlatitude at that time was 30°. 11'. South, and the longitude by lunarobservation 180°. 58'. 37". East. At one o'clock they bore round the westend of the island, and hove to near the center of it, about a mile offshore. They were in hopes, from the appearance of the island at adistance, that they should have found it productive of somethingbeneficial to the people, (the scurvy gaining ground daily) but they weregreatly disappointed; both the north and south sides are surrounded byrocks, over which the water flows, without the least opening for a boat;however, Capt. Sever ordered the small boat to be hoisted out, and wenton shore accompanied by Mr. Anstis: they found great difficulty inlanding, and, when upon the rocks, they had to mount a very dangerousprecipice, in order to gain the level part of the island. This islandforms very high at the west end, and slopes gradually to the east end, where it terminates in a cliff of a moderate height: both sides have arange of these cliffs extending the whole length, which are chieflycomposed of white sand. The whole of the island bears the strongest marksof being a volcanic production, having great quantities of pumice stoneon it, and the rocks quite burnt up. The top of the land was covered witha coarse kind of grass, and the place affords great plenty of the wildmangrove. The extent of this island is about two miles and an half, nearly in the direction of east-south-east and west-north-west; the soila mixture of mould and sand. The inhabitants are the brown gull, thelight-grey bird, ganets, and a parroquet of the same species with thosemet with at Lord Howe's Island. The gentlemen could scarcely walk a stepwithout being up to the knee in holes: they saw a great number of ratsand mice, and found many birds lying dead at the entrances of theirburrows: they saw no appearance of fresh water, though from the gulliesthat were formed in various parts, the island must certainly be subjectto very heavy rains. This island was named Macaulay's Island, after G. M. Macaulay, Esq; and the two islands to the southward, Curtis's Isles, after Timothy and William Curtis, Esqrs. At five in the afternoon, theCaptain returning on board, the boat was hoisted in, and they made sail, standing to the eastward with a moderate breeze at south-west. Macaulay'sIsland is situated in 30°. 09'. South latitude, and 180°. 58'. 37''. East longitude. 

6 June 1788-10 July 1788

The scurvy now began to spread very fast among the crew, and by the 6th, they had nine men unable to get out of their hammocks, and many otherscomplained very much: swelled gums, the flesh exceeding black and hard, acontraction of the sinews, with a total debility; were the generalappearances. Wine was daily served out to them, and there was sour-krouton on board, but the people refused to eat it. From this to the 17th theyhad little variety; by that time the people were in a deplorable state, for with every person on board, the Captain included, they could onlymuster ten men able to do duty, and some of them were in a very weaklystate: sour-krout, which before had been refused, now began to be soughtafter, and they had all the Captain's fresh stock, himself and officersliving solely on salt provisions; and to add to their melancholysituation the wind hung almost constantly in the eastern board, so thatthey could scarcely make any progress. For several days they had verysqually unsettled weather, attended with almost constant heavy rain, andfrequent storms of thunder and lightning. On the 24th, being then in 32°. 12'. South latitude, and 207°. 28'. East longitude, the wind shifted tothe westward, but the weather still continued squally and unsettled. Onthe 7th July, in 21°. 57'. South latitude, they fell in with thesouth-east trade wind, and as the people were in a very weak condition, it was determined to make Otaheite as soon as possible. At six o'clock inthe morning of the 9th, they saw Osnaburgh Island, bearing north by east, half east, four or five leagues distant. At seven they bore up forOtaheite, and at ten o'clock that island made its appearance, bearingwest by north; by five in the afternoon they were abreast of OaitepehaBay, and ten canoes presently came alongside with bread-fruit, cocoanuts, etc. The Indians pressed them very much to come to an anchor there, but as they were not able to purchase their anchor again when once letgo, Mr. Watts advised the Captain to stand on for Matavai Bay. During thenight they wore occasionally, and at day-light in the morning of the 10thstood in for the land. At noon, Point Venus bore south-west by southabout three miles distant. In standing into Matavai Bay the ship gotrather too close on the Dolphin Bank, having only two and a half fathomswater for several casts, over a hard bottom, but she deepened at once toseventeen fathoms, and they stood over to the south side of the bay, inhopes by making a board, to fetch the Resolution's old birth, which wouldhave made the watering place very handy; but the ship missing stays, theywere obliged to let go the anchor, and content themselves in theirsituation. They anchored at nine o'clock in eight fathoms water, over asoft bottom, Point Venus bearing north-north-east, and One Tree Hillsouth by east, half east, distant from shore about half a mile. Onapproaching the bay, they could perceive a prodigious number of thenatives on Point Venus, and round the beach, and several canoes put offfrom the shore, the Indians waving pieces of white cloth and making signsfor them to come into the bay. When anchored they had only three men inone watch, and two in the other besides the mates, and two of theseailing; the rest of the crew were in a truly deplorable state. 

Their first care was naturally to procure some refreshments, and it was apleasing circumstance for them to see the natives flock round the ship, calling out "Tayo Tayo, " which signifies friends; and "Pabii no Tutti, "Cook's ship; and bringing in very great plenty cocoa nuts, bread-fruit, plantains and taro, and a fruit known by the name of the Otaheite apple;they also brought some hogs and fowls. All the Indians appeared glad tosee them, and disposed of their various commodities on very moderateterms, and indeed their whole behaviour indicated the most friendlyintentions. In the evening, the Chief of Matavai came on board, and inhim Lieutenant Watts recollected an old friend: the Chief was greatlypleased to see Mr. Watts, as he was the only person in the ship who hadbeen here before, except the steward, who had been before the mast in theResolution; therefore, when Mona (which was the chief's name) saw his oldacquaintance, he explained to his companions who he was, and that he hadbeen with Capt. Cook, and they seemed very glad to have some of their oldvisitors again. Mr. Watts learnt from Mona, that O'too was still living, that he was always called Earee Tutti, and then was absent on a visit tothe eastward, but expected to return in four or five days: At the sametime, he said, messengers had been sent to acquaint him of the ship'sarrival. He also informed Mr. Watts, that Maheine, the chief of Eimeo, toretaliate the mischief done him by Capt. Cook, had, after the departureof the Resolution and Discovery from the islands, landed in the night atOparree, and destroyed all the animals and fowls he could lay hold of, and that O'too was obliged to fly to the mountains. He likewise intimatedthat the Attahooroo men joined Maheine in this business. Indeed, itoccurred to Mr. Watts, that when here in the Resolution, Toha, the chiefof that district, threatened something of the kind in a quarrel withO'too, and probably smothered his resentment only for a time, fearful ofCapt. Cook revenging it, should it come to his knowledge. 

11 July 1788

The next day, Oediddee agreeably surprised them with a visit on board:he was greatly rejoiced to see them, and enquired after all his friends ina very affectionate manner: He took great pleasure in recounting his routein the Resolution, had treasured up in his memory the names of the severalplaces he had been at in her, nor had he forgot his English compliments. He informed them that no ship had been at the islands since Capt. Cook:therefore, they concealed his death, and Capt. Sever made Oediddee apresent, as coming from Capt. Cook. Oediddee confirmed the report of thecattle, etc. Being destroyed by Maheine, and likewise informed them thatOmai, and the two New Zealand boys had been dead a considerable timethrough illness, and that one horse only was alive at Huaheine, but theycould not learn any further particulars from him. 

13 July 1788

In the evening of the 13th, a messenger came on board with a present fromO'too of a small pig, a dog, and some white cloth, and intimated that hewould be at Matavai the next day. Early in the next morning but fewcanoes came off to the ship, and the natives were observed assembling onthe shore in prodigious numbers: soon afterwards, a canoe came alongsideand informed them that O'too was on the beach; on this, the Captain andMr. Watts went on shore immediately, and found him surrounded by anamazing concourse of people, amongst whom were several women cuttingtheir foreheads very much with the shark's tooth, but what both surprisedand pleased them very much, was, to see a man carrying the portrait ofCaptain Cook, drawn by Webber in 1777. Notwithstanding so much time hadelapsed since the picture was drawn, it had received no injury, and theywere informed that O'too always carried it with him wherever he went. After the first salutations were over, Mr. Watts asked O'too to accompanyhim to the ship, to which he readily agreed; but previously to hisentering the boat he ordered the portrait in, and when he got alongsidethe ship he observed the same ceremony. When on board he appeared muchpleased, asked after his old friends, and was very particular in hisenquiries after Capt. Cook. He visited the ship between decks, wasastonished to see so few people on board, and the greatest part of themin a debilitated state, and enquired if they had lost any men at sea. Heacquainted them with the revenge taken by the Eimeo people, and asked whythey had not brought out some cattle, etc. He also mentioned the death ofOmai, and the New Zealand boys, and added, that there had been a skirmishbetween the men of Uliatea and those of Huaheine, in which the formerwere victorious, and that a great part of Omai's property was carried toUliatea. O'too was considerably improved in his person, and was by muchthe best made man of any that they saw; nor was he, as yet, disfigured bythe baneful effects of the ava. He preserved his original character insupplying the ship with provisions of every kind in the most liberalmanner; and when any of the natives who had come from a considerabledistance, begged his intercession with them on board to take their hogs, etc. Off their hands, which, on account of the few people they had, theywere often obliged, much against their inclination, to refuse, he wasvery moderate: indeed, he generally left the matter to themselves, andwhenever he undertook to dispose of another person's property was alwayswell paid for his trouble. During their stay at Otaheite he daily paidthem a visit, and importuned the Captain very much to move the ship intothe Resolution's old birth: where she then lay, she was nearly in thesituation of the Dolphin on her first anchoring; and though at somedistance from the watering place, yet, considering the small number ofpeople on board, and their weak situation, the Captain judged it prudentto remain where he was, as in case of necessity he could put to seainstantly. 

O'too was always accompanied by a woman, whose advice he asked upon everyoccasion; she was by no means handsome, neither did she possess thatdelicacy, or those engaging manners that so much distinguish hercountrywomen in general: she was of the Earree class, and seemed to havegreat authority; but whether or no she was his wife they did not learn, though Mr. Watts was rather inclined to think they were married, and heappeared to be greatly attached to her. The king and all the chiefs werevery urgent for Captain Sever to go to Eimeo, and revenge their quarrel, and several of them offered to get a stock of provisions and accompanyhim; however, to this request he gave a positive refusal. About threedays before they quitted Matavai Bay, O'too brought the ring of an anchoron board, observing it might be made into small hatchets: Mr. Watts uponexamining it, recollected that it certainly belonged to an anchor whichCaptain Cook bought of Opooni, at Bola Bola, in 1777: as there was noforge on board the Lady Penrhyn, the Captain offered O'too three hatchetsfor it, which he readily took. When Captain Cook bought the anchor justmentioned it wanted the ring and one of the palms, and at that time theyknew that it had been carried from Otaheite, and belonged to Mons. Bougainville: how O'too came by the ring, Mr. Watts could not learn, buthad he possessed it when the Resolution was here, it is reasonable tosuppose he would have brought it to Captain Cook, and the more so as atthat time the natives used to bring many large pieces of iron (which theyhad obtained from the Spaniards) to be either worked up or exchanged fortrinkets. Though from the season of the year they had reason to expect ascarcity of vegetables, yet they were agreably surprised to find them inthe greatest plenty and profusion; hogs were multiplied amazingly, andfrom the proceedings of the natives, Mr. Watts was induced to think theywere desirous to thin them, as they brought none to barter but sows, andthe greatest part of them were with pig: fowls were obtained in tolerableplenty, but they were all cocks, and old; the natives likewise broughtgoats alongside for sale, and some of them brought cats and offered themin barter. Captain Sever purchased a fine male and milch goat with twokids. 

Cocoa nuts are a never failing article at this place, and thebread-fruit, which was so scarce when the Endeavour was here at the sameseason of the year, was now exceedingly plentiful, and in highperfection, as was the Otaheite apple; plantains, both ripe and green, and taro, the natives brought in great quantities, but yams and sweetpotatoes were very scarce. They purchased seven or eight dozen ofpumkins, and a quantity of chilipods, which were some of the produce ofthe Resolution's garden, and one of the Indians brought some cabbageleaves on board, but the cabbages, as well as sundry other vegetables, were gone to ruin for want of proper care and attention. The nativescould not be enticed to eat any of the pumkins, and the chilipods theysaid poisoned them. 

It already has been observed, that no ship of any nation had visited thisisland since Captain Cook, and from appearances, the iron which thenatives obtained at that time was pretty well exhausted, as the only ironnow seen was the blade of a table-knife; neither did they bring any toolson board to be sharpened, which certainly would have been the case hadthey been possessed of any, and such was their avidity to obtainhatchets, knives, etc. That every produce the island afforded waspurchased at very reasonable rates, nor were the first prices given, attempted to be altered during their stay. Besides hatchets, knives, andnails, the natives were very desirous to have gimlets, files, andscissars; they also asked for looking-glasses, and white transparentbeads, but of these latter articles they had none on board: red feathers, which had formerly been held in great esteem, were now of no value; theywould accept them as presents indeed, but would not barter any onearticle for them. 

As their situation was not a very eligible one, Mr. Watts did not thinkit prudent to go any great distance from the ship, or even to be much onshore, so that he was prevented from gaining much information, or seeinginto many matters that might have enabled him to judge whether the wholeof their report respecting Omai, and the loss of his property, etc. Wastrue or not; however, he was inclined to think that the cattle and allthe animals were killed, except goats, as Oediddee, when he confirmed therevenge of the Eimeo people, never mentioned that any one animal wassaved: goats, indeed, had been left on former voyages, and from increasehad become the property of many, but Maheine's resentment, it seems, waslevelled at O'too only. 

23 July 1788

Great numbers of the natives had been carried off by thevenereal disease, which they had caught from their connections with thecrews of the Resolution and Discovery; nor were the women so free fromthis complaint as formerly, especially the lowest class, the better sortseemingly not wishing to hazard the catching so terrible a disorder. Thepeople having recovered in a most astonishing manner, and being now ableto assist in the duties of the ship, Captain Sever thought it adviseableto run down amongst the Society Isles, as they had got a plentiful supplyof provisions on board; accordingly, they got under way before daylightin the morning of the 23d. The natives soon took the alarm, and thebreeze slackening, they were soon crowded with visitors, none of whomcame empty handed. Their friends parted from them with great reluctance, and the suddenness of their departure seemed to disappoint the nativesgreatly; indeed, they would not have left the place so abruptly, had theynot been apprehensive that if their intention was known, the Indianswould have flocked on board in too great numbers, and have beentroublesome. They had the satisfaction of leaving this Island in perfectamity with the natives, and it is but doing them justice to say, thatduring the time the Lady Penrhyn lay here, not one occasion offered toinduce them to fire a musquet. Oediddee regretted their departureexceedingly, and importuned the Captain very much to take him to Uliatea, but O'too (whatever were his reasons) begged that he might by no means betaken from Otaheite; the Captain promised he should not, and taking leaveof Oediddee, put him into his canoe, on which he shed tears in abundance, said he was very unhappy, and when he put from the ship never once turnedto look at her: his situation was much to be pitied, and he truly meritedevery friendship that could be shown him; during the time they lay here, he was a constant visitor, and daily brought on board a supply of readydrest provisions. O'too was one of the earliest on board in the morning, and did not leave the ship till they had cleared the reef; he expressedgreat sorrow at their departure, mentioned how much time had elapsedsince the Resolution and Discovery were at Otaheite, begged they wouldnot be so long absent any more, and desired very much to have some horsesbrought to him, more particularly than any other animal: just before hequitted the ship, he asked for a few guns to be fired, with which theCaptain complied. A breeze now springing up, their friends took a lastfarewell, and they stood to the north-west for Huaheine; at noon, PointVenus was about five miles distant. 

It may, perhaps, be lamented, that Lieutenant Watts (whose acquaintancewith the Chiefs, and knowledge of their language, rendered him a properperson to make enquiries) should not have been able to give a more fullaccount of matters, at an island that has so much engaged the publicnotice; but, when the short stay of the ship, and her situation areconsidered, it will be natural to imagine, that the officers found theirtime very fully employed: such particulars, however, as have been aboverelated may be depended on as facts. 

25 July 1788

At noon on the 25th, they saw the island, Huaheine, bearing westthree-quarters north, fourteen leagues distant: from this time they hadvery light winds, and those westerly, which prevented their reaching theisland before noon on the 26th; when the extremes of it bore from westhalf north to south by west half west, off shore three miles. They keptstanding off and on, on the east side (the wind continuing in the westernboard) till the 29th, during which time the natives brought off plenty ofrefreshments, but they were far more exorbitant in their demands thantheir neighbours. 

29 July 1788

In the morning of the 29th, the wind veering to the south south-east, they stood round the north end of the island, and brought to off Owharreeharbour; the natives appeared perfectly friendly, and constantly suppliedthem with every article except bread-fruit, which they said had failedthat season: they were very importunate for them to go into the harbour, but as Captain Sever did not intend to stay more than a day or two, hedid not think it worth the trouble. 

In the evening, an elderly chief, who went by the name of Tutti, and whomMr. Watts recollected to have frequently seen with Captain Cook, came onboard; he confirmed the reports they had heard at Otaheite, and toldthem, that after Omai had got perfectly settled, he found himself underthe necessity of purchasing a great quantity of cloth, and othernecessaries, for himself and family, of which his neighbours tookadvantage, and made him pay extravagantly for every article he purchased;that he frequently visited Uliatea, and never went empty handed, so thatby these means he expended much of his treasure: he died at his ownhouse, as did the New Zealand boys, but in what order their deaths hadhappened, Tutti could not give information. Upon Omai's decease, theUliatea men came over and attacked them for his property, alledging thatas he was a native of their island they had an undoubted right to it. Tutti said they carried away a considerable part of his remainingproperty, and particularly his musquets, the stocks of which they broke, and took the powder and buried it in the sand: he added, that theconflict had been very fierce, and that great numbers were slain on bothsides, nor were they friends even at this time. Three of the natives whocame on board, had the os frontis fractured in a terrible manner, butthey were then perfectly recovered of their wounds. The house thatCaptain Cook had built for Omai was still in being, and was covered by avery large one built after the country fashion; it was taken possessionof by the chief of the island. With respect to the horses, the mare hadfoaled, but died soon afterwards, as did the foal, the horse was stillliving though of no benefit: thus were rendered fruitless the benevolentintentions of his Majesty, and all the pains and trouble Captain Cook hadbeen at in preserving the cattle, during a tedious passage to theseislands. 

2 August 1788-24 August 1788

Having recruited their stock of provisions, and added a large quantity ofyams and sugar cane, and the wind coming to the eastward (which had notbeen the case more than four or five days since their first anchoring inMatavai Bay) they on the 2d of August took leave of their friends, andstood to the northward until noon, when they steered north-west. Theycarried away from these hospitable islands, sixty hogs, weighing fromseventy to two hundred and twenty pounds each, besides near fifty smallpigs, ten dozen of fowls, an immense quantity of cocoa-nuts, greenplantains, sugar cane, taro, and yams, and about eight dozen of pumkins;the people were all perfectly recovered, and from the plentiful stock ofprovisions on board there was reason to hope that they would not be anymore alarmed for their safety. At day light in the Morning of the 8th, they saw a low flat island, bearing from east to north-east seven oreight miles distant; it appeared to be well clothed with trees, but theweather at that time being squally allowed them a very imperfect view. Captain Sever named it Penrhyn's Island; it is situated in 9°. 10'. Southlatitude, and 202°. 15'. East longitude. In the afternoon of the 20th, the Captain and some others imagining they saw land, and the sun settingin a fog-bank, which prevented them ascertaining the reality, theyshortened sail, and lay by for the night; but at five o'clock the nextmorning no land being in sight, they made sail and stood to thenorth-west by west, with a fine breeze at north-east. In the evening ofthe 23d, being near the situation of an island and reef, as laid down inLord Anson's chart, they brought to for the night. A number of ganets andother birds were flying about the next day, but no land appeared insight: their latitude at noon was 9° 30' north, and 179° 18' eastlongitude. 

15 September 1788

Nothing occured worthy of note till the 15th of September, when aboutnoon they saw the island of Saypan, bearing west half north, twelveleagues distant. The next day at noon the south end of Tinian was aboutfour leagues distant: in the afternoon the small boat was hoisted out, and Mr. Anstis went in her to sound a small bay round the south point ofSaypan; he returned at seven o'clock, having found from ten to twentyfathoms water about a mile off shore, but the ground hard. The nextmorning, Mr. Anstis went on shore in the small boat to endeavour toprocure a bullock, great numbers of which were seen grazing on the islandTinian. At six in the afternoon, they stood round the south point ofTinian, but finding they could not fetch into the road, they brought tofor the night. In the evening, Mr. Anstis returned with the best part ofa young bullock. The next morning at day light, they made sail and stoodin for the road, and at nine o'clock came to anchor in eighteen fathoms, over a bottom of coral, about a mile and an half distant from shore. Soonafter they anchored, a party were sent on shore to hunt. 

25 September 1788-29 September 1788

From this to the 25th, they had light winds varying from south to east, with frequent showers over the land, and the flies so very troublesomethat they found Captain Byron's account of them perfectly just. On comingto an anchor, they observed a buoy a little to the southward, with a slipbuoy to it, they swept for the anchor, weighed it, and found it belongedto the Charlotte (Gilbert, master) one of the ships from Port Jacksonbound to China; there were two-thirds of a cable to it. The party onshore also found some spars, apparently erected for a tent, and threewater casks, one of which was full: it is most likely the Charlotte wasblown out of the road, and could not regain her station again. Observingthat their anchor was foul, on the 25th they hove it up to clear, and letit go again; presently afterwards, finding the ship adrift, they sounded, and had twenty-five fathoms, but as she was at the edge of the bank, theyhove the anchor up, and made a stretch to the southward, but did notagain fetch the bay till the evening of the 26th. The two following daysthey had dark heavy weather with very hard squalls, and almost continualrain, the wind from north-east to south-east. At day light in the morningof the 29th, the wind veered round to the south south-west, and soonafterwards, a very severe squall, attended with heavy rain, set the shipadrift, and the tide making strong to the north-west with a large hollowsea, they veered the reef very fast; however, the squall somethingabating, and fortunately backing round to the south south-east, they gottheir anchor up (which they otherwise would not have been able to haveeffected) and bore away to the north north-west. At noon the body ofTinian bore east half south, about four leagues distant. 

During their stay at Tinian, filling water took up the whole of theirtime, the well not affording more than three tons a day, sometimes onlytwo tons: the water was rather brackish, but otherwise not ill tasted. They found the fowls and hogs very shy, and the cattle had quite desertedthe south part of the island, owing, as was imagined, to the alarm theCharlotte's people had occasioned among them. 

They obtained two bulls, eight hogs, and about a dozen fowls; they alsogot bread fruit, but it was at some distance up the country, and thegenerality of it not ripe: there was abundance of guavas but they werenot in season; limes and sour oranges were also very plentiful. Cocoa-nuttrees were in abundance, but those within a moderate distance from thebeach were cut down, so that the distance they had to go for any wasattended with too much fatigue to compensate for the advantages whichcould be derived from them, as they experienced from two or threeattempts of the kind: the season in general seemed very backward. Inaddition to the animals of this place, they found wild cats, The countryhad exactly the same appearance as when Captains Byron and Wallis visitedit, but many of the pyramidical pillars had fallen down and were muchdecayed. The mean state of the thermometer during their stay, was 87°. Intheir passage from hence to China, no material circumstance occurred, andon the 19th of October they anchored in Macao Roads. 

Chapter XXI. 

May 1788 to September 1788

The Scarborough leaves Port Jackson--Touches at Lord Howe's Island--Joinsthe Charlotte--Falls in with a large Shoal--Discover a number ofIslands--Short account of the Inhabitants--Canoes described--Ornaments--Discover Lord Mulgrave's Islands--Arrival at Tinian--Sick people sent onshore--Departure from Tinian--Arrival in Mocao Roads. 

6 May 1788-22 May 1788

The Scarborough transport, Captain Marshall, left Port Jackson on the 6thof May 1788, and proceeded towards China, being engaged to take in acargo of teas at Canton for the East India Company. For several days theyhad very unsettled weather, with frequent squalls and heavy rain. In theafternoon of the 16th, they saw Lord Howe's Island, bearing east by southseven leagues distant; and the next day at noon, they found the Supplybrig, the Lady Penrhyn, and the Charlotte, standing off and on under theisland. By two o'clock the Scarborough was close in with the land, butthe weather not permitting them to go on shore, the night was spent instanding off and on. Early the next morning, Captain Marshall sent hisboat with the chief mate and six men on shore at Lord Howe's Island, inexpectation of procuring some turtle, as the Supply, Lieutenant Ball, hadcaught a large quantity at this island in February: however, they werenot able, after the most diligent search, to meet with any turtle; butthis excursion was not altogether a fruitless one, for they brought off aquantity of fine birds, sufficient to serve the ship's crew three days;many of them were very fat, somewhat resembling a Guinea hen, and provedexcellent food. Having procured such refreshments as the island afforded, they made sail at four o'clock, with the Charlotte in company, and stoodto the eastward, with a moderate breeze at south-west. At eight o'clockin the morning of the 22d, they saw Norfolk Island, bearing east by southtwelve leagues distant. At two o'clock, they were within one mile of theland, and had soundings in sixteen fathoms water over a hard bottom: theCharlotte being a considerable distance a-stern, Captain Marshall lay tofor her to come up, and when she joined the Scarborough he stood under aneasy sail to the distance of six leagues westward of the island, andcarried soundings from sixteen to twenty-five fathoms, the groundvarious; in some places being soft, in other parts a corally bottom, andsometimes coarse white sand, intermixed with broken shells. 

26 May 1788

After leaving Norfolk Island, they stretched to the northward andeastward, and at one o'clock on the twenty-sixth they saw a small islandbearing north north-east eight or nine leagues distant; when about fourmiles from the island, they sounded with fifty fathoms of line, but gotno bottom. Towards evening, Captain Marshall was close in with theisland, and being desirous to examine it, he plied occasionally duringthe night. At day light the next morning, he was close to the land, andfound it to be a barren rock, not more than half a mile over in thebroadest part; it is very high, and was entirely covered with birds ofvarious kinds, but there was no possibility of landing on account of afrightful surf that entirely surrounded it. This rock was seen first byCaptain Gilbert, of the Charlotte, in the forenoon of the 26th, and namedby him, Matthew's Island; it is situated in 22° 22' south latitude, and170° 41' longitude, east of Greenwich. 

30 May 1788-13 June 1788

On the 30th, in 17° 13' south latitude, and 172° 43' east longitude, theypassed several large trees, and a number of cocoa-nuts floating in thewater, but no land was to be seen. Nothing occurred worthy of note tillthe 4th of June, when the water appearing coloured, they sounded andstruck the ground in fifteen fathoms water, although no land was to beseen: a man was then sent to the mast-head, who could plainly discernthat the shoal run to the westward, on which Captain Marshall altered hiscourse and stretched to the eastward, carrying soundings from fifteen tothirty fathoms water, over a rocky bottom, and in many places they couldsee the ground very distinctly. After running to the eastward, abouteight miles, they found no bottom with seventy fathoms of line, whichoccasioned the Captain to tack and stand to the southward. Vast numbersof birds of different kinds were flying to the westward of the shoal, sothat there probably is an island near that situation. The east part ofthis shoal is situated in 173° 12' east longitude, and the south part ofit in 15° 50' south latitude, but how far it extends to the westward andnorthward is very uncertain, though doubtless to a considerable distance, as the water had a white appearance from the mast head as far as the eyecould reach. Being now entirely free from the shoal, they stood to thenorthward, with a light easterly breeze, and moderate weather. On the9th, in 7° 59' south latitude, the wind shifted to the westward andcontinued in the western board till the 13th when it again changed to theeastward. 

18 June 1788

At six o'clock in the morning of the 18th they saw an island righta-head, bearing north half west eight or nine miles distant: they soundedwhen about six miles from the land, but got no bottom with sixty fathomsof line; at this time Captain Marshall perceived several canoes withtheir sails set, and two or three men in each canoe, coming towards theship, but they presently put back again and made for the shore. Thisisland is very low and level, and extends north-east, and south-west, terminating at each end in a low, flat point, with an appearance of alarge bay in the middle; the Captain named it Hopper's Island; it issituated in 00° 03' south latitude, and 173° 43' longitude east fromGreenwich. 

At seven o'clock they saw another island smaller than the former, lyingabout six miles to the south-west of Hopper's Island, and nearly the samein appearance; this was named Henderville's Island. Towards noon, anotherisland made its appearance, which Captain Marshall named Woodle's Island, situated three miles to the north-west of Henderville's Island. Fivelarge canoes with sails set put off from Woodle's Island, and cametowards the ship, but when about four miles distant, they turned back andstood for the shore. The wind blowing off the land prevented them fromgetting in with the shore, so as to enable them to give a particulardescription of these islands; they seemed to abound with cocoa-nut, and avariety of other trees. At three o'clock in the afternoon, theScarborough being within three miles of Henderville's Island, theysounded with sixty fathoms of line, but got no ground. Several largefires were lighted up on the shore, and the natives assembled in vastnumbers on the beach, many of them pointing at the ship with looks ofwonder and surprise; presently afterwards, nineteen canoes, with five orsix men in each, came off from the shore and made towards the ship, onwhich Captain Marshall lay to, in hopes they would come along side;several of them came within a quarter of a mile of the ship, and thentaking down their sails, they stopt to gaze at the vessel, but nothingwould induce them to come alongside; however, as more canoes were seencoming from the island, Captain Marshall determined to lay to till theyall returned on shore, as there was a probability of his procuring somerefreshments from them: two of the last canoes made for the ship withoutthe least hesitation; on this, the Captain ordered his people out ofsight that the natives might not be intimidated. When the canoes wereclose to the ship, the Indians began to talk, and made signs for them tobring the ship nearer the island. 

After talking with the natives some time, the Captain shewed them a fewsmall nails, a quart bottle, and a looking-glass, all of which theyseemed very desirous to obtain; however, they could not be prevailed onto bring their canoes along-side, but three of them jumped out and swamto the ship; a rope was given them to take hold of, but they could not bepersuaded to come on board. On receiving their little presents theylaughed very heartily, and by way of exchange gave the Captain some beadsand teeth of beasts or animals, which they wore about their necks asornaments: this circumstance serves to show that they have some idea ofbarter. 

After making signs a second time for them to bring the ship nearer theisland, they took their leave, and presently afterwards all the canoesreturning towards the shore, Captain Marshall made sail and stood to thenorthward. The situation of these islands has already been mentioned, they lie in nearly a north-west and south-east direction: Hopper's Islandappears to be about ten leagues in length, Henderville's Island sixleagues, and Woodle's Island the same. 

It is to be lamented that Captain Marshall had not an opportunity ofsurveying these islands more minutely, as there is scarcely a doubt oftheir affording a variety of refreshments; for though nothing of the kindwas seen in the canoes, yet the natives were plump and fleshy, and seemedto live at their ease: there is also an appearance of a most excellentharbour at Hopper's Island. 

The inhabitants seem to be a fine set of people; they are of a coppercolour, stout and well made; their hair is long and black, with blackeyes and eye brows, and they seem to have very fine teeth. The onlyornaments seen amongst them were necklaces made of beads intermixed withteeth, and many of them had their faces painted white. 

If we may judge of these people from the construction of their canoes, they certainly possess a considerable share of contrivance and ingenuity:many of them are large enough to contain sixteen or twenty people; theyare narrow, and built to sail very fast, yet there is not the leastdanger of their oversetting, as they are steadied with an out-riggerresembling a ladder on the weather side, to one end of which a log ofwood is fastened, cut sharp at each end in the form of a boat; this notonly serves to keep the canoe upright, but likewise holds her towindward. At the other end of the out-rigger, a stout rope is fixed, which leads up to the mast head and serves as a shroud; and when the windblows fresh, two or more men, according to the size of the canoe, go outupon the ladder to keep her upright. 

Though these canoes always sail on the same side, yet they are socontrived as to sail one way as well as the other, and the Indians managethem with such dexterity that they put about much sooner than our boats. Every canoe has a sail, which in general is very large; they appear to bemade of raw-silk, neatly sewed together, and are cut in the form of ourshoulder of mutton sail, with a yard at the fore-leach, and another atthe foot, so that when they want to put their canoe about, they only haveto shift their tack and bring it to leeward of the mast: in short, fromwhat little Captain Marshall saw of these people, they appeared to belively, ingenious and expert. 

20 June 1788

After quitting these new discovered Islands, Captain Marshall stood tothe northward, with a light breeze at east north-east, and at fiveo'clock in the morning of the 20th, they saw an island bearing eastnorth-east, eight miles distant; it appeared very low, and almost levelwith the water, so that when only four miles distant they could perceivenothing but trees. When Captain Marshall got close in with the land, hefound it to be a chain of islands, extending from south-east tonorth-west for the distance of more than thirty leagues. Having afavourable breeze, they run along the islands about three miles fromshore, and several canoes with sails set, came after the ship, but noneof them would come near her. Great numbers of the natives presentlyassembled on the beach, in order to gratify their curiosity in looking atthe ship; this induced Captain Marshall to lay to in expectation of thenatives coming along-side, but not one of them ventured near the ship: atone time he had an intention of sending his boat on shore in order toprocure some refreshments, as many of his crew were laid up with thescurvy; however, he prudently declined taking this step, as it certainlywould have been hazarding too much to have sent a few men amongst anignorant multitude, with whose temper and disposition they were perfectlyunacquainted. 

The centre of these islands is situated in 1° 50' north latitude, 173°00' east longitude. They are very low, and yet it is rather remarkable, that on sounding, when not more than a mile from the land, there was nobottom found with eighty fathoms of line. Within the islands thereappeared to be some fine harbours, and they probably afford a variety ofrefreshments. The natives seemed to be nearly black, and their canoeswere constructed much in the same manner as those already described. 

22 June 1788

There being no prospect of procuring any refreshments from these people, Captain Marshall made sail, and at noon on the 22d they saw land in thedirection of north by east, eight miles distant; it appeared very low, flat, and full of trees. By four o'clock, they were close in with thesouthernmost land, and saw a great number of canoes sailing close to theshore, some of which came towards the ship, and two of them very near, but nothing would entice them to come along-side. The people appearedmuch the same as those at Henderville's Island, and their canoes were ofa similar construction; one of them had a kind of vane at the mast head, which appeared to be made of the same materials as their sail. In runningalong shore, they found it to consist of six different islands, extendingfrom north by east to south by west, to the length of fourteen or fifteenleagues; the centre of them is situated in 2° 58' north latitude, and173° 00' east longitude. The southernmost island, Captain Marshall namedAllen's Island; the second, Gillespy's Island; the third, Touching'sIsland; the fourth, Clarke's Island; the fifth, Smith's Island; and thenorthernmost, Scarborough Island. They ran along these islands aboutthree miles distant from the land, and kept the lead constantly going, but could get no bottom, which appeared rather extraordinary as the landis very low. There appears to be good anchorage between these islands, and the water very smooth, and they seem to abound with cocoa-nut andcabbage trees. By the time they were abreast of Scarborough Island, itgrew so dark that they could not see the land; luckily, however, theIndians lighted two very large fires which enabled them to get entirelyclear of all the islands. 

23 June 1788

At six o'clock in the afternoon of the 23d, more land made itsappearance, bearing north to north-west, four leagues distant, but nightcoming on, they tacked and stood to the southward. 

24 June 1788

By two o'clock the next day, they were within two miles of the land, andfound it to be a chain of islands, extending from east to nearly west formore than twenty-five leagues; and they perceived a reef from theeasternmost point of land, which ran at least three leagues into the sea. The shore on the north-west side of these islands is bold and steep; theScarborough coasted along within a mile of the land, and frequentlysounded with an hundred fathoms of line, but could get no bottom; at thesame time they saw the water break near the shore, and a vast number ofthe natives were collected on the beach. About three o'clock, a smallcanoe with two men in her came off from the shore, on which CaptainMarshall hove to, in order to give them an opportunity of coming up withthe ship, but when they were about one hundred yards from the vessel, they put back again as fast as possible, seemingly very much frightened:these men had skins wrapped round their waists, and their hair wasornamented with shells and beads. After they left the ship, CaptainMarshall made sail, being desirous to make the westward part of theislands if possible before the night came on; but in this he wasdisappointed, as the wind grew light and baffling. Several large canoesnow put off from the shore with eight or ten men in each; it already hasbeen observed that the Charlotte, Captain Gilbert, was in company withthe Scarborough; at this time she was some distance a-stern, and thecanoes all went along-side her; several of them went on board theCharlotte, and ran fore and aft, stealing every thing that lay in theirway; one of them in particular, got hold of the pump-break, and attemptedto jump over-board with it, but was stopped by one of the sailors. Theyappeared to be very civilized, and all of them had coverings round thewaist: their ornaments were necklaces made of beads, to which a cross wassuspended, in the same manner as those worn by the Spaniards. 

25 June 1788-27 June 1788

Captain Marshall distinguished these islands by the name of LordMulgrave's Islands, in honour of the Right Honourable Lord Mulgrave. Thesouthernmost of them is situated in 5° 58' north latitude, and 172° 3'east longitude, and the northernmost in 6° 29' north latitude, and 171°10' east longitude. At noon on the 25th, they got round the westernmostisland, and thought themselves entirely clear of them all, as the day wasvery fair, and no land could be seen from the mast-head; at the same timethey had a long swell: on this, Captain Marshall stood on under an easysail during the night, but was very much surprised at daylight the nextmorning to see land on the weather quarter, and a large island on the leequarter, between which they must have passed in the night, and certainlyvery near that on their lee, though they sounded every half hour, butnever struck the ground. Lord Mulgrave's Islands abound withcocoa-nut-trees, and they could perceive remnants of oranges and variousother sorts of fruit, although the natives offered nothing of the sort tobarter. These islanders had not any offensive weapons whatever, so thatthey probably are on very friendly terms with each other. With a lighteasterly breeze, they kept their course to the northward, and at noon onthe 27th, in 7° 25' north latitude, and 171° 10' east longitude, they sawland bearing from north by east to north north-west. Having now a freshbreeze, Captain Marshall run in with the land, and found it to be acluster of small islands lying east and west of each other, but noappearance was seen of their being inhabited. 

28 June 1788

At noon on the 28th, more islands were seen, bearing from north tonorth-west by west, three or four leagues distant, their latitude at thattime was 8° 02' north, and 170° 57' east longitude. The weather beingvery hazy, with constant rain, they wore, and stood from the land;however, the afternoon proving tolerably clear, they again stood towardsit, and by four o'clock were close in with the westernmost island. Twolarge canoes were lying on a sandy beach, but they did not perceive anyinhabitants. At five o'clock they saw several more islands, bearing northnorth-east, five or six leagues distant. During the night, CaptainMarshall stood under an easy sail, and at day-light the next morning landwas seen a-head bearing north by east six leagues, and some land bearingeast seventeen leagues distant. These islands, like all they had yetseen, were very low, and entirely covered with lofty trees; on sounding, they got no ground with an hundred fathoms of line. Their latitude atnoon was 8° 59' north, and 170° 24' east longitude. 

30 June 1788

At five in the afternoon, more islands were seen, bearing north, fiveleagues distant, but night coming on they wore and stood to thesouthward. In the forenoon of the 30th, they ran between two islands, about five leagues distant from each other, and surrounded by a number ofbreakers: by eleven o'clock they were entirely clear of all the land. Their observation at noon gave 9° 34' north latitude, and the longitudewas 169° 22' east. These last islands were supposed by Captain Marshallto be those which Lord Anson discovered, and named Barbadoes Islands. 

31 July 1788

Having now a clear navigation, they prosecuted their voyage withoutmeeting with any thing worthy of notice till the 31st of July, when atsix clock in the morning they saw the island of Saypan bearing west bysouth six leagues distant. Having light baffling winds, they did not getin with the land till the approach of evening, so that the night wasspent in standing off and on. At day-light the next morning, CaptainMarshall sent his boat on shore, with the chief mate and four seamen, toprocure some refreshments, and look for anchorage. At two o'clock in theafternoon, the boats returned loaded with cocoa-nuts and cabbage, both, as the men reported, from the same tree, but they could find no place fora vessel to anchor in, the water being very deep close to the land, witha rocky bottom, and so heavy a surf that the boat did not land withoutgreat difficulty. Not meeting with a harbour at Sapan, the Captaindetermined to make the best of his way to Tinian, where he might come toanchor and get his sick people on shore, having no less than fifteen menlaid up with the scurvy, and the rest of his crew were so weak that theycould scarcely work the ship: the wind, however, was so variable, thatthey did not reach the south-west side of that island till afternoon onthe 4th, when they anchored in twenty-five fathoms water, and soonafterwards the Charlotte came to anchor a small distance from theScarborough. 

5 August 1788-8 August 1788

Early the next morning, Captain Marshall sent his sick people on shore, with a tent, and a sufficient quantity of provisions to serve them fivedays. After landing the sick, and erecting their tent, the boats crewwalked about the island, and saw a great number of cattle, hogs, andfowls, but they only caught a calf, one hog, and a fowl or two, andloaded the boat with cocoanuts, oranges, and limes. On the 6th, the chiefmate was sent on shore to look for fresh water; he soon found out thewell, mentioned in Lord Anson's voyage, but it was quite dry, and therewas not any fresh water to be met with within two miles of the landingplace. The boat returned at noon, loaded with fruit of different sorts. Toward evening the wind came round to south south-west blowing verystrong, which sent a heavy sea rolling into the bay, and occasioned theScarborough to pitch very much. The wind still blowing strongly into thebay, Captain Marshall sent his boat on shore on the 7th, to bring off thesick people, which they accomplished with much danger and difficulty; inthe mean time, every thing was got ready for sea, the Captain beingdetermined to get away the moment the wind shifted to south or south byeast, so that they could clear the west part of the island. During thenight, they had so heavy a gale at south-west that they expected everyminute to be driven on shore; fortunately, however, at day-break, thewind shifted to south south-east, on which they immediately cut the cableand ran clear of the land: Captain Gilbert cut both his cables andfollowed the Scarborough. Scarce had they cleared the land before thewind again shifted to south-south-west, and blew a complete hurricane, sothat had the vessels then been at anchor, they must inevitably have beendriven on shore. Though Captain Marshall's people were on land so short atime, they found amazing benefit from it, their strength graduallyreturned, and soon afterwards they were perfectly restored to health. 

7 September 1788

No particular occurrence happened during their passage from Tinian toChina; they saw the Lema Islands in the afternoon of the 7th ofSeptember, and came to anchor in Macao Roads the following afternoon. 

Chapter XXII. 

Supplemental Account of Animals

BIRDS. 

NO. 139. BANKIAN COCKATOO. Order II. Pies. Genus V. Parrot. 

This is about the size of the great white cockatoo; the length twenty-twoinches. The bill is exceedingly short, and of a pale lead-colour. Thehead feathers are pretty long, so as to enable the bird to erect theminto a crest at will: The colour of the head, neck, and under parts ofthe body are dusky brown, inclining to olive, darkest on the belly: thefeathers of the top of the head and back part of the neck are edged witholive; the rest of the plumage on the upper part of the body, the wings, and tail, are of a glossy black; the last is pretty long and a littlerounded at the end; the two middle feathers are wholly black; the othersof a fine vermilion in the middle for about one-third, otherwise black;the outer edge of the exterior feather black the whole length. Legsblack. 

This bird was met with in New South Wales, and is supposed to be avariety, if not a different sex, from the Bankian Cockatoo described inthe General Synopsis of Birds, Supplement, p. 63. Pl. 109. It varies, however, in not having the feathers of the head or those of thewing-coverts marked with buff-coloured spots; nor is the red part of thetail crossed with black bars, as in that bird. 

With the above specimen was sent the head of another, which differed inhaving a mixture of yellow in various parts of it. We have been informed, that the red part of the tail in this last is barred with black, notunlike that described by Mr. Latham in the Synopsis. From thesecircumstances, it may be presumed, that this bird is subject to greatvariety. 

RED SHOULDERED PARROT. Order II. Pies. Genus V. 

This bird is about the size of the Guinea Parrakeet. Total length teninches and a half: the general colour of the plumage is green, incliningto yellow on the under parts: the top of the head, the outer edge of thewing, and some parts of the middle of the same are deep blue: all roundthe base of the bill crimson, with a mixture of the same on the fore partof the neck, but between the bill and eye is a mixture of yellow: theshoulders, and under parts of the wings are blood red: two or three ofthe inner quills, and the vent pale red: the greater quills dusky, fringed outwardly with yellow: the tail is greatly wedged in shape, thefeathers at the base chesnut, towards the end dull blue: the bill andlegs are brown. 

This species inhabits New South Wales; and we believe it to be hithertonon-descript. 

CRESTED GOAT SUCKER. Order III. Passerine. Genus XLV. 

This bird is somewhat smaller than our European species, measuring onlynine inches and a half in length. The general colour of the plumage onthe upper parts is dark-brown, mottled and crossed with obscure whitishbars: the quills are plain brown, but five or six of the outer onesmarked with dusky white spots on the outer webs: the tail is rounded inshape, and marked with twelve narrow bars of a dusky white, mottled withblack, as are the various whitish marks on the upper parts: the underparts of the body are more or less white; but the fore part of the neckand breast are crossed with numerous dusky bars: the bill is black, butthe gape and within yellow; the sides of the mouth furnished withbristles, as in other goat-suckers; besides which, at the base of thebill are ten or twelve erect stiff bristles, thinly barbed on theirsides, and standing perfectly upright as a crest, giving the bird asingular appearance: the legs are weak, longer than in most of the tribe, and of a pale yellow colour; claws brown. 

NEW HOLLAND CASSOWARY. Order VI. Struthious. Genus LIX. Cassowary. 

This is a species differing in many particulars from that generallyknown, and is a much larger bird, standing higher on its legs, and havingthe neck longer than in the common one. Total length seven feet twoinches. The bill is not greatly different from that of the commonCassowary; but the horny appendage, or helmet on the top of the head, inthis species is totally wanting: the whole of the head and neck is alsocovered with feathers, except the throat and fore part of the neck abouthalf way, which are not so well feathered as the rest; whereas in thecommon Cassowary, the head and neck are bare and carunculated as in theturkey. 

The plumage in general consists of a mixture of brown and grey, and thefeathers are somewhat curled or bent at the ends in the natural state:the wings are so very short as to be totally useless for flight, andindeed, are scarcely to be distinguished from the rest of the plumage, were it not for their standing out a little. The long spines which areseen in the wings of the common sort, are in this not observable, --nor isthere any appearance of a tail. The legs are stout, formed much as in theGaleated Cassowary, with the addition of their being jagged or sawed thewhole of their length at the back part. 

This bird is not uncommon in New Holland, as several of them have beenseen about Botany Bay, and other parts. The one from which the plate wastaken, was shot within two miles of the settlement at Sydney Cove, andthe drawing made on the spot by Lieutenant Watts. The skin being sentover to England in spirits, has been put into attitude, and is now theproperty of Sir Joseph Banks, to whom it was presented by Lord Sydney. Although this bird cannot fly, it runs so swiftly, that a greyhound canscarcely overtake it. The flesh is said to be in taste not unlike beef. 

WHITE GALLINULE. Order VII. Cloven-footed. Genus LXXV. 

This beautiful bird greatly resembles the purple Gallinule in shape andmake, but is much superior in size, being as large as a dunghil fowl. Thelength from the end of the bill to that of the claws is two feet threeinches: the bill is very stout, and the colour of it, the whole of thetop of the head, and the irides red; the sides of the head round the eyesare reddish, very thinly sprinkled with white feathers; the whole of theplumage without exception is white. The legs the colour of the bill. 

This species is pretty common on Lord Howe's Island, Norfolk Island, andother places, and is a very tame species. The other sex, supposed to bethe male, is said to have some blue on the wings. 

Genus XII. Canis. --Lin. Syst. Nat. 

Genus XVII. Dog. --Penn. Hist. Quad. 

DOG OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 

The height of this species, standing erect, is rather less than two feet:the length two feet and a half. The head is formed much like that of afox, the ears short and erect, with whiskers from one to two inches inlength on the muzzle. The general colour of the upper parts is palebrown, growing lighter towards the belly: the hind part of the fore legs, and the fore part of the hinder ones white, as are the feet of both: thetail is of a moderate length, somewhat bushy, but in a less degree thanthat of the fox: the teeth are much the same as is usual in the genus, asmay be seen in the top of the plate where the animal is represented. 

This species inhabits New South Wales. The specimen from which theannexed plate was taken, (a female) is now alive in the possession of theMarchioness of Salisbury, at Hatfield-House, and was sent over as apresent to Mr. Nepean, from Governor Phillip. It has much of the mannersof the dog, but is of a very savage nature, and not likely to change inthis particular. It laps like other dogs, but neither barks nor growls ifvexed and teized; instead of which, it erects the hairs of the whole bodylike bristles, and seems furious: it is very eager after its prey, and isfond of rabbits or chickens, raw, but will not touch dressed meat. Fromits fierceness and agility it has greatly the advantage of other animalsmuch superior in size; for a very fine French fox-dog being put to it, ina moment it seized him by the loins, and would have soon put an end tohis existence, had not help been at hand. With the utmost ease it is ableto leap over the back of an ass, and was very near worrying one to death, having fastened on it, so that the creature was not able to disengagehimself without assistance; it has been also known to run down both deerand sheep. 

A second of these is in the possession of Mr. Lascelles, of which we havereceived much the same account in respect to its ferocity; whence it isscarcely to be expected that this elegant animal will ever becomefamiliar. 

Genus XV. Mustela. --Lin. Syst. Nat. 

Genus XXIII. Weesel. --Penn. Hist. Quad. 

SPOTTED MARTIN. 

The species is about the size of a large polecat, and measures from thetip of the nose to the setting on of the tail eighteen inches; the tailitself being nearly the same length. The visage is pointed in shape, andthe whole make of the animal does not ill resemble that of the Fossane. The general colour of the fur is black, marked all over with irregularblotches of white, the tail not excepted, which has an elegantappearance, and tapers gradually to a point. 

The situation of the teeth and jaws is much the same as in the rest ofthe genus, as may be seen in the upper part of the plate. 

Inhabits the neighbourhood of Port Jackson. 

Genus XVII. Didelphis. --Lin. Syst. Nat. 

Genus XXII. Opossum. --Penn. Hist. 2uad. 

KANGUROO RAT. 

The upper jaw of this species has two cutting teeth in front, with threeothers on each side of them, and at a distance one false grinder, sharpat the edge, and channelled, or fluted, on the sides, and close to these, two true grinders: in the lower jaw are two long cutting teeth, formedlike those of the squirrel, with three grinders, corresponding with thosein the upper jaw. 

The general shape of the body is not widely different from that of theKanguroo, both in respect to the shortness of the fore legs and thepeculiar construction of the hind ones; but the visage being stronglysimilar to that of the rat, and the colour of the whole not illresembling that animal, it has obtained the name of the Kanguroo Rat. 

This is an inhabitant of New Holland, and two of the species are now tobe seen alive at the curious exhibition of animals over Exeter Exchange. One of these, being a female, has brought forth young, one of which isrepresented in the same plate with the adult animal. On the upper part ofthe same plate is figured the jaw of a full grown subject. 

Genus CXXII. Lacerta. --Lin. Sist. Nat. 

THE LACED LIZARD. 

This most elegant species is in length, from the nose to theend of the tail, about forty inches: in the mouth are a few weak teeth, though rather sharp, at about a quarter of an inch distance one fromanother: the tongue is long and forked: the general shape is slender; andthe ground colour of the skin, on the upper parts, a brownish or bluishblack, whimsically marked with golden yellow; in some parts this colouris beautifully mottled or freckled, like some kinds of lace-work; inothers, striped in various directions, particularly on the legs, whichseem as if striped across with black and white: the under parts areyellow, crossed with single bars of black on the chin and throat, anddouble clouded ones on the belly: the toes are five in number on eachfoot, barred across with black and yellow, as the legs, and eachfurnished with a crooked black claw: the tail measures more in lengththan the whole of the body; towards the base, clouded and marked as therest; but the further half banded with black and yellow, each band threeinches broad, the end running to a very sharp point. 

This beautiful Lizard is not uncommon at Port Jackson, where it isreputed a harmless species. Individuals vary much one from another, inrespect to the length of the tail, as also in the colour of the markings;some having those parts marked with a pure silvery white, which in theabove described are yellow. 

Genus CXXXV. Balistes. --Lin. Syst. Nat. 

BAG-THROATED BALISTES. 

The size of the fish figured in the plate is uncertain, as we have onlyobtained a drawing of it without any description. --It agrees in manythings with others of the genus, and does not greatly differ from onefigured in Willughby's Icthyologia, Tab. 1. 22. But has the body longerin proportion. The erect horn or spine is placed over, and a littlebehind the eyes, as in Willughby's figure, attended with two shorter onesdirectly behind the first: the long spine is quite straight, sharp at thepoint, and deeply sawed on the back part. Another singularity presentsitself in this species, which is, a deep pouch-like appendage beneath thethroat, in shape not unlike what is called Hippocrates's sleeve, orrather a jelly bag. 

This fish is found pretty commonly on the coast of New South Wales, andwas called by the sailors the Old Wife, having much resemblance in manythings to the species so named. When skinned, it was thought pretty goodeating. 

A FISH OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 

Of this fish it can only be said, that the ground colour is much the sameas that of our mackarel, marked with several round, blue and white spots;and that, in the plate, it is represented faithfully from a drawing byDaniel Butler sent from New South Wales, where it is in great plenty, andis thought to taste much like a dolphin. As to the genus, it is difficultto say with certainty to which it belongs, as it is deficient in thecharacteristics of those generally known; it is therefore left to thereader to settle this matter according to his own opinion. 

Genus CXXXI. Squalus. --Lin. Syst. Nat. 

PORT JACKSON SHARK. 

The length of the specimen from which the drawing was taken, is two feet;and it is about five inches and an half over at the broadest part, fromthence tapering to the tail: the skin is rough, and the colour, ingeneral, brown, palest on the under parts: over the eyes on each side isa prominence, or long ridge, of about three inches; under the middle ofwhich the eyes are placed: the teeth are very numerous, there being atleast ten or eleven rows; the forward teeth are small and sharp, but asthey are placed more backward, they become more blunt and larger, andseveral rows are quite flat at top, forming a kind of bony palate, somewhat like that of the Wolf-fish; differing, however, in shape, beingmore inclined to square than round, which they are in that fish: theunder jaw is furnished much in the same manner as the upper: thebreathing holes are five in number, as is usual in the genus: on the backare two fins, and before each stands a strong spine, much as in thePrickly Hound, or Dog, fish: it has also two pectoral, and two ventralfins; but besides these, there is likewise an anal fin, placed at amiddle distance between the last and the tail: the tail itself, is as itwere divided, the upper part much longer than the under. 

At first sight, the above might be taken for the Prickly Hound-fish, orSqualus Spinax of Linnoeus, of which a good figure may be seen inWillughby's Icthyol. Tab. B. 5. F. 1, but it differs, first, in havingthe prominent ridge over the eyes, of a great length; secondly, in theformation of the teeth; thirdly, in having an anal fin, of which thePrickly Hound is destitute; all these circumstances concur to prove it anew species. 

This was taken at Port Jackson, but to what size it may usually arrivecannot be determined; perhaps not to a great one, as the teeth appearvery complete. Some sharks, however, of an enormous size have been seenand caught thereabouts, though of what sort cannot here be determined. 

Genus CXXXI. Squalus. --Lin. Syst. 

WATTS'S SHARK. 

This, we believe, is a species which has hitherto escaped the researchesof our Icthyologists. The length of the specimen is nineteen inches: thehead is broad, and angular in shape; but the body rounded, and nearlyequal in its dimensions for above half the length, when it suddenly growsvery small, and so continues to the end of the tail: the colour of thebody is brown in different shades, and there are three rows of large palespots, of an irregular shape, most of them dark within; one row passesdown the middle, the others are on each side; besides which there areothers below them less conspicuous. The mouth is placed nearer the end ofthe head than in most of the genus, and furnished in the front with ninesharp crooked teeth, in three rows, and a great number of small ones oneach side. The eyes project considerably above the rest of the head, andare placed on the upper part of it; the space between is hollowed or sunkin: at the most forward part of the head are two cartilaginousappendages, jagged at the end, with four others, nearly similar, on eachside between the first and the breathing holes: the pectoral fins areplaced beneath these last; the abdominal about the middle of the body;and the anal, more than half way between the last and the tail; besideswhich, the under part is finned from that place to the end: on the upperpart of the body are two fins, both placed uncommonly far back, as in thefigure. 

This fish was met with in Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, by Lieutenant Watts, and is supposed to be full as voracious as any of the genus, inproportion to its size; for after having lain on the deck for two hours, seemingly quiet, on Mr. Watts's dog passing by, the shark sprung upon itwith all the ferocity imaginable, and seized it by the leg; nor could thedog have disengaged himself had not the people near at hand come to hisassistance. 

Order II. Pies. Genus XXIII. Kingsfisher. 

GREAT BROWN KINGSFISHER. --Lath. Syn. Ii. P. 603, No. 1. 

The length of this species is from sixteen to eighteen inches: the bill, three inches and an half, or even more; the upper mandible is brown, andthe under white, but brown at the base: the head is pretty full offeathers, sufficiently so to form a crest when erected; the colourwhitish, and most of the feathers either tipped or crossed with black:the neck and under parts of the body are much the same in colour, crossedon the sides with dusky lines: over the forehead the colour is duskybrown, almost black, passing backwards in an irregular shaped streak agood way behind the eye: the back, and major part of the wing, is blackor dusky, but the middle of the wing is of a glossy blue-green, as isalso the lower part of the back and rump: the tail is barred with palerust-colour and black, inclining to purple, and towards the end whitish:the legs are of a dusky yellow, the claws are black. 

These birds vary much, the colours being more or less brilliant, and insome of them the tail is wholly barred with white and black, and the legsbrown or blackish. 

This species inhabits various places in the South Seas, being prettycommon at New Guinea; but the specimen from which our figure was taken, was sent from Port Jackson in South Wales, where, likewise, it is notunfrequently met with. We believe it has not yet been figured in anyBritish work. 

KANGUROO. 

This very curious animal being naturally an object of particularcuriosity, we are happy to be enabled, before this book is given to theworld, to correct some errors which had crept into our account andrepresentation of it. In page 149 it is stated, that the Kanguroo hasfour teeth (by which were meant cutting teeth) in the upper jaw, opposedto two in the under. The truth is, that there are six opposed to two, asmay be perceived in the engraved representation of the skeleton of aKanguroo's head, inserted at page 168. The same arrangement of teethtakes place in the Opossum, described in that page, which is there, stillmore erroneously, said to have only two cutting teeth opposed to two. This latter mistake arose from the difficulty of examining the mouth ofthe living animal. It is since dead, and the teeth are found to bedisposed as now stated, and as represented in the scull of the VulpineOpossum, in the same plate with that of the Kanguroo. 

But the most important error is in the position of the Kanguroo, asrepresented in our plate at page 106. The true standing posture of theKanguroo is exactly the same as that of the Kanguroo Rat, delineated atpage 277; namely, with the rump several inches from the ground, (in largespecimens, not less than eight) and resting entirely on the long lastjoint of the hinder legs, the whole under side of which is bare andcallous like a hoof. This mistake was occasioned merely by the adherenceof the engraver to the drawing from which he worked; which, among others, came from Mr. White, the surgeon at Port Jackson: too implicit reliancebeing placed on an authority which, in this respect, turned out delusive. 

With respect to the representations of the Kanguroo which have hithertobeen published, it may be observed, that nothing is wanting to that inCaptain Cook's first voyage, except the character of the toes of thehinder legs, and in particular the distinguishing of a minute, but verycharacteristic circumstance, in the inner claw of each, which is divideddown the middle into two, as if split by some sharp instrument. The sameremark is applicable to the plate in Mr. Pennant's History of Quadrupeds, which appears to have been copied from the other. Mr. Pennant was thefirst author who gave a scientific description of the Kanguroo, in hisHistory of Quadrupeds, p. 306. No. 184. And of the New Holland Opossum, p. 310. No. 188. 

Zimmerman, in his Zoologia Geographica, p. 527, confounds the Kanguroowith the great Jerboa of Africa, described by Allamand, in his additionsto Buffon; and by Mr. Pennant, History of Quadrupeds, p. 432. No. 293. 

Our own plate of the Kanguroo very accurately expresses the form andcharacter of that animal, and is deficient only in the position, whichunfortunately was not remarked till the plate was worked off, and thebook almost ready for delivery. 

ANECDOTE OF CAPTAIN COOK AND O'TOO. 

As nothing can be devoid of interest which relates to a man so justlyadmired as Captain Cook, the reader will probably be pleased to findhere, though out of its proper place, an anecdote communicated by Mr. Webber. It exhibits in a pleasing point of view the friendship whichsubsisted between that great navigator and the Otaheitean chief O'too, acircumstance highly to the honour of both; since it displays in them thepower of discerning real merit, though obscured by diversity of manners, and that of being able to impress a steady attachment, where nothing morewas to be expected than transient regard. Under every species ofdisparity, goodness of heart supplies both a medium of attraction, and anindissoluble bond of union. 

Every reader must have seen with pleasure the charming proof of O'too'stender and inviolable friendship for Captain Cook, which appears in page233 of this work; where he is described as attended by a man carrying theportrait of that illustrious Englishman, without which he never movesfrom one place to another. That portrait, as Mr. Webber assures us, wasobtained in the following manner. 

O'too, by the Captain's particular desire, sat to Mr. Webber, in order tofurnish such a memorial of his features, as might serve for the subjectof a complete whole length picture, on the return of the ship to England. When the portrait was finished, and O'too was informed that no moresittings would be necessary, he anxiously enquired of Captain Cook, andCaptain Clerke, what might be the particular meaning and purpose of thispainting. He was informed, that it would be kept by Captain Cook, as aperpetual memorial of his person, his friendship, and the many favoursreceived from him. He seemed pleased with the idea, and instantlyreplied, that, for the very same reasons, a picture of Captain Cook wouldbe highly acceptable to him. This answer, so unexpected, and expressedwith strong tokens of real attachment, made both Captain Clerke and Mr. Webber his advocates; and Captain Cook, charmed with the naturalsincerity of his manner, complied with his request much more readily thanon any other occasion he would have granted such a favour. 

When the portrait was finished it was framed, and with a box, lock, andkey, by which it was secured, was delivered to O'too; who received itwith inexpressible satisfaction. He readily, and, as the event hasproved, most faithfully promised that he would preserve it always withthe utmost care; and would show it to the commanders of such ships asmight in future touch at the Society Islands. Who can fail to love acharacter like that of O'too, in which unalterable steadiness ofaffection is as conspicuous, as honest and natural ardour? Long may heenjoy his authority and his health; and preserve the honourable memorialof his friend, without being afflicted by the knowledge of thatmelancholy catastrophe which terminated the career of his glory!

* * * * *

With respect to the yellow gum, or resin, mentioned in page 60, we areinformed by Dr. Blane, physician to St. Thomas's Hospital, that he hasfound it remarkably efficacious in the cure of old fluxes; and this notonly in a few instances, but in many obstinate cases. Of the plants ingeneral which have been brought from Botany Bay, and the adjacentcountry, no notice has been taken in this work, as it would have led tosuch a detail as must too considerably have extended its limits. Many ofthem are now to be seen in the highest perfection at the nursery gardensof that eminent and learned botanist, Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith: who stillretains enough of zeal for his favourite science, to regret that thediscovery of those countries was not made at a period of his life, whenhe could have gone personally to reap the glorious harvest they afford. 

* * * * *

The following account of the weather in Botany Bay and Port Jackson, communicated by Lieutenant Watts, may perhaps be found important. 

During the seven days we were in Botany Bay the weather was generallyfine, and very warm. The thermometer on a mean stood at 78°. It neverexceeded 80°. And one day, which was thick and rainy, the wind blowingstrongly from the south, it fell to 63°. In Port Jackson the weather wasat first much the same, but afterwards, the days became very hot, and thenights constantly brought on tremendous thunder, lightning, and rain. Thethermometer, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, was generally about 80°. But when the sea breezes set in it usually fell two or three degrees. Onevery sultry day was felt soon after the arrival of the fleet. Thethermometer, on board, stood at 88°. And on shore, though in the shade, at 92°. On the 15th of March was a terrible squall of wind, accompaniedby thunder, lightning, and rain. The thermometer then fell from 80° to50°. And in other squalls it frequently fell 15 or 20 degrees. 

Such are the principal notices hitherto received from the new settlementon the southern continent, which, if from unavoidable circumstances, theyare a little deficient in point of order, will, it is hoped, make ampleamends by their novelty, importance, and authenticity. 

Genus XVII. Didelphis. Lin. Syst. Nat. 

Genus XXII. Opossum. Penn. Hist. Quad. 

BLACK FLYING OPOSSUM. 

The following is, according to every appearance, a new animal of thisgenus. The length from the tip of the nose, which is pointed in shape, tothe root of the tail, is twenty inches; of the tail itself twenty-twoinches, at the base quite light, increasing gradually to black at theend: the width across the loins sixteen inches: the ears are large anderect: the coat or fur is of a much richer texture or more delicate thanthe sea-otter of Cook's River: on the upper parts of the body, at firstsight, appearing of a glossy black, but on a nicer inspection, is reallywhat the French call petit gris, or minever, being mixed with grey; theunder parts are white, and on each hip may be observed a tan-colouredspot, nearly as big as a shilling; at this part the fur is thinnest, butat the root of the tail it is so rich and close that the hide cannot befelt through it. The fur is also continued to the claws: the membrane, which is expanded on each side of the body, is situated much as in thegrey species, though broader in proportion. The jaws are furnished withteeth, placed as in some others of this genus: in the upper jaw forwardsare four small cutting teeth, then two canine ones, and backwards fivegrinders: the under jaw has two long large cutting teeth, like theVulpine Opossum, [See skeleton on the plate at page 168. ] five grinders, with no intermediate canine ones, the space being quite vacant. The forelegs have five toes on each foot, with a claw on each; the hinder onesfour toes, with claws, (the three outside ones without any separation)and a thumb without a claw, enabling the animal to use the foot as ahand, as many of the opossum tribe are observed to do. See the skeletonof the foot in the annexed plate. 

This beautiful quadruped inhabits New South Wales. The specimen fromwhich the above account has been taken, is a male, and the property ofHenry Constantine Nowell, Esq. Of Shiplake, in Oxfordshire. The fur of itis so beautiful, and of so rare a texture, that should it hereafter befound in plenty, it might probably be thought a very valuable article ofcommerce. 

APPENDIX

[Tables of the Route taken by each of the ships of the First Fleet afterleaving Port Jackson--not included in this ebook. ]

A LIST OF CONVICTS SENT TO NEW SOUTH WALES, IN 1787. 

Name. Where Convicted. Date Of Conviction. Years. 

Abel, Robert London 23 Feb. 1785. 7Abrams, HenryAbrahams, Esther London 30 August, 1786 7Abell, Mary, alias Tilley Worcester 5 March, 1785 7Acres, Thomas Exeter 14 March, 1786 7Adams, John London 26 May, 1784 7Adams, Mary Ditto 13 Decem. 1786 7Agley, Richard Winchester 2 March, 1784 7Allen, John Hertford 2 March, 1786 7Allen, William Ormskirk 11 April, 1785 7Allen, Charles London 7 July, 1784 7Allen, Susannah Ditto 18 April, 1787 7Allen, Mary Ditto 25 October, 1786 7Allen, Jamasin, alias Boddington Ditto 25 Oct. 1786 7Allen, Mary, alias Conner Ditto 10 Jan. 1787 7Anderson, John Exeter 20 March, 1786 7Anderson, Elizabeth London 10 Jan. 1787 7Anderson, John Ditto 26 May, 1784 7Anderson, Fanny Winchester 7 March, 1786 7Archer, John London 26 May, 1784 7Arscott, John Bodmin 18 August, 1783 7Atkinson, George London 21 April, 1784 7Ault, Sarah Ditto 21 Feb. 1787 7Ayners, John, alias Agnew Ditto 26 May, 1784 7Ayres John Ditto 21 April, 1784 7Bartlett, James Winchester 1 March, 1785 7Barsby, George Ditto 1 March, 1785 LifeBarnett, Henry, alias Barnard, alias Burton Warwick 21 March, 1785 7Bails, Robert Reading 28 Feb. 1785 LifeBarnes, Stephen York 9 July, 1785 7Bannister, George London 1 April, 1784 7Barferd, John Ditto 14 Decem. 1784 7Barland, George Ditto 7 July, 1784 7Balding, James, alias William Ditto 23 Feb. 1785 7Bason, Elizabeth, wife of William Bason New Sarum 24 July, 1784 7Bayley, James Ditto 11 March, 1786 7Bazley, John Exeter 12 Jan. 1785 7Baker, Thomas Ditto 10 Jan. 1786 7Barrett, Thomas Ditto 24 May, 1784 LifeBatley, Caten Ditto 24 May, 1784 7Barsby, Samuel Ditto 20 March, 1786 7Ball, John Ditto 20 March, 1786 7Barry, John Bristol 23 Novem. 1785 7Barret, DanielBarber, ElizabethBaldwin, Ruth, alias Bowyer London 20 August, 1786 7Baker, Martha Ditto 30 August, 1786 7Bell, William Ditto 21 April, 1784 7Benear, Samuel Ditto 26 May, 1784 7Bellett, Jacob Ditto 12 Jan. 1785 7Beardsley, Ann Derby 5 August, 1786 5Best, JohnBeckford, Elizabeth London 10 Jan. 1787 7Bellamy, Thomas Worcester 9 July, 1785 7Bird, James Croydon 20 July, 1785 7Bird, Samuel Ditto 20 July, 1785 7Bishop, JosephBingham, John, alias BaughanBingham, Elizabeth, alias Mooring LondonBird, Elizabeth, alias Winisred Maidstone 14 March, 1787 7Blackhall, William Abingdon 6 March, 1786 7Blunt, William London 10 Decem. 1783 7Blake, Francis Ditto 26 May, 1784 7Blatherhorn, William Exeter 24 May, 1784 LifeBloedworth, James Kingstone 3 Oct. 1785 7Blanchett, Susannah Ditto 2 April, 1787 7Bond, Peter London 23 Feb. 1785 7Boyle, John London 23 Feb. 1785 7Boggis, WilliamBond, William Exeter 18 July, 1785 7Bond, Mary, wife of John Bond Wells 19 August, 1786 7Boulton, Rebecca Lincoln 16 July, 1784 7Bonner, Jane London 18 April, 1787 7Bolton, Mary Shrewsbury 12 March, 1785 7Brown, James Hertford 2 March, 1785 7Brown, William Southwark 10 Jan. 1786 7Brindley, John Warwick 21 March, 1785 7Brown, Richard Reading 15 July, 1783 7Brough, William Stafford 9 March, 1789 7Bradley, James London 29 June, 1785 7Bradley, James Ditto 6 May, 1784 7Brown, Thomas Ditto 10 Septem. 1783 7Bradbury, William Ditto 10 Septem. 1783 7Bryant, Thomas Maidstone 15 March, 1784 7Bryant, William Launceston 20 March, 1784 7Brown, Thomas Exeter 24 May, 1784 7Bradford, John Ditto 9 Jan. 1786 7Brannegan, James Ditto 24 May, 1784 7Bruce, Robert Ditto 24 May, 1784 7Brown, William Ditto 24 May, 1784 7Bryant, John Ditto 14 March, 1786 7Brewer, William Ditto 20 March, 1786 7Brice, William Bristol 11 Feb. 1785 7Brand, CurtisBryant, MichaelBrand, Lucy, alias Wood London 19 July, 1786 7Branham, Mary Ditto 23 Feb. 1785 7Bruce, Elizabeth Ditto 10 Jan. 1787 7Burleigh, James Ditto 7 July, 1784 7Burn, Peter Ditto 10 Septem. 1783 7Burne, James Ditto 21 April, 1784 7Butler, William Ditto 7 July, 1784 7Buckley, Joseph Dorchester 16 March, 1786 7Burridge, Samuel Ditto 3 August, 1786 7Burn, PatrickBurn, SimonBusley, JohnBunn, Margaret London 26 April, 1786 7Burkitt, Mary Ditto 20 August, 1786 7Burdo, Sarah Ditto 25 Oct. 1786 7Carver, Joseph Maidstone 13 March, 1786 7Castle, James London 7 July, 1784 7Campbell, James, alias George Ditto 23 Feb. 1785 7Campbell, James Guildford 11 August, 1784 7Carney, John Exeter 22 July, 1782 7Carty, Francis Bodmin 14 August, 1786 7Carey, Ann Taunton 30 March, 1786 7Carter, Richard, alias Michael Cartwright Shrewsbury 13 March, 1784 7Cable, HenryCarroll, Mary, wife of James Carroll London 25 Oct. 1786 7Cesar, John Maidstone 14 March, 1785 7Chields, WilliamChaddick, Thomas London 7 July, 1784 7Church, William Dorchester 16 March, 1786 7Chaaf, William Exeter 20 March, 1786 7Chinery, Samuel Ditto 7 August, 1786 7Chanin, Edward Ditto 7 August, 1786 7Clough, Richard Durham 19 July, 1785 7Clements, Thomas London 7 July, 1784 7Clark, John, alias Hosier Ditto 6 April, 1785 7Clark, William Ditto 21 April, 1784 7Clarke, John Exeter 7 August, 1786 7Cleaver, Mary Bristol 4 April, 1786 7Clear, GeorgeClark, ElizabethConnelly, William Bristol 3 Feb. 1785 7Cormick, Edward Hertford 2 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