Thursday 2d. Jany. 1812.
Having now finished my survey of Port Stephens, I directed Mr. Overand to sail early this morning on the turning of the Tide of Ebb for Newcastle. The Lady Nelson weighed accordingly at 1/2 past 2 a.m.; but it being quite a calm, she made little way in towing down the Harbour, and came to anchor again at 6 a.m. halfway between Meredith Island and the Heads. ---

At Noon weighed anchor again and sailed with the beginning of Ebb; the Sea Breeze however, from the North East having set in, and being against us, we made little progress, being obliged to work out of Port Stephens all the way. ---At 3 p.m. crossed the Bar and got clear out of the Heads of Port Stephens; and as soon as we cleared Point Stephens, which we did at half past 4 o'clock, we steered direct for New Castle [sic] with a fine fair Breeze at North East. ---At 9 p.m. arrived off Newcastle, distance 30 miles from Port Stephens; but it being too late for entering the Harbour, we lay off and on all Night, so as to have Daylight to go in with. ---

1 January 1812 | 3 January 1812