At 7. a.m. I left the Govt. Cottage, attended by Major Morisset and the Gentlemen of my Suite, and set out in the Commandant's Boat to join the Brig which was then laying to for us in the offing, the Troops lining the Street leading to the Wharf as I passed to the Boat -- and the Battery saluting me with 19 Guns on my Embarkation. ---My kind and friendly Host Major Morisset, Lieut. Close, and Ensign McAlister accompanying me on board, where we arrived a qr. before 8 o'clock. ---I then took a kind leave of my Friends -- who returned on shore, whilst we made sail and stood out to Sea for a good offing; for, I am grieved to say, the Wind continues still foul -- blowing directly from the very quarter we want to go to. ---The Snapper Cutter sailed in company with us; and the little Dispatch Schooner Newcastle sailed about 3 Hours before us this morning. ---She is however still in sight.---

Major Morisett has most kindly sent his young friend Lachlan the following very handsome Present of Pets; vizt. Four Black Swans, Two Emus, Two Kangaroos (Foresters), One Wild Goose, and One Wanga-Wanga Pigeon; all which were sent on board this morning in high Health. ---Ensign McAlister has also sent Mrs. Macquarie a present of a number of rare Stuffed Birds of Hunter's River.---

By 3. p.m we had got a pretty good offing -- and the wind by that time altered a few Points in our favor [sic], but being very light we made little Progress in our Voyage. ---By 5. p.m. the Wind became still more favorable, and we were able to lay our course, going at the rate of about 4 Knots an Hour. ---At this time we were little more than abreast of Newcastle. ---At sunset the Breeze Freshened up a little more, and we began to make some progress along the Land. ---At 9. p.m. we were abreast of "Bird Island", which is about Halfway between Newcastle and Port Jackson. ---The Wind died away between 11 and 12 o'clock.

19 November 1821 | 21 November 1821