April

Apl. 28.
Monday! — The Honble. The Governor having received orders from the Earl of Mornington Governor General of Bengal to proceed forthwith to the City and District of Surat for the purpose of new modelling the Constitution and Government of that Town and its Dependencies, the present System in both being found very defective and inadequate; Governor Duncan having made the necessary preparations for his departure, announced this day to the Gentlemen of his Family that he intended Setting out tomorrow for Surat, and that he would embark very early in the morning at Mahim on board the Bombay Frigate; I made my arrangements accordingly by getting my friend Mr. Chas. Forbes to act for me as Dy. Paymr. Genl., and my friend Capt. Archd. Campbell of the 88th. Regt. as Major of Brigade, during my absence from the Presidency. — The Governor having gone out to Parell this Evening I accompanied him thither after Dinner and Slept there also. —

Apl. 29.
Tuesday! — At 6,O'Clock this morning Governor Duncan and Suite set out from Parell for Mahim, and embarked there at 8,O'Clock on board the Bombay Frigate Commanded by Capt. Selby. —

I accompanied the Governor in his own Carriage from Parell to Mahim, and he took that opportunity of telling me in confidence what his plans were in regard to the new modelling the Government and Constitution of Surat and its Dependencies. —

The Governor's Suite, besides myself, consist of the following Gentlemen – vizt. Mr. Jas. Augs. Grant Private Secretary. Capt. Saml. Wilson, ADC, & Persian Translator. Major Benjn. Forbes, Honorary Aide de Camp.

Mr. Morrison of the Civil Service, Revd. Mr. Wade, and Mr. De Souza Mercht. proceeded as Passengers along with us in the Bombay Frigate to Surat.

The Frigate weighed anchor and sailed soon after we got on board; but the Governor's Baggage Boats having dropped far astern, we were obliged to come to an anchor soon again to wait their coming up.

Apl. 30.
Wednesday! — Weighed anchor and sailed finally from Mahim Bar at Day–break this morning. — The Governor has brought the Bbay Garrison Band with him, which plays for us at our several meals, and is highly gratifying. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No.4: 28 September 1799 – 11 September 1801.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A769 pp.20–23 [Microfilm Reel: CY299 Frames #548–549].