December

Saturday 1. Decr. 1821 !!!
The Commission of His Excellency M. Genl. Sir Thos. Brisbane K.C.B. as Govr. in Chief of N.S. Wales and its Dependencies, was this day read & Published by the Provost Marshal with all due solemnity, and the usual Forms & Ceremonies, in Hyde Park at 11,O'Clock in the forenoon in presence of all the Troops and Inhabitants; previous to which I addressed the Public in a short Speech.

We then returned to Govt. House, where the usual Oaths of Office were administered to the New Governor by the Judge Advocate, in presence of all the Civil & Military Officers of Government – and Principal Gentlemen of the Colony. —

In the Evening I entertained the Heads of Departments and Principal Officers of Government at Dinner. —

Sunday 2. Decr. 1821
Sir Thos. Brisbane & Family – and ours went together to Church today.

Monday 3. Decr.
Sir Thos. Brisbane & Family returned to Parramatta. —

Saturday 15. Decr. !!!
The Addresses from the Inhabitants of Sydney, & its Vicinity, were this day presented, by respectable Deputations, to His Excellency Sir Thos. Brisbane and myself, to which we made suitable answers.

I set out this afternoon in my own Carriage, accompanied by Sir Thos. Brisbane, on my projected Tour of Inspection to Bathurst; putting up at Govt. House Parramatta for the Night, and commencing my Journey with Mr. Judge Advocate Wylde on the Day following. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Diary 11 March 1821 - 12 February 1822.
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A774 pp.244-246 [CY Reel 301: Frames 660-662].

[Start of the Journal describing the Tour of Inspection to Bathurst]

Saturday 15. Decr. 1821.
I set out from Sydney this afternoon at 3,O'Clock in my own Carriage and four accompanied by Sir Thomas Brisbane, with whom I had promised to dine and spend the day at Parramatta, where we arrived at ½ past 4 P.M; — Mr. Judge Advocate Wylde having joined us at Dinner. —

Sunday 16. Decr.
At 6 a.m. I set out from Parramatta in my own Carriage accompanied by Mr. Judge Advocate Wylde, who makes one of my Party to Bathurst. — Two of the Horses (the Leaders) proving very restive, we were obliged to take them out of Harness and leave them behind; going on with only a Pair.

We reached Sir Jno. Jamison's at Regent Ville on the Right Bank of the River Nepean, a quarter before 9,O'Clock. — He received us very Hospitably and gave us an excellent Breakfast. — Lt. Lawson and Mr. David Johnston joined us at Sir John's at Breakfast; they being two of my Party for Bathurst.

We remained till 12 OClock at Regent Ville, expecting Mr. Meehan the Dy. Surveyor Genl. to join us there; – but not appearing then, we crossed the River to Emu Plains – where we were received by Mr. Fitzgerald Supdt. of the Govt. Agricultural Establishment.

We remained here for about Half an Hour, during which I wrote a Letter to my dear Mrs. M. — We then mounted our Horses, and pursued our Journey to Bathurst across the Blue Mountains.

I left my Carriage at Regent Ville; but took on my Curricle which had been converted into a very handsome Tandam [sic] for the present Journey, for me to travel in occasionally. —We had a very pleasant ride to Spring-Wood, the 1st. Depot on the mountains, 12 miles from Emu Plains, where we arrived at ½ past 3 OClock – having only walked our Horses all the way. — There is very good grazing all the way from Emu Plains to Spring Wood for both Sheep and Cattle, and a very good supply of fresh water from Springs at this Stage – which is a Military Station. — Here there ought to be a large Tract of Ground, of at least 1000 acres, reserved for the use of the Crown, and the Flocks & Herds of Individuals passing to and from Bathurst, on account of the good Forage and Water procurable here.

We sat down to a good Dinner precisely at 5,OClock; having found our Tents ready Pitched and everything in order for our reception on our arrival at Spring Wood; my Servants and Baggage having come on two days before me to this Stage. —

We walked out after Sitting a little while at Dinner, Drank Tea at ½ past 7; and intending to set out very early in the morning, we all retired to Bed at 9,O'Clock. —

Monday 17. Decr.
Set out from Spring Wood at ½ past 5 in the morning – having first sent off all our Baggage. — Arrived at Jamison's Valley at 9 O'Clock, disce. 16 miles from Spring Wood.

Found all our Baggage there, with the exception of one Cart, which did not arrive at the Ground till 11,O'Clock – when we Breakfasted; the Tea Box being in that Cart. — At ½ past 12, sent off our Baggage and pursued our Journey. — About 5 miles from Jamison's one of our Carts, having the Corn in it, broke down, and we sent back the Axle Tree to be repaired at the Forge of the Road Makers 3 miles in the Rear. — We arrived ourselves at Black-Heath, where we had determined to Halt for the Night, disce. 12 miles, at 4 P.M.; but the Carts with the Baggage did not arrive on the Ground till 8,O'Clock. — We had then to Pitch Tents &c. with Fire-light, and did not sit down to Dinner till 10,O'Clock. — At 9,O'Clock it became foggy – and when at Dinner it came on a Drizzling disagreeable Rain, with a very cold Easterly Wind, which made us all uncomfortable. We did not go to Bed till ½ past 11,O'Clock. —

Tuesday 18. Decr.
This is a very disagreeable rainy morning and therefore we were not in any hurry of getting up. — Between 6 & 7 OClock a.m. Mr. Meehan joined us at Black-Heath, and also the Cart which had broken down yesterday – now repaired. —

At 9 a.m. Set out after sending off the Baggage. At ½ past 10. arrived at Mount York, and descended the Pass into the Vale of Clwyd; but the Baggage Carts did not join us there till 1 P.M. We then pursued our Journey and arrived at Cox's River at ½ 2 P.M. – but the Baggage did not come up till 3,O'Clock, and here we took up our Ground for the Night, disce. from Black-Heath being 15 miles. —

Wednesday 19. Decr.
Set out from our last Halting Place at 6,O'Clock in the morning, crossing Cox's River at a very bad Ford for Wheel Carriages – and thence pursued our Journey over "Clarence's Hilly-Range", we arrived at the Fish River at 3 P.M. Disce. 17 miles, and Encamped on our last beautiful Ground there, close to the River. — It rained a little when we left our last Ground – but it soon afterwards cleared up and turned out a very fine warm day. — It proved very rough Travelling across Clarence's Hilly Range and tedious. One of the Baggage Carts upset coming down one of the Steep Hills, by which accident my pretty little Table with the Tea and Sugar Cannisters was broken to Pieces.—

We dined early, and we all took a very pleasant walk up the Left Bank of the Fish River after Dinner, going to Bed at 9,O'Clock. —

Thursday 20. Decr.!
A Cart with all our Breakfast things was sent off at 3,O'Clock this morning to Sidmouth Valley 7 miles on, with orders to Halt there and have Breakfast ready for us there by the time we should arrive. — We sent on the rest of the Baggage at 6,O'Clock, and followed it ourselves at the same time. — We arrived and Halted at Sidmouth Valley at 8,O'Clock. — Breakfast was quite ready, which I had the happiness of taking under the shadow of the same Tree that stood immediately in front of our Sleeping Tent when my dearest Elizabeth was with me here in May 1815.

Having made a very hearty Breakfast we pursued our Journey at ½ past Ten. — We turned off to the Right from the Road to "Campbell-River" towards "O'Connell-Plains", crossing the Fish-River to Hassell's Establishment, and thence through "Macquarie Plains" (– which at this time looked very beautiful indeed –) and afterwards through Bathurst Plains; visiting the different Farms located thereon, including Mr. Cox's Establishment, nearly opposite to the Town of Bathurst.

We crossed the Macquarie River, by the usual Ford, to the Town about 3,O'Clock, disce. from Fish River 25 miles by the Route we pursued.

We rode directly to the Government House, and put up our Horses. — I then went to see the Troops, the Stores, Barracks, Granary &c. &c.

I found a great number of the Natives waiting here for me for several Days, and they immediately came to see me at Government House – to the amount of 15 Persons. — We dined at 5,O'Clock – the Baggage having all arrived about 4,O'Clock.

In the Evening the little Town of Bathurst was very neatly illuminated in honor of my arrival in it – and the Natives entertained us with a very good Karauberie [sic] at Night, which lasted till 11,O'Clock; – at which Hour we retired to Bed. —

Friday 21. Decr. 1821.!
We Breakfasted at 8,O'Clock this morning – and went out on Horseback at ½ past 9 to take a long ride through the Country in the vicinity of the Town. At Crooked Corner I stopt [sic] for about Half an Hour to inspect the Govt. Herds of Black Cattle and Flocks of Sheep – all of which I found in excellent condition, and grazing in good Grounds. — We then pursued our Ride to Mount Pleasant; thence to Princess Charlotte Valley (– which is at this time looking most beautiful –), crossed the Hills to Queen Charlotte-Vale, and thence Homewards, calling at the Government Agricultural Establishment where I had the satisfaction of seeing a most luxuriant Crop of Wheat, Oats, and Flax. — Arrived at Home at ½ past 1,O'Clock, after a very hot ride of at least 16 miles. —

At 3 P.M. the Inhabitants and Settlers of the Settlement of Bathurst about 15 in number, waited on me with a congratulatory address, to which I made a suitable reply in writing. — In the Evening Bone-Fires [sic] and illuminations were made in the Town, and at all the Farms in sight of it, along the North Bank of the Macquarie River; and in the latter part of the Evening the Native[s] entertained us with another Grand Kauraberie [sic] in front of Government House.

Before Dinner I inspected all the accounts and Returns of Lieut. Lawson as Comdt. of Bathurst, and found all perfectly correct, and received all the necessary Returns from Him, and also from the Storekeeper. — Having now Completed all my Business at Bathurst, I have resolved on setting out early tomorrow morning on my return to Sydney. — I accordingly gave my Servants the necessary orders about sending off the Baggage at Day-break, and I retired to Bed at 10,O'Clock —

Saturday 22 Decr. !
Sent off the Baggage early this morning by the short Route to the Fish-River, through Bathurst, Macquarie, and O'Connell-Plains, intending to proceed ourselves by the Campbell River thither.

At 6 a.m. Set out from Town of Bathurst, leaving Mr. Meehan to measure Lands there. —

I stopped at the White Rock to inspect the Government Stock of Breeding Cows there, and was much gratified to find them all in such excellent condition. — We then pursued our Journey to the Campbell River, and to Lieut. Lawson's Establishment close to the Banks of that River on Mitchell's Plains. — Here we inspected his Stock of Horses, Horned Cattle, & Sheep, all which are excellent of their respective kinds. — Lieut. Lawson accompanied us from his Establishment for a few miles on our way, and then returned to his Station at Bathurst. —

We stopped to Breakfast at Sidmouth Valley, and having rested our men and Cattle there for two Hours, we continued our Journey to the "Fish River", where we arrived between 4 and 5,O'Clock in the afternoon and encamped there for the Night; the distance from Bathurst being 28 miles. — This day was exceedingly Hot. The Judge Advocate drove me in my Tandam [sic] the whole of this day's Journey. — We had a late Dinner – but went to Bed at 10,O'Clock. —

Sunday 23. Decr.
We broke up our Camp at the Fish River between 5 & 6,O'Clock this morning – and set out on our Journey, sending off our Baggage some time before us, and intending Breakfasting at Joke's [sic: Jock's] Bridge, 9 miles from the Fish River. — We had a very hot morning's Ride to Joke's Bridge, [sic] where we arrived at 9,O'Clock – and found Breakfast ready for us.

Having rested our Cattle at this Place for an Hour, we pursued our Journey to the foot of Mount York in the Vale of Clwyd, where we arrived at 3 P.M. ourselves, and the whole of the Baggage in about an Hour afterwards; the distance from the last Stage being 23 Miles. — Here we found a large Drove of between 2 and 300 Head of Horned Cattle on their way to Bathurst, which on enquiry we found belonged to Mr. Brown of Sydney; his two Nephews Messrs. O'Briens being in charge of them; – Mr. Wm. Broughton Junr. making one of their Party. — I was much concerned to find on the arrival of our Baggage at this Ground, that one of our best Cart Horses was dangerously ill, and that another was lame. — The former was immediately bled, and a Draught of hot Port Wine was poured down his throat at the same time which appeared to relieve him for the time; but the poor animal was already too far gone, for he died before we went to Bed in great agony of an Inflamation in his Bowels, supposed to be occasioned by his feeding on Wheat only at Bathurst and drinking too much Water on this day's Journey. — This untoward accident gave me a good deal of concern. — We did not dine till 7,O'Clock, but we went early to Bed.

Monday 24 Decr.!
We all got up at 5 this morning to prepare for ascending the Great Pass to the Summit of Mount York. — It was a very fine morning – but promised to give a very hot Day. — At ½ past 5 the first Cart was sent up the Pass. — At ½ past 6 we Breakfasted – and had all the other Baggage Carts packed up, and sent off in their Turn – one after the other; the good Horses having to return down the Pass to assist the indifferent ones. — We set out ourselves at 8, to ascend the Pass. — I rode up the easy part of it – and walked the rest of the more Steep part of it. — The whole of the Carts (5 in number) did not arrive on the Top of the Mountain till ¼ before 11,O'Clock – and then moved on for Black-Heath – the men as well as the Horses being greatly fatigued with the labour of ascending the Mountain, in consequence of the extreme Heat of the day and the constant hard work they had to undergo. — Mount York is only 700 feet high from the Vale of Clwyd, but the length of the Pass from the Top to the foot of the mountain is three quarters of a mile.

I rode in my Tandam [sic] from the Top of Mt. York to Black-Heath – where we arrived at 1 P.M., but the Baggage did not come up to the Ground till 4 P.M. — We then Pitched our Camp for the Night at Black-Heath; distance from the summit of Mount York being 9 miles. —

Dined at 6. – and went early to Bed. —

Tuesday 25. Decr.!!!
Got up at Sunrise – and had the Baggage sent off as soon as it could be Packed.

Followed it ourselves at 10 minutes after 6 – and arrived at "Jamison's Valley" at 9,O'Clock; disce. 12 miles. Here we halted to Breakfast, and rested our men and Cattle for some Hours. — At 1 P.M. we pursued our Journey again. — I rode the first part of this Stage, but on the Day getting very hot, I got into the Tandam, [sic] in which I was driven by Joseph the remaining part of this day's Journey.

We arrived at Spring Wood 20 mins. before 5 P.M. — The Road, the greater part of this stage, is execrably bad for a Carriage, and I was dreadfully jolted. — It is 16 miles from Jamison's Valley – ; our whole Journey this day being 28 miles. During our last stage, we passed "Caley's Repulse", and the "Bluff-Bridge"; the latter, as well as several other small parts of this last Stage, being lately greatly improved by Lieut. Lawson. —

On my arrival at Spring Wood, the Corporal of the Guard stationed there informed me that Mr. Fitzgerald had only gone back to Emu Plains about Half an Hour before; having remained here since morning expecting me to arrive every moment. — The Corporal also informed me that two Convict Ships had arrived at Sydney since our passing here on Sunday-Week. — Our Provision Cart with the Cook &c. arrived at Spring Wood at 10 mins. past 6 P.M. At 7 P.M. the whole of our Baggage arrived without any accident. — We dined at 8,O'Clock – and went afterwards soon to Bed.

Wednesday 26 Decr.
We all got up pretty early, took a Slight Breakfast, and ordered the Baggage Carts to be loaded – and to proceed leisurely to Emu Plains; there to halt a whole Day to refresh and rest both Men and Cattle; then to continue their Journey to Sydney, halting one day on the Western Road at Rope's Creek to rest themselves again. —

Mr. Fitzgerald arrived from Emu Plains just as we had Breakfasted – but brought us no particular news. — As soon as he had got his Breakfast, we set out on our Journey, leaving the necessary Instructions relative to our Baggage with Corporal Macquarie.

At 10 a.m. we reached Emu Plains, the Judge Advocate having driven me in my Tandam [sic].

We crossed the River soon afterwards to Sir Jno. Jamison's at Regent Ville, where he had a most comfortable Breakfast prepared for us. — Our Horses and the Curricle, crossing the River lower down at the same time. —

The Day being extremely hot and oppressive, we were easily prevailed upon by Sir John to remain within Doors till the Evening, and to take an early Dinner with him – which we accordingly did between 3 and 4,O'Clock. — At ¼ before 5, we all took our leave of Sir John, and pursued our Journey; myself Travelling in my own Chariot with a Pair of Horses only, and the Judge Advocate driving my Curricle, in Tandam [sic], with two Horses. —

I arrived at Parramatta at 8 P.M.; drank Tea with Sir Thos. & Lady Brisbane, remained with them for an Hour & a quarter; and then borrowing a Pair of Leaders of Sir Thomas, I set out for Sydney, where I arrived at ¼ before 11 at Night, and had the happiness to find my dearest Mrs. M. and our beloved Boy well in Health. —

L.M.

Memorandum !
Lt. Lawson has built a very fine large Barn at Bathurst – of Brick, and shingled. —

He has 150 acres of as fine Wheat now growing as I ever beheld in any Country; 15 acres of very fine looking Oats, and 3 acres of very good Flax, now in the Ground – and almost ripe for Cutting belonging to Government.—

The Macquarie Wheat thrives well here, and upwards of 50 acres of it has been sown this year.

L.M.

[End of the Journal describing the Tour of Inspection to Bathurst]

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal of a Tour of Inspection to Bathurst 15 December 1821 - 26 December 1821
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A783 1-38 ff. [CY Reel 303 Frames #260-298].

Wednesday 26. Decr.
I returned to Sydney late this Evening, after an absence of 11 Days on my Tour to Bathurst; referring for a more detailed account of the same to my Journal marked No. — which I kept my Proceeding during that tour. —

Thursday 27. Decr. 1821 !
Mrs. M. Lachn. & myself went up this afternoon to Parramatta to Dine with Sir Thos. & Lady Brisbane – and to spend a Couple of Days with them.

Friday 28. Decr. !!!
This Day the annual Congress of the Aborigines, or Black Native Tribes, took place at Parramatta Market Place – when there assembled 340 Men Women and Children to partake of the usual Feast. — Mrs. M. Lachn. and myself, went along with Sir Thos. Brisbane to see these poor inoffensive People, and I introduced the several Chiefs to the New Governor.

The Children of the Institution were afterwards Publickly examined, and the Progress they have made gave great satisfaction. — After this we returned Home and left the Natives to regale themselves. —

Saturday 29. Decr. 1821.
Mrs. M. Lachn., & myself, returned this morning from Parramatta to Sydney before Breakfast. —

Monday 31. Decr. !
Sir Thos. Brisbane came to Town to Breakfast to transact Business.

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Diary 11 March 1821 - 12 February 1822.
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A774 pp.246-248 [CY Reel 301: Frames 662-664].