June

Friday 1. June !
Set out from Campbell-Town at ¼ past 12,O'Clock, and arrived at the Govt. Stock-Yard in Argyle Plains at ½ past 1. P.M. disce. 7 miles only.

Saturday 2. June 1821 !
I named our last Night's Station "Ross", in honor of H. M. Buchanan Esqr. – that being the name of his Seat on Loch-Lomond in Scotland; this part of Argyle Plains on the Right Bank of the Macquarie River being very beautiful and commanding a noble view. —

We set out from Ross at 10. a.m. and arrived at Wright's in York Plains at 1. P.M. Disce. 18 miles. — In passing through Salt Pan Plains, named a pretty Peaked Hill "Mount Montague" on East side of the Plains. — Named also a very high Hill, South of Antill Ponds, "Belle Vue" on account of the grand, fine, and beautiful Prospect from the Top of it.

Further on towards Wright's, passed a fine Springs called Tin-Dish-Hole, which I have changed into a fitter and more appropriate designation by calling them "Sorell Springs". — Named three very beautiful Peaked Hills in York-Plains, "Mount Stewart", "Mount Robeck" and "Wylde's Hill". —

Sunday 3. June 1821.
At ¼ past 11. a.m. set out from Wright's Farm (now named "Meadow Banks") in York Plains. — At ¼ past 12 – Halted at the Great Lagoon (about six miles from Wright's) in Westmoreland Plains, and fixed on the Site of a Township on the Banks of the said Lagoon, naming it "Oatlands". This is a most eligible situation for a Town being well watered – and in the midst of a rich fertile Country; being 30 miles distant from Campbell-Town.

I afterwards named a pretty Valley, connecting Westmoreland with Woodford Plains, "Gordon Valley", – in honor of the late Countess of Westmoreland's maiden Surname. — At ½ past 2. P.M. we arrived at the Govt. Hut on the North side of Spring-Hill, where we took up our Quarters for the Night.

Monday 4. June 1821.
Sent off all our Baggage at 10. a.m. and at 11. a.m. followed it ourselves. — The Baggage Carts found great difficulty in crossing and descending Spring Hill – which is exceedingly steep – and execrable bad road. — This detained us very much – and one Baggage Cart was upset going down the Hill. — During this day's Journey I gave the following new names to different Places along our Track, Vizt. "Curzon-Downs", —"Meredith Forest" (called hitherto The Cross Marsh –) —"Meredith-Peak", —"Curzon-Peak" (so named in honor of Miss Meredith and Miss Curzon Friends of Mrs. Macquarie); passed thro' Glenforsa, and over Constitution Hill; arriving at Hayes's Farm on Bagdad Plains at 5. P.M. disce. 20 miles from Govt. Hut where we rested last Night. —The last of [the] Baggage did not get up till 8,O'Clock at Night. — This House is by far the worst accommodation we have had during the Journey.

Tuesday 5. June 1821. —
Our Baggage was sent off at 9,O'Clock this morning, and we followed it at Ten ourselves.

At 11. a.m. Halted on Bagdad Plains, and fixed on the Site of a Township there on a Peninsula formed by the River Jordan and "Strathallan Creek" (so named now) possessing all the requisites for a Town of a plentiful supply of Water, rich fertile Country around it, and plenty of Stone for Building and within 3 miles of the River Derwent. — I have named the intended Township "Brighton" in honor of our present gracious Sovereign's favorite place of residence.

The great Hill on the South East of the Town I have named "Mount Price", – and another pretty Peaked Hill on the East of it "Harcourt Hill", in honor of Mrs. Macquarie's friends of those Names respectively. —The fine Tract of Land on the West side of the Jordan, I have named (after Mrs. Macquarie's mother's Family Estate –) "Stonefield Plains". —

After admiring the beautiful grand scenery in the vicinity of this new "Brighton", we pursued our Journey along the Plains to Austin's Ferry. — On the Road thither we were met first by Mr. Thrupp, Free Settler, and afterwards by Major Bell. We stopped at the Farm of the Former – about a mile off the Road, a pretty place, and which I have named "Thrupp Vale"– at the Owner's own request.

Whilst I went to this Farm Mrs. M. with Lachn. proceeded in the Carriage to the Ferry in charge of Major Bell, and crossed it before my arrival there, – which I did at ½ past 3. P.M. then crossed, and arrived at Austin's at 4, O'Clock. — Here we dined and took up our Quarters for the Night; Major Bell and Mr. Thrupp having staid to dine with us. —

Wednesday 6. June !
After Breakfasting at Austin's, set out in the Carriage, with Mrs. Macquarie and Lachlan to visit the District of New Norfolk, Elizabeth Town &c. &c.

We arrived at the Government Cottage at ½ past 3. P.M. disce. 13 miles, the Road thither being very rough. — The Cottage is a very pretty one; and afforded us excellent accommodation. — It is built on a beautiful Point, forming a part of Elizabeth Town, almost surrounded by the River Derwent – and "Lachlan's River" now so named (– being hitherto called the Thames which name is thus discontinued for the future) in honor of Lachlan; the Town being called after his Mother. — Majors Bell and Taylor, Dr. Redfern, Mr. Evans, and Lt. Macquarie, were of our Party to New Norfolk, and we sat down at 5 O'Clock to a very good Dinner at the Cottage.

Thursday 7. June 1821.
Set out after Breakfast in company with Major Bell, Dr. Redfern & Mr. Evans, to inspect the New Road now constructing thro' the Settlement of New Norfolk to the District named Macquarie – and also to see the Farms on either side of the River. — We rode as far as Mr. Thompson's Farm in the Macquarie District, about Ten miles from Elizabeth Town – and then returned Home to Dinner. — I named a lofty Hill opposite to Mr. Thompson's Farm "Mount Bell", and that part of the New Road constructed in the face of the Hill along the River Derwent, commencing at Elizabeth Town, I have named "Bell's Terrace", both in honor of Major Bell; great credit being due to this officer (in his Capacity of Engineer) for his zeal, activity, and skill in planning and constructing this and the other new Roads here and near Hobart Town.

After returning Home to the Cottage, I named a very high beautiful conical Hill to the Westward of Elizabeth-Town "Taylor's Peak" in honor of Major Taylor, now making one of our little Party. —

Friday 8. June 1821.
Having seen the principal parts of the New Norfolk and Macquarie Districts and the new Roads now constructing in these Districts, as well as the Road made by Contract by the late Mr. Dennis McCarty, from Hobart Town to Elizabeth Town, we took leave of our friends in this Quarter and set out at 1. P.M. by water on our return to Hobart in a Small Boat, preferring this mode of Travelling to going by Land on account of the badness of the Road between Elizabeth Town and Austin's Ferry.

Soon after setting out we called to inspect Mr. Terry's new Water Mill on the River Lachlan, close to Elizabeth Town, and after spending about Half an Hour there, we pursued our Voyage down the River Derwent – which we found very pleasant – the weather being very fine. —We arrived at Austin's at a quarter past 4. P.M. where we found all our friends who had proceeded by Land waiting for us – and all our Baggage – as well as our Carriage safely arrived. — Majors Bell & Taylor went on to Hobart Town. — Dr. Scott & Lt. Robinson met us at Austin's and staid to dine with us there. — We sat down to a very excellent Dinner at ½ past 5,O'Clock.

Saturday 9. June 1821.
We got up rather late – the morning being very dark and foggy – and did not Breakfast till 11,O'Clock. — The Fog continued heavy till ½ past 12,O'Clock; and having resolved on going by Water to Hobart Town, we set out in the Naval Officer's Boat at ¼ before 1. P.M. — Previous to leaving Austin's, Mrs. Macquarie & myself (after obtaining the sanction of Austin & his Partner Earl) named their Place "Roseneath" (the Seat of the Duke of Argyle on the River Clyde) on account of the great Beauty and very Picturesque Scenery of this Place and its similitude to [the place of] the same name in Scotland.

On our way to Hobart Town, we stopped at Risdon Cove to visit Major & Mrs. McLeod at their present residence there, – and remained with them for about Half an Hour. — We then pursued our Voyage in the midst of very heavy Rain – and arrived at Hobart-Town, all safe at ¼ past 4,O'Clock; taking up our Quarters once more at Mr. Birch's after an absence of Five Weeks ! —

Sunday 10. June 1821.
The Ship Caroline Capt. Taylor returned this day from Sydney which she left only on the 5th. Instant, being only 5 weeks absent from Hobart Town. — I intend returning to Sydney in this ship – and her Commander promises to be ready to sail by this day-fortnight !

Monday 11 June !!!
On opening the Post Office Mail this day, which lately was received by the Ship Marshal Wellington from England, I received a Letter from Mr. Goulburn Under Secry. of State, giving me Private information that Majr. Genl. Sir Thos. Brisbane K.C.B. had been selected by the King to succeed me as Govr. of N.S. Wales, and that he was expected to sail in February !

Wednesday 20. June 1821.
At ½ past 9. a.m. set out on a Tour of Inspection to the Districts of Pitt Water and Coal River accompanied by Lt. Govr. Sorell, Lt. Robinson, Dr. Redfern, Mr. Evans & Lt. Macquarie.

We ferried from Hobart Town to Kangaroo Bay (disce. 2 miles) where we found our Horses ready waiting for us – and set out from thence at 10,O'Clock; arrived at the Bluff on Pitt Water at ½ past 12 at Noon, disce. 10 miles, and ferried from thence to Pitt Water District, disce. 4 mile –, where we landed at ½ past 1. P.M. near Mr. Wade's Farm. —We met several of the most respectable Settlers waiting there for us, along with Mr. Gordon the Magistrate of the District.

From the Landing Place we proceeded to the Ground intended for the site of the Township, which I named "Sorell" in honor of the Lt. Governor.

It is a beautiful commanding Piece of Ground, centrical for the District – and well watered by a running stream; – a Jail has been already built here – and I have now marked out the site of a School House and temporary Place of Worship. There is Water Carriage to this Town, which is highly advantageous.

From Sorell we proceeded to the Farm of Mr. Reardon disce. 2 miles, and took up our Quarters at his House, it being a very good one. —

Our Servants and Baggage had arrived there the day before, and we sent our Horses round from the Bluff to the narrow Ferry of Pitt Water at Mr. Gordon's. —

Thursday 21. June !
We set out from Reardon's after Breakfast this morning at ½ past 10, to visit the several Farms of this beautiful rich District, returning Home by "Orielton Park" (the Farm of Mr. Edward Lord) and the Town of Sorell. — We did not get back to Reardon's till past 5 O'Clock; but I was very highly gratified with my day's Excursion. —

Friday 22. June 1821 !
Intending to return Home by the District of the Coal River, we got up early this morning, and at 8,O'Clock set out from Reardon's for the Coal River by the Short Road. — On the way we were met by Mr. Gunning and a number of respectable Settlers well mounted, who accompanied us to Mr. Gunning's Farm, where an excellent Breakfast awaited us, and of which we all partook very heartily. — After viewing Mr. Gunning's beautiful Farm, new Garden, and other Improvements, we pursued our Journey Homewards, passing through the Farms of Messrs. Gavin, Staines, Troy, Carney, Col. Davey, Lt. Govr. Sorell &c. &c. – and arrived at Kangaroo-Bay (the Ferrying Place) at ¼ past 4. P.M.; Crossed immediately and landed at Hobart Town at ¼ before 5 O'Clock, having travelled at least 30 miles this day. — I had the happiness of finding Mrs. Macquarie and Lachlan in good Health. —

Saturday 23. June !
The Govt. Brig Eliz: Henrietta Capt. Gray, sailed this morning on her return to Port Jackson, with a Cargo of Govt. Wheat, Oil, and Wool – and also a number of Prisoners & other Passengers. —

Monday 25. June 1821.
I attended the Marriage of Miss Davey & Dr. Scott this day – and gave her a Grant of 1000 acres of Land for her own exclusive use. —

Tuesday 26. June 1821.
I entertained Lt. Govr. Sorell and all the Civil & Military Officers of Government, this day at Dinner – being 28 in number at Table. —

I inspected Major Bell's Company this forenoon at the Barracks.

In the afternoon the Ship Lady Ridley Commanded by Capt. Weir with 137 male Convicts on board, from England, anchored in the Harbour.

She sailed from Falmouth on the 23d. of January last.

Wednesday 27. June 1821.
I dined this day with Lt. Govr. Sorel [sic] –, who gave a fare-well Dinner in honor of my approaching Departure, having had all the Civil and Military officers of Govt. to meet me. —

Thursday 28. June !
We had Major & Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Burn & Mr. Moodie to Dine with us in a Family way. —The McLeods took leave.

Friday 29. June.
Lt. Govr. Sorell, Lt. Robinson, and Lt. Marshall dined with us today in a Family way; previous to our departure. —

Saturday 30. June 1821.
Having engaged my Passage on the Ship Caroline Capt. Taylor for returning to Port Jackson, the Ship being reported ready, and all the objects of my Tour of Inspection to Van Diemen's Land being now completed, this day was fixed on for my Embarkation; previous to which, however, I visited the Jail, attended by the Lt. Govr., Judge Advocate Wylde & the Magistrates, and on the occasion of my departure, I ordered Twenty One Prisoners confined under slight sentences to have mercy extended to them – and to be released.

At 12,O'Clock I went to the Govt. House, where I was waited upon by all the Civil Officers of Government, the Military being drawn up there to receive me; and after receiving their compliments, I proceeded to the Wharf accompanied by [the] Lt. Governor and all the Civil Officers – and where I was met by all the Principal Inhabitants of the Town – who gave me three Cheers on my leaving the Wharf in the Government Barge – a Salute of 19 guns commencing firing at the same time from Mulgrave's Battery.

Mrs. Macquarie went to pay some visits in Town on my leaving our Quarters at Birch's, and embarked from the Naval Officer's Wharf quietly by herself in a different Boat, accompanied by Mrs. Scott; —Lachlan, accompanied by Master Edmund Sorell (– who proceeds under our Protection to Sydney to be placed at the Revd. Mr. Reddall's Academy) and Charley Whalan, having gone on board with me. — The Honble. Mr. Judge Advocate Wylde also embarked with me on board the Caroline on his return to Sydney – as did likewise Major Taylor and Doctor Redfern. — We got on board the Caroline at 1. OClock – and Mrs. Macquarie in about a quarter of an Hour after us.

The Caroline got under weigh at 2. P.M. – and Lt. Govr. Sorell – and our other Shore friends, then bid us adieu and returned on shore. —

Mr. Theodore Bartley, our dear Boy's Tutor, has remained in Van Diemen's Land, at his own particular request to become a Free Settler there. — We have asked Capt. Taylor of the Caroline to live with us during the Voyage to Sydney, and he has accepted our invitation. —

The Wind was Northerly and consequently very favorable for carrying us out of the Harbour – which we cleared, and got out to Sea by 5,O'Clock in the Evening – when the Pilot left us. I wrote a short Note by him to Lt. Govr. Sorell.

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal of a Voyage and Tour of Inspection to Van Diemen's Land.
4 April 1821 – 12 July 1821.
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A784 86-117 ff. [CY Reel 303 Frames #387-416].