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November
Thursday 1. Novr. 1821 ! Journal of A Voyage — and Tour of Inspection — from Port Jackson — to the Settlements of Port Macquarie, and Newcastle: — In November 1821. —
Thursday 1. Novr. 1821. The Snapper Cutter, commanded by Mr. — Fish, accompanied us as a Tender, to land us at such Places as might have too little depth of Water for the Brig. — The two Vessels got under weigh at ½ past Two, with a fine fair Breeze at South West, and got entirely clear of the Heads by Half past 3,O'Clock. — It rained a little all the afternoon, and the Breeze freshened a good deal by the time we had cleared the Heads. — The good faithful honest Serjt. Whalan remained with us on board till we got down to the Heads, and then left us along with the Depy. Harbour Master, Milton. — My old faithful Valet George was too unwell to accompany me on this Voyage. — Joseph the Coachman, Martin, the asst. Cook, Hammond, and Corpl. Macquarie, formed my Establishment of Servants on this occasion, besides Five Men of my own Barge's crew to man the Master attendant's Boat, which, as being so much lighter than my own Barge, I have preferred taking with me on the present Service. On going on board the Elizabeth Henrietta in the Cove, I could not help being greatly struck, and highly pleased, with the excellent order, extreme neatness, and judicious arrangement made for my accommodation and comfort in every respect. For all this, as usual, I am indebted to my dear Mrs. M. who had, unknown to me, gone on board, and given directions for all these comfortable arrangements being made some days before. We sat down to a very good Dinner at 4,O'Clock; but the motion was so great that none of us ate much. By sunset it came on a very smart Gale – with a high Sea – and we were going 8 Knots! — I went early to Bed, and instead of a swinging Cott, I slept in one of the Standing Bed Places, the Cabin being rather too small for a Hanging Cott to swing easy & comfortably in such severe motion. — I found the Standing Birth indeed the more comfortable of the two, and slept very well in it. —
Friday 2. Novr. At 6 a.m. the Wind headed us, blowing very strong, with a high sea, and current against us, which drove us to leeward and off the Land. — The Wind continued foul till 4 P.M. when it again shifted to the South West, and continued to blow so all Night. —
Saturday 3. Novr. !!! We had therefore nothing for it but to endeavour to keep what we had gained – by making Short Boards to prevent our being blown off the Land. — At 4 P.M. we were most agreeably surprised to see the lost Cutter in shore – and apparently coming out from Port Macquarie. — She joined by 5,O'Clock, and brought us out the Pilot of that Port, who had set out to come off to us the moment we hove in sight. — The Cutter had not sustained any accident on Thursday night – but finding the Sea run so very high, her Master had thought it prudent to leave us and keep close to the Shore to avoid danger. On the Cutter joining us, the Pilot came on board the Brig, but gave us no hope of getting into Port Macquarie before tomorrow forenoon, the Wind being directly against us. — We continued working up the Bay the whole of the Night, the Weather being very fine and moderate, with a Bright Moon. — This day being the 14th. anniversary of our Wedding Day, we all drank my dear Elizabeth & our Darling, in a hearty Bumper! —
Sunday 4. Novr. 1821 ! We put off from the Cutter at 9,O'Clock attended by the Pilot, to convey us safely over the Bar into the Port. We arrived at the outside of the Bar at ½ past 11, when the Pilot made a signal for his own Whale–Boat to convey us across the Bar; our own Boat not being considered so safe to cross it. — This took about Half an Hour to arrange. We then removed to the Whale Boat, got quite easy and safe across the Bar, and landed at the Settlement of Port Macquarie at Half past 12,O'Clock; Capt. Allman the Commandant, receiving us at the Landing Place, at the Head of his Company which was drawn up under Arms on the Beach; the Convicts, with their Supdt. at their Head, being also drawn up on the Beach a little distance to the Left of the Troops, to receive us, and on my stepping out of the Boat on shore gave me three Cheers. We proceeded from the Landing Place immediately to the Commandant's House, where Mrs. Allman, with her Family of Children, was ready to receive and give us a Hearty friendly welcome, in a very comfortable neat Cottage; in which both she and Capt. Allman made a point of taking a Room to sleep in, instead of sleeping in a Tent as I purposed doing. I accordingly availed myself of their kind invitation. At 2,O'Clock the Snapper came to her anchorage in Harbour, having crossed the Bar very easily. — We now became anxious about the Brig, as we feared she drew too much water to cross it without touching. — Our apprehensions proved groundless, for, at 4,O'Clock, we had the pleasure of seeing her cross it in perfect safety, and in ten minutes after she came to her moorings in the Harbour. — This is by far the largest Vessel that has ever yet crossed the Bar of Port Macquarie. — I was not a little shocked and mortified at seeing my old friend and acquaintance, the Lady Nelson high and dry on the Beach the inside of the Bar, where she has lain a wreck ever since her being stranded here in April last, when Capt. Allman came to establish the Settlement, and at which time similar disasters befel [sic] the other two Vessels forming the Expedition, namely the Mermaid Cutter and Prince Regent Schooner; but the two latter Vessels, altho' considerably damaged, were ultimately saved. — It affords me, however, sincere pleasure to learn from Mr. Nicholson that the poor old Lady can be not only saved, but also rendered as useful as ever. He is to set about this very important work tomorrow accordingly. — We all dined with Capt. Allman this day – but he and Mrs. Allman have agreed to live with me the rest of my stay here. —
Monday 5. Novr. ! Lieut. Wilson & asst. Surgeon Fenton (the only Gentlemen now belonging to the Settlement besides Capt. Allman) dined with me today Camp–Fashion, my two Tents having been Pitched close to Capt. Allman's Cottage. We sat down Ten at Dinner including Mr. Gray the Commander of the Elizabeth Henrietta. The 4 Cows & 4 Calves brought down for the use of the Settlement in the Elizabeth Henrietta, were landed this afternoon, all well and in high condition.
Tuesday 6. Novr. !!! I afterwards proceeded to view and examine the Ground most fit for the Site of the future Town. — Having so done I could find none more suitable and convenient than the Ground recommended and pointed out by Mr. Oxley in his last Report to me on this subject in December 1820. — I therefore determined at once on adopting his recommendation, which I consider a very judicious one, as combining Beauty with convenience. — This Ground runs Parallel with the Harbour and Beach, consisting of a Flat or Plain extending from the foot of "Allman's Hill" (on which the Military Barracks are built –) to the east Bank of Shoal Arm Creek, being a distance of nearly ½ a mile, along the Beach and Harbour, and extending in Depth, Southerly, to "Oxley's Terrace", in distance ¼ of a mile to the foot of that fine rising Ground, and thence in the same direction to the Narrow arm of Shoal Creek, but better known by the name of "Shoal Arm"; which forms a marked natural Boundary line for the Town on the Western and Southern sides thereof; the Sea, or Harbour, forming the Northern, and "Allman's Hill" the Eastern Boundary thereof. — This is a most convenient site for the future Town, it being so very close to the Harbour, and very well supplied with Fresh Water Stream which runs nearly through the middle of it, and falls into the Harbour, where Ships & Vessels can easily be supplied with as much fresh Water as they can possibly require. — There is also abundance of most excellent Timber for Building growing close in the vicinity of the Town, and along the Banks of Shoal. — There are very fine verdant Hills, immediately in the Rear of the Town, which afford excellent rich Pasturage for Cattle; and it is intended to reserve those Hills for a Common for the use of the Town, after enclosing a certain proportion of them for a Government Domain. — Having thus fixed on the Site of the future Town of Port Macquarie, I directed Mr. Meehan to lay down the Plan of it on Paper, and submit it for my final approval. — The necessary arrangements having been made yesterday and this morning for that purpose, the first attempt was made this day at Noon to haul up the poor old Lady Nelson to a Place of safety on the Beach, where she will be out of the reach of the Tides, so as to admit of her being repaired and again rendered useful for the Public Service. They succeeded in hauling her up above three feet; but the Purchase on her not being sufficiently Strong, it gave way, and they will be obliged to make a Stronger one before she can be hauled up a sufficient distance from the High Water–mark, which they expect to be able to do tomorrow, Mr. Nicholson being indefatigable in his exertions to execute this very important Service. — We dined as yesterday in my Tent today – and had a very good Dinner, drinking Prosperity to the new Town laid out this day in a Bumper.
Wednesday 7. Novr. ! We rowed up the Hastings as far as the westernmost End of Rawdon Island, which is about 15 miles above the Settlement of Port Macquarie; we then returned, and landed on the South Bank of the River in a beautiful rich Tract of Forest Land, where we remained for an Hour and a Half to rest and refresh our Boat's Crew. — The whole of this River, as far as we went, is very finely wooded on both Banks, is a noble Stream of Water, and of a sufficient depth to admit of small Vessels of 30 Tons navigating it as far as the Western end of Rawdon Island. — The medium Breadth of it is about a quarter of a mile, but it is much broader in some Places, and there are some Reaches of it at least two miles long. — We saw some Natives at a distance – but we were not near enough to speak to them. — They have lately manifested a very hostile Spirit towards our People here, by frequently throwing spears at the men employed up the River in procuring Rose–Wood & Cedar, on one of which occasions a very useful man was killed, by a spear passing through his Body, of which wound he immediately died. This violent attack and Treachery only took place about a fortnight ago, since which the Natives have been very shy – and never come near the Settlement; concluding they would be severely Punished, if caught, for their Treacherous cruel conduct. — After a very pleasant excursion up the Hastings, we got back by 3,O'Clock to the Settlement; and on our arrival, received the gratifying intelligence, that the Lady Nelson was now out of all danger, having been hauled up, in the course of this day, no less than 36 feet higher on the Beach, which will admit of her being now repaired and fitted out for Sea. — Great credit is due to Mr. Nicholson for his persevering exertions in executing this Service. I inspected Capt. Allman's Company this afternoon at 5,O'Clock, and found the men in good order and excellent Health. I also inspected the Barracks of the Single and married men, and found both in good order, clean, and commodious. — We all dined together today again — but dined in Capt. Allman's Cottage instead of my Tent, which I had ordered to be Struck and put on board preparatory to our Sailing tomorrow morning – which we intend – and hope to be able to do; with which view, all our heavy Baggage was put on board the Elizabeth Henrietta this afternoon. —
Thursday 8. Novr. 1821. ! At 6,O'Clock I mustered and inspected all the Convicts, 94 in number, and found them all looking well and Healthy – well Clothed and without any Complaint whatever. — At ½ past 6, we sat down to Breakfast, and at 7 the two Vessels weighed anchor – and made sail to cross the Bar; the Boats being obliged to tow them out on account of it's [sic] being almost a dead Calm. — A Strong Breeze however came on from the Eastward, which knocked up all our hopes of getting out for this day – both Vessels being obliged to return to their former anchorage. — This was a sad disappointment to me; as I was most anxious to get away today, all my Business here being now completed, and being now absent a week from Sydney.
Friday 9. Novr. 1821!!! The Elizabeth Henrietta was warped out however some few Hours afterwards, on the Tide of Ebb making strong, through the narrowest and most dangerous part of the Channel, and anchored about one Hundred Yards beyond the innermost Large Rock, between which & the North Shore the Tide runs the strongest. This was done with [the intention?] of being ready to cross the Bar with the first spurt of Wind from the Westward, or North West. — Having sent all my Servants and Baggage on board in the forenoon, I determined on Dining and Sleeping on board tonight. — I accordingly took leave of Mrs. Allman, and embarked at ½ past 4 P.M.; being accompanied on board, and to Dinner by Capt. Allman, Lieut. Wilson, and asst. Surgeon Fenton; Lieut. Wilson having received my permission to proceed to Sydney to bring down his Sister, forms now one of my Party on board the Elizabeth Henrietta. Between 8 and 9 o'clock, Capt. Allman & Dr. Fenton left us. — At 9, being then high Water, a very nice Breeze at North West, & a fine moon–light Night, the Pilot assured us he could get the Brig safely over the Bar; a Boat, with a Light, being placed on the Sunken, or Beacon Rock, immediately at the entrance over the Bar. We accordingly got under weigh and made easy sail; there being 3 Boats also towing us out. — We got on very well for the first 200 yards. — The Brig then struck the ground lightly, and continued striking less or more for about 100 yards further – sometimes rather violently; – and just as we had got to the Tail of the Bar, and within a Pistol shot of the Boat with the Light on the Sunken Rock, the Wind unfortunately headed us, and rendered our proceeding further impracticable, although in five minutes more we should have been over the Bar, and clear of all danger. — We were of course constrained to put back and get to a safe anchorage as soon as possible, which we accomplished about Ten O'Clock; having however struck slightly two or three times in getting to our Birth [sic] for the Night, which was not a very pleasant one, being surrounded on all sides by Rocks, Shoals, and Breakers; but the Pilot and Master considered it a sufficiently safe one. — Concluding all was safe, I went to Bed at 11,O'Clock, and Slept very sound during the rest of the Night.
Saturday 10. Novr. ! By 10,O'Clock, we fortunately at length succeeded in getting the Elizabeth Henrietta to her old anchorage at the Natural Wharf; and during her Progress thither, we had also succeeded in unshipping the Rudder, bringing it on Deck, and setting all our Carpenters and Smiths at work to repair it and make new Pintels &c &c all which we expect to complete, and also to be able to Ship and Hang our Rudder again before Sunset this same day, so as to be able to sail tomorrow in case the Wind should then favour us. A Party of Soldiers which were fortunately sent on board yesterday, to assist in warping out the Brig, were found very serviceable in the laborious exertions of this morning. I took a walk on shore before Dinner to look again at the old Lady Nelson – which I found now Hauled up, in excellent safe Situation, on the Beach ready to undergo the necessary previous Repairs to enable her to go to Sydney – which are to be commenced upon immediately – and which are expected to be completed in about Two months hence! — I also saw and inspected a very fine Raft of 22 Logs of Cedar & 1 large one of Rose–wood, brought down by Mc.Manus the Overseer of the Wood Cutters yesterday, down the River Hastings from the First Falls. — The Cedar is large and of excellent quality. — The Rose–wood Log is fifteen feet long, and 2½ feet in Diameter. — I have ordered two of the largest Logs that can be found of Rose–wood and Cedar to be cut down and sent me up to Sydney for carrying Home with me as specimens of the Wood of Port Macquarie. — Capt. Allman & Dr. Fenton dined on board with me today also, and took their leave after Tea. — The Rudder was completely repaired and finished by Sunset, and was immediately Hung and Shipped; it being now greatly improved by being much reduced in weight. — We therefore hope to be able to get [out] with tomorrow's High Water Tide.
Sunday 11. Novr. 1821. !!! Having to land the Soldiers who came out to assist in towing us over the Bar, we lay too [sic] for some time for that purpose, and did not stand out to Sea till 12,O'Clock at Noon, when we pursued our Voyage for Newcastle. — I have brought one old (– a Forester) and two young Kangaroos – and one young Black Swan, from Port Macquarie, as Presents from Capt. Allman for my dear Lachlan, all of which are in good Health. — We had no sooner cleared the Land than the Sea rose very high, and it blew a very fresh gale directly against us, and continued so to do all day; occasioning a violent motion, and making us all very sick and uncomfortable. — During the Night, it blew still more violently, and we shipped several very heavy Seas, one of which stove in the Bulwark of the Starboard side of the Main Deck. — The violence of the motion occasioned the loss of our Lamp, which was broke to Pieces by one of the Lee Lurches. — I could not sleep owing to this violent motion. and never suffered so much from Sea Sickness in my life. — The Snapper Cutter, which sailed with us from Port Macquarie kept company with us till 12,O'Clock at Night – after which she was lost sight of, and was supposed to have stood in closer to the Land on account of the violence of the Gale. —
Monday 12. Novr. 1821.
Tuesday 13. Novr. ! At ½ past 3. P.M. a light Breeze from the North West sprang up in our favor – and by Sunset we were abreast of Sugar Loaf Point, which is only 45 miles from Newcastle; so that we hope to get in there in the course of tomorrow. Lachlan's youngest Kangaroo being hurt during the late heavy Gale died this afternoon altho' every pains were taken to save his Life. He was a pretty little fellow, and I was very sorry at losing him. — Lachlan's remaining Pets are doing very well. —
Wednesday 14. Novr. At 1. P.M. a Light air of Wind at N. East sprang up, and we began to make a little way in our proper course. — At ½ past 2. P.M. we were abreast of Port Stephens, and I could very distinctly see "Meredith Island" (so named by me in Decr. 1811) which divides the Outer from the Inner Harbour. — We saw at the same time a small Schooner going into Port Stephens. At ½ past 4. P.M. we came up with the Govt. Sloop Sally (Mr. Kinnier Master), which had just come out of Port Stephens, whither she had been driven by the late Gale of Wind after leaving Newcastle for Sydney with a Cargo of Coals. This Vessel sailed from Sydney on the Evening of the 7th. Inst., and informs us that on that same day the new Governor Sir Thos. Brisbane had arrived at Port Jackson from England on bd. the Private Merchant Ship "The Royal George"! and that the "John Barry" with Male Convicts had also arrived on the same day. — The Breeze freshened a good deal at 5. P.M. when we were going about 6 Knots, and fast approaching towards our destined Port. — At Sunset we could see the Settlements of Newcastle, and the Light soon afterwards; Nobby Island being distinctly seen before it became dark. — At 9. P.M. we anchored in Newcastle Harbour. — Before we came to anchor, my old friend & acquaintance, Major Morisset the Comdt. came on board to wait on me, and delivered me some Letters from Sydney; one of which was from my dearest Mrs. M. – which was the only one of them that I then read – & was rejoiced to find all was well. — Major Morisset having strongly urged me to land and take up my residence at the Govt. House, I yielded to his pressing kind invitation, and accordingly landed at ½ past 9. P.M. the officers of the Settlement receiving me at the Pier Head. — I found everything prepared for my comfortable accommodation at Government House.
Thursday 15. Novr. 1821. Having accordingly taken an early Breakfast at Government House, we set out at 9,O'Clock on our Voyage up the River; the Comdt. and myself going in his Barge, and the Gentlemen of our respective Suites – vizt. Lieut. Johnston, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Meehan, Lieut. Close, Lieut. Wilson, and Lieut. Macquarie, in two other Boats. We halted at two separate Places on the River – vizt. at the Hollow Tree – and at Nelson's Plains to refresh the Men & give them a Dram. — At the latter Place there is a very neat Govt. Cottage, which Major Morisset had very lately built on hearing that my dear Mrs. M. had some intention of accompanying me to this Settlement. He calls it the Nelson "Auberge". — It is very commodious, neat, and clean – and built in the Rustic Style. — It is about 30 miles distant from Newcastle by Water. — From this Station, after Half an Hour's Rest, we prosecuted our Voyage, and at 3. P.M. arrived and landed at the Green Hills, 45 miles from Newcastle; and sending the Boats round by the River to Wallis's Plains, we set out by Land for that Place, across an Istmus [sic], or Neck of Land not more than 5 miles from where we landed, whereas it is 30 miles by the River. — Major Morisset had a Horse belonging to one of the Settlers ready for me to mount on my landing at the Green Hills, which conveyance I was very glad to avail myself of, as it was rather too great a distance for me to walk. —Himself and the other Gentlemen were however obliged to foot it. I had a very pleasant Ride through a very fine rich Tract of Country to Wallis's Plains and the Settlement thereon, there being 11 separate Families now settled on their Lands in that District. — At Half past 4. P.M. we arrived at the Government Cottage, which Major Morisset had built some time since, and very kindly called it "Lachlan Cottage" in honor of his young friend Lachlan, our beloved Boy. — It is a neat rustic Building, very commodious, and most beautifully situated on the summit of a pretty Eminence, having a large Lagoon of Fresh Water in front, besides the large Creek I named Wallis's Creek, and Commanding a fine view of all the Farms on Wallis's Plains. — Here I found Bungaree, Chief of the Boan Native Tribe, with all his own Family, and 30 more of his Tribe, waiting my arrival, having come on purpose to meet me. — Our Boats not having arrived till 6,O'Clock, we had rather a late Dinner, not having sat down to it till 9,O'Clock. — We had then however a most excellent one, and we all partook very heartily of it. — Bungaree and his Tribe entertained us with a Karaburie after Dinner, and we did not go to Bed till 11 O'Clock.
Friday 16. Novr. — In a quarter of an Hour afterwards our Boats arrived, and at 10. a.m. we set out from the Green Hills by Water; — making the same Halts as before to refresh our Boats Crews, who exerted themselves to the utmost to get us on. — On our way back to Newcastle, we touched at the Station of the Lime Burners, for the purpose of inspecting them. — Their number at present consists of 95 men. — I found them Healthy – and very well fed, and comfortably lodged, with two Large Gardens full of Vegetables for their use. — We set out from the Station of the Lime Burners at ½ past 5. P.M. and arrived at Newcastle at ¼ past 6,O'Clock; the Troops being drawn out to receive me – and the Battery saluting. — This Ceremony also took place on my setting out yesterday morning. We dined soon after our arrival – the Civil and Military officers of the Settlement having been invited to meet me. —
Saturday 17. Novr. — The Wind being quite foul & directly against, we have abandoned our intention of embarking this Evening; trusting however, we shall be enabled to do so early tomorrow morning. — We sat down to an excellent Dinner at 6,O'Clock. — I named a very fine large Lagoon of Fresh Water, about Half way between the Green Hills and Wallis's Plains, "Morisset's Lagoon", in honor of the present Commandant, finding on enquiry here it had no particular name before. It is two miles in Length – and is a very pretty sheet of Water. —
Sunday 18. Novr. The New Vessel, called the Newcastle Schooner, which I had dispatched Express, with Letters for Sydney on Thursday morning, was forced back the same Evening by the severity of the Southerly Gale she had encountered on that day, and lies now at anchor at the mouth of the Harbour, not having since been able to resume her Voyage. It rained very heavy this whole Day – with a hard Southerly Gale at Sea. I went to Church in the afternoon to hear the Revd. Mr. Middleton Preach. —
Monday 19. Novr. 1821. Between 1 and 2,O'Clock today, the Govt. Sloop Sally arrived from Sydney, and brought me a very pleasant Letter from my dear Mrs. M. dated the 14th. Inst., by which I had the happiness to learn that herself and our darling Boy were well in Health. — Feeling myself greatly better from the medicine I had taken in the morning, I rode out for an airing between 3 and 4,O'Clock, and accompanied Major Morisset to inspect the two new Wind Mills and New Guard House he had sometime erected. — The Grand Pier or Mole (named "Macquarie Pier"– ), I was rejoiced to find on inspection is now about Half completed across the channel which separates Coal Island – or Nobby – from the Main Land on which the Town of Newcastle is situated. — This channel is Half a mile across. — This Pier is a noble and most important Piece of Work, but a most arduous and Herculean undertaking. — It was commenced by Capt. Wallis three years ago, and it will most likely take two years more to complete it. — When this is done, however, the Harbour of Newcastle will be both safe and commodious, and fit to receive Ships of 500 Tons Burthen. Indeed the good effects of this Pier is already felt, as it has already rendered the Harbour secure, and deepened considerably the Channel by which Vessels must enter. The Wreck of the Nautilus has been removed from where it choaked [sic] up one side of the Channel, in consequence of the force of the River Current and Freshes being confined to the principal Channel by the erection of the Pier.
Tuesday 20. Novr. 1821. 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 Mc.Alister 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 Mc.Alister 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, 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.
Wednesday 21. Novr. 1821. At 9. a.m. We were only abreast of Broken Bay 20 miles from Port Jackson. — We have now however a fine Breeze of 4 Knots an Hour, but there is a light Current against us – which considerably retards our Progress. — The Snapper Cutter is in Company with us – and the Newcastle Schooner is in sight – but about Ten miles ahead of us. — At ¼ before 11. a.m. we saw the Newcastle enter Port Jackson Heads and we expect to do the same in about an Hour and a half. At 12 at Noon, we Entered the Heads of Port Jackson – and the Wind being directly fair ran up the Harbour in the Brig. — We anchored at 1 P.M. and landed immediately at Mrs. M's Private Stairs – where I had the happiness of meeting my dearest Elizabeth – our Darling Boy being at Mr. Reddall's. [End of the Journal describing the Tour of Inspection to Port Macquarie and Newcastle].
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Wednesday 21 Novr. 1821 ! On my landing, and entering into conversation with my dear Mrs. M. I was agreeably surprised to find she had come down that morning from Parramatta along with the new Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane, who, with his Family had taken up their residence at Parramatta, as her Guests, at the Government House, – and who had come down with her on purpose to meet me on my arrival here. I met him walking in the Domain and we were there introduced to one another. — After remaining for about an Hour at Sydney, we all set out for Parramatta, and arrived there between 4 and 5,O'Clock in the afternoon. — I was soone afterwards introduced to Lady Brisbane and her sister Miss Makdougall. — Sir Thomas Brisbane's Suite consists of his A.D.C. Lieut. Fennel; his Major of Brigade Capt. Ovens; Dr. Mc.Leod, Family Surgeon, and Mr. Rumker Astronomer. —
Friday 23. Novr. 1821 ! The time accordingly fixed for doing so is Saturday the 1st. of December; previous to which I shall be able to make all the necessary arrangements for giving up charge. —
Saturday 24. Novr.
Monday 26. Novr. 1821 ! I sent Home two Boxes of Dispatches by Capt. Lusk, for H.R.H. Commander in Chief and Earl Bathurst.
Tuesday 27. Novr. !
Wednesday 28th.
Thursday 29th.
Friday 30. Novr. 1821. I returned to Sydney before Breakfast today – resigning the Govt. House at Parramatta to Sir Thos. Brisbane & his Family for their residence; it having been determined on that I should reside at the Govt. House at Sydney till my Embarkation. — Mrs. Macquarie and Lachlan accordingly came down with me this morning, having now given up keeping House and Table for Sir Thos. & his Family. Sir Thomas Brisbane & Family joined us at Sydney in the Evening, taking up their Quarters with us preparatory to the ceremony of tomorrow. —
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