Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Phillip Parker King letter book relating to survey voyages around New South Wales, 1817-1823
MLMSS 4429
[Transcriber's note:
Abbreviated words have mostly been completed in sentences e.g. Commiss nr Commissioners, Admlty Admiralty
Many letters were sent to two people, this is shown by [his their] in the body of the letter]
[Page 1]
Copy of Letter from Mr Barrow Feb 5. 1817
Admlty Office 5 Feb. 1817
Sir
The Earl Bathurst having signified to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. that it is intended to employ you on a Survey of New South. Wales I have their Lordships commands to acquaint you that they are pleased to authorize you to accept this employment
Their Lordships have ordered you to be borne on the Books of the Flag Ship at Chatham as also Messrs F Bedwell and J.S. Roe Midshipmen who have been directed to follow your orders on this service
I am
Sir
Yr most Obedt humble svt
(signed). Jno Barrow
Lieut P.P. King
Instructions from Admiralty.
Admlty Office 4. Feb. 1817
Sir
My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty being informed of the arrangements of Earl Bathurst His Majestys Principal Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, for employing you in a survey of the unexplored parts of the Coast of the Continent of New Holland South Wales have commanded me to express their concurrence therein. & to convey to you the following instructions to which you are to conform yourself in addition to there which you may receive from the Secretary of State
The arrangements for providing you with a proper Vessel & crew and other necessaries for
the
Lieut. Ph: Parker King
[Page 2]
the prosecution of the service having been made by the Colonial Department, my Lords have no directions to give you in that subjects but to recommend you in the conduct and discipline of the Vessel which maybe entrusted to your care to conform as far as may be practicable to the established usage of the Navy and to the regulations for preserving health, cleanliness and good order which have been established in His Majestys ships when employed on voyages of discovery.
In order to assist you in the care and use of the Time Keepers and Instruments with which their Lordships have directed the Hydrographer of this department to furnish you and to follow your orders in all other particulars relating to the service My Lords have directed Messrs. Fredrick Bedwell and S.J. Roe two young gentlemen who have been recommended to them as peculiarly fitted to be of use to you, and for whose appointment you have expressed your wishes to accompany you and to be under your command.
Their Lordships have directed them and you to be borne in the Books of His Majestys Ship Bulwark for wages. You as Lieutenant, Mr. Bedwell as Passed Mate and Mr. Roe as an Unpassed Mate and My Lords have directed that you & they should receive 6 months wages in advance and that you should afterwards draw for your pay quarterly, but as Mr. Roe not having passed would by the established rules be capable of drawing their Lordships will give a special order that he may be allowed to draw also
You and they will understand that this arrangement places you and them under the Naval Articles of War
As soon as you shall take com-
mand
[Page 3]
mand of the Vessel appointed for the service and actually commence measure for the survey you will become entitled to a further pay of fifteen shillings per diem as surveyor and each of the Mates to a sum of five shillings as assistant surveyor and you are to be at liberty to draw for the same quarterly
In addition to the Time Keepers, Instruments and Drawing Materials with which the Hydrographer has furnished you my Lords have desired that you should be supplied with the Voyages lately published of Captain Flinders and M. Peron and Freycinet and they hope that on your passage out you will not fail to improve your acquaintance with the circumstances of New South Wales by an accurate perusal of these works; and my Lords also wish most strongly to impress upon you the necessity of practising both the Mates in the care and use of the Time Keepers and Instruments and in any other objects or employment which may be necessary to enable them to give you effectual assistance or to supply your place if any circumstance should prevent you being able to execute the service
The principal object of your mission is to examine the hitherto unexplored coast of New South Wales from Arnheem Bay near the Western Entrance of the Gulf of Carpentaria Westward & Southward as far as the North West Cape including the opening or deep Bay called Van Diemens Bay and the cluster of Islands called Rosemary Islands and the inlets behind them which should be most minutely examined and indeed all Gulphs and openings should be the objects of particular attention as the chief motive for your
survey
[Page 4]
survey is to discover whether there be any river on that part of the coast likely to lead to an interior navigation into this great continent.
It is for several reasons most desirable that you should arrive on this coast and commence your survey as early as possible; and you will therefore when the vessel shall be ready lose no time in proceeding to the unexplored coast; but you are at liberty to commence your survey at whichever side you may judge proper, giving a preference to that which you think you may be able soonest to reach but in case you think that indifferent my Lords would wish you to commence by the neighbourhood of Rosemary Islands.
Either on your way out or in returning you should examine the Coast between Cape Lewin and the Cape Gosselin in M Freycinets chart and generally you will observe that it is very desirable that you should visit those ranges of Coast which the French Navigators have either not seen at all, or at too great a distance to ascertain and lay down all correctly
You will provide yourself at Port Jackson with the seeds of such vegetables as it may be considered most useful to propagate on the Coasts you may visit and you will take measures for sowing or planting them in the fittest situations with a view not only to their preservation but to their being within the observation and reach of succeeding Navigators.
You will take care to make duplicate copies of all your notes surveys and drawings and you are to take every possible opportunity of trans
-mitting
[Page 5]
-mitting one copy to Earl Bathurst and the other to me for their Lordships information, but you need not send duplicates by the same conveyance; and you will feel the expediency of writing by every opportunity to acquaint both department of your progress.
You will remain on this service till you shall have examined all parts of the coast which have not been laid down by Captain Flinders M Freycinet or preceding navigators or until you shall receive further orders; and on your return you and the Mates are to be on the same footing, as to pay as, on your passage out
I am
Sir,
Your very humble servant
(signed) J.W. Croker
Letter of Instructions from Earl Bathurst
Downing Street 8 Feb. 1817
Sir
As His Majestys Government have selected you for the command of an expedition which is to be filled out in New South Wales for the purpose of exploring the yet undiscovered coast of New Holland and for completing if possible the circumnavigation of that continent you will proceed with all practicable expedition to Port Jackson and you will on your arrival deliver to Governor Macquarie the accompanying dispatches which state the object which you have in view and the means by which it is to be accomplished The Governor will place at your disposal any Colonial
vessel
To Lieut P.P. King
&c &c
[Page 6]
vessel which you may consider best calculated for the voyage, and you will concert with him as to the equipment of such vessel, and avail yourself of his knowledge of the several persons in the Colony in order to select a crew on whom reliance can be placed for steadiness and subordination Besides the persons necessary for the navigation of the Vessel you will receive on board Mr A Cunningham a Botanist now in New South Wales who has received the orders of Sir Joseph Banks to attend you and you will engage any other person if there be such in the Colony who possesses a competent knowledge of Mineralogy or Natural History Mr Puckey has been pointed out as such by Sir Everard Home and if you find his qualifications correspond with the Character which has been given of him you will not fail to secure his cooperation.
It is on every account most desirable that the Expedition should proceed from Port Jackson as early as possible; you will therefore make every exertion in your power to accelerate your departure from thence and your arrival at the point specified in your Admiralty Instructions.
The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having given you detailed Instructions relative to the Naval Objects of the Expedition I have only to direct your observation to the several points referred to in the enclosed memorandum as those upon which it is desirable to procure Information You will exercise your own discretion as to landing on the several parts of the Coast which you may explore, but on all occasions of landing you will give every facility to the Botanist and the other scientific Persons on board
to
[Page 7]
to pursue their enquiries, and you will afford them such assistance in the pursuit as they may require. If the place selected for landing be in any way remarkable in itself or important from being at the mouth of a River, or a Harbour, you will take care to leave some evidence which cannot be mistaken of you having landed either by erecting a Flagstaff, or sowing some seeds or by resorting to any other means which may at the time present themselves
You will not fail regularly to keep a Journal of your proceedings and to note down your observations as they from time to time occur transmitting home by every opportunity intelligence of the Progress which you have made and of the leading events which may have befallen you
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant
(signed). Bathurst.
Memorandum accompanying the above letter.
The Following will be among the most important subjects on which it will be more immediately your province assisted by your Officers to endeavour to obtain information on any occasions which may offer
The general nature of the Climate as to Heat, Cold, Moisture winds, rains, Periodical Seasons, the Temperature regularly registered from Fahrenheits Thermometer as observed at two or three periods of the day
The direction of the mountains; their names. General appearances as to shape whether detached or
continuous
[Page 8]
continuous in ranges
The animals whether Birds, Beasts or fishes, Insects, reptiles &c distinguishing those that are wild from those that are domesticated
The vegetables and particularly those that are applicable to any useful purposes whether in Medicine, Dyeing Carpentry &c any scented or ornamental woods adapted for Cabinet work and Household furniture and more particularly such woods as may appear to be useful in Ship building, Hard woods for tree-nails, Block sheaves &c of all which it would be desireable to procure small specimens labelled and numbered so that an easy reference may be made to them in the Journals to ascertain the quantities in which they may be are found, the facility or otherwise of floating them down to a convenient place for shipment &c.
Minerals; any of the Precious Metals or stones; how used or valued by the natives.-
The description and Characteristic difference of the several tribes or peoples on the Coast.
The occupation and means of subsistence whether chiefly, or to what extent by Fishing Hunting, feeding sheep or other animals by Agriculture or by Commerce
The principal objects of their several pursuits, as mentioned in the preceding paragraphs.
A circumstantial amount of such articles growing on the sea coast, if any, as might be advantageously imported into Great Britain; and those which would be required by the natives in exchange for them
The state of the arts or Manufactures and their comparative perfection in different tribes
A vocabulary of the language spoken by every tribe with which you may meet using the Compilation of each the same English
Words
[Page 9]
List of Instruments; Books. & Stationary. Supplied by the Admiralty.
[The following is in very very faint pencil]
Circle
Rands patent Telescope
Azimiths Compass & space card
2 Steerg. compasses & space card
Beam compass
2 Mountain Barometers
2 Chains
Pocket Sextant
Dippers needle
Peron Historical Acct of Baudins Voyage to the S Vol 1 with Atlas
Freycinit
with Atlas
Flinders
- with Atlas
[indecipherable] ch. Of Indian Ocean & Pacific
Large Chart
Drawg. Paper; Indian Int. Brushes
Theodolite
2 Sixs Thermometers
4 [indecipherable] Do
1 Case of Drawing Instruments
2 Donner Scales
Reflecting Telescope
2 Boats Compasses
Marine Barometer
Hygrometer ([indecipherable])
[Page 10]
Private Letter from Mr. Croker
Adm.lty Mar 3. 1817
Dear Sir
I am sorry to find you experience so much delay at your first setting out, I hope you may have better fortune in the course of you mission
I am much obliged by your offer but in fact I can have no interest or curiosity about any objects but those which naturally belong to your public mission so that your attention to the latter will be in truth the greatest favour you can do me
I hope you will keep your young men at work so as to make them fit to assist you when you begin your survey I should particularly recommend your making them practice, first drawing and afterwards washing or coloring drawings I rather thought them a little deficient in these points and yet you will find them very important in practice
I should beg of you to lose no opportunity whatever of writing me a line to state where you may be. You should mark your letters to me private when they are so You will write publicly whenever you have any thing to say worth an official communication
I am
Dear Sir
Your faithful
humble servant J W Croker
To Lieutenant King
Ship Dick
Downs
[Page 11]
Report of Survey upon the Mermaid at Port Jackson
Sydney October 8th 1817
Sir
In pursuance of an order from your Excellency we the undersigned have been on board the cutter Mermaid of Calcutta now laying in the Cove & having taken a strict and careful survey & investigation of her present state & equipment do report as follows.
Qn. 1 Whether or not the Mermaid
is in her build & condition well
calculated for the Coast surveying service
The opinion of the Surveyors is that her construction is sharper than Vessels built entirely for that service should be, other ways she appears well calculated for it
2. Whether or no she is in a perfect state of repair & built of strong sound materials noticing of what timber she is constructed
[Pencil note in margin] Launched 23 Dec 1816
PPK
She appears to be in perfect repair built of strong sound materials constructed of teak & fastenings partly of Copper, chenammed, coppered with 18oz Copper and appears by her register to be 12 months old
3.The character & Quality of her rigging & apparel of whatever kind.
The rigging is of English patent rope complete & good; running rigging appears much worn.
[Page 12]
4. The state & quality of her Masts
sails Anchor Cables &c
The Mainmast, Gaff, Main Boom & Squaresail Yard are good
Bowsprit & Topmast wanting
Sails, 1 suit of Bengal Canvas 1/3d worn
1 Suit good for nothing but for old Canvas
Anchors. 2 Bower of 5 Cwt each
1 Stern of 2 "
all good & serviceable
Cables & hawsors according to Inventory much worn
Iron Chain Cable of 70 fms good Boat with 2 oars 14 feet keel good.
2 Carronades complete carrying 6 [indecipherable] shot are good & serviceable
her other apparel has been used and generally half worn.
5. What sum you would deem the said Vessel with all the several appurtenances belonging to her to be worth on a fair & reasonable computation
The opinion of the Surveyors to this Query is that the Vessel standing as she does according to her Inventory (enclosed) may be valued at £ 2000.
And we do further declare that we have taken this survey with such care & equity that if required we are ready to make oath to the impartiality
of
[Page 13]
of our proceedings
We have the honor to be
Your Excellencys
Most obed. Humble servants
To His Excellency
Governor Macquarie
&c &c &c
Signed {Thomas Moor. Late Master Builder
{James Birnie [indecipherable]
{Rich.d Brooks [indecipherable]
The Mermaid was purchased by Govr. Macquarie on account of Government for the sum of £ 2000 Sterling on the. October 1817
& I joined her on the of the same month
PPK
Letter to Mr. Croker.
Ib. M Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove
December 11 1817
Sir
I have now the honor to report to you for the information of their Lordships that I am at last upon the point of leaving this place to proceed on the service allotted to me to perform
The vessel was purchased in October last by His Excellency Govr. Macquarie & appears to me well adapted, her being new & light, strongly built and with every appearance of sailing well induces me to hope much, & I flatter myself shall ere long be able to report great progress in the execution of their Lordships instructions.
She is a Cutter of 80 Tons called the Mermaid built of Teak & launched last April; her equipment when purchased was so different to that required on a Voyage
of
To J.W. Croker Eq
&c &c &c
[Page 14]
of discovery that much alteration was absolutely necessary to enable me to make proper accommodations for Officers & men and in that I have done more than I expected I should be able Besides stores I have 9 months dry & wet provisions & 6 months water on board for 18 persons & intend should sickness or any other unforescen cause not interfere to remain out as long as possible I hope to arrive on the coast the latter end of January when it is my present intention to investigate that part of the Coast immediately in the vicinity of the NW Cape, and then proceed to the Eastward as far as possible to enable me to return with the SE monsoon which will set in by March I fear I shall not be able to reach the Eastern Extremity of my limits but shall use every exertion so to do
I fear His Excellency thinks I have been exorbitant in my demands but I am convinced that on considering the length of the Voyage, the size of the Vessel & the narrow limits of my means they are such as must be approved of.
I have selected as good a crew as this port can produce & think they will answer my expectations They are 14 in number To 3 who have ratings of Gunners Mate, Sailmaker & Sergt. Marines (having formerly acted in that Capacity) I have given & 2.10.0 per annum
7 men rated AB. £ 2.0.0
2 Prisoners £; 1.10.0
2 Boys £ 1.0.0
[In pencil on the side, this sum]
7.10.0
14.0.0
3.0.0
2.0.0
£ 26.10.0
In addition to these Boongaree a native having volunteered to go with me I have with the Governors permission accepted his services, he formerly was with Captn Flinders
I have 2 Whale Boats, a Jolly Boat
and
[Page 15]
and a Whale Boat in frame, in case any accident should happen to the Vessel
The naval stores here are ill calculated to fit out a vessel on discovery most articles are obliged to be purchased which makes it very expensive Bushed Blocks; Canvas and rope are much wanted.
My List of demands were given in on the 22d. October and I am now quite complete many things I much required I have given up all idea of obtaining
The Time Keepers entrusted to my Charge have performed well Messr F Bedwell & Roe have taken much care of them & I have great pleasure in reporting, their good conduct and attention; to their Lordships and I consider myself most fortunate in their co-operation.
I have not been fortunate enough to meet with any person to go with me as Surgeon which for the sake of the Expedition I much lament; there are many young men in England who would be glad of such an opportunity should their Lordships see it fitting to allow me such an addition to my Officers
I trust my next will contain something more interesting
I have the honor to be
With the greatest respect
Sir
Yr. most obed.t humble sevt.
Phillip P. King. Lt RN
John Wilson Croker Esq
&c &c &c
Admiralty
[Page 16]
Letter to Mr. Goulburn.
Ib. M Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove Dec 9. 1817
Sir
I have now the honor to state for the information of the Rt Honble Earl Bathurst that I am on the eve of leaving this Port to proceed upon the service allotted to me to perform. In a former letter I informed you of the purchase of the Vessel which I have the honor to command; she is called the Mermaid, of about 80 Tons and well adapted to execute his Lordships instructions & I hope ere long to make a good report
The naval stores here are so ill calculated to the equipment of a Vessel and particularly one going upon discovery that I have been obliged to leave without many things which are very essential; however His Excellency the Governor has given me every assistance and I have at last most of my wants complete at least sufficiently to enable me to sail without any material inconvenience
The accommodations of the Mermaid as a Merchant Vessel required much alteration
I shall leave this port with a complement of 19 in all who I hope will answer my full expectations The Crew are to be paid thus
To 3 men who have the ratings of Gunner Mate
Sailmaker & Sergt. Marines - £ 2.10.0 per man em
7 men (Seamen) 2.0.0 "
2 Prisoners 1.10.0. "
2 Boys 1.0.0
Besides these I have with His Excellencys permission accepted the Voluntary services of a native Boongaree who formerly was with Captn Flinders and behaved well
Mr
[Page 17]
Mr. Cunningham The Collector to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent accompanies me but Mr.Puckey bears so bad a character for drunkenness that I am afraid to take him
I hope to leave this in a few days & to be on the Coast by the latter end of January when nothing shall be left undone on my part to merit His Lordships good opinion
I have the honor to be
With the highest consideration
Yr. most Obed.t humble Sevt
Phillip P King Lt RN
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
Downing Street
Letter to Mr. Croker
Hm Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove
Dec 1817
Sir
I have the honor to acquaint you for the information of their Lordships that I am now underweigh to proceed in the execution of their Instructions and to assure you that no time shall be lost by me in the mission I have the honor to be employed in
I am at last completed and from the difficulty of obtaining the numerous articles so necessary for such a voyage I trust their Lordships will not think I have neglected the important expedition I am entrusted with
I have the honor to be
Sir
Yr. most obed humble Sevt
Phillip P. King
John Wilson Croker Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 18]
Letter to Mr Goulburn.
Ib. M Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove
Dec 20 1817
Sir
I have the pleasure of informing you that I am now underweigh for the purpose of leaving this Port in the executions of my instructions from The Right Honble Earl Bathurst.
It was not until last evening that I was completed I therefore trust his Lordship will not think I have caused any detention in the mission he has done me the honor to entrust me with
And I have the honor to be
With the greatest respect
Sir
Yr most Obedt. Humble Sevt
Phillip P. King Lt
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
Downing Street
Letter to Mr. Croker (Private)
Ship Dick, in the Downs Feb 27 1817
Sir I am induced to hope you will not be displeased at my taking up a few moments of your time in conveying to you my warmest thanks for your very kind notice of me and for the encouragement you have afforded me in the profession which I have the honor to serve in. Believe me Sir. I shall ever feel grateful for the unprecedented manner in which you have interested yourself on my account and I hope my conduct will not disappoint you in the expectation you have formed upon so interesting an undertaking
[Page 19]
The wind has prevented our progress very much although we have made two attempts to reach Portsmouth yet we were obliged to return to the Downs which anchorage we are in great hopes of soon quitting with a wind that will expedite us to Cork where I hope no hindrance to the farther prosecution of the voyage will take place
If there is any subject interesting to you that I can employ my leisure time in collecting, rest assured, Sir, nothing will give me greater pleasure than in being made use of by you; I have the honor of being employed by you in a public service, let me have the pleasure of being so in a private way and by gratifying you confer an honor upon
Your most obedient & obliged
Humble servt
Phillip P. King
Jno Wilson Croker Esq
&c &c &c
Letter to Captain Hurd for Hygrometer & Dipping Needle
Downs Feb 28th 1817
My dear Sir.
Upon reading over in a cursory manner the French voyages you have furnished me with as well as those of Flinders, I find great pains have been taken by both navigators in ascertaining the moisture and dryness of the Atmosphere as well as the Dep of the Needle the former by means of an Hygrometer, the latter by an Instrument for the purpose of which 2 would be necessary the one as a corrector of the other and as in my Instructions from my Lord Bathurst I am particularly desired to ascertain the one & the other viz. The Dep of the Needle being a natural enquiry among Scientific Men. I am induced to make
[Page 20]
the request that you will have the goodness to forward me the instruments I copy an extract from my Lord Bathursts instructions for your satisfaction and which I only received the day I left town
(The three first paragraphs of Lord B. instructions letter Pa 7.) beginning at the following will be the - &c &c )
By which latter paragraph you will see the utility of the Mountain Barometers which you furnished at my request
Should you, as well as myself see the necessity of furnishing me with the above instruments which are not very expensive I shall be obliged by your forwarding them to me at Cork to the Admirals Office until I arrive
I have &c &c
P.P.K
To Captain Hurd
Hydrographer
&c &c &c
Letter to Mr. Croker per Cork
Ship Dick . Cover of Cork
March 29th 1817
Sir
I have the pleasure of informing you that we are at last upon the point of leaving this Harbour and I trust our voyage will be more fortunate in the termination than in the commencement *
The 2 young men who are with me I am in great hopes will prove an acquisition to me, at least I have every reason to feel satisfied with their conduct and I trust they will not disappoint my
expectations
[Page 21]
I shall do myself the pleasure of informing you of our progress by every opportunity Mr Darch having informed me of the French being still in preparation give me great hopes of anticipating their movements
I have the honor to be
&c &c Phillip P. King
To J.W. Croker Eq
&c &c &c
*.. upon reading Perons work he makes frequent reference to a 2d. volume which I am not furnished with but which I imagine I have heard is published; The Atlas which Peron refers to does not accompany the Books I have received some of the plans of which would be necessary as they are not in Freycinets Atlas. The Book of Plans &c commences with Plate II which is a Plan of the Town of Sydney All the preceding plates marked 1 I have not received; I rather imagine they are found into a larger Atlas; as Perons 2nd volume treats of the Zoology of the Country as well as other subjects I think the Book would be most useful.
From Rio de Janeiro
On board the Dick R. Janeiro June 9 1817
To Mr. Croker
Sir
I have the honor of reporting to you our arrival at this place on the 28th Ult. & of our intended departure tomorrow should the wind allow The Dick being an indifferent sailor makes me fear we shall not arrive at Port Jackson before the latter end of August, when I hope nothing will detain our
further
[Page 22]
further progress
I have also much pleasure in mentioning the good conduct of the young gentlemen with me and fear not to receive much assistance from them
I have the honor to b
&c &c &c PP.K
To Henry Goulburn Eq
Sir On Board the Dick Rio de Janeiro June 9 1817
Under an idea that it would be a satisfaction to you to hear of our progress I have the honor of informing you of our arrival at this port on the 28th Ult. And our intention to leave it at daylight tomorrow I have also the pleasure to state we are quite healthy in which from the very sultry weather on crossing the Line we consider ourselves fortunate The Matilda having the 1st division of the Regiment on board left this on the day of our arrival after a stay of 12 days, also quite healthy
I have the honor to be &c &c
PPK
To Governor Macquarie
&c &c &c
Sydney September. 30. 1817
Sir
Understanding that Captain Reid of the Brig Lynx now in the Cove has 2 Coir Cables for sale the one a 9 inch the other 11 inch size I have the honor of acquainting your Excellency therewith and as they are peculiarly adapted for the service on which the Lady Nelson will be employed I take the liberty of recommending them to be purchased for that vessel should
[Page 23]
it meet with your Excellencys approbation
I have the honor to be
You Excellency &c &c
P P K
Letter to Govr Macquarie respecting Mermaid
Sydney Octr. 1 1817
Sir After the conversation I had the honor to have with Y.E. this morning relative to the purchase of the Mermaid Cutter, I waited on Messrs Riley & Jones the Consignees from whom I learnt the terms of her sale; I also enquired at your request the terms of her hire which I found depended on the length of time certain that Y.E. would employ her and from conversation I found that the Super Cargo appeared to inclined to put high terms upon her hire I therefore with all deference to Y.E. think it would be less expensive to purchase her entirely: She is only 12 month old, built at Bengal, of Teak, 85 Tons register very strongly built & in my opinion the vessel that would be most serviceable for my Mission: Her Capacity would enable me to carry a much larger proportion of provisions than I could do in the Lady Nelson and her being now well found in Cordage & sales &c would expedite me considerably
The Lady Nelson cannot be got ready before the latter end of January by which time I hope in the event of my having the Mermaid to be well advanced in the examination of the Coast
I shall do myself the honor to
acquaint
[Page 24]
acquaint Y.E. with the time when she will be ready for inspection, the moment I hear that it is likely she will be clear. I have the honor &c &c
PPK
Letter to Mr. Croker
Sydney October 10. 1817
Sir
Though it is not likely that these few lines will be received until their contents will be more fully made known by the Harriet, yet I shall do myself the honor to state a few particulars relative to my proceedings. We arrived at this place on the 3d. September when I lost no time in waiting upon H.E. Gov. Macquarie; stating the purpose of my mission: I regretted much to find that there was no vessel of any description ready that would at all suit the service I am employed upon The Lady Nelson though literally a heart of oak wanted much repairs to render her sea worthy She was hauled up in the yard at the time repairing and under the idea that there was not other vessel at all fit for the purpose of a survey I intimated my ideas to H.E. that were plenty of hands placed upon her she might be got ready in a short time. H.E. therefore called a survey upon her, the result of which was that she could be rendered seaworthy in the course of 2 months but with much repair new keel, Beam, topsides, decks, sternpost & many other parts were essentially requisite It had the appearance in this place of a very arduous undertaking for shipwrights
though
[Page 25]
though at immense price work very little and want more looking after than can be paid however as there was no choice H.E. gave orders that she should be repaired and accordingly she is begun upon.
Yesterday morning a Cutter arrived consigned to a house here and was offered for sale and as she is in my opinion the vessel of all others most suited for the expedition The Governor is now at my request treating for her She is 85 Tons register strongly built of Teak, sails well, and is in every instance peculiarly adapted for me I regret much the Dick and remaining until it is brought to a conclusion that I might make this letter more satisfactory than at present it is I hope however to have the opportunity of addressing you more particularly by the Harriet which ship leaves in the middle of November
Lieut Oxley, the Surveyor General has just returned from an Expedition to ascertain the outlet of the Lachlan & Macquarie River; the Lachlan, strange to say lost itself in an extensive Lagoon in Lat 34.0 S. Long. 144° 30 E. he then crossed over & fell in with several tributary streams which fell into the Macquarie which he traced, until want of Provisions obliged him to return to Lat 32.20 S. Longitude 149°0 E where he left it running in a Northerly direction in a regular stream & assuming in character of a considerable river The country fine & open, gentle rising hills very clear of wood but very thinly inhabited Lieut. Oxley was about 5 months & endured much privation from want of water. he travelled over a space of nearly 1200 miles
[Page 26]
A Captain Reid of the Lynx has lately arrived here from India He coasted down the Eastern Coast and in about 14° South had great reason to believe that he saw a river, if his conjectures are right and it might prove to be the Macquarie, it must be a river of vast importance. H E has intimated to me his wish that I should examine the truth of this conjecture of Captain Reids in my way to, or return from the NW Coast & which I think I may do without very widely straying from my instructions or delaying the period of my arrival upon the Coast to which I am bound
H.E. promises me every assistance in forwarding my wishes and the views of those under whom I have the honor to be employed & to whom I shall ever feel grateful
I have not I hope intruded too long on your valuable time. The young Gentlemen who are with me have conducted themselves much to my satisfaction & the Time Keepers are doing very well Nothing more remains for me than to assure you of my anxiety to leave this no stone shall be left unturned to hasten that event
I have the honor to be
&c &c P.P King
[Page 27]
To J.W. Croker Eq
&c &c
H.M. Cutter Mermaid Coepang Bay Timor
June 10th 1818
I have the honor to acquaint you for the information of their Lordships of my arrival at Timor on the 4th inst. Having left the Coast of Australia on the 31st last month and I am happy to say all in good health.
I had the honor of addressing you on the 20th December last in which I stated my intended departure on the following day from Port Jackson which I effected but was not fortunate enough to clear Basss Straits on my way Westward round the South side of Australia until 3rd January owing to a continuance of strong westerly Gales; the wind however veering to the Eastward advanced me by the 20th as far as King Georges Sound where I wooded & watered in Oyster Harbour. Our anchorage just within the entrance of the harbour was convenient for these occupations which with preparing the Cutter for the survey & obtaining sights for the watches kept me until the 1st February on which day I left the Sound & arrived in sight of the N West Cape on the 10th February when my survey commenced & on the 11th I entered the opening SE of the NW Cape the examination of which took me up until the 18th when it was found to be terminated gradually by low lands & studded over with thick clusters of low steril & small sandy islands; The bottom of the Gulf was not quite reached though it was visible from the Masthead, for my people were much fatigued having been up night & day in working up this Gulf against a strong SW breeze which always blew fresher at night than in the day Anchorage was too bad to entrust
the
[Page 28]
the only anchor I had left, for I had already been unfortunate enough to lose one anchor & carry away the Fluke of a second leaving me but one to carry on the survey of a long range of Coast almost entirely unknown. The bottom of which the lead always gave a fair specimen of sand was very deceiving for it proved to be but a very thin layer of sand over a hard rock; the same sort of bottom was found all over and, with the exception of a small bay in which I anchored on a small spot of mud with reef all round, I doubt whether any trustworthy anchorages can be found; This was called Exmouths Gulf On leaving this Gulf of which the appearance is truly deplorable, the shores being compared of arid & extensive ranges of a reddish coloured sand with here & there a solitary clump of mangroves. Natives were not seen but the country being on fire and other traces being found on shore prove the existence of human beings on the Coast Emu tracks were also seen I examined the Coast as far as 117°.40E. as far as the Ile Depuch of the French Charts. between this island & the NW Cape I made a very minute examination of the Coast & ascertained the position of the island & form of the Coast sufficiently to convince me of the non existence of any opening or river within the above limits and of its being a country entirely unprofitable in every respect for the visitation of any Europeans; The clutch of Islands called Rosemary Islands were also carefully examined and which appear to be altogether of a different character from that of the Coast East & West of them being formed of bulky & irregular
[Page 29]
masses of a [indecipherable] rock I retained the name adopted by the French for this part, viz. Dampiers Archipelago, which is composed of several islands the principal of which were called Enderby Id. Lewis Id. Gidley Id. : Ile Romarin & Ile Malus of the French retain the names given them by the French Expedition under Commodore Baudin; That part laid down by the French as Baie Regnard is an opening between the several islands through which I passed and communicated in a friendly manner with one party of the Natives but from another we were forced to retreat being threatened with spears & stones One of the latter being thrown at us warned us to take our leave, there were about 30 collected together all armed and from their gestures were very angry at our appearance upon the coast
The Iles de Montebells and that part of the Coast on the French Chart between Cap Duprey & Cap. Poivre ( which must be a large island) I did not see for I kept the Coast of the Mainland on board; I do not think I ever exceeded more than 7 miles & was generally within 3 or 4 miles of the shore, the shoal nets of the Coast preventing my approaching it nearer - & I have but in very few places, lost sight of the beach which was either owing to shoal water or to the extreme lowness of the land some parts, particularly that about Ile Depuch being scarcely more than 2 or 3 feet above High Water mark; and in these parts where we landed beyond the ridges lining the beach, we found the Country for as far as we could see perhaps 2 or 3 feet below the level of the sea; the sea kept out by a Barrier of sand hills about 20 or 30 feet high & in those parts where
[Page 30]
no sand hills existed the country was all overflows & overrun with Mangroves. No fresh water was seen but in the rainy season I have little doubt but that The Islands of Dampiers Archipelago must abound with it, the ravines formed by heavy rains were very deep.
The Coast between the NW Cape & the archipelago is lined with numerous low sandy islands which I have laid down by a regular survey in a much more particular manner than the case demanded but as it took up no more time to lay them down correctly than it did to give them incorrect positions I flatter myself their Lordships will not think I have loitered in the investigation of this part of the Coast. I reached Ile Depuch by the 8th March when I was blown off the Coast by a strong breeze with thick weather from the SE I then determined to adopt the plan I had originally formed of proceeding as far to the Eastward as I could previous to the setting in of the Easterly Monsoon and upon this occasion left the Coast for that purpose; For a week I was becalmed and with very unfavourable weather the heavy rains which fell for 8 or 9 days were severely felt by us, as it was impossible to keep the berths below dry but they passed without bringing any sickness upon us The Thermometer stood at an average at 88° & was during the day as high as 92° during the continuance of a shower it fell to 78° then immediately the shower passed it rose as quickly to 84°
On the 13th the wind from having been light & variable from the Eastward gradualy
had
[Page 31]
had veered round by way of South to the SW with fine weather and hightened my prospects not a little for I had almost began to suspect that the Westerly Monsoon was up; however the wind continued & had carried us by the 17th to 134° East Longitude when it changed to the Eastward with a continuance of fine weather. The month of March being now nearly out at which time the Easterly Monsoon is said to set in & the Breeze setting in steady from the Eastward I determined upon commencing the survey at the part I had reached and continue it to the Westward as long as my water held out. I had commenced issuing but Ύ Gallon a day but I soon found the necessity of giving them a Gallon each and to this I attribute principally their keeping in health.
In my way from Ile Depuch I searched for and found the Imperieuse Shoal of which and 2 other shoals seen the day after I obtained good observations both for Latitude and Longitude Enclosure No 1 contains a memorandum relative to the situation of these 3 shoals to which I have the honor to refer the Lordships. The situation may be depended upon it was assigned by the mean of 3 Time keepers corrected by my observation on the North Coast a fortnight after These were called Rowleys shoals after the Commander of the Imperieuse by whom the first was discovered The second appears to have been seen by a Captain Clerke but the 3d I do not think has been seen before, at least I have no account of it. I have little doubt but that there are many similar shoals about this part; they are very
dangerous
[Page 32]
dangerous for they give no warning, being unfathomable almost close to the Breakers. I passed near the position assigned to Scotts Reef without seeing it
On the 24th I made New Years Island and on the 27th Point Braithwaite It was now necessary for me to wood and water and I took the first opportunity of performing those necessary occupations at a well sheltered bay on the SW side of the Southst. of 2 Islands which received the name of Goulburns Islands In our employment at this Island Anchorage I was much annoyed by the Natives with whom we were at open war
During the interval of our stay here I took the opportunity of getting fresh rates and an Error for the watches by which the longitudes of that part of the N.W Coast I had just left were corrected
By the 10th April every thing was completed and after I had without success attempted to make a tour of the Islands I bore up for the examination of the Coast to the Westward when a Malay fleet of 16 praus were seen on their return to Macassar fishing on their way for Trepan. or Beche de Mer of which there is an abundance all along the Coast We were much annoyed by them for our occupations kept pace with theirs and no sooner had I entered a bay or a port that I wished to examine when the Malays were sure to follow & anchor in the very part I had selected. I allowed them to get before me but I soon overtook them again. Nor did I get quite clear of them until I commenced the examination of the great Bay of Van Diemen at the entrance of which I
communicated
[Page 33]
communicated with a detached part of the body of their fleet consisting of 4 praus; and explained to them my occupation at which they appeared quite satisfied Among the 16 praus there were about 250 men which was too great a number for me to be near with safety.
I examined the North Coast as far to the Westward as within 40 miles north of the Ile Peron of the French Charts in the NE. part of Golfe Josef Bonaparte including the Great Bay of Van Diemen at the bottom of which I discovered 2 rivers one of which I pulled in a boat as far to the Southward as 12.°38 South by a Meridn. Observation 132.°30E. but I think this Longitude is about 15 miles to the Westward of the true situation the entrance of the river is about 12.°0 South so that I pulled up it nearly 40 miles in a straight direction and reckoning the curvatures of the river perhaps between 50 & 60 miles at present this is but conjecture I left it about 150 yards wide and 5 or 6 fathoms deep at the High Water. Its shore on each side very low and the banks except at High Water unattainable from the heaps of soft mud with which they are entirely composed It was H.W. at noon when I landed I found the appearance of the land and country to be exactly the same as at the Entrance Low flats perfectly horizontal for miles as far as the eye could reach with here & there a clump of Eucalyptus or Gum Trees covering an elevated piece of ground which in this part might be termed hills, some however were of moderate height and served materially to connect my bearings In the distance
appeared
[Page 34]
appeared a range of moderately elevated hills thickly clothed with wood from which this river must have its source unless it is the outlet of some large piece of inland water or lagoon: At low water near the mouth of the river a great difference was observed in the taste of the water being almost fresh and I have no doubt but that at the place where I reached, it would be perfectly fresh soon after the ebb tide makes The river abounds with Alligators and its banks with numerous flocks of Cockatoos and a new species of Water bird like a Heron in size & shape, but all unlike each other in plumage * The day before I examined this river I went up another very similar to the one described but opportunity would not allow of my going up higher than 10 miles a third was seen but this being situated so close to the first I did not think it worth the loss of a day to examine it
The bottom of the Gulf was well ascertained its extent is much greater than in Captain Flinders Chart but the West side was not so well examined, for the wind blew strong from the Eastward w.ch obliged me to keep an offing.
Upon leaving the Gulf I continued on, passed round Cape Van Diemen off which are some very extensive shoals formed by the strong tides out of a Strait separating a large island (of which the Cap Fournay & Cap Helvetius of the French form the SW end) from the [indecipherable] through which I passed
On
*of which Black & White were the principal colours This bird had the peculiarity of building its nest on the mangrove bushes the Claus being formed as well for swimming as for pitching on trees From their great shyness none were shot but their nests were examined
[Page 35]
On the 31st May, finding my water drawing near its end and as there appeared to be no likelihood of obtaining any supply of it upon the Coast I bore up for Timor where we arrived on the 4th instant
Upon the North Coast there are several well sheltered harbours and Ports but the land is generally low and the Coast overrun with Mangroves in fact the Country for many miles in is little above the level of the sea the Coast is tolerably clear of shoals and at 3 miles off here generally a muddy bottom In all the Bays & Ports Anchorage may be had in any part not nearer than a mile off the shore on a mud bottom.
The small size of the Vessel I am in has entirely prevented my preparing a rough Chart to send to their Lordships but every precaution has been taken to ensure correctness. Rough plans of every days run have been drawn out and finished before I went to my bed but the corrections of these & corrections for Longitudes by Time Keepers would take up so much time that I could not possibly commence any thing of the sort in time to finish during my stay here which I hope will not be more than 2 or 3 days longer
A vessel proceeding to Batavia has been detained from sailing until tomorrow by the Resident that I might have the opportunity of forwarding this Mr Hazaart of whom every body speaks in the highest terms has been particularly civil & attentive & has prevented our being greatly imposed upon by an English adventurer here who undertook to provide our supply of Fresh Provisions &c for
the
[Page 36]
the ships Company.
I am happy to state that with the exception of a dysentery that attacked the Ships Company between King Georges Sound & the NW Cape but which after creating much anxiety on my mind from our not having a surgeon on board gradually wore off, hardly a days illness has occurred; but I trust their Lordships will see the necessity of my having a Surgeon on board for the climate & fatigues of surveying a coast like that of Australia so distant from Port Jackson causes the greatest anxiety on my mind
My supply of Instruments I find rather short, I have therefore written to request Captain Hurd to supply me with some few of which I have given him a list
I have seen or heard nothing of M. Freycinets Expedition I have therefore great hopes of being before hand with him on the Coast.
The passage from Port Jackson round the South Coast is so long that I have an idea of awaiting the commencement of the next Easterly Monsoon before I leave Port Jackson so as to arrive on the Coast by way of Torres Strait, examine that part of the Coast between Cape Arnhem and Goulburns Islands & then proceed to the part where my last survey finished by which I shall escape the unhealthy season at the Change of the Monsoon which we got over so well this year but from the heavy rains I think it important to encounter again In fact I think the people with the fatigue & the
very
[Page 37]
very great heat that must reign during the NW monsoon; would soon be incapable of doing anything
I trust upon these grounds their Lordships will approve my intentions should I however from circumstances see the necessity of proceeding without this delay Their Lordships may rest assured I shall not lose any time
I have the honor &c &c
Sir
Yrs &c &c. PPK
To Jno W. Croker Eq
&c &c &c
[Page 38]
Letter to Mr Croker (Private)
H.MC Mermaid Timor Jun 1818
Sir
It is with much pleasure that I have met with an opportunity of forwarding a brief account of my first essay, the more so that I have been enabled to ascertain the most particular points pointed out in my instructions viz. The Great Bay of Van Diemen & the opening to the Eastward of the NW Cape & behind the Rosemary Islands; these I have examined with the greatest care I trust that although not fortunate enough to meet with any opening or river I shall not want your approbation
The very confined size of the vessel I am in entirely puts it out of my power to form a chart but having every thing in right form and order I shall not be long after my arrival ere I shall be able to finish one to send to you by the first following opportunity as well as with a detailed account of my proceedings. Suffice for me to say here that the North Coast & I fear the whole of the NW Coast will turn out to be entirely unprofitable for any Settlement as yet we have seen nothing to offer the least inducement The productions are in very few words nothing but the Sago Tree which in some parts is abundant there appears to be very little land that could be brought into any cultivation and that is so surrounded with marshes & the overflowings of the sea that it could be made little use of The Country as far as 12.° 38 South to which point I
ascended
[Page 39]
ascended the river at the bottom of Van Diemens Gulf was not an atom better The Coast about Exmouths Gulf is truly desolate, worse than any description I have seen of the deserts of Arabia During the night as well as the day the heat is almost unsufferable; The soil producing nothing useful for man that we could discover but the tracks of natives in many parts convinced us that human beings existed even in this condemned corner of Australia. Emu tracks were also seen - .
The natives on the north coast were very annoying and though I did every thing I could to pacify them & bore many things from them without resentment punishing them yet I was obliged once or twice to fire in self defence I am now sufficiently convinced that it is too late to attempt to make peace with them acquainted as they are with the Malays who have wherever they land when fishing for Trepan, battle with them in which the Malays use Musquetry to which they are so well accustomed that I do not think they have such a dread of fire arms as may be imagined
From a conversation I had with the Rajah of a fleet of Praus who are at anchor here & fish on the Coast every year I get the above, & further that no rivers except what are produced by the rains in the rainy season are known to them The coast is called by them "Marega" and the natives "Maregas" whom he described to me as treacherous & cruel, but that character so well applies to themselves, that if it is the case (of which I
have
[Page 40]
have little doubt they have been instructed in it by the Malays themselves.
My public letter will have informed you of our being in health fortunately we passed through the trying time of the change of Monsoon without any sickness but it is too dangerous to try again without a Surgeon. I trust their Lordships will see the necessity of my having one attached to the Expedition for besides illness that may happen, accidents might occur and mens lives lost for want of trifling surgical attendance which it is out of my power to bestow The dread also of getting my people speared by the natives prevents my going where otherwise I should not hesitate to venture but if no Surgeon arrives previous to the time of my again leaving, I shall not delay on that account but do as well as I can I can only say it would relieve me from a great, a very great anxiety
Naval Stores are very scarce & difficult to be obtained at Port Jackson particularly blocks I think it would be a great saving if an assortment of stores were to be sent out proportionate & suitable to the vessel I am in which I have before stated to be a Cutter 80 Tons 55 feet length & 19 feet beam Blocks with spare sheaves in the principal article that is the most scarce as there is no wood in Australia fit to make sheaves of.
I am happy to inform you of the great assistance I receive from the Midshipmen who are with me, had it not been for Mr. Roes
assistance
[Page 41]
assistance in taking bearings whilst I was at the Mast head I could not have gone over half the ground extent of Coast that his assistance has enabled me to do
Without taking up any more of your valuable time I shall conclude by assuring you of my undiminished desire to comply with your utmost wishes and that I have the honor to be
Sir
Yr M O H. Sevt
Phillip P. King
J.W. Croker Esq
&c &c &c
Letter to Captn. Hurd for Instruments (Private)
HM Cutter Mermaid Timor June 10 1818
Private.
My dear Sir
Enclosed with my official letter for a fresh supply of instruments I have taken the liberty to add a few lines privately You will have heard of my progress & I flatter myself when I have put together my Chart which will comprise at least 600 miles of Coast which has with very little exception been entirely explored their Lordships will not think I have done to little for the short time I have been out Though the advantages of a small vessel are very great as to the exploration of particularly, a shoal coast, yet the privations during a Voyage of 8 months are also very great & taking them into consideration I trust my time will not be thought thrown away I can only say I have toiled heart & hand in the execution of their Ldships Instructions
I
[Page 42]
I had a very great misfortune on the South Coast in a gale of wind, to lose my Marine Barometer I found it so useful & had commenced a series of observations on that instrument to finish which I am induced to request you will supply me with another The wreck of the other I shall return by the first opportunity from P. Jackson enclosing a few seeds which I hope will on their arrival vegetate.
With respect to the other instruments particularly the Azimuth Compass, the only one I had met with an accident & I rather in a lubberly way have repaired to prevent any recurrence of the inconvenience occasioned by this I have also request 2 may be sent
The stationary which I have used which to my great astonishment as exceeded a ream of paper has been entirely out of my own pocket, I have therefore to hope some may be sent to me as it is too expensive in Australia at Port Jackson to be found from the pocket of a poor man employed as he is by so rich & so good a master.
In a recontre with some natives at a place on the North Coast near a Port which I have done myself the pleasure to name after you, outnumbered we were forced to retreat, in which I lost my Circumferenta stand which doubly distresses me, The stand Lieut Oxley the Surveyr. Gen. of NS Wales supplied me with The Theodolite on common occasions being too unwieldy
The Brass standard scale is also particularly wanted every thing in the shape of a ruler
made
[Page 43]
made of wood warps immediately in a warm climate like this
The elegant case of Instruments you were good enough to furnish me with is almost spoiled from the continual damp hanging upon them, owing to the extreme precipitation I suffered during the construction of my rough Charts I have therefore to request you will send me a small set containing the most useful and if I may be allowed to suggest a description it would be a set similar to what Jones of Charing Cross has supplied the Surv.r Genl. Of NS Wales
I must now Sir beg the favour of yr [indecipherable] for my not entering more fuley into our proceeds as I am but an Invalid being just on the recovery of a severe attack of Ague contracted since my arrival here which for 3 days prevented my addressing their LdShips & I trust the length of that letter added to a few lines I have write to Mr. Darch & Mr Croker with a few lines to my Mother will grant me your indulgence for the want of matter this contains
I had almost forgot to say that I prevailed upon Lt Oxley to give me one of his Kater Compasses an Instrument I never saw before it is so good and useful an instrum.t that I have requested you would send me one
Assure yrSelf of my highest respect
And that I have the honor to be
Yr M obliged
Phillip P. King
To Capt Hurd
Hydrographer
&c &c &c
[Page 44]
Letter to Capt. Hurd for Instruments
H.M Cutter Mermaid Coepang Road
Timor June 10th 1818.
Sir
I have the honor to address you upon the subject of a fresh supply of Instruments for the Surveying service which I have the honor to be employed upon a list of which I have enclosed herewith
I have the honor to be
Yr M O H S.
PPK
Enclosure
Marine Barometer
2 Azimuth Compasses & a spare Card for each
6 ½ hour, 28 second, & 14 seconds Glasses
2 Steering Compasses & 3 spare Cards
1 Sextant, & Stand with Artificial Horizon
Circumferences & Stand
A Spy Glass
Stationary Compa[indecipherable] Tools Cash & [indecipherable]
Pens & Pencils (those of Brookman & Langdens make
[symbol] are preferable
Drawing paper
Brass Standard Scale
A small Pocket Case of instruments with ½ dozen spare pricking off Compasses
Thermometer {1 small pocket 1 larger size graduated to 140°
Kater Compass
[Page 45]
Letter to Capt Hurd
Sydney February 23d. 1819
Dear Sir.
By the Shipley I have the pleasure to forward to you through a parcel to my mother, a small packet of seeds which were collected by me on the North and N West Coasts of this Continent, the Charts of which and the Journal of the voyage I have also been enabled to transmit to Mr. Croker through the same opportunity which you will of course see They are reduced from my large plan by Mr. Roe and for neatness I think they are sans pareil
I have taken great pains in laying down every part which was near our track and I do not think it can be very much out my next trip will I hope finish it for I assure you 8 or 9 months in so small a vessel upon Salt Provisions without medical aid is long enough at one time I hope their Lordships will not think I have loitered, necessity obliged me to go by the Western passage which made the voyage to it 3000 miles & as much back. This time it will be shorter, as I await the change of the monsoon. I therefore go through Torres Straits which will shorten the voyage very much and enable me to get quicker on the Coast and remain there a much longer time I shall be obliged to call at Timor to water I fear as there is so little to be found on the Coast.
I have just returned from surveying Macquarie Harbour which is on the West Coast of Van Diemens Land in Lat 42.° 113" So. Near the opening marked on Captain Flinders Chart, which for the first 10 miles is shoal but then opening into an extensive [indecipherable]
sheet
[Page 46]
sheet of water 36 miles long and from 7 to 10 broad, all dark water, at the bottom a river falls into it The entrance is not 70 yards wide and has a bar entrance on which there is not more than 10 feet at High Water Wether this in one part the deepest water is but 10 feet I was obliged to lighten the vessel to get her over In this harbour there is a quantity of Huon Pine which our Botanist has discovered to be a new Genus and will doubtless be much prized in Soho Square and now believe me dear Sir
Yrs faithfully
PPK
PS. I write to you from Timor to request you would send more instruments My Azimuth Compass is but indifferent I have repaired it but I fear Azim.ths & Amp.dg will not be worth much and incorrect to ½ a degree. My Watches go well
Should it be the intent.n of their LdShips to send me another voyage after this & for which I shall be ready about this time 12 months I shall want a supply of instruments as follows.
2 Azth Compasses
2 Steering Do with spare cards
1 Circumferenter & stand
1 Sextant & Brass Hand
1 Artificial Horizon
Small pocket Case of Instruments
Drawing Paper (antiquarian)
Pencils (Brookman [symbol of pencil])
Quills & fools cap paper
Half hour Glasses} ½ doz of each
28 second " }
14 second " }
Marine Barometer
[Page 47]
List of seeds forwarded by Shiply to Capt Hurd
1. Areca sp. Croker
2. Fan palm . Raffles [indecipherable]
4. Acacia} K. Geo Sound
6 Do }
7 Calystachys Oxylobium Do.
10 Kennedin Rubicunda Twofold Bay
13 Hibiscus populoeus Goulb. I.d
14 Scavola. Crocker Id.
15 Convolvulus Croker Id.
16 Cassia Goulb Id
17 Convolvolus Copeland Id.
18 Crolularia [indecipherable] Id
24 Glycine Caprenen
25 [indecipherable] Oyster Harb.r
26 Begnonia Timor
27 Glycine. Goulb Id.
Private Letter to Mr Croker by the Shipley
Sydney February 23d 1819
(read to the Board as a Public Letter)
Sir
I have much pleasure in being able to forward by the Shipley bound direct to England my Journal & charts up to the 18th July 1818 The latter are completed for publication should their Lordships see it fit that they should appear before my return I have taken every pains to lay down every part as correctly as possible and more correctly than I could do again from the place being fresh in my memory whilst I was about them. After I finished it I found I had time to spare to survey Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast of Van Diemens Land and with the Governors approbation I sailed for that purpose on the 24th December and returned on the 14th of this month in which voyage I had the satisfaction of laying down the Entrance of Macquarie Harbour by a Trigonometrical Survey which I shall have the honor to transmit as soon as I can get it in order and copied
for
[Page 48]
for their Ld.ships information; In this part there are some very find specimens of woods of which there are 3 or 4 pines. The Huon Pine, the Adventure Bay Pine a native Birch and a native Snow Drop Tree all described by Sabell [indecipherable] excepting the first which is a nondescript genus of the Conifer family - - The wood of the Huon Pine is much valued here for furniture I have some spars of each to try as studding sail Booms & oars which I shall report upon The Harbour is a remarkable form its entrance is but 70 yards across & gradually opens to a sheet of water 30 miles in length & from 7 to 10 miles wide running in a SE direction into the Country of Van Diemens Land in Lat 42.° 11 30" So. - no vessel drawing more than 10 feet water can cross the Bar and within the entrance 8 feet is the most that can be got until the Shoals are past when there is from 10 to 20 fms all over I trust their Lordships will not think I have loitered & gone from their instructions, as I acted upon this idea that I had better be employed in some service than remain idle in Port Jackson as it was of no use my leaving it until the middle or later end of March as the Easterly Monsoon does not commence until that time when I could, & then only, pass through Torres Strait Had I waited last voyage until the month of March and gone on the Eastern Coast I should have been 5 months instead of 3 ½ on the Coast I had however the greatest satisfaction in having been able to attend to those parts which I was more particularly
ordered
[Page 49]
ordered to investigate viz the opening behind the NW Cape Rosemary Islands & the Great Bay of Van Diemen
I have much pleasure in assuring you of the cordial cooperation and assistance I meet with from the young Gentlemen Messrs Bedwell & Roe who are with me The latter Gentleman has the credit of the Chart that goes home. He having reduced & copied it from mine Several sketches have been taken but our time has been so fuley occupied that we have not had time to finish them to send home.
On my way to Torres Strait I propose looking at that part of the Coast within the Tropic that Captain Cook passed without seeing It has been seen by Lieutenant Jeffreys who commanded the Colonial Brig Kangaroo but he made but a very slight investigation A River is said to be a 14.° 30 by a vessel going to China
I shall do myself the honor to write from Timor if we call there which I do not think improbable I shall hope to be back by the latter end of the year when I shall be obliged if you will inform me whether, upon the completion of the North & N West Coasts I am to return to England or whether their Ld. Ships wish me to complete the West Coast of New Holland On my return from the voyage both time and wind will prevent my seeing any part of it and to do this I must leave Port Jackson with that intention and go by the South Coast I am fearful the vessel I have is not well adapted to be on such a Coast and make a very careful survey as the least matter renders bearing by the Compass impossible to be taken correctly - Should it be their Ld.Ships wish that it is to be completed I hope a Medical Officer may
be
urd.
S
[Page 50]
be sent out by that time on this head I did myself the honor to address you from Timor
If it is necessary that I should make a third voyage I shall want a supply of instruments particularly 2 Azim.th Compasses a Sextant, Steering compasses ½ hour 28 second &14 second glasses From Timor I wrote to Captain Hurd for such a supply but it may not come to hand
The Time-keepers continue to go well I have made a memorandum of what instruments will be wanting if I leave this port upon a third voyage and which I have enclosed to Captn Hurd without them I should be able to do nothing satisfactory
Naval stores are much wanted. I am going to sea now in great want of many things Many stores were received by a ship when I was absent and by the time I arrived every thing was given away to the Colonial Brigs Canvas Blocks Rope & Cables from 9 to 6 & 7 inches are requisite An Iron Cable would also be much wanted a guide for the size of which would be the vessels tonnage. Viz 80 Tons.
I must entreat you to pardon the length of this letter & to assure you Sir that I shall do my utmost to finish the Coast this voyage.
I have the honor &c &c
Sir
PPK
J W Croker Esq
[Page 51]
Letter to Mr. Goulburn by the Shiply
Sydney February 22d. 1819
Sir
By the opportunity of the Shiply going home direct I have the honor to address you to state my regret at not being able to send for the information of the Rt. Honble Earl Bathurst a copy of my Journal and the Chart of the Surveys of the North and NW Coasts of this continent before my departure on my second survey. A full report with the Charts I have sent to the Admiralty by which you will see I have not neglected the charge entrusted to me A copy of the Chart has been attempted to be completed before the ship sails but I find it impossible You may however rest assured I will transmit it as soon as possible with a Copy of my Journal.
I have found it necessary with the concurrency of His Ex.y Gov M. to alter the rate of pay of the crew of the vessel I have the honor to command & to encrease it to an equality with the common rate of pay for the Colonial Seamen. A measure which I hope his Ld ship will see fitting as I should otherwise not be able to get my crew to go the voyage the first of what has a little sickened them. I did not send a Copy of my Report to The Admiralty from Timor as it was not only doubtful whether it would even reach its destination but it was also so slight a history of my voyage that it would not have deserved attention.
On the 24th December I left this for the Derwent on my way to Macquarie Harbour of which also I have not been able to finish the Chart from my anxiety to finish & send home that of my
firstis Ex.y Gov MH
[Page 52]
first voyage The entrance is blocked up by a bar on which there is not more than 10 feet at H water the entrance is not more than 70 yards wide and for the first 10 miles is very shoal on some parts not more than 8 feet water so that a vessel drawing more than 8 feet cannot go in The Harbour then opens to a fine spacious sheet of water 36 miles long and 10 broad In this harbour there is a large quantity of Huon Pine a wood of great value among the Colonists I had an interview with the natives & found them very friendly They were much pleased with presents of empty glass bottles.
In about 3 weeks I leave this for my next voyage which I dare say will take up about 8 months by which I hope to complete the North and N.W Coast.
Assuring you of my earnest wish to afford satisfaction to those under whose instruction, I have the honor to be guided - & of my unabated zeal on the service I am entrusted with
I have the honor to be
&c &c
PPK
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 53]
Letter to Mr Croker by the Surry
Sydney Apl (?) 14. (?) 1819
Sir
I have the honor to address you for the information of their Ld Ships that I am on the eve of sailing for the North Coast to resume my survey of it The route I intend taking is by Torres Strait exploring on my way that part of the Coast between the Tropic and Cape York, passed by Captain Cook & not seen by Captain Flinders & on passing the strait to commence up Cape Arnhem and examine the Coast between it & Goulburn Island from which shall pass on through Clarence Strait and continue the Survey of the Coast South Westerly
I fear I shall be obliged to resort to Timor for water by October when I shall return to the Coast and endeavour to join my survey with Depuch Island where I left the NW Coast in March of last year
It was my intention to have left this on the 1st March but the incessant rain has prevented anything being done to equip the vessel Stores are very scarce & I am now leaving without a proper supply of sails from the total want of canvas to make them. A want of provisions has also a little retarded my sailing 2 ships having lately left the Colony with detachments one to England, the other to India being provisioned from this
I had the honor to address you for their Lordships information by the Shipley which lately left this via Cape Horn for England & by which ship I have forwarded a copy of my Journal & Charts of my Survey between the 20th Decr. 1817 & 31st July 1818
I have the honor to be
&c &c
PPK
To J.W Croker Esq
[Page 54]
Letter to Mr Goulburn by the Surry
Sir
I have the honor to address you for the information of the Right Honble; Earl Bathurst that I am on the eve of sailing to proceed to the continuation of my survey of the North & NW Coast of this Continent The heavy & unceasing rains which have fallen since my return from the Derwent have entirely prevented anything being done in the equipment of the vessel for so long a voyage until within the last 3 weeks but as the Easterly monsoon has just set in I shall not be much behind hand and in the assurance of my unabated zeal for the service I have the honor to be entrusted with & my anxiety to make every exertion to merit his Lordships approbation.
I have the honor to be
Sir Yr M Obt Servt
PPK
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
Letter to Mr. Goulburn with Journal by the Foxhound
H M Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove Apl 5 1819
Sir
Herewith I have the honor to enclose a copy of my Journal of the first voyage for the information of the Rt Honble the Earl Bathurst
Not having been able to finish a Copy of the Charts they will be left in an unfinished state at Port Jackson & shall be finished on the Mermaids return from the 2d voyage In the meantime one copy has been sent to the Admlty by the Shipley
I have the honor to be
&c &c
PPK
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 55]
Letter to Cap. de Freycinet
H.M. Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove
April 26 1819
Sir
Should I not have the pleasure of meeting with you during my 2d Voyage which I am about to commence, and in the event of your touching at Port Jackson before my return: Permit me to welcome your arrival by my friend The Honble Mr. Justice Field the Judge of the Supreme Court, a literary man, who will be proud to receive you as a brother & to afford you such information as will be useful & interesting for your pursuit
It remains for me to inform you of my having during my first voyage ascertained the precise formation of the Coast from the North West Cape to your Depuch Island in which I have done myself the honor to preserve such names as were given by Commodore Baudin.
On the North Coast I have carefully examined from the Longitude of 134.° 50 East of [indecipherable] westward to Cape Van Diemen and as far as the Latitude of 12.°15 South in that part named by Commodore Baudin. Josef Bonaparte Gulf. Golfe Josef Bonaparte, including the great Bay of Van Diemen and, as I have ascertained them to be, the islands which give a double outlet to this Bay All the particular points &c have rec.d names from me with the exception of Capes Fourecroy & Helvetius your Cape Zedben having been long ago named Cape Van Diemen I have retained that name
It is my intention upon this voyage to finish the survey taking from hence a Northerly
route
[Page 56]
route through Torres Strait and return by the West & South Coasts You will I dare say find a great difference in the size & consequence of these Settlements of whose infancy you was a Spectator and trust you will meet with a proportionately increased degree of attention to what you have so kindly acknowledged as having received on your visit here in 1802 and here Sir permit me to assure you of the best thanks of myself Mother & Family for the kind mention you have made of my late Father Governor King whose attentions to the wants of the Expedition were afforded not only by the Laws of Hospitality, but to support the principles and wishes of that Government whose representative he at that time had the honor to be
In assuring you of my regret at not being able personally to congratulate you & your Officers
I have the honor to be
Sir
With the highest consideration
Yr M.O. H Servt
PPK
To Capt De Freycinet
Commanding His most Christian Majestys
Corvette LUranie
Letter from Capt. De Freycinet in [indecipherable]
[This letter in French not transcribed covers also pages 57 and 58]
[Page 59]
Letter to Governor Macquarie from Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie May 20. 1819
Private
My dear Governor
It being our intention to leave this place tomorrow early I am induced to offer my latest assurances of my best wishes to yourself & Mrs Macquarie
& Lachlan all I trust quite well although Mr Oxley will give you every information of the capabilities &c of the Port I am induced to offer a few observations upon what I have seen during our visit which I trust may be acceptable
With respect to the entrance it is (with the exception of the Soundings of the bar & a few other particulars attainable only by the means of boats) sufficiently delineated in Mr Oxleys original sketch and excepting during a heavy Northerly or SE gale may be entered with facility at all times by Vessels drawing not more than 8 feet water; and at High Water any vessel of 10 or 11 feet draught When the bar is well known by a Pilot accustomed to the place I am sure that it may be passed at any time of tide and even during any weather.
The least soundings on the bar is 8 feet at dead low water spring tides and in the fair way I have every reason to believe there may be 9 feet it is about 60 yards in length after having passed which a vessel entering is in perfect safety security and may either anchor or pass up to Wharf point where she may be secured to the shore close to a natural wharf formed by perpendicular rocks along side of which is 18 feet water Outside the bar there is good anchorage in 5 & 6 fms
sandy
[Page 60]
sandy bottom where any vessel may await the Tide to enter On the South side, on the bar are 2 sunken rocks on the Inner one of which there is but 3 feet a Low Water On these a mark ought to be placed with which & a Beacon on a rock which is near the North low point of entrance & about 2/3d over on the South shore the port may with great facility be entered
While here we have witnessed a strong breeze from the Northward and also a gale from the SW both of which caused a surf to break across the bar, but not (after a perfect knowledge of the port) to prevent any vessel entering no vessel would of course go out until favourable opportunities offered which from the contiguity of the anchorage to the bar can be taken advantage of the moment they occur
The river the examination of which took up 3 days is beautifully picturesque & bears the appearance of flowing through a very rich country its course is not very tortuous & our examination terminated at 17 miles though not more than 13m in a direct line Fresh water commences about 12 miles up and is of very fine quality Rose wood is most abundant on the banks and where our examination terminated Cedar began to shew itself One tree Mr Cunningham measured to be 10 feet in diameter and I have no doubt but that it is abundant Marks of flood shewed itself about 20 feet above the level of the river but in no part did we see any signs of its being above the banks which are generaley from 7 to 15 feet high in some parts the banks
rise
[Page 61]
rise to 30 or 40 feet and in one part to about 60 feet The river is certainly navigable as far as the Junction of the Louden branch with the main river, to vessels of 10 & 12 feet draught & vessels of 5 & 6 feet may reach 3 or 4 miles higher at the rapids there is but 12 or 18 inches of water no loaded boats can therefore cross them With respect to the appearance of the Country I leave to Mr Oxleys more able description I shall confine myself merely to a few observations on the advantages of the Port as a Settlement
From the rapidity of the Tides & formation of the entrance the Channel will always be preserved & the bar by no means so difficult to pass as 4/5.ths of the Bar harbours on the Coast of England where vessels daily arrive & said - & the vast advantages of a fine back country of & navigable fresh water river bounded by banks of either open forest land or a rich brush on which valuable timber is abundant, & the Country well watered I am convinced a settlement formed here would be of great advantage to the prosperity of the Colony by not only the addition of a vast track of fine country but also by a nearer approach to the Tropic from which alone the future weal of N.S. Wales must in great measure depend
Leaving any farther description to Mr Oxley I shall proceed to inform you of my intended mode of proceeding as far as I can at present possibly decide upon. On leaving this my first landing will probably be at Port Curtis & after leaving that I shall commence at Cape Capricorn & proceed along the shore observing its Coast line as nearly as I can to Endeavour
River
[Page 62]
River where I shall also anchor and if possible complete my water From that I shall pass Torres Straits & crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria commence the investigation of that part between Cape Arnhem & Goulburn Island where my last survey commenced From Goulburn Island I shall pass through the Entrance of Van Diemens Gulf (Dundas Strait) & passing through Clarence Strait take up my survey at the point I left off at last May After this I cannot say what I shall do Circumstances must guide me & I trust I shall be back by the end of January I think it will not be before unless accident should happen to oblige my leaving the Coast earlier
Trusting that the result of our survey of this place & Mr Oxleys report will be satisfactory to your Excellency With best regards to Mrs. Macquarie & your son.
I have the honor to be
With much sincerity
Y Excellencys obliged humble servt.
PPK
To H.E
Governor Macquarie
&c &c &c
[Page 63]
Letter to Mr Croker & Mr Goulburn communicating the Proceedings of the 2d Voyage.
H.M. Cutter Mermaid Coepang Bay
Timor November 9 1819
Sir
I have now the honor to acquaint you for the information of {The Earl Bathurst their Lordships} of my arrival at this Island on the 1st instant 25 weeks from Port Jackson; during which period I have been on the East and North Coast of Australia, in the execution of {his their} Lordships instructions, and have been enabled to examine the coast line as follows.
First from the Northernmost part of Wessels Islands near Arnhem bay to Goulburn Island where the survey of last year, on the North Coast commenced; between which limits the Coast is low, & level and excepting a few bays & a cluster of islands which in the old Dutch Charts are named the Cocodrils Eylandts (the outermost of which was also seen by Lieut MacCluer) offers nothing very interesting save the existence of a Fresh Water river which I traced on a very tortuous course for about 40 miles, but not very broad; its banks are low and the soil composed of a stiff tenacious clay on which a shallow alluvial soil at first gave the appearance of richness but on digging it was found to be very shallow It was named the Liverpool in compliment to the Noble Earl Its entrance formed by an island is a well formed part & affords good shelter in either monsoon.
On my arrival at SW bay in Goulburn Island where I purposed to complete our water I found that the stream was nearly dried up I was obliged to remain 10 days to fill our Casks and complete wood
Whilst
[Page 64]
Whilst at the anchorage, fresh winds had daily blown from the Eastward but they ceased on our quitting the island and were succeeded by light baffling airs which retarded our reaching Vernons Islands until the 28th August From these islands where our Survey last year terminated I have examined the Coast as far as Cape Voltaire of the French Charts at which place I quitted the Coast for this island.
The currents were so strong that being to leeward of [indecipherable] when the land was made I bore up for Savu where on my arrival I found I could obtain no water. I was therefore necessitated to fill our empty casks with Saltwater and beat back to this placed against strong winds and Westerly Currents at times running 2 1/2 miles per hour on our arrival after 7 days our remains of water was contained in 3 casks 2 of which were ½ leaked out by rat holes & the third nearly empty
The Eastern side of what is called by the French "Josef Bonapartes Gulf" is deeply indented by bays & has many projections but retains the same unpromising appearance of the North Coast, low rocky shores backed by low barren land At the Bottom of the Gulf towards Cape Dussejour is a very extensive opening which I examined to its head its entrance is at the back of an island named by the French Lacrosse Island This opening was named Cambridge Gulf in honor of His Royal Highness the Duke, it extends for 60 miles in a Southerly direction and is full of islands the Channels being narrow & deep varying in width
from
[Page 65]
from ½ mile to 6 or 7 miles and in some parts 40 fms deep The tides of course are very rapid at the head the water was quite salt The country is rocky & mountainous but the hills are in small ranges and rise abruptly from a level plain of many miles diameter entirely covered with a thin crust of salt from the inundations of the sea; the Eastern side of the Gulf is low & mostly composed of Salt Plains; whilst the Western side is formed by high, rocky & barren hills amongst which in the wet season plenty of water might be obtained from the Gullies which are very numerous & of easy access; Lacrosse Island would alone furnish an abundance during the proper season but at the time of our visitation (side of page says dele) every hole was dried up as a proof of which the marks of a native dog were observed on the salt plains running to & from the different salt water holes, which are filled by the high tides, in search of fresh water.
Several holes were dug by us in shady parts of the Gully but the water obtained was perfectly salt No communication were had with the natives, though a party of 9 were seen on Lacrosse Island who avoided us, & fires were burning all around our different anchorages.
A considerable opening was observed in the SE corner of the "Gulf Josef Bonaparte" which I was unable to examine from my having previously lost all but 1 anchor & from the intricacy of the shoals among which we were beating for 3 days and 2 nights against a strong wind blowing out without making any progress and I reluctantly gave up passed by I rather
thought
[Page 66]
thought it to be a deep bay though there was decidedly an opening on its East side - great part of the space between it & Cambridge Gulf was unattainable from projecting shoals which are connected with the bank called by the French "Banc des Meduses" from the immence quantity of Blubber there seen and of which we likewise saw an abundance
The examination of Cambridge Gulf took up 13 days & on the 29th September left it & continued the examination of the Coast as far as Cape Voltaire including an Archipelago of Islands called by the French Iles dInstitut of which the Island of Cassini was alone fixed by then the land laid down by them for Bougainville Island is a part of the main To the Eastward of which is a fine & deep bay which I examined & named after The Right Honble The Chancellor of the Exchequer To the Eastward of Cape Voltaire is a deep bight which I have done myself the honor to name "The Admiralty Gulf at the bottom of which is Port Warrender & a cluster of islands which were called Osbornes Islands The land about is high & of exceedingly pretty appearance but on landing the soil is rocky & parched up, several picturesque & deeply indented bays are formed on the Coast where excellent anchorage may be found - In the Gulf I have given positions to upwards of 30 islands.
Between Cape Pulpiers & Cassini I.s of the French Charts the shoals which are connected with the French "Banc des Holothuries" are numerous & delayed us considerably a cluster of Islands to the Eastward of Vanstitart Bay & between it and a Cape (which I have named "Talbot") were called after
Rear
[Page 67]
Rear Admiral Sir Graham Moore KCB.
After having proceeded thus for the monsoon was drawing near its close; the gloomy & unsettled weather attendant on the change had already commenced & the fall of some heavy rain warned us that it was time to leave the Coast so as to enable us to insure a passage to the Southward after completing water at Timor Our defects were very great. All our Chain plates much decayed, 3 having already been carried away The water very precarious from the bad state of our casks added to these our people were beginning to feel the effect of so long a period of salt diet in so warm a climate 3 had the scurvy one man died in Cambridge Gulf and another was incapable of any exertion so that we were too much reduced in strength to do any good Mr Bedwell had but just recovered from a severe attack of Dysentery which had deprived me of his assistance from the period of leaving Goulburn Island We have in fact been very unfortunate since leaving Port Jackson having always had 2 or 3 people sick
During this voyage I have been enabled to lay down a space of 700 miles upon the North Coast in addition to which I have continued the Chart of the East Coast where Captain Flinders left off viz. at Percy Island as far as Torres Straits, including that space between Point Lookout and Cape Direction which was not seen by Captain Cook, a space of 800 or 900 miles This though not in my instructions I trust will meet with the approbation of their Lordships, in the performance
of
[Page 68]
of which I was activated by the following reasons First the want of such a Chart is to connect Captn Flinders survey and secondly from the report of several Master of Vessels that rivers have been seen there, the truth of which I have been able to disprove.
In my voyage I also surveyed the newly discovered Port Macquarie accompanied by the Surveyor General of the Colony who return to Port Macquarie in one of the Colonial Vessels a Chart of which I shall also have the honor to forward
A Bay of some extent was also examined by me between Port Curtis and Busland Bay when I was detained by bad weather
Off Cape Tribulation I lost my whale boat & was obliged to construct one I had on board in frame as Endeavour river where I remained a fortnight occupying the very place that Capt Cook used when he was there in 1770. At that place I completed wood & water & made a survey of the Port Entrance and Mr Roe examined the head of the River I had also an opportunity of fixing the position of the River by an extensive set of Lunar distances
In endeavouring to enter the opening in Newcastle Bay on the NE Coast the Cutter grounded and as the wind was blowing strong in with a heavy sea, our escape was truly providential the same night being obliged to anchor under Turtle Island we lost an anchor and in coming to the following day under Goods Island we lost a second with these discouraging losses & with but 1 anchor to survey the Coast we commenced our work and as I have generally anchored every night I think myself truly
[Page 69]
fortunate
truly providential in having escaped without further accident
A rough Chart has been constructed which is finished up to the day of leaving the Coast but cannot be corrected until the Time Keeper results for the longitude have been look over & the proper allowances made which will depend on the rates I am now employed in finding. On my arrival at Port Jackson I shall endeavour to get them ready as soon as possible for the size of the Mermaid is too confined to allow me to work upon them at sea unless the weather is very fine
I am happy to say the Mermaid still continues to deserve the good character I have previously represented her to bear but she is so overrun with rats that they have done considerable damage to our water casks by gnawing holes in them to get at the water, several all rendered quite useless and which will I fear distress me much.
I did myself the honor to transmit under the care of Lieut. Watts of the 46th. The Late ADC of His Exy Gov Macquarie my Journal & charts of the first voyage he left the colony in the Shipley which sailed on the 1st April last via Cape Horn
[In faint ink beside the above]
I did myself the honor to transmit by this Ship (the Cockburn ) a copy of the Charts of my first voyage The Journal of which I sent by the Surry which sailed last July & which I trust will prove satisfactory to his Lordship
Messrs Bedwell and Roe still continue to afford me every assistance in their power but for the last 2 months Mr Bedwell has been too ill to do any duty
Mr. Cunningham the Collector for
Kew
[Page 70]
Kew Gardens is most indefatigable in his pursuit and will add much to Botanical Science.
From the Secretary to the Government of this place I have learnt that Captain de Freycinet was here in October 1818 and remained 15 days and on sailing mentioned that it was his intention to proceed to New Guinea & from thence to Port Jackson to repair his ship and that his absence from France was to occupy 3 years. So that I am certain of having been before him in those parts which I visited last voyage.
I trust [his their] Lordships will pardon my being so brief upon this occasion and trusting but as the opportunity of sending to Batavia is very uncertain for some length of time I have merely mentioned leading parts of my voyage thinking it probable my Journal may be as expeditious as the present communication
And trusting my humble exertions to comply with the wishes & instructions of {his their} Lordships will meet with {his their} approbation
I have the honor to be
Sir
Yr. most Obedt
Humble servt
PPK
To J.W Croker Esq ..(sent from Timor)
To H Goulburn Esq (sent from Sydney by Cockburn
[Page 71]
Letter from Mr Barrow
Admiralty Office 17 June 1818
Sir
I have received and communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 11th December last reporting your proceedings in the fitting out of the Mermaid Surveying Vessel, and intentions with regard to the survey on which you are employed
I am Sir yr HS Jno Barrow
To Lieut King
Mermaid SV. New S. Wales
Letter from Mr Barrow
Admlty Office 18 June 1818
Sir I have received & communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admlty your letter of the of December last stating that you were about to proceed from Sidney Cove in execution of the surveying service entrusted to your charge
I am Sir
Y very HS Jno Barrow
To Lieut King
Mermaid SV. New So Wales
Letter from Mr Barrow in reply to my 1st communication from Timor
Admlty Office 8th December 1818
Sir I have received & communicated to my Lords Commissioners. Of the Admiralty your letter dated at Timor the 10th of June last No 1. and in return I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint
you
[Page 72]
you that they approve of your proceedings and are pleased to find that you appear to have done so much with such small means, and they are glad to observe without sickness or accidents. Their Lordships commend your forbearance towards the Natives and they trust you will continue to be very careful of the lives of yourself, your officers and your ships company
Their Lordships have directed the Navy Board to send out by the first opportunity a proper assortment of stores for the vessel you command; particularly a couple of Anchors and blocks with spare sheaves and they have desired the Victualling Board if they have occasion to send a surgeon with a convict ship or if there should be one disposable at Port Jackson to direct him to put himself under your orders At the same time their Lordships hope that if the Governor has been able to do so he will have attached a surgeon to your Expedition; and they have requested Earl Bathurst to write to the Governor desiring him to continue his assistance to you.
I am
Sir
Your very humble Sevt
J. Barrow PPK
To Lieut King
&c &c &c
Letter from Capt Hurd
Hydrographical Office 11 Dec 1818
My dear Sir
I have lost no time since the receipt of your favour from Copang in collecting & packing the Instruments & various other articles you have written for & trust they will be conveyed in safety & with speed to
your
[Page 73]
your hands. They are intended to go by the Baring a Convict Ship
Your letter to the Board having been transferred from one Government Office to another I have not been able to get a sight thereof so that I cannot make any comments upon it at the present moment.
I am fearful you are badly equipped for so particular a service as they you are now executing & lament you had not a proper outfit in this Country before you left it How goes on the two young men who accompanied you (Bedwell & Roe) I hope you have been benefited by their exertions & abilities & that they will possess stamina enough to enable them to undergo the anxiety & fatigues attendant on the exploration of an unknown coast and I pray most sincerely that your own health may not droop under the many hardships and deprivations you must experience in carrying your orders into effect
Many thanks for the seeds you intend to send by the first conveyance which I shall be thankful for and in return send you a Naval List & two polar Charts constructed in this office for the use of the Ships lately sent in search of a NW passage to Bherings Straits as also a Polar one on the Greenwich Meridian both of which have failed you will observe that the whole of Baffins Bay as laid down by that celebrated Navigator has been omitted in these charts its existence having been doubted, but must be restored to its primary position as being founded in fact an opening of 15 leagues wide in a western direction was found in Latitude 74° but was not explored &
will
[Page 74]
will therefore be the subject of another years research.
I send you a list of Instruments & Stationary & with my best wishes for your health & success
I remain My Dear Sir
Most truly yours
Thomas Hurd
Ps. You omitted asking for Nautical Almanacs which I have however supplied.
H. Office 12 Decr 1818.
List of Instruments [indecipherable] necessary for the completion of the surveying service in New South Wales
Viz
1 Marine Barometer
Katers, (no spare cards) 2 Azimuth Compasses with spare Cards for each
½ dozen ea. ½ hour, 28 second & 134. glasses
2 [indecipherable] & 4 cards
2 Steering Compasses & 3 spare cards
A Sextant & stand with Artificial Horizon
A circumferentier & Stand
A 3 [indecipherable] Spy glass
A Brass Standard Scale
A small picket Case of Instruments
½ doz spare printing off Compasses
[indecipherable] { 1 small pocket
{ 1 larger graduated to 140°
{ 1 do do do
(no stand) 1 Katers Compass
[Page 75]
Letters from Victualling Board
Vict Office 14 Decr 1818
Sir
The Right Honorable the Lords Commissrs of the Admiralty having signified to us their desire that we should send out to Port Jackson a Surgeon to be attached to your command. We acquaint you that we have appointed Mr John Morgan (2) to this service, and that it is intended he should proceed in the Baring, a ship which has been engaged for the conveyance of convicts
We are
Your humble servants
Thos Welch. J Aubin J Adair
Lieut King
&c &c &c
Letter from Admlty (M Barrow) relative to Stores & Rope not to be sent out
Admiralty Office 16 Jany 1819
Sir
In reference to that part of my letter to you of the 8th of last month which informed you that an assortment of stores would be sent out to New South Wales for the vessel you command; I am directed by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you that the Navy Board having suggested that it appears unnecessary to send out a supply of rope as it is understood that such as may be required can be procured on the spot in better condition than the article would be received if sent out from this Country Their Lordships are pleased to direct that you should accordingly procure, such rope as may from time to
time
Lieut King
&c &c &c
[Page 76]
time he wanted and that after sufficient trial you should report upon its quality.
The Navy Board have alluded to specimens of rope made at New Zealand
I am Sir,
Yr most humble Sevt
Jno Barrow
Letter from Admiralty relative to being supplied with N.Z. Rope from Messrs Jones & Riley.
Admiralty Office 34 Feb. 1819
Sir
The Navy Board having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty reports of experiments made with rope manufactured of New Zealand Hemp the result of which is extremely satisfactory I have their Lordships commands to acquaint you that the home of Supr Jones & Riley of Sidney N.S Wales can furnish cordage made from this Hemp and to signify their direction to you to obtain from them such cordage as may be required for the Mermaid on the best & cheapest terms in your power, and to transmit to me such information therein as you may be enabled to collect
I am
Sir
Your very humble Sevt
Jno Barrow
[Page 77]
Letter from Victualling Office per accounts
V.O. 18 April 1819
Sir
Not any general or Quarterly Accounts having been received in this office for His M. Survey Vessel Mermaid under your command we have to desire that you will immediately forward to us these which are now due; and that in future you will transmit them quarterly as required by the Instruction.
We are
Sir
Yr humble Sevts.
J. C Searle, J Aubin J Weir
Lieut P.P. King
&c &c &c
Letter from Admiralty in reply to mine 4 Aug 1818
Adml. Office 4 May 1819
Sir
I have received & communicated to my Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 4th of August last No 2: reporting your arrival at Sidney Cove from Timor
I am
Sir
Yr very humble Sevt
Jno Barrow
Lieut King
&c &c &c
Letter from Admlty in reply to mine 16 April 1819
Sir
I have received & communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter dated at Sydney Cove 16th April last reporting of intended proceedings I am Sir
Yr. very humble Sevt
Jno Barrow
Lieut King
&c &c &c
[Page 78]
Letter from Admiralty in reply to mine 23 Feb 1819
Forwarding Journal & Charts of 1st Voyage
Admiralty Office 11 December 1819
Sir
I have received the letter which you addressed to me from Sydney on the 23d. of February last and having communicated it to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty I am commanded to convey to you their Lordships approbation of your conduct and their satisfaction at your report of the good conduct of the two Midshipmen under your orders.
The instruments for which you had applied, and a surgeon directed to be attached to you were sent out in the Baring which vessel sailed from England for New So. Wales about the end of January last
It is their Lordships directions that you should continue the survey until you shall have completed the whole of the West Coast of New Holland so that your survey shall unite with that of Captain Flinders
Their Lordships are aware that a vessel of such small tonnage as the Mermaid is inconvenient for such extensive work but they trust that the Governor of the Colony will do every thing in his power towards fitting and storing her and removing as far as his means may extend the inconveniences of the vessel
I am
Sir
Yr very humble Sevt
J.W Croker
Lieut King
&c &c &c
[Page 79]
Letter from Mr Croker (private)
Admiralty Dec 11th 1819
Private
My dear Sir
I have received your private letter of Feby 23. 1819 with great satisfaction, I have read it to the Board who have directed me to write you a public letter to direct you to finish the survey of the whole West Coast till yours shall meet Capt Flinderss
The Instruments & Surgeon which your former letter asked for have been dispatched some months ago and I hope may have reached you by this time
With the best thanks for your letter & sincere wishes for your further success
Believe me to be Dear Sir
Yours most faithfully
(copy) JW Croker
Lt King
Letter to Mr Skinner of HMS. Ship Dromedary
Sir
As you have a superabundance of Water Casks in H.M. Store Ship under your command
I have to request you will supply H. Cutter Mermaid with the following
Viz
6 Butts
20 Puncheons
10 Barrels
for which this shall be your order
I have the honor to be
Yr. Vy Most O.H Sevt
P.P.King
To Mr Richd. Skinner
HMS. Dromedary
[Page 80]
Letter to Capt Hurd
Sydney Cove Feb 25 1820
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th December last accompanied by 2 Cases, one containing stationary the other instruments all of which arrived in good order
Viz.
I Marine Barometer
2 Katers Azimuth Compasses
½ doz ea. ½ hour, 28 & 14 seconds glasses
2 Steering Compasses & 2 spare cards
a sextant stand & artificial Horizon
a Circumferentor & stand
a 3[indecipherable] spy glass
a Brass Stand and Scale
small pocket Case of Instruments
½ doz spare pricking off rough Compasses
3 Thermometers
Katers Surveying compass (without a stand
One ream of Fools Cap
One " " Post
2 hundred pens
2 " [indecipherable] Quills
6 doz ([symbols]) Pencils
54 Sheet Drawing paper
6 Quires Transparent do
2 " Cartridge do
Naut. Almanac for 1819. 1820 & 1821
I have the honor to be
Sir
Yr M.O.H.S
Lieut P.P. King
To Capt Hurd
H. Office
&c &c &c
[Page 81]
(Private) Letter to Capt Hurd accompanys the foregoing
HMC. Mermaid Feb 25 1820
Sir
With much pleasure I have to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 11th December 1818 & to thank you for the supply of instruments & stationary The former were not quite agreeable to the list furnished with them; the 2 Azimth Compasses with spare cards being substituted by 2 Katers Azimth Compasses without space cards & the 2 steering Compasses with 3 spare cards of which one spare card was wanting the stand of the Katers Compass is also wanting The 2 latter are not material but the loss of the 2 Azimuth compasses (that is the old fashioned one) will be greatly felt for the Katers Azimuth Compass although very good for the purpose of Azimuths or Bearings on shore cannot be used as a Binnacle compass for taking Bearings of the land when running along the Coast as the Card should be kept in a constant state of steadiness- However I shall manage as well as I can & I hope at some future time when we compare notes to give you as correct an account of all things, as a small vessel, miserable equipment & small means will allow I am very much obliged by your kind enquiry after my health & am happy to state that I keep it up much better than I expected the continued heat of the climate is I assure you very great Messrs Bedwell & Roe go on well but they both have suffered materially from the climate - They are of great use to me particularly Roe who has copied the charts that are sent home You will I am sure agree with
me
[Page 82]
me that they are beautifully done
I thank you for the 2 Polar Charts & Navy list I feel quite sorry for Capt Rosss bad [indecipherable] but I must say I think it extraordinary an opening 15 leagues wide should have been left unexamined What would I give for one 15 miles wide!
I refer you to my letter to the Board for the history of my peregrinations which I trust will meet their Lordships approbation. I shall sail abt the latter end of April I shall I hope complete the Coast by about the end of the year.
I am D Sir
Yr obliged humble Sevt
PPK
To Capt Hurd
&c&c&c
Letter to Admiralty (To Mr Croker)
HM Cuter Mermaid Sydney Cove
Feb 25 1820
Sir
I have much pleasure in reporting to you for your Lordships farther information my arrival at this place on the 11th ult. 9 week from Timor where I did myself the honor to make a brief report of the proceedings of my 2d. voyage to the North & N West Coasts.
Since my return I have been much employed on collecting the materials for my charts & Journal as well as inspecting the repairs of the vessel The Journal I intend forwarding by the Dromedary on her return to Europe as I am not enabled to prepare it for this conveyance To this unavoidable delay I am the more reconciled since it appears that M. de Freycinet who
visited here
[Page 83]
has not seen. His visited this port last November & December has not seen any part of the Coast of Australia excepting Sharks Bay on the Western Coast
I am happy to state that with the exception of the death of one man reported in my letter from Timor no further loss has been sustained although our voyage back was not without our full share of sickness
On my arrival I had the honor to receive their Lordships wishes & communications contained in your letters of the 8th December 1810 Jany 16 Feb 14 & May 4th 1819.
I beg leave to present my best thanks for their Lordships liberal & handsome mention of my proceedings during the 1st Voyage & I trust my conduct will ever be deserving of their Lordships consideration
I am sorry to say that the Surgeon appointed by the Victualling Board to join the Mermaid has since his arrival been in a state of lunacy so that I consider it fortunate that he did not arrive previous to my sailing I do not as yet know how his loss can be replaced
The Dromedary brought me a supply of stores which are particularly serviceable at this moment as there was otherwise no canvas to be obtained & I should have been unavoidably detained for that & other articles which the Dromedarys arrival has furnished me with; but the anchors are I am sorry to say much too large being about 3 Cwt heavier than we can use The Chain Cable is a most valuable acquisition
With respect to the New Zealand rope
I
[Page 84]
I beg to acquaint their LdShips that I cannot get more than sufficient for a Main Sheet & Bolt rope for my large Jib as there is but very little flax in the Country & the supply of it very precarious
Messrs Jones & Riley have none of this rope, it is manufactured & sold by one man only who lives in Sydney & appears to be a respectable man & a very good workman. Besides this trial I shall be enabled to report upon its qualities in the shape of twine as our sails are being now made up with it We have since the first used it for Lead & Log lines for which purposes it answers uncommonly well & is far superior in my opinion to the lines used in the Navy for these purposes.
I hope to leave this on my 3d voyage by the latter end of April which I hope will finish the survey of the North & N W Coasts On my passage up the East Coast I shall be able to rectify some doubtful points of my former track but I despair of being able to see any thing of the West Coast without making a voyage on purpose to the Southward & which would take up nearly another twelvemonth from the confined method of operating in so small a vessel
Their Lordships may rest assured of my anxiety to comply with their wishes as far as my means will allow & trusting my future exertions will meet a continuation of their Ld Ships consideration & approval
I have the honor to be
Sir Y M Obt Sevt
Phillip P. King
To J.W. Croker Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 85]
Private to Mr Goulburn
HM Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove
February 25 1820
Sir
By the Ship Cockburn I have had the honor to transmit to you the Charts of my first voyage & a brief report of my second, being a duplicate of one I sent to the Admiralty from Timor I hoped to have been able to send a detailed account of it by the this opportunity but my time having since my arrival been fully occupied in inspecting the repairs of the vessel & correcting the observations &c of the voyage I have had no opportunity of collecting them in time but I trust I shall be able to send something to the Admiralty by the Dromedary Store ship.
I have much pleasure in reporting our arrival here without farther loss than that I have reported in the accompanying official letters but we have not been without much sickness.
I shall leave this by the latter end of April & hope to finish the survey before I return which will be about the end of the year The Coast continued to bear a very unpromising appearance where we left it its character was generally higher That we had hitherto observed to the westward of Torres Strait - & although tolerably well wooded yet the Trees were of very stunted growth & the soil rocky & barren added to which the total absence (at that time the dry season) of fresh water & extreme heat of the climate conspired to render it a perfect desert, our departure from it was greeted with no little pleasure
I beg to assure you Sir of my undimi-
-nished
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 86]
-nished anxiety to comply as far as my means will allow with the Instructions I have the honor to be furnished with & trust that in the end my humble endeavours will neither be wanting in success, nor the honor of your attention & approbation
I am
Sir
With the highest respect
Yr M O H Sevt
Phillip P. King
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
Private Letter to Mr Croker
HM Cutter Mermaid
Sydney Cove 25 Feby 1820
Sir
Having done myself the honor to address you for the information of their Ld Ships reporting my arrival at this place I have to offer you my best thanks for your having caused my being supplied with the stores I wrote for from Timor in 1818. all of which are suitable except the Anchors which are too large The New Zealand Rope which I have received directions to purchase & try the merits of is only to be got in small quantities owing the precarious importation of the Flax. The only channel by which it arrives here is by Sealing vessels which having generally a full cargo & not much room for it being but a small quantity When tried a few weeks since on board the Dromedary its strength was so greatly superior that I am convinced the use of this flax in our Rope Walks would be found to be of the greatest importance
Our voyage from Timor to this place
was
[Page 87]
was very tedious & long & we were unfortunate in having many sick which if we had experienced much bad weather would have been seriously felt I feared at one time I should myself have been necessitated to have given up the continuation of this survey from the weak, debilitated state to which the extreme heat of the climate reduced me but a little rest here has so far brought me round as to enable me to proceed again Messrs Bedwell & Roe have also suffered much; indeed the former has not yet quite got rid of an attack of Dysentery which deprived me of his services during 2 months of last voyage at a time when most wanted.
The Surgeon sent out to join the Mermaid has been in a state of mental derangement ever since he has been here by which I am again under the unpleasant anticipation of leaving on my third voyage without medical assistance
When I came out I fully understood that the Victualling of the Crew of the Cutter was to have been furnished by the Colony whereupon I kept an account suitable to their rules &c but I now find by a letter from the Victualling Board that I am to account with it As I have kept my accounts regularly I am under no apprehension of yielding a proper account of my receipts &[indecipherable] but I know I shall be a considerable defaulter in most articles from the bad quality of the Casks supplied me by the Lumber Yard here & by the havoc made upon our dry provisions by Vermin, rats mice & Cockroaches The rats have eaten & destroyed an incredible proportion of them To get rid of these I have been obliged to sink the Cutter which has been done & she is now under
going
[Page 88]
-going some repairs & being coppered - do not think we shall be ready to leave this before the latter end of April when I trust I shall complete my mission - The attention requisite to the repair of the vessel & collecting the scattered materials of my Charts & Journals has so occupied me that I have not been able to send anything by this opportunity, but it is my intention to send as much as possible by the Dromedary which ship sailed from hence to New Zealand on the 15th inst. & may be expected here on her return by the latter end of May before which I shall I hope have left the place
Captain de Freycinet left Port Jackson a few days previous to my arrival from what dropped from him & his officers (for they were quite close) it appears that the only place they had visited on this Coast was Sharks Bay on the Western side after their Physical & Astronomical observations were completed they went direct to Timor, from that they visited some of the Molucca Islands, coasted the North side of New Guinea & then went to the Sandwich Islands whence they came to Port Jackson All the time he was here, he was much employed at [indecipherable] Observatory but his 3 Savans visited the New Country
On their departure they intended to visit, on their return to France, Cape Horn, The Cape of Good Hope & some part of the West Indies to complete their observations When asked if he had any intention of visiting any part of the Coast he declared that the survey of this Coast bore no part in his Instructions The intention of the voyage being wholly physical
&
[Page 89]
& astronomical
I beg to assure you of my undiminished wish to give every satisfaction to those who have taken so great an interest in this voyage I only have to lament the small size of the Vessel which entirely prevented my completing the whole of my mission in one voyage
I have the honor to be
Sir
Y.M.O.H Sevt
Phillip P. King
To JW Croker Esq
&c &c &c
Letter to Victualling Office
HM Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove
25 Feb 1820
Hnble Gentlemen
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 14 December 1818 & of the 16th April 1819 which came to hand on my return from the NW Coast on the 11th of last month and in reply thereto beg leave in the first place to state that Mr Jno. Morgan (2) Surgeon ha been since his arrival in this Colony in a state of mental derangement & thereby incapacitated from joining H.M. Cutter under my command he has hitherto been and now is under the care of Mr Bowman Rh. The Principal Surgeon of the Colony & will return to England by the first favourable opportunity
And secondly with respect to your communication of the 16th April 1819 stating the non receipts of any General or Quarterly Accounts from H.M. Surveying Vessel under my command I beg leave most respectfully to state that I was led to understand from my Instruc-
-tions
To The Honble
The Commissrs for Victuals [indecipherable] Navy &c &c &c
[Page 90]
-tions from the Admiralty that the Victualling &c of the crew of the vessel was to be supplied by the Colony & I have always kept a running account of Receipts & Expenditure with the Commissariat But in the event of my having mistaken their Lordships wishes, I have not failed to keep my accounts in such order that I doubt not I shall be enabled to make them up according to the form which I have only procured within the last few days from H.M. Store Ship Dromedary They shall be got ready by the return of that Ship.
I beg to assure you, Honble Gentlemen that, my not having before this sent my accounts home has not arisen from wilful neglect of my duty nor from inattention to the Instructions of your Honourable Board
I am
With the highest consideration
Honble Gentlemen
Yr most obed. Humble Sevt
Phillip P. King
Order to Mr Hunter to act as Surgeon
By Lieut Phillip P. King Com-
-mander of His Majestys Cutter Mermaid
Employed on a Surveying Service
In New So. Wales
Whereas Mr. John Morgan Surgea. Of the Royal Navy appointed by the Commissioners of the Victualling Board to act as Surgeon of His Majestys Cutter Mermaid is incapacitated from joining on
account
[Page 91]
account of ill health.
And whereas you have offered your services in Mr Morgans room.
You are hereby requested & directed to repair on board His Majestys Cutter Mermaid and act as her Surgeon until further orders and for so doing this shall be your warrant
Given under my hand on board His Majestys Cutter Mermaid under my Command in Sydney Cove Port Jackson. This third day of April 1820
Phillip P. King Lt RN
Commanding
To Mr James Hunter
late Surgen Superintendant
of the Convict Ship Prince Regent
hereby appointed to act as
Surgen of HM Cutter Mermaid
Letter to Admiralty
HM Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove 26 May 1820
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 19. Octr. & 11 Decr. 1819. The latter conveying to me their Lordships approbation of my conduct and the satisfaction at my report of the good conduct of the 2 Midshipmen under me, and in reply I beg to assure their Lordships of my grateful thanks for so flattering a testimonial of my services and which entirely dispels all remembrance of the inconveniences and anxiety attending my employment and stimulates me to make greater exertions to [indecipherable] a continuation of their Lordships consideration & good opinion
The Instruments I applied for by a former communication were received
safely
To J.W Croker Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 92]
safely by the Baring which ship also brought an assortment of stores The Anchors were 3 Cwt heavier than I could make use of I have therefore with His Excellency the Governors permission purchased 3 at Sydney and delivered the others into the Government Stores, all the other articles were much wanted and are on the whole well adapted for the purposes intended
The Surgeon who was appointed by the Victualling Board did not arrive until after my departure on my second voyage on my return I found him in a state of Lunacy & in the opinion of the Surgeon General Mr Bowman of the Royal Navy quite unequal to attempt a voyage with me, from the great liability of a return of his malady
Mr Hunter Surgeon RN who came out in the Convict Ship Prince Regent offered his services to me in Mr Morgans place which I accepted with Governor Macquaries permission and have accordingly given him a warrant to put himself under my orders until the pleasure of their Lordships should be made known.
I trust my health will enable me to finish the survey of the West Coast agreeable to their Lordships orders communicated by your letter of the 11th December last as I am not quite recovered from the debilitated state to which I was reduced by the heat experienced during the last voyage & hope I may be enabled to execute their Lordships wishes & orders respecting my surveying it but fear I shall find some difficulty in perfecting it from the small size of the Mermaid and her inability to with-
-stand
[Page 93]
-stand bad weather - His Excellency the Governor has received Mr Goulburns letter in respect to the equipment of the vessel but notwithstanding every wish on his part to give me every assistance in his power I should have had much difficulty in preparing for this the 3rd voyage had I not received the stores above alluded to from the scarcity & immence price of every article I should have wanted
I am sorry I have not been able to prepare a set of Charts of my 2d. voyage sufficiently forward to have remitted by the conveyance, nor a detailed account of my proceedings But the re-equipment of the vessel & preparing my Pursery accounts, orders for the immediate transmission of which I had received from the Victualling Board on my arrival, added to the necessity of my leaving this as soon as possible to have the benefit of the Easterly Monsoon have compelled me to delay them until my next return when I shall have the advantage of having corrected many points now remaining in a questionable shape I trust their Lordships will approve of this since I am well aware that I have no competitor in Captn. De Freycinet & therefore am certain of not being anticipated by any publication of his of a similar nature.
If the Charts of my first voyage has not been published I hope I may be allowed to express a wish that it should be delayed until I arrive in England since I shall be able to correct some facts of the North Coast in them delineated I mean with respect to Longitude having increased during the last voyage the number of observations previously made.
The Mermaid is now nearly ready
for
[Page 94]
for sea and I hope in a few days to quit the Port
Messrs Bedwell & Roe still continue to afford me every assistance in their power
I have the honor to be
Sir
With the highest respect
Yr Most O.H Sevt
Phillip P. King
To J.W.Croker Esq
&c &c &c
Letter to Mr Goulburn
HM Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove
26 May 1820
Sir
I have the honor to acquaint you for the Information of the Earl Bathurst of my intended departure from this place in a few days to proceed upon the continuation of my survey of the NW & Wt Coasts
I am sorry I have been prevented by the variety of occupations attendant upon the refit & re equipment of the Vessel from finishing a set of Charts & my journal of the last voyage ready to transmit to you but as the next voyage will cover many parts of the last survey which were left in a questionable state I trust I may not be considered neglectful in not having before this finished them A rough Chart remains behind should any accident happen to the Mermaid which I trust may not take place & that I may have the pleasure of reporting my proceedings from Timor in the course of 4 or 5 months
I did myself the pleasure to transmit the Charts of my first voyage by the Cockburn which
left
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 95]
left this 2 months since The Journal was sent by the Foxhound in the middle of last year which I trust from having heard of the receipt of other letters that went by the same conveyance have safely come to hand.
I have the pleasure to state that I continue to receive from His Excellency Governor Macquarie all the assistance in his power and by his permission I have supplied myself with a sufficient quantity of Preserved Meats to give all the Ships Company 2 days fresh meat per week which I trust will be the means of preserving them in health and enable me to finish the survey of the Coast without any further loss than what I have unfortunately met with
I have accepted the services of a Surgeon of the Navy who came out in one of the Convict Ships, a Mr Hunter which I trust will meet His Lordships approbation
I beg to assure you, Sir, of my undiminished zeal for the further execution of His Lordships Instructions
I am Sir
With the highest consideration
Yr Most Obedt.
humble Sevt
PP King
To Henry Goulburn Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 96]
Private Letter to Mr Croker
HMC Mermaid Sydney Cove
26 May 1820
Sir
The kind manner in which you have done me the favour to acknowledge the receipt of my letter of 23d Feb. 1819 accompanying the detailed Journal & Charts of my 1st voyage, had I no other reason, convinces me of the lively interest you have taken in the service I have the honor to be employed on and assure me that although unsuccessful in the discovery of any thing interesting or useful I have still your good wishes, which stimulates me to make every exertion to forward the wishes of their Lordships by completing the survey of the West Coast making it meet that of Captn Flinders at Cape Leewin.
When I did myself the pleasure to address you from Timor I was labouring under much ill health from the extreme heat of the climate & feared I should be incapacitated from following my orders, I have however recovered, & trust I shall be able to complete my mission
I am very sorry I cannot finish a Chart of my 2d. voyage before I again sail but I assure you Sir, the difficulty of getting assistance beyond the means I command is so great that I have been obliged to spend much time in the numerous duties attending the refit & re equipment of the Vessel which prevented my having sufficient time to construct my chart The correction of the rough outline is too rough complicated to attempt without being free from interrupt-
tion
[Page 97]
-tion & would at least occupy me for 3 months which would prevent my leaving this for 2 months to come when I should have the benefit of the Easterly Monsoon.
My intentions during the voyage are on leaving this to make the best of my way in Endeavour River where I purpose stopping to get some more observations to fix its longitude to connect my Chart of the Inter-tropical part of the East Coast thence to pass Torres Straits & go to SW Bay Goulburn Island & there complete my wood & water I shall then go to that part of the Coast which in Freycinets Chart is called Cape Voltaire, where my last survey terminated, & endeavour to make a junction with my former survey at Depuch Island My water will then be probably expended when I shall go to Timor if I cannot get any on the Coast After which I shall act as time & opportunity will allow it being my intention if possible to finish all this voyage
I have with the permission of the Governor & the assistance of Mr Bowman RN the Surgeon General of the Colonial Establishment got a sufficient stock of Preserved Meats to enable me to give 2 fresh-meat-days per week to the Ships Company which I trust will be the means of keeping my people in health
I beg you will accept my best thanks for your kind reception of my communication as acknowledged in your last favour
And I have the honor to be
With the greatest respect
Yr M.O HS
Phillip P King
Private
To J.W. Croker Esq
&c &c &c
[Page 98]
Letter to Capt Hurd
HM Cutter Mermaid Sydney Cove
25 May 1820
My dear Sir
By the Saracen, Capt Kerr, I received a collection of Stationary which was very acceptable, particularly the Fools Cap & [indecipherable] Paper, every thing else I have an abundance of & shall be able to manage until I see you I thank you for your supply of Instruments by the Baring which I have before acknowledged the receipt of I am obliged to you for recollecting me of this distant part of the world
I have got some few things & done to my instruments which I have paid for out of my Pocket, the Bills for which amounting to £ 3 or £ 4 I shall present to you hereafter
I did myself the pleasure of sending you some seeds by the Shipley, they were in a Box addressed to my mother & were in the charge of a Mr Andrew Smith Surgeon RN a passenger in her & who has unfortunately died on the passage I trust however you will receive every thing safe Jones, forgot to put up a Stand for Katers Surveying Compass I have however got one which will answer very well My Marine Barometer unfortunately got damaged by air getting into the Tube & from the orifice of the Tube being so very minutely small it cannot be put to rights here which I am very sorry for
I am vexed I cannot get the Chart of my 2d. Voyage ready to transmit You
are
To Capt. Hurd
&c &c
H Office
[Page 99]
are aware of the attention required to lay every thing down & will readily admit that I have not had sufficient opportunity this time to do it - It is all ready in the rough & this next voyage will correct many questionable points in it & render it more correct & valuable
Believe me Sir with every good wish for your health & welfare & many thanks for your remembrance of me
Yr very truly
& obliged humble sevt
P.P K
To Captn Hurd
&c &c
Letter to Victualling Board with Accounts.
H.M Cutter Mermaid Port Jackson
31 May 1820
Honble Gentlemen
I have now the honor to forward herewith my General Victualling Accounts up to 31 March 1820 agreable to your Instructions to that effect; in doing which I have to assure your honourable Board that a misconception of the tenor of my Instructions from the Admiralty & Earl Bathurst was the only reason that they were not forwarded earlier In consequence of this my accounts were kept in a form as prescribed by the Commissariat Department which was very different from that ordered by your honourable Board some little errors have therefore crept into my accounts which I am unable to correct from the absence of some of my men who have been discharged and are not now in the Colony I trust however they are generally correct
as
To the Honble the Commissioners for Victualling HM Navy
&c &c &c
Somerset House
[Page 100]
as I have been supplied with necessaries from the Government Yard at this place I have not charged for necessary money the loss of which I trust will be considered by your Honorable Board
I have the honor to be
Honble Gentlemen
Yr most obedt. Humble sevt
PP King
To the Honble
The Commissr.s for Victualling
H M Navy
&c &c &c
Somerset House
Order for Surveyor Mermaids bottom to ascertain the cause of her leaking.
By Lieut P P. King RN
Commanding H M Cutter Mermaid in Careening Bay N.W. Coast of Australia
A considerable leak which has lately much increased having induced me to careen HM Cutter under my command in order to stop it if possible
You are hereby directed to take to your assistance the Carpenter of the Cutter & examining into its cause, report to me upon the following heads
First . The nature & extent of the damage done & if any defect that may be discovered
Secondly. After making such repairs as our confined means will allow, will it be prudent for
her
Messrs Frederick Bedwell
& Jno Septimus Roe
Masters Mates of HM Cutter Mermaid
isHH
.M. Store Shipe Dromedary
[Page 101]
her to complete the voyage before our return to Port Jackson.
Given under my hand at our Encampment in Careening Bay
23rd of September 1820
Phillip P. King Lt. RN
Report of Survey
Pursuant to an order on the other side, we whose names are hereunto subscribed, with the assistance of the Carpenter of His M. Cutter Mermaid have made a careful examination into the principal defects of the said Cutter & into the nature of the leak that occasioned her being laid on shore upon the sands of Careening Bay.
On shipping a few sheets of Copper off the lower part of the sternpost & after part of the knee, found the latter rent through horizontally to about 3 feet from the Sternpost, in a part which appeared to have been defective when the vessel was built a bolt having been driven in to prevent its splitting farther
The sternpost appeared loosened at its connexion with the knee by violent beating on the ground and the bolts used in fastening a small iron plate for their greater security were found so rusted & worn as to be extracted by the Carpenter with little other assistance than his fingers
The whole of the fastenings which are Iron fore & aft appear in a forward state of decay & in many places have eaten holes through the Copper which we are of opinion will make it necessary
for
[Page 102]
for the vessel to be newly fastened with copper bolts & spikes if possible on her arrival at Port Jackson before she will be in a fit state for sailing on another voyage; as we consider the latter defect & the looseness of the stern post &c to be the principal causes of the leak that existed.
The seams in the bends on both sides & the Butt ends under each counter we found very open but in every other respect the Cutter appears strong & in good condition
The measures which have been adopted for repairing the above defects during our continuance in Careening Bay we consider as far as our judgement extends to be as effectual as our limited means would admit & to have rendered the vessel sufficiently secure to enable us to complete the present voyage without being under the necessity of returning to Port sooner than was originally intended We are however fully aware that a trial at sea can alone determine this point & do not apprehend an unfavourable result.
We cannot close our report without recommending to your favourable consideration William Forster the Carpenter for his zeal & ability in the discharge of his duty and Thomas Stevenson Sail Maker & for the able assistance he has afforded as a shipwright and we do declare that we have made this examination with such care & equity that we are ready, if required to make oath to the impartiality of our proceedings in witness whereof we hereto set our hands this 8th day of October 1820 at Careening Bay
Signed Fred.k Bedwell
Jno Septimus Roe
Lieut P.P. King
Commanding
HM Cutter Mermaid
Letter from Navy Office to Keep Acct of Stores &c
Navy Office 15 Feb 1820
Lieut King
Having directed the Officers of Deptford Yard to charge you with the stores sent out by the Dromedary Stores ship for the use of the Mermaid Cutter; we desire that you will account for the same as is usual in the Navy
We are
Your affectionate friends
J. Tucker
P. Frazer
G.H [indecipherable]
Mermaid Cutter
New South Wales
Copy of Letter from Mr Goulburn
Downing Street 24 July 1820
Sir
I have laid before Lord Bathurst your letter of the 25th February 1820 transmitting the Charts of your first voyage of survey on the coasts of New South Wales and a brief account of your second voyage and I am directed by his Lordship to acquaint you that the manner in which you have up to the period from which your letter is dated, discharged the duty entrusted to you has been highly satisfactory to him
I am
Sir
Yr. most Obedt humble Sevt
(signed) Henry Goulburn
Lieut P P King
HM Cutter Mermaid
Sydney Cove
[Page 104]
Copy of Letter to Mr. Skinner. Master Commd. The Dromedary to hold a Survey on the Mermaid. Report at p. 107
Sydney January 5th 1821
Sir
His M. Cutter Mermaid under my command having sustained some damage during her late voyage which required her immediate return to Port and as I have every reason to believe that her fastenings are extremely defective independent of the damage so sustained
I have to request you will with the assistance of the Carpenter of H.M. Storeship Dromedary under your command examine into her present state and report to me your opinion thereon particularly as respects the capability of giving her a proper repair within a reasonable time as also what may be required to enable her to execute the service on which she has hitherto been employed
I have the honor to be
Sir
Yr most obedt humble Sevt
Phillip P. King
To Richard Skinner Esq
Master Commanding
HM Store Ship Dromedary
Port Jackson
[Page 105]
On H.M.S.
Copy of a Letter to Govr Macquarie respecting M Haldane
Sydney. January 10th 1821
Sir
Mr Skinner the Master Commanding and Mr. Mart, the Carpenter of H.M. Storeship Dromedary being of opinion with me, that the Mermaids bottom wants considerable repair, I have the honour to inform your Excellency therewith and of the necessity of her being fresh fastened before she can be in any way found capable of continuing the survey of the Coast
Understanding that the Colonial Marine Establishment is in want of another vessel and as the Captain of the Brig Haldane has offered her Vessel for Sale; I am induced to inform Yr Excelly. Therewith as she would suit the service upon which I am employed infinitely better than the Mermaid whose small size and comfortless accommodations we have long suffered from.
The inability of my taking sufficient provisions and water in the Cutter to remain so long on the Coast as I shall necessarily be during the examination of that part now remaining unsurveyed, with the inconvenient size of the boats the Cutter carries makes me anxiously await the result of Yr Exys. Opinion with respect to the expediency of the purchase of the Brig Haldane, a vessel offering peculiar advantages to the Colony from her capacious size and excellent accommodations, and offered at a fair and reasonable price
my
[Page 106]
my being in such a vessel would also enable me to survey the West Coast for which I have already received instructions, but had given up all idea of being able to effect in the Mermaid from her total incapability for such a service; principally on account of not being able to carry spare parts to replace any loss which from the stormy and open nature of that Coast have every reason to anticipate The Cutter is also from our experience on two occasions which nearly proved fatal to us, very unfit to work off a lee shore.
The principle advantages to be derived from the purchase of the Haldane are First, being able to carry a sufficient stock of Provisions and Water to enable me to complete the survey (unless accident occurs) in one voyage. And secondly in her carrying Boats large enough to save the crew if we should be unfortunate enough to be wrecked, a resource which we have not in the cutter
I do not attempt to conceal from Yr. Exy. That I am partly induced to propose the above on the score of comfort we have been 26 months cooped up at sea in a very confined and small crowded cabin and have suffered a good deal in health from the constant exposure to the excessive heat we have experienced, which debilitates me so much that I had twice given up all idea of being able to complete the survey; but an anxious desire to execute the wishes and instructions of my employers urges me to do all I can not to disappoint them and which I flatter myself I shall not have much difficulty
in
[Page 107]
in doing without a vessel as the Haldane
Trusting your Excellency will give the above your consideration
I have the honor to be
Yr Excellencys
Most Obedient humble Svt
Phillip P. Kind
To His Excellency Gov. Macquarie
&c&c&c
Copy of a Report of Survey upon the Mermaid
Jan 7 1821
H M S Ship Dromedary
Sydney Cove Jany 19th 1821
Sir
In compliance with your request of the 5th instant we have carefully examined the state of H.M. Cutter Mermaid under your command and find that in consequence of her being iron fastened , the copper on her bottom as so corroded the nails, that she is completely nail sick, and it is our opinion, if she was refastened with copper nails in opposite angles to the iron, the latter being punched up and plugs drove on them, with small copper bolts in each [indecipherable] butt ends she would be a serviceable vessel for this colony or any other service for fifteen or twenty years.
We have the honor to be
Sir, your most Obt H Servt
R Skinner Master Commd
Russel Marl Carpenter
To Lieut PP King
Commanding
HM Cutter Mermaid
[Page 109]
Copy of a letter to the Govr respecting the Haldane
Sydney Jany 20th 1821
Sir
Herewith I have the honor to enclose the report of a survey taken by the Master commanding & the Carpenter of H M Storeship Dromedary, upon the present state of H M Cutter Mermaid; by which you will see the necessity of her being entirely refastened. The surveyors have also given their opinion as to the best mode of repairing her, after which they are of opinion that she will be serviceable for fifteen or twenty years, in all of which I fully coincide with them.
I had the honor to receive your Excellencys letter of the 12 Inst in which you have sanctioned the purchase of the Haldane, providing she can be purchased on reasonable terms
I have to inform your Excellency that I requested Mr R Mart, the Carpenter of the Dromedary who is the only competent person I know of in the Colony to examine her, and his report as to her strength is very satisfactory; she only wants a little caulking, and new Scuttle ports which are now in hand
I have also examined her myself and seen the Bill of her repairs in Dock at Calcutta so lately as July last when she was newly coppered caulked & repaired, which cost nearly £1000 and as she was purchased by Capt Orman a short time before for £ 2000 he is decided on not taking up the £ 3000 which upon every consideration of the case
[Page 110]
viz the expences attending the transhipment of himself and crew to Calcutta, the soundness and excellent construction of the Vessel as well as the quality of the materials of which she is built and the stores with which she is furnished I have no hesitation in being of opinion that the price asked is fair and reasonable.
As Capt Orman is anxious to have an answer this Evening I have to request your Excellency will honor me with your intentions that I may communicate them to him (Capt Orman without delay.
I have the honor to be
Your Excellencys
Most Obedt
Humble Servt
Phillip P King Lt RN
To His Excellency
Govr Macquarie
Copy of a letter from the Govr respecting the Purchase of the Haldane.
Government House Sydney
Jany 20th 1821
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this days date enclosing me the report of the committee of Survey on H M Cutter Mermaid and pointing out the manner of repairing that Vessel.
Taking into serious consideration the great delay that must necessarily take place in completing the repairs and equipment for sea of the Mermaid and the inadequacy of that Vessel for the surveying Service; and
[Page 111]
also what you have related, as to the fitness of the Brig Haldane for the above mentioned service, and her being already in all respects well equipped for sea, I have no other objection in giving my sanction to your purchasing her excepting the highness of the Price demanded for her by her present owner Capt Orman.
But as you have stated that he will take no less a sum than Three Thousand pounds for her, and that under all the circumstances of the case you are of opinion that the Price asked is fair and reasonable I acquiesce in your recommendation, and authorize you to purchase her for His Majestys Service in order to enable you to execute the important duty you are now employed on, in compleating the Survey of the Coast of this Continent
After the purchase of the Haldane has been made you, and the necessary Bill of Sale and other documents have been delivered over to you by Capt Orman I shall be ready to draw Bills on in his favour on the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty Treasury for the amount.
I have the Honor to be
Sir
Your Most Obedt Servt
L Macquarie
To Lieut P P King RN
&c &c &c
[Page 112]
Copy of a letter to Capt Hurd {1 by Dromedary
{ 2 by
Sydney Feby 1st 1821
Sir
I have to request you will have the goodness to supply me with the following for the surveying service in N S Wales, and which I shall be obliged by your forwarding as soon as possible.
I have forwarded within this to their Lordships a Chart of part of the Coast, from 125 ° East to about 129 ° E. but it is only a copy of my corrected rough survey and wants probably much correction which I have not time to do before the Vessel sails.
I am very busy in collecting as much as possible for their Lordships, which will plead as an excuse for the brevity of this I have another Vessel having nearly worn the Mermaid out. The present Vessel is the Bathurst a Brig of 170 Tons Teak built, much more commodious of course than the Mermaid, I have also appointed another Midshipman a Mr Baskerville.
In great haste
I am
Your obliged
& Obedt Servt
Phillip P King
To Capt Hurd
&c &c &c
My Time Keepers begin to want cleaning
List of stationary &c wanted for the Surveying Service
In N S Wales
4 Quires of Folio}
1 ream of Foolscap outside} Writing paper
1 ream foolscap Superfine}
[Page 113]
I set of Flinders Charts
Nautical Almanach for 1821,1822,1823
2 Parallel rulers} one 12 inches, one 10 inches [sketch of rulers]
1 Stout Brass scale, feather edged, 18 inches long dividing 1 inch at one end & ½ inch at the other end into tenths & hundredths parts by a diagonal scale.
1 small ivory protracting scale, with a roller attchmt for a parallel ruler.
6 half bound, blank books, ea 3 Quire foolcap
1 Common ships Azimuth compass with stop
6 Penknives
1 round ruler
2 Drawing Boards ea 3 feet by 2 feet inside the frame, or 3f 2 i by 2f 2i outside measure
Copy of a letter to Mr Croker by Dromedary
Sydney NS Wales Feby 1821
Private
Sir
My public letter will give you a brief account of my last voyage and of the accident which obliged my return so much before I was expected. The fastenings of the Vessel were so corroded that as soon as the copper was ripped off she nearly filled with water I trust their Lordships and Lord Bathurst will approve of my having advised the purchase of a larger Vessel for besides the great advantages derived from her larger size and being able to carry good boats I trust I shall be better able to carry on the survey on the [indecipherable] of our healths, which our being cooped up so long in a vessel with hardly
[Page 114]
room to turn round on her decks her carrying nothing in the shape of comforts & having no awning to protect us from the sun had been considerably impaired
I hope the next voyage will finish all which I think not improbable, when I shall be glad to know how I am to return. The vessel I am in is sufficiently competent and might be returned afterwards to the Colony with advantages to the Government. Our going home by the Ships bound by way of India or Batavia will considerably delay my return I shall of course await their Lordships ideas on the subject, I can only say I hope I may be allowed to take the Bathurst home as I shall be able to improve my Chart on the way as well as work upon it during the voyage, which I fear I should be prevented from doing in a crowded ship. I have not mentioned this to their Lordships in my public letter as I wish to submit it to your opinion whether just a request should be made.
Mr Secretary Scott who goes home in the Dromedary has in charge for you a small packet of seeds, and a box of Bulbs which were collected on the North Coast, and which I hope may vegetate.
We shall very soon have this and perhaps shall be back by Jany Feby or March next.
I beg leave to refer you to my Public letter for my having taken upon me
[Page 115]
to appoint another Midshipman to assist me. Both Mr Bedwell and Mr Roe are still indefatigable and render me every assistance in their power but I trust you will see the necessity of my having increased any establishment for the duty when employed on the survey was much too great for them.
I have to entreat your indulgence for my being so brief, my time having been much occupied upon the Chart which accompanies this as well as attending the equipment of the Vessel.
I am
Sir
Your obliged
& Obedt. Servt
Phillip P King.
To JW Croker Esq
&c &c &c
Copy of a letter to {JW Croker Esq by Dromedary
{Henry Goulburn Esq by
Sydney Port Jackson
Jany 1821
Sir
I have the honor to address you for the further information of their Lordships with respect to the Execution of the Service entrusted to me, the result of which although not attended with such success, as I have hitherto been favored with, I trust will not be disapproved of by their Lordships.
I did myself the Honor to write you on the 26th of ay 1820 in which I reported my being
[Page 116]
ready for sea, but on account of various delays did not leave the Port until the 15th June; On the 17th and until the 22d we encountered a severe gale of wind, blowing dead on the coast and being on a lee shore I was obliged to carry a press of sail to keep an offing. On the 4th day the sea being very heavy, I had the misfortune to lose my bowsprit by the vessel plunging into a sea, which obliged my instant return to Port Jackson, where I arrived on the 25th , but it was not until the 12th of July that our repairs were completed, on which day I again resumed the voyage.
The Time keepers, although they have done their duty, beyond what I could have expected were so inconstant in their rates that I was obliged to take advantage of the first fixed points to obtain new rates, in order that I might correct the Longitudes of my charts of the Inter-tropical part of the East Coast as far as Endeavour river, which place I purposed to revisit Port Bowen being tolerably well fixed by Capt Flinders I ran in for the purpose above mentioned, but in doing it unfortunately grounded on a shoal near the Inner point of Cape Clinton on the south side of the Port, on which we remained beating hard on the sand for 2 ½ hours. Our getting off in which we were assisted by the rising tide was not effected without a good deal of difficulty, but I flattered myself that no great damage had occurred although I heard a loud crack just before we floated as if something had been injured; The Pumps were sounded but no leak was perceived during our stay
[Page 117]
which lasted two days in which we had a friendly interview with the Natives.
To the BNW of Breaksea Spit I discovered a group of low islands 5 in number which by Capt Flinders account have been before vaguely seen.
Our passing up the Coast to Endeavour River was without particular incident, I did not delay by landing on any part, but merely confirmed myself to the improvement of the Chart made last voyage, which I had the pleasure considerably to improve and extend. At Endeavour River I remained 8 days during which I obtained 30 set of Lunar distances in addition to those of last year, by which I have determined the situation of the South Head on Entrance to be in
Latitude by 21 Merid Obser.ns 151716 So
Long by 25 set [indecipherable] } - 145° 10 49.8" East Greenit.
30 set [indecipherable] } -
On the 5th August I left Endeavour River and proceeded up the Coast, near my former track and passed through Torres Straits by Endeavour Strait in which I had not less than 4 fms water but there is no question about the superiority of Captain Flinders track, between the Prince of Wales Islands and the North West reef. And through which I also sailed the voyage before this in which the least water in Mid channel is 7 fms. At Booby Island we procured 2 Turtle which was the only refreshment of the sort we obtained during the voyage.
Our passage from Port Jackson
[Page 118]
to Booby Island deducting the time delayed by the Survey was 20 miles days, which was equally quick with the Passage of a Vessel that a few weeks before passed through Torres Straits by going without the Barrier reefs and entering them at Murrays Islands
I watered at Goulbournes Islands where as usual we were attacked by the Natives without encountering any loss. Hence I proceeded to the point where I had left off last voyage viz Cassini Island and continued the Survey of the Coast as narrowly and carefully as I could. The brief nature of this report prevents my enlarging so much upon the character of the Coast as I should wish to do, but I have endeavoured to make the Chart as explanatory as possible.
During the latter part of our voyage up the East Coast, I found to my great mortification that the misfortune of our getting on shore in Port Bowen, was not without its bad consequences: Soon afterwards a leak was observed which although trifling was gradually increasing and by the time we made Cassini Island we were making 9 inches an hour excepting during very light winds and smooth water.
At Port Jackson I found the leak increase to 4 inches an hour even in smooth water and the necessity of our looking at the Cutters Bottom was so pressing that I secured the opportunity that then offered for making the examination; The rise of tide in this Port being nearly 30 feet, and a sandy beach offering I landed our stores and provisions and
[Page 119]
encamped on a very pretty picturesque bay on the South side of the Port where the Vessel was laid on shore, where a considerable injury was discovered the Keel being split horizontally for 12 feet from the heel, and its connexion with the Stern post very much loosened, so that every time the rudder was moved or resisted the sea, the damage was increasing With great difficulty for want of Blacksmiths tools we contrived to make and drive 2 Bolts of 2 feet long through the stern posts and 2 of the same size through the Keel into the dead wood and connected the stern post to the Keel by an Iron brace, which was fitted for 2 feet up each side of the Sternpost and under the Keel and was bolted through & through. This repair which in our opinion would enable us to continue the voyage occupied us a week, but we were delayed a fortnight altogether before the Tides made high enough to float the Vessel. A sheet of copper was taken off the Bottom, and to my great mortification I found the Iron fastenings in a forward state of decay, so that out of 3 spikes 2 were entirely gone. I feared to rip any more copper off as I had not a sufficient number of nails to replace it again.
The day after we sailed I found that she leaked as much as ever, and I began to think that the fastenings were generally bad, and that their defection was the principal cause of the leak, and not the injury done to the Keel and stern post. However as at a future
[Page 120]
time the latter might have suddenly proved our destruction I was well satisfied in having repaired it, although we were as badly off as ever.
On the 14th of October as the monsoon was nearly up, I left the Coast with the intention of going to King Georges Sound and after watering to sail up the West Coast as near as I could with propriety and take advantage of the Westerly Monsoon to run along the remaining unsurveyed part of the NW Coast . But as in the Passage to it the leak still continued to increase I found it from prudential motives essentially necessary to return to Port Jackson, as the occupation of pumping the Vessel out every hour would not leave me sufficient strength to carry on the common work of the Survey. And if I continued, I should have in returning, to perform the Passage round the South Coast in the winter time, which I then feared and am now certain, we would not have been able to perform.
Between Cassini Island and the west end of Brunswick Bay, the Coast is rather high very rugged and quite barren; But in every part offering excellent anchorages for Vessels of all descriptions.
Water was procured in many places, although at the end of the dry season which prevented the necessity of our going to Timor
Montagu Sound is extensive and full of Islands York Sound and Prince Frederick
[Page 121]
Harbour the same; into the latter 2 rivers viz Hunters and Roes empty themselves, in the former of which we found fresh water and from which we filled our casks, but we were not able to search high enough up Roes river to see any.
Prince Regents river is extensive and very rapid. The Tide flowed more than 40 or 50 miles up it beyond which distance it was navigable for Boats. Near the extremity of our examination of the river we discovered a cascade of excellent water falling nearly 40 feet into the river Our examination terminated on account of the inconvenient size of our boats which prevented a longer absence. A disappointment we have frequently experienced
No animals beside the Kangaroo were seen, but Alligators in the river were noticed, and in the wet season are doubtless very numerous, if according to the Natural History of that animal they remain in a torpid state during the drought
The nature of the country where we left it was of considerable interest with respect to the very intricate Coast, high Tides and elevated appearance. The soil is however without exception miserably arid and barren but we saw it at the end of the dry season and consequently in its worst light.
I must refer their Lordships to the chart for further particulars, it is a copy of my rough survey, corrected as much as I could before the different detached portions were connected and
[Page 122]
will be found I flatter myself sufficiently accurate for a rough report. The principal faults are with respect to the differences of Longitude, between the fixed points, which I trust I shall be enabled during the next voyage to rectify, at most however they do not amount to many minutes.
I have not been able to lay down, in time for this conveyance, that part of the Coast between Cambridge Gulf and Clarence Strait containing the South and East sides of Josef Bonapartes Gulf. But I hope to complete it before I again leave, together with that part of the Coast between Cape Arnhem and Goulburns Islands.
On my return to Port Jackson where I arrived on the 9th December, after having been detained a week at Botany Bay I found it necessary to have the Cutters bottom examined which was done by Mr Skinner, the Master Commanding the Dromedary assisted by the Carpenter of the same ship. A copy of whose report of Survey is enclosed No 1. from which as it was necessary to repair her entirely a process which might be a long time executing I proposed to His Excellency the purchase of another vessel, in which I hoped to have sufficient room to carry provisions enough to allow our remaining longer out and to carry boats large enough to enable me better to examine the Coast and that might be resorted to in the event of shipwreck, a resource which we did not possess in the Mermaid. My having a better
[Page 123]
Vessel would also enable me to survey the West Coast which I had almost despaird of doing in being able to do in the Mermaid from her very small size and incapacity to carry a press of sail on a lee shore without endangering the Mast. The more so as I could not carry spare spars, sufficient to renew any loss I might meet with The want of another colonial Vessel was also another inducement for such a purchase. And a Brig from India there in Port Jackson being offered for sale, I examined her, and being highly satisfied with her capacity and strength, propose to His Excellency to purchase her to enable me to complete the service.
His Excellency having concurred with me in opinion as to the expediency of purchasing a fitter Vessel for the purpose of finishing the survey, I had the Brig examined by the Carpenter of the Dromedary, from whose favourable report at the same time coinciding with my own I completed the purchase of her for the sum of £ 3000. which upon every consideration of the case I consider fair and reasonable. She is 170 Tons burden, built in India of Teak and has been a Pilot Vessel at the mouth of the Hoogly. Although she is not quite new she is remarkably sound, and only last July has had repairs in Dock to the amount of £ 900. Having been entirely newly coppered and is well found in Cables, Anchors, Spars and Sails
I trust their Lordships will believe
[Page 124]
that in this proceeding I have only been activated by the desire of completing the survey as soon as possible and to prevent such delays as I have often and particularly in the last voyage met with as have obliged my immediate return to Port.
The Vessel has been named the Bathurst I have also to inform their Lordships that I have with the concurrence of His Excellency the Governor and Mr Skinners approbation increased my establishment by the appointment of a Midshipman of the Dromedary Mr Perceval Baskerville to assist me in the Survey. This young Gentleman during the Dromedarys stay at New Zealand was very useful to Mr Skinner and Mr Fairfowl the Surgeon in the Surveys they made of the Bay of Islands, Whangeraoa, and Tuckeeangha. He has been at sea 4 years, and is quite competent in every branch of his Profession and from Mr Skinners character of his diligence and attention I trust their Lordships will approve of his appointment. He will not draw his pay until the pleasure of their Lordships is further known upon the subject. I was the more inclined to do this in order to lessen the fatigues undergone by the Midshipmen with me as well as to enable me to have more of Mr Roes assistance during the Survey
I have written to Captain Hurd to request a supply of Stationary.
[Page 125]
I have not finished a Chart of the East Coast as I shall be able to enlarge it during the ensuing voyage.
As there will be a great probability that this Service will be completed by the Spring of the year next year I shall feel obliged by their Lordships orders how I am to act with respect to my return. The price asked by the Convict Ships is very great, indeed I do not think I could procure accommodations for myself and officers under £ 1000. and even then be considerably delayed on the passage by the route by India.
Awaiting the Honor of their Lordships further instructions
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
Phillip P King.
John Wilson Croker Esq
&c &c &c
Copy of a letter from the Victualling Office
30th of June 1820
Sir
We have received your letter of the 25th of February last, and in reply have to desire you will make up accounts for His Majestys surveying vessel Mermaid under your command and transmit them to us by the first opportunity
We are
[Page 126]
Sir
Your humble Servants
J Aubin J Weir
Midsh Brown
Lieut King
Mermaid [indecipherable] Sydney Cove.
Copy of a letter from the Victualling Office
11th of July 1820
Sir
Referring to that part of your letter of the 25th February last wherein you stated that Mr John Morgan /2/ the Surgeon whom we had sent from England for the purpose of joining His Majestys Cutter the Mermaid under your command was afflicted with mental derangement. We acquaint you we have this day appointed Mr Andrew Montgomery to be Surgeon of the Mermaid and have written to the Navy Board in order that he may be allowed a passage by the first opportunity
We are
Sir
Your humble Servants
JO Searle,J Aubin, J Weir
Lieut King
Mermaid Cr.
New South Wales
Copy of a letter to the Victualling Office {1 by Dromedary
{2 by
His Majestys Surveying Cutter Mermaid
Sydney Cove January 12th 1821
Honble Gentlemen
I have the honor to acknowledge
[Page 127]
the receipt of your letters of the 30th June 1820 & 11th July 1820. The former directing me to make up my Accounts & send them home. The latter acquainting me with the appointment of Mr Andrew Montgomery to H M. Cutter under my command.
I have in reply to acquaint you that the accounts referred to were left with the Naval Officer of this Port for transmission to England when I last sailed and were made up to the 31st March last.
I have further to acquaint you that Mr Andrew Montgomery having joined H M Cutter under my command, Mr James Hunter Surgeon RN has been superseded & returns to England by the first opportunity
I have the honor to be
Honble Gentlemen
Your most Obedt
Humble servant
Phillip P King
To the Honble
The Commissioners for
Victualling H M Navy
&c &c &c
Copy of a letter to Capt Skinner
H M Surveying Vessel Bathurst
Port Jackson Feby 1 1821
Sir
Finding it necessary to increase the establishment of the Surveying Service under my direction, and having obtained your consent to part with one of the Midshipmen of H M Store Ship under your command.
You are hereby required and directed to discharge the person named in the
Mr P Baskerville
[Page 128]
margin [ of the letter book] from H M S Ship Dromedary under your command, into H M Surveyg. Vessel Bathurst, taking care to supply him with the proper documents to enable him to receive his wages.
I have the Honor to be
Sir
Your most Obedt humble Servant
Phillip P King RN
To Mr Richard Skinner
Master Commanding
H M S. S Dromedary
Mr Baskerville order & date of Discharge from the Dromedary
By Lieut Phillip King commanding
H M Surveying Vessel Bathurst
Employed on the Survey of N West & W Coast of Australia.
Whereas it has been found necessary to increase the establishment of the Surveying Service under my command, by the addition of one Midshipman
You are hereby required and directed to act as Midshipman of H Majestys Surveying Vessel Bathurst until further orders, or untill the pleasure of the Lords of the Admiralty is known.
Given under my hand on Board H M S Vessel Bathurst in Sydney Cove Port Jackson.
This
Phillip P King Lt RN
To Mr P Baskerville
Late Midshipman of His M. S Ship Dromedary
Newly appointed to act as Midshipman of
H M Surveying Vessel Bathurst.
[Page 129]
Copy of a letter to Mr Goulbourn by the Dromedary
Port Jackson
3d. Feby 1821
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th July 1820. communicating to me Lord Bathursts satisfaction of my conduct up to the period of a previous communication from me.
I beg leave most respectfully to present my grateful thanks and at the same time to express my hope that I shall ever strive to merit by my conduct such a distinguished mark of my superiors approbation.
I have now to acquaint you of my return from my 3rd Voyage to the N W Coast much earlier than I intended on account of the state of the Mermaid, she having sprung a considerable leak before I arrived on the coast, which was occasioned by having struck on a shoal on the NE Coast on my way. The survey of [two symbols] was however carried on until the termination of the Monsoon when upon leaving the Coast for King Georges Sound, where I purposed to go for water and afterwards to complete the voyage; I found it necessary from the increase of the effects of the injury sustained to return to Port Jackson as speedily as possible in order to examine its nature and extent.
During the six weeks I was upon the Coast I examined several Inlets & found fresh water in several parts, which prevented my leaving reduced to the necessity of visiting Timor in order to obtain that article. A fortnight of this space was spent in repairing partially the damage she had received
[Page 130]
for which I was obliged to land everything and encamp the crew and ourselves on shore at a place where the great rise of the tide (30 feet) enabled us to do it with facility.
Since my arrival which took place in the early part of December, I have been so much occupied in attending the examination of the Cutter and other necessary occupations that I have only been enabled to prepare one Copy of my chart which contains the latter part of the 2d and all the 3rd (& last) voyage which I have forwarded to the Admiralty another copy shall be made as soon as possible which I will send to you as early as I can.
A survey was held upon the Cutter when it was found that her fastenings were so defective as to render it necessary that they should be renewed before she could be in a seaworthy state. The report of which I forwarded to His Excellency and at the same time proposed the purchase of another vessel to finish the Survey. A Vessel most eligible for that purpose being there in the Harbour I caused her to be examined by the Carpenter of H M Store Ship Dromedary. Whose report as to her strength and wanting no repair was quite satisfactory. She is nearly 200 Tons Teak built & had been in dock last July when she had repairs to the amount of £ 900. His Excellency being of opinion with me as to the Expediency of her being purchased and as to her being considerably more adapted than the Cutter for the service upon which I am employed I completed the purchase of her for £ 3000 sterling which I think upon every consideration
[Page 131]
of the case a fair and reasonable price. She is named The "Bathurst"
The Mermaid after she is repaired will (according to the opinion of the Surveyors) be serviceable to the Colony for fifteen or twenty years
I shall do myself the honor to write by the Shipley if she does not said so soon as it is suposed she will.
I have the honor to be
Sir Yr. Mt. Obedt. Humble Servant
Phillip P King
To Henry Goulbourn Esq
& & &
Copy of a Letter to Mr Croker [ 1 by Dromedary
For stores to be sent out.
H.M Surveying Vessel Bathurst
Port Jackson 2d Feb 1821
Sir
I have to request you will cause the following stores to be sent out for the surveying service under my direction
Viz. Canvas No 1 6 Bolts
2 16 "
3 9"
4 5 "
6 5"
7 10"
Pitch 2 Casks (Barrels)
Tar 2 " "
Paint White 80 [indecipherable]
Yellow 4
[indecipherable] 5 "
Black 30 "
[Page 132]
Linseed Oil 15 Gallons
Brushes Paint 12 in No
" Tar 6 in No
Varnish Black 6 Gallon
Ensigns 12 [indecipherable] Two in No
Pendants 12 yds Two
Locks hanging Four
" Locker Six
Iron [indecipherable] 4 Cwt
" Bolt [indecipherable] 2 Cwt
Leather lacquered 56 [indecipherable]
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most Obedt Humble Sevt
Phillip P. King Lt RN
J.W. Croker Esq
&c &c &c
Letter to The Governor
For purchase of the Bathurst
H.M. Survey Vessel Bathurst
Sydney Cove Feb 6. 1821
Sir
H.M. Brig Bathurst being in want of 15 Ton of Ballast I have to inform your Excellency that there is that quantity of Pig Ballast on board the Prince Regent for Sale and is offered for £ 10 per ton.
If Major Druitt can supply me with that quantity of Iron Ballast either in Cannon
shot
[Page 133]
shot or otherwise it would of course be better but as it is an opportunity that seldom offers I have thought it better not to lose the opportunity The Captain of the Prince Regent has kept the hold open to await your Excellencys answer which I shall be obliged by obtaining as soon as possible The Ballast was offered before for 15 £ but he has since reduced it to £ 10 which I think is a very fair offer
I have the honor to be
Yr E M O H S.
Phillip P King
To His Excellency
Governor Macquarie
Answer to above
Govt House Sydney 6 Feb 1821
Sir I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yr letter of this days date and in reply beg to inform you that I approve of your purchasing the Iron Ballast required for the Bathurst from Captain Clifford of the Prince Regent at the rate of £ 10 per ton
I shall be ready to receive you at 11 oclock tomorrow to see your Chart
I remain in haste
Sir Yr M.O. Servant
L Macquarie
To Lieut P P King Rn
Comms H M. Brig
Bathurst
after which Ton. 16. Cwt 5. qr 1. 18 was purchased at £10 [indecipherable] £ 162.14. 1½ .
[Page 134]
A Letter to His Excellency Govr. Macquarie
Parramatta March 7th 1821
My dear Sir
I am very sorry to be troublesome to your Excellency but feel it my duty to inform you that with the exception of the Carpenters on board who have not done more than one mans weeks work; this 5 weeks past, nothing has yet been done for me the little that I do want might have been finished in at least a fortnight. The 1st of April which I mentioned 3 weeks ago, as the time I ought to leave is now fast approaching & everything is yet to do, for it will take me at least 3 weeks after the Carpenters are done before I can arrange to go. Of the Carpenters on board, who are the worst that could be selected. 2 only can work & they hardly do anything. Mr Nicholson has asked Major Druitt for more, but they are refused From the manner in which the little I want has been attended to I can only expect that when yr Excellency leaves, every thing will be at a stand, until you come back. The 2 men I have belonging to the Vessel have done more already than all the Carpenters the Dock yard or the Lumber yard put together & I see such carelessness to give me any assistance excepting from Mr Nicholson who does not appear to have the means, that the Service on which I am employed instead of encouragement, meets with every delay that those people that your Excellency has ordered to attend to its wants can devine, & will be entirely set on one side, unless you will do me the
To His Excellency
Govr. Macquarie
[Page 135]
favour to give such orders as may seem to you necessary. Every day after the 1st of April is a day lost.
I am very sorry to be obliged to trouble your Excellency with this but you will I am sure see the necessity of my reporting to you, when there is such an evident inattention to your orders & wishes for the furtherance of the Service on which I am employed.
I am Dr. Sir
Yr Obliged & Obedt- Humble Servt
P P King
A letter from His Excellency Govr Macquarie
Parramatta March 8th 1821
My dear Sir
I am favored with your letter of this days date, and I am truly sorry to find that you should meet with any impediment from any of Departments of this Government in fitting out the Bathurst for sea, as it is my wish as well as my orders that every practicable facility should be afforded to you for that purpose
I have instructed Mr Nicholson to apply to Major Druitt for every assistance he may require from Major Druitt and always to report to me immediately on any of his requisitions being refused. And from his not making any report of this kind to me, I concluded he had received all the assistance he had demanded I shall however on going down tomorrow to Sydney speak again to both Major Druitt & Mris ExcE
[Page 137]
Reply of the Govr.
Private
Wednesday 14 March 1821
My dear Sir
The enclosed is not what I told Mr Nicholson was necessary to write to me on the subject of your Cabouse, but that the back Iron he mentioned to me would be requisite & of course to be purchased. The Cabouse can be very easily repaired, without going to so great an expence as fifty pounds, which the Sheet Iron I understand will cost.
The question therefore is whether you will be satisfied with the Cabouse being made & repaired in such a manner as the means of Govt will admit, or whether you would require going to such an expence as fifty pounds for this single article of outfit; for the residue of the Iron is of no use to Govt and Mr Campbell will only part with the whole.
If however you will state that you consider such a purchase indispensable I shall order it to be made forthwith; but this I must have as a security against being found fault with by the Lords of the Treasury, for putting Govt to so great an expence
I remain in haste
My dear Sir, Yours truly
L Macquarie
To Lieut King RN
&c &c &c
This letter was returned with a letter
[Page 139]
been supplied.
I am Sir your Excellencys
Mt Obedt H Servt
Phillip P King
To His Excellency
Govr Macquarie
Reply of Govr Macquarie
Govt House, Sydney March 15th 1821
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this days date, & in compliance with the requisition made therein beg to acquaint you that I have instructed the acting Chief Engineer to purchase the Sheet Iron from Mr Campbell, and to order the whole of it to be delivered over on charge to you to be made use of as you may deem advisable.
I have also ordered Major Druitt to send two additional Joiners on board the Bathurst to complete the inside work of that vessel with all possible dispatch; Thus making four joiners & five ship Carpenters to be employed now at work on the Bathurst, which number I trust will be found sufficient to complete her for your intended voyage within the time required. The two additional Joiners not being sent before, was owing to Major Druitts understanding from Mr Nicholson that the two first Joiners would be sufficient.
I have the honor to be
Sir your Mst Obedt Servt
L Macquarie
[Page 141]
As October approaches, I shall leave the Coast and go to King Georges Sound and complete my water after which I shall examine the West Coast and the remainder of the North Coast upon which the months of January & February will be expended I shall then go to Timor to report before I return to Port Jackson where according to the present reports I have reason to suppose I shall not have the pleasure of meeting you, but I hope you will allow me to assure you of my high respect & regard and my sincere wishes for your health and welfare during your retirement from Public employment
After many difficulties and much trouble I am at last completed; Ten to fifteen men have been employed fifteen weeks upon the vessel and have not done more than what one man could have done the delay has occasioned the loss of 8 weeks, but I hope the superior capabilities of the Bathurst will enable me to make up for lost time Mr Nicholson has been the means of forwarding it as much as laid in his power but he is the only executive officer under your Excellency in the Dock & Lumber Yard that has at all assisted the service I am employed upon and I have much pleasure in reporting to you the assistance he has rendered me
I have now only to repeat my farewell and with best regards to Mrs Macquarie & Lachlan
Believe me
My D Sir
Yr. Obliged & Obedient Servant
Phillip P King
To His Excellency
Governor Macquarie
&c &c &c
[Page 143]
you are to purchase the whole quantity I require at as you suppose not less than £ 6.10. per bolt I have to state that I should consider it on my part as absolute robbery and an extravagant expenditure of Government Money to sanction the purchase of eleven bolts of Canvas for upwards of £ 71. and even that uncertain when it may be obtained from the Naval Stores of the Medway for little more than £ 22. the more so since there are 400 bolts on board and my demand is only for 11- Consequently I beg leave to be dispensed with advising you to make such a purchase at the same time I have to state that it is indispensable that HM Brig under my command should be supplied with that article of which you are already acquainted.
I have also to remind Major Druitt that I last year spared him 5 bolts of Canvas from the Mermaids stores when the Lumber yard was in want of that article, as well as other stores Viz Iron and Tar
I feel fully convinced that His Excellency the Governor would not countenance such a measure notwithstanding so many articles have already been purchased from the dealers here
Major Druitt must be aware that the equipment of H.M. Survey Vessel Bathurst is furnished by the same Government that supplies this Colony and that it is Lord Bathursts direction that I am to be supplied with all my wants for the necessity of which I am answerable and upon those reflections I should presume he would not advise such as to me, extraordinary proceedings
I have the honor to be
Sir Yr. M.O.H.S
Phillip P King
To Mr John Nicholson
Master Attendant
[Page 145]
Letter to Mr Croker by the Ship Dick via Batavia
Mr Goulburn by the San Antonio via Calcutta
H.M.S. Vessel Bathurst
SW Bay Goulburn Id. July 6 1821
Sir
The ship Dick, having accompanied me from Port Jackson, up the East Coast and through Torres Strait, being now on the eve of quitting me, I have taken the opportunity of her going to Batavia to forward a few lines to you for their Lordships information of my movements
I anchored in the bay yesterday afternoon for the purpose of completing my water which we had not replenished since leaving Port Jackson, but on examining our old watering place I was disappointed in finding the spring entirely dried up, a Lagoon was also visited in the hope of finding some, but it was dry also a Brig that we overtook at Cape Grafton, and who followed us through the Strait being with us and in much distress for water, has found some at Sims Island, but I believe there will only be enough for her She goes over to day for it and in the mean time, we are cutting wood for fuel.
By the Dromedary I did myself the honor to write to you on the 30th last January giving a short account of my last voyage and of my reasons for the purchase of another vessel to complete the service I am upon which I trust will be satisfactory to their Lordships The vessel purchased required some alteration in fitting her for a voyage so different to that upon which she had
Previously been used
To J.W. Croker Esq
& Henry Goulburn Esq
[Page 147]
which I obtained several useful spars for spare yards and masts from the wreck of the Frederick which we had previously visited in former voyages We also got many Iron bolts and Teak plank
We sailed from Cape Flinders with fine weather, but the same evening, thick rainy weather set in which lasted without intermission until we cleared Torres Strait and accompanied us even to the westward of Wessels Islands The state of the weather rendered the navigation among the reefs very intricate and dangerous but I had the satisfaction to find that the chart I had previously constructed was tolerably correct
At the last anchorage before we cleared Torres Strait I lost 2 anchors, from the extreme violence of the squalls The second taking with it about 100 fms of Chain Cable the Dick also broke her Anchor at the same time from having dropped it on rocky ground between 12 oclock at night and daylight, 96 oclock) I had to continue under weigh, which being surrounded by reefs on one side and the land on the other, was not without danger we managed however to keep her off the reefs and the following evening cleared the Strait without further accident
I have only one Bower anchor now to carry on the survey up the Coast , but having been twice before in the same predicament without sustaining any damage I feel more confident of being able to continue my proceedings as long as the beginning of September when I had intended to go to King George Sound previous to commencing the examination of the West Coast; but as I shall not be able to effect this without a better supply of anchors I have at present some idea of going to the Isle of France which
from
[Page 149]
which as soon as I can get it copied I shall forward for their Lordships information also my Journals for the last 2 voyages which I had attempted to prepare for this conveyance but my time being so much occupied upon my Chart of the East Coast I am prevented sending them
I have the honor to be
Sir
With the highest respect
Your most obedt
Humble Servt
P.P.K
by the Dick Letter to Victualling Board wth Quarter Accts 30 Sept 31 Dec 1820
H. M. Survey Vessel Bathurst
Sydney Cove 30 Jany. 1821
Gentlemen
Herewith I have the honor to transmit the Quarterly accounts of HM late Surveying Vessel Mermaid under my command up to the 30th Sept & the 31st December 1820
The General accounts are being made out and shall be transmitted as soon as possible up to the 24th inst. on which day the Mermaid was paid off
I have the honor to be
Gentlemen
Yr. M O H S
Phillip P King
To the Honble
The Commissioner for
Victualling His M. Navy
&c &c &c
London.H.MH
[Page 151]
Lettter to Commiss of Navy with
Two Monthly Books
H.M. Surveying Vessel Bathurst
1 July 1821
Gentlemen
Herewith I have the honor to transmit the following 2 monthly books as per Margin for H.M. Surveying Vessel Mermaid which was dismantled and paid off on 24 January 1821 her crew and officers being turned over to another vessel purchased for the completion of the Surveying Service allotted to my performance.
[In the margin " Two M Book up to 24 January 1821]
I have the honor to be
Gentlemen
Yr M O H S
Phillip P King
To the Commissrs. Of
H M Navy
Letter to Capt Moresby C B of HMS Menai
HM Surveying Vessel Bathurst
Port Louis 17 Sept 1821
Sir
I have the honor to inform you of my arrival at this port last evening from the NW Coast of New Holland in order to procure some articles necessary for the execution of the service that I am employed upon under the joint orders of the Board of Admiralty and His Majestys Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies
The Mission with which I am
charged
To Capt Moresby CB
HMS Menai
Port Louis
[Page 153]
and the Secretary of State for the Colonies; that the vessel and the greater part of her stores and equipment and the pay of her crew (not the officers) have been furnished by the Treasury through the Governor of New South Wales but I have also received a supply of stores from the Navy Board and account with the Victualling Board for my Provisions
Being a little in doubt whether I should draw upon the Treasury or Navy Board for the supplies & repairs I want I have to request you will give me your advice upon the subject
When the Vessel is secured and the rigging &c examined I shall have the honor to report to you more particularly the nature of my defects and wants.
I have the honor to be
Your Most Obed Humble Servt
P P King
Enclosure
Repairs to HMS V Bathurst. Port Louis 27 Sept 1820
Wants Caulking generally particularly in the Water ways & about the masts & forecastle deck
The stern railing wants much repair or renewing
Two anchors of 12 or 12 ½ Cwt
One do 9 or 8 "
2 Buoys
[indecipherable] in Sails
Rigging
Bread
Hawse leads
Canvas to renew the sails condemned
Do Long Boat awning & sails
Main Topmast Stay [indecipherable]
Paint and oil for painting inside and out
Provision Peace 15 Bushells
Bread condemned to be completed
[Page 155]
besides. The probability of meeting more delays & perhaps greater expence in completing my wants, all this induced me to prefer this Island & I think the result will sufficiently prove the propriety of the election I have made.
I found H M Ship Menai here and Captain Moresby is doing every thing in his power to supply me from his ship & to lessen the expence of what stores I shall be obliged to purchase; which will be advertised for & supplied by Tender as being the cheapest & best mode of procuring them for the amount of which Bills will be drawn upon the Commissioners of the Navy.
I am now employed in finishing a Chart of the Coast up to the part I left it at
[the following paragraph is in brackets with the words "*instead of the [indecipherable] to Mr Goulburn]
which will be copied & transmitted by the next opportunity to England which will take place in about a month hence - & to which I have the honor to refer you
[* to Mr Goulburn] a duplicate Copy of which I shall not be able to forward before I leave this place as it will take 4 or 5 weeks to do it. It is however commenced and shall be sent by the first following opportunity that may offer
In the meantime I have the honor to refer you to one which will be transmitted to the Admiralty by a ship which sails from this in about a month.
[Page 157]
are ready for survey
Viz Cables
Running Rigging & standg. Rigging
Hawse Leads
Bread
I have the honor to be
Sir
Yr. M O. H. S.
PP King
To Capt Moresby [indecipherable]
HMS Menai
Letter to Govr Macquarie from Port Louis
HMSV Bathurst Port Louis
October 9 1821
Sir
I have the honor to inform your Excellency. Of my arrival at the Port on the 26th of last month from the Coast of New Holland in want of Anchors and Cables which I had unfortunately lost from bad weather during my passage up the East Coast in doing which I have been induced by several reasons of which the most weighty is, that it was nearly 2000 miles nearer both in going & returning than again resorting to Port Jackson so that I should be enabled to resume the survey much quicker than I could possibly do by going to Port Jackson where I do not think I should have obtained the supplies I wanted I shall be completed here in about a fortnight and expect to be able to reach the Coast of New Holland by the beginning of December where I think I shall be occupied until April, May or even June
I have since my departure from Port Jackson surveyed about 300 miles of the Coast
in
[Page 159]
that the good qualities of the Bathurst have fully moved the favourable opinion I had formed of her strength and capabilities before I recommended her purchase. She has not made 12 inches water since I left Port Jackson and altogether answers the purpose better than I expected
I have the honor to be
Your Excellencys
Most Obedient Humble Servt
Phillip P. King
By Cygnet from
Port Louis
Letter to The Commissioners of H.M. Navy
Enclosing 2 Monthly Books for Jany. To end of Augt.
H.M S Vessel Bathurst Port Louis
Mauritius Sept 14. 1821
Honble Gentlemen
Herewith I have the honor to enclose
[indecipherable] Two Monthly Muster Books for the H.M Surveying Vessel Bathurst as follows
Viz.
1 For January & February 1821
1 " March & April "
1 " May & June "
1 " July & August "
and have the honor to be
with the greatest respect
Honble Gentlemen
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
PPK
To The Honble
The Commissioners of
H.M. Navy
Somerset House
London
[Page 161]
which ship left Port Jackson in February last. I trust their Lordships will approve of them. They were copied by Mr Roe during the voyage to this place from my plans which being only a rough survey made on the spot will probably at a future time require some correction
On the 29 September I had the honor to inform you of my arrival at this Port since which I have been enabled through the assistance of Captain Moresby of HMS Ship Menai to obtain the greatest part of what I was in want of
The few repairs that I required were performed by the Carpenter of the Menai and the vessel was entirely caulked by them anchors & cables were obliged to be purchased and were procured by Tender & advertised for in the Mauritius Gazette as being the cheapest and best mode of obtaining them all my Bread has been condemned partly from being destroyed badly baked at Port Jackson and partly from being destroyed by Vermin
In a few days I hope to be able to quit this port for the Coast of New Holland and shall resume my Survey in the neighbourhood of Rottnest Island on the West Coast first going to King Georges Sound to complete wood & water After this I shall return to Port Jackson which probably will not be before May next.
I have the honor to refer their Lordships to the enclosed document accompanying the 2 Charts between York Sound & Cape Latouche Treville and
have the honor to be
Sir Yr. Most Obedt. H. Servt
Phillip P King
[Page 163]
gave me a sufficiency of water to last until the middle of October During my stay in Prince Regents River which was protracted to the 6th August the vessel was completed with sails and an extensive set of Lunar Observations were taken to compare with those taken last year at the Observatory in Careening Bay by which the Longitude of that place was determined to be 125°.0.46" East- to the Westward of Prince Regents River is Hanover Bay, in which I spent a few days and obtained some water from a rivulet which fell into the sea. here Mr Montgomery the surgeon was unfortunate enough in an interview with the natives to be dangerously wounded by a spear but he is now quite recovered To the Westward of Hanover Bay is a very fine harbour which was called King George the 4th Sound its Western side is formed by an Extensive Island to the Westward of which is a continuation of Rocky Islands, the nature and position of which the Chart will best explain; they are all rocky & barren and are surrounded by reefs which render them of dangerous approach the strength of the tide was found to be very great and to rise considerably between 2 or the islands the stream of tide ran at the rate of 5 knows and at an anchorage to the southward in Camden Bay the rise was 37 feet. Between Camden Bay and Cape Leveque the coast line was very indifferently noticed on account of the danger of the navigation and our only having one anchor to depend upon at the bottom of Collins Bay there appeared to be an opening though I do not think it very considerable but at the bottom of Cygnet Bay I think it not unlikely that there is a very extensive opening We were becalmed and carried into its entrance and sunset overtook us before we were extricated from danger, but the ebbing tide
fortunately
[Page 165]
which the Chart will but shew
I left the Coast on the 27 August being then short of water and according to the plan I had determined upon & for the reasons which I had explained to the Admiralty in a former communication
[Pencilled note here illegible]
I directed my course to Mauritius where I arrived on the 26th September being a passage of 30 days.
At Port Louis I found HM Ship Menai and having reported my wants to Captain Moresby that officer gave the necessary directions for completing them and for reacquipping the Bathurst for sea.
Generally we have been very healthy which I attribute chiefly to the Ships Company having 2 meals a week of Donkins Preserved Meat on leaving the coast a few fevers made their appearance and one or two cases of dysentery but non of any alarming nature.
Letter to Capt Moresby for Survey on Bread
HMS Vessel Bathurst Port Louis
6 November 1821
Sir
The greater part of the Bread on board H.M Surveyg. Vessel Bathurst under my command being found in a state unfit for issue I have to request you will order a survey thereon I
Have the honor to be
Y M O H S
Phillip P King
Capt F Moresby
HMS Menai
[Page 167]
[Table continues and is not transcribed]
[Page 169]
Letter from Mr Croker,
Admiralty Office, 7 July 1821
Sir
My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having directed the Navy Board to send out the Stores requested for the Bathurst by your letter of the 2d Feby last, I have their Lordships commands to acquaint you therewith
I am Sir
Your very humble Sevt
John Croker
To Capt King
HM Sloop Bathurst
Letter from Mr Barrow
Admiralty Office 9th July 1821
Sir
I have received and communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, your letter dated at Sydney the 13th of Feby last, reporting your proceedings to that date; and in return I am commanded by their Lordships to refer you to my other letter of this date, relative to the establishment of His Majestys Sloop Bathurst, and the appointment which their Lordships have been pleased to make to this Vessel; and to signify their direction to you to return in her to England when the Survey upon which you are employed is completed. I am
Sir
Your very humble Servt
John Barrow
To Capt King
HM Sloop Bathurst
New South Wales
Their Lordships are pleased to approve of your entering Mr Percival Baskerville as Midshipman of the Bathurst. I am Sir
Letter from Mr Croker Sir I have received and communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 26th of May last, reporting the steps taken by you towards the further prosecution of the Survey upon which you are employed and I have their Lordships commands to express to you their approbation of your proceedings. I am Sir Your humble Servt. John Croker [Page 172] use of His Majestys Surveying Sloop Bathurst under your command. We are Sir To Capt King Woolwich Yard 21 August 1821 [In the following table the quantities are not transcribed] Canvas New Old Sort
[indecipherable] of 4 Gallons Tonnage Common Stores Not any boats sent By Phillip Parker King, Esq, Captain of His Majestys Sloop Bathurst, and Senior Officer of HM Ships & Vessels at Port Jackson, 25th day of April, 1822 &c You are hereby directed to repair on board HM Sloop Bathurst under my command , at 11 o clock, on the date hereof and with me to examine Mr John Septimus Roe Masters Mate, as to his being qualified to receive an appointment as Lieutenant of the Royal Navy Given under my hand on board the Bathurst, at Port Jackson, this 25th day of April 1822. To Capt Robt Gore) H M Sloop Bathurst [Page 175] Letter to the Admiralty, with Mr Roes passing Certificate Sir I have the honor to state that in obedience to their Lordships directions, I have given Mr John Septimus Roe, an order to act as Lieutenant of His Majestys Sloop Bathurst whose passing Certificate I have now to forward herewith. In consequence of the improbability of the arrival of any other of HM Ships at this Port, I saw no chance of providing the usual number of Officers of the prescribed rank, & therefore seized the opportunity of the visit of HM Sloop Satellite, from the India Station, and with the assistance of Capt Gore & the first Lieut of that Sloop, & the Bathurst, we have examined Mr John S Roe as to His qualification to hold the appointment ordered by their Lordships. Mr Roe on account of his having only been 8 weeks in England since the year 1814 has not had an opportunity of passing his examination at the Naval College at Portsmouth as the Ship to which he was attached (The Horatio) was during that time at Deptford. She was paid off on the 10th Jany 1817 & he left England for this Service, on the 17 Feby following. But in this interval he was examined for Navigation at Christs Hospital at which institution he was educated, and bears ample testimonials of his good conduct and attention to his studies. I have also to state that on the 4 Voyages of survey that I have made upon the [Page 177] Letter from Mr Barrow Admiralty Office 21st Decr 1821 Sir Captain Hurd having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 18th May last, representing that in consequence of the two Timekeepers supplied for the use of the Vessel under your Command, being out of order, you had purchased a Chronometer for Twenty Guineas and drawn a bill upon him for that amount; I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you, that under these circumstances stated in your letter they are pleased to approve of your having purchased this Chronometer and that they have directed the Bill to be paid I am Sir To Capt King
Letter from the Victualling Office Sir I am commanded by the Commissioners for the Victualling His Majestys Navy, the acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 23d & 30th January last, and to acquaint you, that the quarterly accounts therewith transmitted have been delivered into the proper Officer I am To Capt King [Page 179] without suffering any material inconvenience from our being short of Provisions and water:¨ I have the pleasure to state that the voyage has been performed without loss and I trust their Lordships will think with tolerable success. On the 30th of last October, from Port Louis (Mauritius) I did myself the honor to report to you my proceedings up to that date and by the same opportunity (HM Sloop, Cygnet) transmitted 3 Charts of the NW Coast, which contained those parts I had surveyed up to the point I left it at on the 25th last August. During my stay at Port Louis, Captain Moresby of H Ship Menai rendered me all the assistance that it was in his power to give, and enabled me to repair my defects without much expence; but I was under the necessity of purchasing 3 Anchors and 2 Cables, and of getting some Iron work forged on shore at a Merchants yard; - ** I trust their Lordships will think the expence thereby incurred, reasonable, especially since the articles would have cost double had I been supplied with them at Port Jackson. Two of the Anchors were charged at the rate of 5 Ό d per lb and the third at 4 ½ d and I resorted to Port Jackson for them, beside the other expences I should have given 9d per lb: The amount of the expence incurred at Port Jackson was £ 223.12.10 Sterling, for which Bills were drawn by Capt Moresby on the Navy board to whom I gave receipts for the work done, and for the Stores thus supplied *** The Menais having been put into Quarantine for nearly a fortnight prevented my being completed so quickly, as I otherwise should have been, so that my [Page 181] Dutch, nor of the more recent French inscriptions. The Posts to which they were formerly fixed were still erect in the fissures of the rocks; ;but no remains of the Pewter Plates of Dirk Hartog and Vlaming which were seen by Capt Ham[indecipherable] of La Naturalist in 1801, and which were secured by him on new posts now to be found At this anchorage I remained 6 days in order to enable the Crew to benefit by the refreshments of Turtle and fish, of which we took a large quantity I also took the opportunity of examining our Provisions which I found much to my mortification considerably reduced from the incredible number of rats and Cockroaches, with which we were infested. A sufficiency remained however to enable us to continue out until the middle of May we had therefore the months of Feby and March before us, in which I hoped to have completed the Survey of the NW Coast, particularly since from our former experience of the weather of those months, I flattered myself I should meet with no obstacles to impede my plans, but to my great mortification and disappointment, we had no sooner passed round the NW Cape with the intention of resuming the Survey at Depuch Island, at which I left the Coast in 1818, that a series of bad weather commenced and obliged my keeping as far from the Coast as possible, on account of its being not only shoal and dangerous but also that it was a lee Shore, which from the Leewardly state of the Brig I did not dare to encounter; I was also in a bad state of health, brought on by the excessive heat of the weather and the extraordinary humidity of the atmosphere to which I was necessarily much exposed [Page 183] moment however of the change of tide a breeze sprung up & soon removed us far from the dangerous influence of this rapid tide; and before sun set we were at anchor on the Western side of a Bay on the NW side of a point of land, to the Eastward of which no land, excepting a group of crowded islands was visible, and even here notwithstanding we were out of the strength of the tide it was setting at the rate of 2 ½ knots. Our examination of the Western Shore of this opening continued for 40 miles in a Southerly direction along the Western Shore from which the main land was not visible on the opposite side At this place our examination terminated on account of the very unfavourable weather which was daily getting worse, and from the loss of an anchor At present I can only speculate an opinion upon the nature of this inlet which is that it commencing at the [indecipherable] of Buccaneers Archipeligo with Colliers Bay and forms a deep gulf, or perhaps a river running into the SE like Prince Regents river, but that the greater body of water joins the sea by a narrow strait at Cape Villaret, making the land from C Leveque to Point Gantheaume and land examination alone can prove the truth of this supposition, and although I am not sanguine of its turning out to be anything more than an inlet like Prince Regents River excepting that it is of larger size, yet I regret exceedingly my having been twice repulsed in examining it. I trust however a third attempt may be successful, which I promise myself the satisfaction of making before I return to England but this will [Page 185] we were completing our water, but in this, I was also prevented by the setting in of Easterly winds and rain with heavy squalls of wind from SE which induced me finally to leave the Coast, and on the 21st Feby. I bore up, but experienced a long and tedious voyage, our bread was entirely expended and we had but 3 days water on board when we arrived having been on a reduced allowance from 3 weeks previous. During the voyage which occupied 48 weeks, we have been fortunate in not having met with any loss, although we have not been without a good deal of sickness; my own health was much impaired during the hot weather, but a return to a colder climate has restored me. Mr Bedwell is in a very weak state of health, as is also Mr Montgomery the Surgeon and Mr Cunningham has suffered a good deal during the whole voyage from the great fatigues he has undergone in his laborious & zealous attention to his duty. Mr Montgomery has been, and is so ill that I do not think he can go to sea again as Surgeon of the Brig. The only part of the NW Coast that I have not seen is contained between Cape Villaret and Depuch Island, and by a reference to the French Charts, their Lordships will see that it has been sufficiently examined by the French, as to leave no doubt of its being a Shoal and low [indecipherable] The main land of the Archipelago remains yet to be seen and which I trust I shall be able to accomplish in my way home. The Bathurst is undergoing some [Page 187] To the Commissioners of the Navy Gentlemen I have the honor to acknowledge, the receipt of your letter of the 5th Sept last, acquainting me, that stores were shipped for me from Woolwich yard on board the Mary hired Vessel, which were duly received by me on my arrival at this port on the 25th Ultimo. I have the honor to be To
To Captain Hurd Sir I have to acknowledge the receipt of the following by the Ships Grace & Seqir Viz I have the honor to be To Capt Hurd [Page 189]
Tabling or roping The Lead lines also answer well, but they were laid up too hard to be a fair specimen. This rope is remarkable not only for its strength and durability, but for its softness & pliable nature The man who manufactured it, is a sober industrious man, and has made the greatest part of the rope I have used for the Mermaid and Bathurst and deserves every encouragement, his name is Williams I have the honor to be To John Wilson Croker Esq
To the Commissioners for the Victualling H M Navy. Gentlemen His Majestys Sloop Bathurst under my command being in want of Water Casks, and a quantity of them being offered for sale at a much lower price, than what they generally have been sold for in this colony and since there is no I have also to enclose a Certificate of the above having been received on board the Bathurst in kind And have the honor to be with the highest respect Gentlemen [Page 191] after the period fixed for her sailing, 1st August, to send a duplicate of the same, with an account of my last voyage by this opportunity (a Vessel bound to Batavia) to Mr Wilmot for the information of The Earl Bathurst, to which I have the honor to refer you to in the event of this arriving first. I am now preparing for my return to England but from the slow progress I am making in getting the Vessel repaired I do not think I shall be ready to sail before the 1st September. I have the honor to be To John Wilson Croker Esq
(To Shipley) Sir On my return from my last voyage I had the pleasure of receiving your very kind letter, acquainting me of my promotion and of their Lordships permission for my taking the Bathurst home, for which I beg you will permit me to return my grateful thanks. Our last voyage has been a most fatiguing one, and we have all suffered much from the climate, a return however to a colder temperature has had a good effect You will see, Sir, by my public letter, that we have had to contend with very unfavourable weather but I have been enabled to run up the whole of the West Coast and to add considerably to the Geography of the N West & East Coasts. The opening between Cape Leveque and Collins Bay is considerable, and in my 2d examination of it last Feby. I had to contend with very bad weather From the great detention I have experienced [Page 193] it by the Shipley, as she was under a bond to sail at a limited time, and going home by way of Cape Horn, but when the time came she forfeited her bond and will not wait until the 1st August, so that I much lament having obtained my letter fearing you may have heard by other Channels of our return without hearing from me. Several Vessels have sailed in the mean time but in a very uncertain way in respect to their route home. I have just dispatched a letter to you by a chance conveyance, via Batavia which may perhaps reach you before this. I beg once more Sir to repeat my vest thanks for your kind recollection of my interest and to assure you To John Wilson Croker Esq
PO Shipley Private letter to Capt Hurd My dear Sir I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of 2 Cases of Stores from your Office for me, with many thanks for your recollection of my wants I arrived here on the 25th Ult having been 11 Months at sea, but lament to say I have not yet completed my mission. The greater part is done, but I was obliged from various circumstances to leave the Coast at the most interesting place I had yet found. The bad weather attending the change of the monsoon, loss of Anchors & my own personal ill health, obliged my giving up , through a dangerous and intricate navigation for 40 miles You have of course had the charts I sent to the Board in Novr last from Mauritius, & by referring to them you will see where the place is; It is between Cape Leveque and Collins Bay. The land [Page 194] between which appears to be little else than a Cluster of Islands behind which there is probably a deep opening and perhaps a communication with the sea between Cape Villaret & Pt Gantheaume making the land on which is Cape Leveque an Island. This will alter the features of the Coast considerably & if there is an interior sea, it will be found here, since the great rise & fall of the tide & the rapidity of the stream, would indicate something extraordinary or more than common. The rise of the tides at Spring is 36 feet but at neaps not above 8 or 10 & the stream of tide on the average is about 3 Knots. There is great difficulty in examining it on that °, since there is very little anchoring ground & the reefs & shoals being numerous & chiefly of rocks a small decked vessel that would pull & sail & at the sametime give shelter to the crew would be of very great utility in the examination of such a Coast as this. Since leaving Port Louis I have examined the West Coast, the Coast line of which differs but very little from that by Vankeulen. I saw part of Houtman Abrolhos, & passed within it, which passage I named after Vlamings Ship, The Geelvinck I found no place on the Western Coast, where I could land excepting in Dirk Hartogs Road where the Dutch left an Inscription, but which has been removed by Natives. During the examination of the Western Coast we had such hot, & at the same time such damp weather that I was laid up all the rest of the voyage & which has had the effect of making my constitution a little older than my teeth. My intention is now to go home & on my way, if I can settle the point, respecting the land at the back of Cygnet & Collins Bay. I do not think the Bathurst will be ready for sea before August, as I have repairs to do to her, & new sails to make, which I can only do of myself but I hope to see you by at least the middle of next year Excuse the hasty manner in which I have written this, having much to do in public letters & I have not ever had a Clerk to assist me with the pen so that falls heavy on me. Believe me Dr. Sir to be yours very faithfully P P King [Page 195] Letter to Victl. Board with Quart. Acts. By Shipley. Per Shipley Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to transmit Quarterly accts of HMSloop Bathurst as follows Viz 1 July to 30 Sept 1821 And have the honor to be Gent: Y MOHS To the Commiss: for Victuallg
Letter to Vict Board with Survey of Remains by Shipley 30 April (Per Shipley) Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to enclose a report of Survey of Remains of Victualing Stores of this days date to close my annual Pursery accounts and have the honor to be Gentlemen Y.M.O.H. Servt To the Commissioners for Victually.
(Per Shipley) Letter to Vict. Board with Voucher for Short allowce. Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to enclose the account of the payment of Short Allowance to the crew of HM Sloop Bathurst under my command up to the 30 April instant, the money for which I received from Dep. Commissary Genl Wemyss and is charged against my public account with the Treasury. I have the honor to be To the Commissn for Victualling [Page 196] (Per Shipley) Letter to Commiss. Of Navy with Muster Books Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to transmit the 2 monthly Muster Books for Sept & Oct. 1821 March & April " And have the honor to be Gent. YMOHS To the Commiss: of HM Navy
(Per Shipley) Letter to Navy Board acs purchase of Rope Gentlemen I have the honor to acquaint you that in consequence of the scarcity of Rope in the Colony I have been obliged to purchase some according to the enclosed voucher from the house of Rob. Campbell Merchant to whom I have given a set of Bills upon the Navy board for £ 142.13 1 which I trust will be satisfactory to your Honble Board and have the honor to be To the Commissioners of H.M. Navy onble board and hae the honor to beBBoar [Page 197] Capt Phillip P King Commanding His B. M. Sloop Bathurst The undermentioned Cordage Viz [The following table of quantities of ropes not transcribed] Twenty five Coils which is Two Ton. Which is One hundred and forty two pounds thirteen shillings and one penny sterling, which I hereby acknowledge to have received of the said Phillip Parker King Esq. by a set of Bills of Exchange (at par) in my favour on the Commissioners of His Britannic Majestys Navy at Thirty days sight properly attested by Capt. Phillip P. King and dated 20 day July 1822 (signed) Rob. Campbell Witness to the above We [Page 198] We the under written hereby certify that the price charged in the above bill for cordage is the current sterling market price and rate of Exchange in the Colony Jno Piper Naval Officer & Collect. of Govt Duties We the undersigned hereby certify that the above Rope was actually received on board, that its quality is perfectly good and that the number of Coils, weight & length is the same as specified in the above. Phillip P King Capt in charge of Boat Stores
Letter to Commiss. Of Victually respectg (Per Shipley) Gentlemen I have the honor to acquaint you that in consequence of H.M. Sloop under my command being in want of a further quantity of Water Casks have purchased 7 Butts from Mr Thomas Livingston Recd of the Ship Asia and have drawn a set of Bills upon your Board for the amount which is £ 11.7.9 in her favour dated on this day which I trust will be satisfactory to your honble Board & am Gentlemen To the Commissioner for Victuallg [Page 199] Letter to Victg Board with vouchers for purchase of Water Casks from Phonix & Asia (Per Shipley) Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to enclose Vouchers relating to the purchase of Water Casks Viz No l. of 18 Butts purchased from Mr Thomas Weatherhead Master of the Phonix In whose favors I have drawn respectively for the amounts of £ 30.0.0 and £ 11.7.9 Stg. upon your Honble Board I have the honor to be To The Commissn. For Victualling HMN Bot. of Thomas Weatherhead Master 18 new Butts having in each Eight Iron Hoops) Which is Thirty pounds Sterling which I hereby acknowledge to have received of the said Phillip Parker King Esq. by a set of Bills of Exchange (at Par) in my favour on the Commissioners for Victualling His Britannic Majesty Navy at Thirty days sight properly attested by Captain Phillip Parker King & dated 10th day July 1822 (Signed) Thomas Weatherhead We [Page 200] We the underwritten hereby certify that the price charged in the above Bill for Water Casks is the Current Market price & rate of Exchange at this time in the Colony Given under our hands at Port Jackson the 10th day July 1822 Berry & Wollstonecraft) Jno Piper Naval Officer & Collector of Govt Duties Water Casks Butt eighteen in [indecipherable] containing Two thousand eight hundred and eighty gallons and having on each cask eight Iron hoops Given under our hands on board the Bathurst at Port Jackson 10 July 1822 [Page 201] (No 2) Voucher for Purchase of 7 Butts from G L Reid 7 new Butts having on each 8 Iron Hoops We the underwritten hereby certify that the price charged in the above Bill for Water Casks is the Current Market price & rate of Exchange at this time in the Colony Given under our hands at Port Jackson the 17 day of August 1822 These are to certify The Commissioners for Victualling His Majestys Navy that the following species of Victualling store purchased by Captain Phillip P King in charge of the Pursery Stores of H.M Sloop Bathurst Viz Water Casks (Butts Seven in number containing One thousand one hundred and forty eight gallons and having on each Cask eight Iron hoops [Page 202] were actually received on board the said sloop in kind that they were good and fit for His Majestys Service and we further certify that the receipts of the Water Casks before mentioned were duly entered in the Log Book the day they were so received on board Given under our hand on board the Bathurst at Port Jackson 17 Aug 1822
Letter to Victy. Board with voucher for payment of Short allowance (per Shipley) Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to enclose an account of the payment of Short Allowance Money to the Ships Company of H.M. Sloop Bathurst up to the 15th June 1822 And have the honor t be To the Commissns. For
Letter from Mr Barrow recd. 3d Sept 1822 Sir Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 19th of September last stating that, for the reasons therein mentioned you had proceeded with the vessel you command to the Mauritius to complete her water and obtain some stores of which she was in want; I am commanded by [Page 203] their Lordships to acquaint you that they approve of what you have done I am Sir To Captain King
Recd. 3 Sept Victualling Office 18 Feb. 1822 Sir I am commanded by the Commissioners for Victualling H.M Navy to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 14 Sept. last and to acquaint you that the Quarterly Accounts therewith transmitted have been delivered into the proper office I am Sir Y.M O H Servt Capt PP King
recd 3 Sept 1822 Admiralty Office 21 Feb. 1822 Sir I have received and laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admlty. Your letter dated from Port Louis 31 Oct 1821 and the Chart & papers that accompanied it I am Sir Capt PP King
(recd 3d Sept 1822) Navy Office 1 March 1822 Sir We have received your Letters of the 1st July & 14 September last with the Muster [Page 204] Books therein mentioned for the Mermaid & Bathurst surveying Vessels; and we acquaint you that the Lords Comm: of the Adm.lty have not sanctioned the Mermaids being paid by the Naval Department up to the period when she was dismantled but that the Bathurst having been registered as a Naval Vessel, will be paid by this Office The Muster Books which you have forwarded for the Bathurst not being made in conformity with the instructions on that head we enclose for your guidance copies of the circulars from the Admiralty dated 17 Feb.y 1817 & the 17 July 1820 We are Sir. Your affect. Friends Capt King
Letter to N. Officer in ans to above HMS Bathurst P. Jackson 3 Sept 1822 Gentlemen I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt on this morning of your letter of the 1 March last respecting the mode of paying the Crew under my command I have to inform you that in obedience to my Instructions from the Lords of the Admiralty, the crew employed in the Surveying Service under my command have been paid by me from Monies drawn from the Dep. Commissary General of the Colony by Authority of the Governor who had orders from Lord Bathurst to that effect and as I have had no instructions to the contrary I have continued to do so in the Bathurst up to the 2d August [Page 205] of this year But in consequence of your letter I shall henceforth discontinue to pay them here I have also to acknowledge the receipt of the enclosure relating to Muster Books and shall for the future pay due attention I had prepared some for this opportunity which sailing so immediately prevents my altering them in time for transmission I have the honor to be To the Commissrs of H M Navy
Letter from Dr Hall Sir On the 31 July I became acquainted with certain charges of criminality in the conduct of Dr. Douglas The Superintendant of the Factory, towards Ann Rumsby his convict servant, who had been under my charge in The ship Mary Ann of which I was the surgeon superintendent which conduct I considered it was my duty as an Officer in His Majestys service to make known and to request it should be investigated. In consequence of the consideration I was obliged to write 2 letters one to the Revd. Samuel Marsden as Magistrate and senior Chaplain of His Majestys Colony; & the other to His Excellency the Governor. I now beg leave Sir to acquaint you that I have just received a letter from Mr H. Moore Esq solicitor informing me, that he had received instructions to commence civil proceedings without delay for libels contained in those two official letters and notwithstanding that the Magistrates who investigated To Captain King [Page 206] the charges have given the highest approbation of my conduct having taken into consideration that this design to punish me for libel by extracting from official letters, written in the discharge of my duty in pointing out an apparent case of delinquency in an Officer, is pregnant with danger to His Majestys service I have thought it fitting to communicate to you as Senior Naval Officer on this station, in order that you may make known the same to The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and to His Excellency the Governor of this Colony, more especially as the service in which I am employed will be greatly obstructed by my detention in the Colony after the sailing of the Shipley having long ago paid my Passage Money, and the ship being about to sail direct for England I have the honor to be
Letter to Commodore Nourse CB Sir I have the honor to forward the enclosed list of defects & demands for your consideration & approval H.M Sloop under my command being short handed & having only one Carpenter on board I trust you will not think me presuming in requesting such assistance as can be spared and what you may deem necessary for my equipment I have the honor to be Sir Y M O H S To Commodore Nourse CB [Page 207] The above enclosing No 1 List of defects No 1 Companion Hatch- No 2 No 3 No 4
Letter for Survey on Surgeons stores Sir The Surgeon of HM Sloop under my Command having applied for a survey on the remains of Medicines necessaries &c to close his annual accounts I have to request you will be pleased to order a survey thereon I have the honor to be Sir To Commodore Nourse CB [Page 208] Letter for Leave of Absence for Surgeon Sir The Surgeon of HM sloop under my command Mr Andrew Montgomery having stated to me the necessity of his going to the Mauritius on urgent private business and requesting me to forward his application for leave to you I have the honor to enclose it, and at the same time beg to state that having a passenger on board, a Surgeon of the Navy Mr James Hall (2) on full pay who will perform the Surgeons duty I can have no objection to Mr Montgomerys leaving the Bathurst if you will grant him permission to that effect In the event of your compliance I have to request you will give Mr Hall an order to take charge as Surgeon of the Bathurst which, as he is already on full pay, will entail no additional expence to the Service I have the honor &c &c Sir Y M O H S To Commodore Nourse CB
Enclosure fm Mr Montgomery Sir Having some very urgent private business which absolutely requires my personal attendance at the Isle of France I shall feel extremely obliged by your asking the Commodores permission for me to proceed there provided you have no objection I beg leave to state that should Commodore Nourse comply with your request the service will not be put to any additional expence or inconvenience by it as Mr James Hall (2) now a Supernumerary Surgeon on full pay on board the Bathurst has offered to take charge of my stores & duty on his being ordered to do so by the Commodore I have the honor to be Sir To Capt King [Page 209] Letter from Commodore Nourse in reply Sir In reply to your letter of the 24th inst. Forwarding an application to me from Mr Andrew Montgomery Surgeon of His Majestys Sloop under your command requesting to be granted leave of absence to settle some private business of an urgent nature at the Mauritius and stating, that should it meet my concurrence that there is on board the said sloop a surgeon of the Navy ( Mr James Hall (2) a Passenger) who will have no objection to perform the Surgeons duty, during his absence. In consideration of this arrangement occasioning neither an additional expence to the Crown nor detrimental to the service I have no objection to grant Mr Montgomery 6 weeks leave of absence as solicited; and in compliance with your request enclose herewith an order for Mr James Hall (2) to perform the duties attached to that situation accordingly. I have the Hon to be Y.M.OHS
Letter to Mr Croker Per Cygnet Sir I have the honor to inform you of my arrival at this place on the 14th inst where I put in to complete water as well as to be caulked I left P. Jackson on the 25 Sept with the intention of going up the East Coast of New To J.W. Croker Esq [Page 210] South Wales and round Jones Straits but the Season was too far advanced and the weather being against such a proceeding I bore away round the South Coast in order to make the Western passage by which I should be able to make many observations that would be useful to the Navigation of those seas After rounding Van Diemans Land we experienced a continuance of Westerly Gales which retarded our progress very much & in which the Brig worked so much as to render it necessary for me to put into King George 3d Sound to caulk her bends & waterways This was done partially- but we were detained by adverse winds until 1st Dec.r before I sailed Our passage hither was long but we had unusual fine weather particularly in making & crossing the Bank of Iaguleus We shall leave this on the 3.d or 4th February and as I am not provided with Charts of any part of the Coast of England particularly of Spithead I shall put into Plymouth to await their Lordships direction for my future proceedings - I have the honor to be
Private to Mr Croker per Cygnet Sir Having had the honor of acquainting you with my proceedings & arrival I was much disappointed in not being able to carry into effect the plan I had laid of revisiting the NW Coast which would have rendered my survey more complete but I hope for the approbation of their Lordships [Page 211] with respect to my having acted as I found it necessary to do from the circumstances of the case I write to you, Sir, from P Jackson stating my intention of going up the East Coast & spending a month on the NW Coast in order to determine the nature of the opening in Cygnet Bay but on leaving Port Jackson I found the weather so bad & so adverse to my going to the Northward that I was obliged to give up all hopes of effecting it & I determined upon return by the So Coast of New Holland & visit this place on my way for the purpose of completing my water &c During the latter part of the voyage I have been a good deal employed in reconstructing my charts which I trust by the time I shall arrive will be in a forward state if the weather is favourable but I have so much to do in recalculating & correcting the rate of the Time Keepers that I cannot get on so quickly as I could wish The West Coast, & the NW Coast from NW Cape to Depuch Island is however finished but the East Coast & the remainder of the NW Coast has entirely to be reconstructed & the Timekeeper sights to be recalculated throughout Not having had a Clerk to assist me as a Copyist I have not been able to render such detailed accounts of my proceedings as I could have wished, having had every thing upon my hands except reducing & copying the Charts in which I have been ably and carefully done by Acting Lieut Roe having to keep Logs, Pursery Accounts, without a Clerk or Warrant Officer of any sort, beside having to correspond both with the Admiralty & Colonial Office have so much taken up my time that with calculating the daily observations [Page 212] I have of course been obliged to make they take up my time so much that I have been obliged to neglect many things which I trust for the indulgence of their Lordships to forgive particularly as regards the expenditure of Stores - I have been most careful as far as regards their proper expenditure & prevented in every way any waste I have never had but what was absolutely necessary for the service, and have endeavoured by all ways to preserve them but with the multiplicity of other employments and not having either Boatswain; Gunners nor Carpenter I am sadly off in a proper account to pass through office - I must if obliged to produce them have to request time to make them out - I trust however their Lordships will upon consideration of my numerous I am happy to say my health, considering the heat of the climate & fatigues I have experienced is, thank God tolerably good but I feel extremely debilitated but a little rest will I trust re-establish it My eyes complain most from weakness occasioned by the extreme glare & reflection of the Suns rays from the sands [Page 213] I hope by the 2d week in April to pay my personal respects to you and to thank you for the good offices I have met with from your hand I beg leave To J.W Croker Esq
Letter to Navy Board enclus Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to enclose a Voucher or the purchase of Slops for the use of the Crew of HM Sloop under my Command for which I have drawn a Bill in favour of T.W Parr for £ 88.23.6 Sterling at a premium of 2 ½ Cent. To The Commissioners of
Letter to N B. enclosing Voucher
Gentm. Herewith I have the honor to enclose a Voucher for the purchase of Stores for the use of HMSS under my Command & for which I have drawn a bill in favour of Jas Robertson ( to whom the Bills were sold at a Premium of 2 ½ pct.) for £ 64.5.1 Sterling dated 24 Sept 1822 Aco have the hon tbe To The Commiss. of [Page 214] Letter to C. for Victuallg. HMN enclsg. Gentlemen Herewith I enclose a Voucher for the purchase of Fresh Beef Vegetabls Beer & Soft Bread fm Mr S Soleman at St Helena between the 22d & 24th February 1823 & for what I have drawn a bill upon you honourable Board at 30 days sight for £ 31.8.0 in favour of S. Solemon. & dated 24 February 1823 I have the honor to be Gentm Y. MOHS. PPK To The Commissnrs for Victualls HM Navy Letter to Comm of Navy with List of Dead Mens Cloths sold [Page 215] Letter to N. Bd. With Muster Books for HMS Bathurst P.J. 31 Sept. 1822 Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to enclose Two And beg leave to add that the former Book has between made out similar to preceding Muster Books on account of the Bathurst being paid off in June but on the 1st July when the next book commences the new form has been attended to, and which I trust will prove correct I trust also that any incorrectness I may be led into will be considered by the Board as no originating from inattention on my part as I have not the assistance of a Clerk nor of any person to apply to for instruction in this part of my duty wch. From my constant occupation upon other objects connected with my survey will I fear be much embarrassed I hope however that the peculiarity of my situation will plead as my excuse & To the Commissioners of [Page 216] Letter to V.Bd. with Quarterly Accs Gentlemen Herewith I have the honor to forward the following Quarterly accounts for HMS under my Command Viz Quarterly Accounts As no good opportunity offered for the earlier transmission of the Accts for June from Port Jackson I brought them with me and the others have become due during the voyage. I have the honor to be Gent. YMOHS To the Commiss. For Victualg.
Letter to N B. with Muster Book & Gentlm. Herewith I enclose Three Muster Books for HM Sloop Bathurst from Sept. 1822 to Feb. 1823 inclusive also an acct of the sale of the effects of four seamen who were unfortunately drowned while employed in surveying the harbour of Port Jackson. I have the honor to be] To the Commiss of HM Navy [Page 217] Letter enclosing Dr Hales Letter to the Admlty Sir I do myself the honor to transmit a letter addressed to me from Mr James Hall [indecipherable] Surgeon Surgeon & late a Superintendent of the Convict Ship Mary Ann acquainting me as Senior Naval Officer with certain circumstances relative to his conduct whilst employed under the orders of the Navy Bd. and requesting me to acquaint their Lordships with them which I cannot do better than by forwarding his letter In the affair (which I did not consider myself justified in interfering with ) Mr Hall appears throughout to have acted with an earnest wish to forward the views of the Navy board from which circumstance I feel it my duty to forward his letter for the information of Their Lordships. And have the honor to be To J W Croker Esq
Letter enclosing Muster Book for March April Gentlemen Herewith I have to enclose a Two Monthly Muster Book for March & April 1823 for H Sloop under my command, and have the honor to be
To the Commissioners of [Page 218] Letter to Navy Bd in reply to Letter of 27 March 1823 Gentlemen I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27 March last respecting the claim of Mr H.B. Ainsworth Master for Pilotage of HM Sloop Sattellite through the [indecipherable] Channel of the East Coast of Australia as also to inform you of the rates of Pilotage in other Harbors, Channels & [indecipherable] in that quarter and in reply I beg to state, That with respect to the Satellites voyage up the East Coast I wish to inform your honourable Board that in April 1822 at Port Jackson Captain Gore the Commander of the Satellite was recommended by me to take that passage in order to enable him to prosecute his return to India in the shortest time and for which I furnished him with a traced copy of my original survey by which he went and effected his arrival in a shorter time than he otherwise would have done The Inner Channel is in length 800 miles in which are many Islands & reefs rendering its navigation both difficult & anxious but it has never yet been considered, nor can I think it is entitled to be considered as Pilotage water, more than the West Indies, the Straits of Singapore, Malacca or Macassar many parts of the Indian Ocean, or even the English Channel Feeling this I am [Pages missing - Finish] [Transcribed by Robin Matthews for the State Library of New South Wales]
Your most Obedt. Humble Servt
John Barrow
Admiralty Office, 10th Feby 1821
Your affecte Friends
Surveying Sloop Bathurst
Stores shipped on board the Mary hired Vessel for New South Wales
Pitch
Tar
Paint White
" Yellow
"[indecipherable]
" Black
Lindseed Oil
Brushes Paint
" Tar
Varnish Black
Ensigns Red
" Blue
Pendants
Locker Hangings
Chest or Lockers
Leather Liquored
Iron Cask of 16
Cask Iron bound
Masts None
Bricks
Coals
Philloip P King Captain
Lieut John Paulson)
Lieut Frederick Bedwell
His M Surveying Sloop Bathurst
7th May 1822
Your very humble Servt
John Barrow
Bathurst S V
6th December 1821
Sir
Your Most Obedt H Servt
W Gosling
Bathurst
N S Wales
HM Sloop Bathurst, Port Jackson May 4th 1822
Gentlemen, yours most respectfully
Your OBH Servt
Phillip P King, Captain
The Commissioners of the Navy
HM Sloop Bathurst, Port Jackson May 4th 1822
Two Charts frames
Azimuth Compass
6 Blank Books
3 Parallel Rulers
6 Penknifes
1 Package of Stationary
1 Brass Scale
Sir
Your MOBH Servt
Phillip P King Capt
Hydrographer
&c &c &c
Your M O B H Servt
Phillip P King Capt
H M Sloop Bathurst, Port Jackson 10th July 1822board Agent of the Victualling Board resident in the Colony I have deemed it advisable to purchase twelve Tons of Casks according to the enclosed vouchers and have drawn a set of Bills upon you for the payment of the same, in favour of Mr. Weatherhead of The Ship Phonix which I trust will be satisfactory to the Board.
Your M O B H Servt
Phillip P King Capt
Sir your M O B H Servt
Phillip P King
Private letter to Mr. Croker
H M Sloop Bathurst Port Jackson 25th July 1822
that I am Sir, With the greatest respect Y M O B & Obliged Humble Servt
Phillip P King Capt
&c &c &c
HM Sloop Bathurst, Port Jackson 4 May 1822
H.MS. Bathurst Sydney Cover 28 April 1822
1 Oct to 31 Dec "
1 Jan to 31 March 1822
PPK
H.M. Navy
HMS Bathurst Sydney Cove 30 Apl. 1822
PPK
H.M. Navy
HMS Bathurst Sydney Cove 30 April 1822
Gentm Y.M.O.H.S.
PPKing
HM Navy
HMS Bathurst Sydney Cove May 2 1822Books
Muster Books of HM Sloop Bathurst under my command as follows viz
Novr & Dec "
Jan & Feb 1822
PPKing
HM Sloop Bathurst P. Jackson 20 July 1822
Gentm. Y.Most Obed. H. Servt PP King
Enclosing a Voucher as [indecipherable]
Bt of R. Campbell 20 July 1822
F Bedwell 1 Lieut) HM Sloop Bathurst
JS Roe 2 Lieut)
Given under our hands at
Port Jackson 20 July 1822
Berry & Wollstonecraft) Merchants
Rely & Walker )
Fred. Bedwell. 1 Lieut
purchase of Water Casks
HM Sloop Bathurst P. Jackson 17 August 1822
Your most Obedt Servt
PP King
H.M. Navy
Somerset House
H.M.S. Bathurst Port Jackson Sept 1822
No 2 of 7 Butts purchased from Mr T.L. Reed Master of the Ship Asia
Gent Y.M O H S
PPK
Enclosing the followg Vouchers
Capt. Phillip P King Commander of His
(No 1) Britannic Majestys Sloop Bathurst
of the Ship Phonix 10 July 1822
and containing 2880 Gallons which is ) £ 30.0.0
Twelve Tons a 50/- per ton)
Witness Frederick Bedwell 1 Lieut) HMS Bathurst
Jno Septimus Roe 2 Lieut )
Macqueen, Atkinson & Pritchett) Merchants
These are to certify The Commissioners for Victualling H.M. Navy that the following species of Victualling Stores purchased by Capt. Phillip P King in charge of Pursery Stores of HM Sloop Bathurst Viz
Were actually received on board the said sloop in kind, that they were good and fit for H.M. Service and we further certify that the receipts of the Water Casks before mentioned were duly entered in the Log Book the day they were so received in board
P.P. K Captain
Fr Bedwell 1 Lieut
Store - Master
Captain Phillip P King Commander of H.M Sloop Bathurst
Bought of Thomas Livingston Reid
Master of the Ship Asia 17 Augt. 1822
and containing 1148 Gallons which is
4 ½ Tons 14 Gallons a 50/- per Ton is £ 11.7.9
which is Eleven pounds seven shillings and nine pence
Sterling which I hereby acknowledge to have received of the said Phillip Parker King Esq by a set of Bills of Exchange (at Par) in my favour on the Commissioners for Victualling His Majestys Navy at Thirty days sight properly attested by Captain Phillip P King & dated 17th day of August 1822
Signed T.L. Reid
Witnesses Frederick Bedwell 1st Lieut)HMS Bathurst
Jno Septimus Roe 2d Lieut)
Berry & Wollstonecraft) Merchants
Rob. Campbell)
were
P P K Capt
F Bedwell 1st Lieut
(Store) Master
H.M S. Bathurst Port Jackson 6 Sept 1822
Gentm Y M. O H S. PP Kg
Victualling H.M Navy
Admiralty Office 4 Jany 1822
Yr very humble Sevt Jno Barrow
Bathurst St. New So Wales
. Walter Clifton
Bathurst SV NS Wales
Your very humble Servt
J Barrow
Bathurst S Vessel N S Wales
Books
H Legge
P. Middleton
J. Bowen
HMS V Bathurst NS Wales
(per Shipley)
Gentelmen Yr. M O H Servt
P P King
Sydney Sept 2 1822
the
&c &c &c
Sir
Yr. most Obedt. Humble Servt
James Hall (2) Surg R.N
State Superintendant of the Mary Ann
Female Convict Ship
H. M Sloop Bathurst Simeon Bay Jan 16 1823
PPKing
H M S Andromanche
Joley boat request repair
2 Hoops for the Bowsprit (one carrd away the other much worn)-
Main Sheet horse repair
Decks)
Topsides) partially want caulking
Wales)
Two topmast stud.g sail Boom 24 feet long 5 inches diam.
Cooks Copper repair
Demand for Carpenters stores
Nails 2 ½ inch (for repair.g Boats) Two hundred & fifty
3 " do Two hundred & fifty
Lannails do Four hundred
Hinge for dead lights one pair
Pump [indecipherable] Two
Demand for Boatsns Stores
Blocks 12 inch single for M Tack Two
" 4 inch (T.Gallt Studg)
(sail halliards) Six
Tar fifteen gallons
Gease Twenty pounds
[indecipherable] Three Cwt
Demand for Gunner Stores
Gunpowder Large Grain One hundred pounds
[indecipherable] Match Two pounds
Tubes Fifty
HMS Bathurst Simeon Bay 16 Jan 1823
Yr M. OH S
PPK
HM S Bathurst Simeons Bay 24 Jan 1823
PPK
Y MO H S
A Montgomery
HMS Bathurst
Granting 6 weeks leave to the Surgeon
HMS Andromache. Simeons Bay 27 Jan 1823
Joseph Nourse Commander
&c &c &c
HMS Bathurst Simeons Bay 25 Jan 1823
South
&c &c &c
&c PP K
HMS Bathurst Simeons Bay 25 Jan 1823
at this place & knowing that you feel an interest in what I am about I have the pleasure of addressing you privately that I might be more explicit upon what I have done.duties occupations, of my absolute want of proper officers to superintend them and if my time being fully taken up with constructing Charts & calculating the observations necessary to render them complete, grant me a dispensing order for the Gunner, Boatswain & Carpenter Expenditure My pursery accounts I shall be able to produce as well as my Cash account with the Treasury to account for the monies I have drawn to pay the Crew
Most respectfully &c
PPK
&c &c &c
Voucher for purchase of Slops
HM Sloop Bathurst Port Jackson
11 September 1822
And have the honor to be
Gentlemen Yr MOHS
Phillip P King Captain
HM Navy
For Stores purchased fm Robt Williams
HMS Bathurst P. Jackson 25th Sept 1822
Gent. Y.MOHS
Phillip P King Captain
HM Navy
Voucher for purchase of Fr Beef Vegetbls Beer & soft Bd
At St Helena
HM Sloop Bathurst off St Helena 25 Feb 1823
May June July Aug. 1822Monthly Muster Books for HMS Bathurst under my Command Viz Monthly Muster Book for May & June 1822 & July & Aug
have the honor to be
Gentlemen
Yr M. Obt S
PPK
HM Navy &c &c&c
London
His M. Sloop Bathurst at Sea
31 March 1823
May to June)
July to Sept) 1822
Octr. To Dec)
Jany. To March 1823
PPK
HM Navy &c &c &c
Sale of D.. Cloths
HMS Bathurst at Sea 1 March 1823
Gent. Yr MOHS
PPK
&c&c&c
HMS Bathurst P. Jackson 6 Sept 1822
Sir
Yr. most Obedt. Humble Svt
&c &c &c
&c &c &c
HM Sloop Bathurst at Sea (Channel) May 1st 1823
Gentlemen
Your most Obedt
Humble servant
PPK
His Majestys Navy
&c &c &c
HM Sloop Bathurst Purfleet May 10th 1823