November

Monday 4th. Novr. 1811!
At 6,OClock this morning, accompanied by Mrs. Macquarie, Major of Brigade Antill, Lt. Maclaine ADC and Mr. Jas. Meehan Actg. Surveyor, I embarked on board H.M. Colonial Brig Lady Nelson, and the same forenoon sailed from Port Jackson, on a Tour of Inspection to Van Dieman's Land and the other Subordinate Settlements. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Memoranda & Related Papers. 22 December 1808-14 July 1823.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A772 39 f. [Microfilm Reel CY301 Frame #46].

Journal to and from Van Diemen's Land to Sydney in N. S. Wales.

Monday 4th. Novr. 1811.
At 6. a.m. Left Government House at Sydney accompanied by Mrs. Macquarie, Capt. Antill, Major of Brigade, Lieut. Maclaine, Aid de Camp, and Mr. James Meehan, Acting Surveyor Genl. and proceeded in the Government Barge Elizabeth to embark on board His Majesty's Colonial Brig Lady Nelson commanded by Mr. Bryan Overand; Lieut. Governor O'Connell and several other friends accompanying us from Government House to the wharf, where we took leave of all of them, excepting Secry. Campbell and Dr. Redfern, who accompanied us on board the Nelson – then lying at Anchor near the South Head, about Six Miles down the Harbour. — We reached and got on board the Nelson at 7,O'Clock, and found our accommodation clean, neat, and comfortable; all which, as well as the laying in Provisions and everything necessary for the Voyage, was arranged and directed by Mrs. Macquarie, and who deserves great praise for the taste and Judgment she has evinced on this occasion. —

The Wind and Tide being both against our turning out of Port Jackson to Sea clear of the Heads, we were obliged to remain at Anchor till half past Ten till the Tide of Ebb commenced, when we weighed Anchor and began Turning out of the Heads, which it required a great many Tacks to accomplish. — At Half past 11,O'Clock, some time after we had Breakfasted, Secry. Campbell and Dr. Redfern took their leave of us, as did Mr. Nichols the Prinl. Supdt. of Convicts, who had also attended us from Sydney in his own Boat on board the Lady Nelson. —

By One O'Clock we had completely cleared the Heads and got out to Sea, steering our Course about North East, so as to get a good offing before dark; – the Wind being about North by East – and blowing a fine fresh Breeze – but with a considerable Swell and Head Se; which occasioned much motion – and made Mrs. M. and all of us very Sea-Sick. — We sat down to Dinner at 5. P.M. – but none of us were much disposed to eat. —

The Wind continued fair for us till Sunsett, [sic] when it came round more to the Eastward. — It blew pretty fresh all night, with a great swell and Head Sea, which made the Vessel Roll and Pitch very much, and made us all very Sick.

Tuesday 5th. Novr. 1811.
At 7,O'Clock this morning we were nearly abreast of Jarvis's [sic] Bay, about 80 miles to the Southward of Port Jackson; and the Wind being at this time blowing directly against us – from the Southward – we determined to put in to Jarvis's [sic] Bay, and there remain at anchor for a change of Wind. — We accordingly made directly in for the Land, and anchored in Jarvis's [sic] Bay at 1. P.M, under the Lee of Bowen Island, in Six fathom Water, and most excellent safe anchorage – within a mile or three quarters of a mile of the Western Shore of Bowen Island. — This is a noble Capacious Bay, not less than Fifteen miles deep from the Entrance to its Head, and about 12 miles across from the Northern to the Southern Shore of it in the Broadest part. The Entrance to it is perfectly safe, and is formed on the North by a very high Rocky Cliff or Head Land (resembling the North Head of Port Jackson) and Bowen Island on the South – the Channel between being nearly two miles across – and very deep water close to either Shore. — Bowen Island is Separated from the Southern shore by a very narrow channel or Strait of not more than a quarter of a mile Broad – with a reef of Rocks all the way across and over which a heavy Surf breaks constantly, so as to prevent even small Boats passing through this Channel with any safety. — Bowen Island is about three quarters of a mile long from North to South, rises to a considerable height towards the Center, is verdant, and covered with Honey-Suckle and other smaller Trees and Shrubs. — There is also a small Lagoon of very good fresh Water on the West Side of it very near the Beach; and upon the whole it may be called a very pretty Island. — But tho' there is tolerable good verdure, the Soil is sandy and bad.

As we were all very Sea Sick during the morning, we did not breakfast until after we had anchored in Jarvis's Bay at a late Hour in the Day. — Between 3 and 4 OClock we went on shore on Bowen Island, and walked on it for some time. — From the Highest part of it we had a fine extensive view of the Sea on one hand and of the Bay on the other – and of the distant Mountains inland. — The Pigeon House an immense High Prominent Hill to the Southward, and Hat-Hill to the Northward of Jarvis's Bay, we could see very distinctly. — After remaining for about an hour on Bowen Island, we crossed to the South shore of the Main Land in Jarvis's Bay, and walked there for another Hour, along the Sea Shore, Picking a few Shells and Pebles [sic] as we went.

Here we saw nothing like runs or Springs of Fresh Water, altho' we conclude there must be some further inland, as a great number of Natives inhabit this part of the Bay – having seen many of them at a distance in the course of the Day. — The first we saw were three men on Bowen Island as we were passing in through the Entrance into the Bay; they then Holloed to us, and afterwards, when anchored, came off to us in their Canoes with Fish, which they willingly bartered for Biscuit and Tobacco. — They were very stout well-made good-looking men, and seemed perfectly at their ease and void of fear. — We remained on Shore till Sunset and then returned to the Vessel, dining immediately after coming on board. — Mr. Overand and the Sailors caught a number of young Sharks during the Day, this Bay abounding in them and a great variety of good Fish. — The Soil on the Main Land, as far as we walked along shore, is sandy and barren, but the Woods are very close and thick a little way from the Beach.

Wednesday 6th. Novr. 1811.
The Wind being still contrary this morning, Mr. Overand set out in his Boat at 7,O'Clock to Survey the Bay and take the Soundings of it, with the Bearings & Distances of its Entrance and Shores. — We Breakfasted at 9 OClock, and amused ourselves during the forenoon in reading and examining the Charts & Maps of the Coast of N.S. Wales, and of Van Diemen's Land; and more particularly those of the Settlements of the Derwent and Port Dalrymple on that Island. — Several Natives came off to us in their Canoes, and remained along side for some time, speaking to us in their Gibberish, and trying to repeat our names and other English words. — One of them came on board and got himself shaved. — Mr. Overand returned on board at 2. P.M. and delivered me a Sketch of his Survey of the Bay very well executed. — He brought on board several very fine looking Fish, very much resembling Salmon – or white Salmon Trout, and like which they eat. —

At 4,O'Clock we sat down to Dinner. At ½ past 5. P.M. we went to take a walk on shore at the Head of the Bay on the South Shore. —Mrs. M. and myself went to see two Native Huts close to the Beach, constructed in a very superior manner to any we had seen before in the Colony, being larger and better secured from the effects of the Weather. — We expected to have seen a great number of the Natives here, but were disappointed, not one having appeared during this Excursion. We went a little way into the Forest to view the different sorts of Trees and the Soil. — There are no great variety of the Former, which principally consist of the White and Blue Gums and Honey-Suckle, but which are generally stunted and grow to no great Size. — The Soil is very indifferent, being generally Sandy with a very small mixture of Earth. — Near the Spot where we landed from the Boat, we fell in with a very pretty little Stream of good fresh Water, which falls into the Bay here, and would afford an equal Supply as the Stream passing, through the Town of Sydney.

The Land along the Bay is low for about a mile backward from the Beach, and then begins to rise into lofty Hills, the whole being thickly covered with Wood. —

After perambulating for about two hours along the Beach, and in the adjoining Woods, and rowing along the Shores of this fine Bay, we returned on board the Lady Nelson at ½ past 7,O'Clock.

Thursday 7th. Novr. 1811.
At 5,O'Clock this morning, the Wind being fair, we weighed anchor from Jarvis's Bay and stood out to Sea with a very light Breeze at N.East; but the wind soon died away entirely after we had got clear of the Heads of the Bay, and we remained becalmed till 10,OClock; when the Sea Breeze set in, and enabled us to steer our course, S.S. West, along Shore, being distant from it about 12 miles at Noon, when we were abreast of the Pigeon House, an immense Conical Peak a considerable distance inland. — At Noon the Breeze freshened up a little, and we were going 3½ Knots. At 10 P.M. we were abreast of Mount Dromedary, with a fine smart fair Breeze of Wind, and going at the rate of 6½ Knots an hour. —

Friday 8th. Novr. 1811.
At Sunrise we were abreast of Twofold Bay, and at Noon we were abreast of Cape Howe in Latd. 37° 30'., forming the North Head-Land of the Entrance into Bass's Straits. — The Wind continues perfectly fair, and we are going 6½ Knots, with very little motion.

Saturday 9th. Novr. 1811.
We have had a very good run all Night and a smart Breeze till 8,O'Clock this morning, when the Wind died away, and a Calm ensued.

No Land in Sight, but we hope to see Cape Barren, in the Straits, as soon as the Sea Breeze sets in, as we have run 120 miles since 12,O'Clock yesterday by our reckoning. —

The Calm continued till about 3,O'Clock this afternoon, when a fresh Breeze at S. West sprang up and continued to freshen till Sunset, at which time it came on to blow a very smart Gale of Wind, with a high Sea running. — The Gale increased considerably between 8 and 9,O'Clock and continued to blow most violently during the whole Night, and obliged us to ly-too [sic], not being able to carry any Sail, the Vessel having great motion and labouring excessively. —

Sunday 10th. Novr.
The Gale continued all this day & Night to blow as violent as ever, with a tremendous high Sea, but the Vessel being tight and sound, well found and well-manned, she stands out the Gale delightfully and is certainly the best and safest Sea-Boat I ever sailed in. Mr. Overand the Commander and his Crew are extremely attentive and I have every reason to be highly pleased with their conduct.

Monday 11th. Novr.
We have passed two most uncomfortable Days and Nights – and the Gale still continues to rage with unabated violence –; the Sea also continues as high as ever, very short and cross, which occasions the Vessel to labour excessively; She however makes good weather of it, is quite dry, and never ships any Seas or Water. — We are unable to have any regular Cooking and are obliged to eat on the Cabin Floor on very common fare. —

Tuesday 12th. Novr. 1811.
It blew a perfect Storm all last Night, and was by far the most violent we have experienced since the commencement of the Gale; it blowing much stronger and with a very tremendous high Sea. — Our tight little Bark however Swam on the top of those terrific Billows like a Feather and surmounted all the dangers that threatened her. — There were several severe hail Showers fell in the course of last Night and this forenoon, and the Weather is extremely cold, altho' this is the Summer Season. —

At Noon this Day it was a complete Storm, nor was there the least appearance of the Gale abating; so that we are still obliged to continue lying-too,[sic] there being an immense Sea.

At 3. P.M. the Sky cleared up and it began to moderate a little. — At 4. P.M. the Sea was considerably fallen and by 5. P.M. the Gale had abated very much indeed; and at 6. P.M. the weather was so moderate that we were able once more to carry Sail on our little tight Bark – steering Westerly so as to close in again with the Land, from which we had drifted very much whilst laying too [sic] for the last three days.

Wednesday 13th. Novr. —
We have had a fine moderate Night and the Gale – thank God! is entirely over without our sustaining any accident whatever. —

My poor dear Elizabeth has suffered a great deal from Sea Sickness during the Storm and from the violent motion of the Vessel; – but she makes a most excellent brave Sailor, never expressing the least fear or apprehension of danger during the whole Storm; which was enough to alarm most Landsmen in so very small a Vessel; Mr. Overand himself confessing it to be one of the worst and most violent Gales he ever experienced. — Our Little Party assembled sociably to a very comfortable Breakfast in our own little snug Cabin this morning for the first time these four days past – all in good health.

At Noon our Latitude by Observation was 40° 8' South; Our Course W. S. West, the Wind being nearly West. — We suppose ourselves to be at least 100 miles to the Eastward of Cape Barren in the mouth of Bass's Straits – being the nearest Land to us at present. —

At 5. P.M. The Wind shifted round to the West N.West, blowing a very fine fresh Breeze, and which enabled us to steer our Course South West by South, going at the rate of 6 Knots an hour. By 10. P.M. The Breeze freshened considerably and enabled us to steer our Course for Cape Pillar quite free – going 8 Knots an hour. —

Thursday 14th. Novr.—
We have had a very fine run all last Night, and at 8 this morning we had ran down 120 miles of our Voyage since yesterday Noon. —

At Noon this day we were in Latd. 41.° 57.' by Observation – and abreast of St. Patricks Head on Van Diemen's Land; but the weather being at this time very dark and hazey, [sic] no Land can be seen, tho' we must be pretty near it.

At 10 minutes past 1,O'Clock Land was clearly seen from the Deck – distant about 12 Leagues or 36 miles, and supposed to be St. Patrick's Head on Van Diemen's Land. — At the same time Scouten's Islands were seen almost right ahead, St. Patrick's Head having been seen off the Beam. — We are now steering for Oyster Island (to the Southward of Scouten's Islands) in sight from the Main Top and distant about 50 miles from us. —

At 5. P.M. The wind unfortunately suddenly veered round to the westward, blowing a smart gale, which obliged us to stand off again from the Land – and shortly afterwards to ly-too [sic] during the remainder of the Night, a very high Sea rising with the Gale, which made the Vessel labour very much, and consequently rendered the Night uncomfortable for all of us. —

Friday 15th. Novr. 1811.
The Gale continues unabated this morning blowing hard at South West – with a heavy Sea, and still lying-too.[sic] — At Noon we were in Latd. 42° 23' South, by observation – but no Land in Sight. — At 7. P.M. The Gale began to abate and the wind shifted to the North, which enabled [us] to make Sail and Steer our course S. West. The wind was irregular during the Night, and frequently bordering on a Calm. —

Saturday 16th. Novr.
The Wind was still fair this morning, and enabled us to steer directly West by South – in for the Land – which we reckon not to be more than 30 or 40 miles from us at 8 this morning. — At Noon it became very cloudy and hazey [sic] and prevented our having a good observation – but by the one taken we were in Latd. 43°. — No Land was to be seen – which induce to believe that a Current has driven us farther to the Eastward than we imagined. — At one O'Clock P.M. it came on a heavy Rain & Calm.

At 4. P.M. A light Breeze at S. East sprung up and the Haze clearing a little about half an Hour afterwards, we got sight of Cape Pillar, distant 7 or 8 miles on our Larboard Bow. — This Head Land we hoped and expected to double in about an hour; but just as we got within four mile of the Cape, the Wind shifted suddenly round to the South West, blowing a smart gale with a high Sea running, which obliged us to abandon the intention of doubling Cape Pillar this Night. — It was consequently determined on to steer back along the Land to the Northward, so as, if possible, to get in to Oyster Bay then within about 35 miles to the Northward of us. — This we had nearly effected, having reached to within half an hour's run of the anchoring Place, when the Gale became so violent with a terrible Sea running, that it was quite impossible any longer to carry sail to it. — We accordingly stood out again to Sea between 12 and 1,O'Clock at Night and lay too [sic] the remainder of the Night – during which it blew a perfect Storm with a tremendous high Sea. —

Sunday 17th. Novr. 1811.
The Gale continued to blow the whole of this day with unabated violence, with a heavy high Sea running, which occasioned the Vessel to labour excessively – but still dry and making excellent weather of it. — At 10. a.m. it blew a tempest, and we were about 6 or 7 miles distant from Oyster Island – still lying too, [sic] and drifting slowly to the Eastward.

After Breakfast Capt. Antill read Prayers to us. — At 5. P.M. Oyster Island was nearly out of Sight – and the Gale continues as violent as ever.

Monday 18th. Novr.
Fortunately for us, the Gale began to abate between 1 and 2 OClock this morning, and at 4 we were able once more to carry Sail. — At 9. a.m. we were close abreast (within 4 miles) of Scouten's Islands, and within sight of Oyster Island – distant about 12 miles – steering our course South by West, with a light Breeze at East. — At Noon our Latd. was 42° 26' South – the Breeze very light – and consequently creeping very slowly through the water – about 2 Knots an hour. At 5. P.M. we were immediately abreast of Oyster Island, and in sight once more of Cape Pillar, distant 30 miles – Steering South, the Wind East – blowing a light Breeze only – but wafting us along at the rate of 4 Knots an hour. — At 12,O'Clock at Night, the Breeze having freshened up, we had doubled Cape Pillar, and were standing for Cape Basaltes [sic] and Betsy's Island, in hopes of entering the River Derwent by Day-break. —

Tuesday 19th. Novr.—
The Wind having shifted to the North West at 2 this morning, our proceeding farther up the River was rendered impracticable – and therefore we ran down for Adventure [Bay] in Isle de Biune, [sic] where we anchored in 16 Fathom water within a quarter [of] a mile of the S. E. shore at 9,O'Clock this morning.

At 1. P.M. seeing no appearance of a change of Wind, Mrs. M. and myself, accompanied by our Party – and Mr. Overand went on shore to take a walk, and returned again on board at ½ past 3. P.M. with a Cask of Fresh Water from a fine Lagoon near the Beach, some Grass for the Sheep & Goats, and a quantity of Muscles, [sic] with [which] the Rocks abound. — The island is mountainous & woody but the Soil is bad. —

Wednesday 20th. Novr. 1811.—
The Wind continuing contrary, and blowing hard at W. N. West, we were obliged to remain all this day at Anchor in Adventure Bay. —

Thursday 21st. Novr.—
There being some appearance of a fair wind this morning at Day-break, we weighed anchor and made sail out of Adventure Bay at ½ past 5,O'Clock – but soon afterwards the Wind returned to its old Quarter of N. West, and we were obliged to work out of the Bay. — By 10,O'Clock we had doubled Cape Frederick Henry, but the wind at this time blew very fresh and in short sudden Squalls, so that we did not make much progress in working up to get into the Derwent River. — We persevered however from 10. a.m. to 3. P.M.in hopes of getting into the River – but without accomplishing our object tho' within 3 miles of the entrance of the River.

At 3. P.M. We bore away for Frederick Henry Bay, and at 4. P.M. anchored there close to the N. East side of Betsy's Island about 14 miles from Hobart Town.

Friday, 22d. Novr. 1811
The Wind still continuing contrary & blowing hard at N. West with a heavy rolling Sea, it was deemed necessary to change our Birth [sic] from Betsy's Island, and to remove farther up Frederick Henry Bay to a more secure anchorage. We accordingly weighed anchor at ½ past Six OClock this morning, and at ½ past 9. a.m. anchored in a small Cove about 10 [?] miles from our last anchorage within about half a mile of the Shore, on the S. West of the Bay; where a narrow neck of Land of 3 quarters of a mile separates this from Ralph's Bay, and which last communicates with the River Derwent; our present anchorage being only 7 or 8 miles distant from the Settlement of Hobart Town.

At 11. a.m. I sent off Mr. Meehan, the Surveyor, to proceed overland to Hobart Town to apprise the Commandant of my being here, and desiring him to send down Boats immediately to Ralph's Bay to convey ourselves and Baggage to the Settlement. —

At 10. P.M. Capt. Murray of the 73d. Regt. and Comdt. of Hobart Town came on board the Lady Nelson to wait on me, being accompanied by Mr. Meehan the Surveyor, and having brought the Government Barge down to Ralph's Bay for conveying us up to the Settlement tomorrow morning; it being now too late to leave the Vessel this Night. —

Saturday 23d. Novr. 1811.
At ½ past 6,O'Clock this morning Mrs. Macquarie and myself, accompanied by Capt. Murray (who slept on board the Nelson last night) and the three Gentlemen of our Family, left the Lady Nelson in her Boat, which landed us in [the] adjoining Bay or Cove, about two miles N. West of our anchorage; and from whence we walked across the neck of Land which divides Frederick Henry Bay from Ralph's Bay, to Mr. Stanfield's Farm in the District of Clarence Plains on the latter Bay, where Capt. Murray had his elegant Government Barge ready waiting to receive us – our Baggage having been sent thither the preceeding Evening. — The place the Boat was at is about three miles by Land from the Bay we landed at this morning from the Lady Nelson. — We left Stanfield's Farm at 20 minutes past 8. a.m. in Capt. Murray's Barge (the Derwent), and at 11. a.m. we landed at Hobart Town, close under the Government House, after a very pleasant Rowe [sic] of ten miles from Ralph's Bay and up the River Derwent; the lofty beautiful Hilly Banks of which are extremely grand and picturesque – the Breadth of the River being nowhere less than two miles all the way up to the Town. — As we approached the Town, the Favorite, Colonial Brig, Capt. Fisk, fired a Salute and cheered us as we passed, and on my landing a Salute was fired from the Guns on the Parade near the Government House; a great concourse of People being assembled on the occasion near the Landing Place, cheered us also as we passed. — Capt. Murray conducted us to a very pretty little Cottage of his own to take up our residence in, the Government House being much out of repair. — In this neat cottage we took a hearty Breakfast at 12,O'Clock. —

I left orders with Mr. Overand to bring up the Lady Nelson to Hobart Town as soon as the Wind changed sufficiently to enable him to do so, leaving some of our Servants and heavy Baggage to come up to Town in her.

I issued General Orders to announce my arrival to inspect this Settlement and also my intention of visiting & inspecting the several Farms in it in the course of the ensuing week. — I then dressed and went out to take a walk with Mrs. Macquarie through the Town before Dinner. — We walked in the Government Garden, and afterwards on the Hill intended to build the new Barracks on. —

Capt. Murray, Lieuts. Gunning & Campbell, & Asst. Surgeon Dermott of the 73d. Regt. besides our own family, dined with us today, and in the Evening the Town was very handsomely illuminated, and large Bone-fires [sic] were made by the Troops, the free Inhabitants, and Convicts, in compliment to my arrival at this Settlement. — Some of the Houses were very fancifully and prettily illuminated, and the Inhabitants & Troops & Convicts continued singing and dancing around their Bone-fires [sic] to a late hour. The Favorite Brig was also very beautifully illuminated. —

Sunday 24th. Novr. 1811.
Mrs. Macquarie and myself attended Divine Service; which was performed at 11,O'Clock this day at the Government House by the Revd. Mr. Knopwood, the Chaplain of this Settlement, who gave us a most excellent Discourse. — After Divine Service I took a walk through the Town with the view to lay down and frame a regular Plan of it, none having ever been yet laid down for it. —

In the afternoon I sent off a dispatch to Major Gordon, Comdt. of Port Dalrymple, to announce my arrival here, and my intention to set out for that Settlement overland on Monday the 2d. of next month. —

The Revd. Mr. Knopwood & the officers of the Detachments of 73d. & Royal Marines (including Lt. Breedon of the latter) dined with us today. —

Monday 25th. Novr. 1811.
I this forenoon inspected the Detachments of the 73d. Regt., and Corps of Royal Marines, both which I found in very good order – clean and properly dressed. —

I afterwards visited the Civil and Military Hospitals, found the former in very bad, but the latter in very good Order. — I also visited the Provision Store, Gaol, and Guard House, and the several other Public Buildings. —

The Officers of the two Detachments and Mr. Knopwood dined with us.

Tuesday 26th. Novr. 1811.
I went after Breakfast to inspect the different Farms in the District of New Town – 2 miles from Hobart Town. — Visited the Government Farm – a very beautiful spot – called on Capt. Murray at his Farm – and also on Mr. A. Whitehead, a respectable Farmer. — I rode to a very pretty Point of Land on the west side of Newtown Bay, which commands a most extensive fine prospect down the River to Hobart Town – and which I have named "Macquarie Point". — I returned home to Dinner and we had our usual Party, with the addition of Messrs. Fosbrook, Humphry, and Loane to dine with us. Recd. an Address from the Inhabitants of this Settlement this afternoon. —

Wednesday 27th. Novr. 1811.
At 6,O'Clock this morning Mrs. M. and myself, on Horseback, accompanied by the Gentlemen of our Family and Lieut. Gunning, set out from Hobart Town on purpose to visit and inspect the Farms in the District of New Norfolk. — We rode to a Farm called Black Snake Point on the South side of the River about Twelve miles from Hobart Town, where we halted to Breakfast; after which we proceeded on Horseback again to Tea-Tree Point, three miles farther up the River, where we embarked on board of Capt. Murray's Barge, which we found waiting for us there. — We set out in her at 12,O'Clock, and after two Hours and a half's rowe [sic] up this fine River, we arrived at Mr. Dennis Mc.Carty's Farm in the District of New Norfolk; 5 miles from Tea Tree Point on the north side of the River, where, finding a comfortable Farm House, and a hearty rural honest welcome, we took up our residence for this day and Night. —

At ½ past 3. P.M. Mrs. Macquarie & myself attended by the Gentlemen of our Party, and Mr. Mc.Carty, crossed the River to the South side to visit the Government Farm & Stock-Yard, running along this fine long reach of the River for about three quarters of a mile N.East & S. West. — The Land here is quite clear of Timber and the view from this Farm is beautiful and extensive; having a very pretty Rivulet of Fresh water running at the back of – the Farm being elevated, and running along a fine Ridge between the great River and the Rivulet. — This Situation appeared to me so eligible and so remarkably well adapted for a Township, being Twenty miles only from Hobart Town, that I have determined to erect one here for the District of New Norfolk, naming it "Elizabeth-Town", in honor of my dear good wife, and I have christened the Rivulet "The Thames".

After a delightful walk at Elizabeth Town, we re-crossed the River to Mr. Mc.Carty's, where we had a most excellent Dinner. —

A great number of the Settlers received us with many Cheers and Huzzas on our first landing at Mc.Carty's Farm, where they continued drinking, singing, and making Bone-fires [sic] the greater part of the Night. — We went in the Boat to see the 1st. Fall after Dinner. —

Thursday 28th. Novr. 1811.
At ½ past 5. a.m. we got up, and at 6,O'Clock Mrs. M. & myself on Horseback, attended by the Gentlemen of our Party and Mr. Mc.Carty on foot, set out to visit and inspect the several Farms of this District, proceeding first along the Front Line of Farms on the Banks of the River, as far as William Clarke's Farm, beyond the 2d. Fall, and about 4 ½ miles above Mc.Carty's Farm (which is reckoned Twenty five miles from Hobart Town), and returning by the back Line of Farms to Mc.Carty's at 10,O'Clock to Breakfast. — We were all very highly gratified with our morning's ride through this beautiful rich and Picturesque Country; the Soil of the Farms in general is excellent and there is at present every appearance of a plentiful and abundant Harvest; but the Houses of the Settlers are mean and badly built, and themselves miserably clothed.

The greater part of the Settlers attended at Mc.Carty's on our departure thence and after speaking to them all on their several claims, and exhorting them to persevere in their present habits of industry, honesty, sobriety, and morality, I took my leave of them and we set out on our return to Hobart Town in Capt. Murray's Barge at 12,O'Clock. — We had a pleasant Rowe [sic] down the River as far as Tea Tree Point; but the Tide & Wind being there against us we were obliged to land; and having walked 3 miles to Black-Snake-Point, we found our Horses waiting there for us, and rode home from thence; arriving at Hobart Town at half past 7,O'Clock, very keen set for our Dinners. On our way through New Town we called on Capt. Murray, whom we were rejoiced to find very much recovered –; being much indisposed for these three days past. —

Friday 29th. Novr. 1811.
I went this day on Horseback, accompanied by Lieut. Duncan Campbell, to visit and inspect the principal Farms in Sandy-Bay, to the South East of Hobart Town, lying along the River, and extending in that direction to Brown's River for 9 miles. — The Farms in this District are generally very indifferent ones and the Farm Houses are miserably bad. —

We entertained the whole of the Gentlemen of the Settlement this day at Dinner at Government House.

Saturday 30th. Novr. 1811.—
At 5,O'Clock this morning, I set out on Horseback, accompanied by Capt. Antill and a Guide to explore and Survey a High Hill, situated about 4 miles South East of Hobart Town, for the purpose of ascertaining whether it was an eligible situation for erecting a Signal Post on; and having explored the Summit of this Hill, I found it commands a most extensive and noble prospect in every direction – for a vast distance to Sea as far as the Eye can reach – has a full view of Frederick Henry Bay, Ralph's Bay, the Heads & Entrance of Adventure Bay, and the Heads & Entrance into the River Derwent, including Betsy's Island. — I have therefore determined that a Signal Post shall be established on the Summit of this Hill, which I have named Mount Nelson; and have issued the necessary orders to the Commandant to have a Flag Staff and Guard House erected there immediately, with a Corporal's Guard stationed there furnished with the necessary Flags for making Signals.

I did not return home from Mount Nelson till half past 9,O'Clock, and after Breakfast I transacted business with several Settlers and other Inhabitants of this Settlement. —

At Noon Mr. Mc.Carty waited on me with an Address from the Settlers and other Inhabitants of the District of New Norfolk, to which I made a suitable reply in writing. —

In the evening we sent off our Servants, Horses & Baggage in Boats up the River to Stanfield's Farm on the North side of the River, Twelve miles from Hobart Town, to be on so far before us, preparatory to our setting out for Port Dalrymple, overland, on Monday next. We had the usual Party of friends to dine with us today, including Mr. Knopwood.

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal to and from Van Diemen's Land to Sydney in New South Wales. 4 November 1811 – 6 January 1812.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A777 pp.1-34. [Microfilm Reel CY302 Frames #347-380].

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