May

Monday 1. May !
Sent off our heavy Baggage between 7 and 8,O'Clock this morning. — Breakfasted at 8, and set out in the Carriage at 9,O'Clock. — Mrs. M. and myself mounted our Horses at the foot of the first High Hill near Mount Blaxland, it being excessively steep and long, for which reason I have named it "Fag-Hill". — A range of very lofty Hills and Narrow Valleys, alternately, form the Tract of Country lying between Cox's River and the Fish-River, which tract I have named "Clarence's Hilly Range" in honor of H. R. Highness The Duke of Clarence. — This was a very trying heavy Stage for our Cattle, there being such numerous steep ascents and Descents the whole way. — We arrived at the Fish River at 3. P.M. after a fatiguing and tiresome Journey of 16 miles, halting on the Left Bank of the River. — Some of our heavy Baggage did not get up to the Ground till 7 OClock at Night. — We dined at ½ past 5,O'Clock, and had some very fine Fish out of the River for Dinner. — Retired early to Bed.

Tuesday 2. May !
Got up early and walked out for a mile in front to view the Road. — On my way back had a very fine view of "Mount Evans" distant about 7 or 8 miles to the North West of our present Ground.

Sent off our heavy Baggage at 8,O'Clock. — Breakfasted at 9, and Set out on Horse-back with Mrs. M. at 10,O'Clock.

Halted on the top of a High Hill about two miles from the Fish River to give Mrs. M. an opportunity of seeing Mount Evans, – and taking a Sketch of it; which having done we pursued our Journey.

Halted at Sidmouth Valley at ½ past 12,O'Clock, and Encamped here for this day in order to rest our Cattle; the Water and Grass being both good and abundant here. — The distance between the Fish River and Sidmouth Valley is only 8 miles – but the Country we have this day passed over is very hilly. — Dined at 5 – and went early to Bed.— N.B. Sir Jno. Jamison was lost for some Hours this Evening returning from Fishing in the River, by missing his way in the Woods, but arrived in Camp about 8,O'Clock with a large String of Fine Fish and 2 Water Moles caught in the Fish-River near our present Ground.—

Wednesday 3. May !
Sent off our heavy Baggage at 8. a.m., Breakfast at 9, and Set out in the Carriage with Mrs. M. at 10 O'Clock.

At 11 a.m. between the 33d. & 34th. Mile, Quit the Carriage and mount my Horse, leaving Mrs. M. to proceed in the Carriage direct to the Campbell River. — I set out accompanied by all the Gentlemen of the Party to explore Country along the Banks of the Fish River to its junction with the Campbell River. — We first arrive at O'Connell Plains, which are very beautiful to look at but of no great extent, being only about a mile in length and Half a mile in Breadth. — We came in on O'Connell Plains after riding about 2 miles from the Main Road to the River and tracing it half a mile down. – We crossed the River at the middle of O'Connell Plains to the North side to examine the Land there, which we found as good as on the South side – it being very excellent soil on both sides of the River. — We then rode along a Ridge of Hills along the South side of the River for about two miles in extent before we entered into Macquarie Plains – which we did at 1,O'Clock. — Our first view of these Plains was most grand and interesting, presenting a beautiful rich tract of rich fertile Land without hardly a Tree to be seen for four miles in length and two miles in Breadth. — These Plains extend on both sides of the River affording beautiful situations for Farms on either Bank, to the junction of the Fish River with the Campbell River, where Macquarie Plains terminate and Bathurst Plains commence.

After tracing the Fish-River to its junction with the Campbell River, we rode up along the Right Bank of the latter till we arrived where a Bridge is made across it about three miles above the Confluence of the two Rivers.

Here we found Mrs. Macquarie in the Carriage had arrived long before us, as well as all the Baggage Carts had arrived before us. – Here we arrived at 2 P.M. and took up our Ground for the Night; the distance from our last Stage at Sidmouth Valley being 13 miles. Dined at 5. and went early to Bed. —

Thursday 4. May !
Sent off our heavy Baggage for Bathurst Plains at 8. a.m. and Breakfasted at that Hour. After Breakfast, we mounted our Horses and rode up for 3 miles along the Right Bank of the Campbell River to take a view of "Mitchell Plains", which is a fine rich Tract of Land extending for a mile and a half along the River and for nearly Half a mile on each side of it; the land being very fit for small Farms, both on account of its richness of Soil on the low Grounds for Cultivation, and the Hills in rear thereof being excellent for Grazing. —

We saw great numbers of Water Moles in the Campbell-River at Mitchell Plains. — We came back again the same way we went from Mitchell Plains to our last Ground at the Bridge over the Campbell River; from whence we set out in the Carriage for Bathurst Plains at 11. a.m. —

After riding about 9 miles through a very pretty wooded Country we arrived on a height which Commanded a very extensive, grand, and noble view of Bathurst Plains extending on both sides of the Macquarie River for 11 miles and for nearly 3 miles on each side of it, being almost entirely clear of Timber for that extent. —

Mrs. M. and myself mounted our Horses when within a Mile of the Grand Depôt on the Macquarie River, Mr. Evans the Dy. Surveyor having rode out and met us some little time before. We arrived at the Depôt at ½ past 1 P.M. the Guard being turned out to receive us, and the whole of the People, who gave us three Cheers! — We found here also three adult Male Natives and four Native Boys of this new discovered Tract of Country, who shewed great surprise, mixed with no small degree of fear at seeing so many strangers, Horses and Carriages – but to which they soon appeared to be reconciled on being kindly spoken to. They were all clothed with Mantles made of the Skins of Opossums, which were very neatly sewn together, and the outside of the skins were Carved in a remarkable neat manner. They appear to be very inoffensive and Cleanly in their Persons. — In Size and appearance they are like the Natives on the East side of the Blue Mountains; not being either stouter or taller in Stature. —

The Grand Depôt at Bathurst Plains is beautifully situated on a fine Commanding Eminence on the Left Bank and South Side of "Macquarie River", distant 10¼ miles from our last Stage at the Campbell River; the Road being very good and easy for a Carriage the whole of this last Stage. — The appearance of Bathurst Plains from the Depôt extending for many miles on both sides of the Macquarie River, and surrounded at a distance by fine verdant Hills, is truly grand, beautiful and interesting, forming one of the finest Landscapes I ever saw in any Country I have yet visited. The Soil is uncommonly good and fertile, fit for every purpose of Cultivation and Pasture, being extremely well watered, and thinly wooded. —

At this beautiful Spot I have established my Head Quarters for the present; intending hereafter to erect a Town and Township here for the convenience and accommodation of such Settlers as may be indulged with Grants of Lands in this new discovered Country. — In the mean time I shall make Excursions from hence into the interior of the Country in different directions.

On our arrival I found one of my Tents Pitched here, which had been sent on before us – and which will serve for our Sleeping Tent till the others are put up in more regular order tomorrow. —

Mrs. M. I am happy to say, has bore the fatiguing Journey over the Blue Mountains to this Place wonderfully well indeed, and has arrived here in very good health.

We sat down 12 to Dinner this day at 5,O'Clock in the new Government Store; Mr. Evans having joined and being now one of our Party here. — We played Cards in the Evening between Dinner and Tea, and retired at an early hour to Bed.

Friday 5. May !
Got up early – Breakfasted at 9 – and at 10,O'Clock we all mounted our Horses – Mrs. M. being one of the Party – and Set out on an Excursion to see and explore those parts of Bathurst and Macquarie Plains on the North Side of the River.

We crossed the Macquarie River close under the Depôt by a very easy fine Ford of a hard Pebly [sic] bottom – there being very little water in the River at present owing to the long continued Droughts. We rode through a very rich low Tract of Land along the Right Bank of the River with fine Grass growing on it, between 3 and 4 feet high, for about 6 miles; then came to a chain or Ridge of Fertile wooded Hills, running in a northern direction from the Confluence of the Fish and the Campbell Rivers, and which Chain of Hills divide Bathurst from Macquarie Plains. — On crossing these hills we had a very extensive fine view of the latter extending along the Fish River for about Five Miles on each side of it. — This is a most beautiful rich Tract of Land and very Picturesque, the Grounds being much diversified in extensive Plains, and Hills and Dales alternately, terminating on the north in lofty wooded mountains; near to which there are fine Downs very fit for Sheep Walks. We hunted two Native Dogs, and some Emus in Macquarie Plains, but were not so fortunate as to catch any of them, tho' we saw them very distinctly, and were much gratified with the sight of them. —

In returning Home we kept nearer the mountains in order to see more of the Country, and were well satisfied that the greater parts of both Bathurst and Macquarie Plains are perfectly fit for the purposes of Agriculture as well as grazing .—

We returned to Head Quarters at 2 P.M. after a ride of about 16 miles, highly gratified with our day's Excursion. — On our return to Head Quarters, I found our other two Tents Pitched in regular order, and a Flagg (sic) Staff erected in front of our Sleeping Tent, which I had given orders to be done previous to our setting out this morning, intending to hoist the British Colours on it on Sunday next, when it is my intention to give a name to this particular spot.

I forgot to mention in my Notes of yesterday, that, a very fine large Black Swan, and also a very large Water-Mole (or Duck-Bill) had been shot on the Macquarie River, near Head Quarters, on the afternoon of our arrival here, which appear as a good omen of the future prosperity and plenty of this new Country. The Swan weighed [text missing] Pounds and was a remarkable large one.

Saturday 6. May !
Got up early and Breakfasted at 8,O'Clock. — Mounted our Horses at 10,O'Clock, Mrs. M. forming one of the Party, and set out on an Excursion to explore the remaining parts of Bathurst Plains on the North side of the River. – We crossed them from the Ford in a Diagonal direction, our course being nearly North East till we reached a rich fertile Valley near the foot of the Mountains with a very pretty Brook of fine fresh Water running through the middle of it. — This Valley runs about 7 or 8 miles in length and from a quarter to Half a mile in breadth, with very fine Pasture land on the Hills Skirting it. I have named this Valley "Winbourn-Dale", and the Rivulet running through it "Winbourn-Brook". — We rode over some very fine Tracts of Land this day fit for both Cultivation and Pasture, and most eligible for Farms of both descriptions. — On return we saw some Emus and Kangaroos; some of the Party Hunted the latter, and the Dogs came up with and caught one.

Arrived at Head Quarters at 1. P.M. after a very pleasant ride of about 12 miles, much pleased with our Excursion. Wishing to explore the South side of the Macquarie River to the Eastward of the Depôt for 4 or [text missing] miles, I set out again at 2. P.M. along with Mr. Cox and some other Gentlemen for this purpose, leaving Mrs. M. at Home, who was a little tired after her morning's Ride. — We rode along the Left Bank of the River over a Tract of very fine rich fertile Land fit for any purpose, for about Five Miles to a large beautiful Reach of the River, where we saw a large Swan and many Ducks swimming. — I fired at the Black Swan with my Pistol but missed it. — From this part of the River we returned Home by a back line over fine Hills and Valleys fit for Cultivation and Pasture. — Returned to Head Quarters at 4. OClock from my last Excursion after a pleasant ride of Ten Miles. We dined at 5 and spent the Evening as usual. —

Sunday 7. May 1815!!!
After Breakfast, all the Gentlemen and other People assembled for Prayers and Divine Service; but previous thereto they were all mustered for the purpose of witnessing my christening the new intended Town on this beautiful spot, which I accordingly named "Bathurst" in honor of the noble Earl of that name, now His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. The British Union Jack was first hoisted on the new Flagg [sic] Staff on this auspicious occasion, the Military fired 3 Vollies and the whole of the People assembled ( – being 75 in number) gave three Cheers in honor of the Ceremony. —I prefaced it by Complimenting Mr. Cox and Mr. Evans, and their respective Parties for discovering this fine Country, and afterwards facilitating our access to it so easily and overcoming such extraordinary difficulties in so doing. — The Ceremony concluded by all of us drinking Prosperity to the new Town of Bathurst. —

After Divine Service had been performed, I accompanied Mr. Cox, and Messrs. Oxley and Meehan the Surveyors, to lay down and mark out the lines of the town of Bathurst at the spot fixed on now here for that purpose, immediately in rear of the present Head Quarters; reserving a sufficient space next the River for a small Government Domain, extending Half a mile in front and a quarter of a mile in Depth. I also had marked out immediately in rear of the Flagg-Staff [sic] the Spot intended for the Government House being erected on hereafter.

Monday 8. May 1815.
Got up early and Breakfasted at 7,O'Clock. — At 8,O'Clock we mounted our Horses and Set out to explore the Country lying in a South West direction from Bathurst; Mr. Evans who has already explored this Country being our Guide. – It being too long a Ride for her Mrs. M. staid at Home this day, as did Messrs. Oxley & Meehan for the purpose of marking out the new Town, and laying it down on Paper. — The first four miles of our route was over a very fine rich Tract of Land fit for any purpose. — We then got into a more hilly Country but all excellent Pasture Land with very few exceptions. — We continued our Ride along this open Hilly Country in a South West direction for at least Twenty Miles from Bathurst, passing several well watered pretty Vallies [sic], the low parts of which were excellent Land for Cultivation. — The two largest and principal Vallies [sic] seen in the course of this day's Excursion I have named "Queen Charlotte's Vale" in Honor of Her Majesty; and "Princess Charlotte's Valley" in Honor of the Princess Charlotte of Wales; the former extending for about 20 miles in a S. West and N. East Direction and joining Bathurst Plains at the latter point; and the latter extending for about 18 miles in an East and Westerly direction, and opening to the Macquarie River near Mount Pleasant at its Western extremity; the two Valleys being separated by a Ridge of Hills, where they respectively terminate. Both these Valleys are remarkably well watered by large Ponds at regular distances Contiguous to each other, which are even full of Water at this extraordinary dry season. — Those two Vallies [sic] are well calculated for both Grazing and Agricultural Farms, and would soon repay the labour of the Husbandman and Grazier.

We halted for near an hour at the Head of Queen Charlotte's Vale to rest and feed our Horses, and then continued our Journey Homewards through this beautiful fertile Vale. — We saw a large Flock of Emus in Princess Charlotte's Valley, and a great [word omitted] of Kangaroos, Pigeons, Quails, and a few Wild Geese, in our Excursion of this day. — We returned to Head Quarters at 4,O'Clock in the afternoon, after [a] very interesting but long ride of about Forty Miles. — In crossing a deep part of the Princess Charlotte's Valley, about 12 miles from Bathurst, we fell in by mere chance with a poor old infirm Native Woman with her left Eye out and without a single Tooth in her Head. — She had a large Bag on her Back – and was in the act of taking up two long Poles when we came in view of her. – She was excessively alarmed and frightened on seeing us – but took up and put into her Bag some Pieces of Biscuit we threw to her. – On the opposite side of the Valley we saw a Native Boy, who the old Woman crossed over to join as soon as her fears had a little subsided. She kept chattering and pointing with both her Hands to the opposite Hills from the time She first saw us till we were a considerable distance removed from her; – pointing, as we supposed, to where her Friends and Tribe were to be found.

Tuesday 9. May !
Got up early – and Breakfasted at 8,O'Clock. — At ½ past 9 Mrs. M. and myself set out in the Carriage, accompanied by all the Gentlemen of our Party, to see "Mount Pleasant" and "Pine-Hill" – and the Country in the Vicinity of those Hills. — The Country between Bathurst and Mount Pleasant for Five miles is one Continued Plain of fine rich fertile Land, with beautiful verdant low wooded Hills skirting it. Beyond Mount Pleasant the Country breaks into Hills, and the Plain ceases. — We left Mrs. M. in the Carriage at Mt. Pleasant, the Country beyond it being too rough to admit of its proceeding any farther in this direction. — The rest of the Party accompanied me on Horseback as far as "Pine-Hill" about 7 miles to the westward of Mt. Pleasant. — Our ride to this Place was a very rough one over a succession of steep Hills and deep Vallies [sic] alternately. — On reaching Pine Hill we saw the Pine-Tree of this Country in great numbers and of a considerable Height, but of no great circumference, none of them we saw being above one foot in diameter. — On our way to Pine Hill soon after passing Mount Pleasant, we entered a beautiful rich Valley extending from Mt. Pleasant in a South West direction for about 8 or 9 miles. — This Valley is very fertile and well watered, having fine verdant Hills rising on each side of it, affording excellent Pasturage. I named this fine rich Vale "Campbell Valley" in honor of Mrs. Macquarie.

On our descent from Pine Hill we stopt [sic] to look at a Ford and small Fall on the Macquarie River three miles to the westward of Mt. Pleasant; we then continued our Journey to the latter and rode up to the top of it, which is a Table-Land – and from whence there is a very fine extensive Prospect. – We found on the very top of Mount Pleasant several Cairns or Piles of Stones – which have every appearance of having been collected there by the Hands of Man. — From the top of Mt. Pleasant we descended on the opposite side to that we ascended, and joined Mrs. M. at Half past 2. OClock. – I then went into the Carriage and we all returned Home, arriving at Bathurst at ½ past 3,O'Clock, much gratified with our day's Excursion. – We dined at 5,O'Clock and spent the Evening as usual. —

Wednesday 10. May !
After Breakfasting this morning, we were visited by three Male Natives of the Country, all very handsome good looking young men, and whom we had not seen before. — I gave them presents of Slops and Tomahawks – and to the best looking and stoutest of them I gave a Piece of Yellow Cloth in exchange for his Mantle, which he presented me with. — As soon as these 3 Natives had taken their leave of us, Mrs. Macquarie and myself, accompanied by Sir John Jamison and Secry. Campbell, went on a short Water-Party on the River in the two new Boats lately sent here from Sydney; Mrs. M. and myself going in the one called the Water-Mole, and the two Gentlemen in the one called the Swan. We rowed up and down one of the Reaches of the River here about Half a mile long, and tried to catch some Fish with Lines – but were not successful, the Sun being too bright for the Fish biting – and also on account of the River being at present much lower than usual. — The general Breadth of the Macquarie River at Bathurst is between Twenty five and Thirty Yards; but in some other Places it contracts itself to one third of that Breadth. Having taken my Gun with me on the Water, I had an opportunity of shooting at and killing a large Black Snake on the Left Bank of the River. — I also fired at a large Hawk, but missed it. — We remained for an Hour on the River and then returned Home at 1,O'Clock.

At 2. P.M. The 3 Natives who came into Camp in the morning brought in Eleven others to see us, two of whom were grown up men and the rest Boys – no Female having come in with them either time. — I spoke kindly to them all, Gave them all Presents of Black Leather Caps and Tomahawks – and Slops to the Grown up men. — I also gave orders that they should have plenty to eat from the Public Stores. — They appeared very much pleased and went away highly gratified.

This afternoon a large Fish was caught in the River which weighed Seventeen Pounds; and Joseph Big my Coachman killed and brought into Camp a very fine large Emu which weighed Eighty Six Pounds!

We dined at 5,O'Clock and Played Cards as usual between Dinner and Tea-time. —

Thursday 11. May 1815 !
Having sent off all our spare heavy Baggage two days ago before us, and having now made all my arrangements at Bathurst, I set out from it this day at 1. P.M. on my return to Sydney. — Before our departure some of the Natives who were with us yesterday came in to see us and remained at Bathurst till we left it. — I left Mr. Meehan the Dy. Surveyor General at Bathurst for the purpose of Surveying and laying down on a chart the whole of the Lands fit for Cultivation and Grazing [word omitted] have Explored in this new Country.

I have also left Mr. Evans the Dy. Surveyor at Bathurst for the purpose of proceeding on a further Tour of Discovery for the distance of one Hundred miles in a South West direction from Bathurst, in hopes of falling in with the Macquarie River in that Quarter. — Mr. Evans takes with him 3 Men and 2 Horses to carry his Provisions on this Tour, which he hopes to complete in Six weeks.

Dr. Redfern having lost his two Caravan Horses, which had strayed away some days before, I had to furnish him with two of the Government Horses to carry Home his Caravan from Bathurst. Mrs. M. and myself went all the way from Bathurst to the Campbell River, where we arrived and took up our Ground for the Night at ½ past 2 P.M.

Dined at 5. and Spent the Evening as usual. — Mr. Meehan came on thus far with us and dined with us. —

Friday 12. May !
Sent off our baggage early in the morning for the Fish River, and set out ourselves in the carriage at 9. a.m. — Reach Sidmouth Valley at 12 – and rest there for half an Hour. Continued our Journey again and arrived at the Fish River at half past 3. P.M. — Encamping at this time on the Left Bank of the River. Dined at 5 – and went early to Bed.

Saturday 13. May 1815.
Sent off our Baggage at 7 – Breakfasted at 8 – and Set out on Horseback with Mrs. M. at ¼ past 9. a.m. – Halted for near an Hour in a deep Valley 8 miles from the Fish River to rest ourselves and Cattle – and then pursued our Journey forwards. At ¾ past 3. P.M. we arrived at Cox's River, after a tiresome and fatiguing Journey of 16 miles from the Fish River, over Clarence's Hilly Range, a very hilly rugged Tract of Country. We encamped in a pretty little Valley on the Left Bank of Cox's River, the Grass near our last Ground here being all burnt during our absence. We dined at 5 O'Clock and spent the Evening as usual. —

Sunday 14. May !
Halted the whole of this day at Cox's River, and had all the People assembled after Breakfast near my Tent for Prayers. — Some of the Gentlemen of our Party went after Prayers to explore Cox's River and to endeavour to trace it to the Regents Glen, through which it is supposed to bend its course. — They returned an Hour before Dinner, reporting that the River does bend its course towards the Regent's Glen as far as they were able to trace it. —

Dined as usual at 5,O'Clock and went early to Bed.

Monday 15. May 1815 !
Sent off our heavy Baggage very early this morning for Cox's Pass, and set out ourselves in the Carriage at ½ past 7,O'Clock this morning, arriving there at ¼ past 8; disce. from Cox's River 6 ¼ miles to the foot of Mount York. — Here we halted and Breakfasted, whilst our heavy Baggage, Carriage, and Horses were Conveyed to the top of this tremendous and extraordinary Pass, which is a most steep and difficult aclivity for three quarters of a mile. The whole of the Carriages and Baggage having been safely conveyed to the top of the Pass, Mrs. M. and myself began to ascend it on foot at 35 minutes past 11 and reached to the Top of it at 5 minutes after 12. —

From the Top of the Pass we once more feasted our Eyes with the Grand and Picturesque [word missing] of the Country below us and which we had just quitted.

We got into the Carriage on the summit of Mount York, and pursued our Journey forwards; arriving at our former Ground at the 41 Mile Tree at 2,O'Clock, disce. from Cox's River 14 miles. — This Place having a black wild appearance I have this day named it "Black-Heath". — It affords however plenty of good water for Man and Beast, and tolerable good Feed for the latter. We had a very thick heavy Fog here all this day, which seemed to threaten Rain – but none fell. — We dined at 5 O'Clock and went early to Bed.

Tuesday 16. May !
Sent off our heavy Baggage early, Breakfasted at 8, and set out in the Carriage with Mrs. M. at ½ past 9,O'Clock. — We halted at the Place we formerly did to take a second view of "Pitts Amphitheatre", with which we were again very much gratified.

Mrs. M. and myself rode on Horseback from the 35th. Mile to the 28th. Mile, or Second Depôt, where we arrived at ½ past 1 P.M. – disce. 13 miles from Black-Heath.

The 2d. Depôt is situated in [a] very extensive pretty Valley, with a run of very fine fresh good Water, with tolerable good Feed for Cattle, and is exactly halfway between Emu Ford and the Cox River. I have this day named this place "Jamison's Valley" in honor of Sir Jno. Jamison one of our Party on the present Tour. — Dined at the usual Hour and went to Bed early.

Wednesday 17. May !
Got up this morning at Day-break and sent off our Baggage immediately. — Breakfasted at 7 – and set out in [the] Carriage with Mrs. M. at 8,O'Clock; and arrived on the Summit of the King's Table Land at Half past 8,O'Clock. — Mrs. M. and myself here Quitted the Carriage and mounted our Horses for the purpose of viewing and exploring the Beauties of the grand and sublime scenery of this Table Mountain and of the Prince Regent's Glen, which presents a variety of sublime and grand objects. — There is one Water Fall at least one Thousand feet in Height to be seen here in awful grandeur; and there is also a most singular and curious Cavern or Cave in the face of one of the Hills forming one side of the Glen, and which I have named Oxley's Grotto in commemoration of Mr. Oxley's (the Surveyor General) having first discovered it. — We all descended the Hill to see this curious Cavern and were much gratified with the sight of it. — The Prince Regent's Glen extends in length from the King's Table Land for Twenty four miles to Mount York, and until it opens into the Vale of Clwydd where the Glen terminates to the Westward. —

From the highest part of the King's Table Land we could see the whole of the Country to the Eastward of the Blue Mountains, and could plainly see and distinguish the several Buildings in the Town of Windsor, distant about 30 miles from us in a direct Line – and bearing from the highest part of the King's Table Land. —

After exploring all the Curious parts of the King's Table Land and Prince Regent's Glen, we pursued our Journey, on Horseback, and arrived at "Spring Wood" at 3,O'Clock; the Distance from our last Ground being 16 miles. I stopt [sic] for a few minutes at the Pile of Stones which I have called "Caley's Repulse", situated near the 17th. Mile Tree, and from whence there is a very extensive view to the Eastward and Southward.

Thursday 18. May !
Sent off our Baggage from Spring Field [sic] between 7 and 8,O'Clock, and Breakfasted at 8, this morning — I had the initials of my name and this day of the month cut on a very large Blood-Wood Tree on the South side of the Road, close to where my Tent was Pitched at Spring Field [sic], to note our departure thence. This tree was 60 feet high and 14 feet 2 Inches in Circumference. —

We set out in the Carriage from Spring Wood at half past 9,O'Clock; and having halted at the First Depôt for about Half an Hour, we reached the foot of the Blue Mountains at the 3 Mile Tree at 12,O'Clock. — Here we mounted our Horses and rode across Emu Plains to Emu Ford, which Mrs. M. and myself crossed on Horse-back – it being very safe and good – and the Water of the Nepean River here now not being above Six Inches high. — We went into our Carriage again at Capt. Woodriff's Farm on the Nepean; taking leave here of Mr. Cox, Sir Jno. Jamison, Mr. Oxley and Mr. Secry. Campbell for the present; the rest of our Party having accompanied us. – From Capt. Woodriff's Farm to Mrs. King's we went in the Carriage – and arrived at the latter Place at Half past one O'Clock, and here we found Mr. Hassall waiting for us; it being our intention to take up our Quarters for this night at Mrs. King's Farm. —

N.B. I have named the first ascent from Emu Plains to the Blue Mountains, and which is near a mile long, "Emu Hill". — It is very easy to ascend and descend this Hill in a Carriage, the Road being very good the whole of the way. —

Mr. Hassall provided a most excellent Dinner for us at Mrs. King's Overseer's House, and to which we sat down at 5,O'Clock, Drank Tea at 7, and went to Bed at 9,O'Clock. Besides Mr. Hassall, Major Antill, Lieut. Watts, Doctor Redfern, and Mr. Lewin dined with us. —

Friday 19. May 1815 !
We got up at Day-break, and set [out] from Mrs. King's Farm at 10 minutes after 7,O'Clock this morning, arriving at Government House at Parramatta at 5 minutes past 9,O'Clock; distance from last Night's Stage being 16 miles – and from Emu Ford to Mrs. King's Farm 6 miles. — At Parramatta Mrs. M. received Letters from Mrs. Redfern giving us most pleasing and highly gratifying accounts of our beloved darling Son's State of Health and general improvement. — Mrs. M. had received Letters from Mrs. Redfern twice before to the same effect whilst on our Journey back from Bathurst; the first time between the Campbell River and Sidmouth Valley –and the second time immediately on our crossing the River Nepean yesterday at Woodriff's Farm. — We Breakfasted at Parramatta, and had the pleasure of seeing Capt. Gill of the 46th. and Mr. Wm. Wentworth there who gave us all the Sydney News. – After viewing the several Improvements going on at Parramatta, and giving our Horses a rest of 3½ Hours there, we set out at 10 minutes before 1,O'Clock from thence for Sydney – where we arrived at Half past 2,O'Clock, finding our dear Infant, and all our Concerns there, entirely to our satisfaction.—

Conclusion !

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal of a Tour of the Newly Discovered Country West of the Blue Mountains. 25 April 1815 - 19 May 1815.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A779 10-39 ff. [Microfilm Reel CY303 Frames #21-79].