indicate the intended settlements to the commander of ' that ship/' Minute sailing directions were given to Eobbins. The shelter suitable in certain winds was pointed out, as well as the harbours in which the Cnmherhnid was to be anchored while surveying parties were on shore. Bobbins w-as charged with despatches to the French commodore, whom King wished him to find. Grimes was separately instructed, and a gardener named Fleming, a convict, was sent to make collections and sow seeds. All w^ere to keep journals, w4iich were to be handed over to the Government at the close of the voyage. Eobbins was provided with Murray's and Flinders' surveys at Port Phillip, and WtiB ordered to ** proceed to the most mmute investigation of that spacious harbour, the unaurveyed pai^t of which you will determine as well as possible, noticing the depth of water and shoals throughout., particularly the parts that have not been sounded or surveyed by the above .officers/' Particular attention was to be paid to the face [of the country, whether
- hilly, plain, or cjwampy ; the Qatiire and depth of the soil ; the apparent
fjufitititiea of ground wliiuh are capahle of cultivation or grazing to advan- ^ tage ; also fresh water in atreama, springs, ponds, or lagoons ; the quantity, qualityj and size of the timher ? the hest situations for aettlementsi with a , view to commercial advantages, access of vessels, and defence ; , . , also V'here settlers can be advantageously placed." Eobbins was to consult with the Surveyor- General and others. To Baudin, King wrote (2Brd Nov., 1802) :
- You i^nll be surprised to see a vesael so soon after you- Yon knew my
I intention to aeud southward to bx on a place for a settlement, but tliia has
- been hastened by a report conimiuiioated to me soon after your departure
— that the French intended to settle in Storm Bay Paasage, . , . and that it was reconmiended by you to tho Republic, a^j a proof of which a chart pointing out the situation was, as Colonel Pateraon informs me, given him a short time before you sailed by a gentleman in your ship. You will easily imagine that if any information of that kind had reached me before your departure I should have requested au explanation. But aa I knew nothing of it» and at preaent totally disbelieve in anything of the kind being ev^en thought of, 1 consider it but proper to give you this infor- mation. In case the Cumberland shonlrl fall in with yonr ships, the com- mander of that veaael ha.s ray directions to communicate to you the orders he is imder. Myself and family join ui the kindest good wishes for your health, and will long remember the pleasure we enjoyed in your society. We recmeat you will offer oar good wishes to Captain H your omcera.'* Hamelin and nil
