EARLY RECORDS OF PORT PHILLIP. Ill from the lofty montaiu, much resembling the Table Montain at the Cape of Good Hope. The land is good, and the trees very excellent. The plain is well calculated in every degree for a settlement. At 5 we returnd and dind with the Gov., much delighted with the excursion. The new settlement is 6 miles lower down the river than the present one, which is a great advantage, besides the landing of the stores so much better. Saturday, 18. a.m. — At 11 the Gov., Mr. Harris, Capt. Mertho, and self went and examined a part of the river to see a plain for the settlers, but the Gov. did not approve of it. The ground appeared to be much injured by the torrents of rain. The trees are very large and good. At 5 p.m. the Gov. went on shore to the settlement on the N.E. side of the river, and ordered the tents to be struck and sent on board the Lady Nelson. At 6 a little rain ; they have not had a good shower of rain for 4 months. Sunday, 19. a.m. — Strong breezes and small rain. At 6 weighd anchor and dropd down the river towards Sullivan Bay, but the wind coming on to blow hard, came to anchor at 12. At 3 weighd and anchord in Sullivan Bay, near the small island^ ; Capt. Mertho, Mr. Collins, and self went on shore, see some very fine trees. Remarks, Sullivan Cove,^ River Derwent, Van Diemens Land, Feb. 1804. Monday, 20. a.m. — Part (of?) the military this morn went on shore, and a j^art of the convicts, to pitch their tents, p.m. — At 4 the Go- vernor and some of the civil officers went on shore. He orderd my marquee to be pitchd very near his, as it was at Pt. Phillip. In the eve returnd on board. At 6 the military landed and as many convicts as could be sent on shore. Tuesday, 21. a.m. — At 10 I went on shore to see my marque pitched ; returnd to dinner on board the Ocean. At 6 p.m. the Lt. Governor went on shore, having landed all his baggage, &c. At 7 I went and slept at my marque for the first time, and the Lieut. Governor honoured my name for parol, the first given on the new settlement, and Lieut. Lord's name for the C. Sign. My marque is pitched near the Gov., on the left of him. I slept at the camp for the first time, and so did the Lt. Gov. Parole, Knopwood ; C.S., Lord. Wed., 22. A.M. — Clear wr. and fine. At 8 went on board the Ocean, Capt. Mertho, to breakfast, having few things unpackd. At 9 returnd to the camp. 11 Mr. More, Commandant of Risdon, waited upon Lieut. Gov. Collins, having some men deserted from his settlement. Employd getting my things in order, p.m. — I dind on board the Ocean, and at 7 p.m. left the ship and came to the camp. Mr. Wilson, the Commis- sary of Ridson Cove, calld upon me. C.S., Brown. Thursday, 23. a.m. — Very fine weather. At 10 Mr. Harris and self walked to see the country. Mr. Mountgarret, the surgeon of Risdon 65 tons ; and of the Ocean, that " she sailed so badly that wc were obliged to assist her coming up the river," Knopwood says nothing about her entry into the harbour iu this undignified manner. — [C] ' Ilixnter's Island, now swallowed up in the " Old "Wharf." - Sullivan Bay, Port Phillip, and Sullivan Cove, Tasmania, were named by Collins after Mr, John Sullivan, permanent Under-Secty. for the Colonies.— [J^^c/.]
