( 8 )
Nor did they search in vain for such was their account of the harbour and the advantages attending the place, upon their return that a resolution was formed of evacuating Botany Bay the ensuing morning.
The passage from Botany Bay to Port Jackson, was both speedy and pleasant. Having passed between the Capes which forms its entrance, the fleet arrived at Port Jackson, one of the finest and most extensive harbours in the universe and at the same time the most secure, being safe from all the winds that blow. It is divided into a great number of Coves, to which the Governor has given different names. That on which the Town is to be built. is called Sydney Cove. It it one of the smallest in the harbour, but the most convenient, as ships of the greatest burden can with ease go into it, and heave out close to the shore. Trincomale, acknowledged to be one of the best harbours in the world, is by no means to be compared to it. In a word, Port Jackson would afford sufficient and safe anchorage for all the Navies of Europe.
During a run up the harbour about four miles, in a Westerly direction. a luxuriant prospect presented itself on the Shore, covered with trees to the water's edge; among which many of the Indians were frequently seen, ⟨till⟩ the fleet arrived at a small snug Cove to the Southward, on the banks of which the plan ⟨of⟩ operations were destined to commence.
On
