Letter received by Philip Gidley King from Colonel William Paterson, 27 December 1804 (Series 39.094) - No. 0001

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Outer Cove, Port Dalrymple

27th Decr. 1804

Dear Governor

From the accompanying Journal you will forecast I have not been idle, altho' my constitution is not of the strongest it has supported me much better than I expected, and after my intended excursion to the Western shore I shall be able to rest a ​little​ few days and employ myself in giving you a more particular account of my proceedings in detail than what I can at present.  My detaining the Lady Nelson for the service I am going upon I hope will meet with your approbation.  I send you by the Frances four Specimens of our small Timber all of which I think are excellent and grow every where in great abundance.  Specimens of the larger Timber I shall send by ​the Lady Nelson Mr. Symons who has attended me on my excursions and has been very servicable and should this place become of that consequence so as to require a situation as​ a Harbour Master I am of opinion he will be a very fit person for the situation, and I am certain Government would