Colonel Patersons Narrative of the Coal Harbour & Rivers',14 June-17 July, 1801 (Series 39.065) - No. 0001

[Page 1]

(1)
June 14th
Lieut Grant and Mr. Harris left the Vessel at ½ past 10 a.m. to examine the passage into Hunters River - they landed on the Island which I named Coal Island- about an hour afterwards I observed the New Union [flag] (which they had carried with them) hoisted on the top of the Island.
On their return the Boats were sent a head to Tow the Vessel and with the assistance of the sweeps got barely under the lee of the Island, where they could bring too with safety, and were then obliged to let go a second anchor to prevent being drawn into the surge. -

15th
Early in the morning warped the Vessel into a safe birth round what is called Pirate Point, where there is a small Bay and fresh water - which I named Fresh Water Bay. Landed and examined the point of land where the coals are, and likewise the Sea Coast to the Southward, where there is a continuation of the same strata, with this difference that as the land becomes higher a fourth stratum makes its appearance and much superior to the other three - but unfortunately from the constant surfs it is not possible they can be convey'd from where they are, but by land carriage. -  The point of land where I put the Colliers to work, I have call'd Colliers Point - from this to the Southward for some miles the hills are cover'd with excellent verdure without Trees, except in the Valleys, and they are chiefly Banksia Serata - or what is