Colonel Patersons Narrative of the Coal Harbour & Rivers',14 June-17 July, 1801 (Series 39.065) - No. 0005

[Page 5]

(5)

opinion that Government might derive many advantages by forming a small settlement at this place. In the 1st instance the coals are a principle object -- 2dly boiling salt which could be done with little labour. 3dly burning shells that are here in great abundance. -- Besides salting of Fish might be attended with considerable benefit -- if some industrious fishermen could be found for that purpose -- as the Fish are plentiful and good. 

There is likewise excellent Pasture for cattle -- but until where the rivers meet the Country is not very fit for cultivation. What I have term'd Forrest Land is remarkable fine soil. After getting the vessel as far up as Needle Island, there was not water enough for her to proceed any farther. -- I now commence my observations from Needle Island, which is so named from its length and narrowness. 

29th
Accompanied by Mr Harris and Mr Lewin I left the Lady Nelson with the Launch to carry our provisions and what we thought necessary for an excursion of seven days, and a little Boat belonging to Mr H which we found very useful, indeed if it had not been it, we could not have proceeded so far as we did.
This day we got on about 16 miles, and rested the night on a rising ground which I call'd Green Hill. --The soil is good but does not extend to any considerable distance. -- Here the water is fresh enough for use. -- The tide rises about four feet. Nearly half a mile above this the River which Your Excellency has done me