Colonel Patersons Narrative of the Coal Harbour & Rivers',14 June-17 July, 1801 (Series 39.065) - No. 0011

[Page 11]

Mount Anne is the commencement. -- The range forms two thirds of a circle and as I observed before about nine miles in extent and their height from 5 to 700 feet. -- Mount Elizabeth is the highest from whence we had an extensive view of a low country for many miles. The chain of mountains before mention'd, particularly to the westward were more visible and appeared very rocky and perpendicular. -- Observing the River winding through this immense plain in many directions gave us no hopes of reaching the source of it for some days -- and knowing that the Lady Nelson was only victuall'd to the 1st of Augst we reluctently agreed to return -- and on our way back to examine Hunters River before we reached the vessel. -- from Schanks Forest Plains to the extent of our journey the Ground on both sides the river is good soil. And where the Banks are low there is abundance of useful Timber. Indeed the Cedar, Ash and Box are only found in low situations. -- The Floods at this part of the River rises from 30 to 35 feet. -- I observed several large pieces of Coal wash'd up -- a proof of its being in the interior as well as on the Sea Coast.--

11th  
On our return we stoped at Mount Anne to refresh ourselves, and in the evening arrived at Head Quarters. -- 

12th  
Messrs. Grant, Barrallier and Lewin left us to return to the vessel. -- As one of our Oars was broken it took us the greatest part of the day to make a new one. -- 

13th  
Continued going down the River -- and in the evening arrived at Green Hill -- where Patersons River and Hunters River meet.