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Port Jackson 20th August 1801.
Dear Sir.
As Governor King early in last June was about to send the Lady Nelson to Hunter River for the purpose of having a survey taken; and to obtain what information he could respecting the Country. Although this was not a season that I could expect many plants in flower, yet as such an opportunity seldom occurs, I offered my services (which were accepted). I accordingly embarked the 8th of June, but did not get out of Port Jackson heads untill the tenth, and on the fourteenth with some difficulty we arrived at Hunter River, the particulars of which Governor King says he will inform you of, and transmit an Extract from my Journal, which accompanys Mr. Barraliers survey. From the specimens and seeds, which I have the pleasure of sending you; and the opportunity this excursion has given me of communicating any observations and Ideas respecting the advantages that may hereafter be derived from forming a small settlement at this place. I consider the six weeks I was absent as any time that has not been ill employed.
On my arrival, the first object was to make myself acquainted with its situation, produce, &c. and what might be expected from thence, as a benefit to the publick. I therefore examined very minutely, every part of the Country, for several miles near the sea coast, before I undertook my journey inland, and particularly endeavoured to ascertain, how far the land at the entrance of the River, and its vicinity, might become useful in contributing to the support, or comforts, of this Colony. As Coals are here in great abundance, they may be used for many purposes. First, as firewood becomes a very scarce article at Sydney (and every year will be more so) the best of the Coals may be
March 27 - Augt 10