Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 1]
White 18.11.1788
Having experienced a long tho Favorable voyage from England we arrived at Botany Bay on the 20th of January last where we expected to lay a Foundation for a Colony but I am sorry to say the country for several miles round the bay does not afford a spot large enough for a Cabbage Garden fit for Cultivation, the bay itself is beautifull & Capacious but open to the South East winds which prevail there at a Certain season it is surrounded with Rocks Sandhills & Swamps all which are coverd as thick as you can possibly imagine with trees & underwood you may Easily suppose our disappointment was great in having our Sanguine hopes so soon frustrated however during our dilemma his Excellency the Governor explord the Coast to the northward & in a few days returnd with the pleasing account of having discovered the finest harbor in the world viz Port Jackson so named by Capt Cooke [Cook] on the Following morning we quitted Botany Bay with pleasure & anchord in Sidney Cove Port Jackson in the evening of the same day.
Port Jackson is without doubt the finest harbor in the known world it extends from 15 to 20 miles into the Country forming beautiful bays and Coves on every side with deep water everywhere for the Ships of any burthen. Sidney Cove which is the Seat of Government is 5 miles within the entrance of the Harbor, the Country all round the Harbour is similar to that of Botany bay only more Rocky some few spots excepted which may admit of cultivation with a deal of labor the soil is in general Sandy & no Fresh water River or spring has as yet been discovered still fresh water is found in many places which is only by the overflowing of swamps consequently cant be very wholesome it has on our arrival here & still does occasion many complaints such as dysenteries & worms. The climate is fine or temperate & seems to be considerably influenced by the