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Extract of a Letter from Lt John Shortland of H.M.S. Reliance, to his Father, dated Reliance Sept. 10th. 1798 Sydney Cove Pt. Jackson.
About a Twelvemonth since I went on an Expedition in the Governor's Whale Boat as far as Port Stephens which lays 100 Miles to the Northd. of this Place; in my Passage down, I discovered a very fine Coal River which I named after Governor Hunter, the enclosed I send you being an Eye Sketch which I took the little Time I was there. Vessels from 60 to 250 may load here with great Ease and completely land locked; I dare say in a little Time this River will be a great Acquisition to this Settlement - the little Time I remained at this River we had Rain which prevented my doing so much as I otherwise should have done; the Governor talks of sending down to have it surveyed.
Port Jackson comes on apace; Stock of all Kinds increase very fast indeed and will shortly be in great Abundance. The Wild Cattle I have seen twice lately; in one Herd I counted 160 and in another
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