Extracts of letters received by Mr Chalmers from John Hunter, 12 March 1798; received by John Schank from James Thompson, 12 September 1798; received by Philip Gidley King from Henry Waterhouse, 13 September 1798; written by J. Townson,... - No. 0003

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China market.  The People of the Ship that was wrecked say that these animals were in abundance on the Isles & rocks there we are in hopes they may furnish us with an article of Commerce for China.

Respecting myself I am very comfortable abounding in peace & Plenty. I have a very good farm & a little stock 87 Sheep & goats 2 horses & some pigs I am not able to purchase a Cow which is worth £100.

Extract of a Letter from Mr Waterhouse to Gov King Sept 13 1790

Vines that did well for 2 years in a farm at Botany Sidney have faild either owing to the Badness of the Soil or the Country having been laid more open - he has two Emues game as Fowls which run in his poultry yard a variety of species of Kangarous have been found and a beautiful Bird of Paradise also a large Body of Fine salt. The Cattle have increased to several hundred. The Cliffs both to the Northward & Southward contain large strata of fine coal, to the Southward is a Lily resembling a warrata 18 or 19 feet high the Flower on the top Red & about the size of a large Cabbage.

A large animal between a bear & a badger has been discovered in great numbers to the Southward & some among the mountains.  Gov Hunter has the only two that have been procurd.  Benelong is well he has been severely wounded.

Norfolk Island May 7 1790 J Townson

The Season in Norfolk Island has been so unfavourable that more than 4000 pigs have been killed since last midsummer for want of Corn. The people have been here months without bread. The full ration of maize now allowed wheat is 40/ a bushel. The Government stock of wine has been sold by auction for want of Corn.