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Sir,
I have given a set of Bills, (3) to the amount of £50 upon you, in favor of John Bolmer Esqr or his order, bearing date the 22nd of Sept.1807, which I will thank you to honor. My [indecipherable] was a Settlement of accounts with Gov. King up to Decr 1st 1806, leaving a balance in his favor to the amount of £60-9-2. On Gov. King's leaving the country he told me he had left his papers concerning me with Gov.Bligh. On making application to Gov. Bligh for money, he told me when I wanted any, that by applying to Mr. Bolmer the Commissary, I should be furnished with it. I am inclined to think you will be surprised at my drawing on you for £50 in so short a time. This has been caused chiefly in having my house shingled, as being more safe from fire. For during the hot weather, all that I have collected, might from a single spark, have been destroyed in a few minutes. And I narrowly escaped the ravages of fire soon after Gov. King sailed. At all event, I then determined to have the thatch off, and to end my mind of this burthen, which was prey in upon my constitution. Completing this cost me £20.
I have lately discovered a Cataract, which may be said to be the greatest natural curiosity yet known in the Colony, of which I send a rude representation. As I have not mapped my tract, [indecipherable] and correlated my notes, I have written to Gov. King concerning it, who will more easily inform you of my route than if I had written to you along, by his knowledge of the country, which I can not [indecipherable] being more extensive than any other person's. If any other places should occur which are not mentioned, or laid down, in any of my maps, it is probable he can explain them to you on enquiry. Gov. Bligh I make no doubt will inform you of the Cataract, as he penned down what I said concerning it. He expressed a wish to be furnished with my observations, and it was my intention to communicate them. In explaining the situation of the water fall, the junctions of the different rivers communicating with the Hawkesbury, which in a manner as yet are but little known, I could not well transfer any ideas, either proceeding from my own inability, or his being droll of comprehension. But this I could plainly observe, that according to his story, he must have made a rapid progress in the knowledge of the country already; and that it would be useless for me to endeavour to communicate any further information in future, and I at once made up my mind to be silent.
Since I wrote to you by the Buffalo I have discovered a few more plants. I have paid some attention to the genus Eucalyptus, and detected some new species. This is a genus I ought not to neglect, for whatever Botanist may visit this part, he will not get a knowledge of the trees for a long time; besides, he must also be well acquainted with the natives. Reflecting on this, causes me to be more anxious to obtain a perfect set of specimens of all the trees that are known by the natives. A have added some new Embothria to my list, but I am at a loss to find specific differences to distinguish them. As this is a favorite of genus of Mr. Brown's, I shall leave it for him to do. I have greatly increased my collection of skins, and by putting them singly in bags, I think I shall be able to bring the greater part of them in safety.
I shall endeavour to have my affairs arranged to quit the Colony whenever opportunity affords. If none should take place before the receipt of this, I trust you will not forget recalling me by the first appointment that offers afterwards. The place is miserable beyond description, [indecipherable] of improving. Wheat soon after harvest sold at 20s per bushel and afterwards decreased in price but of late has fell as low as 12s per bushel. Maize has been planted [indecipherable] first sold at 6s per bushel but has been as low 3s per bushel; but 4 and 5 may be said to have been the more common price. What has kept it low was not only the production crops, but their being but few pigs to eat it. No supplies are said now to be markd for the settlement at Van Dieman's Land, we may expect both wheat & [indecipherable] increase in price. Wheat I have heard said, sold as high as seven guineas per bushel at the Derwent. [indecipherable] fetch 14d per pound and are said to be upon the rise. It is not to say that every thing is dear and scarce, (except maize) but not to be obtained. Sugar is from 5 to 7s per pound. Spirits 20s per bottle. Tea about 20s per pound.
I believe I shall have to franchise wood for to make packing cases, for Gov. Bligh will not let me have any that is seasonal fit for specimens of plants. In short he gave me denial in a very blunt manner, when he called upon me. The garden which Mr. Brown left wants considerable repair, which I showed him. He pretended he knew what was wanting in the line, & speaking in an overbearing & jeering tone, which hurt my feelings, and made my blood to rise, and we had a few words. He afterwards told me I was a great expence to Government, and that I was [indecipherable] him. Since I have had some hints given me, which fully convince me, he takes me to be a rogue and it is evidently he came to see if could not detect me as such. But, I shall not much trouble you with complaints of this nature. Those who know me best, will tell whether I am a rogue or not; however, let me be what I will, I am not a B---. As a Governor I respect him, but as a man I do not. There are many things which it is but proper you should be acquainted with, but I shall decline entering into such details. Making no doubt but what you will hear many things that I have not stated, through one channel or another. I plainly saw what wanted in the case when I gave you a few kinds on the return of the Buffalo, which now are seen by everyone. Sometimes I [indecipherable] reflecting on the state of the Colony. My present reflections I committed to paper, and enclose them for your perusal. I flatter myself they will be found impartial.
I have heard Mr. Brown's collection is spoiled; I hope this is not true. I imagine he has left England again by this time, if not, be so good as to remember me to him, and Mr. Bauer, with my respects to Mr. Dryander and Mr. Dickson. Things are in a confined state for want of paper. But I hope the time is not far distant before I shall have the pleasure in returning to England. I send no boxes by this conveyance. I have sent you another letter.
I remain, Sir, your most
faithful and obedient servant
George Caley
Parramatta
Sept. 27th 1807
May 1808