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[Pge 3]
Decr. last, and on the 24th the vessel that carrys this to India (Experiment) arrived from Bengal with some Beef, Pork, piece goods & large quantity of sugar & some Liquor, all of which was purchased by the Officers and Superintendents of the Colony, which was the only means to prevent its getting into improper hands.
You will have heard of the Contract which Major Grose made about two years ago with a Capt. Bampton for the purpose of bringing cattle from India for Govnt. but we have not had any accounts of their ever having sailed. Last year the Fancy Brig was despatched from Bombay to say they were getting ready for sea & that the Cattle were then purchased. The Fancy has been at the River Thames New Zealand cutting Masts having orders from Bombay to remain there till the arrival of the ship with the Cattle which she was to land here & proceed to New Zealand for the purpose of loading with wood for India. The Brig came in here two days ago & last from Norfolk Island. Govr. King is very well & gives me a very favourable account of their crops & the great increase of swine on Phillip Island.
The crops here are also very fine and stock of every kind thrives remarkably well. The season this summer has been very favourable, of any thing rather too much rain. The Hawkesbury last month rose sixteen feet. [Old Chiffer?] has made this year from a small vineyard (30 Rod) ninety Gallons of wine. In about two years more I expect we will not want to purchase either wine or Brandy for common use. The vines I think produce better than at the Cape. As I shall not have time to write my friends by this opportunity I have only to beg you will tell them that