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[Page 16]
Pine in Miniature one I had cut down Measured Eighty Feet. Free Stone is convenient for erecting buildings, Boats at high Water can come close up to either of the runs. After much labour and attention I have paid in examining every part of the River I have seen none so advantageously situated for a Permanent Settlement as this where there is an easy and safe Communication with Vessels arriving in this Port, as well as with Settlements which may hereafter be formed higher up the River, these favourable circumstances have induced me to determine upon removing the principal part of my small Military force with most of the Prisoners and to Commence Clearing Ground and erecting the necessary buildings before the Winter sets in.
This day saw about Forty Natives including Men, Women, and Children they were very shy at first, after endeavouring to convince them that we were friendly, one of them threw some Stones at a Soldier who I sent with a Handkerchief, observing he would not allow the Soldier to approach, I desired him to leave the Handkerchief and a Tomahawk which they afterwards Picked up much pleased with the present, as we were returning to where the Boat was, they followed us very close, being doubtful they might annoy us in going off with their Stones (which appear to be their principal Weapon) I ordered our Guard to remain on the Bank until we got on Board, after we put off the Soldiers found no difficulty in Communicating with them, the Man who had the Handkerchief gave the Soldier a Necklace of small Shells which had a White Metal Button-String on it, and had the appearence of having been worn for a length of time.
Observing them so very friendly I sent the Boat on Shore with Messrs. Symons, Piper, & Mountgarrate with some Fish, and also some trinkets, but on their seeing the Boat they went into the Woods which ended our enterview, but from the Fires we have observed in that Neighbourhood since, it is probably they live chiefly in this Quarter.
15th Decr. Examined the Middle Arm where is a small run of Fresh Water which I have no doubt Continues throughout the Year. There is good Pasture from Middle Head to the Fresh Water and small places may be Cultivated to advantage. The Timber is lofty and fit for any purposes.
The same day revisited Western Arm wishing to be satisfied with respect to its situation before I removed any part of the Working Hands for Commencing our intended Town, - after tracing the Ground over with the Surgeon who I consulted as to its healthy Situation, his Opinion was so favourable that I had no hesitation in proceeding to forward the Necessary buildings before Winter.
16th Decr.