Page:Historical records of Port Phillip.djvu/22

 Wednesday, 8th.—Saw smoke on Elephant Island (east coast of King Island); we did not think we were so near land. At five p.m. saw two ships at anchor, the Gèographe and Naturaliste, dropped anchor near them. Capt. Robbins and Grimes went on board; the Naturaliste sailed the same night.

Thursday, 9th.—Early in the morning the captain and Mr. Grimes went to the Commodore's ship and on their return heard that two vessels wore lost off the "Sisters." A party of us went on shore; a fine sandy beach; we walked to what is called the Great River; there is a bar at its entrance into the sea. It is salt for a mile up when it begins to be fresh water: we did not go far up. If the trees were cleared away boats might go up it even at low tide. In our walk met with eight prisoners the French Commodore had turned out of his ship, he gave them 10lbs. of bread each; they told me that there were there more on board. It being a rough sea it was 11 o'clock before we got on board. Elephant Island is covered with seals and mutton birds.

Friday, 10th.— Weighed anchor and came a few miles nearer land. The captain and Mr. Grimes dined with the commodore; in the afternoon the boat went for an anchor stock. McCallum, the surgeon, and self went on shore, stayed all night at some huts belonging to the ship Margaret's gang.

Saturday, 11th.— Went a little way into the country; being in expectation of the boats coming on shore, went along the beach to the French tents. It is a fine sandy beach with several runs of fresh water; the north-east part rocky. Went on board p.m.

Sunday, 12th.— High wind; a great swell; no one on shore.

Monday, 13th.— The captain and Grimes dined at the French tents. McCallum and self went on shore in the afternoon; joined the captain and went to the huts we were at before.

Tuesday, 14th.— The captain went on board; McCallum and self examined the country a little way towards the sea; it is high and sandy about half a mile in deep black vegetable mould, mixed with sand; the timber small. There are the remains of some very large gum trees, but they are all rotten; the low ground is a little swampy. Mr. Grimes joined us in the evening and was informed that the captain [Robbins] hoisted His Majesty's colors behind the French tents.

Wednesday, 15th.— The party (seven) set off in the morning; at three miles crossed the Great River about three feet deep at low water travelled along a sandy beach. About six o'clock came to a spring of water and stopped the night; high hills and thick brush. Caught a kangaroo and three porcupines.

Thursday, 16th.— Went inland; at one mile found a fresh water lagoon; about 20 acres between it and the shore; the ground is high and sandy. Ascended a hill where I could see some miles. The tops of the trees appear dead and a thick brush; all the ground is sand with black vegetable mould. I went several times to the top of the hills; a white sand appears on them as far as the eye could reach; there appears to be a chain of lagoons about two miles from the sea. Came to Comber's Bay where we stopped the night.

Friday, 17th.— A wet morning. Started about twelve; travelled along a rocky shore; the rain and hail annoyed us much, there being