Page:New history of Botanybay (sic) and Port Jackson.pdf/21

 of this river, named the Hawkesbury, is from three hundred to eight hundred feet; and it appears, from the foundings we had, to be navigable for the largest merchant-ships, to the foot of Richmond-Hill; but as the water near the head of the river, sometimes rises, after very heavy rains, thirty feet above its common level, it would not be safe for ships to go so far up; but fifteen or twenty miles below Richmond Hill they would lie in fresh water, and perfectly safe. I speak of Richmond-Hill as being the head of the river it there growing very shallow, and dividing into two branches. The high rocky country which forms Broken Bay, is lost as you proceed up the Hawkesbury, had the banks of the river are there covered with timber: the soil is rich light mould; and from the little we saw of the country,  should suppose it good land to a very considerable extent. The other branches of fresh water shoals, but probably run many miles further  the country than we could trace them in  boats. On these rivers we saw great of wild ducks, and some black swans:  on the banks of the Hawkesbury several  were set to catch quails.

Governor Philip had now determined to return by land to Port-Jackson; and as he went; near the sea-coast, he discovered a great  of natives assembled at the mouth of  Cove; the party was within ten yards of them  they were perceived, and the Governor  hardly time to make his people  before  appeared in arms. The man who to take the lead, made signs for the