upon those who are to be the first Settlers at Port Phillip. The land behind us, is the abode of a civilized people; that before us, the residence of Savages. When (if ever) we shall again enjoy an intercourse with the world, is doubtful and uncertain. The refreshments and pleasure we had partaken at the Cape, are to be exchanged for coarse fare and hard labour. We may truly say all our communications with our families and friends, are now cut off. We are leaving the civilized world behind us to enter upon a career unknown.
October 8.—At 1 a.m. double-reefed the topsails. At 8 fresh breezes. At 10 made the land of New South Wales. 3 p.m. hard squalls; a very heavy W. swell, the sea going over the poop. At 7 sounded; found no ground at 45 fathoms. 10 p.m. sounded 37 fathoms; brown sand. At 11 blowing very hard and ship labouring much. 12 strong gales and a heavy sea.
October 9.—Strong gales and squally, Sounded in 43 fathoms. Carried away the larboard tiller rope. At 5 a.m. saw the land about Port Phillip. The land near the entrance of the Harbour appeared low, and from a distance, very beautiful. Seal Island, and Whale Point, (so named by Captain Woodriff, the head being very like one) lies on the larboard side, as you enter. At 15 m. past 10 we anchored with the best bower in 6 fathoms. Found laying there, the Ocean transport, which had arrived on Friday, the 7th of October. Moored Ship. Captain Woodriff and Colonel Collins went on shore on the Island; returned at 6 p.m.; could not find fresh water. They reported the soil to be very bad, and the trees small, and unfit for the use of H.M. Navy. The Bay is very large, more so than any I have seen, but the entrance does not exceed a mile and a half, though from the camp S.W. to the N.E. of the Bay, it appears to be not less than sixty miles across. At 10 it blew a heavy gale of wind, so that it was fortunate we had arrived at our destination in the morning.
October 10.—At 10 a.m. Lieutenant Petershall, Mr. White, and myself, went on shore on the opposite side, but could not find any water which was not brackish. The land a bad light soil.
