following with such little things as they could carry. I may here remark that the crew of the "Sea Ripple", which I saw, were the greatest blackguards one can have any idea of; & looked more like the rakings of "hell" than decent sailors. I brought the horses up to feed as soon as possible; & the dray came in about 2 hours later; the whole party in much better spirits, at being, once more on terra firma, with plenty of water. -
APRIL 18.
Went down to Landing (marsh) with 4 hands, team & boat, with some difficulty raised flat, which had a habit of being submerged, on above high water mark. Returned with Hancock, with dray load of our timber, leaving McC with Withnall & 2 men to work boats. I then moved the party with belongings 1 mile above Dig-down to the nearest fresh water; as it was brakish (at the former).
APRIL 19.
Went down with Hancock & team to marsh, moved 3 loads of goods above high water, brought up last load, with 1 sheep fowls, ducks & provisions for party, & traps & utensils for women. Started for home sundown, which made rather a long day, as I had to ride 14 miles after the bullocks in the morning.
APRIL 20.
Joe & Laing had been at work on stone wall during my
