PRIOR DISCOVERIES IN TERRA AUSTRALIS
SECTION IV.
EAST COAST, WITH VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.
PART II.
Preliminary
Information.
The year 1788 will ever be a memorable epoch in the history of Terra Australis. On Jan. 18, captain (now vice-admiral) Arthur Philip arrived in Botany Bay, with His Majesty's brig Supply; and was followed by the Syrius, captain John Hunter, six sail of transports, and three store ships. The purpose of this armament was to establish a colony in New South Wales, over which extensive country captain Philip was appointed Governor and Captain-general. Botany Bay proved to be an unfavourable situation for the new colony; it was, therefore, abandoned in favour of Port Jackson, which lies three leagues to the northward, and was found to be one of the finest harbours in the world.