THE VOYAVGE OF HIS MAJESTY'S COLONIAL SCHOONER "CUMBERLAND," FROM SYDNEY TO KING ISLAND AND PORT PHILLIP IN 1802-3."
A Journal of the Exploration of Charles Grimes, Acting Surveyor-General of New South Wales. Kept by James Flemming.
A JOURNAL TO AND FROM KING ISLAND,
ETC., ETC, ETC.
Note by Governor King.— The writer of this journal (James Flemming) was sent to examine the soil, timber, &c., of King Island and Port Phillip; he is very intelligent, and a man in whom I could place great confidence in his knowledge of the objects that fell to his share.—(Signed) P. G. K.—[Phillip Gidley King.]
1802.
Tuesday, 23rd November.—Sailed from Sydney Cove on board the Cumberland; a fine wind after we cleared the Heads; nothing remarkable except the jolly boat drifting at night off the Five Islands.
Wednesday, 24th.—Sailed along a high shore; at night off Cape Dromedary.
Thursday, 25th.—Saw Cape Howe, between which and Ram's Head there appears several spots of clear ground.
Friday, 26th.—A gale of contrary wind; drifting all day.
Saturday, 27th.—A calm; drifting all day.
Sunday, 28th.—High wind; drifting all day.
Monday, 29th.—A fine day; opposite the same shore as on the 26th.
Tuesday, 30th.—Got past Ram's Head.
Wednesday, December 1st.—Went but a few miles.
Thursday, 2nd.—Calm.
Friday, 3rd.—Stood for Kent's Group.
Saturday, 4th.—Anchored in Kent's Group; in the morning went on shore, collected some specimens and seeds, killed some ducks and a kangaroo. One dog was bit by a snake and died. Saw many seals and sea lions. The islands are covered with a thick brush and oak.
Sunday, 5th.—"Went on shore to another island; barren; caught a kangaroo. The rock is granite. Sailed from Kent's Group; a fine wind.
Monday, 6th.—High wind and heavy rain; laying-to till morning.
Tuesday, 7th.—Little wind; half knot an hour.
