Tour to the New discovered
Country in April 1815.
List of the names of the Gentlemen who accompanied Govr. & Mrs. Macquarie on the
Tour to the New discovered Country in April 1815: vizt.
1 Jno. Thos. Campbell Esqr. Secry.
2 Capt. H. C. Antill Major of Brigade.
3 Lieut. Jno. Watts Aid de Camp.
4 Wm. Redfern Esqr. Asst. Surgeon.
5 Wm. Cox Esqr. J. P. &c. &c.
6 Sir Jno. Jamison Knt.
7 Jno. Oxley Esqr. Surveyor Genl.
8 Mr. Jas. Meehan Dy. Surveyor Genl.
9 Mr. Geo. W. Evans Dy. Surveyor.
10 Mr. J. W. Lewin Painter & Naturalist.
Tuesday 25. April 1815.
At 8 o'clock this morning Mrs. Macquarie and myself, after having taken leave of
our beloved infant, set out in the carriage on our long projected journey to
visit the new discovered country to the westward of the Blue Mountains. Arrived
at Parramatta at half past 9 o'clock. Breakfasted and remained there till l
o'clock, and then set out for Mrs. King's farm on the South Creek, where we
arrived at 3 o'clock, and took our quarters up here for the night; the distance
from Sydney being 32 miles. We were accompanied from Parramatta by Major Antill,
Lieut. Watts, Doctor Redfern, and Mr. Hassall to Mrs. King's farm, where we found
Mr. Cox and Mr. Meehan waiting for us. We all dined here very comfortably and
went to bed at an early hour.
Wednesday 26. April.
Got up early and set out from Mrs. King's Farm at 7 o'clock this morning for Sir
Jno. Jamison's Farm of Regent-Ville on the Left Bank of the River Nepean, where
we had engaged to Breakfast. -- We arrived here at 8 o'clock after a ride of 6
miles from Mrs. King's. We sent our Carriage and Horses to cross the River a mile
lower down at Emu Ford. -- We found Secretary Campbell and Mr. Oxley waiting for
us at Sir Jno. Jamison's. -- Sir John gave us a very hearty good Breakfast, and
after resting ourselves at Regent-Ville for a couple of Hours, we crossed the
River from thence to Emu Plains in the Government Boat Pheasant, Sir John
accompanying us and now making one of our Party.
Our Carriage and Horses were waiting for us at the Government Stock-Yard on Emu
Plains; and the Government Herd of young Heifers having been collected there for
the purpose by Mr. Hassall, we stopt [sic] for a little to inspect and look at
them; after which we pursued our Journey across Emu-Plains. -- Mrs. Macquarie and
myself mounted our Horses at the Three Mile Tree from Emu Ford, which is
immediately at the foot of the Mountains, at Half past 12 o'clock, and we
continued our Journey up the Mountain, the ascent of which is pretty steep and
sharp for about 3 quarters of a mile, and then we proceeded on a gentle aclivity
as far as the First Depôt , distant 6 miles from Emu Ford, which we reached at 1
o'clock and stopt [sic] there for about a quarter of an Hour. -- Here a Corporal
and 3 Privates of the Royal Veteran Company are stationed.---
Mr. Hassall and Mr. George Cox, son of Wm. Cox Esqr. accompanied us as far as the
1st Depôt and there took their leave of us. -- From the 1st Depôt we
continued our Journey through an open Hilly Forest with gentle ascents and
descents occasionally, for six miles -- but the Road very good all the way. -- We
then Halted at three o'clock in a very pretty wooded Plain near a Spring of very
good fresh Water, and Pitched our Tent near the side of the Road. This stage is
12 miles from Emu Ford and our first on the Mountains. -- The Place being very
pretty I have named it "Spring-Wood". ----- We dined at 1/2 past 4 -- and Played
Cards in our Tent in the Evening, Drinking Tea afterwards; -- retiring to rest at
an early Hour.---
Thursday 27. April !
Sent off our heavy Baggage at 1/2 past 7 o'clock this morning from Spring-Wood.
Breakfasted ourselves at 1/2 past 8, and set out in the Carriage at 1/2 past Ten
on our Journey. -- For the first few miles the Road was through an open Forest
and very good -- but we soon came to a very hilly broken Country and rough stony
Road, especially on reaching "The Bluff Bridge", it being very bad and hilly from
thence for Five Miles, with heavy pulls up steep Hills for the Cattle and
Carriages, which rendered it a severe and fatiguing day's work for them. In the
course of this day's Ride we had very fine and extensive views of the adjacent
low Country towards Windsor, Parramatta, and Prospect, especially from Kealy's
Pile, which I named "Kealy's Repulse", and from a very beautiful Table Land,
which last I have named "The King's Table-Land". -- This Table Land is extremely
beautiful and has very fine Picturesque grand scenery -- consisting of deep
finely wooded Glens, stupendous Rocks & Cliffs, with high distant Hills and
Mountains. From the King's Table Land, we could distinctly see Windsor and some
of the Reaches of the River Hawkesbury. -- We did not arrive at the 2d Depôt
till 5 o'clock, distant from our last stage 16 miles, and here we halted for the
Night. -- Owing to the badness of the Road the last of our Baggage did not get up
with us till 8 o'clock -- which obliged us to delay dining till then.
The 2d Depôt is situated in a very pretty looking Valley very well watered
-- but without much good Feed for Cattle.
Friday 28. April !
Got up early and took a walk forward for a mile to look at the Road. -- Sent off
the Baggage between 7 and 8 o'clock. -- Breakfasted at 8 o'clock, and set out in
the Carriage at 9 o'clock. -- This day's Stage was over a hilly high Country, but
the Road was very good and easy for the Cattle and Carriages. -- On the left we
passed a very extensive deep romantic Glen, full of very Picturesque and wild
Scenery. -- It commenced at the 33d Mile Tree and continues all the way from
thence to the 41 Mile Tree, where we halted for this day, being 13 miles from our
last Halting Place at the 2d Depôt .
--Here we found tolerable good Feed for our Cattle and plenty of fresh water --
it being an open Forest. -- We arrived at our Ground at the 41 Mile Tree at 3
o'clock. Dined at 5, Drank Tea at 7, and went to Bed between 9 and 10 o'clock. --
I named the Grand and Picturesque extensive Glen we passed this day on our left
"The Regent's Glen" in Honor of H.R. Highness the Prince Regent ---
Saturday 29. April !
Rise early -- and sent off our heavy Baggage between 7 and 8 o'clock. Breakfast
at 8 o'clock and set out from the 41 Mile Tree at 1/4 past 9 o'clock. -- At 11
o'clock, reached the termination of the Blue Mountains ending in a very abrupt
descent almost perpendicular. -- Here we halted for a little while to view this
frightful tremendous Pass, as well as to feast our eyes with the Grand and
pleasing Prospect of the fine low Country below us and now in view from this
termination of the Blue Mountains.
Mr. Cox and his Party with incredible labour and perseverance have constructed a
very safe Carriage Road down the face of this Mountain which does him and them
infinite honor; -- it being a most difficult and most arduous undertaking, and
one which most People would have at first view abandoned in despair as being
impracticable. --From the beginning of the Pass to the foot of the mountain is
one mile and a quarter in length -- the Road being made in Traverses in as easy a
manner as it was practicable to construct it; -- but still exceedingly steep in
most Places along the declivity of the Mountain, which is above 600 Feet in
Perpendicular Height from the Plain below. -- The distance from our last stage at
the 41 Mile Tree and the Grand Termination of the Blue Mountains is 7 3/4 miles;
and this Mountain being one of the most prominent and remarkable of the whole
Range, I have named it "Mount York" in honor of H.R. Highness the Duke of York,
on account of its being the only one by which it is at all practicable to descend
into the low Country. -- The Pass constructed here by Mr. Cox and his Party I
have named "Cox's Pass" in honor of that Gentleman and as a just tribute due to
his indefatigable zeal and meritorious exertions in constructing and finally
completing this grand and important Pass. ---
The Road down the mountain being so extremely steep as to render it hazardous to
drive down it in the Carriage, we had the Horses taken out of it and had it
brought down by hand, and the same method was adopted in regard to bringing down
our Caravan and heavy loaded Carts. This retarded our Journey a long time, the
whole of the Carriages not having been got down the Pass till 2 o'clock, tho' the
first of them began to descend at 11 o'clock.
Mrs. Macquarie and myself accompanied by Mr. Cox and Mr. Secretary Campbell
walked down the whole of the Pass, and waited at the foot of the Mountain till
all the Carriages had come down.
At 1/4 past 2 p.m. we pursued our Journey in the Carriage over a fine plain
verdant Country of open Forest Land through a beautiful extensive Vale of Five
Miles, which I have named "The Vale Clwydd" after the Vale of the same name in
Wales. -- This Vale terminates at a River running South formed by two smaller
ones coming from the Westward and Eastward, and which unite at the distance of
Five Miles from Mount York.
I have named the river thus formed "Cox's River", in honor of Mr. Cox. -- We
arrived at this River at 3 o'clock, and Encamped on the Left Bank of the Western
Branch of it; having here good grass and plenty of fine Water for our Cattle.
We dined at 5 o'clock and played Cards in the Evening after Dinner till Tea-Time,
retiring early to Bed. -- The distance of this day's Journey is 14 miles from the
41 Mile Tree.---
The Ground about and adjacent to the 41 Mile Tree being a good stage for both
Water and Forage, and it having rather a wild Heath-like appearance, I have named
it "Hounslow".---
Sunday 30. April !
We halt all this day at Cox's River on account of keeping the Day holy. -- After
Breakfast I had all our Servants and Followers regularly Paraded and Mustered,
and had Divine Service performed -- the whole of our Party being present. -- As
Divine Service had been performed, the Gentlemen of our Party accompanied me on a
Ride to Mount Blaxland, leaving Mrs. Macquarie in Camp. -- Mount Blaxland is
distant 32 miles West from Cox's River through a fine open hilly Country of good
Pasture. We ascended to the Top of the Mountain from whence we had a fine
prospect of the adjacent Hilly Country and of Wentworth's and Lawson's Sugar
Loaves in the immediate vicinity of Mount Blaxland. -- We returned to Camp by 1/2
past 3, dined at 5 o'clock, and retired early to rest.---
Monday 1. May !
Sent off our heavy Baggage between 7 and 8 o'clock this morning. -- Breakfasted
at 8 and set out in the Carriage at 9 o'clock. -- Mrs. M. and myself mounted our
Horses at the foot of the first High Hill near Mount Blaxland, it being
excessively steep and long, for which reason I have named it "Fag-Hill". -- A
range of very lofty Hills and Narrow Valleys, alternately, form the Tract of
Country lying between Cox's River and the Fish-River, which tract I have named
"Clarence's Hilly Range" in honor of H.R. Highness The Duke of Clarence. -- This
was a very trying heavy Stage for our Cattle, there being such numerous steep
ascents and Descents the whole way. -- We arrived at the Fish River at 3 p.m.
after a fatiguing and tiresome Journey of 16 miles, halting on the Left Bank of
the River. Some of our heavy Baggage did not get up to the Ground till 7 o'clock
at Night. -- We dined at 1/2 past 5 o'clock, and had some very fine Fish out of
the River for Dinner. -- Retired early to Bed.---
Tuesday 2. May !
Got up early and walked out for a mile in front to view the Road. -- On my way
back had a very fine view of "Mount Evans" distant about 7 or 8 miles to the
North West of our present Ground. Sent off our heavy Baggage at 8 o'clock. --
Breakfasted at 9, and set out on Horse-back with Mrs. M. at 10 o'clock. Halted on
the top of a High Hill about two miles from the Fish River to give Mrs. M. an
opportunity of seeing Mount Evans, -- and taking a Sketch of it; which having
done we pursued our Journey. Halted at Sidmouth Valley at 1/2 past 12 o'clock,
and Encamped here for this day in order to rest our Cattle; the Water and Grass
being both good and abundant here. -- The distance between the Fish River and
Sidmouth Valley is only 8 miles -- but the Country we have this day passed over
is very hilly. -- Dined at 5 -- and went early to Bed.--- N.B. Sir Jno. Jamison
was lost for some Hours this Evening returning from Fishing in the River, by
missing his way in the Woods, but arrived in Camp about 8 o'clock with a large
String of Fine Fish and 2 Water Moles caught in the Fish-River near our present
Ground.---
Wednesday 3. May !
Sent off our heavy Baggage at 8 a.m., Breakfast at 9, and set out in the Carriage
with Mrs. M. at 10 o'clock.
At 11 a.m. between the 33d & 34th Mile, Quit the Carriage and mount my Horse,
leaving Mrs. M. to proceed in the Carriage direct to the Campbell River. -- I set
out accompanied by all the Gentlemen of the Party to explore Country along the
Banks of the Fish River to its junction with the Campbell River. We first arrive
at O'Connell Plains, which are very beautiful to look at but of no great extent,
being only about a mile in length and half a mile in Breadth. -- We came in on
O'Connell Plains after riding about 2 miles from the Main Road to the River and
tracing it half a mile down. -- We crossed the River at the middle of O'Connell
Plains to the North side to examine the Land there, which we found as good as on
the South side -- it being very excellent soil on both sides of the River. --
We then rode along a Ridge of Hills along the South side of the River for about
two miles in extent before we entered into Macquarie Plains -- which we did at l
o'clock. -- Our first view of these Plains was most grand and interesting,
presenting a beautiful rich tract of rich fertile Land without hardly a Tree to
be seen for four miles in length and two miles in Breadth. -- These Plains extend
on both sides of the River affording beautiful situations for Farms on either
Bank, to the junction of the Fish River with the Campbell River, where Macquarie
Plains terminate and Bathurst Plains commence.
After tracing the Fish-River to its junction with the Campbell River, we rode up
along the Right Bank of the latter till we arrived where a Bridge is made across
it about three miles above the Confluence of the two Rivers.
Here we found Mrs. Macquarie in the Carriage had arrived long before us, as well
as all the Baggage Carts had arrived before us. -- Here we arrived at 2 p.m. and
took up our Ground for the Night; the distance from our last stage at Sidmouth
Valley being 13 miles. Dined at 5 and went early to Bed.---
Thursday 4. May !
Sent off our heavy Baggage for Bathurst Plains at 8 a.m. and Breakfasted at that
Hour. After Breakfast, we mounted our Horses and rode up for 3 miles along the
Right Bank of the Campbell River to take a view of "Mitchell Plains", which is a
fine rich Tract of Land extending for a mile and a half along the River and for
nearly Half a mile on each side of it; the land being very fit for small Farms,
both on account of its richness of Soil on the low grounds for cultivation, and
the Hills in rear thereof being excellent for Grazing.---
We saw great numbers of Water Moles in the Campbell-River at Mitchell Plains. --
We came back again the same way we went from Mitchell Plains to our last Ground
at the Bridge over the Campbell River; from whence we set out in the Carriage for
Bathurst Plains at 11 a.m.---
After riding about 9 miles through a very pretty wooded Country we arrived on a
height which commanded a very extensive, grand, and noble view of Bathurst Plains
extending on both sides of the Macquarie River for 11 miles and for nearly 3
miles on each side of it, being almost entirely clear of Timber for that
extent.---
Mrs. M. and myself mounted our Horses when within a Mile of the Grand Depôt
on the Macquarie River, Mr. Evans the Dy. Surveyor having rode out and met us
some little time before. We arrived at the Depôt at 1/2 past 1 p.m. the
Guard being turned out to receive us, and the whole of the People, who gave us
three Cheers! -- We found here also three adult male Natives and four Native Boys
of this new discovered Tract of Country, who shewed great surprise, mixed with no
small degree of fear at seeing so many strangers, Horses and Carriages -- but to
which they soon appeared to be reconciled on being kindly spoken to. They were
all clothed with Mantles made of the Skins of Opossums, which were very neatly
sewn together, and the outside of the skins were Carved in a remarkable neat
manner. They appear to be very inoffensive and cleanly in their Persons. -- In
size and appearance they are like the Natives on the East side of the Blue
Mountains; not being either stouter or taller in stature.---
The Grand Depôt at Bathurst Plains is beautifully situated on a fine
commanding Eminence on the Left Bank and South side of "Macquarie River", distant
10 1/4 miles from our last stage at the Campbell River; the Road being very good
and easy for a Carriage the whole of this last stage. -- The appearance of
Bathurst Plains from the Depôt extending for many miles on both sides of the
Macquarie River, and surrounded at a distance by fine verdant Hills, is truly
grand, beautiful and interesting, forming one of the finest landscapes I ever saw
in any Country I have yet visited. The Soil is uncommonly good and fertile, fit
for every purpose of Cultivation and Pasture, being extremely well watered, and
thinly wooded.---
At this beautiful spot I have established my Head Quarters for the present;
intending hereafter to erect a Town and Township here for the convenience and
accommodation of such Settlers as may be indulged with Grants of Lands in this
new discovered Country. -- In the mean time I shall make Excursions from hence
into the interior of the country in different directions.
On our arrival I found one of my Tents Pitched here, which had been sent on
before us -- and which will serve for our Sleeping tent till the others are put
up in more regular order tomorrow. ---
Mrs. M. I am happy to say, has bore the fatiguing Journey over the Blue Mountains
to this Place wonderfully well indeed, and has arrived here in very good health.
We sat down 12 to Dinner this day at 5 o'clock in the new Government Store; Mr.
Evans having joined and being now one of our Party here. -- We played Cards in
the Evening between Dinner and Tea, and retired at an early hour to Bed.
Friday 5. May !
Got up early -- Breakfasted at 9 -- and at 10 o'clock we all mounted our Horses
--Mrs. M. being one of the Party -- and set out on an Excursion to see and
explore those parts of Bathurst and Macquarie Plains on the North side of the
River. We crossed the Macquarie River close under the Depôt by a very easy
fine Ford of a hard Pebly [sic] bottom -- there being very little water in the
River at present owing to the long continued Droughts. We rode through a very
rich low Tract of Land along the Right Bank of the River with fine Grass growing
on it, between 3 and 4 feet high, for about 6 miles; then came to a chain or
Ridge of Fertile wooded Hills, running in a northern direction from the
Confluence of the Fish and the Campbell Rivers, and which chain of Hills divide
Bathurst from Macquarie Plains. -- On crossing these hills we had a very
extensive fine view of the latter extending along the Fish River for about Five
Miles on each side of it. -- This is a most beautiful rich Tract of Land and very
Picturesque, the Grounds being much diversified in extensive Plains, and Hills
and Dales alternately, terminating on the north in lofty wooded mountains; near
to which there are fine Downs very fit for Sheep Walks. We hunted two Native
Dogs, and some Emus in Macquarie Plains, but were not so fortunate as to catch
any of them, tho' we saw them very distinctly, and were much gratified with the
sight of them. ---
In returning Home we kept nearer the mountains in order to see more of the
Country, and were well satisfied that the greater parts of both Bathurst and
Macquarie Plains are perfectly fit for the purposes of Agriculture as well as
grazing .---
We returned to Head Quarters at 2 p.m. after a ride of about 16 miles, highly
gratified with our day's Excursion. -- On our return to Head Quarters, I found
our other two Tents Pitched in regular order, and a Flagg (sic) Staff erected in
front of our Sleeping Tent, which I had given orders to be done previous to our
setting out this morning, intending to hoist the British Colours on it on Sunday
next, when it is my intention to give a name to this particular spot.
I forgot to mention in my Notes of yesterday that a very fine large Black Swan,
and also a very large Water-Mole (or Duck-Bill) had been shot on the Macquarie
River, near Head Quarters, on the afternoon of our arrival here, which appear as
a good omen of the future prosperity and plenty of this new Country. The Swan
weighed [text missing] Pounds and was a remarkable large one.
Saturday 6. May !
Got up early and Breakfasted at 8 o'clock. -- Mounted our Horses at 10 o'clock,
Mrs. M. forming one of the Party, and set out on an Excursion to explore the
remaining parts of Bathurst Plains on the North side of the River. -- We crossed
them from the Ford in a Diagonal direction, our course being nearly North East
till we reached a rich fertile Valley near the foot of the Mountains with a very
pretty Brook of fine fresh Water running through the middle of it. -- This Valley
runs about 7 or 8 miles in length and from a quarter to Half a mile in breadth,
with very fine Pasture land on the Hills Skirting it. I have named this Valley
"Winbourn-Dale", and the Rivulet running through it "Winbourn-Brook". -- We rode
over some very fine Tracts of Land this day fit for both Cultivation and Pasture,
and most eligible for Farms of both descriptions. -- On return we saw some Emus
and Kangaroos; some of the Party Hunted the latter, and the Dogs came up with and
caught one. Arrived at Head Quarters at 1 p.m. after a very pleasant ride of
about 12 miles, much pleased with our Excursion. Wishing to explore the South
side of the Macquarie River to the Eastward of the Depôt for 4 or [text
missing] miles, I set out again at 2 p.m. along with Mr. Cox and some other
gentlemen for this purpose, leaving Mrs. M. at home, who was a little tired after
her morning's ride. -- We rode along the Left Bank of the River over a Tract of
very fine rich fertile Land fit for any purpose, for about Five Miles to a large
beautiful Reach of the River, where we saw a large Swan and many Ducks swimming.
-- I fired at the Black Swan with my Pistol but missed it. --From this part of
the River we returned Home by a back line over fine Hills and Valleys fit for
Cultivation and Pasture. --Returned to Head Quarters at 4 o'clock from my last
Excursion after a pleasant ride of Ten Miles. We dined at 5 and spent the Evening
as usual. ---
Sunday 7. May 1815!!!
After Breakfast, all the Gentlemen and other People assembled for Prayers and
Divine Service; but previous thereto they were all mustered for the purpose of
witnessing my christening the new intended Town on this beautiful spot, which I
accordingly named "Bathurst" in honor of the noble Earl of that name, now His
Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. The British Union Jack
was first hoisted on the new Flagg Staff on this auspicious occasion, the
Military fired 3 Vollies and the whole of the People assembled ( -- being 75 in
number) gave three Cheers in honor of the ceremony. --I prefaced it by
complimenting Mr. Cox and Mr. Evans, and their respective Parties for discovering
this fine Country, and afterwards facilitating our access to it so easily and
overcoming such extraordinary difficulties in so doing. --The ceremony concluded
by all of us drinking Prosperity to the new Town of Bathurst. ---
After Divine Service had been performed, I accompanied Mr. Cox, and Messrs. Oxley
and Meehan the Surveyors, to lay down and mark out the lines of the town of
Bathurst at the spot fixed on now here for that purpose, immediately in rear of
the present Head Quarters; reserving a sufficient space next the River for a
small Government Domain, extending Half a mile in front and a quarter of a mile
in Depth. I also had marked out immediately in rear of the Flagg Staff the Spot
intended for the Government House being erected on hereafter.
Monday 8. May 1815.
Got up early and Breakfasted at 7 o'clock. -- At 8 o'clock we mounted our Horses
and set out to explore the Country lying in a South West direction from
Bathurst; Mr. Evans who has already explored this Country being our Guide. -- It
being too long a Ride for her Mrs. M. staid at Home this day, as did Messrs.
Oxley & Meehan for the purpose of marking out the new Town, and laying it down on
Paper. -- The first four miles of our route was over a very fine rich Tract of
Land fit for any purpose. -- We then got into a more hilly Country but all
excellent Pasture Land with very few exceptions. -- We continued our Ride along
this open Hilly Country in a South West direction forat least Twenty miles from
Bathurst, passing several well watered pretty Vallies [sic], the low parts of
which were excellent Land for Cultivation. --The two largest and principal
Vallies[sic] seen in the course of this day's Excursion I have named "Queen
Charlotte's Vale" in Honor of Her Majesty; and "Princess Charlotte's Valley" in
Honor of the Princess Charlotte of Wales; the former extending for about 20 miles
in a S.West and N.East Direction and joining Bathurst Plains at the latter point;
and the latter extending for about 18 miles in an East and Westerly direction,
and opening to the Macquarie River near Mount Pleasant at its Western extremity;
the two Valleys being separated by a Ridge of Hills, where they respectively
terminate. Both these Valleys are remarkably well watered by large Ponds at
regular distances contiguous to each other, which are even full of Water at this
extraordinary dry season. -- Those two Vallies [sic] are well calculated for both
grazing and agricultural Farms, and would soon repay the labour of the Husbandman
and Grazier. We halted for near an hour at the Head of Queen Charlotte's Vale to
rest and feed our Horses, and then continued our Journey Homewards through this
beautiful fertile Vale. -- We saw a large Flock of Emus in Princess Charlotte's
Valley, and a great [number?] of Kangaroos, Pigeons, Quails, and a few Wild
Geese, in our Excursion of this day. --We returned to Head Quarters at 4 o'clock
in the afternoon, after [a] very interesting but long ride of about Forty miles.
--In crossing a deep part of the Princess Charlotte's Valley, about 12 miles from
Bathurst, we fell in by mere chance with a poor old infirm Native Woman with her
left Eye out and without a single Tooth in her Head. -- She had a large Bag on
her Back -- and was in the act of taking up two long Poles when we came in view
of her. She was excessively alarmed and frightened on seeing us -- but took up
and put into her Bag some Pieces of Biscuit we threw to her. -- On the opposite
side of the Valley we saw a Native Boy, who the old Woman crossed over to join as
soon as her fears had a little subsided. She kept chattering and pointing with
both her Hands to the opposite Hills from the time she first saw us till we were
a considerable distance removed from her; -- pointing, as we supposed, to where
her Friends and Tribe were to be found.
Tuesday 9. May !
Got up early -- and Breakfasted at 8 o'clock. -- At 1/2 past 9 Mrs. M. and myself
set out in the Carriage, accompanied by all the Gentlemen of our Party, to see
"Mount Pleasant" and "Pine-Hill" -- and the Country in the Vicinity of those
Hills. -- The Country between Bathurst and Mount Pleasant for Five miles is one
continued Plain of fine rich fertile Land, with beautiful verdant low wooded
Hills skirting it. Beyond Mount Pleasant the Country breaks into Hills, and the
Plain ceases. We left Mrs. M. in the Carriage at Mt. Pleasant, the Country beyond
it being too rough to admit of its proceeding any farther in this direction. --
The rest of the Party accompanied me on Horseback as far as "PineHill" about 7
miles to the westward of Mt. Pleasant. -- Our ride to this Place was a very rough
one over a succession of steep Hills and deep Vallies [sic] alternately. -- On
reaching Pine Hill we saw the Pine-Tree of this Country in great numbers and of a
considerable Height, but of no great circumference, none of them we saw being
above one foot in diameter. -- On our way to Pine Hill soon after passing Mount
Pleasant, we entered a beautiful rich Valley extending from Mt. Pleasant in a
South West direction for about 8 or 9 miles. -- This Valley is very fertile and
well watered, having fine verdant Hills rising on each side of it, affording
excellent Pasturage. I named this fine rich Vale "Campbell Valley" in honor of
Mrs. Macquarie.
On our descent from Pine Hill we stopt [sic] to look at a Ford and small Fall on the
Macquarie River three miles to the westward of Mt. Pleasant; we then continued
our Journey to the latter and rode up to the top of it, which is a Table-Land --
and from whence there is a very fine extensive Prospect. -- We found on the very
top of Mount Pleasant several Cairns or Piles of Stones -- which have every
appearance of having been collected there by the Hands of Man. From the top of
Mt. Pleasant we descended on the opposite side to that we ascended, and joined
Mrs. M. at Half past 2 o'clock. -- I then went into the Carriage and we all
returned Home, arriving at Bathurst at 1/2 past 3 o'clock, much gratified with
our day's Excursion. -- We dined at 5 o'clock and spent the Evening as usual. ---
Wednesday 10. May !
After Breakfasting this morning, we were visited by three male Natives of the
Country, all very handsome good looking young men, and whom we had not seen
before. -- I gave them presents of Slops and Tomahawks -- and to the best looking
and stoutest of them I gave a Piece of Yellow Cloth in exchange for his Mantle,
which he presented me with. -- As soon as these 3 Natives had taken their leave
of us, Mrs. Macquarie and myself, accompanied by Sir John Jamison and Secry.
Campbell, went on a short Water-Party on the River in the two new Boats lately
sent here from Sydney; Mrs. M. and myself going in the one called the Water-Mole,
and the two Gentlemen in the one called the Swan. We rowed up and down one of
the Reaches of the River here about Half a mile long, and tried to catch some
Fish with Lines -- but were not successful, the Sun being too bright for the Fish
biting -- and also on account of the River being at present much lower than
usual. -- The general Breadth of the Macquarie River at Bathurst is between
Twenty five and Thirty yards; but in some other Places it contracts itself to one
third of that Breadth. Having taken my gun with me on the Water, I had an
opportunity of shooting at and killing a large Black Snake on the Left Bank of
the River. -- I also fired at a large Hawk, but missed it. -- We remained for an
Hour on the River and then returned Home at 1 o'clock.
At 2 p.m. the 3 Natives who came into Camp in the morning brought in Eleven
others to see us, two of whom were grown up men and the rest Boys -- no Female
having come in with them either time. -- I spoke kindly to them all, gave them
all Presents of Black Leather Caps and Tomahawks -- and Slops to the grown up
men. -- I also gave orders that they should have plenty to eat from the Public
Stores. -- They appeared very much pleased and went away highly gratified.
This afternoon a large Fish was caught in the River which weighed Seventeen
Pounds; and Joseph Big my Coachman killed and brought into Camp a very fine large
Emu which weighed Eighty Six Pounds! We dined at 5 o'clock and Played Cards as
usual between Dinner and Tea-time. ---
Thursday 11. May 1815 !
Having sent off all our spare heavy Baggage two days ago before us, and having
now made all my arrangements at Bathurst, I set out from it this day at 1 p.m. on
my return to Sydney. -- Before our departure some of the Natives who were with us
yesterday came in to see us and remained at Bathurst till we left it. -- I left
Mr. Meehan the Dy. Surveyor General at Bathurst for the purpose of Surveying and
laying down on a chart the whole of the Lands fit for Cultivation and grazing [I]
have Explored in this new Country.
I have also left Mr. Evans the Dy. Surveyor at Bathurst for the purpose of
proceeding on a further Tour of Discovery for the distance of one Hundred miles
in a South West direction from Bathurst, in hopes of falling in with the
Macquarie River in that Quarter. -- Mr. Evans takes with him 3 men and 2 Horses
to carry his Provisions on this Tour, which he hopes to complete in six weeks.
Dr. Redfern having lost his two Caravan Horses, which had strayed away some days
before, I had to furnish him with two of the Government Horses to carry Home his
Caravan from Bathurst. Mrs. M. and myself went all the way from Bathurst to the
Campbell River, where we arrived and took up our Ground for the Night at 1/2 past
2 p.m.
Dined at 5 and spent the Evening as usual. -- Mr. Meehan came on thus far with us
and dined with us. ---
Friday 12. May !
Sent off our baggage early in the morning for the Fish River, and set out
ourselves in the carriage at 9 a.m. -- Reach Sidmouth Valley at 12 -- and rest
there for half an Hour. Continued our Journey again and arrived at the Fish River
at half past 3 p.m. -- Encamping at this time on the Left Bank of the River.
Dined at 5 and went early to Bed.
Saturday 13. May 1815.
Sent off our Baggage at 7 -- Breakfasted at 8 -- and set out on Horseback with
Mrs. M. at 1/4 past 9 a.m. -- Halted for near an Hour in a deep Valley 8 miles
from the Fish River to rest ourselves and Cattle -- and then pursued our Journey
forwards. At 3/4 past 3 p.m. we arrived at Cox's River, after a tiresome and
fatiguing Journey of 16 miles from the Fish River, over Clarence's Hilly Range, a
very hilly rugged Tract of Country. We encamped in a pretty little Valley on the
Left Bank of Cox's River, the Grass near our last Ground here being all burnt
during our absence. We dined at 5 o'clock and spent the Evening as usual.
Sunday 14. May !
Halted the whole of this day at Cox's River, and had all the People assembled
after Breakfast near my Tent for Prayers. -- Some of the Gentlemen of our Party
went after Prayers to explore Cox's River and to endeavour to trace it to the
Regents Glen, through which it is supposed to bend its course. -- They returned
an Hour before Dinner, reporting that the River does bend its course towards the
Regent's Glen as far as they were able to trace it. ---
Dined as usual at 5 o'clock and went early to Bed.
Monday 15. May 1815 !
Sent off our heavy Baggage very early this morning for Cox's Pass, and set out
ourselves in the Carriage at 1/2 past 7 o'clock this morning, arriving there at
1/4 past 8; dis[tan]ce. from Cox's River 6 1/4 miles to the foot of Mount York.
--Here we halted and Breakfasted, whilst our heavy Baggage, Carriage, and Horses
were Conveyed to the top of this tremendous and extraordinary Pass, which is a
most steep and difficult aclivity for three quarters of a mile. The whole of the
Carriages and Baggage having been safely conveyed to the top of the Pass, Mrs. M.
and myself began to ascend it on foot at 35 minutes past 11 and reached to the
Top of it at 5 minutes after 12.---
From the Top of the Pass we once more feasted our Eyes with the Grand and
Picturesque [word missing] of the Country below us and which we had just quitted.
We got into the Carriage on the summit of Mount York, and pursued our Journey
forwards; arriving at our former Ground at the 41 Mile Tree at 2 o'clock,
dis[tan]ce. from Cox's River 14 miles. -- This Place having a black wild
appearance I have this day named it "Black-Heath". -- It affords however plenty
of good water for Man and Beast and tolerable good Feed for the latter. We had a
very thick heavy Fog here all this day, which seemed to threaten Rain -- but none
fell. -- We dined at 5 o'clock and went early to Bed.
Tuesday 16. May !
Sent off our heavy Baggage early, Breakfasted at 8, and set out in the Carriage
with Mrs. M. at 1/2 past 9 o'clock. -- We halted at the Place we formerly did to
take a second view of "Pitts Amphitheatre", with which we were again very much
gratified.
Mrs. M. and myself rode on Horseback from the 35th.Mile to the 28th.Mile, or
Second Depôt, where we arrived at 1/2 past 1 p.m. -- dis[tan]ce. 13 miles
from Black-Heath. The 2d Depôt is situated in [a] very extensive pretty
Valley, with a sum of very fine fresh good water, with tolerable good Feed for
Cattle, and is exactly halfway between Emu Ford and the Cox River. I have this
day named this place "Jamison's Valley" in honor of Sir Jno. Jamison one of our
Party on the present Tour. --Dined at the usual Hour and went to Bed early.
Wednesday 17. May !
Got up this morning at Day-break and sent off our Baggage immediately. --
Breakfasted at 7 -- and set out in [the] Carriage with Mrs. M. at 8 o'clock; and
arrived on the summit of the King's Table Land at Half past 8 o'clock. -- Mrs. M.
and myself here Quitted the carriage and mounted our Horses for the purpose of
viewing and exploring the Beauties of the grand and sublime scenery of this Table
Mountain and of the Prince Regent's Glen, which presents a variety of sublime and
grand objects. -- There is one Water Fall at least one Thousand feet in Height to
be seen here in awful grandeur; and there is also a most singular and curious
Cavern or Cave in the face of one of the Hills forming one side of the Glen, and
which I have named Oxley's Grotto in commemoration of Mr. Oxley's (the Surveyor
General) having first discovered it. -- We all descended the Hill to see this
curious Cavern and were much gratified with the sight of it. -- The Prince
Regent's Glen extends in length from the King's Table Land for Twenty four miles
to Mount York, and until it opens into the Vale of Clwydd where the Glen
terminates to the Westward.---
From the highest part of the King's Table Land we could see the whole of the
Country to the Eastward of the Blue Mountains, and could plainly see and
distinguish the several Buildings in the Town of Windsor, distant about 30 miles
from us in a direct Line -- and bearing from the highest part of the King's Table
Land. ---
After exploring all the curious parts of the King's Table Land and Prince
Regent's Glen, we pursued our Journey, on Horseback, and arrived at "Spring Wood"
at 3 o'clock; the Distance from our last Ground being 16 miles. I stopt for a few
minutes at the Pile of Stones which I have called "Caley's Repulse", situated
near the 17th. Mile Tree, and from whence there is a very extensive view to the
Eastward and Southward.
Thursday 18. May !
Sent off our Baggage from Spring Field [sic] between 7 and 8 o'clock, and
breakfasted at 8 this morning -- I had the initials of my name and this day of
the month cut on a very large Blood-Wood Tree on the South side of the Road,
close to where my Tent was Pitched at Spring Field [sic], to note our departure
thence. This tree was 60 feet high and 14 feet 2 inches in circumference. ---
We set out in the carriage from Spring Wood at half past 9 o'clock; and having
halted at the First Depôt for about Half an Hour, we reached the foot of the
Blue Mountains at the 3 Mile Tree at 12 o'clock. -- Here we mounted our Horses
and rode across Emu Plains to Emu Ford, which Mrs. M. and myself crossed on
Horse-back -- it being very safe and good -- and the Water of the Nepean River
here now not being above Six Inches high. -- We went into our Carriage again at
Capt. Woodriff's Farm on the Nepean; taking leave here of Mr. Cox, Sir Jno.
Jamison, Mr. Oxley and Mr. Secry. Campbell for the present; the rest of our Party
having accompanied us. -- From Capt. Woodriff's Farm to Mrs. King's we went in
the Carriage -- and arrived at the latter Place at Half past one o'clock, and
here we found Mr. Hassall waiting for us; it being our intention to take up our
Quarters for this night at Mrs. King's Farm. ---
N.B. I have named the first ascent from Emu Plains to the Blue Mountains, and
which is near a mile long, "Emu Hill". -- It is very easy to ascend and descend
this Hill in a Carriage, the Road being very good the whole of the way. ---
Mr. Hassall provided a most excellent Dinner for us at Mrs. King's Overseer's
House, and to which we sat down at 5 o'clock, Drank Tea at 7, and went to Bed at
9 o'clock. Besides Mr. Hassall, Major Antill, Lieut. Watts, Doctor Redfern, and
Mr. Lewin dined with us. ---
Friday 19. May 1815 !
We got up at Day-break, and set [out] from Mrs. King's Farm at 10 minutes after 7
o'clock this morning, arriving at Government House at Parramatta at 5 minutes
past 9 o'clock; distance from last Night's Stage being 16 miles -- and from Emu
Ford to Mrs. King's Farm 6 miles. -- At Parramatta Mrs. M. received Letters from
Mrs. Redfern giving us most pleasing and highly gratifying accounts of our
beloved darling Son's State of Health and general improvement. -- Mrs. M. had
received Letters from Mrs. Redfern twice before to the same effect whilst on our
Journey back from Bathurst; the first time between the Campbell River and
Sidmouth Valley --and the second time immediately on our crossing the River
Nepean yesterday at Woodriff's Farm. -- We Breakfasted at Parramatta, and had the
pleasure of seeing Capt. Gill of the 46th. and Mr. Wm. Wentworth there who gave
us all the Sydney News. -- After viewing the several Improvements going on at
Parramatta, and giving our Horses a rest of 3 1/2 Hours there, we set out at 10
minutes before 1 o'clock from thence for Sydney -- where we arrived at Half past
2 o'clock, finding our dear Infant, and all our Concerns there, entirely to our
satisfaction.---
CONCLUSION !
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