Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Historical Records of New Zealand Vol. II.

[introduction]

On June 2d Captn. Raven asked me, if I should wish to go with Captain B as fourth Officer.* I told him I should not wish to leave him untill he returned to England. He wished me to embrace the opportunity adding,—“I know pretty well page 519 from a short acquaintance whether a man is possessed of any stock of sensibility, my acquaintance convinces me that Capt. Bampton is a Gentleman with whom I can trust you, he has promised to take care of you, to protect you, and while you continue to deserve I am confident, will be your friend. I know your nature so much as to be convinced that you feel some regret at leaving me, but you must in this case, consider yourself. If you return to England your friends at most cannot raise you higher than this in an Indiaman, that trade is now at an Ebb, and India is, I think the best place in which, under such a Commander as Ct. B. You must meet preferment.” Such was the advice I received from this truly good and generous man. I did not hesitate long in determining; the day following he introduced me to Cn. B. as the Young Man he committed to his care & protection, there was something so solemn in this introduction, that I am sure I was considerably abashed—and knew not how to make a reply to Captn. Bampton's generous offer, and assurance that he would take care of me. Some persons who read this, may wonder at my suffering myself to be thus (in a manner) delivered up, if they do, it will be a proof that their share of sense is but inconsiderable and would, did they conceive my situation of mind think I had done right.

Soon after (on the 6th June) I went round to the River Hawkesburg with a party of 20 Lascars for the purpose of cutting Timber for the Endeavour, my passage was very unpleasant, it rained hard the greatest part of the time, and I had a very bad boat's crew, so that I did not get on equal to my wish.

When I arrived, I found that the Timber did not run near so large here, as at the parts adjacent to Sydney in Port Jackson. I therefore wrote to Captn. B. and informed him, and he directly sent an order for my immediate return, I directly dispatched the Sawyers and Sea Cunny. On the next day I sent the lascars, I was obliged to pay a man 5 shillings to conduct them in their road; and thinking that they would not fatigue themselves with walking I deferred going myself untill the second day after, when I started with Mr. W. Baker the Superintendant, and arrived at Sydney at 8 in the evening, after the most fatiguing walk I ever experienced.

On the morning following I went on board the ship and commenced my duty as the Fourth or Junior Officer, I was employed in the ship's hold delivering Rice and Dholl for the use of His Majester's Colony.

Having no accommodation, I slept on shore at Mr. Smiths, the Store Keeper, the character of that Gentleman is so well page 520 known by persons who visit Port Jackson, that any tribute I could pay would be superfluous.

To the Officers of the Ship, especially Mr. Weathrall, I am much indebted for the very great attention they paid me, on entering into their society, as it softens in a great degree, my extreme regret at parting from my late worthy Commander and his Officers.

Remarks, &c Thursday, Sep. 17, 1795.

[Omitting tabular matter, and giving latitude and longitude each day.—The Editor.]

Lying moored below Garden Island 12 fms.—Mud.

Wind N.N.E. & variable, rain.

A.M. Do. Wind & Weather.—Fancy, Brig, at anchor astern.

Noon Calm & Cloudy.

Friday 18.

3 P.M. we had a squall of rain—which was followed by a fresh Gale at West & clear Wr. ½ past 3 P.M. the Pilot came on board.

N.B. pt. Five Fingers Duskey Bay. Latt. 45° 42′ So 166° 9′ East.

Pt. Jackson entrance 33° 56′. Long. 151° 30′ Et.

7 A.M. Unmoored weighed and sailed out of the Harbour, in company with the Fancy, Brig Commanded by Capt. E. T. Dell.

Noon entrance of Pt. Jackson bore W.N.W. 8. Leagues.

Lat. 34″ 2′ S. Long. 151° 31′.

Saturday 19th.

We this evening found, that; in spite of all our vigilance, upwards of 40 Men & 1 Woman had found means to secret themselves in the ship,—and had escaped the search.

Up top Gallt Yards. Set T.G. Sails.

Latitude 34° 23′ S Long. 153° 22′

Sunday 20th. Sepr. 1795.

I did yesterday sign a paper which I will not swear to on a future occasion; it was concerning the prisoners there Mentioned.

An high swell from the Sod. caused the Ship to roll much.

The Fancy in company.

Lat. 34° 16′ Long. 153° 12′

Monday 21st Septr.

Of the convicts mentioned on Saturday 4 are Carpenters this may look as if we had conceald them but I am certain it was not the case.

The Fancy ahead.

Lat. 34° 10′. Long. 153° 42′.

* The vessels “Britannia” (Raven) and “Endeavour” (Bampton) were lying near one another in Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, New South Wales, when this portion of the log commences.