Saturday, March 15th

A dark morning but no rain; wind N.E. Andy and Robert began at the house today in earnest. Willy and Henry harnessed the bullock for the first time and he drew the slipe^* from the first as quietly as a lamb. He brought down a small load of firewood. After dinner I accompanied Dr Jackson on board the William and Alfred, the schooner which is to convey him to Wellington, from whence he finds his way to Sydney and England. She is comfortably fitted up as a passenger ship, though somewhat small. He seemed much affected at leaving but Mrs Jackson and the boys could not conceal their delight at getting away. Henry and Hamilton and Caughey took a load of piles to Quail Island in the yawl, sailing there and rowing back.