Coastal Voyage

Extract from Australian Chronicle Vol. 1.

Sydney 1812 - That stout little 60 ton brig Lady Nelson , a familiar sight to residents of Sydney , the Hawkesbury and Newcastle , has returned from the most illustrious voyage of her career.

The vessel has safely transported His Excellency and Mrs. Macquarie on a journey of inspection of the coast of New South Wales and across Bass Strait to Hobart Town , Van Dieman's Land.

Some anxiety was felt when Mrs. Macquarie decided to accompany her husband on such a hazardous and fatiguing journey but the Governor's Lady is now enthusiastic about the sights seen and full of praise for the brig.

The accommodation, she reports, was neat, comfortable, and clean; the vessel so sound light and well manned that it travelled well through a terrible storm in Bass Strait .

As the voyage down the coast of New South Wales was attended by stormy weather, the Governor and his Lady were pleased to land at Jervis Bay where they met with some finely built and most friendly natives.

The storm encountered in Bass Strait was the worst the Captain had experienced.

For two days there was no cooking and cold food was eaten sitting picnic fashion on the cabin floor.

His Excellency and Mrs. Macquarie inspected Hobart Town , then set out on horseback, accompanied by Mr. J. T. Campbell, Major Antill and escort, to ride to Launceston, where they were enthusiastically welcomed.

Rejoining the Lady Nelson at Launceston the vice-regal party proceeded northward passing Port Jackson to visit Newcastle and Port Stephens.

As a result of his tour the Governor decreed that the two separate administrations of Van Dieman's Land should be bought together under a Lieut-Governor.

Col. Tom Davey has been appointed to the post.

His Excellency has decreed stern measures to wipe out the bushranging that plagues the island.

Australian Chronicle, Vol 1 No. 4; 1811-1820.