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A summary of the major events in the life of the original "Lady Nelson"
1798
The original vessel was built on the River Thames at Deptford and launched on November 3rd 1798; built with 3 sliding keels to facilitate survey work in the colony of New South Wales.
1800
On March 18 Lady Nelson sailed from Portsmouth, under the command of Lieutenant James Grant with a crew of twelve, arriving at St Jago, Cape Verde Islands on 13th April.
Leaving Cape Verde Islands on 27th. April, the Lady Nelson arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on July 8th. and departed on October 7th.
On December 3rd land-fall was made near Mount Gambier and the Lady Nelson arrived at Port Jackson on December l6th, completing her maiden voyage in ten months.
1801
Exploration of King Island and the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Lt. Murray spent several weeks exploring the possible channels into the wide expanse of Port Philip Bay before returning to Sydney on 24th March 1802
1802
Accompanied the Investigator (Lt. Matthew Flinders) along the north east coast of Australia.
1803
The Lady Nelson, accompanied by the whaler Albion, sailed to the River Derwent to establish the first European settlement in Tasmania.
1804
The Lady Nelson involved in establishing settlements at Hobart Town and on the Tamar River.
1806
Made a voyage to New Zealand to return exiled Maori Chief Te-Pahi to his homeland.
1807
Sailed with 34 men, women and children from Norfolk Island to Hobart Town.
1808
Second voyage from Norfolk Island to Hobart Town, with 50 men, women and children.
1810
Sailed to Norfolk Island with a detachment of the 73rd Regiment to relieve the 102nd Regiment.
1811
Conveyed Governor Macquarie to Van Dieman's Land on his famous tour of inspection.
1812
Employed in carrying coal from Newcastle and grain from the Hawkesbury River to Sydney Town.
1812
Conveyed 33 convict men and 13 convict women from Sydney to Port Dalrymple.
1813
In company with the Minstrel, brought twenty one men, six women and sixteen children from Norfolk Island to Port Dalrymple.
1821
Driven on shore at Port Macquarie. Refloated and repaired on Governor Macquarie's orders.
1824
Accompanied HMS Tamar to establish the first white settlement on Melville Island, Northern Australia. Lady Nelson sailed for Timor in December to seek livestock for the settlement.
1825
Returned from Timor with 30 pigs. Sailed again on February 19th and was never heard from again. The hull, with name painted on the stern, was sighted on the island of Babar, 120 miles east of Timor. The ship had been plundered and burnt and the crew killed.
