CHAPTER VIII.



From the Fleet's Arrival at Botany Bay to the Evacuation of it; and
taking Possession of Port Jackson. Interviews with the Natives; and an
Account of the Country about Botany Bay.


We had scarcely bid each other welcome on our arrival, when
an expedition up the Bay was undertaken by the Governor and
Lieutenant-Governor, in order to explore the nature of the country, and
fix on a spot to begin our operations upon. None, however, which could
be deemed very eligible, being discovered, his Excellency proceeded in
a boat to examine the opening, to which Mr. Cook had given the name of
Port Jackson, on an idea that a shelter for shipping within it might
be found. The boat returned on the evening of the 23rd, with such an
account of the harbour and advantages attending the place, that it
was determined the evacuation of Botany Bay should commence the next
morning.

In consequence of this decision, the few seamen and marines who had
been landed from the squadron, were instantly reimbarked, and every
preparation made to bid adieu to a port which had so long been the
subject of our conversation; which but three days before we had entered
with so many sentiments of satisfaction; and in which, as we had
believed, so many of our future hours were to be passed. The thoughts of
removal banished sleep, so that I rose at the first dawn of the morning.