Newspaper Clippings: March 1805 - February 1807
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 4 August - Last Tuesday arrived from Norfolk Island His Majesty's armed tender Lady Nelson, in 24 days ; and brings agreeable intelligence of the date of the place and appearance of the growing crop of wheat, that of maize having turned out as well as could possibly have been wished : in consequence of which stock is very plentiful.
The day following arrived from the same place the schooner Governor King, Mr. Edwards master, having left the island the day before the Lady Nelson. She sailed from hence for the Southward the 27th of April ; but experienced much severe weather, in which she sustained considerable damage - she sprung her bowsprit ; carried away her starboard
bulwark, unshipped her rudder, and lost three boats, but a calm soon after favored, and she got her rudder hung again at sea.
Off Reed's Mistake she lost one of her people, who unfortunately fell overboard, and although perceived when nearly along-side, it being moderately calm at the time, and a boat instantly got out, yet could not be saved.
His name was William Crossman, had long been subject to a hysterical complaint, and was supposed to have fallen overboard in a fit.
The Ferret south whaler returned to this port on Friday, in consequence of the ship's becoming leaky soon after she sailed. (Source: 626869)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 28 July - On Friday morning sailed for England, to touch at St Helens, the Ferret, south whaler, Capt. Skelton ; with him went passengers : Mr and Mrs Savage, and Mr. and Mrs. Hartley.
The Governor Hunter and Raven (arrived from the Southward last Saturday, sailed on Monday for Kings town, to take in coals and cedar. (Source: 626861)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 21 July - On Tuesday arrived the American ship Brothers, Captain WORTH, from Nantucket, the 17th of December left for the southern fishery, and has procured 200 barrels of sperm oil. She passed the south Cape the 12th of
May, and during the last month sustained severe damage from successive heavy gales.
On the 12th ultimo she spoke the Adonis, Capt. Turnbull, in lat. 26° 30' S. off Cape Morton, and lost sight of her on the 14th in a heavy squall. The day following encountered a tremendous hurricane between Cape Morton and Double Island Point; during the continuance of which her trey works were carried away in endeavouring to get clear of the land, four boats, her whole cooking apparatus, with every thing else on deck were washed overboard; and one seaman unfortunately perished. (Source: 626857)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 7 July - The Ferret South Whaler, to sail for England on or about the 12th instant, will touch at St. Helena, to await convoy.
CRAFT---On Friday morning came in from Hawkesbury after a tedious passage, and being long wind-bound in Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury. Improvement, Venus, Hope, Charlotte, and Argument.---sailed on Friday, the Fly for King's Town, and Edwin for Hawkesbury. (Source: 626844)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 16 June - Last Sunday arrived the Ferret south whaler, Captain Skelton, last from Norfolk Island, whence she sailed the 23d ultimo, having on board 103 tons of sperm oil. She had touched at the Island six weeks before, but blown off by the tempestuous weather, beat off and on upwards of five weeks. The Britannia, Capt. Questard with a full ship, took his final departure for Europe the 3d of May.
Capt. Skelton reports the island to be abundantly supplied with the necessities of life ; and had the weather possibly permitted quantities of salted pork would have been sent hither by his ship. (Source: 626819)
- GENERAL ORDERS
1805 - Sunday, 2 June - THE Master of the Policy South Sea Whaler having, in defiance of the Port Regulations, gone from hence without taking a regular Clearance, or giving the necessary Bond for the delivery of the Cargo he took in at this place for the Port of London.
All Ships or Vessels of every Nation are hereby ordered to comply with the Regulation of the Port Orders on that behalf ; and vessels attempting to pass the Sow and Pigs without showing the Naval Officer's Signal of the ship or vessel being cleared, will be fired on with shot from the Battery on George's Head ; for which purpose the guns are shotted , and the necessary orders given to the Guard on duty at that post.
Whereas a number of Otaheitans and Sandwich Islanders have been brought from Otaheite by the Harrington Letter of Marque and two Spanish Vessels she took out of the Ports of Coquimbo and Cildera, for the purpose of manning them ; and several New Zealanders being brought here and left by South Sea Whalers from the East Coast of that Island ; and it being intended by the Persons who have hitherto been allowed to frequent the Islands in Bass's Straits to send some of these credulous people to that place, where their Treatment and Return are very suspicious and doubtful ; and it being of the utmost consequence to the interest and safety of Europeans frequenting those Seas, and more particularly the South Sea Whalers that these people should suffer no ill Treatment, but on the contrary, experience every kindness until they can return to their native country : It is therefore hereby strictly forbid sending any Otahetian, Sandwich Islander or New Zealander from this Settlement to any island or other part of this Coast, on any Sealing or other Voyage ; or to any place to the Eastward of Cape Horn.
All Masters of Ships, Foreign as well as English, are hereby forbid taking away any such Otaheitan, Sandwich Islander, or New Zealander from hence without the Governor's permission in writing; which will not be given unless with a certainty of the Masters taking them to the Islands they belong to.
During their stay here, those whose service they are employed in are not to beat or ill use them ; but if their Employers, or those who brought them to this Colony are not able to maintain and employ them, they are to report to the Governor, who will take measures for their employment and maintenance until they can be sent home.
And it is to be clearly understood, that all such Otaheitans, &c. are protected in their properties, claims for wages, and the same redress as any of His Majesty 's Subjects.
By Command of His Excellency.
G. Blaxcell, Acting Sec.
Government House, Sydney,
May 26 th, 1805 (Source: 626803)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 26 May - On Thursday sailed for England His Majesty's ship Investigator, under the command of Captain KENT. - On board the Investigator were embarked Messrs Brown and Bauers, two of the scientific Gentlemen employed by the Board of Admiralty to accompany Captain FLINDERS in his Voyage of Discovery. On the Investigator's being found unfit to prosecute the Voyage, those Gentlemen were left to complete their Collections of Natural History, which they have very arduously accomplished. The whole collection was sent on board the Investigator in present reduced state, with every apparent reason to expect it will safely arrive England; where it will be very acceptable to the Amateurs of Natural History.
Lieutenant MENZIES, of the Royal Marines, lately Commandant at Newcastle, is also a passenger in the Investigator.
On Friday sailed the Richard and Mary south whaler, Captain Lucas, to procure black oil at the Derwent. (Source: 626780)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 19 May - On Friday came into the Cove His Majesty's colonial cutter Integrity, under the command of Lieutenant Robbins, with the Spanish merchant brig Saint Franciso and Saint Paulo, captured by the Harrington.
The Integrity parted from His Majesty's ship Buffalo the 26th of April, and fell in with the brig off Kent's Group on the 29th, making four feet water. Lieut. Robbins was obliged to go into Port Dalrymple, to put the Spanish brig into a state to gain this port, and sailed from thence the 5th instant.
Yesterday morning the Spanish brig entered the cove with her national colours flying and was saluted by three cheers from His Majesty's ships Investigator and Buffalo.
On Friday arrived the George from King's Island, with 6 tons of oil and 3000 skins.
On Thursday arrived from King's Island the Endeavour, Messrs. Kable and Co. with 13 tons of elephant oil, an article that has lately become excessively scarce and difficult to be procured in small quantities.
On Thursday arrived the American ship Ann, Captain Gwynn, from New Bedford 17 months, and last from Norfolk Island, with 130 tons of sperm oil.
Capt. Gwynn gives the following agreeable intelligence concerning the Caroline schooner, Captain Tuckermann, in which vessel Captain McKellar left the Colony : That on the 26th of March, 1804, Captain Gwynn was at the Island of St. Mary, on the coast of Chili ; and was informed by an American gentleman for some time resident at Conception, that the schooner Caroline had been at that place in August, 1802, having sprung her mast on her passage from New South Wales, and put into that place for repairs ; that after his vessel was repaired Captain Tuckermann sailed again for his place of destination ; and that an English Military Officer was on board, charged with Government dispatches.
The ship Hannah and Eliza from New Bedford nearly about the same time, on Thursday put into Botany Bay, not being able to make the heads. (Source: 626771)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 28 April - On Sunday came into Neutral Bay the American schooner Independence.
On Tuesday returned from the fishery, the Richard and Mary, Capt. Lucas having procured about 70 barrels of sperm oil during his cruise ; the day after leaving this port, Capt. Lucas had the good fortune to fall in with and kill six small fish ; but since then has been but little successful.
On Tuesday night arrived the American ship Criterion, Capt. Chace, from Nantucket on a sealing voyage, out 8 months. She has on board spermaceti candles, leaf and negro-head tobacco, tin-ware, and has procured 1300 skins.
Next morning arrived also the American ship Favorite, Capt. Paddock, of and from the same place, on a like voyage ; also importing tobacco, men's cloathing, muslinets, liquid soap, and a small assortment of boots and shoes.
On Thursday arrived from the fishery, the Harriet (a full ship) Captain Coffin, from England nearly twenty months ;— he brings intelligence of the same vessels mentioned by Capt. Dagg on the Scorpion's arrival ; and will shortly sail for Europe.
Yesterday evening arrived in the cove, having lain several days previous in Broken Bay wind-bound, the Marcia, Captain AKIN, from the northward. It was very generally reported on this vessel's arrival, that the American ship Union, formerly commanded by the unfortunate Captain Pendleton, whose fate it was, in company with Mr. Boston, to fall a sacrifice to the treachery of the natives at Toongataboo, had since been totally lost, on some of the neighbouring Islands. Mr. Akin, so far from affirming an event to have positively taken place, the possibility of which impresses the mind with a deep sense of melancholy as to the fate of the persons on board, speaks only from the report of some of the natives of a small island called Gorah, by whom he was given to understand that a ship had been wrecked there ; but as not a single vestige was to be seen, we sincerely join Mr. Akin in the hope, that the the report was fictitious. (Source: 626744)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 14 April - On Wednesday arrived the Ceres south whaler, Captain Sharpe, last from Bass's Straits, where she probably unfortunately struck on
an outer rock off Swan Island Reef, and comes here to heave down. The Ceres left England the 23d of August last, at which period there was no expectation of a
war with Spain ; but on the contrary, it was generally supposed that England had consented to the neutrality of that Nation. (Source: 626099)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 31 March - On Tuesday returned the Scorpion whaler, Captain Dagg, from the coast of New Zealand, having procured between 6 and 700 barrels of sperm oil since she went from hence, a period of little better than four months. The vessels on the fishery when the Scorpion came away were, the Harriet, Captain Coffin (formerly Chace) ; the Ann, Gwynn, from America; the Elizabeth and Mary, last from Timor ; the John Sebastian, Smith (formerly chief officer of the Speedy); the Adonis, Turnbull, with 190 tons of sperm oil ; the Britannia, Questerd, 95 ditto ; and the American ship Hannah and Eliza, with 190 barrels. (Source: 626703/6091)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 17 March - On Monday arrived his Majesty's ship Investigator from Norfolk Island, whence she sailed the 1st instant, with nearly the whole of the Military Establishment, and such of the convicts as are to be removed.
On Wednesday arrived the Governor King, Mr. Moody master, in four days from King's Island, with 34 tons of oil and 3200 fine skins. She was at Kent's Group about three weeks since, the Ceres of London then lying there; the master acquainted Mr. Moody with his intention of coming shortly to Port Jackson. The Governor King is to undergo a thorough repair ; and in the interim Messrs Kable and Underwood expect to launch their new ship, of which, as we before hinted, Mr. Moody is to take command.
The Richard and Mary, Capt. Lucas, sailed on Friday evening for the fishery.
Yesterday sailed the Raven for the southward. (Source: 626678/6083)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 10 March - On Sunday last Lieutenant Kent of His Majesty's ship Buffalo came in over-land from Botany Bay, where he left the Ann cutter, having returned from examining the coast about Shoals Haven, upon which service he was five weeks employed. The weather was so excessively unfavorable, as frequently to render the situation of Lieut. Kent and his people perilous; which obliged them to put into Jervis's Bay, from whence Lieutenant Kent went by land to examine the opening and country about Shoal's Haven: After walking 18 miles, they were so fortunate as to find a small boat they lost in a gale of wind, hauled up by the natives, and covered with bark, exactly at the place where they wanted to make use of it: they traced the River eighteen miles up, when it became impassable. The banks of this river bear a great resemblance to those of the River Hawkesbury, but the portions of ground much less than at the latter place.
Unfortunately, the entrance of the river is closed by a bar, on which there is a constant surf.
On Monday arrived the brig Harrington, Captain Campbell, belonging to Madras, who left this in February 1804, having been on the coast of Peru. In the course of her voyage she touched at Otaheite, from whence she has brought upwards of Twenty tons of salt pork ; and on her way here touched also at Norfolk Island, from whence she brought a part of the Military, and Convicts who were to be removed from the island.
The Investigator had arrived at Norfolk Island on the 11th ultimo, after encountering much bad weather, in which she sustained some damage in her masts and yards. Lieutenant Houstoun expected to leave the Island about the 1st instant, with the remainder of those to be removed from thence.
The conjecture stated in the Gazette of the 5th of January last, respecting the ships said to be seen off King's Island and Kent's Group, is confirmed by their appearance off Norfolk Island on the 7th of November.
The appearance of Nine large ships standing in regular order for the Island, and some delay occurring from the circumstance of Cascade Bay being the lee side of the Island, where there was no boat to send off, occasioned some doubts respecting what nation the ships were of, or their errand. However, every active preparation was made by the Commandant, Captain Piper, to defend the Island by every means in his power, which became unnecessary, as a boat was sent from the ships, in which Lieutenant Little of the Royal Navy landed, and informed Captain Piper that the ships were the China Fleet, under convey of l'Athenien 64, commanded by Captain FAYERMAN, had
sailed from England in June last; touched at Rio Janeiro, where they learnt the Calcutta had been about a month before their arrival; that they came through Bass's Straits, were ordered to touch at Norfolk Island, and proceed to the Philippine Isles; that the Officers and some of the crew of the l'Athénien were very sickly; but those of the Indiamen were generally healthy; - that not withstanding they were much in want of refreshment, Captain Fayerman was determined to proceed on his voyage that evening, the principal object of his stopping being to ascertain whether the Taunton Castle, one of the convoy, that parted company from them six weeks before, had made the Island.
The Commandant sent a supply of such stock belonging to the Crown, lemons, and other little things as he could procure on that side of the Island, as he supposed would be beneficial.
Three days after the Fleet sailed, the Taunton Castle touched at the Island, and remained two days, having laid in every refreshment the place afforded. Capt. Pierce informed, that the day after l'Althenien and her convoy left St. Paul's, Rear Admiral PELLEW touched there with a squadron, on his way to India.
By accounts from Otaheite we learn, that the island “has continued in peace since the death of Pomarre; that Otoo's family is still on the decline, having lately lost his uncle Pacete, and others being sick: should he be taken off, it is apprehended the island would be in a convulsed state, as there seems to be none of sufficient authority to supply his place. The king has in building a vessel of about 60 or 70 tons, and has some thoughts of sending her to Port Jackson when finished.
The Experiment touched, and procured sufficient stock for her voyage at a trifling expence. A prisoner found means to get on board her, and was carried off; but an accusation being brought against Wm. Holland, for aiding and assisting therein, he was sentenced two years to hard labour.
Capt. Campbell touched also at Tonga taboo; but did not hear of any vessels: he lay there four days, and conjectures that he observed a strong inclination for attack from the natives. Two of his Otaheitans were invited, or rather decoyed on shore; but as Capt. C. had doubts of their designs, he adopted such precautions as appeared necessary to the safety of the ship and crew. The Otaheitans, after a detention of two days were permitted to return; and as they informed that the chief had that morning arrived, in all probability a plan of treacherous operation would have been entered upon, had the vessel not left the place.
On Monday arrived His Majesty's armed colonial cutter Integrity from Port Dalrymple, which place she left the 22nd ultimo, where every person enjoyed a good state of health.
Acting Lieutenant Symonds, Commander of the Lady Nelson, went in the Integrity while his vessel was under repair, to examine Supply River, to the westward of Port Dalrymple, which has a bar entrance, with only ten feet at low water: it is not safe for a vessel to attempt going in, that draws more than eight feet water; but small vessels may lay in great safety.
A small Bay and Creek were also found, to the southard of Cape Dromedary: This Bay is reported to afford good shelter from S. round to N. W. The entrance into the creek is too narrow a shoal for any vessel to attempt.
On her way from hence the Integrity fell in with a ship at Kent's Group, which proved to be the Ceres, of London, fitted out for the southern fishery, six months out of the port of London, and having come round the South Cape. Captain John Sharpe, the Commander, reported the likelihood of a rupture, not only with Spain, but also with Portugal, but did not say upon what principle the conjecture was founded.
He had on board 20 ton of salt, for the purpose of curing skins, as those so cured bring a good price at the London market.
She afterwards fell in with the Honduras Packet off Cape Barren, and received from Capt. Buncker the packets he had on board from England.
On Monday arrived the Myrtle, Captain Barber, last from Hobart, at which settlement the Sophia arrived safely the 5th of February, in 38 days. Captain Barber disposed of part of his cargo there; and we are happy to learn the flourishing state of the Colony. (Source: 626666)
- PROCLAMATION
1805 - Sunday, 10 March - PHILIP GIDLEY KING.
WHEREAS it appears, that a Spanish Cruiser belonging to the King of Spain, and a Merchant Brig of the same Nation have been taken out of Spanish Ports on the Coast of Peru and captured by the Harrington Private Ship of War (belonging to Madras) and brought from thence as far as Norfolk Island, where they parted company with the Harrington, being officered and manned from that vessel.
There being the most presumptive proof that no Hostilities had commenced between England and Spain in the early part of August last, and the said Vessels being taken on the 26th of September and 2nd of October last ; and as there is reason to suppose the above Spanish Vessels are now hovering about some part of this Coast, the Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels, or Colonial Vessels belonging to the Crown that may fall in with them, or any Officer or Magistrate at any Settlement dependent on this Territory, are hereby required and directed to take the most efficient measures for those Vessels being sent to this Port, whether it be by taking possession of them or otherways ; Until it is known whether War did actually exist in Europe on the 26th of last September ; In order that proper measures may be taken therein. And it is further required, that the Persons who are or may be in charge of those Vessels do
not in any manner degrade the Spanish Flag, but hoist it in its proper place, until it is known whether War did exist at the above period or not.
GOD SAVE THE KING!
By Command of His Excellency,
G. Blaxcell, Acting Sec.
Government House, Sydney. (Source: 626664)
- SHIP NEWS
1805 - Sunday, 3 March - His Majesty's ship Buffalo, and Lady Nelson armed tender, the latter having been refitted, are taking in Provisions, Stores, &c. for Port Dalrymple; for which place they are intended to sail the latter end of this week.
On Wednesday sailed the Alexander, Captain Rhodes, for England, to touch at Norfolk Island. The valuable cargo shipped
on board her by Mr. Lord for the British market consists of 14,000 seal skins, a small sample of kangaroo ditto, and 22 tons of fine elephant oil.
Same day sailed the Surprise for Newcastle.
The Raven sails this day or to-morrow for Bass's Straits.
*** At 9 this morning the signal was hoisted for a vessel in sight.
A London paper mentions that three large fishes lately stranded at Elpidio in the Adriatic sea, were caschelots of the cetaceous kind, who had strayed from the north sea into the Mediterranean. As no boat could approach them, they were killed by musket balls: the weight of these is computed at 14,000lb. each; and from every 100lb. of the flesh, 50lb. of oil was obtained. (Source: 626652)
|
