NEW SOUTH WALES. 169 



The morning of the 30th was beautiful, and the scene that broke 

 upon us was totally unlike any we had hitherto witnessed during our 

 voyage. In particular, the strong resemblance of all that we saw to 

 our own homes, and the identity of language, gave us indescribable 

 feelings of pleasure. 



Our consul, J. W. Williams, Esq., came early on board to wel- 

 come us. He communicated the information that the Relief had 

 arrived safely, and landed all our stores, which were ready for us and 

 close at hand ; after which, and about ten days before our arrival, she 

 had sailed for the United States. 



Our arrival was duly announced by an officer, and through him I 

 was informed that the governor, Sir George Gipps, would be happy 

 to receive me at eleven o'clock. In compliance with this intimation, 

 I had the honour of waiting upon his excellency at that hour, in 

 company with Captain Hudson, and our consul. I made my apolo- 

 gies for having entered the harbour in so unceremonious a manner, 

 and stated the reasons why I could not tender the customary salutes. 



The reception I met with was truly kind ; every assistance which 

 lay in his power was cordially offered ; and I was assured that I had 

 only to make my wants known to have them supplied. The use of 

 Fort Macquarie was immediately granted me for an observatory, a 

 position which, being within hail of my ship, gave me great facilities 

 for conducting my experiments, and at the same time superintending 

 my other duties. 



Fort Macquarie is situated on Bennilong's Point, which forms the 

 eastern side of Sydney Cove; it covers about half an acre of ground, 

 and is twenty feet above high-water mark; it has a few guns mounted, 

 but thev are in no condition for service.* 



A few days before our arrival, it had been debated in council, 

 whether more effectual means of fortification were not necessary for 

 the harbour. The idea of this being wanted was ridiculed by the 

 majority; but the entrance of our ships by night seems to have 

 changed this opinion. Had war existed, we might, after firing the 

 shipping, and reducing a great part of the town to ashes, have 

 effected a retreat before daybreak, in perfect safety. f 



I may in this place acknowledge the open-hearted welcome we met 

 with from all the government officers, military and civil, as well as 



* I understand that since our visit to Sydney, Fort Macquarie has been demolished, 

 "f Since our visit, however, several new fortifications have been erected. 



vol. ii. 43 



