East Coast, Sf V. D 's Land.-] INTRODUCTION. xcvii 
M r C. Grimes, land surveyor of the colony, and by captain Preliminary 
W. R. Broughton of H. M. ship Providence ; but the intermediate Info * matl0Iil 
portions of coast, both to the north and south, were little further 
known than from captain Cook's general chart ; and none of the 
more distant openings, marked but not explored by that celebrated 
navigator, had been seen. 
In Mr. George Bass, surgeon of the Reliance, I had the happiness 
to find a man whose ardour for discovery was not to be repressed by 
any obstacles, nor deterred by danger ; and with this friend a deter- 
mination was formed of completing the examination of the east coast 
of New South Wales, by all such opportunities as the duty of the 
ship, and procurable means, could admit. 
Projects of this nature, when originating in the minds of young 
men, are usually termed romantic ; and so far from any good being 
anticipated, even prudence and friendship join in discouraging, if not in 
opposing them. Thus it was in the present case ; so that a little boat Bass and 
of eight feet long, called Tom Thumb, with a crew composed of our- 1795. 
selves and a boy, was the best equipment to be procured for the first 
outset. In the month following the arrival of the ships, we proceeded 
round in this boat, to Botany Bay ; and ascending George's River, 
one of two which falls into the bay, explored its winding course 
about twenty miles beyond where governor Hunter's survey had 
been carried. 
The sketch made of this river and presented to the governor, with 
the favourable report of the land on its borders, induced His Excel- 
lency to examine them himself shortly afterward ; and was followed 
by establishing there a new branch of the colony, under the name of 
Banks' Town. 
A voyage to Norfolk Island interrupted our further proceedings, 1796. 
until March 1796. Mr. Bass and myself then went again in Tom 
Thumb, to explore a large river, said to fall into the sea some miles 
to the south of Botany Bay, and of which there was no indication in 
captain Cook's chart. 
yoL. 1. O 
