Port Jackson.'] 
TERRA AUSTRALIS. 
27T 
Government House, Sydney, July 10, 1803. 
1R, , ' • 
I inclose the report of the survey on the Porpoise, and am 
much concerned that the repairs and alterations of that ship will re- 
quire so much time to complete her fit for the service you have to 
execute. This being the case, I can see no other alternatives than 
the following : 
1. To wait the Porpoise being repaired and refitted. 
2. To purchase the Rolla, and fit her. 
3. To take the Lady Nelson and colonial schooner Francis. 
4. Wait for the Buffalo’s return from India, which will be 
about the next January ; or 
5. Return to England and solicit another ship to complete 
what you have so successfully begun. 
On the first point, you will be the best able to determine how 
far it would be advisable to wait so long a time for the Porpoise’s 
repairs, nor do I think they can be completed in a less time here. 
The builder and your carpenter report to me, that the Rolla 
cannot be put into the least convenient state to receive your estab- 
lishment, stores, and provisions, in less than six months It must 
also be considered that she grounded on the Brake, with $ full cargo; 
from which cause, some defects may appear to render her useless 
in a shorter period than you can finish your voyage. Added to which,, 
I do not consider myself justified in assuming the responsibility of 
giving £11,550. for little more than the hull, masts, and rigging of 
that ship ; nor will the master, as he informs me, take less. 
If you think the Lady Nelson and Francis schooner equal to 
execute what you have to finish, they are at your service. The latter 
being absent getting coals and cedar, I cannot say what state she 
may be in ; although she will require considerable repairs to make 
her fit for a long voyage. 
The Buffalo is now inspecting the islands to the eastward ot 
Java, to ascertain whether breeding stock can be procured among 
them. That service performed, she proceeds to Calcutta for a cargo 
of cows, and may be expected about January, when she may want 
1803. 
July. 
