Account of 
20 • 
before alluded to, near the Gates, a melancholy accident 
occurred a few years since. The brave man, Mr. Cole, 
who lately repulsed the bushrangers on Bruno Island, 
held the situation of master shipwright previous to Mr. 
Hoy. He proceeded with some of the other officers to the 
heads, accompanied by his son, a fine little boy of nine 
years of age. The weather was cold, and the child, 
wrapped up in a heavy coat, was laid in the bottom of 
the boat. Near the Gates, by some mismanagement, 
the boat upset. Every body was saved except the poor 
little boy: he was not missed at first,—but, alas! the 
parent was no more to behold the features of his child, 
whose body was never found. 
As you proceed up the harbour, you perceive on your 
right Wellington Head, a hill near the base of which 
vessels outward bound, and detained by contrary winds, 
in general cast their anchor: it was from this spot that 
the Frederick was taken. 
On Wellington Head there is a staff, which, if 
brought into line with another staff on the island at 
the Gates, points out the passage over the bar. Further 
on the right are Round Head and Table Hill, whilst on 
the left appears a spacious sheet of water, called Swan 
Bay, from the large flocks of that bird which constantly 
occupy it. The water, being shallow, is studded with 
innumerable islets and tussocks, upon which the swans 
lay their eggs. Some of the officers used to make great 
havoc amongst these birds, until the Commandant, fearful 
lest they might be driven away altogether, forbade the 
shooting except on special occasions. 
Into Swan Bay, King’s River disembogues itself. The 
banks of King’s River abound with Iluon pine, and, no 
doubt, will offer the most advantageous prospect to the 
timber searchers, since its woods were never touched 
whilst the settlement existed. 
