to find that Blackhead proved to be an island, with a good passage, at least a mile and a half wide, between it and the main.  There appears excellent anchorage and shelter under it, and indeed it seems a far better and more convenient roadstead than Port Stephens, being safe from all winds, with a passage either from north or south.  The relative positions of the points and islands on this part of the coast, by no means correspond with, nor does the longitude of Port Stephens agree with that assigned to Sugarloaf Point by Captain Flinders, who commenced at that point; Port Stephens, and this part, of the coast, being laid down from other authorities.  From this point, the north head of Port Stephens bore N. 199.; Sugarloaf Point N. 45.  E; and several other bearings were taken for a sketch of the channel between Blackhead Island, and the main.

November 1.—­We departed early in the morning, and at three O’clock arrived at Port Stephens.  The natives had assembled in considerable numbers at the back of the beach, and being armed, we suspected their intention to be, to throw at us from the bank and brush as we passed.  On the advance of four men who were sent to clear the bank of them, they quickly retired, and did not show themselves again until we had passed.  They appeared to be as cowardly as treacherous:  and I am convinced, that all the mischief they do, arises from a misplaced confidence in their seeming friendly dispositions.  A single person of his guard is sure to fall a sacrifice to their thirst for plunder.  As we were unable to pass this port without the assistance of a large boat, it was determined that Mr. Evans and three men should cross the port in our own boat and proceed to Newcastle, from which settlement we were distant about thirty-six miles; and procure such aid as the commandant could afford us, together with a supply of provisions, our own being nearly exhausted.

November 5.—­Mr. Evans and party set forward at day-light on Monday morning, and arrived the same evening at Newcastle.  The commandant, Captain Wallis of the 46th regiment, lost not a moment in dispatching a large boat with an abundance of every comfort that could be acceptable to travellers in our situation.  We had also the satisfaction to learn generally the welfare of our friends in Sydney.

APPENDIX

PART I.

No.  I.

By His Excellency, Lachlan Macquarie, Esq., Captain General, and Governor in Chief of the Territory of New South Wales, and its dependencies, etc. etc.

Instructions for join Oxley, Esq., Surveyor general of lands.

Sir,