[The Logbooks of the Lady Nelson by Ida Lee]@TWC D-Link bookThe Logbooks of the Lady Nelson CHAPTER 3 23/26
Having occasion to despatch my first mate in a boat to Colonel Paterson I took that opportunity of sending off my New Hollander with directions that he should be landed on the precise spot from whence he was taken...When the first mate was returning he was surprised to find his passenger of the day before on the banks, who begged to be permitted to return to the vessel with him; he had a young lad with him whom he desired might accompany him and they were both brought on board.
This lad made me understand that he wished to have a mogo and I soon found that I could not make a more acceptable present to a native... "On the 19th we were rejoined by Colonel Paterson with the whole of his party.
The Colonel had explored a branch of the river on the banks of which he found a species of flax growing which he thought was valuable. He had collected specimens of many rare and uncommon plants particularly some varieties of fern, but unfortunately was deprived of the fruits of his industry.
His servant had made use of the bundle of plants as a pillow and having placed it too near the fire it was soon in a blaze, and he was awaked only in time to save his face from being scorched... "We were now growing short of provisions and no vessel arriving from Sydney we set about making preparations for our return thither.
There was now a small establishment made for the colliers.* (* At Collier's Point.) I had built them a convenient hut to shelter them.
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