The Aberdeen Journal

Monday August 18, 1800

BOTANY BAY

Governor Hunter continues indefatigable in his exertions for the improvement of the settlement of Botany Bay. He is now building a large stone church at Sydney Cove, and a stone gaol, both of which have been destroyed by fire, as well as the school house. A conjecture having arose in Governor Hunter's mind that the land called Van Diemen's land was not a part of New Holland, but that it was probably a group of islands separated from its south extremity by a strait, and being desirous of ascertaining the fact, he fitted out a two decked boat of 15 tons burden, built at Norfolk Island, and sent her to the southward under the directions of the Second lieutenant and surgeon of the Reliance man of war. They passed thro' a wide and extensive strait, and completely circumnavigated Van Diemen's land, entered two rivers in it, and went up many miles with their little sloop. The south extremity of this country lies in latitude 39,00. exactly; and the strait is, in some places, more than a degree and a half wide, but studded with a few scattered steep islands. A chart of this discovery is preparing to be went home. Besides the discovery of excellent coal in many places in the interior, between 60 and 70 miles from Sydney in the S.W. quarter, was lately made. (Extract of a letter from Sydney Cove, Botany Bay Dec. 19 1799)