The northern point of land, which I have call’d “Colliers’ Point,” is composed of two stratas in sight and one which is bare at low water mark only. This is by much the best coal, which you will see by the specimen I desired might be kept apart from the other, which is the middle strata, about 16in. deep; that below is 22 in; the distance between them is about 20ft.

The upper strata is too near the surface to be worth working. Upon the island, which I have named “Coal Island”, the stratas are the same as on the mainland. The bed of coal at low water mark is rather better than at Collier’s Point, and might be got very quick, as the anchoring place is close to the coal; but, if the coal work is to be permanent, I should sujest the mines to be on the main which might be sunk with very little trouble, and I have no doubt but that in a very short time Government would find their advantage in it. ...............................Plat, the collier, and his party have done wonders in getting the coals for the schooner so soon. I shall keep them going on, and get the coals laid in a situation where the tide cannot reach them. If they are to continue here they will want more picks and baskets

Historical Records of New South Wales. Vol IV. Hunter and King. 1800, 1801, 1802. Edited by F. M. Bladen. p. 414 - 415., Lieutenant-Colonel Paterson to Governor King (King Papers) 25 June 1801