Historical Records of  New South Wales, Vol. V, King 1803, 1804, 1805. Edited by F. M. Bladen, Lansdowne Slattery & Company, Mona Vale, N.S.W.,1979. 482 - 483.

Lieutenant Menzies to Governor King, 5th November 1804.

King's Town, Newcastle, 5th November 1804

Sir,

Herewith I have the honor to enclose your Excellency the monthly returns by which you will perceive that there remains at full ration only one week's flour and spirits. I, therefore, on Saturday last reduced the proportion of flour from ten to six pounds, and by next Saturday, if a supply is not received, must reduce it to four.

One of the sawyers belonging to Underwood and Cable {Kable} has been severely beat by a party of natives up Paterson's River, whom they had very imprudently suffered to get possession of their arms; but I am happy to say he is in  a fair way of recovery.

I understand that Mr. Brown, whom I furnished with arms and ammunition for his protection, has likewise been attacked up the north branch.

From these circumstances I have thought it more prudent to furnish Miller's boats with cedar at the stipulated prices than allow them to procure it themselves

It now becomes absolutely necessary that two or three trusty men should be sent for the purpose of taking charge of our boats going for cedar, as I am necessarily obliged to put arms in their hands for their protection and your Excellency is well aware of the characters here

A well built stone wharf is nearly completed - length, one hundred and eighty six feet; breadth, thirteen feet, depth of water at high water, eight feet two inches, and at low water, two feet

I have etc. C.A.F.N. Menzies, Commd't, N.D't.