The first sight of land which
succeeds a long voyage is a proverbial delight -barren indeed must
that spot of earth appear which is not hailed with joy after six
months at sea! - and the entrance to the Derwent possesses
sufficient beauty to command admiration, and D'Entrecasteaux
channel, up which we sailed, is particularly picturesque.
It is a narrow passage now fallen
into disuse from the many accidents which occurred to vessels
approaching Hobarton by that channel. Storm Bay, a broad, safe, and
noble opening, is now alone frequented by ships arriving or
departing from that part of the colony; and a pretty little island
called the Iron Pot, on which a lighthouse is erected, stands
opposite D 'Entrecasteaux Channel in Storm Bay.
Proceeding up the River, skirted
by what then only presented a scene of wild and peaceful nature, we
soon arrived before the little struggling village of Hobarton. What
might have been the feelings of other passengers I do not remember,
but in my own disappointment certainly predominated. There were but
three objects which fixed my attention and stood out as landmarks
amid the little verandahed cottages around them.
These were Government House, a
large irregular-looking pile of buildings formed of wood and having
much the appearance of a large bungalow; St David's, or the English
Church of stone; and the Macquarie Hotel, a handsome brick building
consisting of three storeys - all standing in the principal street
of the town, Macquarie Street."
"We sailed... from Leith, coasting
the North of Scotland, touching for two days at Kirkwall, the
capital of the Orkneys. The CASTLE FORBES was then considered a fine
vessel; and was crowded with enterprising and intelligent Scotchmen
who were carrying their families from the crowded walks of old world
life to seek more elbow room in Australia.
We touched, as previously
mentioned, at Kirkwall; but a more sunny recollection belongs to our
next resting place - at Brava, one of the Verde Islands. We touched,
taking in water and fruit; and I still remember the delight and calm
Sunday morning, when we children woke up to see the high,
grand-looking mountains of the Verde Islands close to our bows....
the next break in our six months voyage was a call at the Cape."
