Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/331

to indicate the intended settlements to the commander of that ship."

Minute sailing directions were given to Robbins. The shelter suitable in certain winds was pointed out, as well as the harbours in which the Cumberland was to be anchored while surveying parties were on shore. Robbins was charged with despatches to the French commodore, whom King wished him to find. Grimes was separately instructed, and a gardener named Fleming, a convict, was sent to make collections and sow seeds.

All were to keep journals, which were to be handed over to the Government at the close of the voyage. Robbins was provided with Murray's and Flinders' surveys at Port Phillip, and was ordered to "proceed to the most minute investigation of that spacious harbour, the unsurveyed part of which you will determine as well as possible, noticing the depth of water and shoals throughout, particularly the parts that have not been sounded or surveyed by the above officers." Particular attention was to be paid to the face of the country, whether

"hilly, plain, or swampy; the nature and depth of the soil; the apparent quantities of ground which are capable of cultivation or grazing to advantage; also fresh water in streams, springs, ponds, or lagoons; the quantity, quality, and size of the timber; the best situations for settlements with a view to commercial advantages, access of vessels, and defence; . . . also where settlers can be advantageously placed."

Robbins was to consult with the Surveyor-General and others.

To Baudin, King wrote (23rd Nov., 1802):

"You will be surprised to see a vessel so soon after you. You knew my intention to send southward to fix on a place for a settlement, but this has been hastened by a report communicated to me soon after your departure—that the French intended to settle in Storm Bay Passage, . . . and that it was recommended by you to the Republic, as a proof of which a chart pointing out the situation was, as Colonel Paterson informs me, given him a short time before you sailed by a gentleman in your ship. You will easily imagine that if any information of that kind had reached me before your departure I should have requested an explanation. But as I knew nothing of it, and at present totally disbelieve in anything of the kind being even thought of, I consider it but proper to give you this information. In case the Cumberland should fall in with your ships, the commander of that vessel has my directions to communicate to you the orders he is under. Myself and family join in the kindest good wishes for your health, and will long remember the pleasure we enjoyed in your society. We request you will offer our good wishes to Captain Hamelin and all your officers."