In South Australia Light continues his exploration of the coast, although he is beginning to doubt the existence of the harbour Jones described. For the record he copies Jones’ description into his journal, which allows us to be fairly certain that the anchorage in question is Port Adelaide, but clearly this was not obvious to […]
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Week 36 – the Africaine approaches
In South Australia It is a slow week for Colonel Light and his surveyors. On 23 October deputy surveyor George Kingston finally arrives at Rapid Bay, after some weeks on Kangaroo Island. It is not clear why he delayed there so long, but his arrival means that Light can divide his forces to cover a […]
Week 37 – taxing ‘ardent spirits’
In South Australia With his full complement of surveyors at last, Colonel Light can now divide them into two groups to cover a greater area of the coast. He sends the largest group under George Kingston to Holdfast Bay, with the second group under Finniss remaining at Rapid Bay. Light intends to inspect Port Lincoln, […]
Week 39 – settling in at Holdfast Bay
In South Australia Colonel Light is busy making arrangements to secure food and means of transport for the new settlement at Holdfast Bay. He contracts with Captain Duff of the Africaine to buy sheep, oxen and carts in Hobart and writes a long letter of explanation to the Commissioners in London to justify his purchases. […]
Week 40 – Finally! The harbour is found
In South Australia Colonel Light is a relieved man. He has identified the harbour that will become Port Adelaide and is excited by what he sees. ‘[O]ne of the finest little harbours I ever saw is now fairly known’ he writes, adding that it is ‘more extensive, safe and beautiful, than we could even have […]
Week 41 – Fire!
In South Australia Colonel Light is under increasing pressure to identify the site for the capital and begin his detailed land surveys. He is acutely aware of the impatience of the emigrants camped at Holdfast Bay and knows that they will soon be joined by hundreds more from the Buffalo. But he has been instructed […]
Week 42 – the scourge of scurvy
In South Australia By 4 December Colonel Light has managed to sail to Port Lincoln. His next challenge is to manoeuvre into the harbour, which he finally manages after a ‘great deal of trouble’. There he meets up with the Cygnet and with Captain Lipson, who has been waiting on the arrival of Governor Hindmarsh. […]
Week 43 – settling on Holdfast Bay
In South Australia Colonel Light is preparing to leave Port Lincoln to return to Gulf St Vincent after satisfying himself that southern Eyre Peninsula is no place for the initial settlement. Once again he battles unsettled weather and strong contrary winds. Luckily he decides to anchor overnight just off Thistle Island, because the morning reveals […]
Week 44 – ‘excellent eating’: kelp, parrots and a new oven
In South Australia On 18 December Colonel Light sails the Rapid into the harbour on the Port River with the Tam O’Shanter close behind. It is an emotional moment for Light. In his mind’s eye he can see this harbour, ‘in a creek that had never before borne the construction of a marine architect’, as it might […]
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