'Remarks extracted from the hydrographical journal of H. M. Ships on the Australian [i.e. Australia] Station', ca. 1850-1875

MLMSS 8346

fonds

ca. 1850-1875

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Drawings

966919

0.05 metres of textual material and 2 drawings (1 volume in box)

The Australia Station (known as the Australian Station prior to 1859) was the British - and later Australian - naval command responsible for the waters around the Australian continent and the sea defence of Australia.

This journal includes transcribed extracts from the journals of HMS Conway, HMS Favourite, HMS Hazard and HMS Cygnet. The extracts are from logs which no longer appear to exist. The original entries were written between 1837 and 1849, discussing various locations visited including Australian ports and localities as well as the state of affairs in the Polynesian islands, Melanesia, a battle with Maoris at Kororareka in 1845, and coastal areas in West Africa such as Angola and Liberia.

The extracts are as follows:

Latitudes and longitudes determined by HMS Conway, p. 13
The following remarks are from Capt Betham of Conway, 1837, p. 15-29
HMS Favorite..., p. 31-48
The following few remarks are taken from Sir E. Home's trip round the islands in 1844, p. 49-52
A sketch of a three years cruize in HMS Hazard, p. 55-113
A few remarks made while employed in HMS Cygnet for the suppression of the slave trade between Logito and Port Alexander [Angola] ... by David Robertson, Commander HMS Cygnet, p. 117-153

Includes a page of genealogical notes about the Macdonalds of Kinloch Moidart, which is attributed to Eleanor Robertson-Macdonald according to a note at the bottom right of the page, signed by 'SMRM'.

The journal also contains two sketches entitled Kororareka, 1849, with 'June 1st 1875' inscribed in pencil on reverse. Also included is a description of Cape Palliser and Queen Charlotte Sound in New Zealand signed D. Robertson as well as a printed item entitled "The lyrics of a new operettea The Eternal Waltz...' by Leo Fall.

Research & study copies allowed: Author has been dead for more than 50 years
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

The journal contents suggest possible Robertson family provenance.