Volltext Seite (XML)
53 “ Early in the year 1835, the writer of these pages had arranged in his own mind a plan of colonization for Port Phillip, and to enable him to make good his scheme, five residents of Launceston were taken into his confidence. What strange events are brought about by small means, and from what a mixed society of honorable men, was this project carried into operation. The colonizers were six in number ; one ex-editor of the “ Launceston Advertiser,” G. P. F., one architect and builder, two cabinet makers and builders, one plasterer, and one captain in the merchant service. The most of them possessing at least a fair average share of common sense, and no little activity. Each of them brought with them some capital, in cash or stock, and a vast amount of the very best of capital, that without which no new colony can get on well, viz,, hands used to work, and minds resolved to labor. J. P. Fawkner, in order to insure the necessary means of transit to and from Port Phillip and Launceston, bought of Mr. John Anderson Brown, the schooner “ Enterprise,” of about 55 tons burthen ? but Mr. B.’s agent had employed that vessel, which had been sent to fetch coals from Newcastle, in the regular coal trade between Sydney and the coal mines of Newcastle, and thus the settlement of Port Phillip was retarded some weeks.” “ On the 13th of July, 1835, the schooner “ Enterprise” returned from Sydney, and on the 18th was duly delivered to J. P. Fawkner, On the 21st she was dispatched from Launceston with the pioneers to form a new colony in New South Wales. “ No time had been lost in procuring provisions, a good whale boat and its fittings, and all such things as J. P. Fawkner thought might be useful or required in a place which few vessels visited. He par ticularly furnished common coarse food and clothing, together with blankets and tomahawks, knives and handkerchiefs suitable for the aborigines, which were afterwards found very useful. Horses and ploughs, grain to sow, garden seeds and plants, and a very large and varied assortment of fruit trees, 2,500 in number, were shipped on board, and a stock of provisions to last some months, part of the ma terials for a house, and most of the comforts required in civilized life. “ On the 27th, the “ Enterprise” put to sea from George Town, the port of clearance, having on board Messrs. Wm. Jackson, Geo. Evans, Robert Hay Moor, Captain John Lancey, and John Pascoe Fawkner, Mr. G. Evans took over one servant, and J. P. Fawkner put on board
