Settlement 1804 (North)

The settlement of the northern portion of Van Diemens Land at Port Dalrymple, was originally planned for June / July of 1804.

The armed colonial cutter, Integrity, 56 tons, was at once fitted for sea, and a small private vessel of 25 tons, called the Contest, was chartered to assist. The two ships were to take 20 convicts and a force of 34 soldiers, in all, 56 persons. 1

On Friday sailed His Majesty's Colonial cutter Integrity, commanded by Lieutenant JOHN HOUSTOUN of the Royal Navy, With His Honor Lieutenant Governor PATERSON, Captain KEMP, Mr. SAVAGE, Assistant Surgeon, and a part of the Military detachment, for Port Dalrymple. At ten in the forenoon His Honor the Lieutenant Governor embarked from Government Wharf, and was accompanied on board by Mrs. PATERSON and several other Ladies, and by Major JOHNSTON, and several other Officers Civil and Military. As soon as the company were seated in the pinnace, the whole of the New South Wales Corps assembled in uniform to pay the duties of respect to the revered commander, began to cheer, and were joined by the populace, who were equally desirous of evincing their esteem. En passant he was saluted from the battery ; and the most animated acclamation issued from the shore until the boat reached the vessel, which weighed soon after, and at twelve o'clock cleared the Head.

Yesterday morning the Contest went out of the Cove, immediately to follow the Integrity, with the remainder of the detachment, and such provisions, stores, &c. as were not put on board the latter. At two in the afternoon she weighed, and between the hours of four and five got clear out. 2

After encountering winter gales at the entrance to Bass Strait, the Integrity was forced to return to Port Jackson, arriving on 21 June. The Contest, after beating about for a month, suffered the same fate. It was not until October of 1804, spring time, that another attempt was made to found the new settlement.

By the end of September, H.M.S. Buffalo was fitted and ready for sea. The armed tender, Lady Nelson and the Colonial schooners Francis and Integrity were to accompany her, and assist in conveying the people and stores to the new colony.

Lieut-Colonel Paterson with a Captain, Two Subalterns & Sixty six Non Commissioned Officers & Privates with an Assistant Surgeon & Mr. Alex. Riley (appointed to act as Storekeeper) will hold themselves in readiness to embark onboard His Majesty's named Vessels Buffalo, Lady Nelson & such Colonial Vessels as can be spared, about the second week in September to proceed to Port Dalrymple in Bass's Straits. 3

On Wednesday, 3 October, the troops were embarked ... On Sunday 14 October, The Lieut-Governor and a number of ladies and officers accompanied him on board the Buffalo ... On 4 November, the Buffalo made the entrance of Port Dalrymple ... on the 11 November, possession was formally taken by hoisting H.M. colours ... 4

• 1WALKER, James Backhouse - The Discovery and Occupation of Port Dalrymple - Utas ePrints
• 2SHIP NEWS - The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842) 10 June 1804: p3
• 3NSW Colonial Secretary's records - 10 Sept 1804 - Reel 6037; SZ992; p. 101
• 4WALKER, James Backhouse - The Discovery and Occupation of Port Dalrymple - Utas ePrints