Revised Jun 22 2021
Sunday, June 8th. Cloudy weather; close in with Norfolk Island; very much disappointed in its appearance from the present point of view, which is directly off the settlement, and presents a succession of hillocks and shallow ravines covered with short brown grass, but scarcely a tree to be seen. No doubt other parts of the island have a better appearance, but this side certainly loses in the comparison with our 'Rock of the West.' At eight o'clock the anchor was let go, and preparations made for landing. The Herald's boats also came to assist in landing the community. At ten A.M. left with my family and some others in the ship's life boat, but it blew fresh, and we were nearly two hours getting on shore, the wind being off the land; during our passage several squalls of rain occurred, and the boat leaking badly, we were thoroughly drenched, the women and children presenting a most forlorn appearance. The landing was riot bad; and we had no difficulty in crossing the reef, and running alongside the pier, steered by one of our own people. We were kindly received by Captain Denham, of the Herald, and Mr. Stewart, the gentleman in charge of the government establishment. Mrs. Stewart was also there, notwithstanding the rain, and conducted the females as they landed to the house prepared for their reception, where a large fire was made and hot tea ready; and greatly they needed these kind attentions, for they were so cramped by the rain and the cold, that on landing many of them found it difficult at first to walk. However, a cup of tea and a warm at the fire soon recovered them. Being conducted by Mr. Stewart to his residence, I deposited my wife there and then returned to the pier.
By one o'clock all our people were landed, without any accident occurring; and the weather clearing up, the boats returned for our bedding. During the whole time of our debarcation Captain Denham remained on the pier, notwithstanding the heavy rain, and welcomed our people as they landed to their new home, and evinced the greatest anxiety for their comfort.