Governor Philips describes Port Jackson, which is only about nine miles to the Northward of Botany Bay in South Wales, on the Coast of Holland, as one of the finest harbours in the world, in which 1000 sail of the line might ride in perfect security. Sydney cove, named so in honour of Lord Sydney, the Governor chose in preference, which is about hal a mile in length, and a quarter of a mile across at the entrance. Here was the finest spring water, and ships can anchor so close in short, that at a very small expence quays may be constructed, at which the largest vessels may constantly unload. His meeting with the natives here was friendly and uninterrupted. The appearance of the place was picturesque and pleasing, and it afforded an ample harvest for botanical acquisitions.


Citation: Glasgow Advertiser (Glasgow, United Kingdom), 18 December 1789, available at the Scissors and Paste Database, http://www.scissorsandpaste.net/47.