Ralph Clark - Journal kept on the Friendship during a voyage to Botany Bay and Norfolk Island; and on the Gorgon returning to England, 9 March 1787 - 31 December 1787, 1 January 1788 - 10 March 1788, 15 February 1790 - 2 January 1791, 25 January 1791 - 17 June 1792.

[Page 6] (24-27 December 1790)

Decr 1790 Friday 24th Squally wind west it Raind very hard in the night not much Surf on the Reef Sent the Boat out for Gannets and a fishing She Returnd about ½ after Eight with only 4 Snappers there was too much Surf Round Nepean Island for the Boat to Land with Safety for to get Birds and it Blowd too hard for them to fish after Breakfast Majr. Ross, John and Self walked out to Charlotte Field to See what progress I have made Since his last being there he told me that he is very much pleasd with what I have done in the manner I have planed and Built the Houses.

Saterday 25th Fine weather but blows fresh from the Southward and a great Sea Rolling into the Bay which will make a great Surf on the Reef on which there is a great dele at present this being Christmas day I wish a merry merry Christmas to all the world the most poorest person in England will be better off this day than any of use here for the[y] will be able to get Small bier with their dinner to drink if nothing better and there is not any of use will have anything better but cool water this will be a dry Christmas doe good Gorgon come and take use away from this place.

Sunday 26th Fine weather little wind but a great Surf on the Reef I wish to god the Gorgon would arrive every day is an age I am affraid Some Accidenthas happend to her Touso who left his work on the 20 Inst at Charlotte for my telling him that I would flog him for being impertinent to Mr. Dodge gave himself up last night to Mr. Hume at Cascade from whence he was brought last night and put in Irons.

Munday 27th Fine weather Blows fresh in the offening wind a Southing by west a good dele of Surf on the Reef walked out to Charlotte Field at day break Staid untill Sun Set Majr. Ross Sent out Touso to be Punished which he was and Received 100 Lashes and to work in Irons on the Road untill further orders