Bramble, 1822
Type: Survey vessel, Cutter whilst at Falmouth, Schooner ; Armament 4, as a survey vessel - late 10
Completed : 8 Apr 1822 ; Disposal date or year : 1876
Disposal Details : Sold as lightship
BM: 165 tons
Notes:

19 Aug 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise and departed later the same day..

15 Aug 1824 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

22 Aug 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

29 Aug 1824 Lt Faville, arrived Falmouth from Plymouth.

30 Aug 1824 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

2 Sep 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

2 Sep 1824 Lt Faville, arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

7 Sep 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

10 Sep 1824 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

24 Sep 1824 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

19 Sep 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

15 Oct 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

1 Nov 1824 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

4 Nov 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

31 Oct 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

25 Nov 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

26 Dec 1824 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

27 Dec 1824 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

10 Jan 1825 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

27 Jan 1825 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

9 Feb 1825 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

14 Feb 1825 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

3 Mar 1825 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

9 Mar 1825 departed Falmouth on a cruise.

10 May 1825 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

15 May 1825 departed Falmouth for Lisbon and the Brazils.

29 Dec 1825 remains Plymouth.

2 May 1826 arrived Falmouth from a cruise and departed on the morrow

4 Aug 1926 arrived Falmouth from a cruise.

21 Sep 1826 detained the trawler Pheasant, Tucker, for having smuggled spirits onboard, but was released having trawled the spirits up accidentally off Rame Head, and reported same to the Bramble ?

28 Sep 1826 departed Devonport on a cruise.

23 Oct 1826 departed Devonport for Falmouth.

31 Jan 1828 at the Island, Plymouth.

11 July 1828 in the Tagus with a large number of refugees on board.

12 Jul 1829 arrived Plymouth from Portsmouth.

24 Jul 1829 arrived Falmouth from Plymouth and departed for Lisbon.

19 Aug 1829 arrived Plymouth from Lisbon, having landed her mail at Falmouth earlier that day.

17 Oct 1829 arrived Lisbon.

5 Nov 1829 departed Plymouth for Portsmouth with Royal Marines from the Andromeda, now paying off.

11 Nov 1829 arrived Portsmouth.

16 Dec 1829 departed Plymouth for Falmouth.

20 Dec 1829 arrived Plymouth from Falmouth and returned.

2 Jan 1830 departed Falmouth with a mail for Lisbon.

10 Feb 1830 at the Island at Plymouth.

28 Mar 1830 departed Lisbon for Falmouth.

3 Apr 1830 arrived Falmouth with a mail from Lisbon.

28 Mar 1830 departed Lisbon for Falmouth.

4 Apr 1830 arrived Plymouth, from Lisbon via Falmouth.

7 Apr 1830 departed Plymouth for Portsmouth.

23 Apr 1830 departed Plymouth for the westward on a cruise, but returned the same evening due to the foul weather.

6 Aug 1830 departed Plymouth, Thursday, for Scilly, and returned today.

19 Nov 1830, arrived Plymouth ; Lt. Harvey in command.

4 Jan 1831 departed Plymouth for Portsmouth.

9 Jan 1831 arrived at Portsmouth from Plymouth; she returned on the following day, to be paid off at that port, Lieut. Haswell, in command.

11 Jan 1831 arrived Plymouth, from Portsmouth, and came into harbour on the following day to be paid off.

20 Jan 1832 arrived Spithead, from Plymouth.

10 Sep 1841 Plymouth, ordered to be brought forward as a tender surveying vessel for Torres Straits.

17 Sep 1841 has been docked and is being fitted out as a survey vessel

25 Sep 1841 has been commissioned at Plymouth, for surveying duties in Tomes Straits.

12 Nov 1841 Plymouth, was undocked and is expected to be commissioned shortly.

2 Dec 1841 detailed for duty as tender to the Fly for survey duties in the Torres Straits.

4 Dec 1841 Plymouth, has been commissioned.

16 Dec 1841 Plymouth, is expected to be ready to sail in early March, but is experiencing difficulties recruiting.

18 Jan 1842, the Bramble was commissioned at Plymouth by Mr. Charles B. Yule, Mate, and born on the books of the survey vessel Fly.

27 Jan 1842, one of the gigs is replaced by a whale boat, and the jolly boat by a 20 foot cutter.

9 Feb 1842, Assistant Surgeon Alexander M'Clutchie appointed to the Fly, for the Bramble.

14 Mar 1842, has departed for Falmouth.

24 Mar 1842 in Hamoaze.

28 Mar 1842 went out of harbour into Plymouth Sound and with the Fly her Ship's Company have been paid their advance of pay in preparation for leaving in company for the Torres Straits, etc., Australia, shortly.

6 Apr 1842 departed Falmouth for Australia.

11 Apr 1842 departed Falmouth.

18 Apr 1842 arrived Funchal, where the chronometers were rated, and then departed for Teneriffe.

3 May 1842 departed Teneriffe.

9 May 1842 stopped briefly at Porto Praya, St. Jago, Cape Verde Islands.

23 May 1842 stopped briefly at the island of Trinidad?, before departing for the Cape of Good Hope.

19 Jun 1842 arrived at Simon's Bay to refit and re-provision etc.

24 Jun 1842 was at the Cape of Good Hope.

14 Jul 1842 departed Simon's Bay for the Island of St. Paul's.

5 Aug 1842 arrived St. Paul's.

28 Aug 1842 arrived at Hobart Town, from the Cape of Good Hope.

6 Oct 1842 departed Hobart Town.

10 Oct 1842 departed Port Arthur for Sydney.

15 Oct 1842 arrived Sydney, having spoken to the Tamar, bound to Launceston, Sunday last. Now berthed at Farm Cove.

24 Oct 1842 the remains of the late Dr. Munro, assistant surgeon of HMS Favorite, were interred at the grave yard. The funeral was attended by the commanding officers of the Favorite, Fly, and Bramble.

19 Nov 1842 The Survey of Torres' Straits. The following are said to be the objects of the surveying expedition of the Fly and the Bramble, under the command of Capt. Blackwood : 1. The survey of the exterior or eastern edge of that vast chain of reefs which extends from Breaksea-spit to the shores of New Guinea. 2. The thorough examination of all the channels through the Barrier Chain with detached plans of those which offer a secure passage. 3. To devise some practical plan of marking the channels by beacons of wood, or stone, or iron, upon the outer islands or bays, to guide the navigator to a sure and certain landfall; the erection of which will have to be performed by colonial resources. 4. The examination of the several detached reefs and shoals which lie to the mouth of Torres' Straits, which, having been discovered and laid down by different authorities, assume a complicated appearance on the chart, are to be carefully explored and laid down, in order that the best channel may be selected for the safe navigation of the strait. 7. The complete survey of Endeavour Strait, with its tides and soundings. The south coast of New Guinea, the islands of Louissiade and New Caledonia, and the coast in the neighbourhood of Whitsunday Passage, in lat. 20� will also be visited in the course of the expedition. 23 Nov 1842 departed Sydney for Port Stephens.

11 Dec 1842 The Bramble left Port Stephens on Sunday morning at seven o'clock, and arrived off the Port Jackson Heads on Sunday night at twelve o'clock and came on to Sydney to pick up some men who had absconded at Port Stephens from the Fly. The Bramble did not come to an anchor, but put to sea again us soon as the deserters were put on board by the Water Police boat.

17 Dec 1842 departed Port Stephens.

21 Dec 1842 arrived Sandy Cape, where the survey work began.

7 Jan 1843 landed on First Bunker's Island, in the Capricorn Group.

9 Jan 1843 departed First Bunker's Island, and departed for the N.E. and passed by Northern Bunker's Island, and anchored between it and a nearby reef, where sharks were very numerous and attacked and bit the patent log when it was trailed overboard to take its measurements.

10-18 Jan 1843 continued surveying the Capricorn Group.

22-26 Jan 1843 departed the Capricorn Group to survey an area adjacent.

27 Jan 1843 viewed Swain's Reef, but weather not suitable for a survey, the sea making a clean sweep over the Reef. A gale blew up and several unpleasant days were spent off the Reef.

3 Feb 1843 parted company with the Bramble, whilst she traced the inside or lee boundary of the reef, and the Fly fan along the windward edge of the Reef, en route for Port Bowen.

14 Feb 1843 arrived off Port Bowen, where they remained the rest of the month, surveying the harbour and repairing the hawse-holes of the Fly, damaged when attempting to bring on board a snagged anchor.

28 Feb 1843 weighed and departed through the Percy Islands to West Hill, where a supply of water was discovered, the Bramble having been despatched on a similar search, found water in abundance north of Cape Hillsborough.

25 Mar 1843 anchored at Port Molle. The coxswain of the pinnace, Dowling, disappeared, and was assumed to have fallen / jumped overboard, having been ill for some time.

30 Mar 1843 anchored at Cape Upstart, to wait for the store ship with fresh provisions from Sydney, meanwhile carpenters crew hauled up the pinnace, in order to fit a false keep, raise her sides, and fit a shifting-deck to improve her sea keeping properties when surveying, and as usual, when the opportunity arose, the surveyors brought their equipment ashore to take their measurements and details of their magnetic observations etc.

23 Apr 1843 at Cape Upstart. Captain Blackwood reports that a considerable portion of the Barrier Reef had been surveyed, but the Fly received so much damage in weighing her anchor, from the strong under-tow setting through the openings in the reefs, that she was obliged to put into Port Bowen for repairs. At the same time Captain Blackwood and some of the officers went of to inspect the coastline for sources of fresh water, prospective ports, and rivers etc.

17 May 1843 departed Cape Upstart, for Rockingham Bay, with Bramble, and the upgraded pinnace, now know as Midge.

19 May 1843 arrived Rockingham Bay, anchoring near Gould Island, where there was an excellent supply of water ; the next fortnight was spent surveying. Relations with the natives started off very well, but a boat's crew was attacked whilst bringing in the seine net, and had to fire a fowling piece at one their attackers before they withdrew.

1 Jun 1843 proceeded north until the 4th, when they anchored off the mouth of the Endeavour River.

4 Jun 1843 the next 10 days were spent off the out edge of the Barrier Reef, between Lizard Island and Cape Melville.

25 Jun 1843 the Bramble having been detailed off to measure the meridian distance between the Barrier Reef and Cape Direction, which required a party to go ashore to take the necessary measurements, during which, when about to leave, things appearing to get unpleasant, when one of the natives threw a spear into the back of one of the accompanying seamen, by the name of Bayley, which resulted in his death 3 days later.

26 Jun 1843 on and off the northern end of the Barrier Reef. After an 8 month diet of salt provisions and no access to fresh provisions scurvy is now starting to take hold with 12 men on the sick list from the problem, 1 man almost incapable of walking, and a surgeon who had never even seen the disease before!

12 Jul 1843 continued survey and other activities in side and out side the Barrier Reef.

8 Aug 1843 the survey of the Barrier Reef, completed as far as the Murray Islands.

14 Aug 1843 departed the Torres Strait for Port Essington and Coupang, Timor, being rejoined by the Bramble and Midge, the latter being dismantled and loaded on board the Fly.

30 Sep 1843 arrived Swan River, and anchored in Gage's Roads.

29 Oct 1843 The Fly departed for Hobart Town, leaving the Bramble to complete her refit and attempt to recover deserters. On departing, undertook to take specie round to King George's Sound for the colonial government, but on entering the harbour got aground for 4 days, during which time a gale blew up, causing more damage before she could be got off, but subsequently arrived Hobart Town safely, but leaking and was hove down at Port Arthur to make temporary repairs, but had to go on the patent slip on her arrival at Sydney.

8 Jan 1844, departed Hobart Town for Sydney, arriving on the 13th.

14 Feb 1844, the Bramble is to undergo a refit in preparation for the preparatory survey of the Bass Strait starts, and the Prince George cutter, is to be fitted up as a tender to the Fly, during her next exploratory trip through Bass's Strait.

27 Mar 1844, departed Sydney, for Raines Islet, Torres Straits, via Port Stephens, Sandy Cape, passing through the Capricorn Group, the Percy and Northumberland Islands to Cape Upstart, for more water, and eventually started landing stores on Rsine's Islet on 27 May.

27 May,1844, a tented camp was built, and a quarry opened up near where the beacon was to be built. There being no suitable anchorage near the island, the Fly had to anchor 12 miles away, whilst the Bramble, Prince George and Midge fan back and forth bringing provisions, and since the lime had to be slaked large quantities of wood had to be found to burn the lime, water from the Sir Charles Hardy Islands, and timber and a water tank from the wreck of the Martha Ridgeway, found on reefs 25 miles to the south of the Fly's anchorage, the tank being used to catch the rainwater from the roof of the beacon. Cocoa nuts plants, along with maize etc were planted.

14-25 Sep 1844, the Bramble was employed surveying Endeavour Strait, whilst the other vessels survey the area around Raine's Islet, more water being found at Cape York.

21 Sep 1844, the Fly departed for Port Essington arriving there on 27th inst., and then after 5 or 6 days departed for Sourabaya, Java.

19 Oct 1844, arrived at Sourabaya with crew of "Lady Grey," lost on the coast of New Holland, and was shortly joined by the Bramble and Prince George.

14 Jan 1845, the Fly and Bramble departed Sourabaya for Port Essington and the Torres Strait, leaving the Prince George to complete her refit.

27 Jan 1845, arrived Port Essington.

10 Feb 1845, departed for Alass Strait, to the Torres Strait during the NW Monsoon.

10 Feb - 19 Apr 1845, surveyed the north eastern parts of the Torres Strait.

19 Apr 1845, the Bramble was sent to try to make her way along the eastern coast of Australia to Sydney, in which she succeeded, along with adding 120 miles of survey to the Barrier Reef, from Lizard Island, southward to lat. 16� 40'.

19 Apr-2 Jun 1845, the Fly and Prince George explored and surveyed the coast of New Guinea to the north and east of the Torres Strait. 18 Jun 1845, the Fly departed Port Essington, with the remainder of the passengers for Singapore. 25 Sep 1845, orders from the Admiralty ordering the Fly home awaited them, and the Bramble to continue the survey with a colonial vessel, the Castlereagh being purchased and fitted out for the purpose, under the command of Lieut. Aird (late Mate).

Sep 1845 To be retained on station to complete the survey of the Torres Strait in conjunction with the cutter "Prince George", hired from the Colonial government of NSW.

11 Oct 1845 ready for sea. Lt. Yule complains that "Lady Franklin" incorrectly flew the White ensign, - see below

15 Dec 1845 Farewell dinner for "Fly" at Sydney.

20 Dec 1845 following the departure of the Fly to England, Lt. Yule, in the Bramble, with the Castlereagh as her tender, under Mr. Aird, remains on station to carry on the survey of the outlaying reefs, and of the coast of New Guinea.

21 Dec 1845, the Bramble, with the Castlereagh, tender, depart Sydney, NSW, for Moreton Bay.

27 Dec 1845 off Port Macquarie last Monday

11 Dec 1846, Acting Assistant Surgeon A.R.R. Preston apptd Bramble.

31 Jan 1846, the Bramble and Castlereagh are lying in Moreton Bay, whilst a survey of the northern passage into the Bay is carried out using the ships' boats.

Late Feb 1846, the Bramble was observed off Endeavour River, en route for the Terres Straits.

30 Mar 1846, arrived off Cape York.

9 Apr 1846, having rated the chronometers departed for the coast of New Guinea.

10 Apr 1846, arrived off the Coast of New Guinea, but cruised along the coast until the 15th, the winds being light and variable. Following an attempt at landing and difficulties with the natives, and some loss of equipment, proceeded along the coast to connect up with the work of Captain Blackwood, before sailing for England in the Fly at the end of last year.

3 Jun 1846, departed the Coast of New Guinea for Port Essington and the surrounding area, remaining 2 months to refit and replenish provisions etc.

12 Jun 1846, Booby Island, having confirmed its position Lieut. Yule deposited a Notice to Mariners at the Mariner's Post Office, regarding a coral reef reported by Mr. McKenzie, former master of the Heroine, lost in Endeavour Strait on said reef, for onward transmission to gain maximum publicity.

13 Sep 1846, departed Port Essington, for Cape York, with a view to resuming the survey of the Coast of New Guinea, but having lost contact with the Castlereagh for 7 weeks, it was too late in the season to continue the survey, so decided to return to Sydney by Capt. King's route, which Lt Yule hoped would comply with his instructions to examine Port Curtis and other places on tho east coast, but again, due to the poor sailing qualities of the Castlereagh only advanced some 50 miles in a week, when she needed to anchor to make good damages, and it was therefore considered that at the present rate of progress the provisions wouldn't last until they arrived at Sydney, and as a result they returned via Swan River, and the western route, much to the chagrin of Lt. Yule.

7 Nov 1846, at Booby Island.

26 Nov 1846, Copang.

8 Jan 1847, the Bramble, with the Castlereagh, tender, arrived Swan River.

17 Jan 1847, the Bramble, with the Castlereagh, tender, departed Swan River for Sydney.

18 Feb 1847, arrived Port Arthur, with passenger Lieutenant W. A. G. Wright, R.M., from Port Essington.
1 Mar 1847, arrived Sydney, NSW. See below for report.

13 Mar 1847 Farm Cove, Sydney, refitting

Circa 6 May 1847, the local newspapers report that George Walsh, a runaway from HMS Bramble, was returned on board.

29 May 1847, some of crew of Bramble assist crew of "Bussorah Merchant", many weak with scurvy, to enter port.

22 Jun 1847, refitting at Sydney.

3 Jul 1847, departed for Gabo Island to take into custody 6 men who had arrived there, claiming to be shipwreck seamen, but who are suspected of being runaways from Van Diemen's Land.

10 Jul 1847, the ship's pinnace and another boat were used to convey the Bishop and other religious dignitaries to a meeting in Watson's Bay regarding the erection of a church at that place.

17 Jul 1847, returned to Sydney from Gabo Island with a Mr. T. J. Powell, 3 of the supposed shipwrecked seamen having left the island in a boat for Cape Howe, the other 3 having gone into the interior. The weather was stormy and the Bramble lost her jib-boom, top-sail yard, and one of her boats.
Thomas J. Powell, Inspector of Water Police wrote:
H.M.S: Bramble. 14 July. 1847.
Sir,� I have the honor to lay before you the following statement relative to the course pur- sued, and the information I received concerning the six runaway convicts who escaped from Van uiemen's Land in May last, and supposed to be on Gabo Island. On my landing on the said. island about 1230 p m., this day, accompanied by two officers, two marines, and a boat's crew belonging to H M.S. Bramble we proceeded. to the dwelling of Mr. Rogers where we saw Mr. Morris. I stated to him the purpose of our visit to the island, namely, that I had been sent by the Government of New South Wales to assist in the capture of six run away convicts from Van Diemen's Land. The following is the information I received from Mr. Rogers, the person in charge of the island :� That on the 13th ultimo, a boat with six men, who represented themselves as shipwrecked sea men, touched at the island, but did not land although advised to do so by Mr. Rogers. On the following day, the 14th, three of the men again came to the island, in a boat belonging to' a person named Robinson, who resides near Cape Howe, and agreed to remain and work for Mr. Morris the contractor. From the description given of the said three men, and other information which 1 received, I have not the slightest doubt but- they are the men named in the margin (Robert Callaghan, per Waterloo 2, 1831 ; Thomas Jack- son, per Strathisla, free, 1837; John Grounds, a native of Parramatta.) The other three men not again making their appearance, it is supposed that they made the best of their way to some of the stations in the interior. On the night of the last mentioned day, Messrs. Morris and Rogers, not believing the men's statement, thought it advis able to adopt some means to secure them on the island ; they accordingly called their workmen to gether for that purpose, but the whole of them refused to assist to secure the men. In consequence of which Mr. Morris wrote a letter to Mr. Brierly, the magistrate at Twofold Bay, slating the circumstances, and requesting assistance from that quarter, but received no answer. The letter was despatched on the 15th ultimo, and the next morning the three men left the island in the same boat they came in, and proceeded in the direction of Cape Howe; they have not since been seen. Mr. Morris further states that he wrote a second letter to Mr. Brierley on the 9th instant. I examined the whole of the workmen on the island, and found them to be all free men, and from my knowledge of Mr. Morris, I have every reason to believe the whole of his statement to be correct. ' I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Thomas J. Powell, Inspector of Water Police
To: Lieutenant C. B. Yule, Commanding H.M.S. Bramble.
31 Jul 1847 We understand H.M. schooner Bramble and her tender Castlereagh will be paid off on Monday next. The whole of the officers of these vessels, we believe, with the exception of Lieutenant Yule, in command of the Bramble, proceed to England. The schooners will be re-commissioned with other officers from the Rattlesnake.

28 Aug 1847 It is reported that Captain Stanley of the Rattlesnake will take the Brramble, on completion of her refit, to Twofold Bay for the purpose of deciding the optimum place for the custom house.

29 Aug 1847 Officers and 20 ratings return home in the merchant ship "Thomas Arbuthnot", Captain Thompson.

15 Sep 1847 From Sydney to Twofold Bay with Capt Stanley.

25 Sep 1847 Crew assist the "John Fleming," having gone ashore, in getting her off the shore.

25 Sep 1847 Bramble is reported to have completed the survey of Eden, Twofold Bay, and has gone on to Boyd Town.

30 Sep 1847 Returns from Twofold Bay and Gabo Island ; passenger Captain Stanley, who had wanted to inspect the works in progress for the new lighthouse on the Island.

11 Oct 1847 Departs Sydney on a Surveying Cruise

17 Oct 1847 Moreton Bay

Port Curtis

29 Nov 1847 Departs for Moreton Bay

1 Dec 1847 arrived Moreton Bay

16 Dec 1847 Surveying in Wide Bay. Assists crew of the Brig Mary, following the loss of their vessel in the Coral Sea. See below for details.

16 Jan 1848 Returned to Sydney from a surveying cruise.

2 Feb 1848 Surveying cruise

5 Feb 1848 Observed in Twofold Bay

14 Feb 1848 arrived Port Phillip

2 Mar 1848 Depart Port Phillip

9 Mar 1848 Arrive Sydney. See article of 11 Mar 1848 for brief details of trip.

11 Mar 1848 See article below for this date regarding the Asst Surgeon's passage from Hong Kong.

26 Apr 1848 departed from Sydney (Port Jackson) for Port Curtis, to complete the survey of that harbour.

Late May 1848. Surveying in Rockingham Bay with Rattlesnake.

28 Jun 1848 Fitz Roy Island. See below for this date.

7 Oct 1848 Still surveying. arrived Cape York, the vessels and boats together having accomplished 10,000 miles of soundings between the Palm Islands and Cape York, and the delination of the coast, islands and reefs. While waiting for supplies at Cape York, the immediate area was minutely surveyed upon a large scale.

27 Oct 1848 Reported to be at Port Albany prior to sailing for Sydney.

2 Nov 1848 departed for Sydney by the western route, touching at Port Essington en route.

21 Nov 1848 Checked reported uncharted hazards in Endeavour Strait, and then departed for Cape York.

29 Nov 1848 departed for Moreton Bay

20 Dec 1848 arrived Moreton Bay.

8 Jan 1849 departed from Moreton Bay, stopping off in the area of the Solitary Islands for 2 days to check their true position with regards to present charts. They were found to be 5 miles too far north.

15 Jan 1849 arrived Sydney - see below for brief report of cruise.

24 Mar 1849 Farm Cover, Sydney. Refitting.

25 May 1849 departed from Moreton Bay

1 Sep 1849 The brig Sir John Byng has been chartered by the Government to proceed to Cape York with stores for the Rattlesnake and Bramble and Port Essington, sailing on the 5th inst.

2 Mar 1850 arrived Sydney from a Surveying Cruise.

4 May 1850 Reported to be laid up in Farm Cove.

20 May 1850, departed Port Jackson with the 9 surviving Feejeeans, of the party of 21 who left the islands in July 1849.

28 May 1850 1 of the Feejeeans died. The vessel Lady Howden, Captain Chalk, from California to Sydney, went ashore on a coral reef off the Fijis. The Bramble is thought to be at an adjacent island, en route for the Navigators, and may collect the crew, all of whom are alive.

10 Jun 1850 arrived at Nukulaw, Feejee Isles, and landed 8 of the natives she took from Sydney. She then went on to visit Bews, Venua Letu, Ovalu, and La Rembe : all was quiet. On passage from Venua Letu to Ovalu she picked up the master and 2nd mate of the Lady Howden which was wrecked at Ongia Reef, Feejee Islands 22 May. The remainder of the crew came on board at Ovalu and La Rembe.

15 Jun 1850, anchored off Missionary Island.

17 Jun 1850, departed for Bua Bay, where everything appeared peaceful, and on the 21st for Nandi.

26 Jun 1850, departed for Viwa.

6 Jul 1850, departed for Lakemba.

24 Jul 1850 arrived Upolo, Navigator's Islands.

19 Aug 1850 arrived Sydney, from a cruise, with the Captain and crew of the brig, Lady Howden, and Mr Hibbs.

24 Aug 1850 Lieutenant Pollard, formerly of the Havannah now in command.

30 Nov 1850 In refit at Farm Cove.

22 Mar 1851 departed from Wellington for Port Victoria.

9 Apr 1851 departed from Wellington for Nelson.

9 Aug 1851 Refitting at Farm Cove

23 Aug 1851 To be commissioned as a tender to HMS Calliope under the command of Lieutenant Ward of that ship.

21 Sep 1851 departed for Lady Elliott's Island

20 Dec 1851 arrived at Auckland.

1 Jan 1852 Reported by the Moa to be at Auckland.

Jan 1852 Confirms that gold has been discovered at Whyeki, an island about 25 miles from Auckland.

17 Jan 1852 Arrives Auckland 20 Jan 1852

30 Apr 1852 Departed Hobart Town for Wellington.

31 May 1852 arrived Auckland from Wellington.

7 Jun 1852 Left Auckland.

27 Jun 1852 arrived Sydney.

1853 Lent as diving-bell vessel.

1860 Australia, Schooner

1870 Australia, Schooner

1876 Light Vessel

12 July 1845 HMS Fly, Capt Blackwood, & HMS Bramble, Lt Yule, after refitting at Sourabaya, left for Torres Strait 12 Jan 1845, leaving the Prince George, cutter, there to refit. After touching at Port Essington, the Fly proceeded through the Endeavour Strait direct for Cape York, having previously despatched the Bramble to supply Booby Island with a new post office chest for general public use, also with water and provisions for shipwrecked persons who might be so fortunate to reach the island.

On 14th February the Bramble rejoined the Fly at Cape York, from whence both vessels proceeded with the survey of the Torres Straits from Mount Adolphus north-easterly by Darnley Island, on to Murray Island, which being completed on 19 April, and the Prince George having joined in the interim, the Bramble was detached to resume the survey of the Great Barrier Reef at Lizard Island, and afterwards proceed to Sydney.

The Fly and the Prince George were then going to explore the coast of New Guinea, whence it is most probable Captain Blackwood would proceed west about to Sydney. The remains of provisions not permitting the Bramble to continue the survey of the Barrier further than Cape Grafton, she commenced her voyage to Sydney by the inner route, on 5th June.

On 10th June she arrived at Goold Island, wooded and watered, and departed again on the 12th and rounded the Breaksea Spit on the 28th. During the whole passage, with the exception of 4 days, the winds have been adverse. The Bramble touched at Raine's Islet on 28th April, when the beacon was in excellent condition.

15 November 1845 A White Ensign.- Captain Willet, of the Government barque Lady Franklin, has been suspended, upon the application of the Naval Officer commanding H.M. surveying schooner Bramble, for displaying a St. George's ensign at the mast-head of the Franklin. The fact was, it was displayed there by one of the mates, for the purpose of being aired. And when it is recollected that an ensign is never worn by any ship as her colours in any position but at the peak, when shown anywhere else being evidently as a signal or some other necessary purpose, it certainly seems extraordinary that any naval officer should wish to deprive the most ordinary merchantman of such a right. If this does not exist, all the white signal flags in Marryatt's code must be immediately done away with, for if displayed, the vessel showing them is at the mercy of any naval officer to be boarded, and the obnoxious flag carried away.-Hobart Town Colonial Times, October 21.

25 January 1845 The following is a copy of a certificate received by Captain Milne, from the Commander of HMS Bramble: "This is to certify to all those whom it may concern, that I was ordered by Captain Blackwood, commanding HMS Fly, to proceed to the relief of the brig Sir Archibald Campbell when wrecked on the Cockburn Reef. The principal portion of the said brig's cargo conducted themselves in a manner highly creditable to the character of British seamen. Their names area as follows:
Mr Robert Brown, 2nd mate
Thomas Marshall, carpenter
Joseph Miller, steward
Thomas Field, cook
George Bewley ; James Bryan ; Charles Hopkins ; Mernard Murphy ; William Thompson ; William Wellesley ; William Francis and
William Boss, able seamen
CHAS. B. YULE, Lieut. Commanding HMS Bramble, Bird Island, Torres Straits, 23 June 1844
[read the article itself for more information]

24 Oct 1846 M'Kenzie Shoal. -The following letter and notice is copied from the Mauricien of July 22 :- "Port Office, Port Louis, 21st July, 1846. Captain Thomson, of the schooner Munford has favoured me with the enclosed notice found in the Mariner's Post Office on Booby Island, which was deposited there by Lieutenant C. W. Yule, Commander of H.M. surveying vessel Bramble. I forward it to you for publication in your next number, should you feel disposed to insert it. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, Charles ROPER, Harbour Master. ` Notice.-H.M.S. Bramble, Booby Island, June 12th, 1846. Notwithstanding the very minute manner in which Endeavour Strait was sounded when surveyed by me in 1844. I have since heard of a shoal patch having been discovered by Mr. M'Kenzie, master of the late schooner Heroine. Nearly in mid-channel ; in consequence of his representation, I searched for it yesterday, and found a small coral rock does exist in the position mentioned by Mr. M'Kenzie. This rock, although surrounded by three and nine fathoms, has only three feet on it at low water. I have named it M'Kenzie Shoal. From it Peaked Hills bears (magt.) N. 62 � E. dist. 7� m. ; SW , Possession Island little woody, N. 18 � E. 3� m. : N.E, peak on Entrance Island. N. 33 � W 3� m. ; Cape Cornwall, S. 84 � W. 8� m. ; Barn Island. S. 2 � E. 4� m. As it is most important that this danger should be made known as speedily as possible. I beg to request that the above notice may be published by any person into whose hands it may fall. C. W. B. Yule, Lieutenant and Commander H.M.S. Bramble.' "

TORRES' STRAITS.
(From the Government Gazette.)

Colonial Secretary's Office,
Sydney, 6th March, 1847.

His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to direct that the following Extract from the Journal of Lieutenant C. B. Yule, R.N., commanding H.M.S. Bramble whilst recently employed in the Survey of Tomes' Straits, and of a portion of the coast of New Guinea, be published for general information.

By His Excellency's Command,
E. DEAS THOMSON.

Extract from the Journal of Lieut. C. B. Yule, com-manding H.M.S. Bramble.

I left Sydney on the 21st of December, 1845, in company with the Castlereagh, and proceeded to the northward, to resume the survey of New Guinea, but in consequence of adverse winds and the great delay caused by keeping company with the tender, I did not reach Cape York until the 30th of March. I anchored off Bramble Keys on the 4th of April, where I waited three days to rate chronometers. On the 9th we weighed, in company with the Castlereagh and shaped a course for New Guinea. On the 10th we had a view of the coast, which was generally flat, with mountains in the distance. In consequence of the winds being light and variable. we did not reach the position where I intended commencing my triangulations until the 15th of April. This delay, however, enabled me to reconnoitre the country, which greatly improved in appearance as we advanced to the eastward. The scenery at daybreak was generally grand, the distant lofty mountains being then visible. There was one, the most distant and highest, which was particularly conspicuous, from its peculiar peak, resembling a chimney. As the sun rose, however, we generally lost sight of them. At sunset of the 15th of April, we anchored close under a bluff cape, which I called Cape Possession, in latitude 8 � 34 '38 " south, longitude 146 � 27 ' east, on which I intended to land next day, to obtain astronomical observations for determining its position.

At daylight I again had a fine view of the range of mountains, and easily distinguished the most distant and lofty one, which had before excited my admiration by is grand appearance. I called it Mount Victoria, and found by approximate calculation that it was from nine thousand to ten thousand feet high. Between Mount Victoria and the shore were several ranges of mountains of inferior altitude, which, gave me reason to suppose that the lower intervening country was well watered and fertile.

At 5-4.5, A.M., we weighed with a light land breeze, and stood two miles on a south course, in order that I might take up a more favourable position to com-mence the survey ; we anchored at 7 A.M., abreast the southern extremity of the Promontory I have before mentioned, as a favourable position for commencing my triangulations. I directed by signal that the Castlereagh should keep under sail; soon after we anchored, Mr. Aird came on board, when I made known to him my intended plans for the survey: I also directed him to keep near the shore during the day, with the view of protecting or assisting our boats, if necessary, when communicating with the shore. At half-past 8, A.M., I left the Bramble in the first gig, accompanied by Mr. Wright, Master's Assistant; the crew, consisting of five seamen and one marine, all well armed. The second gig went with us in charge of Mr. Pollard, accompanied by Mr. Sweatman ; the crew consisting of five seamen and one marine, also well armed. Thus equipped, I considered we were a good match for any hostile encounter with the natives. In about three. quarters of an hour after leaving the Bramble we got close to the back of the surf, which was breaking hea-vily on a sandy beach, where I purposed landing; for some time I doubted the propriety of landing. but as I was very anxious to obtain my observations or latitude and meridian distance with the quicksilver horizon, and as this bay was shut in from the native villages, by which I hoped to escape the notice, of. the inhabitants, until we found a more convenient opportunity of forming their acquaintance, I determined on landing; the first gig was then anchored at the back of the surf, from which by a line I was veered through the surf in the second gig, accompanied by Mr. Sweatman, three seamen, and two marines. It was with great difficulty that we were enabled to land without wetting our instruments, arms, and ammunition, which we only kept dry by holding them over our heads; immediately after landing, I succeeded in getting, forenoon altitudes for meridian distance. I then hoisted a small representation of the Union Jack, and took possession of this country in the name of Her Majesty, from Bristow Island to as far in a south-eastern direction as I could distinguish and: chart the land; I called this Cape Possession in consequence. The sun's meridian passage fortunately just came within the limits of my quintant (by Cory) and having got a good set of circum-meridional altitudes, and a careful angle of elevation of the Bramble's main truck for base; I did not think it prudent to wait for afternoon altitudes for time, as the surf had greatly increased since I landed, and I thought it high time to embark. Accordingly I made signs for the second gig to be backed in as before, which was done with difficulty; owing to a strong current running a parallel course with the beach. The surf was breaking with too much violence to enable all to go off at one trip; I therefore had the chronometer, my quintant, artificial horizon, and some of the arms put into the boat, but before she got half way through the breakers, the boat shipped a heavy sea, at which time an oar broke (one of those infamously bad articles supplied to H. M. navy by Sunley) when the second gig broached too, and immediately filled, everything being washed out of her except the chronometer: and my quintant, which were safely landed without much injury, both being packed nearly water tight ; the artificial horizon, arms, and everything that would not float being lost. One man who could not swim held on to the boat, and was lost to our sight for a considerable time, when I feared be was drowned ; but a heavy sea at length drove him ashore in a very exhausted condition. The second gig's anchor having been let go at the back of the surf, she did not drive on the beach, I therefore entertained hopes that the first gig's crew would be able to get her out of the breakers and bale her out ; as I expected, every exertion was made, and the boat was, got outside the breakers in safety, but the great swell rolling in, utterly put it out of the peoples power to bale the boat out. At this time, I observed the Castlereagh about two miles beyond Cape Possession, under sail ; I therefore made signs for Mr. Wright in the first gig to tow the second gig towards the Castlereagh which I concluded would attract Mr. Aird's attention. In this I was not mistaken, as the Castlereagh was immediately anchored about one mile and a half off, her boats being immediately sent to the relief of ours. In the interim, I directed that everything which was washed on shore should be collected toge-ther, after which we all huddled close under a bush near the beach, whence we could see our boats, and be hid from the view of the natives as much as possible. The Castlereagh's boats having closed the Bramble's, the se-cond gig was soon baled out, when all four boats pulled up abreast of us outside the surf which had continued to increase. The Castlereagh at the same time weighed, which I confess alarmed me much, as I knew very few persons could have been left on board after she had despatched two boats' crews; I therefore concluded we were discovered by the natives beyond Cape Possession; I was in a few moments confirmed is my fears by see-ing Mr. Andrews prepare to push his boat through the surf; I waved him back, when he energetically pointed towards Cape Possession; I fully understood his sign (that natives were coming, but still waved him to be off, as I knew his gallant attempt to relieve us would fail, and that he and his boat's crew would be added to those already in distress on shore. He however, pushed through the surf, when, as I expected, his boat was upset, and all his arms, ammunition, &c., lost. At the same moment, we observed, crowds of natives coming round the point of Cape Possession session, armed with spears, clubs, and stone axes; our arms and ammunition, had been all lost or destroyed, our situation was therefore most defenceless, and I may say our retreat hopeless, the boats at the back of the surf being unable to afford us the least relief. I then thought it best to show no signs of fear or mistrust, but to make friends with the natives, and to amuse them until the tide should enable a boat to back through the surf. In the interim, Mr. Andrews, with his, four men, and assisted by some others, made three attempts to launch his boat, which failed, and she was ultimately dashed to-pieces. against the rocks. I advanced alone with playful gestures, waving a branch of green leaves in token of peace. One man poised a spear at me, but the others stared at me with more wonder depicted on their countenances than ferocity. I then offered them some bits of tobacco, which they would not approach near enough to take from my hands. This shyness unfortunately did, not continue long, for when the main body came up, amounting to eighty or ninety armed men, they became troublesome, and laid their hands on everything they could get hold of that was lying on the beach. To these robberies I attempted to put a stop, and made them some presents instead ; but the savages knew our hopeless condition, and became every moment more daring and rapacious ; and to add to our tribulation we observed two large canoes, each containing thirty or forty men, come round Possession Point, and hover between the Castlereagh and the boats, as if with the intention of cutting off the latter. The Castlereagh unfortunately could not take advantage of her guns, by firing grape or canister, as we were completely intermixed with the natives. At this critical stage. of our anxiety, the second gig, at all hazards, was veered through the surf, and to our great joy four or five men were drawn off in safety; a second attempt was made, and also succeeded. Then came the awful moment for us, who waited for the last trip, for only a few moments before I baulked a native, when taking a deliberate aim at one of our last men that embarked. The natives, now seeing our numbers decrease, laid hands on us in the most insolent manner. My quintant was first wrested from my coxswain, who, in's tone of grief; made known the circumstance : I immediately turned round and exclaimed, " Oh. don't part with, that;" but it was too late, and when I endeavoured to recover it, I found a club wielded over my head. In making my escape from this wretch I was secured. by four others, who first took the Government micrometer, which was slung round my neck ; I then endeavoured to struggle out of their clutches and escape with the pocket chronometer and note book ; but these, as well as every article of clothing I had about my body, were stripped off, when the second gig opportunely was again backed in ; and in this forlorn state Mr. Pollard two marines, and I, waded off, and were dragged into the boat. We then went on board the Castlereagh, which was at anchor about a mile from the shore ; the canoes slowly made off to the north-westward, after we had embarked. The boats having been hoisted up and secured, we got the anchor up, and proceeded out to the Bramble, and anchored close to her at 6.30 p.m. I immediately afterwards returned to the Bramble, truly thankful for our having escaped with our lives.

The loss of instruments grieved me exceedingly, particularly as the nature of the coast. rendered it next to impossible for us to effect a safe landing to attempt their recovery. From the accounts I had heard of the ferocity of the natives when the Fly had been surveying last year on this coast, I confess I fully expected death would be my fate in a few minutes, and thought on the similar position poor Captain Skyring was in when, murdered by the natives of Cape Roxo. If we had been possessed of six or eight muskets, and a supply of ammunition I think the natives might easily have been, checked. but being defenceless, my only hope was to dissemble our fears, and amuse them, to give us time until we could effect our escape.

These people varied in complexion, from black to a light copper colour. They appeared well made and active. All of them were ornamented, but some of them much more so than others. Their ear-rings were made of rings of tortoiseshell, a number of them being fastened together and suspended from the lower parts of the ears, in which are holes stretched so large as to admit easily of a man's thumb being passed through them. The cartillage dividing the nostrils is perforated in like man-ner, the perforation being occupied by apiece of white shell ground to the size and shape of a shilling. Most of these people wore round their heads neat platted fillets, into which were woven feathers erect, resembling those of the emu. They wore besides armlets, necklaces, and other ornaments. I observed one man who had a sort of mantle, the material of which it was made much resembling the cloth made by the South Sea Islanders. Contrary to the custom of the natives of Australia, these people were none of them entirely naked. Their arms consisted of bows, arrows, clubs, and stone axes.

Most of the adults had small calabashes containing lime or chinam, which they chewed with some vegetable. I saw no iron or other metal whatever in their possession, and the astonishment they manifested at every thing they saw about us clearly proves their former ignorance of the existence of people of our description.

Notwithstanding the maltreatment we received from these natives, I am of opinion that had a desirable place existed where we could conveniently have landed and embarked, we should have received from them no molestation whatever ; but when a host of savages saw a small party of defenceless strangers stranded upon their shore, with all apparent retreat cut off, and being at the time possessed of glittering instruments, no wonder their cupidity was excited, and that they could not resist the temptation to act as they did ; I only wonder at their sparing our lives. Shipwrecked people in our position have fared worse even on some of the Western Coasts of England, within the last century.

After the above mentioned adventure, I carried on a trigonometric surrey of the coast northward and westward, until I connected my work with the position at which Captain Blackwood left off. The whole coast appeared thickly inhabited. Their villages consisted of large and respectable looking huts, the land near them presenting a very agreeable and fertile appearance. We were frequently visited by the natives, who brought off cocoa nut, sugar cane, sago, a sort of arrowroot, as well as specimens of their arts and manufactures, such as bows, arrows, spears, ornaments, &c., which they readily exchanged for such trifles as we offered them. They have double and single canoes ; some of the former being capable of carrying from fifty to one hundred men, and the latter two or three.

The very lofty and extensive ranges of mountains in the interior led me to suppose that rivers of considerable magnitude exist in New Guinea ; my opinion has been subsequently confirmed by the great quantity of freshwater rushing far out to sea. But notwithstanding our very close examination of the coast we were not so fortunate as to discover any navigable entrance to a river. It is more than probable that there are extensive and navigable rivers which. debouch by a delta. of small creeks.

Having united my work to where Captain Black-wood left on the 3rd of June, I proceeded to Port Es-sington for supplies, according to my instructions, in passing through Endeavour Strait, I discovered a dangerous rock on which the Heroine struck, its position being as described in the accompanying notice. We remained nearly two months at Port Essington and the adjacent Ki Islets ; we found the inhabitants of Ki Dula very civil and honest in their dealings. We purchased by barter a great quantity of hogs and vegetables both for ourselves and the I garrison at Port Essington, where we returned after ten or twelve days' absence with a plentiful supply of fresh stock. Having refitted, we departed from Port Essington on the 13th September, 1846, for Cape York, intending to resume the survey of New Guinea ; we beat against a steady trade wind, and arrived at Booby Island in nineteen days, but having unfortunately parted company with the tender she did not rejoin me in Endeavour Straits until seven weeks after leaving Port Essington, when I found it would be too late to think of continuing the survey of New Guinea, I therefore made up my mind to return to Sydney by Captain King's route, which I hoped would have enabled me to comply with the requisition of the Colonial Government to examine Port Curtis and other places on the east coast. In this undertaking I was also frustrated by the Tender's bad sailing qualities, for after seven days' hard beating we only accomplished fifty miles, when the Castlereagh was obliged to remain at anchor to repair damages. Being convinced the stores and provisions would never hold out long enough to accomplish half the voyage to Sydney, I had the mortification of being compelled to bear up, and return to this port by the western route.

CHS. B. YULE,
Lieutenant and Commander.


* There is a large quantity of guano on this islet A vegetable resembling hog spinach, and turtle may also be procured here at particular seasons of the year.

Notice HMS Bramble


Booby Island, June 12, 1816.

Notwithstanding the very minute manner in which Endeavour-Strait was sounded, when surveyed by me in 1844, I have since heard of a shoal patch having been discovered by Mr. M'Kenzie, master of the late schooner Heroine, nearly in mid-channel. In consequence of his representation, I searched for it yesterday, and find a small coral rock does exist in the position mentioned by Mr. M'Kenzie. This rock, although surrounded by eight and nine fathoms, has. only three feet on it at low water ; I have named it M'Kenzie Shoal. *

* As this danger is not laid down on any of the charts hitherto published by the government, having only very recently been discovered, it will be inserted on such of these charts as may be sent for that purpose to the office of the Port Master.
From it
Peaked Hill bears (magt.) N. 62 � E., 7� miles
S.W. Possession Island (little woody) N. 18 � E. 3� miles
N.E. Peak on Entrance Island N. 23 � W. 3� miles
Cape Cornwall S. 84 � W. 8� miles
Barn Island S. 2 � E. 4� miles.

As it is most important this danger should be made known as speedily as possible, I beg to request the above notice may be published by any person into whose hands it may fall.
CHARLES B. YULE,
Lieut. and Commander.

16 Dec 1847 Loss of the brig Mary
By the schooner Ann Mary, which arrived on Saturday se'nnight last from Moreton Bay, we were favoured with a letter from Lieutenant Yule, of H.M. schooner Bramble, dated the 15th instant, informing us that on the Sunday previous. he fell in with and picked up a boat off Wide Bay, containing Captain Beel, his wife, and the crew of the brig Mary, which departed from Sydney on the 19th November last, for Manila, the vessel having been totally wrecked about eight o'clock on the evening of the 2nd December, by striking on an unknown reef in latitude about 19 � 30 ' S., long. 163 � 10 ' E. The captain, after laying out the stream anchor and adopting the usual means to endeavour to get her off, without success, finding the vessel labour heavily on the reef, deemed it necessary to get out his boats, and attempt the perilous passage across the Coral Sea, with the hope of saving the lives of those on board by making the land somewhere in the vicinity of Moreton Bay. In the long boat was the captain, his wife, and six seamen, and in the jolly boat, the mate and three seamen. Three days after leaving the wreck, however, the latter capsized, with the melancholy loss of one man, the mate and two seamen fortunately being got into the longboat. A few days after this, another disaster befel them by the boat striking on another reef (supposed to be Perouse's), but after being partially stove she was lifted completely over it by two following seas. This accident rendered it necessary for these unfortunate people to keep constantly baling out water, day and night, until they were picked up by the Bramble, having been then eleven days at sea in the boat, and in danger every hour of meeting with a watery grave. The Bramble arrived in Cowan Cowan Roads on the 15th instant, and it was Lieutenant Yule's intention to place Captain Beel, his wife, and crew, under the protection of Captain Wickham, the magistrate at Brisbane, the following day, to be forwarded to this port.

The Mary was of 195 tons burthen, and arrived at this port from Liverpool on the 3rd October last, being the property of Mr. R. W. Robinson, of Kingstreet. We believe she is fully insured in England. [Details of her cargo from Sydney to Manila] The sum of �2000, we understand, was offered for this vessel, and refused by her owner, just before she left Sydney. [Letter with details given above re loss] We had been ten days in the open boats, when we fell in with H. M. Schooner Bramble, who will take us onto Brisbane, where we shall get some assistance from the Chief Magistrate (Captain Wickham), and where I shall leave the long-boat, oars, sails, &c., without I hear further from you before I have an opportunity of returning to Sydney . Owing to the boats being so small, we could not save many things, and the loss of the jolly-boat deprived us of nearly every thing. I have saved the mail, and shall give it up to the Post Office authorities at Brisbane, but the letters are much damaged by sea water. The ship's papers I managed to keep dry.-John Beel.- Moreton Bay, December 16." [Since the above was written Captain Beel, his wife, and the crew of the Mary have arrived in Sydney by the steamer Tamar,]

Moreton Bay. December 24, [1847]- Wreck of the Brig Mary.

This port has again become a harbour of refuge for shipwrecked crew -H.M.'s schooner Bramble, Lieutenant Yule, having arrived here on Thursday last with Mr. Beel, the master of the brig Mary, of Liverpool, bound from Sydney to Manila.

The return of the Bramble to this port I am happy to say will be of great advantage to us - Lieutenant Yule intending to remain here until the 3rd proximo, and in the meantime make a minute survey of the Bay about the mouth of the Brisbane, and lay down good positions for anchoring vessels - so as to enable them to load without coming up the river. The annexed letter, addressed to the editor of the Moreton Bay Courier, will be read with interest by those parties who are located in or connected with the district of Wide Bay :

Sir, Having ascertained that public attention is directed to Wide Bay, as a convenient port for embarking the of some parts of the Moreton Bay district in small vessels, I consider a few remarks on the subject may prove interesting to those who consider Wide Bay worthy of notice.

I therefore beg to inform you, for the information of the public, through the medium of your journal that soon after leaving Moreton Bay, in company with the Rattlesnake, we anchored in Port Curtis, which we carefully surveyed, and having discovered a safe wide passage into it by the southern shore, the port may be considered a very secure and commodious harbour, and easy of access. Having completed the survey of Port Curtis I was despatched by Captain Stanley for Moreton Bay on the 29th of November, first calling at Wide Bay for the purpose of surveying it. I arrived thereon the 1st December, but not considering it safe to take the Bramble over the bar without previously sounding it, I anchored in the vessel outside, and sounded the bar in my boat whenever the violence of the surf would permit. I find that the breakers are continuous from point to point, the entrance into the inner bay being blocked up by the bar, which I never crossed without being in so little as three fathoms water, which might do for small vessels in even water, but would prove fatal to those in attempting to beat out against the rollers and surf I witnessed on Wide Bay bar.
I am, Sir, your very obedient servant,
C. B. YULE,
Lieutenant and Commander. Brisbane, December 17, 1847.

LOSS OF THE BRIG MARY, OF LIVERPOOL.
(From the Nautical Magazine.)
Extract of a letter from H. M. Schooner Bramble. By Lieut. Commander C. B. Yule.

At 6h. 30m. P.M., tacked off Double Island Point, and whilst standing out our masthead man observed a boat making for the land. Having no doubt the crew were in distress, I shortened sail and shaped a course to pick the boat up. There was rather a heavy sea running. We however succeeded in getting the people and a few damaged stores out of the boat, and then took her in tow.

The boat appeared to have belonged to the late brig Mary, of Liverpool, commanded by Mr. John Beel, who with his wife, mate. and seven seamen, were received on board the Bramble, after having been ten days in the boat.

It appears from the master's statement, that the Mary departed from Sydney on the 19th November, 1847, bound to Manila with a small general cargo. Everything wait going on prosperously until the 2nd December. In the forenoon of that day sights were taken, and at 11h. 30m. A.M. land was seen, bearing east north-east, about eight or ten leagues distant. At noon a meridian altitude of the sun was observed. The vessel's position being then in latitude 20.01 S., and longitude 163.05 E.; a course was then shaped north-west by north, up to 6h. p.m , with a fresh breeze from the eastward, which then fell light. The course was again altered to north-west, no land being then in sight. At 8h. p.m. having gone northwest � west, about ten leagues, the water being ; perfectly smooth and the wind light, the vessel grounded, but so imperceptibly as not to be felt, until it was found she had become stationary.

The sails were then furled, the long boat got out, the stream anchor and hawser laid out astern, and every exertion made to get the vessel off until 2h. a.m. on the 3rd, at which time the wind had increased so much as to create a heavy sea, when the hawser parted, supposed to have been chafed by the coral. Mr. Bee and his crew finding that the utmost endeavours failed in saving the brig, they could afford to lose no time in making preparations for their personal safety.

The long boat and jolly boat were then got in readiness as well as their distressed circumstances would permit. Having saved about three hundred weight of biscuit, a puncheon of water, the chronometer, ship's log, and papers, together with the mails and a few personal effects, they reluctantly abandoned the vessel at 4h. a.m., at which time she laboured so much as to lead them to fear the masts would roll over the side and destroy the boats. The master, his wife, and five seamen, embarked in the long boat, the mate and three seamen left in the jolly boat, when the two boats in company shaped a curse for Moreton Bay, it being the nearest civilised part of Australia that Mr. Beel could hope to reach.

During each night a small line was passed between the two boats, to prevent their parting company, in which manner they went on very well until the 6th, when the wind blew very strong with a heavy sea running, so much so that he was induced at about ten or eleven p.m., to try the effect of some oil being thrown overboard, but before the oil spread so far astern as the jolly boat, some heavy seas struck her, and turned her over two or three times; the long boat's sails were immediately lowered and the small boat hauled up, when three out of the four men were saved, one unfortunate man being lost. Although the oil had a most beneficial effect on the surface of the water, the sea ran so heavily at one time as to fill the long boat nearly up to the thwarts, which, required the united exertions of three men to bail out and keep the boat dry. The jolly boat, as a matter of course was abandoned, the three men saved from her being taken into the long boats, in which crowded state the perilous voyage was pursued ; the wind continued strong with a heavy sea, but fortunately from a favourable direction : at about midnight on the 11th, breakers were seen both ahead and to leeward, but as any attempt to weather them under sailing or pulling would be utterly useless, the sails were lowered and recourse had again to oil.

The boat passed through the breakers over the reef, she struck two or three times, by which she sustained so much damage as to require blankets to be nailed on, which to a certain extent succeeded ; two men, however, were constantly employed to keep the boat clear of water by bailing. Nothing important occurred from this time, until the 13th, when land was observed, which proved to be Great Sandy Island, near Wide Bay; the Bramble was first seen by them at about one P.M., from which hour until about halt-past four, every exertion was made to obtain assistance, which at last terminated successfully. I certainly felt rejoiced at having departed that morning, which enabled me to render that assistance and protection these unfortunate people felt so much in need of Mrs. Beel's sufferings must have been truly pitiable, having been wet through and exposed to the searching influence of the sun for ten days, and from constantly lying in the same position, she suffered much pain. Reprinted in the Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List 10 Feb 1849.

The Rattlesnake .- During the last three months this vessel has been engaged with H.M. schooner Bramble, in surveying different bays to the northward of this port. She departed hence on the 11th October, and arrived at Moreton Bay on the 17th ; having completed there the survey commenced by the Fly and Bramble, she proceeded to Port Curtis, and remained there three weeks. A most elabo-rate survey was made of the harbour, and a new channel or entrance, from one to two miles in width, and four to seven fathoms of water, was discovered. There was no appearance of natives, and at Facing Island a spy-glass and several other small articles, which had been left there by Colonel Barney's party some months' since, were found. She departed from Port Curtis on the 29th November, and on the 8th December arrived at Port Molle, where she remained two days, a splendid harbour being found there, and some valuable observations made. From thence she proceeded to Cape Upstart, and arrived there on the 11th December, that being her farthest point north.

It was Captain Stanley's intention to have pro-ceeded as far as Rockingham Bay, but not being able to obtain sufficient water for the ship, (all hands having been for some days on short allowance,) coupled with the circumstance of strong northerly winds prevailing, he was induced to turn back ; and having touched a second time at Port Molle, for the pur-pose of hoisting in the Asp, (tender), arrived at Moreton Bay on the 31st December. Having watered there, she departed again for Sydney on the 8th January, leaving the Bramble to follow on the completion of some small service - and touching at the Solitary Islands on her way. From the time the Rattlesnake left this port, up to her return yester-day, continued soundings have been taken along the coast - charts on a large scale have been drawn of the places surveyed, and a valuable collection of curiosities has been made by the naturalist ; Mr. John McGillivray.

We believe we are correct in stating that Captain Stanley's instructions from the Admiralty were merely to survey the inner barrier of Tames Straits ; but the season not being favourable for such duty this cruize was undertaken by him entirely for the benefit of the colony, and by so doing, he has rendered an important service. From Cape Upstart, the Rattlesnake has experienced exceedingly bad weather, and had to beat nearly the whole of the distance. On Wednesday last she passed the steamer Thistle, hence for Moreton Bay, off Port Stephens. We understand it is Captain Stanley's intention to proceed to Bass's Straits in the course of ten days, on some service connected with the erection of the light-houses ; which will occupy about a month, after which he will return to Sydney to refit, and in April sail again for Torres Straits .

11 Mar 1848 During the absence of the Rattlesnake and Bramble from this port, they have visited the different lighthouses, at Port Dalrymple, Swan and Goose Islands, Kent's Gioup, and Cape Otway, and the observations made thereon, we understand, will shortly be made public through the Government. The Rattlesnake departed from Launceston on Friday week, and the Bramble from Port Phillip the day previous. The latter reached Kent's Group on the afternoon of Friday, but having previously examined the works there, continued her voyage for Sydney ; during the night, however, Lieutenant Yule directed a careful watch to be kept on the light, and he informs us it was seen a distance of thirty-seven miles from the deck of the vessel. Owing to light contrary winds, the Bramble did not make Cape Howe until Wednesday morning, when she met with a strong breeze from the southward.

11 Mar 1848 The schooner Titania, which arrived at Port Phillip from China and Singapore on the 26th ultimo, reported having spoken on the 7th of January, in the Straits of Sunda, the barque Blair, from Hongkong to Sydney. The cargo of the Swallow had all been landed and sold at Singapore. Dr. Burns, of H.M.S. Dido, Dr. O'Sullivan, H.E.I.C., Assistant Surgeon Gallagher, of H.M.S. Bramble, and Lieutenant Downan, Royal Marines, were passengers by the Swallow from Hongkong for Sydney and in the typhoon in which she was dismasted lost everything belonging to them.

28 Jun 1848 Letters have been received from H.M.S. Rattlesnake, dated Fitz Roy Island, June 28th. The Rattlesnake, Bramble, and Tam O'Shanter had a beautiful run from Sydney to Rockingham Bay, where Mr. Kennedy's party were landed, and the Tam O'Shanter proceeded on her voyage to Batavia. The survey was proceeding satisfactorily, the coast aid reefs for one hundred and twenty miles having been triangulated. It was understood that both vessels were to arrive at Cape York next month, and there wait for stores to be sent from Sydney. All were well.

The Bramble.- This vessel, which departed hence on the 26th April [1848] last. on a surveying expedition, under the command of Captain Owen Stanley ; returned to port on Monday morning, having, we believe, in conjunction with the Rattlesnake, done most important service as regards the survey of Torres traits. The Bramble having touched at Moreton Bay on her way to Sydney, a report of the voyage was furnished by Lieutenant Yule to the Moreton Bay Courier, of which the following is s copy :- " On the 26th April, 1848, the Bramble departed from Port Jackson for Port Curtis, to add some soundings to our late survey of that harbour : the Rattlesnake departed from Sydney two days afterwards, having under her convoy the Tam O'Shanter, merchant barque, chartered by the Colonial Government for the conveyance of Mr. Kennedy and his exploring party to Rockingham Bay, where all three vessels arrived, within two days of each other, at, the latter end of May. Mr. Kennedy and party were safely disembarked in Rockingham Bay, and took their departure thence on the 2nd of June, our surveying operations having been commenced a few days before : the Bramble carrying on the outer or deep water soundings, whilst the Rattlesnake and boats proceeded with the triangulation, inshore soundings, and delineation of the coast : in this manner the survey was successfully continued until we reached Cape York, where we arrived on the 7th October, the vessels and boats together having accomplished at least 10,000 miles of soundings between the Palm Islands and Cape York, besides the delineation of the coast, islands, and reefs. Whilst waiting for our supplies at Cape York, which were directed to be sent up from Sydney, Port Albany and the immediate vicinity of Cape York were, minutely surveyed upon a large scale ; Port Albany might, with little expense, be rendered a very convenient coal depot, or secure haven for small or disabled vessels. The John and Charlotte, a schooner hired to convey our supplies. arrived on the 21st October, and having discharged her cargo, proceeded to Manila. On the 26th of October, the Ariel arrived, bringing supplies for Mr. Kennedy's expedition, and was moored in Port Albany. Captain Stanley having completed his surveying operations for this season, departed on the 2nd of November for Sydney, by the western route, touching at Port Essington in his way. Some dangers having been reported to exist in Endeavour Strait, not laid down in my survey of that strait in 1844, Captain Stanley, directed me to re-examine the passage, and also to add to my former work; I executed this service on the 21st of November, when I returned to Cape York ; departed thence on the 29th of November and arrived in Moreton Bay on the 20th of December, 1848, having experienced favourable breezes during the greater part of my passage from Cape York to Moreton Bay. I regret not being able to afford any information relative to the proceedings of Mr-. Kennedy's overland expedition. According to Captain Stanley's arrangements with that gentleman, I was at the appointed rendezvous near Cape Melville in the last week in August, in which neighbourhood I was employed surveying several weeks : both the Rattlesnake and Bramble were at Cape York, the second rendezvous, also at the appointed time, where we remained nearly six weeks ; but when I departed thence on the 24th of November, Mr. Kennedy had not made his appearance. I left the Ariel still waiting for him in Port Albany, where that vessel is to await the arrival of the expedition, or remain as long as her stores will permit. The Bramble departed again from Moreton Bay for Sydney on the 8th instant. but remained two days off the Solitary Islands. for the purpose of ascertaining their true position. We believe that the southernmost one was found to be laid down on the charts about five miles too far north. But an official report of the same will be published in the course of a few days. On Saturday evening last, the Bramble signalled the barque Fortitude, off Port Stephens, from London September 14, with emigrants, bound for Moreton Bay, all well. Shipping Gazette 20 Jan 1849.

CRUISE OF H.M.S. RATTLESNAKE
(As reported in the Sydney Shipping Gazette of 9 Feb 1850)
The Rattlesnake has been absent from Sydney since the 8th May last, and, in conjunction with the Bramble has been making some very important and valuable surveys about the vicinity of New Guinea. From this, she proceeded to Moreton Bay, and after remaining there a few days, resumed the voyage until reaching the easternmost end of the Lousiade Archipelago, near which, it was supposed, that no certain passage existed ; but, after a minute survey it was found that a channel of forty miles breadth, from the land to seaward, extended to Cape Possession, on the south east coast of New Guinea, and at which point Captain Blackwood's survey terminated.

There was also a good and clear passage inside Sud Est Island, at which was found a spacious harbour, with good anchorage, which was named by Captain Stanley the Coral Haven, in which they anchored on the 14th June. The inner part of the reef was then surveyed, and intercourse was had frequently with the natives of the group both on board and on shore, who were of a superior description, being well proportioned and of an amicable disposition, bringing off in their canoes, (which were of large dimensions, some measuring 55 feet in length,) flax, arrowroot, yams, in abundance, tortoiseshells, and all the varieties of tropical fruits, which they eagerly sought to barter with ; tomahawks, red cloth, &c., were offered, but the only article they seemed to prize was hoop iron, and that which was rusty pleased them best. The canoes were well built, and elaborately carved and coloured. Upon landing, the inhabitants were found residing in well-constructed houses, in a most comfortable manner, and in a cleanly state. From thence they proceeded to Bruinie Island, where they remained a fortnight, the natives behaving .most friendly. Ranges of mountains were seen on the coast of New Guinea, from the Cul de sac de l'Orangerie to Cape Possession, ranging in many parts to the height of Teneriffe.

Having completed the survey, the expedition left the coast of New Guinea the latter end of September, for Cape York, and arrived there on the 1st October, at which place the brig Sir John Byng arrived the following day from Sydney, with provisions which, having discharged, she left on the 17th October, for Port Essington and Manila.

Cape York is described as being a very eligible place for a military post, the surrounding country being well wooded and watered, and the natives most friendly. Whilst lying there the watering party of the Rattlesnake brought off a white woman, and some of a native tribe who had come over from Prince of Wales Island to the main land. Upon coming on board she could scarcely make it understood that she would wish to be retained from the native, as she had almost forgotten the English language, but has been brought up in the vessel, and having again acquired her native tongue, states that her maiden name was Barbara Crawford, the daughter of a tinman, a Scotchman, residing in Sydney, who arrived in the John Barry, as an immigrant ; that she was married to a man named Thompson at Moreton Bay, which place she left with him and some other men, in a small cutter called the American, for Port Essington, at which place they intended settling, but were unfortunately cast away on Prince of Wales Island, when all but herself were drowned ; that the natives behaved very humanely to her during the five years she was among them, but refused until the present occasion to allow her to have any communication with the several vessels passing. At length, seeing the Rattlesnake anchored at Cape York she induced them to take her on board, saying she wished to shake hands with her countrymen. Captain Stanley rewarded the natives liberally with axes, knives, &c, as an inducement for them to behave similarly should another wreck happen. From her, great information has been received relative to the manners and customs of the inhabitants of the islands in Torres Straits. The discovery of these channels through the Louisade Archipelago will considerably shorten the voyage from this to India, and from the description given of the fertility of the islands and of the coast of New Guinea, also the strong inclination of the natives to trade, it will likely tend to send some of our colonial vessels among them to traffic ; but they should go well armed, as hostile intentions were often shown towards the Bramble when in shore among the reefs. The Bramble may he expected in a few days. A great quantity of curiosities obtained.