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 sailed 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.

11 Mar 1848 Survey of Botany Bay.- Lieutenant Simpson, of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, has been engaged for the last month in surveying Botany Bay, in the ketch Asp, tender to the above vessel. The survey was completed on Saturday last ; and the Asp returned to Sydney on Monday.

SG & SGTL Vol 5 ; page 63

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