33054-006634

[marginalia]

[diagonally] Immediate

50/245 ... 8th Jan'y 1850

_______

The Government Emigration Agent to the Honorable the Colonial Secretary respecting the appointment of an Immigration Agent at Moreton Bay

Water Police Office

Sydney 8 Jan'y /'50.

_____________

Sir,

Perceiving that an opportunity offers for communicating with Moreton Bay by the Steamer Tamar this afternoon I feel it my duty to point out for the information of His Excellency the Governor that a Vessel is now fitting in Sydney Harbour and about to sail in a few days for the purpose of Embarking a number of Emigrants at Moreton Bay for California

Although I have received no Official Notice from the Master of Charterers of this Vessel ... neither is she advertized [sic] in the Public Papers for that destination ... I have satisfied myself that such is the fact and I loose [sic] no time in communicating with the Government that they may without delay Appoint

[notes in left margin]

[diagonally]

No. 201/50.

Immediate

[in another hand]

Let the Sub Collector be appointed

.... 8th ... [initials] ChFR

[in a third hand]

Mr Duncan

Capt'n Browne

.... 8 Jan'y 1850

[in faint, almost illegible writing]

A copy of this letter with copies of the notes sent to the Sec'y of the sub Collector

Cap. Browne to be informed

Mr F

.... 1.30 P.M.

[initials] JMcL

[diagonally]50/956

[in a fourth hand, over the above faint writing]

Notified in Gazette

... of 11 Jan'y

[tick through the above]

Inform Coll'r & Cap Wickham -

today 8th

some person to Act as Emigration Officer at that Port as advantage may be taken of the nonexistence of such an Officer and before communication could be had with Sydney much mischief might arise - The Vessel I allude to is the Johnson now lying at the Circular Quay and from her Appearance would I think carry about 180 or 200 persons

It would also be adviseable [sic] ... 3 ...

that some copies of the Act should be forwarded to Moreton Bay.

Should His Excellency think ... 4 ...

that it is advisable that an Officer should be appointed at this Out Port, I shall make a point of obtaining all the information in my power as to this Vessels [sic] Capabilities, Stores &c - and communicate Officially with him on the Subject

I have the honor to be

[erased] (I remain) Sir

Your most obed't Serv't

[signed] H. H. Browne J.P.

Gov't Emigration Agent