Captain James Kelly
Captain James Kelly was the captain of the brig Sophia, which was involved in whaling for Dr T. W. Birch. Captain Kelly also was the commander of the Henrietta Packet, another one of Birch's vessels, which was engaged in the sealing business. Around 1816 Birch and Kelly explored Port Davey, which was discovered by Kelly in 1815 when he voyaged around Tasmania in a whale boat.
Captain James Kelly voyaged around Tasmania in an open whale-boat with five oars. Captain Kelly was an adventurous and resourceful seaman and navigator. He was the most fearless maan in Tasmania. He engaged in almost every activity connected with the sea and Hobart. He held official posts as the first pilot and harbour-master. When he died at the age of 67, he was the most beloved and best known of all the hardy pioneers of Hobart Twon who advanced her trade on the sea-ways leading from the Derwent River.
As a reward for exploring Port Davey, Birch was granted the sole right to cut Huon Pine timber in the forests of Macquarie Harbour - which Kelly had also discovered - for one year. Kelly no doubt shared in this privilege, although the records do not disclose the fact. Meanwhile, another adventurous and enterprising seafarer, Dennis McCarty was investigating the coasts of Tasmania for opportunities for whaling or trading. McCarty had come to Tasmania from Norfolk Island as a convict and later became a constable and an inspector of government live stock.
As soon as McCarty heard of Captain Kelly's voyage around the island of Tasmania, he fitted out a schooner to explore the west caost more thoroughly. This schooner was unfortunately lost. However Dennis McCarty, undaunted set sail in the brig Sophia and entered Macquarie Harbour. It was after his return that he sold the Sophia to Birch, and she was commanded first by Captain Feen and then by Captain James Kelly in whose charge she made many voyages, some of them displaying the fine seamanship of her captain and the sturdiness of the little ship.
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