Road Across Mountains

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser

23 July 1814

It being the intention of His Excellency the Governor to send in the course of a few days a working party, of thirty men, under the protection of a guard of eight soldiers, to commence the construction of a cart road from "Emu Plains" (hitherto erroneously called Emu Island), situate on the left bank of the Nepean River, across the Blue Mountains to the extensive tract of champaign country lately explored by Mr. Evans; and William Cox, Esq. of Clarendon Park, having in a very handsome and liberal manner made a tender of his personal services in the superintendance and direction of the said very important undertaking, His Excellency has accordingly accepted of his proposal; and in consequence has entrusted to his care and judgment the entire execution of the said work.

The construction of this road being considered an object of the first importance to the future prosperity of the colony; and, has it will be highly conducive to its being effected in the shortest practicable period, that the Persons now to be employed on it should not be interrupted unnecessarily by others out of an idle curiosity preceeding thither during the time required for its final Completion, His Excellency the Governor and Commander in Chief deems it expedient to order and direct, that no person of whatever description shall proceed to the said road, or cross over the Nepean River to "Emu Plains," during the time which shall be occupied in the making of the said road (the road makers, government stockmen, and others employed on the said work only excepted), unless specially authorised to do so by a written pass, signed by His Excellency the Governor.

Any person who shall attempt to transgress this order will be apprehended by the military guard which is to be stationed at Emu Plains, and sent a prisoner to Sydney.

When the road over the Blue Mountains shall be rendered passable for carts or carriages of any kind the same will be made known to the public by an official communication through the medium of the Sydney Gazette.