A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay; with an Account of New South Wales, its productions, inhabitants, &c. To which is subjoined, A List of the Civil and Military Establishments at Port Jackson. Third edition, to which is now first added, A Postscript dated Sydney Cove, October 1, 1788

Tench's first work on the colony at Port Jackson, in the important third edition, the first to include his new Postscript, printing a letter from Sydney Cove dated 1 October 1788. This closely-printed letter (pp. 147-8) reports further activity since July and, despite the growing difficulties faced by the settlers, strikes the bright and optimistic note characteristic of the author. The letter is particularly interesting regarding the early settlement at Norfolk Island, and includes the ominous aside that the Norfolk settlers have made every attempt to 'find a landing-place, whence it might be practicable to ship off the timber growing there, but hitherto none has been discovered.' Just six months after the time of writing the Sirius would be wrecked trying to anchor there.

'In Port Jackson,' the letter continues, 'all is quiet and stupid as could be wished.' Everyone is well, Tench comments, and the detachment for Parramatta is about to be sent up river. The Sirius is about to be dispatched for the Cape of Good Hope in an attempt to purchase much needed supplies, and it is on this ship that the present letter will be sent.

Tench's work was the earliest authentic account of New South Wales, and the fact that it had run to a third edition within the year is testament to its popularity. Tench joined the marine corps in 1776 seeing action in the American War of Independence, including being a prisoner for three months in 1782. In 1786 he volunteered for a tour of service in the proposed settlement in New South Wales, sailing aboard the Charlotte as captain-lieutenant of marines under the command of the Lieutenant-Governor, Major Robert Ross. Tench was well-liked and a perceptive observer, and his polished and shrewd account is considered the most readable of all of the First Fleet books.