Rowan, thanks for this information. There is so much about this period and the interchanges between the two countries that I know nothing about. I think it is the case that Australians came to California to dig gold and then returned to Australia, to dig gold there. And of course Americans went with them! I think the rowdy bunch on Pond's first voyage that caused him so much trouble was probably a mixed group of returning Australians and Americans headed for the Australian gold fields. This trip took place in 1853, with the "Julia Ann" arriving in Sydney on August 5.

Have I seen "Ballarat" in relation to a shanty somewhere?