The rsync command is fine, copying the content of the folder src - not the folder itself due to the trailing / - to the folder dst.
The question is how and where was the separate HDD (portable?) installed/mounted?
Can you remember the actual command line you used (check history)?
Have there been any error messages while you run rsync?
Can you still see the ext3 partition? If yes, are there any files on there?
How did you search for the copy of your home folder?
Sorry to bombard you with all these questions. For me your description/ the situation is still quite vague. Still hard to come to any conclusion/ give any further advice.
The question is how and where was the separate HDD (portable?) installed/mounted?
Can you remember the actual command line you used (check history)?
Have there been any error messages while you run rsync?
Can you still see the ext3 partition? If yes, are there any files on there?
How did you search for the copy of your home folder?
Sorry to bombard you with all these questions. For me your description/ the situation is still quite vague. Still hard to come to any conclusion/ give any further advice.