Transcription
Transcript for a055001
[page 1]
On the 19th. day of January 1801, a commission was signed by the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty for Lieut. Mattw. Flinders to be
lieutenant of His Majestys ship the Investigator, (late Xenophon) ['then
lying in the harbour of Sheerness' has been inserted in pencil] and being
the senior officer, I took the command, and J. H. Martin Esq. her former
commander, considered himself superseded.
On the 25th. my
commission was read on board the ship, then lying in the harbour of
Sheerness.
She was lately out of
dock, having been coppered, and was now new rigged, but had nothing on
board but some iron and shingle ballast, and a little present use
provisions.
I immediately made
application to the Navy Board to order the proper officers of the yard to
furnish us with such proportions of stores, without reference to the
usual mode of fitting ships of war, as I should judge expedient for the
service upon which we expected to go; This order was immediately complied
with, as was
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another for forty chaldrons of coals.
The journal of proceedings on board the ship is then as follows
Jan. | 1801 | Winds | Transactions on bd. Investigator - Sheerness |
---|---|---|---|
Sund. | 25 | Noly. | A.M. Mustered the ships company, and received fresh beef - Snow at times |
Mon. | 26 | N.W. | Moderate breezes with snow. A.M. Surveyed the pursers stores. Empld. occasionally |
Tues. | 27 | N.W. | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Held surveys upon the Boatswains and Carpenters stores; but the guns being shifted from 32 pound carronades to long 6 pounders, the gunners stores were all sent on shore, and I did not take them upon charge. Fresh breezes and cloudy wr. |
Wedn. | 28 | W.N.W. | Prepared to throw out the shingle ballast to receive coals. Otherwise employed occasionally |
Thurs. | 29 | W.N.W. | Strong breezes in the morning which prevented us from moving to moorings nearer in shore. Moored ship again and struck topmasts. Recd. fresh beef, 516 lbs. |
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[Jan. 1801]
Rems., applications, orders &c.
[Sun 25]
Applied to have the present master superseded, which was acceded to and
the choice left entirely to me
[Mon. 26]
Applied for Joseph Robinott to supersede the present cook, which was
complied with & his warrant given
[Tues.27]
Applied to the Commissioners of the victualling for our casks to be new,
and to prepare 18 months salt and 12 months dry provisions to be
prepared; as also for the usual allowance of extra articles
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Jan. 1801 | Winds | Transactions &c. Investigator Sheerness | |
---|---|---|---|
Frid | 30 | Wtly. | Transported the ship to her moorings, and took them in. Employed throwing the shingle ballast into a lighter. Received fresh beef 179 lbs. I launched the 6 oared cutter |
Sat. | 31 | SSW. | Employed clearing the holds to receive coals |
Feb. 1801 Sun. |
1 | Wtly. | A.M. Mustered ships company and read the articles of war. Recd. beer & bread fr. lighter |
Mon. | 2 | WSW | Returned our cables (one excepted) and hawsers. A.M. employed on shore about the cables and drawing boatswains stores |
Tuesd. | 3 | S.W. | Employed taking in 351/4 chaldron of coals, in which the ground tier is to be stowed. Recd. 161 lbs of fresh beef |
Wed. | 4 | WSW. | Recd. 2 chords of wood. Employed in the hold stowing the ground tier. A.M. Read the articles of war & punished John Fuller Marine with 12 lashes for contempt to his serjeant - Washed and aired below |
Thurs. | 5 | Wtly. | Mod. and cloudy. Employed in the holds and in occasional duties |
Fri. | 6 | Wtly. | Returned various old carpenters stores. Joiners from the yard employed on board as usual, and shipwrights cutting scuttles in the ports - |
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[Jan. 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Fri. 30]
Made application to the Commissioners of the victualling for water casks,
being the second; and to the Sick and Hurt Board for a medical man to be
sent down to us -
[Feb. 1801]
Feb. 6. Recd. orders to take on board as much stores and provisions as
the Investigator could store, with all expedition, and repair to the
Nore, keeping the ship ready for sailing. Recd. also a new establishmt.
for the ship, amounting to 83 including 15 marines. Warrant officers
being allowed by this new order, I applied for Charles Douglas - the
boatswains mate to be Boatswain, and Russel Mart of Sheerness Yard to be
Carpenter, which was complied with; but my application for John Whitewood
to be acting gunner was not. I requested also of my Lords Commissioners
that such men, who from age or other causes should be found unfit for
such a voyage as the present intended should be discharged, and the
complement filled up with healthy young men who should be volunteers; and
in consequence, V. Ad. Græme received orders to act accordingly, so
soon as we should go out to the Nore.
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Feb. 1801 | Winds | Transactions &c. Investigator Sheerness | |
---|---|---|---|
Sat. | 7 | NNW | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Returned some Boatswains & Carpenters stores. Employed slinging buoys &c. &c. on board. Recd. 169 339 lb fresh beef |
Sun. | 8 | NWtly | Recd. some Boatswains stores. Mustered the people |
Mon. | 9 | WNW | Recd. 18 tons of water. Employed stowing in the holds |
Tuesd. | 10 | Noly. | Fresh breezes & cloudy. Shipwrights and Joiners employed on board about various jobs. Returned all the provisions in the ship, a small quantity for present use only excepted. A.M. Got off our anchors, making together 5 bowers, 2 streams and 2 kedges. Recd. 106 lbs fresh beef |
Wed. | 11 | Etly. | Fresh breezes and rainy at times. Employed occasionally on board the ship. |
Thur. | 12 | East | Carpenters &c. as usual. Do. Wr. with snow |
Frid. | 13 | E.S.E | Do. Wr. Discharged the clerk and 3 men into H.M.B. Explosion, after captain M. my predecessor. Employed on board occasionally |
Sat. | 14 | Etly. | Fresh breezes with hail and snow. An officer and men at the yard drawing stores. Cleared out the sail room and overhauled the few sails on board. Found that the mice had got at them. Recd. 114 lb of fresh beef |
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[Feb. 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Sat. 7]
Informed the Victualling Board that the ship was waiting for water casks,
and applied for some additions and alterations in the provisions they had
ordered Applied to the Navy Board, for two carronades to be mounted
abaft, and for our launch to be fitted so as to receive one of them; both
of which were complied with.
[Thur. 12]
Informed the victualling board that we were still waiting for water and
provisions, and applied for coopers tools, weights and measures, which
were given
[Fri.13]
Applied to have the present master surveyed for sick quarters; and to the
Board of Ordnance for cylinder powder, and a chest of fire works.
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Feb. 1801 | Winds | Rems. H.M.S. Investigator - Sheerness | |
---|---|---|---|
Sund. | 15 | E.N.E. | Fresh breezes with rain and hail. Received Boatswains stores. A.M. Mustered ships compy. |
Mond. | 16 | E.N.E. | Employed at the dock yard drawing Boatswains stores. Carpenters &c. on board |
Tues. | 17 | Eastly | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Recd. a lighter loaded with Boatswains stores. A.M. Employed at the yard. Recd. 140 lbs of fresh beef |
Wed. | 18 | E.S.E. | Employed variously. Mr. R. Purdie (Surg. Mate) joined. Employed at the yard & occasionally |
Thurs. | 19 | Etly. | Read the commanders commission. Employed as necessary. Entered Mr. Wolsey - |
Frid. | 20 | E.N.E. | Received two lighter loads of Provisions Employed in the holds and at the Yard |
Sat. | 21 | Vble. | Recd. Boatswains, Carpenters and Pursers stores. Employed stowing them away. Recd. 270 lbs of fresh beef |
Sund. | 22 | S.W. | Employed as above. |
Mond. | 23 | S.W.bS. | Fresh breezes with rain. Employed in the holds. A.M. Recd. a variety of provisions |
Tues. | 24 | S.S.W. | Recd. more provisions for sea, and 168 lbs of fresh beef. Employed stowing away provisions. |
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[Feb. 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Mon.. 16]
Applied to the Victualling Board for permission to draw for 2 years
necessary money - 18m. granted
[Thur. 19]
Applied to the Navy Board for one of the two whale boats, which had been
built at Deptford for us, to be exchanged for a 4-oared boat to be built
at Queenborough according to my directions - rejected at first, but
complied about 3 weeks afterwards
[Sat. 21]
Informed the Victualling Board that such hand mills as I had applied for,
could be procured at Port Jackson for £4 or 6; on which they
ordered me to procure two
[Sun. 22]
Obtained 10 days leave of absence; which was afterwards extended to 14 on
application. My business in town was partly to forward the providing of
the requisite instruments, books, charts, stationary, articles for
presents and barter &c. &c. &c.
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Feb. 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Sheerness | |
---|---|---|---|
Wed. | 25 | S.S.W | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed in the holds. A.M. Carpenters &c. on board - |
Thurs. | 26 | S.S.W | Strong breezes with rain. Got T.Gt. Mts. down upon deck & struck Lr. yds. Empld. occasionally |
Frid. | 27 | S.W | Yard carpenters &c. on board. Employed putting the ship to rights. Entered Mr. Sinclair. Recd. fresh beef 264 lbs. |
Sat. | 28 | S.W | Unstowed the fore hold, got up 6 ton of iron ballast and placed it abaft, to trim the ship. - |
March 1801 | |||
Sund. | 1 | West | Fresh breezes with rain. Employed in the fore hold. Mustered ships company. |
Mon. | 2 | WNW | Fine weather. Employed variously. Recd. 265 lbs of fresh beef |
Tuesd | 3 | N.W. | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed making points for the new sails - |
Wed. | 4 | N.W. | Recd. water. Employed on board in the hold and fitting the gun tackles & breechings |
Thurs. | 5 | S.W. | People employed in the dockyard and in the holds. Carpenters and painters on board. Recd. spare spars on board |
Frid. | 6 | Vble | Empld. stowing the booms. A.M. People employed principally at the dock yard. Ansd. signal for weekly accts. as usual this day. |
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Mar. 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Sheerness | |
---|---|---|---|
Sat. | 7 | SE | Mod. and cloudy. Recd. water per lighter. Empld. in the holds. Recd. 251 lbs fresh beef |
Sun. | 8 | S.W. | Employed as before, and in receiving 7 bower cables - Do. Wr. |
Mon. | 9 | S.S.E. | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Empld. in stowing away various stores |
Tues. | 10 | Southly. | Carpenters and Joiners on board. People employed at the dock yard, and in various duties on board. Recd. 243 lbs fresh beef |
Wed. | 11 | Vble. | Empld. Getting off sundry stores, and in occasional duties on board |
Thurs. | 12 | W.b.N. | Recd. sundry stores and 4 tons of beer. Retd. Hops and Molasses which we were unable to stow. Shipwrights coppering the ship a streak higher up |
Frid. | 13 | W.N.W. | Squally. Struck Lr. Yds. and T. Gt. Mts. Employed in the yard, and stowing away stores. Coiled shroud hawsers &c. in the magazine. Recd. 8 men from H.M.S. Hydra. Ansd. signl. for weekly accounts |
Sat. | 14 | Vble. | Recd. 105 lbs fresh beef. Recd. 12 six-pounders, 2 eighteen pound carronades, and gunners stores. Recd. a proportion of our sails |
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[Mar. 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Mon. 9]
Wrote to the Board of Ordnance to hurry the gun carriages, musquets
&c. &c. nothing of which was yet received, and also to the
admiralty for 8 men, volunteers from H.M.S. Hydra, both of which were
complied with, as also to have Mr. Gray superseded whom they had
appointed as gunner
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Mar. 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Sheerness | |
---|---|---|---|
Sund. | 15 | Wtly. | Fresh breezes and rainy. Empld. fitting up the guns. A.M. Bent sails - |
Mon. | 16 | WSW | Employed coiling away hawsers &c. A.M. Recd. 65 half barrels of powder and stowed it away. Washed below |
Tues. | 17 | WSW | Empld. stowing shot cases &c. in light room, the ship being much by the head. A.M. Began painting the ship. Recd. a variety of fireworks from Woolwich, with directions. Recd. 275 lbs fresh beef - 6 lb short of weight. |
Wed. | 18 | Wtly. | Strong breezes. Struck lower yds. Empld. Occasionally on board, being unable to get anything from the yard. Painters employed |
Thurs. | 19 | WSW | Fresh breezes. Recd. some small stores. Opened a cask of pork, contents 63 pieces - 1 short. Ansd. signal for weekly accounts a midn. |
Frid. | 20 | S.W. | Squally. Got off 4 tons iron ballast to bring the ship by the stern. A.M. Recd. some stores. Employed lashing and scouring |
Sat. | 21 | WSW | Heavy squalls. Struck Ln. yds. per signal. A.M. Employed occasionally. Hoisted up the cutter to repair. Recd. 224 lbs fresh beef - |
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[Mar. 1801]
Remarks, letter, orders &c
[Wed. 18]
Informed the Navy Board of the difficulty I found in obtaining a master,
and submitted it to them whether some additional pay or encouragement
ought not to be given. In answer they agree to give 3d. per day more than
the rate allows, in lieu of all pilotage.
[Fri. 20]
Entered Mr. Crossly, Astronomer & his servant, as supernumeraries.
Applied for a survey on surgeons stores.
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Mar. 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Sheerness | |
---|---|---|---|
Sund. | 22 | WSW | Recd. a five-oared whale boat from the dockyd. A.M. Restowed the booms. Recd. a four-oared whale-boat from the yard. Empd. clearing ship. |
Mon. | 23 | West | Employed as in the morning. A.M. Brought off the launch (a 32 gun frigates) and a spare rudder, in parts. Recd. 20 baricoes - Loosed sails to dry |
Tuesd | 24 | Vble. | Employed stowing away the rudder on the quarters, and spars. A.M. Loosed sails; otherwise employed occasionally |
Wed. | 25 | WNW | Squally with rain. Furled sails. A.M. Fine wr. Loosed sails. Recd. 198 lbs fresh beef - |
Thurs. | 26 | Wtly. | Hoisted in the launch & furled sails. A.M. Recd. beer and water, and returned empty casks. Employed clearing ship & securing |
Frid. | 27 | Wtly. | A.M. Thick wr. and almost calm. At 7, made signal for pilot with a gun. At 10 slipped the moorings and made sail out of the harbour. At 11, brought to at the little Nore & furled sails - in 11 fms. with small bower. Ansd. signl. for Weekly Accts. |
Sat | Veered away with the ebb and moored ship: the Garrison point bearing S.W. |
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[Mar. 1801] Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Thurs26]
Applied to the board of Ordnance for Francis Jennings to be apppointed
Armourer, which was complied with and his warrant inclosed to me
[Fri. 27]
Reported the Investigator at the Nore waiting their Lordships orders,
being ready for sea; and informed them of no books, charts, instruments,
stationary, articles for presents and barter, or the men of science,
having joined. Recd. for answer, that the men of science had been
hastened down to join
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Mar. 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Sheerness | |
---|---|---|---|
Sat. | 28 | WNW | about 11/4 mile. Employed rounding the cables. A.M. Cleaned below, and loosed all sails to dry. Empld. pointing the cables. Recd. fresh beef 260 lbs fresh beef - |
Sund. | 29 | Wtly. | Light breezes & fine wr. Empld. pointing cables and about occasional jobs. A.M. Mustered the ships company and read the articles of war. Ansd. signal for all lieutenants. Loosed sails to dry. Washed and cleaned below |
Mond. | 30 | Wtly. | Do. weather. Furled sails. Part of the people on shore upon leave. A.M. Fitted travelling backstays. Making boats fenders &c. |
Tues. | 31 | E.b.N. | Modt. & fine weather. Discharged 8 men into H.M. Zeeland pr. order Vice Ad. Græme, and recd. 8 volunteers for the voyage in lieu. Empld. in various jobs of securing for sea, & about rigging. Recd. 218 lbs Fr. beef |
April Wedn |
1 | Etly. | Carpenters on board from the yard. Scrubbed hammocks. Employed working up junk &c. |
Thurs. | 2 | East | Recd. 4 tons of water. A.M. Loosed sails to dry and scrubbed hammocks. Employed working up junk and in various occasional jobs. |
Frid. | 3 | Eastly | Furled sails. Employed otherwise as above. A.M. Washed below and secured ballast in the after part of the ship. Our carpenters putting together the spare rudder for shipping. Answered signal |
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[page 19]
[April 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Wed.1]
Sent up the two-monthly books, up to 26th. last, and a sick ticket, with
two allotments, and letter advising the Navy Board of them and requesting
an acknowledgment of their receipt
[Thurs 2]
Recd. an admiralty order, to receive on board Mr. Rennell and victual him
as a supernumerary.
Transcript for a055020020
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Apr. 1801 | Winds | Transactions &c. - Investigator, Little Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Frid.3 | S.S.E. | signals for the guard and for weekly accounts Came in H.M. gun brigs Express & Advice, and out of harbour the Vesuve and Plumper. | |
Sat. | 4 | S.S.E. Vble. | Mod. & fine wr. Empld. working up junk & fitting the spare rudder together. A.M. Retd. the guard. Recd. fresh beef 269 lbs. - Unshipped the rudder, and tried to ship the spare one but could not - |
Sund. | 5 | N.b.W No. |
Shipped the rudder again and hoisted in the spare one to be examined. A.M. Mustered ships compy. and gave part of them leave |
Mond. | 6 | Vble. | Fresh breezes & cloudy wr. A.M. Fine wr. Up T. Gt. yards as usual. Carpenters came off from the yard to examine the spare rudder and compare it with the old, which we unshipped for them. Having made the requisite alteration, we hoisted it out, and shipped it without difficulty. Punished Thos. Leach Marine, with 12 lashes for absenting himself beyond his leave. Ansd. signal and took the guard. Recd. 407 lbs fresh beef |
Tuesd | 7 | S.W. | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Hoisted in the spare rudder, took it to pieces and restowed it on the quarters. Came out of harbour H.M.S. Camilla 20 guns. A.M. Returned the guard. Employed berthing the hammocks and working up junk |
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[April 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Sund 5]
By desire of Sir J.B. applied to V. Ad. Græme for leave of absence
from the 9th. to the 19th. following, which was granted - Whilst in
London, my publick employments were to hasten the mathematical
instruments, forward the ordering of the necessary stationary and books,
and articles for presents and barter; and put some necessary letters to
the govr. of New South Wales under weigh; particularly relating to the
brig Lady Nelson, a colonial vessel, but commanded by Lt. James Grant
commander of the Supply hulk there. I obtained through the kindness of
Mr. Dalrymple the Hydrographer, every certain information relating to New
Holland, which I brought down with me; and copies of every chart lodged
in the Admiralty Office were prepared for me and afterwards sent down;
that is, such as related to the objects of our intended research
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Apr. 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Little Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Wed. | 8 | Vble. N.b.E. | Strong breezes & squally. Employed working up junk. Struck T.Gt. masts. A.M. Up T.Gt. masts and yards. Mended sails. Employed otherwise working up junk |
Thurs | 9 | Vble.W.bN | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed making points and ropebands- Mustered ships compy. AM. Recd. 3 tons of beer and 4 of water pr. lighter. |
Frid. | 10 | W.b.N | Do. weather. Working up junk. A.M. Struck T.Gt. masts. Ansd. signal to take guard and for weekly accounts. Cleared hawse and mustered per clerk of the checque |
Sat. | 11 | NWtly | Employed as before. Came out of harbour H.M. Ships Ranger and Ruby, and sailed the latter. Recd. fresh beef 209 lbs. Employed airing the sails |
Sund. | 12 | No. N.E. | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed about the sails &c. A.M. squally with snow |
Mon. | 13 | N.E. Vble. NEbN | Fresh breezes and squally. Employed staying the masts and setting up rigging. Took the guard per signal - |
Tuesd. | 14 | E.N.E. | Squally wr. A boat belonging to the Mary hired cutter picked up 2 of the crew of a boat which had been upset in the mouth of the harbour and brought them to us; found they belonged to the Griper gun brig. A.M. More moderate. Sent the 2 men to their vessel and returned the guard. Employed working up junk and fixing the splinter netting afresh |
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Apr. 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Little Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Wedn | 15 | Vble. | Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. A.M. Up T.Gt. masts. Recd. carpenters stores, and 306 lbs of fresh beef, short of weight 6 lb - Loosed sails |
Thurs. | 16 | Vble. | Furled sails. Employed working up junk |
Frid. | 17 | Eastly | Fresh breezes and cloudy. A.M. Fine wr. Dried small sails. Mended the rounding of the cables. |
Satur | 18 | Vble. S.b.W. |
Recd. 251 lb of fresh beef, short of weight 6 lbs. - Cleared hawse. A.M. Fine wr. Sent the T.Gt. masts down and unrove the rigging. Punished Wm. Brown (Seaman) with 12 lashes for neglect of duty, and Ollof Wastreem with 8 lashes for leaving the boat when on duty. Sent a boat on duty to H.M.S. Ruby below the Great Nore |
Sund. | 19 | Wtly N.W. |
Returned the T.Gt. rigging to the yard and received new. Employed fitting it. Cleared hawse. Mustered per clerk of the checque A.M. Up T.Gt. masts and set up the rigging Answered signal for all lieutenants |
Mond. | 20 | Vble. Westly | Light airs. Employed staying the T. and T.Gt. masts and setting up the rigging. Shipwrights from the yard employed on board |
Tuesd. | 21 | W.b.N | Do. weather. Employed occasionally. Recd. 3 tons of beer and 4 tons of water, and 242 lbs. of fresh beef. Employed clearing the lighter |
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[page 25]
[April 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Thurs 16]
Applied from London to have my leave of absence extending until such
times as as the instruments &c. &c. should be ready and every
necessary arrangement made; it being considered that my presence may be
more useful in London than at Sheerness. - In answer, the Admiralty
extended my leave one week, or until the 26th.
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[page 26]
Apr. 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Little Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Wedn | 22 | WbN. Vble. E.N.E | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Opened beef No.62. Contents 42 pieces. Washed below. Employed as necessary |
Thurs. | 23 | E.N.E. | Employed making points and rope bands, and A.M. loosed sails to dry |
Frid. | 24 | Eastly | Furled sails; otherwise employed as before Recd. 298 lbs of fresh beef. Ansd. signl. Weekly Accts. |
Sat. | 25 | E.b.N. | Mustered ships company per clerk of the checque. Washed below, loosed sails and took the guard per signal |
Sund. | 26 | E.N.E. | Furled sails. Employed as necessary. A.M. Cleared hawse. Mustered ships company and them clean as usual on this day, and read the articles of war |
Mon. | 27 | Etly. | Arrived and anchored H.M.S. Isis. A.M. Washed below and cleared hawse. Took the guard per signal. Employed working up junk |
Tuesd. | 28 | Etly. | Fresh breezes and fine weather. Rowed guard. Loosed sails to dry. Recd. 275 lbs fresh beef |
Wedn. | 29 | E.b.N. | Employed about the rigging. Employed making fenders for boats and in other occasional jobs. Took the guard per signal |
Thurs. | 30 | E.N.E | Fine weather. Employed principally in working up junk. Returned the guard |
May Frid. |
1 | Etly. | Employed as before and occasionally. Took the guard per signal. Recd. 300 lbs fresh beef, 3 lbs short |
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[page 27]
[May 1801]
Remarks; letters; orders &c. &c.
[Tues. 28]
Represented to the admiralty (by Letter 37) that the guns now on board
were more than sufficient to combat Indians, and that they prevented us
from carrying the quantity of present use water that was requisite; and
understanding that a passport was to be obtained and was now daily
expected, I begged leave to request "that their Lordships will be pleased
to order, that ten of the "twelve long six-pounders now on board may be
taken out; and "that in lieu, the ship may be supplied with six
twelve-pound "carronades and two more swivels; which guns, in addition to
two "eighteen-pound carronades now on board, I consider to be "sufficient
to repel the attack of any Indians with whom we are likely to meet." I
also requested to be supplied with a pocket time piece.
May 1st. Wrote to the Victualling Board requesting to know the proportion of wheat which ought to be issued in lieu of bread; whether one pound and a half of wheat for one pound of bread would be proper; or if not, begged to receive their instructions upon the subject. Answer. One pound and a quarter to be issued for a pound of bread
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May 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Little Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Sat. | 2 | Vble East | Mod. with showers of rain. A.M. Fine weather. People washing their clothes. Returned the guard |
Sun. | 3 | Vble. N.W. |
Employed variously. A.M. Up T.Gt. yards &c. as usual every fine morning. Took the guard per signal. Punished R. Hetherly with 12 lashes for quitting the boat and staying on shore without leave |
Mon. | 4 | Etly. | Light winds & fine wr. A.M. Working up junk and employed in various duties. Returned the Guard |
Tuesd. | 5 | S.E. Etly. | Cloudy. A.M. Modr. and clear wr. Took the guard per signal. Cleared hawse. Recd. 326 lbs of fresh beef, 6 lbs short of weight. Loosed sails to dry |
Wed. | 6 | N.E. b.E. | Mod. and cloudy. Furled sails. Employed making matts &c. Anchored here H.M. gun brig Manly. A.M. Returned the guard. Empd. working up junk |
Thurs. | 7 | N.E. | Served 1/2 allowance of spirits, there being no beer on board though demanded 8 days. A.M. Took guard pr. signal. Employed about the rigging and other necessary jobs. Served spirits - |
Frid. | 8 | N.E. | Fresh breezes and fine wr. Received 3 tons of beer and 5 of water. A.M. Ansd. signal for weekly accounts and returned the guard |
Sat. | 9 | Vble. N.W. | Mod. breezes. Recd. 277 lbs. fresh beef, 5 lbs excess of weight. A.M. Washed below. Punished Thos. White with 18 lashes for staying several days on shore beyond his leave. Employed working up junk. Took the guard per signal. |
Transcript for a055029029
[page 29]
[May 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
Tues. 5
Wrote to J. Mathews Esq. Agent Victualler at Chatham, stating the
shortness of weight in the fresh beef, which had been as follows - March
20 lbs, April 39, May 5th. 9 lb; and requested that caution might be
given to the boatmen, that the weight of beef might hereafter agree.
Answer, that the master of the brig would take oath, that none had ever
been cut off in his vessel; that the quarters were weighed in presence of
3 clerks, and not until the beef was cold. (Note, the letter had its some
effect, for the next beef was 5 lb greater than charged).
May 5. Wrote to the Admiralty requesting them to order the Investigator to be paid six months wages; the resident Commissioner (Coffin) having objected to paying her until sailing orders were arrived. - This was complied with.
[Sat. 9]
Wrote to the Navy Board requesting them to stop the Allotment of Wm.
Kemble - Marine, he being discharged as being a deserter from the
Inneskilling or 6th dragoon regiment -
Transcript for a055030030
[page 30]
May 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator, Little Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Sund. | 10 | N.N.W. | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Punished Thos. Brown with 24 and Thos. Reynolds with 18 lashes for exceeding their leave 6 days, and running from their officer. A.M. Mustered ships company and read the articles of war |
Mon. | 11 | N.W. | Mod. & clear wr. A.M. Loosed small sails to dry. Took the
guard pr. signal. Recd. 304 lbs of fresh beef. Employed as
necessary Tuesd |
Tuesd | 12 | NW. Vble. | Mod. and cloudy. Lent 15 men to H.M. advice brig Advice, pr. Order V. Ad. Græme. Cleared hawser A.M. Fresh breezes and clear. Returned the Guard. Recd. beer and water pr. lighter |
Wed. | 13 | Vble. | Do. weather. Working up junk A.M. Commissioner Coffin came on board and paid the ship up to June 30. Last. Took the guard per signal |
Thurs. | 14 | Vble. N.W. South'ly |
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Sailed into the harbour H.M.S. Arrow, and came out the Bittern and anchored here. A.M. Light airs and cloudy. Unmoored ship, hove short on the small bower, and received a pilot on board. At 9 weighed and made sail for the great Nore; but the wind being too light for the flood tide to be stemed And becoming more scant, dropped the best bower in 15 fms. The Garrison point bearing S.W. Veered to a third of a cable on the weather becoming squally. |
Transcript for a055031031
[page 31]
[May 1801]
Remarks. letters, orders &c.
May 9th. Recd. a letter from Navy Board, charging me with various Mathematical &c. instruments as in the letter is expressed; all of which had been received the preceding day
[Tues. 12]
Wrote to the Navy Board, representing, that from the greatest part of
H.M. ships being at sea I was not able to find a fit person, a volunteer,
to fill the office of master; and requested them "to "select an officer
whose character at their Board is such as to be "presumptive proof, that
his abilities and conduct will enable him "to be an useful assistant to
me in carrying on the service in "which we are about to engage." I
represented that perfection in Astronomy was not absolutely requisite, so
much as sobriety, activity, a desire to be useful, and good knowledge and
experience in common seamanship and navigation
[Wed. 13]
Wrote to the Navy Board for documents for 6 men, claiming pay for
different ships, and for permission to antidate the entry of Mr. S. W.
Flinders. Complied with in answer.
[Thurs14]
Recd. orders from Vice Adml. Græme to proceed with the sloop under
my command to the Nore so soon as paid; and to give the ships company no
opportunity of desertion. Recd. a large chest of Stationary from the Navy
Office, and three French voyages of Discovery.
Transcript for a055032032
[page 32]
May 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator at the Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Frid. | 15 | Vble. S.Etly Wstly. |
Fresh breezes and squally with showers of hail and rain. At 1/2 past noon, weighed and made sail. Tacked ship occasionally. At 3, came to with the small bower in 5 fms. and moored ship. Furled sails, and returned the 15 men to the Advice who had come on board to receive their pay. Lying here H.M.S. Zealand V. Ad. Græme and several small ships. The extreme of Sheppy I. S.E.b.S. and the garrison point at Sheerness West. Waited on the commg. officer to report the ship. A.M. Squally, with rain at times. Ansd. signal for weekly accounts. Empld. as necessary |
Sat. | 16 | S.W. Wtly. |
Strong breezes. Struck T. Gt. Masts A.M. Fresh breezes and fine wr. Hoisted out the launch and made other preparation for getting out our guns, according to my letter of April 28. Recd. 323 lbs of fresh beef |
Sund. | 17 | S.S.W | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Anchored here from the harbour H.M.S. Hydra. Employed in occasional duties. A.M. Took the guard per signal. |
Mond. | 18 | S.b.W | Cloudy, with hard rain. A.M. Returned the guard. Sailed H.M.S. Blenheim for Yarmo. Recd. 121 lb of fresh beef. Employed as necessy. |
Tues. | 19 | Calm Vble. |
Calm with rain. Sailed H.M.S. Hydra. Punished Thos. Smith with 18 lashes for leaving the his boat, being coxon, and attempting to desert A.M. Fine. Loosed sails to dry. Shipwright on board from the yard to fit ports for carronades |
Transcript for a055033033
[page 33]
[May 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Sat. 16]
Applied to the Navy Board for documents permission to pay five men
bounty, who claim it; and also four others who come to us as prest from
the Zealand. In answer, they only permit one.
[Sund 17]
Applied to the victualling for provisions to complete our stock; having
received intelligence from Sir J. B. that we might expect to sail
shortly, which were sent on 22nd.
Transcript for a055034034
[page 34]
May 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator at the Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Wedn | 20 | Vble. | Fine weather. Furled sails: otherwise employed as necessary. A.M.
Employed getting out ten of the twelve long six pounders, with their
accompanying stores, and receiving in lieu six twelve pound
carronades and two more swivels with their shot and other stores Our arms are now as follows 18-pound carronades, stern chases ------ 2 12 do.,on both sides ------6 6 pound long guns, on to the focas shift ------2 1/2 pound swivels, to shift ------6 Musquetoons -----, to shift------2 Musquets black, independent of Marines ------ 40 Pistols ------braces 15 Cutlasses ------- 30 Tomahawks ------ 20 Half pikes ------ 30 Besides several pairs on of pistols, double and single barrelled guns with and without bayonets, belonging to individuals Seven shipwrights from the yard victualled on board - |
Thurs. | 21 | Vble. Eastly | Light winds and cloudy. Employed stowing away gunners stores. A.M. Employed in jobs about the rigging and occasionally. Answd. our signal No. 219. |
Transcript for a055035035
[page 35]
[May 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c. &c.
May 21.
Applied to the Admiralty to have the officers and crew paid up to the end
of the month previous to sailing, and also for two months advance; to be
paid at the last port we might be at -
[Thurs 21]
Applied to V. Ad. Græme for two marines to complete our
establishment. Recd. letter from Sec. of E.I. Directors informing me of
their intention to give the gentlemen of the Investigator and myself
£1200 for table-money: half of which I am at liberty to draw for
immediately and the rest at the end of the voyage.
Transcript for a055036036
[page 36]
May 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator at the Nore | |
---|---|---|---|
Friday | 22 | S.Etly SSW. |
Recd. pr. lighter from Deptford 13 tons water, 1 ton of flour and 300 lbs of cheese: also beer for present use. Employed stowing provisions in the places formerly occupied by the guns. A.M. Recd. pr. lighter from the Navy Office, various extra articles for our own use, and for presents to the inhabitants of New Holland and the South sea islands, as pr. list No. . Ansd. Signal for weekly accounts. |
Saturdy. | 23 | Vble. WSW. |
Light winds and fine wr. A.M. Took the guard per signal. Employed securing the water casks in the places formerly occupied by the guns. Came out of harbour a line of battleship, a frigate, and corvette, belonging to the Prince of Orange. Recd. 144 lbs fresh beef. |
Sund. | 24 | WSW. Vble. |
Modt. and clear. Ansd. signal for a lieutt. Recd. some Boatswains and Carpenters stores to complete. Employed preparing for sea; A.M. Returned the guard. Employed as before. |
Mon. | 25 | Vble. E.S.E. |
Received back from the Advice brig 12 of the 15 men lent to her; the remaining three having found means to desert. Sailed to the southward the Dutch men of war and the brig Driver. James Grice, one of the Carpenters crew unfortunately fell overbd. and notwithstanding that great exertions were made to save him, was drowned. A.M. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed as before preparing for sea. |
Transcript for a055037037
[page 37]
[May 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
May 23.
Recd. orders from my lords Commissioners to proceed to Spithead without
loss of time. Dated 22nd. Which I immediately acknowledged the receipt
of.
[Sund24]
Received the private signals from V.Ad. Græme, consisting of the
Private Signals by day and night, the Signals to be made to Signal Posts,
the Signals denoting the signal posts along the coast, the Day and Night
signals established between cruizers and those posts, and the signals to
be made at those posts together with their significations being six
papers: the receipt of which I immediately acknowledged.
Transcript for a055038038
[page 38]
May 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator | |
---|---|---|---|
Tuesd. | 26 | SEtly. S.E.b E. E.b.S. East |
Fresh breezes & fine wr. Wm. Chapman, Marine, absented himself from the boat without leave. At 3, brought the pilot+ on board. Hoisted up the boats and at 5, when the ship swung to the flood, unmoored and hove in to half a cable. A.M. At 121/2 light breezes. Weighed and made sail, lying to for considerable intervals drifting with the tide till daylight as also to clear the our buoy. The flood making at 6, came to with best bower in 4 fms. The buoy of the Ouze bearing N.W.b.N. 2 cables length. The Knob S.S.E.1/2 E. abt. mile. The Dutch ships at anchor [the word 'anchor' is represented by a drawing of an anchor] about 1 miles S.b.E. of us. At 11, light airs with rain at times. Shortened in the cable - |
Wedn | 27 | Vble. W.b.S. Wtly. |
Light airs with rain at intervals. At 3, weighed and made sail. At 4 came to in 12 fms. with best bower. At 6, light breezes. Weighed and made sail over the flats for the Queens Channel. At 81/2, came to with best bower. The Pansand beacon N.N.W. abt. 2 miles. A.M. Light breezes. At 3, weighed and made sail for the Downs. At 8, fresh breezes. At 1/2 pt. 8, came to with best bower in 8 fms. and veered to half a cable. Upper Deal Church W.b.S. and Walmer Castle S.W. - Went on shore to wait on Admiral Lutwidge. At noon, Fresh breezes and cloudy weather |
Transcript for a055039039
[page 39]
[May 1801]
Additional remarks, orders, letters &c.
[Tues. 26]
+ Mr. Gibbs of Queenborough Recd. P.M. 285 lbs of fresh beef
Transcript for a055040040
[page 40]
Investigator in the Downs - [Thursday] May 28. 1801
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Returned the old cutter and received a new one
from G. Lawrence Esq. the Naval Storekeeper in lieu. Having this
intention sho the boat had not been exchanged at Sheerness. At 3, the ebb
tide began to make when we weighed and made sail to work out of the Downs
and down Channel. Tacked occasionally between the Goodwin and South
Foreland; and lay to some time for a boat with refreshments. At 8, the
So. Foreland E.b.N.1/2.N. (by Comp.) and the town of Folkestone N.W.
about 3 miles. Tacked ship offshore.
Tacked, stretching along the coast to stem the tide.
Varble. Breezes and cloudy with squalls
Spoke the cutter, Earl Spencer. In T. Gt. Sails and 1st reef of M.
topsail. At 1, tacked ship and also at 4
At 6, tacked and set staysails & T. Gt. Sails
At 8, fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Down staysails and tacked
ship
In T. Gt. sails and 2nd reef of F. topsail.
At 10, tacked, off the town of Hythe
At noon, moderate breezes with fine wr. Set M.T. Gt. sail. The So.
Foreland bore N.E.1/2. E. and Folkestone North 7 or 8 miles.
Tacked ship in shore. Several vessels in sight
Transcript for a055041041
[page 41]
[Friday] May 29th. 1801. Back to the Downs
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Squally. Dble. reefed M. topsail. At 2 1 and at 31/2 tacked ship. At 4,
made more sail, the wind being moderatinged. So. Foreland E.b.N. At 20
pt. 6 the ship touched the ground: hove all aback. The leadsman having
found no bottom with 15fm. at 1/4 before six, had left the chains without
being relieved; and the supposed dist. of the land by the officer of the
watch, being 6 miles, the lead had not been attended to minutely at the
time. See for. page Letter book for rest of the account
At 8, stood off shore having passed over the shoal - At 91/2, tacked in
shore to get out of the flood tide. At 111/2, tacked to the northward and
double reefed the fore and main topsails - So. Foreland N.E.b.E.
Dungeness W.S.W.
At 2, tacked, seeing the Foreland light bearing N.b.W.1/2 W. - Close
reefed the F. and Mzn topsails.
At 4, strong breezes with thick weather and rain. Put the helm up and ran
for the Downs - Struck T. Gt. Masts
At 7, came to: the So. Foreland S.W.1/2 W. Veered to half a cable, and
when the leetide made, to a whole one.
Answered the signal for weekly accounts. Found riding here, the Overyssel
- Adml. Lutwidge, the Dutch men of war, and several English.
Transcript for a055042042
[page 42]
[Saturday] May 30th. 1801 Downs towds. Spithead.
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy with rain. At 1, the admiral and other of H.M.
ships as also the Dutch ship fired a royal salute on the anniversary of
the Restoration
At 2, moored, a cable each way
Wrote to Adml. Lutwidge informing him of the desertion of the carpenter
of the Trent, who had been sent on board at the Nore for a passage
Moderate breezes and cloudy
At 4 fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Unmoored ship. Swayed up T. Gt.
masts and yards and hoisted up the boat.
At 7 weighed and made sail.
At 8, abreast of the South Foreland and one mile distant. Set studg.
sails and royals and shifted them occasionally
The Dutch men of war weighed a little before us but we came up with them
when carrying all sail; although the Xenophon was the worst sailing ship
that could be met with before coppered.
Noon, light breezes and hazy weather. The light house on Dungeness bore
N.E.W. abt. 2 leags. - The Dutch ships in company and several small
vessels in sight -
Transcript for a055043043
[page 43]
[Sunday] May 3l. 1801 - Investigator towds. Spithead
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy. Bent the spanker and mz top gant sail. Spoke
the Kent Cutter.
Beachy Head W.N.W. abt. 4 leagues
Exercised great guns and fired
At 8, Beachy N.N.W. abt. 3 leagues. Sounded in 161/2 fms. stones and
broken shells. Stowed staysails
Light airs inclining to calms.
{The effects of James Grice DD. Sold at the mast this P.M.
Took in studg. sails on the wind shifting
At 31/2 Beachy N.N.W. abt. 3 leagues.
Hazy with rain. Sounded in 20 fms stones. Passed a frigate on the other
tack, and shewed our colours
Mod. & cloudy with rain. At 91/4, sounded in 25 fms. speckled sand
and stones, and tacked ship - Set stay sails.
Made sail occasionally
Light breezes and hazy with constant rain - No land in sight
Transcript for a055044044
[page 44]
[Monday] June 1st. 1800. Investigator towds. Spithead
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs with constant rain. At 31/4 Sounded in 35 fms. Beachy Head
N.E.b.E. 4 or 5 leagues
At 6, Beachy E.b.N.1/2N. abt. 6 leags.
At 71/2 tacked ship and sounded in 28 fms. brown sand and stones
In royals and studg. sails. At 9, tacked.
At 10, sounded in 32 fms.
Moderate breezes and cloudy
Sounded in 35 fms. broken shells and stones
Thick weather with rain
At 6, it cleared a little. Saw the Isle of Wight to windward
I. of Wight N.1/2W. to St. Catharines Pt. N.N.W.3/4W
In royals
Sounded in 33 fms.
At noon, light airs and cloudy. I. of Wight So. point N.W.b.W. Land about
Selsea N.1/4W
Tacked ship.
Transcript for a055045045
[page 45]
[Tuesday] June 2. into Spithead
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mode. & fine weather. Made more sail
At 3, fresh breezes; in royals &c. and Tkd. ship. At 4, in 35 fms.
stones. Exercised great guns and small arms and fired 2 rounds of powder.
At 8, Culver Cliff N.W.1/2 W. 2 or 3 miles.
At 91/4, anchored in St. Helens Road in 81/2 fms. with best bower and
veered to 1/3 of a cable. Found here H.M.S. Hannibal and Hydra -
Calm with rain
A.M. At 5, weighed and made sail with a light breeze; but at 6, anchored
[the word 'anchor' is represented by a drawing of an anchor] being calm.
Buoy of the Warner N.N.E. 1 mile
At 61/2, ansd. Signal 275 by shewing our number (750). At 8 weighed and
made sail. At 10, came to at Spithead
Varble. breezes with dull cloudy weather and rain. Veered to a whole
cable, but finding we were likely to overlay a ship, hove in again and
waited for the tide from St. Helens
Went on shore to wait upon Mark Milbank Esq. Admiral of the White and
Comm. in chief here; to shew my orders and to take a weekly account.
Wrote to the Admiralty informing them of my arrival, requesting their
attention to our being short of complement
Transcript for a055046046
[page 46]
June 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator - Spithead | |
---|---|---|---|
Wedn | 3 | Soly. Wtly. NEbE |
Rainy weather. Hove up the best bower, and dropped the ship in
shore. Moored a cable each way. South sea castle E.1/2 N. Block-house
Pt. A.M. Fine weather and rainy showers alternately. Loosed sails. Employed making wads and in other necessary duties |
Thurs. | 4 | Vble. | Cloudy with rain at times. Furled sails. Empd. as in the morning. Ansd. signal for all lieutts. A.M. Cloudy. Employed making wads and otherwise working up junk |
Frid. | 5 | WNWW | At 1 fired a salute of 19 guns in honour of His Majestys birthday. Ansd. signal for a midshipman A.M. Employed making wads and plats for the cables. Ansd. signal for weekly accounts |
Sat. | 6 | Vble. | Employed in jobs about the rigging and as before. A.M. Carpenters repairing the cutter. Opened a cask of beef contents 42 peices right. Recd. 278 lbs of fresh beef. |
Sund. | 7 | Vble. | Ansd. signal for all lieutts. Employed making mats &c. A.M. Recd. 3 tons of beer and 5 of water per lighter. Returned empty casks |
Mon. | 8 | Vble. WNW |
Employed stowing water &c. A.M. Working up junk into wads, mats and plats - |
Tues. | 9 | Vble. WNW |
Fine weather. Employed working up junk as before. Mustered per clerk of the checque A.M. Do. weather - Employed as before and occasionally. Recd. 166 lbs fresh beef - |
Transcript for a055047047
[page 47]
[June 1801]
Additional remarks, orders, letters &c. &c.
[Wed.3]
Recd. an order from the Navy Board to send up Pay Books &c. up to May
31; and an answer relative to my application of May 12, for a master,
hoping that I should find one here and that they would give a warrant
immediately and put him on the list from the date of it, after passing.
Wrote in favour of Mr. John Thistle of the Buffalo
[Thurs4]
Recd. an order to send up a list and descriptions of three men who had
deserted from the Advice, as also the attendant circumstances; which I
complied with on the 5th.
[Frid. 5]
Sent up Pay and monthly books, as also some powers of attorney and
Tickets -
[Mon. 8]
Applied to the Sick and Hurt Board for Instructions relative to seamen
sent on shore in foreign parts
[Tues. 9]
Recd. orders to proceed into Portsmouth Harbour, to dock the ship and get
her defects repaired with expedition and return to Spithead; the receipt
of which I immediately acknowledged, inclosing the carpenters certificate
- See letter 58
Recd. orders from Adml. Milbank to send any men suspected of intending to
desert on board the Royal William.
Transcript for a055048048
[page 48]
June 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator - Portsmouth | |
---|---|---|---|
Wedn. | 10 | Noly. WSW |
Mode. & fine weather. Ansd. signal for a midsn. Employed preparing to go into harbour. A.M. Light airs & calms. At 4 unmoored and a pilot came on board. Made signal for assistance with 2 guns. Set sail. Sent our boat ahead to tow, and 2 launches from the R. Wm. and Puissant. At 81/2, made fast alongside a lump at moorings in the harbour. At 9, returned all the powder into a lump; and afterwards warped the ship over, and in the No. dock by assistance of the riggers. Hoisted up two boats, and kept one cutter without the dock gates. Got down T.Gt.Yd. masts, and lower yards. Employed clearing ship - Light airs with warm fine wr. Therm. 72 |
Thurs. Recd 141 lbs of fresh beef |
11 | N.b.E. | Returned some boatswains stores and received others in lieu. On examining the ships bottom as soon as the tide was out, it was found that she had received no injury, and the water was therefore let into the dock as the tide rose A.M. Up Lr. yards and T.Gt. masts. At 11 cast off, hauled out of dock, and having pilot on board, made sail out of the harbour, and at noon came to anchor with the best bower at Spithead in 6 fms. and moed a cable each way. South sea castle bearing E.b.S. and Blockhouse Pt. N.E.b.N. |
Transcript for a055049049
[page 49]
[June 1801]
Additional remarks, orders, letters &c.
[Wed. 10]
The orders marked as received yesterday were received this P.M. by the
midshipman. I immediately went on shore to bespeak a pilot, and also a
hoy to receive our powder; and settled with the dock yard officers to
take the ship into dock by the same time that should bring us into the
harbour. But found in the morning that no preparations were made. Whilst
getting out the powder, I pressed them very anxiously to take her in this
tide, and they complied.
Recd. an order from the admiralty reinforcing their former order to go
into dock.
Reported the ship having been into dock, and was now at Spithead waiting
their Lordships further orders.
Wrote to the Navy Board to request two months advance might be given to
ships company, as well as paying them up to May 31. This was complied
with, and the officers were allowed to draw for three in advance.
Transcript for a055050050
[page 50]
June 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator - Spithead | |
---|---|---|---|
Frid. | 12 | Noly. | Employed clearing ship. Received our powder back from the Hoy. A.M. Fresh breezes. Ansd. signal for weekly accounts Carpenters from the yard making a skylight and fitting hammock stantions in the waist People making small mats &c. |
Sat. | 13 | N.b.E. | Fresh breezes and cloudy. Recd. 268 lbs fresh beef. Employed working up junk &c. |
Sun | 14 | N.W.bN. | Do. weather. Mended the rounding of the cables. A.M. Mustered & read the Articles of War |
Mond. | 15 | NNW. | Fresh breezes and fine wr. Ansd. signal for a mid. A.M. Sailmakers fitting waist hammock clothes. Mustered per clerk of the checque. Entd. Mr. John Thistle master |
Tuesd | 16 | N.b.Wto W.b.N |
Fresh breezes and cloudy wr. Employed making mats for various purposes. A.M. Received 156 lbs fresh beef. Carpenters &c. employed in their respective duties. |
Wedn. | 17 | W.N.W. | Employed in working junk up into mats and upon other occasional duties. |
Thurs. | 18 | WNW | Ansd. signal for a lieut. And received a draft of 7 men from H.M.S. Royal William. Cleared hawser A.M. Commissioner Sir Chas. Saxton came on board and paid the petty officers company up to May 31. and 2 months advance to them and to the warrant officers |
Transcript for a055051051
[page 51]
[June 1801]
Remarks, orders, letters &c.
[Mon. 15]
Applied to the admiralty to have our complement filled up; and amongst
the 7 wanted to have a sail maker and 2 carpenters crew included; as also
to receive their Lordships directions concerning the mode of bearing the
men of science &c. on Investigators books. To this the answer was,
that both would be complied with when my sailing orders were issued
[Thurs 18]
Recd. 164 lbs of fresh beef
Transcript for a055052052
[page 52]
June 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator - Spithead | |
---|---|---|---|
Frid. | 19 | Vble. S.S.E. |
Fresh breezes with fine wr. Recd. 5 tons of water and one of beer to complete for sea. Recd. an order to attend the Solicitor of the Admiralty in London. A.M. James Leech and Thos. White punished with 8 and 18 lashes for drunkenness and neglect of duty. Ansd. Signal for weekly accounts. Working up junk |
Sat. | 20 | SEbE | Mod & fine wr. Recd. 239 lbs fresh beef. Set up the standing rigging. Empld. Otherwise on junk. |
Sund. | 21 | S.E. | Do. Wr. Ansd. signal for all lieutenants. A.M. Scrubbed hammocks & mustered ships company. |
Mond | 22 | SEbE East | Fresh breezes and cloudy. A.M. Employed working up junk, and in various occupations. |
Tuesd | 23 | E.S.E. | Employed as before. Recd. 201 lbs fresh beef. Moderate breezes and hazy. |
Wedn. | 24 | S.E. | Fine wr. Employed as necessary. Mustered W.? clerk of the check. |
Thurs. | 25 | S.E. Vble. N.W. | Light winds and fine wr. Recd. 170 lbs of fresh beef. Employed in occasional duties. |
Frid. | 26 | NNW | Mode. and cloudy. Recd. 6 tons of water and 2 tons of beef. Thos. Smith seaman, punished with 24 lashes for riotous behaviour and fighting. Returned empty casks to the lighter Return'd from my Adm'ty. leave |
Sat. | 27 | N.W. Vble. |
Light airs and hazy. Recd. 385 lbs fresh beef. Cleared hawser. Punished 3 men with 12 lashes each for attempting to desert. Mustered ships company and read the articles of war. |
Transcript for a055053053
[page 53]
[June 1801]
Remarks, orders, letters &c.
[Frid. 19]
Recd. an order through the Commander in chief here to go up to town on
admiralty leave; went on shore in the evening accordingly, and in the
morning set off in a post chaise for London. On the Wednesday following,
I answered to certain Interrogatories relative to a prosecution against
the commander of a ship called the Andersons, who had deserted the convoy
of His M.S. Reliance in September last, of which ship I was then second
lieutenant. On Thursday, my business with the Solicitor was concluded.
During the above time, I had frequently attended at the Admiralty Office
to attempt the forwarding of of the issuing of our sailing orders, but to
little effect the multiplicity of business in general preventing my voice
from being heard
Transcript for a055054054
[page 54]
June 1801 | Winds | Transactions &c. Investigator - Spithead | |
---|---|---|---|
Sund. | 28 | WSW | Calms. A.M. Fresh breezes. Entered Wm. Carter, ord. Employed in various duties |
Mond. | 29 | S.S.E. | Light breezes with fine wr. Employed in the main hold. Mustered per clerk of the checque - |
Tuesd | 30 | S.S.E. Vble. NNW. | Modt. with rain at times. People employed in the after hold and coal hole. A.M. Recd. fresh beef (280 lbs.) Cleared hawser. |
July Wedn |
1 | West | Constant showers of rain. A.M. Received 3 tons of beer and one of water. Returned empty casks. Employed as necessary |
Thurs. | 2 | S.S.W. | Light airs with showers of rain. Employed working up junk, and in occasional jobs. |
Frid. | 3 | WSW. West N.W. | Light breezes and cloudy. A.M. Loosed sails to dry. Ansd. signal for all lieutts. Strong breezes with showers - Furled sails. |
Sat. | 4 | W.b.S | Do. weather. A.M. Fresh breezes and fine wr. Loosed sails to dry. Ansd. signal for a lieut., and furled sails. Recd. 322 lbs fresh beef |
Sund | 5 | W.b.S SSW West |
Sent a boat, with a mate and 12 men to assist H.M.S. Malta by order of the admiral Employed occasionally. A.M. Fresh breezes with variable weather. Received the mate & men from the Malta - Fine weather |
Transcript for a055055055
[page 55]
[July 1801]
Remarks, orders, letters &c
[Thurs2]
Wrote the letter No. 64 to the admiralty, requesting instructions
relative to the conduct which I am to observe towards French ships, in
consequence of the passport; as also towards the ships of other nations
with whom the United Kingdoms are at war. Also, whether the taking such
letters as the post master might put on board for the C. of G. Hope,
would be any infringment of neutrality, if such was to be the conduct of
the Investigator. The letter concludes with observing, "that since the
end of March "last, the advancement of the seasons makes every days delay
"in sailing of bad consequence to the success of the voyage for "which
the Investigator had been fitted."
During the months that the ship has been waiting, both at the Nore and at
this place for sailing orders, I constantly had the people exercised with
the T.Gt. yards whenever the weather would permit; and endeavoured to
bring the ships company under good order and government, to which indeed
the majority of them were well inclined; but some of the heedless
occasionally fell under the lash, though not a man in the ship ever
showed any signs of an ill disposition towards a proper subjection to
their officers, or to living sociably with each other. Some desertions
prevent me from permitting any to go ashore upon leave, since the payment
of the ship
Transcript for a055056056
[page 56]
July 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator - Spithead | |
---|---|---|---|
Mond. | 6 | W.b.SSouth | Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Ansd. the signal for all lieutenants. A.M. Drizzling rain. Employed in occasional duties. |
Tues. | 7 | S.b.W S.W. | Moderate with thick cloudy weather. A.M. Recd. 181 lbs of fresh beef. People employed principally in working up Junk - |
Wed. | 8 | S.W. | Mode. and cloudy. A.M. Strong gales. Got the sheet anchor over the side. |
Thurs. | 9 | S.W. West |
Fresh gales with rain at times. At 11, stowed lower yards and T.Gt. masts. A.M. Sent a mate and 12 seamen to assist H.M.S. Malta out of harbour, per signal. Received 160 lbs of fresh beef. Served out spirits this day, having no beer on board. Discharged Wm. Carter (ord.) into H.M.S. Royal William being a deserter from the Wolverene. |
Frid. | 10 | Strong breezes and cloudy. Our men returned from the Malta. A.M. Up lower yards and T.Gt. masts. Sent the mate and men again to the Malta, being ordered by signal. Recd. 3 tons of beer and 3 of water and returned empty casks. Mustered ships company per clerk of the checque. |
Transcript for a055057057
[page 57]
July 1810 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator - Spithead | |
---|---|---|---|
Sat. | 11 | West S.W. |
Furled sails, which had been loosed in the morning to dry. Recd. our men from the Malta, she having anchored at Spithead. A.M. Received 364 lbs fresh beef. People empld. working up junk. Drizzling rain |
Sund. | 12 | WNW | Fresh gales and squally with rain. Ansd. signal for all lieutenants A.M. Mustered ships company and saw them all clean |
Mond. | 13 | N.W. | Mode. and cloudy. Ansd. signal for all lieutenants. A.M. Recd. 302 lbs fresh beef Loosed sails to dry. Recd. 16 bags of bread and 3 firkins to complete for sea. Employed stowing it away & occasionally |
Tues. | 14 | N.W. | Rainy weather. Furled sails. Entered Nath. Wright (LM.) Ansd. signal for all lieutenants. A.M. Light breezes and fine weather. Recd. 302 lbs of fresh beef. Loosed sails to dry. Sent a boat manned and armed to attend the execution of one of the Hermiones mutineers on board the Puissant, sheer hulk at Spithead. |
Wed. | 15 | WSW West |
Furled sails A.M. Mode. with rain. Sent a boat manned and armed to attend a punishment round the fleet. Employed as necessary. |
Thurs. | 16 | West | Fine weather. Discharged Fran. Le Begle AB. into the Puissant by the admirals order, being ruptured. A.M. Loosed sails. Cleared hawser. Recd. 162 lbs fresh beef |
Transcript for a055058058
[page 58]
July 1801 | Winds | Transactions - Investigator - Spithead | |
---|---|---|---|
Frid. | 17 | West SSW. Vble. | Furled sails. Mended the rounding. Squally with thunder and lightening; accompanied by large hail and heavy rain. A.M. Ansd. signal for weekly accts. Employed upon occasional duties. |
Sat. | 18 | Wstly N.W. Vble. |
Light breezes and cloudy with rain at times. Employed lashing and
securing for sea. Recd. 3 tons of beer and 4 of water to complete
A.M. At 4, made the signal and unmoored ship. Recd. 360 lbs fresh
beef; as also 2 barrells of pease, 2 half hhds of oatmeal and 1 of
cheese, completing up to 12 months. At 10, made the signal and
weighed. Hoisted up and secured two of the boats. Peter Cartwright, pursers steward, absented himself without leave. At noon - Passed St.Helens road. Light airs and fine weather with haze. Discharged Geoe. Webb from the books to the civil power, he having been taken out by a writ for £37 - some time since Thomas White having been checked with leave twice we sail with 4 men short of complement. |
Transcript for a055059059
[page 59]
[July 1801]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
[Fri. 17]
This morning I received sailing orders and thirteen pages of
instructions, together with the following papers
An order to victual the naturalist, draftsmen and their servants, as also
the gardener and miner
An order to victual the astronomer and servant.
A passport from the French Republic signed by the minister of the marine
and of the colonies, to prevent us being molested by any of the ships of
the republic, and permitting us to put into any of their ports to refit
if necessary; on condition that we in no way give offence to them or
their allies -.
A memoir from Mr. Dalrymple relating to the winds, on which the
instructions are partly founded.
An extract of a letter written by the Duke of Portland to the governor of
New South Wales, relating to the Lady Nelson brig.
An answer to my letter No. 64 written July 2.
Wrote to the admiralty acknowledging the receipt of the above, and
requesting that twelve months provisions of all species, might be sent
out to Port Jackson by the first opportunity, for the Investigator: to be
lodged in the government store houses for our sole use
Transcript for a055060060
[page 60]
[Sunday] July 19.1801 Investigator from [England towards Madeira]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original]
Moderate breezes with fine weather
Culver Cliff N.30(W. abt. 5 leagues
Tacked ship, and reefed the F. & Miz. Topsails
Sounded in 20 fms. Needle Pt. North abt. 4 miles. At 1, tacked ship
Needle point N.b.W[R.1].1/2 W. abt. 4 leagues
Light airs with fine weather. Tacked ship - Out reefs and made all sail.
Sounded in 27 fms. Cleared below and mustered the ships company.
Set larbd. Studg. sails.
Light breezes and hazy weather.
Needles Point N.E.3/4 N. Some small vessels in sight astern, but no sight
of Alderney, which by the lat. is not further distant than the
Needles.
Transcript for a055061061
[page 61]
[ Sunday July 19. 1801 Investigator from] England towards Madeira
On getting to sea, I this afternoon issued the following order,
directed to the boatswain, gunner, and carpenter of the ship The length
of time that the present voyage may be expected to require, making a
particular care of the stores a matter of the first importance, it is my
directions to Mr. Charles Douglas, boatswain, to Mr. Robert Colpits
gunner, and to Mr. Russel Mart carpenter, of His Majestys sloop under my
command, that they do not issue any stores of any kind however small the
quantity, to any officer or man whatever, without my permission; and if
any officer sees the necessity of replacing any thing that may be
deficient, or to apply stores to any use that may be wanted, he is
requested to mention it to the Commander for his approbation, before he
orders the warrant officer to issue; since it cannot be complied with in
consequence of this order. It is, however, to be understood, that in
cases of imminent danger, or immediate necessity, where timely
application cannot be made to me, that the commanding officer be
authorized to give such orders relative to the stores as he may judge
necessary, and as if this order had not been given -
Mattw.
Flinders
To the officers of the ship I also issued some instructions, which are as
follow
Transcript for a055062062
[page 62]
Remarks on Sunday July 19. 1801 - Investigator [from England towards Madeira]
Directions to be observed by the officers of the watch.
1st. On relieving the deck, particularly in the night, he is to see that
the lookout is attended to, that the ropes are properly belayed and
coiled fair, and that the sails are properly trimmed; for he is not to
permit a sail to remain set in a slovenly or improper manner because he
found it so. The weather lifts, braces, and backstays are recommended to
his constant attention, more especially when it blows fresh.
2. The watch is to be mustered at the first quarter hour of the watch;
and if any are absent, the officer is himself to inquire into the cause,
and to punish the absentees moderately, or to excuse their attendance as
shall appear to him proper. In cases of repeated or material neglect, he
is referred to the 2nd article of his instructions. The people are to be
mustered at any other time or times in the watch if the officer suspects
that any are absent.
3. One man at least, is to be kept looking out at night; and in
particular cases by day also; and never to be taken off but upon some
particular emergency, and to be replaced as soon as possible. The person
looking out is to be relieved every hour or oftener, and frequently
visited. The day look out is to be at the fore top-mast head, and when it
is not constant, a man is
Transcript for a055063063
[page 63]
[Remarks on Sunday July 19 1801 Investigator] from England towards Madeira -
to be sent up to look well round every two hours, as also before dark and at sunset daylight.
4. He is strictly to forbid any person from taking off the attention of the helmsman from the steerage of the ship.
5. It is expected, that from his own observation, he shall know the course which the ship has been steered for each hour, that he may be able to correct any inaccuracies that have been made in marking the log board; and he is to notice whether the mate of the watch applies to the quarter master or helmsman for an account of the ships course, and if he does observe it, he is to reprimand him for the inattention that makes an application to them necessary.
6. He is constantly to inform the Commander of any material alteration in the wind or weather, and not to make any alteration of consequence in the quantity of sail without his knowledge, unless in cases of immediate necessity. With respect to alterations in the course, he is referred to the 4th article of his instructions.
7. The officer of the watch is desired to put the initials of his name upon the log-board at the end of his watch; and is expected to answer for the correctness of what is there marked. If he suspects the accuracy of the copy in the log-book, he
Transcript for a055064064
[page 64]
Sunday July 19. 1801. His Majestys ship [Investigator from England towds. Madeira]
he may examine it before it is brought in to me, which will be regularly
done before one oclock.
8. The height of the thermometer in the shade is to be marked at the end
of each watch both by night and by day. At noon, a bucket of sea water is
to be drawn and the thermometer immersed in it, and its height marked on
the log board also. At daylight and at noon, the height of the marine
barometer is to be marked in its column on the board.
9. At the earliest opportunity every morning watch the topsail sheets are
to be trimmed boused home, and all the sails hoisted up fair and properly
trimmed. The upper decks are to be washed when the weather will permit;
and at seven bells, the hammocks to be piped up and the between decks
swept out. It is expected that of the officer of the morning watch, that
he use every exertion to have the sails, the upper and lower decks, the
ropes and hammocks in a proper state for the people to go to breakfast at
eight oclock. When circumstances will permit they are to be allowed an
hour to breakfast.
10. He is to take care that the boatswain and carpenter, or their mates,
do examine the state of the rigging, the masts and yards, before the
hammocks are piped up. The captains of the tops and of the after guard
are to accompany the boatswain
Transcript for a055065065
[page 65]
[Sunday July 19. 1801] Investigator from England towds. Madeira.
or mate in his examination; and whatever is amiss is to be replaced
reported to the officer, and repaired as soon as possible
11. The officer of the morning watch and his mates and midshipman are to
attend to any duty that may be required from the watch below during the
day. The lower deck is to be washed and aired or cleaned, in the best
manner that the weather and the duty of the ship will permit; and the
officer is to report to me when such things cleaning is done, that I may
inspect into it.
12. The hammocks are to be piped down at 6 PM. and afterwards the ship
pumped out, the decks swept, (and wetted when within the tropics) and the
ropes coiled fair for performing any evolution during the night. These
necessary duties are to be completed before 8 P.M.
13. He is desired to be very particular in mentioning to the officer that
relieves him, the exact state of the sails, and the orders that may have
been left with him, and every other thing which it may be necessary for
him to know
An account of the ships situation at noon each day, is expected from the
commissioned officers of the ship; and it is wished that this situation
may be found by astronomical observation as often as
Transcript for a055066066
[page 66]
Sunday July 19. 1801. Investigator from Eng[land towards Madeira]
often as possible. Attention to this branch of science from the principal
officers is of consequence in the present voyage, both from its utility,
and as an example to the inferior officers.
As the Commander expects, that when an officer receives an order, he will
never lose sight of it until not only the letter of it, but also the
intention of the and spirit of the order are fulfilled; so he requests,
that the officers will never permit the petty officers or men, either to
neglect any duty which they may have ordered, or to execute it any
otherwise than completely and expeditiously. A due attention to these
points is the very essence of discipline and good order and therefore the
Commander begs to press it upon the consideration of the officers very
particularly.
From the masters mates and midshipmen of the ship much is expected 1st.
In relieving the watch, they are expected to show an example of alertness
to the men. They are not to leave the deck without being relieved, or
having the permission of the officer of the watch so to do who in that
case is answerable for their duty; and this indulgence is not to be
abused. They are to be attentive to the orders given by the officer,
which they are not only to repeat, but to see them executed
Transcript for a055067067
[page 67]
[Sunday July 19. 1801. Investigator from Eng]land towards Madeira.
and when a particular duty is ordered, the mate or midshipman who is
appointed to superintend is in most cases to report when it is executed.
They are expected to give manual assistance when circumstances require
it, and when a topsail is reefed, or any material duty going on in the
top, the senior midshipman is to attend there. The duty of the mizen top
is solely to be done by the younger gentlemen, as far as their strength
will enable them to do it. Upon all duties, the Commander expects to see
them forward and active, and anxious to give every assistance in their
power.
2. They are never to take off the attention of the helmsman by talking to
him or otherwise.
3. A days work is expected from the masters mates, and from every
midshipman who has any expectation of being rated as such. It is to
contain the situation by log, the observed latitude as taken and worked
by themselves, and the longitude by any astronomical observation that
they may be master of. Such as are unacquainted, it behoves to apply
themselves and those whose application entitles them to notice will be
permitted to work in the cabin, and will have every assistance from the
astonomer and Commander, to make them perfect in this part of their
profession. They will also be initiated into the manner of making marine
surveys and constructing charts; by which means they may make
themselves
Transcript for a055068068
[page 68]
Sunday July 19. 1801 Investigator from England.
selves useful in the voyage, and lay a foundation for their own future
promotion.
4. On the first day of every month, the mates and such midshipmen as
expect to be rated, are desired to send in their journals to the
Commander for his inspection; as also a complete watch bill, quarter
bill, station bills for tacking and unmooring ship; and an order book in
which the present orders are to be inserted, as also such as may be
hereafter given out.
Mattw. Flinders
Note. The observations by timekeeper in this log are by Arnolds watch
No.1736. Whose error from mean Greenh. time, given from the Portsmouth
Academy, at noon July 17. 1801 was 0h: 2': 37'.81 and its rate of losing
per day was : 4,41
The altitudes of the the [sun]'s lower limb, given in the column of
astronomical observations, are corrected for the dip, and where there is
any error it is allowed, but nothing more; it is therefore strictly, the
apparent altitude of the [sun]'s. lower limb. When Troughtons circle is
used, the altitudes are taken by both handles and the error consequently
corrected, and where the [sun]'s center is given by it, but lower limit
has been taken by one handle & upper by the other.
Transcript for a055069069
[page 69]
[Monday] July 20. 1801. Towards Madeira.
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and fine weather. The spanker boom being rotten, was
carried away by leaning upon it. The carpenter employed repairing it and
the cutter which was stove.
Var.? per ampl.? 28°43' West At 7, found 32 fms
St Albans Head N.N.E.
No bottom with 30 fms.
Light breezes with fine weather carrying all sail - Several of merchant
ships in sight
Exercised the watch below at the small arms -
At noon, land supposed to be the Start bore N.b.W.1/4W. -
Light breezes and fine weather. Several sail of vessels (of) in
sight.
Transcript for a055070070
[page 70]
[Tuesday] July 21. 1801 From England
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Light breezes & fine wr.
At 3, took departure from the Start bearg. N.b.E. 5 or 6 leags. Bolt tail
bore N1/4W -
Bent and set the spanker the boom being repd.
Served slops & tobacco
Took in and set studg. sails occasionally
Steady pleasant breezes with fine wr.
Do. Weather
Stowed the anchors and unbent the cables - Washed between decks -
Employed also in placing the boats more conveniently on the quarters - At
noon, mode. breezes with fine weather. Set larbd. studg. sails.
A sail in sight, south.
Transcript for a055071071
[page 71]
[Wednesday] July 22. towards Madeira
[Navigational tables & astronomical observations not reproduced -
please see the original]
Hazy wr. Made the private signal to 4 three decked men of war; and
ansd. their signals No.275 and 84.
In studg. sails. At 5, spoke the Windsor Castle, V. Adm. Mitchell; and
went on bd. by desire. At 51/2h, returned, cheered the admls ship and
made all sail again. Exercised great guns and small arms, and fired 4
shots.
Fresh breezes & fine wr.
Several sail in sight
Mod. and hazy weather. Made and shifted sail occasionally- Employed in
little jobs about the rigging - Exercised marines at small arms- Light
breezes with fine weather.
Transcript for a055072072
[page 72]
[Thursday] July 23. 1801 Investigator fr. England
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Mode. with fine weather a little hazy.
A strange sail in the S.S.W.
Fresh breezes & cloudy
A strange sail in the S.W.
At 8, two luggers, apparently privateers hove in sight - N.W.b.W. They
fired a shot to leeward, shewed English colours and steered towards us,
one ahead and the other astern: Towards 9, they fired two guns, perhaps
to bring us to. We had hoisted the pendant and ensign, and now took in
all stud.g sails & cleared for action, but still kept on our course.
Seeing our preparations, at 9 they hauled to the wind.
Exercised marines at small arms with powder, and made all sail again
-
Steady breeze & hazy weather.
Transcript for a055073073
[page 73]
[Friday] July 24. 1801 Towards Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
In royals & T.Gt. studg. sails
At dusk. In F.T.Gt. sail, Dble. reefed the F. and Miz topsails and bunted
the main sail.
Fresh breezes with dull, hazy weather
Strong breezes and cloudy with heavy rain
In all studg. sails
In M.T.Gt. sail.
Strong breezes with some sea running.
Dble. reefed the M.T. sail.
Bent the M. stay-sail.
A considerable sea from the N.E. -
At 10, fine weather. Set jib, main sail, M.T.mt. staysail, and T.Gt.
sail, and out 2nd reef of the M.T. sail -
Noon, strong breezes & fine weather, with haze
No vessels or land in sight.
Transcript for a055075075
[page 75]
[Sunday] 26 towards Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Light breezes with fine wr.
The reefs out and studg. sails set
Cloudy weather. At 101/2, saw a vessel standing towards us. Made the
private signal, which not being answered, took in all studg. sails and
cleared at quarters.
At 11, fired a shot at across her, tacked ship and spoke a brig from
Lisbon to Stockholm.
Made all sail again at 111/2h -
Fresh breezes and cloudy. In all but the F.T.mt. studg. sail. Saw a brig
standing to the eastward. In F.T.mt. studg. sail Squally with rain at
times. In T.Gt. sails
Variable airs with cloudy weather.
Set T.Gt. sails and royals -
Cleaned below and aired with stoves
Do. weather. Cloudy weather with haze
No observation
Transcript for a055076076
[page 76]
[Monday] July 27.1801 H.M.S. Investigator towds. Madeira.
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Mode. breezes and cloudy weather. Set the stay-sails.
In royals & miz. top gant sail - Saw 2 sail steering to the
N.Etward
Squally. In first reefs, otherwise made & shortened sail
occasionally
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather
Mode. breezes. Set starbd. Studg. sails and royals.
Varble. wind and weather. Out 1st reefs of the topsails
Fine weather. Aired below with stoves. Employed pointing a new fore sail,
painting the cutter over the quarter, and airing some boatswains stores
-
Exercised the watch below at the small arms.
Mode. breezes and cloudy.
Carrying all useful sail -
Transcript for a055077077
[page 77]
[Tuesday] July 28. P.M. Astronomical observations
[Tables of astronomical observations not reproduced - see original
journal]
Being much surprised at the magnitude of west variation, and doubting
whether a change of place did not materially affect the compasses, Mr.
Thistle took the following sets of variations upon the booms, between the
fore and main masts, and I took the following on the center of the
binnacle
Place of obsn. Latitude 38º:01' No. Longitude 14:00 W. by T. Kr.
Transcript for a055078078
[page 78]
[Tuesday] July 28th. 1801- H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Moderate breezes and fine weather. Employed pointing a second suit of
sails.
Mode. and cloudy wr.
Hauled up for an hour to get a fair sight of Antares and the Moon, for
lunars. See preceding page -
Took in all the studg. sails. Set Miz T.Gt. sail . A sail in sight,
N.W.
Cloudy weather.
Employed pointing a second suit of sails -
At noon, the strange sail ahead carrying studg. sails and steering about
south - Mode. breezes with fine weather.
Transcript for a055079079
[page 79]
[Wednesday] July 29th 1801. from England towds. Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather.
At 3, set the T.Gt. and the F.T. mt. Studg. sails.
In T.Gt. studg. sails
In first reef of the topsails
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather.
Fresh & light breezes alternately with dark, cloudy weather
At 2, squally with rain, In jib, staysails, T.Gt. sails, main sail and
spanker.
Made sail again gradually, as the wind permitted.
Set starbd. Studg. sails and royals -
Out 1st reefs
Cleaned between decks and aired with stoves
Employed pointing sails -
Moderate breezes & fine weather. Looking out for the 8 stones but see
nothing
Transcript for a055080080
[page 80]
[Thursday] July 30. 1801. Investigator fr. England
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes with fine weather. Carrying all sail but F. studg. sail
which was now set.
We have the mortification to find that the ship makes more than 2 inches
of water per hour. This leak commenced yesterday and keeps increasing
something
Saw a strange sail to the E.S.E.
At 21/2, having run to near the latitude of a rock or shoal off Porto
Santo, hove to and tried the soundings with 70 fms. but got no
ground.
Light breezes and fine weather, with a swell from the N.W.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves.
Mustered the ships company.
At noon Light breezes with fine wr. All the plain sails set, the royals
excepted
Transcript for a055081081
[page 81]
Observations of [sun] east [moon] taken A.M. July 30.1801 by M.F.-
[This page not reproduced - consisting mainly of navigational data and
astronomical observations]
Transcript for a055082082
[page 82]
[Friday] July 31st. 1801. - Investigator off Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Mode. breezes and fine weather. At 11/2, tacked ship, but finding a
heavy swell stopping her way, and the ship lying up very ill, tkd. again
to the southward. Saw Land from the mast head to the N,W. (by
Compass)
Var.
per az. on booms - 19°.51' W
on
binnacle - 22:45. }
Obsd.
by Mr. Thistle }
Light breezes with fine weather
Light airs and calms. A still, long swell from the N.N.W. - Saw land,
suppose [it] to be Porto Santo N.W.b.N.
Bent the cables, and afterwards cleaned below.
Noon, light airs and fine weather, with haze.
Find the ship make less water this last 12 hours, being more
upright.
Transcript for a055083083
[page 83]
[Saturday] Aug. 1st. off the Island Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Lowered down the boat, and examined the seams and buts near the
watersedge, to find the cause of the leak, but could find none except the
seams being somewhat open.
Picked up a small hawks bill turtle.
At 4, Sounded with 200 fms. but found no bottom: the middle line
breaking, lost the lead and 2 lines. Hoisted up the boat.
On a light air springing up at 6, made sail, but the long northerly
swell, stops the ships way considerably
Light airs and cloudy. We find the ship make water now at the rate of 3
inches in 12 hours only.
Saw the land, and made all sail for it. At 6, the So. most Dezerta
W.b.N.1/4.N. Porto Santo N.1/2.W. Madeira No.most Dezerta N.W.1/2W
apparently from 6 to 7 leags. distant -
Light breezes with fine weather. All sail set that would draw
On the winds shifting to the southward hauled up to windward of the
Dezertas Saw a turtle and lowered down the boat; but were too late -
At noon, extremes of the Dezertas N.71° to 41° W. off shore
8 or 9 miles. Et. extr. of Madeira
N.31°W. Porto Santo N.13°E.
Transcript for a055084084
[page 84]
[Sunday] Augt. 2. 1801 - H.M.S. Investigator [from England: off the
Dezertas and Madeira]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and fine weather. Caught another small turtle.
In studg. sails & up courses.
At dusk, the So. point of the So. Dezertas N.5°b.W. abt. 3 leags. Et.
most part in sight of the island Madeira N.24°W.
Light airs inclining to calm -
Set studg. sails. Drizzling rain at times
South end of So.most Dezerta N.N.E. 2 or 3 leags. East Extremes of
Madeira N.1/2W. to N.N.W.1/2W.
Lowered down the cutter, to examine the nearest Dezerta
At noon, sultry weather.
Extremes of the Dezertas
N.30°1/2E. to N.471/2E. dist. abt. 3 or 4 leags.
Transcript for a055085085
[page 85]
[ Sunday Augt. 2. 1801 - H.M.S. Investigator] from England: off the Dezertas and Madeira
The weather being calm and fine this morning, accompanied by Mr.
Brown, Mr. Bauer, and Lt. Flinders, I took the cutter and went away from
the ship with the intention of examining the southmost of the rocky
island, called Dezertas. In our way, we saw a great number of brown
gulls, with white breasts. I shot seven of these, and the first, to our
surprise, had about 11/2 fms. of brass wire bound round one wing. There
were smaller birds flying round, resembling the sooty pettrel.
We left the ship at 91/2, but owing to the distance being more than we
expected, did not get on shore until 3 oclock, on the S.W. part of the
island. The cliffs overhang but there was a low ledge under them upon
which we landed with difficulty. The shore was too barren to produce
amusement even to a naturalist. There appeared to be fish near the rocks
but we could only stop to eat. The deep water prevailed almost under the
shade of the cliffs. The mass was somewhat stratified irregularly, and
had a mixture of iron stone. The base underneath, was black and
honeycombed, and had certainly been in the fire. I judged it to be
basaltic. We found no water in the spot where we landed, or any signs of
inhabitants, a few small birds about the cliffs excepted, like canaries.
A gully amongst the cliffs appeared to have been cut out by streams of
water from the top, during rains.
We did not get on board, until 9 in the evening. We saw no turtle either
going or returning.
Transcript for a055086086
[page 86]
[Monday] Aug. 3. Off Madeira
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Calm with cloudy weather.
Light airs.
Saw a strange brig N.N.W. At 6 mode. and cloudy. The Dezertas N.E.1/2N.
to E.N.E.
At 8, shewed a blue lights for the boat and tacked ship. Shortened sail.
At 9, the boat came on board. Hoisted her up and made sail on the starbd.
tack.
Center of Madeira N.b.E. abt. 4 leagues.
At 2, being taken aback, filled and stood to the eastward.
Light breezes and cloudy. At 41/2, tkd. ship.
Fresh breezes at times from the N.E.wd. is the true wind in the offing;
at other times light airs from the S.W. and off the land. The swell from
the N.E.ward. Working up into Funchal Bay; the
tide or current running to the N.E. Observe an English man of war,
supposed the Argo, a transport, and several small vessels in the road. At
noon Funchal N.N.W. 7 or 8 miles
Transcript for a055087087
[page 87]
[Tuesday] Aug. 4th. into Funchal Bay
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs off the land and from the S.W. and fresh breezes from the N.E.
- Working up to the bay. At 2, lowered down the boats and sent them ahead
to tow.
A Portuguese sloop of war and an American brig working in at the same
time. Guard boat from the Argo came on board.
At 4 came to with the best bower in 22 fms. and moved with a kedge.
Brazen head S.71°E. Loo Fort N.12ºW. Punta de Cruz N.85ºW.
off shore 1/3 or 1/2 a mile - Waited upon Captain Bowen of the Argo, and
sent an officer to the governor (to say who we were and to request
permission to purchase what we stood in need of: he also saw the British
consul.
In the evening heeled the ship to port to ascertain the quantity of water
she took in at the lower seams.
A.M. Light airs off the land. 16 inches water in the ship in 21/2 hours.
Set the carpenters to work to caulk two seams above the copper, all round
the ship. Got down the F. and M. topmasts, and T.Gt. masts, examined the
rigging and sent up other masts.
Sent empty casks on shore to be filled with water by the Portuguese
boats
Transcript for a055088088
[page 88]
Transactions in Funchal Road
August
Wed. 5
Mode. sea breeze and fine weather. Employed rigging the topmasts.
Carpenters caulking the ship. A.M. Light land wind during the night, then
sea breeze but light. Recd. 6 tons of water by Portuguese boats, and sent
empty casks on shore.
Unlashed the casks in the 'tween decks, washed below and aired with
stoves. Recd. 212 lbs of fresh beef in our own boat. Employed scraping
the new masts, and as before mentioned
Thurs.
6
Light breezes and cloudy: heavy clouds over the mountain at the back
of the town. Carpenters caulking as before. Employed principally cleaning
between decks, resecuring the casks, and getting the sheet cable out of
the fore hold upon the lower deck, and putting casks and various things
in its place. Got the bread up out of the bread room, to examine it and
the room, and to air them. Started seven puncheons of bread from off the
lower decks into the bread room, to be filled with water. Recd. 3 tons of
water by shore boat.+ A.M. Recd. 2 hhds of wine for the ship and sent
empty casks to be filled with water.
Finished restowing the bread in its place.
N.B.+ The Carysfort arrived P.M. from a cruize, and the Voltigeur from
Lisbon.
Transcript for a055089089
[page 89]
Remarks, letters, orders &c.
The preceding A.M. I waited upon the consul, Joseph Pringle Esq. and
arranged matters for our being supplied with fresh beef, water, and a
small quantity of wine. A Portuguese boat was immediately sent off for
the water casks, and a bullock ordered to be killed for tomorrow morning.
The consul announced my intention of paying my respects to His Excellency
the governor, who appointed 2 o'clock this day for the interview. I
accordingly waited upon him in form, being introduced by the consul, who,
as I spoke neither Portuguese or French, interpreted between us.
His Excellency expressed his readiness to give us every assistance, and
permitted our scientific gentlemen to make excursions into, and examine
the productions of, the island; which permission he had deferred giving,
when applied for by the officer who first waited upon him. During the
short interview, I made no mention of saluting, from there being a senior
officer in the road.
In consequence of permission given by the governor, the Naturalist and his assistants, and the two draftsmen set off on th Tuesday Wednesday morning upon an excursion to the Pico Ruivo, the highest part of the island. They made some collections and sketches; but unfortunately when they were coming off on Thursday night, there was a great surf upon the shore, their boat filled and the produce of their two days labour was mostly destroyed - On our first arrival in the road, there [continued on page 91]
Transcript for a055090090
[page 90]
Investigators transactions at Madeira
Frid. 7
Cloudy weather with light winds. Arrived Employed setting up the M. and
M.T. mast rigging and in lashing and securing above and below for sea.
Weighed the kedge anchor and waited only for our five puncheons of water
to put to sea.
Recd. 250 lbs of fresh beef
A.M. Varble. Breezes at first, but moderate sea breezes afterwards.
Employed cleaning the ship. Loosed the topsails and fired a gun to hurry
off our water, and sent twice on shore after it, fired also a second
gun.
Entered Richd. Stanley, ord. seaman, having been sent here sick in a
cartel. At 111/2 our the five puncheons of water came alongside, and we
began clearing; but a flurry of wind coming on, the ship drove and we
were obliged to break off, fill the sails, and heave at the capstan for
fear of driving too near the shore. On its lulling again, cleared the
boat and sent her away, and about noon weighed and made sail.
Note. The Alexander transport 144 sailed for England this morning, in
company with H.M.S. Voltigeur who convoys for part of the way
Transcript for a055091091
[page 91]
Additional remarks upon the [anchor]age &c.
[continued from page 89]
was so little surf, that we always landed upon the stony beach about the
center of the town; but the easterly wind blowing then very strong in the
offing, caused a swell to roll in, and it was with great caution only
that we could land there with safety. The general landing place is at the
back of the Loo Fort.
In coming into Funchal Bay from the eastward, the best mode is to come
between the east end of Madeira and the Dezertas. If a ship comes near
the Brazen Head, she will be becalmed, and must then tow in as we did;
but it is best to keep a sufficient distance for the N.E. wind to fill
the sails, until she is right off the bay, or even a little west of it.
She will then be about 3 miles from the town, and will get the sea breeze
from the S.W. with which she will run in to her anchorage.
Note. The Argo 44, anchored very far within the ground marked in our
charts; nay, she at first came to close to the town, in 7 fathoms: as did
the Carysfort, farther to the eastward off Fort St. Diego (the tutelar
saint. I was informed that several anchors were lying about our
[anchor]ing place, but although we drove at least a 1/4 of a mile we did
not hook any. We suspected our [anchor] to be foul, but it came up
clear
The appearance of the town of Funchal is pretty, and picturesque, the
hills rising to a considerable height immediately at its back; and the
situation of the country houses up the hills, amongst trees and vines
Transcript for a055092092
[page 92]
Some remarks upon the town of Funchal, its [refreshments, inhabitants &c.]
adds not a little to it; amongst this the Convent dedicated to Nossa
Seignora del Monte is conspicuous. The houses are almost universally
white-washed without side. The town is tolerably large, the people seem
to be rather numerous and there is a good deal of activity amongst them
near the wher water side, with their imports and exports, considering
that they are Portuguese.
In the town, the students of the college and the different ecclesiastics
seem to form no inconsiderable part of the superior people. There are
several British merchants residing here, who, possess besides their
houses of business in the town possess country houses, some of which are
delightfully situated.
That of Mr. Murdoch, attracted my notice as the prettiest little place I
had ever seen. The hospitality of our countrymen here , prevented me from
experiencing the accomodation which a house in the town, dignified with
the name of Hotel, afforded: our gentlemen complained of its being
miserable enough; and the swarms of fleas &c. by night were no very
agreeable addition: the keeper is an Irishman.
Our visit to Madeira was somewhat too early in the season to taste their
fruit in perfection. Grapes, peaches & pears were in abundance, but
they had little flavour The country boats sold peaches alongside at the
rate of 6d. per dozen. Onions were plentiful and fine. They
Transcript for a055093093
[page 93]
[Some remarks upon the town of Funchal, its] refreshments, inhabitants &c.
sell them by number. I paid 8/3 for 300, but they are large. The
prices charged for our ships supplies were as follows - Water sent on
board in shore boats at 7/6 per ton. Wine of a tolerable quality at 5/8
per gal. besides charges for the casks and boat hire. Fresh beef at 10d.
per lb. Which was tolerably good but meat, but was ill dressed. The Best
Madeira was £42 per pipe. We got our clothes moderately well washed
at an extravagant price.
In first gaining sight of the town of Funchal, we also perceived a two-decked ship in the road, and an encampment to the left of the town. This was the Argo, who with the Carysfort, Falcon and transports had arrived about 9 days before with the 85th. regiment. They made dispositions for landing the troops and attacking the town in case of resistance. The governor was then informed, that H.B. Majesty considering the probability of an attack from the French had sent some troops to assist in the defence of the island and demanded permission for the troops to land was demanded. A council was called by the governor, and it being found that no effectual resistance could be made, assent was given for the troops to land, with their tents, and a place assigned for the encampment. Our troops were also admitted into the Loo Fort and that of the St. Diego which command the town bay on each side; but the Portuguese colours were still
Transcript for a055094094
[page 94]
Some remarks in Funchal Bay
still kept flying, and no interruption given to the administration of
government, which, with their trade, still continued in their former
channel. The Portuguese sloop of war, which steered for the road at the
time we came in, but did not anchor, brought intelligence of peace being
concluded with between Spain and Portugal , but that war was continued
with France.
In consequence of which, I understood that war was proclaimed against
France in the town of Funchal on Wednesday evening.
The Voltigeur having brought despatches for the governor of Madeira from
the court of Lisbon, for him to receive the British troops; it was
reported, had eased the mind of the governor much, not being quite
satisfied that his conduct would be approved of. Some little jealousy
seemed to subsist between the Portuguese and British but it was now
expected totally to subside and that every thing relating to the defence
of the island would be put into the hands of the English as it is
requisite it should be, since it appears that their magazines, forts
& gun-carriages are in a state almost incapable of defence; and were
the Portuguese left to themselves they would most probably remain so.
Transcript for a055095095
[page 95]
Astronomical Observations
My occupations leaving me no superfluous time for astronomical
observations I can only say that Mr. Crosley made the latitude of the
ship by a single altitude to be 33°.37':44'N
The time keeper No. 1736 differed from the longitude in the Requisite
Tables 43'.32" to the east so that the greater a part of the X. lon.
called current has been the error of the time keeper. Its present rate of
losing was found to be 11'.45 and its error for Greenwich time at noon
Augt. 6th was 0h.7' 14'.95 slow.
By the Alexander transport I sent home a monthly book, and a quarterly
account of provisions, as also vouchers for the water, beef and wine
purchased.
To the Admiralty I wrote the letter No. reporting the arrival of the
ship, and mentioned her upper works being leaky.
By the above new error and rate, the timekeeper 1736 was slow for
M.Grh. time July 30th. A.M.
The longitudes by time keeper given hereafter, being frequently by
Earnshaws No. 465, it is necessary to state, that it was slower than mean
Greenh. time. July 17 at noon 0'.29".30 and was losing 4".50 per day; as
given from the Portsmouth Academy; and no alteration was made at
Madeira
Transcript for a055096096
[page 96]
[Saturday] Augt. 8th. Investigator - Madeira
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Finding the ship set in shore by the tide, and not being able to keep
the ship's head out after we lost the S.W.wind , towed with the boat
until we got the true offing wind. Strong breezes. In T.Gt. sails &c.
close reefed the F.and M. and handed the mizen topsails. At 3, took
departure. Funchal town N.b.E. 3 leags. having previously hoisted up the
boat & stowed the anchors. At 6, more steady and moderate; set jib
and miz. topsail and out close reef of the F.T.sail.
Strong breezes and cloudy with some following sea.
In jib and main sail.
Mode. breezes with rain - Set M.sail &c. Out 3rd. and 2nd. reefs of
the F. and M. and 1st of the miz. topsails -
Fresh breezes and cloudy
Cleaned below and aired with stoves
Set F.T. mt. & F. studg. sails
Unbent the cables
Mode. and cloudy wr.
We find the ship continue to admit water, but only 1 inch per hour
A very dull obsn. taken today, but not thought worthy of notice.
Transcript for a055097097
[page 97]
[Sunday] Aug. 9. Investigator towds. C. G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mode. breezes and cloudy weather. Set all studg. sails &c. that would
draw.
Shifted studg. sails occasionally.
At dusk, in royals and lst reef of F. and Mz. Topsails -
In studg. sails. Fresh breezes and cloudy weather, with haze
Took in T.Gt sails.
Fresh breezes and cloudy
Set T.Gt. sails
Saw the island Palma S.E1/2E. 10 or 12 legs.
Set studg. sails.
Lost two log lines. Several albacores about. Served out lines and hooks
to the officers and ships company. Cleaned below and mustered the people
clean. -
Served lemon juices and sugar in the grog.
Light breezes & hazy wr.
Transcript for a055098098
[page 98]
[Monday] Augt. 10th. H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mode. breezes and hazy.
Shifted studg. sails occasionally. Wetted the decks - Many flying fish
about: In royals. Took in starbd. Studg. sails & set jib and stay
sails. Set starbd. stud.g sails again. Moderate breezes. Dew falling.
Light breezes and fine wr. Set the main royal. The after M.T.mt. cross
tree having lifted from the trestle tree at 9; took in all the sail on
the main mast, got down the T.Gt. and struck the top mast. Lifted the
rigging, secured the cross tree, swayed all up again, set up the rigging,
and at noon made all sail as before. Mode. breezes with fine wr. Several
flying fish about the ship.
Transcript for a055099099
[page 99]
[Tuesday] Augt. 11th from Madeira towds. C.G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal
Mode. breezes with fine weather. All sail set.
Steady moderate breeze and cloudy wr.
In larbd. F.T. mast studg. sail and main royal.
Steady breeze and fine weather
Set the large studg. sail, called a logie
Found the spanker boom to be sprung in two places
Sailmakers employed making a second logie.
Cleaned below
Steady breeze and fine weather
Transcript for a055100100
[page 100]
[Wednesday] Augt. 12th. 1801 From Madeira.
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Steady breeze with fine weather.
Began to serve one of the casks of wine to the ships company, received at
Madeira.
Steady breeze and cloudy weather with haze. Took in the main royal.
Took in & set the M.T.Gt. studg. sail occasionally.
In starbd. Studg. sails & set M.T.Mt. staysail and main-sail.
Cleaned below and aired in the cockpits with stoves.
Fresh breezes & cloudy.
Transcript for a055101101
[page 101]
[Thursday] 13. towds. St. Antonio & the C.G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Steady fresh breeze and fine weather.
Set stay sails between the masts
Lost 2 log lines
Set the jib -
Cloudy with drizzling rain.
In all studg. sails in a squall.
Set the studg. sails again
Fresh breezes & cloudy, with haze.
Cleaned between decks and aired with stoves.
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather.
Transcript for a055102102
[page 102]
[Friday] Augt.14th. 1801. - Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and hazy. Set miz. T.Gt. sail and F.T.Gt studg. sail
Fresh breezes with drizzling rain. Took in the M. royal - Lost 2 log
lines off the reel & a log-ship - Set the jib.
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Squally. In lower & T.Gt. studg. sails & Miz T.Gt sail - Set
studg. sails again at daylight.
Fresh breezes & cloudy with haze.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves.
In studg. sails - Exercised great guns and small arms.
Fresh breezes & fine wr. with haze -
Many flying fish about. Some swell from the Eastward
Transcript for a055103103
[page 103]
[Saturday] Augt. 15. Off St. Antonio towds. C. G. Hope
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & fine wr. - On hauling closer to the wind, took lst
reef in the M. & Miz. topsails.
Opened No. 41, beef, Contd. 42 pieces, short 8 lbs. -
Varn.
Per azim obsd.}
by
Mr. Thistle }13°.51' Wt.
Light airs and fine weather. Looking out for the island St. Antonio.
Hazy. At 121/2" saw the land, and steered for the western most part,
bearing S.W., under topsails - At 2, saw some lights on shore. At 31/2,
made more sail on the wind slackening. At 4, set the westmost land
S.W.b.W. apparently 6 or 7 miles; but at day light we found ourselves not
more than 4 or 5 from it, as we saw the surf on the rocks. Sounded with
75 fms.-
Light airs and calms with following swell. Extremes E1/2N. to S.S.W.1/2W.
off the nearest shore about 4 miles. Saw a boat rowing in shore: hoisted
our white ensign, but they did not come near us.
Cleaned and aired below. Sailmakers putting a 4th reef in a new M.
topsail.
Hoisted the whale boat in board to repair her
Extremes E1/2N. to S.S.W. off shore to the S.E. abt. 4 miles - Hazy with
clouds over the land. Light variable airs and calms. Etly. Swell
Transcript for a055104104
[page 104]
[Sunday] Augt. 16. 1801. H.M.S. Investigator off [the Island St. Antonio, in her way to the C. of G. Hope]
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
An easterly swell drifting the ship along the land. At 2, a breeze
springing up, made all sail.
Employed pointing the 4th. reef of the new M. top-sail.
At 6, took departure from the Highland on the S.W.+ part of St. Antonio,
bearing N.E.b.E. dist 4 leagues. In 1st. reef of the top-saills.
+Between these lies something of a bay, which may be that mentioned in
Astleys voyages; but we did not see the sandy beach, or any simptoms of
that fertility about the island there spoken of. The principal village is
said to lie some days journey from this bay, so that a vessel may be
there several days, and no body know it.
At 11, in studg. sails and braced up
Fine weather.
Set T.Gt. stud.g sails
In starbd. studg. sails and set the staysails.
Set studg. sails forward, and M. royal
Mode. & fine weather. Sent up every moveable fr. the lower deck; then
washed and aired with stoves there and in the cockpit. - Saw all the
ships company clean, then mustered & read the articles of war to
them. The people dined upon deck today. -
Mode. and fine weather
Transcript for a055105105
[page 105]
[Sunday Augt. 16. 1801 H.M.S. Investigator off ] the Island St. Antonio, in her way to the C.of G. Hope.
The island St. Antonio is of considerable height; so much so as to be
seen 15 or more leagues. It appears to be rocky and excessively barren
from the sea; although it is said that the vallies are fertile, producing
various fruits &c. From one of the gullies, I traced a patch with the
glass, leading over the hills, but except the boat, the lights seen last
night, and this path, we saw no other traces of inhabitants on this
north-west side, which appears to be the greatest length of the island. A
very scanty portion of vegetation seemed to be sprinkled over a
considerable portion of the island.
From the north extreme, the north-west point, which is a steep bluff,
lies W.1/2S. by compass; from thence to the S.W. extreme, which slopes
from the high land to a low point, the coast seems to lie about W.S.W.
not less than 4 or 5 leagues. The south point runs sloping down from the
high land also to a low point, and opened from the south-west point at
south, perhaps 2 leagues asunder.
+Some land, perhaps St.Lucia, opened from the south point at S.E.b.E1/2
E. at 5h.20' P.M.
From the unlucky circumstance of losing the observation for the latitude,
I can say nothing of its situation from our present observations. When in
H.M.S. Supply on March 21st. 1795, I made the high land on the S.W. part
of the island to lie in 17°.00' No. and by time keeper corrd. in
25°.17' Wt.; but Mr. Crosley made its longitude, at the same time by
lunar observations (80 sights) to be 25°:12' Wt. which I take. This
high land is perhaps the highest part of the island, and seems to be
about 5' to the N.E. of the south-western extreme; and about 2' inland
from the north-west side of the island. There were several birds
about.
Transcript for a055106106
[page 106]
[Monday] Augt. 17th. 1801. H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate & fine weather. Carrying T.Gt. and F.T.Mt. studg.
sails.
Took in the F.studg. sail.
Mode. and cloudy.
Light breezes & fine Up Main sail.
Out all reefs. Set royals and F. studg. sail.
Light breezes. Cleaned below. Sailmakers putting 3rd. reef into a new
miz. top sail. Carpenters repairing the gig
At noon. Light breezes and fine weather with haze. - All sail set Water
very smooth.
Transcript for a055107107
[page 107]
[Tuesday] 18th. From Madeira towds. the C.G.Hope
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Steady breezes and fine weather. Broached No. 17, brandy; marked 83 gal.
61/2 short.
Cloudy.
In all studg. sails to pick up a man that had fallen overboard. In 1st
reef of the topsails, and made sail again.
Lightening from the southward.
Light airs with heavy shower of rain: thunder and lightening about.
Shortened sail.
Set T.Gt. sails and main sail.
Light airs with a long southerly swell. Struck the M.T.Gt. mast, fixed
the lightening conductor, and set the sail again. Lowered down the cutter
to try the current. She rode by 12 deep-sea and hand leads with 440
fathoms of lines, and found the log ship drift N. by E. about 1/2 knot
per hour.
At noon, tacked ship
Light airs and cloudy weather.
Transcript for a055108108
[page 108]
[Wednesday] Aug. 19th. 1801 From Madeira -
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and calms, with a swell from the southward. Hoisted up and
secured the cutter
Varble. airs with threatening weather.
In T.Gt. sails.
Fresh breezes at times, with rain
Set T.Gt. sails and staysails.
Light and fresh breezes alternately, with thick cloudy wr. and drizling
rain.
Out 1st. reef of the miz. topsail.
Showers of rain occasionally Aired between decks with stoves. At 10.
Squally. In T.Gt.sails and set them occasionally. Took 1st reef in miz.
The top sail.
Mode. breezes with cloudy weather. The southerly swell still continues,
but takes a direction somewhat from the westward.
Transcript for a055109109
[page 109]
[Thursday] 20th. towards the C. of Good Hope.
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Variable winds and weather: drizling rain at times.
Saw the appearance of land N.E.b.N.
Light breezes and cloudy: southerly swell still continuing.
Up courses
Lightening in the N.E.
Squally. In T.Gt. sails. Set courses and staysails (lower).
Fresh breezes and fine weather. Set T.Gt. sails and upper staysails
Light breezes with rain at times. Set the starbd. studg. sails. Cleaned
below and sent up every thing wet to be dried. Exercised the watch below
and the boats crews in the use of the small arms
Light breezes & hazy wr. A swell from the S.W.ward.
Served tobacco to the people.
Transcript for a055110110
[page 110]
[Friday] Augt. 21st. From Madeira towards [the Cape of Good Hope]
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mode. breezes and cloudy, with showers at times - Set royals & larbd.
studg. sails
In lower studg. sails, royals, & miz. T.Gt. sail.
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Set fore studg sail.
Light breezes and cloudy, with flashes of lightening.
Heavy claps of thunder with vivid lightening. Two electric balls of fire
fell or struck near us.- Shortened sail. Constant heavy rain with thunder
& lightening. Caught near a ton of water by spreading the awning;
This water was only fit for the stock and for washing.
Finer weather. Made sail -
Noon. Light airs and cloudy weather. All the plain sails set. Some swell
from the southward.
Transcript for a055111111
[page 111]
[Friday Augt. 21st. From Madeira towards] the Cape of Good Hope
This morning I gave the following order to the officers and gentlemen of
the ship -
The Commander being pleased with the attention that the superior officers
of the ship have hitherto paid to astronomical observations, hereby
directs, that during the continuance of the ship in the tropical
latitudes, or until further orders, that the officers keep every fourth
watch instead of every third watch, in the following rotation
1st. Lt. Fowler 2nd Lt. Flinders Mr.Thistle - master Mr. Colpitts Gun Mr.
Wolsey Mr. Evans " Taylor " Franklin
Lound " N. Bell " T. Bell "
Sinclair
It is to be understood, that this arrangement is made solely with the
intention of giving the officers further time to attend to astronomy,
surveying, drawing, and gaining information upon such subjects as may
tend to qualify them in the first degree for executing well the arduous
task service in which we are engaged; and the Commander therefore trusts,
that this accession of leisure will be applied to the purpose for which
it is given.
The gentlemen of the quarter deck are included in the same order, and
from the same motives.
H.M.S.
Investigator at sea, August 21st. 1801.
Mattw.
Flinders
Transcript for a055112112
[page 112]
[Saturday] Aug. 22. 1801. Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs: nearly calm. The southerly swell still runs, long.
Trimmed sails and set studg. sails on the breeze springing up.
In studg. sails, courses and staysails; preparing for a shift of wind
Light airs. Set staysails
Set the upper studg. sails & main royal.
Fine wr. with haze. Cleaned well below, opened all the scuttles,
sprinkled with vinegar and aired with stoves.
Exercised the boats crews at small arms with powder.
Lemon juice continues to be served as before.
People dined upon deck, leaving the lower deck to get a thorough
airing.
Got out the dipping needle to try this morning
Transcript for a055114114
[page 114]
[Monday Augt. 24 1801. From Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Varble. breezes with hard rain. In M.T.Gt. sail. Ship pitching
considerably to a swell from the southward.
In M.T. Mt. staysail.
{A swallow flying about the ship for these two days past.}
Moderate breezes with fine weather. We find that since the ship has been
upon a wind on the starbd. tack, she makes 2 inches of water per hour; as
before we went into Madeira.
Cloudy weather.
Set F.T.Gt. sail and staysails. Out 1st reef of the miz. top-sail.
Fitted new slings to the main yard, the old having given way.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves. Dried the peoples clothes.
At noon, moderate breezes with fine weather. Swell considerably
abated.
Transcript for a055115115
[page 115]
[Tuesday] 25th. towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with cloudy, but not thick weather. Out 2nd. reef of the
F.T. sail and set the studg. sail.
At dusk, in F.T. Mt. Studg. sail, and took a reef in the F. and Miz. top
sails
Moderate and cloudy.
Do. Weather
Steady breezes: the weather cloudy, but not thick. Out 2nd reef of the F.
top sail and set the studg. sail; and let the 1st reef out of the mizen
topsail.
Cleaned below, washed with vinegar, and aired with stoves
Our little friend the swallow still keeps about the ship.
Pleasant breezes with thin cloudy weather Very little swell.
Transcript for a055116116
[page 116]
[Wednesday] Aug. 26. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with light cloudy weather. Ship continues to make 2
inches of water per hour; but as we are satisfied of its being near the
waters edge, it gives me little uneasiness -
Do.W. Drum & fife playing as usual to the peoples dancing.
Do. weather. Took in the stay sails between the masts.
Our friend the swallow was missing this morning: two days afterwards it
was found dead in my state room, under a bureau.
Employed getting the cables out of the main hold, to get at vinigar, suet
&c. which was stowed under them.
Moderate breezes with fine weather: much clearer than we have had it
lately.
Transcript for a055117117
[page 117]
[Thursday] Aug. 27th. 1801 towards the C.of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Steady breeze & cloudy wr. Employed getting casks from into the M.
hold from the 'tween decks and coiling the cables upon deck in their
place. By this alteration we gain room in the hold, have the tiers more
convenient for working for working the cables, and do not lose any room
on the lower deck
Mode. breezes and cloudy, but not unpleasant weather
After breakfast, took in all the sail from the F.T. mast, stayed it and
set up the rigging afresh; then made sail under single reefs &c. as
before
At noon, steady breeze and cloudy wr. which keeps off much of the heat;
and notwithstanding the height of the Ther. we find the temperature very
pleasant.
Transcript for a055118118
[page 118]
[Friday] Augt. 28th. 1801 H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mode. breezes with cloudy weather. A swell from the S.S.E. seems to
announce the neighbourhood of the S.E. trade wind. The ship pitching
considerably, took in T.Gt. sails and double reefed the F.T. sail.
Fresh breezes and squally. Hauled down the jib. Caught a noddy. Instead
of the top of its head being white, it was a reddish brown.
Mode. And cloudy weather
Do. wr.
Do.wr. Finding the ship pitch considerably, and fearing to the rains and
calm that prevail in the neighbourhood of the African coast, tacked ship
at 11 on her falling off to leeward of S.E.
Noon, moderate breezes and cloudy wr. Set jib & T.Gt. sails.
Transcript for a055119119
[page 119]
Some remarks upon the winds
I find but one good parallel to our south-westerly winds in these
regions, which is in captain Cooks 2nd voyage. They carried him so far to
the eastward that he crossed the line in about 9°. Wt.
The voyage of Peyrouse indeed affords something like it, and the time of
year was not very different, but he does not seem by from his table of
route, of have had them so constantly from the S.W.
I am myself an advocate for crossing the equator well to the west, as
from 24°. to 27°. but this wind from the S.W. militates much
against it; it, however, favours a desire I have to ascertain the
situation of one or both of the islands called Sable Island or St. Pauls
and Penedo de St. Pedrosas also an isle neighbouring to the former. My
knowledge of these is only what is given entirely gained from Arrowsmiths
general chart, and from the geographical notes of M. Fleurieu prefixed to
Perouses voyage. The latter, from M. d'Apres, he supposes its longitude
to be near 27° west, whilst Arrowsmith places it in 24°; and the
tracks of captain Cook pass so near over the former situation, that I
incline towards the latter.
Transcript for a055120120
[page 120]
[Saturday] Aug. 29. 1801. From Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. Rove a new tiller rope, the old
being carried away.
Tacked to the S.E. at 4h.
At 8, tacked again to the westward, finding the ship continues to lie up
so ill.
Passed about 3 miles to windward of strange sail, on the other tack.
On the ships falling off, tacked at 1, to the S. Eward.
Light breezes and cloudy, with some haze
Cleaned well below and aired with stoves -
Got up the armourers forge.
Do. weather. The water considerably smoother than it has usually been
lately
Transcript for a055121121
[page 121]
[Sunday] 30th. towards the Cape of G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy weather.
Heavy clouds hanging to the eastward.
Fine weather
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Cleaned below. Mustered the ships compy. at quarters, and their stations
for tacking and unmooring ship; and saw them all clean
At noon, light breezes and cloudy weather; with some head swell
Weeks expenditure of water is } 3 tons remaining 52 tons
Transcript for a055122122
[page 122]
[Monday] Aug. 31. 1801 Investigator fr. Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy with haze
Opened a cask of beef No. 54 cont. 42 pieces. 16 lbs short
Do. weather. Thick to the eastward. Water very luminous about the ships
bows, and where the waves break
Shower of rain
Mode. and dull cloudy weather, with rain at times
Employed getting the other three cables out of the M. hold into the lower
deck and putting casks from the deck into the hold
Moderate breezes with dull cloudy weather.
Transcript for a055123123
[page 123]
[Tuesday] Sept. 1st. towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather A swell getting up from the
S.W.ward.
Took in the F.T.gallt. sail.
Same luminous appearance in the water as last night.
The ship now makes more than 2 inches of water per
Hour, if not more than three and it seems to increase.
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Took in middle and T.Gt. stay-sails
Do. weather; ship pitching a good deal to the S.W. swell.
In M. T. Gt. Sail
Employed recoiling one of the cables on the lower deck, in a shorter
coil.
Moderate breezes with dull cloudy wr. - no observations could be taken
this morning or noon. Ship pitching to the swell and uneasy.
Transcript for a055124124
[page 124]
[Wednesday] Sept. 2. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. Find the ship increases her rate of
admitting water.
Drizling rain
Fresh breezes with threatening weather. In 2nd reef of the F. and 1st of
the miz top-sail
Double reefed the main top-sail
Find that the ship admits more than 5 inches of water per hour.
Fresh breezes & squally. In jib -
Several man-of-war birds, hovering about.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves Employed making points and gaskets
Noon. Fresh breezes and cloudy; with a considerable swell from S.S.W.
Transcript for a055125125
[page 125]
[Thursday] Sept. 3rd. 1801 - towards C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
From the circumstance of our being too late to save any great portion of
the summer season for the examination of the south east of New Holland,
and the necessity therefrom arising to remain as little time as possible
at the C. of G. Hope, I was induced still further to consider of means to
preserve the health of our people, that no delay might arise from waiting
at the Cape to reestablish their health. On consulting with the surgeon
we made the following alterations in their victualling.
Oatmeal boiled for breakfast, four days instead of three; and rice being
now served in lieu of cheese, it was boiled for breakfast on the other
three days.
Pease boiled for dinner 4 days in the week as usual; and on the other
three days we proposed to give 1 pint of portable soup to each man,
consisting of 2 oz. of the soup, 2 oz. of Scotch barley, and such onions,
pepper etc. as the messes might have to add to it, with a sufficiency of
water. Thus the people now had would have a hot breakfast every day, and
also hot soup every day for dinner, besides the usual meat allowed
them.+
I did not think it necessary to issue sour krout so long as the lime
juice and sugar continued to be issued to them; but I purposed to change
these so soon as we get the weather should become somewhat cooler
+On examining into the surgeons stores almost the whole of the barley was
found to be spoiled; and when the portable broth was boiled by itself, no
persons chused to take it, I therefore directed that each man should be
served with two ounces of it, in the cake, three times per week;
threatening those who took it and waisted it with punishment.
Transcript for a055126126
[page 126]
[Thursday] Sept. 3. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original] journal
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather.
Moderate breezes with finer weather. Out 2nd reef of the M. top-sail, and
set the T.Gt. sail and jib. At 6, tacked ship to the westward on which we
found the ship easier, the swell being from about south; and she does not
admit near so much water as on the starboard ^side) (tack) - At 8. In
T.Gt. sails
Fresh breezes with fine weather. Took in the jib
Only 7 inches water made the last 4 hours
Set the jib and T.Gt. sails
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Many men-of-war birds hovering over the
ship, and darting at the flying fish sometimes. Our shooters sometimes
struck the birds with small shot but did not bring any down.
A small albacore hooked this morning. Noon, fresh breezes and fine
weather
Transcript for a055127127
[page 127]
[Friday] Sept. 4 towards the C. of G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and hazy weather
Drizling rain at times
Fresh breezes and squally. Took in T.Gt. sails. Many fish about the
ship
Mode. breezes and hazy. Set T. Gt. Sails
Several men-of-war birds about the ship
Employed in the after hold.
Mode. breezes and cloudy with haze.
Water smoother than it has been lately.
Transcript for a055128128
[page 128]
[Saturday] Sept. 5th. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather.
Employed in the after hold. A bonita caught.
Fresh breezes. Took in the F.T. Gt. sail.
Let the 2nd. reef out of the fore top-sail.
Employed in the fore hold.
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather.
Transcript for a055129129
[page 129]
[Sunday] 6th. towards the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with cloudy weather Set the F.T.gallt. sail
Wetted the decks as usual every evening since leaving Madeira.
Took in the F.T.Gt. sail.
Fresh breezes and cloudy. In M.T.Gt. sail.
At daylight, set the top-gallt. sails Several men-of-war birds and flying
fish about the ship.
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. Cleaned below and aired with stoves;
afterwards, mustered the ships company and saw them all clean.
Cloudy, but not unpleasant weather. Last weeks expenditure of water 2 1/3
tons. Remaining 49 2/3 -
Transcript for a055130130
[page 130]
[Monday] Sept. 7. 1801 Investigator fr. Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. Let the reefs out of the
top-sails.
Struck a large porpoise; which yields us 6 gallons of oil, and more 1 1/2
lbs flesh per man.
In 1st. reefs at dusk.
Fine weather.
Light breezes and cloudy weather
Out 1st reef of the miz. top-sail,set royals and T.Gt. studg. sails.
Shortened sail, hove to, lowered down one of the cutters and hoisted her
in upon deck; then made sail again.
Mode. with fine wr.
Transcript for a055131131
[page 131]
[Tuesday] 8th. towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. with fine weather. In order to give the ships company a days
amusement, I permitted the ceremony of shaving and ducking as usual in
crossing the equator, to be performed in its full latitude. At the
conclusion, they had as much grog given to them as they could drink, the
ship having been previously put under snug sail. After the ceremony,
hoisted the cutter up on the quarter again -
Cloudy weather, with spitting rain at times.
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather some swell from the southward.
Set T.Gt. sails, jib and stay sails. Lost a log line.
Cloudy with haze Cleaned below and aired with stoves
Do. weather. No birds to be seen these 24 hours
Transcript for a055132132
[page 132]
[Wednesday] Sept. 9th. 1801 Investigator from Madeira [searching for Sable Id. Or St.Paul, in her way to the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate trade wind with fine weather At 11/4 bore away to make the
island called Sable or St. Paul. Set studg. sails
At dusk, took in all sail; the three top-sails excepted; afterwds. clewed
down the F. and mizn. top sails
Fine weather.
At day light, hoisted the top sails and made all sail.
Opened a cask of beef No. 55. Conts. 42 pieces; short of weight 32
lbs
Steady trade, with fine weather.
Cleaned well below. Opened out all the beds, and aired them, as also the
peoples clothing.
Do. weather. Some swell from the So.wd. No birds about, or any
indications of land.
Transcript for a055133133
[page 133]
[Wednesday Sept. 9th. 1801 Investigator from Madeira] searching for Sable I. or St. Paul, in her way to the Cape.
At 4, this afternoon, I judged the ship to be on the latitude of this
isle, or perhaps somewhat to the south of it, as it is given in the
geographical notes, prefatory to Perouses voyage. I ordered the ship to
be steered west at that time, allowing the variation to counteract the
northerly current, which from the last two days experience I expected
would attend us; in this, however, I was deceived, or else the bad
steerage counteracted it. At dusk I regulated the sail so as that the
part of the horizon behind us to which our view should extend in the
morning should meet that of the preceding evening before us. I allowed
six leagues each way to be the distance at which any land ought to be
seen in a clear evening to the west, and morning to the east; and the
view in these points was very distinct at these times. The three warrant
officers were now ordered to keep watch forward, and to have the charge
of the lookout at night. In the day, a man was kept constantly at the
mast head, and the mate of the watch went up also at the conclusion of
the watch, and a report made to me by the officer, whether land or any
thing was in sight or not.
At noon, the latitude shewed that no current had prevailed, and therefore
we were none too far to the south; the ship was ordered to be kept to the
northwd. until we should reach the latitude of 30', when we steered in
that parallel, looking for land.
Transcript for a055134134
[page 134]
[Thursday] Sept.10th 1801 Investigator fr. Madeira [in search of the island Sable or St. Paul & towds. the Cape]
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather. Set the starbd. studg. sails.
Innumerable quantities of flying fish about, and many bonitas.
At 6 shortened sail to the three top-sails, and braced them bye; keeping
a strict lookout ahead.
Opened a cask of pork No.16. Contents 53 pieces: short of weight 10
lbs.
Mode. & cloudy.
At day light, made all sail
Three birds of a whitish colour seen, and a man-of- war-bird.
Do. weather, but more clear
Cleaned below and aired with stoves
A long still swell fr. the Southward
Mode. breezes & fine wr. No birds about.
Transcript for a055135135
[page 135]
[Thursday Sept 10th 1801 Investigator fr. Madeira] in search of the island Sable or St.Paul. & towds. the Cape.
From our situation this day at noon, and having no signs of the
neighbourhood of land, I gave up the hope of finding the island; and
thought it unnecessary to stand any further to the westward. I had
crossed the equator lasts year but 26 to the west, and in 1795, but
0° 4' 7 to the westward of that. The Buffalo crossed last year the
parallel of 25 south very lately in longitude 22°:12'W. about which
commences the space that if the isle existed between that and 25°W.
it must have been repeatedly seen. Upon the whole I apprehend that St.
Paul does not lie between 17° and 25°W. in the parallel of 25'
south.
To the eastward we have the track of Mr. Perouse but only one degree to
the eastward of where our search commences; so that it is but little
likely to be found to the westward of 16°, more especially as the
birds left us in about that meridian. Between 111/2° and 16° we
had many man-of-war birds; and if they are any signs of land, they
certainly argue in favour of its situation being between 10° and
15°; and as there are great objections to its lying to the west of
the last I am inclined to think, that if there is such an isle as St Paul
in latitude 25' south, or thereabout, that it lies between the longitudes
of 10° and 15°W.
Transcript for a055136136
[page 136]
[Friday] Sept. 9 11th 1801 from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather
Took in the studg. sails.
At 2, hauled to the wind & took in royals
In miz. top gallt. sail and stay sails.
Moderate breezes & fine weather; with a southerly swell as before
Took in the M. top-sail to shift the yard, and bent the sail, having a
4th reef in it. At 111/2 set the T.and T.G. sails again.
Steady trade with fine weather; a southwardly swell.
Transcript for a055137137
[page 137]
[Saturday] 12th towards the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with fine weather. Carpenters employed in making a spanker
boom out of a spare F.T. sail yard. Saw a gannet and a blackish bird,
like a sheerwater.
1st reefed the M. and Miz. and Dble. Reefed the F. top-sail. Took in the
staysails.
Strong breezes. In T.Gs. sails and jib.
Fresh breezes and cloudy; with a southerly swell which makes the ship
plunge a little. She now makes more than 5 inches of water per hour, on
this larboard tack. At 2 set T.Gt. sails and jib.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves. Sailmakers repairing the old M.
top-sail, and putting a 4th reef in it.
Fresh trade and cloudy weather, with a southerly swell
Transcript for a055138138
[page 138]
[Sunday] Sept. 13th 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
throughout.
Fresh breezes and cloudy; with squalls at times and spitting rain. In
T.Gt. sails jib and staysails. Rounded in the weather braces a little
Set and took in T.Gs. Ss. occasionally -
Squally at times with cloudy weather. A considerable sea from the
S.E.ward; which induces me to allow 1/4 point leeway
Squally at times, but in general more moderate. Set T.Gt. sails.
Weeks expenditure of water 21/4. Remd. 471/4 tons
Strong breezes Squally with spitting rain. In T.Gt. sails. - Cleaned
below.
Mustered ships company and saw them all clean.
Sailmakers putting a 4th reef into the M. top sail. A swallow and two
sheerwaters seen; and also a gannet flying about the ship. Noon. Set
T.Gt. sails. Modt. & cloudy wth. haze.
Transcript for a055139139
[page 139]
[Sunday Sept 13th 1801 Investigator from Madeira] towards the Cape of Good Hope
The fresh breezes that now attend us, and the sea that is running in
consequence, are what I did not expect to meet with in our present
situation. In consequence of the sea and the general weakness of the
ship, I judged it necessary not to come nearer to the wind than abeam; by
which means we gain in distance and the ship does not plunge and work so
much. When in the cabin, every sea that strikes the ship, excites a
sensation as if she was made of quick silver, and is a convincing proof
of the weakness of her frame. I now began to think of the means of
lightening her upper works as much as possible; to do which, I ordered
two 18 pound carronade stern chases, to be struck into the after hold.
The rudder, that was lashed in the main and mizn. chains, we took within
the ships side, as also trawl-heads, and every thing that is heavy; and
in general, every heavy thing upon the upper deck or over the ships side,
that could be taken below, or brought more into the center of the ship,
was done so; even to the boxes of shot being sent below, and running in
the carronades to the innermost part of their carriages. The booms were
also lightened almost to one half of the weight upon them, but the
principal view in doing this was to ease the supporters of a part of the
weight which they were scarcely able to bear. With these precautions we
now considered ourselves to be as much prepared for the bad weather as
circumstances will permit us to prepare
Transcript for a055140140
[page 140]
[Monday] Sept. 14th 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with hazy weather
Fresh breezes and cloudy
Squally. In T.Gt. sails. Perceive the water to be much smoother, between
6 and 8 o'clock. Afterwards the swell, and the motion of the ship became
the same as before
Took in the M.T. mast stay sail.
Strong squall. In jib and mizn. staysail; kept the ship away a
little.
At day light, set the jib & mizn. stay sail
Moderate breezes in general but squally at times. Employed in the after
hold clearing away to receive the two 18 pound carronades which were
payed over with a mixture to preserve them and struck down
Noon. Weather more steady: set T.Gt. sails. A sheerwater seen
Transcript for a055142142
[page 142]
[Wednesday] Sept.16th 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy.
Set T. Gt. sails. Employed stowing boats oars &c. in the chains.
Fresh breezes and squally In T.Gt. sails.
Do. weather.
Strong squalls at times
Set T. Gt. Sails
Squally with rain. Took in T.Gt. sails
Sailmakers putting a third reef in the oldest mz. top-sail.
Fresh breezes and hazy weather. A brisk running sea from the S.E.
Transcript for a055143
[page 143]
[Thursday] 17th towards the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Set the M. top gallt. sail.
Squally with spitting rain. Took in the M. T Gt. sail, and top- mast
stay-sail. Took in and set the jib occasionally
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather
Set T.Gt. sails, and M. T. mast stay-sail
Do. weather, and the water smoother. Took in and set T. Gt. sails as the
wind permitted.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves
Mustered the ships company and saw them all clean
Fresh breezes and fine weather. The sea running from farther aft, and
smoother than before
Transcript for a055144144
[page 144]
[Friday] -18th Sept. 1801 Investigator for Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Some sea running
from the eastward on which account leeway is allowed.
Do. weather squally at times.
Took in T.Gt. sails
Spitting rain.
Set the top. gallt. Sails
Fresh breezes and hazy.
Do. weather
Bent and set the spanker
Armourer employed at the forge.
Do. weather, with the same sea running from the eastward.
Transcript for a055145145
[page 145]
[Saturday] - 19th towards the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. Let the 2nd. reefs out of the
top-sails. Unbent the M. top-sail, and bent the old one again, wh. had a
4th reef put into it.
At sunset; took in 2nd. reefs.
Took in the spanker.
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather
Set spanker, and the middle and T.Gt. stay sails.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. Out 2nd reefs & set mzn.
top-gallt. sail.
Cleaned well below, and aired with stoves. Aired the marines clothing. At
11, shortened sail and shifted the gig for painting.
At noon, moderate with fine weather, and tolerably smooth water.
Transcript for a055146146
[page 146]
[Sunday] Sept. 20 1801 Investigator fr. Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy.
Bent the old mzn. top-sail with the 3rd. reef put into it.
Took in the first reef of the mzn. top-sail.
Fine weather with haze.
Light breezes and cloudy. Exercised great guns and swivels. Hove a salt
provision cask overboard for a mark, worked ship round and fired each gun
and swivel at it in the ship; being two rounds of powder and one of
shot.
Light breezes and cloudy. Made sail again.
Weeks expenditure of water 23/4 - remains 441/2 tons
Transcript for a055147147
[page 147]
[Monday] - 21. towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs approaching to a calm.
Fine weather with pleasant breeze.
Light breezes and cloudy.
Light airs, and fine weather, with haze.
Employed setting up the rigging, where necessary, fore and aft.
Sunk an inclosed bucket 200 fms. to try the thermometer in the water,
which stood at 71º: at the surface 73º.
Caught a small dolphin
Light airs & fine weather with haze.
Transcript for a055148148
[page 148]
[Tuesday] Sept. 22.1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
For the easterly swell.
Light airs & fine weather.
Several gannets about. Passed through many small blubbers
Cloudy weather
Light airs and cloudy.
Too cloudy to get lunars.
Not able to observe any thing of the lunar eclipse: being too cloudy.
Calm & hazy; Swell from the eastward. Many gannets about the ship.
Some sheerwaters and man-of-war birds seen.
Cleaned well below and aired with stoves
Unbent the F. top-sail to repair & bent a new one.
Heavy rain since eleven
Transcript for a055149149
[page 149]
[Wednesday] Sept. 23. off Trinidad: towds. the C. of G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Calm with rainy weather: a swell setting in from the southward. At 4, a
fresh breeze sprung up. Trimmed sails, and tacked ship to the
eastward.
In small stay-sails and T.Gt. sails
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather
Tacked ship to the S.W.ward. The cross-jack yard being rotten, was sprung
by the flap of the sail in tacking ship. Squally at times: some head
swell.
Mod. & fine wr. Set the M.T.Gt. sails & staysails. Many gannets
and some other birds passed the ship. At 61/4 saw Land, supposed to be
Trinidad.
Center of the island S.S.W1/2 W. Took in the mzn. top-sail, set the
spanker, and got up a spare F.T. sail yard as a cross-jack yard
At noon, a peaked rock or hummock near the Et. extr. bore S.21ºW. by
No. 3 Compass. Bluff, western extreme bore 4º to right; and a rock
of Martin Vas, from the main top 49º:43' to the left.
Light breezes & fine weather. Set the mzn. top-sail again.
Transcript for a055150150
[page 150]
[Thursday] Sept 24th. H.M.S. Investigator off the is[land Trinidad, bound to the Cape of Good Hope]
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. & cloudy with a southerly swell. Bent the old F.top sail again,
being repaired
Several gannets passing towards the land; and some sheerwaters about.
Center of Trinidad S.E.b.E.1/2.E
At 11, the island bore nearly true East.
Fresh breezes & fine wr. Took in F.T.Gt. sail, the ship plunging a
good deal to the head swell
At day break, Trinidad in sight N.62ºE Set F.T.Gt.sail.
Light breezes & fine wthr.
Mustered the ships compy. and saw them clean
Got up all the sails out of one sail room and aired it with stoves
Noon, mod. Breezes & fine weather: Swell from the southward.
Transcript for a055151151
[page 151]
[Thursday Sept 24th H.M.S. Investigator off the is[landTrinidad, bound to the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
In 1795 Mr. Crosley made the center of Trinidad by --- sets of Lunars
taken before and after seeing the island, and reduced to it by his best
time keeper
The latitude by log at 11 P.M., when the island bore true east, was
20º:30' So. in calculating whh. a proportional part of the current
is allowed.
Transcript for a055152152
[page 152]
[Friday] Sept 25. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. Breezes & cloudy. Employed airing the sails and sail room
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
A considerable swell from the southward which makes the ship pitch a good
deal.
Moderate breezes with fine weather
Light breezes, and a southerly swell. Cleaned below. Got the sails out of
the middle sail room to air, and aired the room with stoves.
Light breezes with fine weather. All the plain sails set
Transcript for a055153153
[page 153]
[Saturday] - 26. towards the Cape of Good Hope.
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes & fine weather: a swell from the southward. Out lst.
Reefs & set mzn. T.Gt. sail.
Took in the 1st reefs, and the mzn. T.Gt. sail.
Moderate & cloudy weather
Do. Weather.
Light airs with rain. At 41/2, a fresh breeze with cloudy weather
Fresh breezes with rain. In T.Gt. sails and small staysails
Set T.Gt. sails &c. again.
A sheerwater or two seen
Moderate & cloudy. Set spanker, mz. T.Gt. sail &
F.T. mast studg. sail - Southerly swell still.
Transcript for a055154154
[page 154]
[Sunday] Sept. 27 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy wr. Set the mzn. T.Gt. sail, and the F. top mast
and F. stud.g sails
Took in mz. T.Gt. sail, and 2nd. reef of the top-sail. Hauled down the
stay-sails between the masts; and took in the spanker. Took in the F. and
F.top-mast studg. sails Carried away the lower, standing boom.
Lightening in the S.W. quarter.
In T.Gt. sails. Heavy rain, with thunder and lightening. 2nd. reef the
F.T. sail.
Fresh gales and rainy.
Expenditure of water, this week} 21/2 tons
Remaining - 42
More moderate, with cloudy wr. Set T.Gt. sails, and the F.top and lower studg. sails
Rove a new tiller rope
Saw a white bellied sheerwater
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather, with a following sea. Mustered the people, and saw them all clean.
Transcript for a055155155
[page 155]
[Monday] - 28. towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with rain at times. Carried away the F.T.mt. studg. sail
boom in a sudden squall. In stud.g sails & T.Gt. sails, but set them
again afterwards
In studg. sails. Lost 4 log lines off the reel. A strange sail in sight
to the S.S.W. Double reefed the M. & close reefed the mzn.
T.sail.
Fresh breezes and starlight night. Lightening in different parts of the
heavens
Cloudy. Heavy claps of thunder, with lightening all round. At 2, the rain
& squalls came on. In T.Gt. sails, M.sail, and jib. At 4 set T.Gt.
sails, but took them in soon afterwards; the squalls frequently returning
and obliging us to bear away at times - At 71/2 a heavy squall with rain
&c. Clued down the top sails.
Squally at times with rain: fine intervals between the squalls. Clued
down and set the top-sails, and otherwise altered the sail as occasion
required. A sea running from the Wt.ward.
At noon, fine weather. Under double reefed top-sails and courses. Some
sheerwaters and a pintado bird seen.
Transcript for a055156156
[page 156]
[Tuesday] Sept. 29th. 1801. Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and squally with rain at times. Many pintados and
sheerwaters in the wake of the ship, and some birds shaped like
woodcocks, with white bellies.
Squally at times. Treble reefed the F. and Mz T.sails
Fresh breezes & fine wr.
Do. weather, and finding the baromr. rising - let out 3rd. reefs &
set jib & mz. staysail.
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Set T.Gt. sails
The swell considerably abated.
Mod. & fine weather. Some diamond-winged albatrosses, sheerwaters and
pintados about the ship
Out 2nd. reefs.
Found a leak in the larbd. sail room. Got up the sails to dry
Unbent the fore topsail to repair & bent a new one
Moderate & fine weather with haze
Transcript for a055157157
[page 157]
[Wednesday] - 30th. towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Altered the course to get into the supposed lat. Of Saxemberg Island, in
the parallel of which I propose to run. Set F. and T. mast studg. sails.
Strong breezes. In studdg. sails and spanker
Albatrosses, sheerwaters & many pintados about. At dusk, double
reefed the topsails & took in the staysails and jib
Passed by a turtle this afternoon, as reported to me.
Fresh breezes and cloudy, with a following sea, somewhat milining from
the south
Fine weather
Set F. and F. top-mast studg. Sails; and let out the 2nd. Reefs.
Set spanker
A swell from the W.N.W. but a long under swell comes from the S.W.
Sailmakers repairing the old F. top-sail. Served sour krout and vinegar
to the ships company.
Fresh breezes & hazy weather Many pintado birds abt. The ship.
Transcript for a055158158
[page 158]
[Thursday] October 1. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Spitting rain at times. The old F.T. sail being
repaired, bent it, and set it 2nd. reefed.
Many pintado birds and a few sooty pettrels about. In studg. sails, and
double reefed the M. top sail.
A long, heavy swell rolling from the S.W.ward
Dull, hazy weather, with showers of rain at times
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Set M.sail. Out 2nd reefs and set the F.T. and
F. studg. sails.
Light breezes and hazy
Cleaned below and aired with stoves Sailmakers putting a fourth reef into
the new F.T. sail.
Mustered the people and saw them all clean as usual on Thursday
Light breezes & fine weather with haze. Long swell from S.W.
Transcript for a055159159
[page 159]
[Friday] - 2. In the parallel of Saxemberg Island
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather. A long S.W.ly swell.
At dusk, in all studg. sails except the F. and F.T.mt. Set jib, M.T. stay
sail and spanker
Light breezes. In studg. sails and spanker Up M.sail & M.T. stay
sail.
Ship tossinged about unpleasantly by the south-west swell
Set T.Gt. sails & main sail
Light breezes & cloudy wr. At daylight, set larboard studg. sails
forward Sent down the M.T.Gt. yard. finding the cross-trees sprung. Down
T.Gt. mast and topmast and fitted new cross trees. The swell somewhat
abated. Many pintados about the ship
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather.
Transcript for a055160160
[page 160]
Observations concerning Saxemberg Island
From the geographical notes prefixed to Perouses voyage I learn that this
island was discovered by John Lindestz Lindeman, a Hollander, in 1670. It
is said to lie in 30º:45' S and about the longitude of 19º:40'
W. It does not appear that this island has ever been seen since, although
many ships have sought for it. Single ships going to India have
frequently made its supposed place of situation and thence have steered a
few degrees east in the same eastward in its parallel, but without
success. I determined to try some degrees on the westward in the parallel
side and on the 29th. at noon finding we had passed its latitude I
steered a little to the northwd. and then kept on to the east. Our
longitude that day was 25º:50' W and about half a degree east of
captain Cooks track, in his last voyage. At that time the same lookout
was kept as when searching for Sable or St. Pauls Isle, except that the
ships rate of going was not so much reduced during the night) as in the
former case. The turtle that we passed on the afternoon of the 30th, as
reported to me, gave me some hopes of finding it, but otherwise we had no
signs of the neighbourhood of land but such as are common in the sout
almost every part of the southern oceans. Our track on Oct. 2. passes
within a very few miles of the supposed situation of Saxemberg Island and
had it lain there, or in that parallel, to the east of between 26º
and 20º West it must have fallen under our inspection. I thought it
unnecessary to search to the eastward of 19º:40'.
Transcript for a055161161
[page 161]
[Saturday] - Oct. 3. 1801 - towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Some swell remaining from the S.W. Swayed up
the T. and TGt. Masts and set the sails
At dusk, in studg. sails and spanker, and double reefed the top-sails
Strong breezes. Took in T.Gt. sails, and 3rd reefed the F. and Mzn.
topsails. Squally with rain and very dark. Took in the jib and main
sail
Strong breezes & squally with heavy rain, until the wind shifted to
the southward when it cleared and gradually became finer.
At day break. Out 3rd reef of the F.top sail and set the jib and main
sail
Strong breezes & cloudy.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves. The swell makes the ship work a good
deal, from whence both the decks and sides become very leaky
Strong breezes & cloudy wr. Many pintados about.
Transcript for a055162162
[page 162]
[Sunday] - Oct. 4. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & cloudy, with a long, high swell from the S.W.ward.
People making points.
Under double reefed top-sails which I did not reduce at dusk, finding the
barometer to rise.
Fresh breezes with thick cloudy weather.
Weeks expenditure of water} 2-2/3 tons Remaining 39 1/3.
Light breezes. Out 2nd. reefs, set staysails, T.Gt. sails and F.T.mt. studg. sail; and afterwards the lower studg. sail and spanker.
A high, rolling swell from the S.W. A sweep having been used as a standing boom for the lower studg. sail, was carried away by a flap of the sail in rolling to the swell. Mustered ships company, saw them clean & read the articles of war. Lowered down a boat to pick up a pintado for the naturalist to examine.
Light airs & dull, cloudy weather.
Transcript for a055163163
[page 163]
[Monday] - 5th. towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs with dull, cloudy weather. Set the M. top-sail.
Calm at times, with rain. Caught an albatross of 9f:9i extent of wing;
and two sooty coloured birds marked with white in the fore part of the
head. They belonged to the tribe procelaria and are most probably a
variety of the sheerwater.
Light breezes with thick rainy weather. The S.Wtly. swell still running,
throws the ship something to windward; whence no leeway is allowed.
Fresh breezes & hazy.
Drizling rain.
Double reefed the topsails. Took in T.Gt. sails.
Took the 3rd. reef in the top sails
Fresh breezes & hazy weather. The S.W. swell being almost beaten
down, the water is tolerably smooth.
Transcript for a055164164
[page 164]
[Tuesday] Oct. 6. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with thick, hazy, weather. Many pintados about the ship.
Saw Cape hen.
Strong breezes with dull hazy wr. A sea getting up from the eastward.
Single reefed the canvases.
Moderate & hazy. Set jib and M.T.stay sail
Thick, cloudy weather
Let out the 3rd. reefs of the top sails. At day break, let the reefs out
of the courses, the 2nd. out of the top sails, and set T.Gt. sails,
spanker, stay sails, and larboard stud.g sails.
Light breezes & fine wr. Out lst reefs to air. Cleaned below and
aired with stoves. Aired the small sails. Got up the ^slop) shoes to air,
which were found to be mouldy and a few pairs partly spoiled.
Light breezes & cloudy wr. People working up junk.
Transcript for a055165165
[page 165]
[Wednesday] 7th. towards the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes & fine weather. Fogs spreading over and clearing away
again occasionally: at 4 it continued thick.
At dusk, took in studg. sails and 2 reefs in the F. and Mz. and 1 in the
M. topsail.
Fresh breezes & thick, foggy weather. Took in the upper stay sails.
Hauled down the spanker.
Fresh breezes with thick weather and drizling rain. Took in T.Gt.
sails.
Hazy weather.
At daylight, set the top gallant sails.
Fresh breezes with dull, hazy, weather. Cleaned below. Many pintado and a
few other oceanic birds about the ship. At noon, a stream of small
petrels were seen passing the ship, but at too great a distance of know
of what kind
Noon, moderate & hazy.
Transcript for a055166166
[page 166]
[Thursday] Oct. 8. 1801 from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & hazy. Set F.T. and F. studg. sails.
In fore studg. sail. Cut up Pork No. 28, contained 53 pieces, which it
answered.
In fore top-mast studg. sails
In upper stay sails. Strong breezes & cloudy wr. Took in T.Gt.
sails.
Do. wr.
Set T.Gt. sails, spanker and stay sails
Fresh breezes & fine weather with haze. Cleaned below and aired with
stoves. Employed pointing the 4th. reef of a new F.T. sail. Mustered
ships company and saw them clean.
Strong breezes & fine wr. Pintandos and some of the small grey
petrels about.
Transcript for a055167167
[page 167]
[Friday] - 9th. towards the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & cloudy weather. A sea following the ship from the
N.W. Took in T.Gt. sails. Punished Thos. Flint, seaman, with 12,and
Andrew Robinson with 6 lashes for fighting
At dusk, double reefed the M. top-sail.
Strong breezes with dull, cloudy, weather.
Do. weather. At 6, the wind more moderate. Set Middle and M.F. stay sail;
and afterwards T.Gt. sails
Cloudy with haze. A few pintado birds about. Passed several patches of
sea weed. People employed sinneting oars, making boats fenders, and
otherwise preparing the boats for active service.
Fresh breezes & hazy with misty rain at times. A swell following from
the N.W.; which seems to prevent the wind from raising any sea: the water
being still smooth
Transcript for a055168168
[page 168]
[Saturday] Oct. 10th. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with hazy weather and misty rain. Took in T.Gt. sails and
stay sails.
Set T.Gt. sails and spanker
Fine weather, and starlight
Out 2nd reef of the M. top-sail, and set the fore top and fore studg.
sails.
Moderate breezes & fine weather. At daylight out all reefs, set T.
Gt. studg. sails, royals and mzn. top gant sail.
Do. weather. Cleaned below and aired with stoves. In T.Gt. studg. sails
& royals in a squall. Exercised the ships company at the small arms
at a target
Moderate breezes & fine weather Pintados and albatrosses about the
ship.
Transcript for a055169169
[page 169]
[Sunday] - 11th. towards the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with fine weather. Set F.T. and lower studg. sails, and
spanker
Squally. In studg. sails. Treble reefed the F. and took 2 reefs in the M.
and mzn. top sails.
Fresh breezes and squally. T.Gt. sail Handed the M. T.Gt. sail
Mod & fine wr. At daylight, let one reef out of each topsail, and set
the spanker.
Set F. top and F. studg. sail. Cleaned below and aired with stoves
Mustered and saw the ships company clean Set stay sails. Many birds
about. Mod. & fine wr.
Weeks expenditure of water} 2 2/3 tons.
Remaining - 36 2/3.
Transcript for a055170170
[page 170]
[Monday] Oct 12. 1801. Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & fine wr.
Hauled up to get lunar observations.
At dusk, took in the studg. sails, & double reefed the miz.
top-sail.
Hauled down the spanker.
Mod. & fine weather
Let 2nd reef out of the F. and all of the miz. topsail. Set F.T. and
lower studg. sails and spanker.
A long swell from the westward.
Set royals, both M.T.Gt. royals studg. sails & Mz. top-ga'nt sail
People employed working up junk
Noon, moderate breezes and fine weather
Took in royals.
Transcript for a055171171
[page 171]
[Tuesday] - 13th. towards the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather. A stream of pidgeon-like birds coming
from the eastward
A swell from the south-westward making the ship roll considerably
Took in the T.Gt.sail and a reef in the mzn. top sail
Light breezes with fine weather. In studg. sails and braced up.
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
In stay sails & T.Gt. sails.
At 7, tacked ship & double reefed the top-sails.
Treble reefed the F. and M. top-sails and got down T.Gt. yards; there
being a considerable head swell which makes the ship plunge.
Fresh and strong breezes alternately, with cloudy wr.
Swell from the S.W.ward.
Pintados, carey chickens, and small blue petrels about. A pintado
hooked
[page 172]
[Wednesday] Oct. 14th. 1801. Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy, with a south'ly swell thro'out
Mod. breezes: Out 3rd. reefs, sent up T.Gt. yards, set the sails and M.T.
mt. stay sail.
At 6, wore ship: the southerly swell having made the ship miss stays.
Fresh breezes and squally. In T. Gt. sails
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
At daylight, set T.Gt. sails out 2nd reefs, and set the stay-sails.
Mod. and cloudy.
People working up junk
Several birds about: some pintados caught with the hook.
Mod. breezes & fine wr.
A southerly swell makes the ship plunge something.
Transcript for a055173173
[page 173]
[Thursday] - 15. towards the Cape of Good Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather with clear intervals at times
Some pintados caught with a hook and line.
Dble. reefed the F. and Mz. topsails
Light breezes. The stay sails and spanker beating about, took them in.
Scrubbed the hammks. of the watch.
At daylight, let the 2nd. reef out of the F., and all out of the Mz. top
sail, and set the starbd. top and lower studg. sails
Mod. and cloudy. Set the spanker
Mustered the ships company and saw them all clean: afterwards took an
account of all their clothing
Moderate breezes & cloudy wr.
The water tolerably smooth.
Transcript for a055174174
[page 174]
[Friday] Oct. 16. 1801 Investigator from Madeira
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. & cloudy weather, with spitting rain & squalls at times.
Took in stay sails and spanker.
In studg. sails & double reefed the top-sails.
Fresh breezes and cloudy, with spitting rain at times
Squally. In T. Gt. sails & M. top stay sail.
Set T. Gt.sails & stay sail
Saw the land through the haze bearing E.N.E. Moderate breezes with
squalls of rain at times. The thick wr. giving us a partial view of the
land only.
Bent cables, unstowed the [anchor]s &c.
Noon. Wt. extreme of the land bore N.b.E. and the high land towards Cape
False E.S.E.
Transcript for a055175175
[page 175]
[Saturday] - 17th. into False Bay - C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Hauled up for the Cape Point, and passed without side the rocks that lie
off it. Several whales and thrashers in the bay. The wind very variable,
flowing off the land at times. At 31/2, saw the ships in the bay, and at
4 were boarded by the guard boat. Soon after the master of H.M.S.
Lancaster came on board to conduct the ship to her anchorage, to which we
worked up by six oclock. Furled sails and moored ship: Noahs arck ark
bearing E.1/2 S. and the Roman rocks wharf S.W.1/2 W. abt. 1/2 mile
Found riding here H.M. Ships Lancaster, Jupiter, Diomed, Hindoostan,
Imperieuse, Rattlesnake and Euphrosyne, & an Indiaman, under the
command of Vice Admiral Sir Roger Curtis Bt. upon whom I immediately
waited, with my orders and weekly account. Ships draught of water Forwd.
13:6 Aft 13:10
Wind variable from the westward with slight showers of rain at times.
A.M. Sent an officer on shore to pitch upon a place for watering on the
north side of the bay under the sand hills, where we sunk a cask into the
sand and sent two launch loads of empty casks on shore to be filled. Went
on shore upon various duties, of which one was to pitch upon a place with
the astronomer proper for erecting the observatory and a tent; this we
did near the fort on the side of Simmons Bay. Received on board a gang of
caulkers from the ships here, who began upon the quarter deck. Received
also 219 lbs of fresh beef. Slight showers at times, but in general fine
weather: wind from the westward Ther. At noon 59° Bar. 30,07
Transcript for a055176176
[page 176]
Winds
Transactions &c. H.M.S. Investigator - October
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Sun.]18th
Mod. & cloudy weather. Caulkers employed on board. A party of men
on shore filling water casks. Sent several packs and staves of casks to
be set up for water and provisions at the cooperage on shore. Sent the
observatory and some instruments on shore.
A.M. Caulkers at work as before. People employed picking oakum mostly.
Unbent sails and sent them on board the Lancaster to be repaired.
[Mon.]19
.
Fine weather. Struck lower yards and unrigged them. Employed in the holds
and rigging the yards.
A.M. Moderate breezes & fine wr. People employed filling the coal
hole out of the fore hold, and otherwise as necessary. Caulkers upon the
ships bow as before. Noon, fresh breezes at times, with cloudy weather.
.
Ther. 59° Bar. 30,07.
Recd. 230 lbs of beef
[Tues.] Oct. 20 Fresh breezes and cloudy with rain. Empld. sending on
shore casks & packs to the cooperage &c. &c.
A.M. Mod. & cloudy. Got off a raft of water. Employed principally in
the holds stowing it away. Caulkers upon the ships sides as before
[Wed.] 21. Employed as in the morning A.M. Light breeze and cloudy.
Discharged 4 men into H.M.S. Lancaster in lieu of 4 received. Received
Rice, Pease, Sugar, & spirits from H.M.S.Lancaster to complete as we
left England. Employed in the holds. Recd. 130 lbs of mutton.
Transcript for a055177177
[page 177]
Transactions &c. in Oct.1801. False Bay.
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Thurs.] 22
Moderate breezes and cloudy. Employed in the holds and otherwise as
necessary .A.M. Fresh breezes and squally. Recd. 57 lbs of fresh beef.
Struck T.Gt.masts; cleared hawse; and got the sheet [anchor] over the
side. Caulkers employed as before upon the sides and upper deck. Entered
Mr. Dennis Lacey, Mid. from H.M.S. Lancaster.
Daylight Ther. 61º Bar. 30,07
Noon Th. 67º Bar. 30,05
[Fri.] 23. Strong breezes and squally. Several boats &c. assisting the Countess of Sutherland Indiaman - Egglestone; which ship, in preparing to sail, had got too far over to the north side of the bay, and touched the ground at times. People employed in the holds &c. A.M. Mod. & fine wr. A party filling water. Received 120 lbs of fresh beef; and various boatswains stores in lieu. Some hands blacking the yards. Cooper on shore setting up casks. Carpenters employed as usual with the caulkers.
[Sat.] 24th. Light breezes and sultry. Recd. boatswains stores and beef,
pork, suet, raisins and vinegar to complete. Ansd. signal to assist in
towing H.M.S. Diomed to the south side of the bay, and a sloop in towards
the shore. A.M. Mod. brz. & dull cldy wr. Recd. 130 lbs. fresh beef.
Ansd. signal for all lieutent.s. Employed rafting off water casks. Strong
breezes and cloudy weather with haze
Transcript for a055178178
[page 178]
Transactions &c. H.M.S. Investigator - False Bay
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Sun.] Oct. 25. 1801 Fresh breezes with frequent small rain & thick
weather. Sailed for England the Countess of Sutherland Indiaman. Employed
in watering the ship. The caulkers having mostly finished withoutside of
the ship, and the upper deck, began upon the lower deck. A.M. Mod. &
fine weather. Employed painting the masts, and in stowing the holds.
Others scraping without of the ship and otherwise as necessary. Caulkers
employed as before Ther. 68º Bar. 30,00. Recd. 132 lbs fresh
beef.
[Mon.] 26 Fresh breezes & cloudy. At 1 fired a royal salute in honour
of H.M. accession to the throne, as did the squadron. People scraping the
ship, and employed in the holds. A.M. Strong breezes with rain at times.
Recd. 131 lbs of mutton. Caulkers employed on the lower deck, and under
the counter: People principally employed scraping the ships sides and
upper deck. Ther. 63° Bat. 29,95.
[Tues.] 27. Strong gusts of wind off the hills at times with dull cloudy
weather. Employed as before. A.M. Fresh breezes with small rain at times.
Sailed H.M. ships Diomed and Rattlesnake. Got up the cables from the
lower deck, scraped and cleaned it well, and aired with stoves: then
placed the spare rudder in the
Transcript for a055179179
[page 179]
Transactions in Oct. Refitting in False Bay
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
the tiers and recoiled the cables in the tiers, upon the rudder. Recd.
132 lbs of fresh mutton, and fruit and vegetables as usual.
[Wed.] Oct. 28th. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Paid the ships company for
their savings of bread between Aug. 1st and Oct. 20. amounting to
£43.14, together with 10 percent advance. Struck the F.T. mast,
fitted new cross-trees, reswayed up the mast, and sent up the T.Gt. mast.
Carpenters began to paint the outside of the ship. Discharged all the
caulkers except two belonging to H.M.S. Lancaster. A.M. Fresh breezes and
fine weather. Scraped the upper deck again. Recd. 130 lbs of fresh beef.
Punished Wm. Jobb and Edwd. Coward seamen, with 12 lashes each for
drunkenness and neglect of duty. Carpenters employed painting the ship,
repairing ladders and other necessary jobs. Received our sails from the
Lancaster, where they had been repaired.
[Thurs.] 29th. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Swayed up lower yards and bent
all the sails. Carpenters fitting the round-house pipes and painting the
ship. Fresh gales and fine weather, with some haze. A.M. Mod. & fine
wr. Employed staying the masts and setting up the rigging. Cut up two
casks of pork & one of beef to their contents & returned the
casks. Carpenters empd. as in the afternoon. At noon, almost calm
Transcript for a055180180
[page 180]
Transactions &c. on board H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Fri.] October 30. 1801 Mod breezes & fine wr. Carpenters and
painters employed as before. People employed on occasional jobs preparing
for sea. A.M. Do. wr. Employed principally in the holds. Discharged Mr.
Nat. Bell into H.M.S. Hindoostan per order. Received Boatswains and
Carpenters stores, in lieu. Recd. 132 lbs of fresh beef
[Sat.] 31. Mod. & fine wr. Got off the larger astronomical
instruments from the observatory. Carpenters empld. as before. A.M. Do.
wr. Recd. 170 lbs of fresh beef. Stowed the sheet anchor and swayed up
T.Gt. masts. Empld. in jobs about the rigging & otherwise
occasionally
[Sun.] November 1. Mod. and cloudy weather. Employed about the
rigging and in occasional jobs. A.M. Fresh breezes and clear wr. Received
69 lbs of beef. Struck T.Gt. masts. Employed refitting the studg. sail
gear and securing every thing for sea. Th. 641/2 Bar 30,23
[Mon.] 2. Fresh gales & fine wr. with some haze. Got off the Marquee and the time keepers &c. Unstowed the sheet anchor and pointed the yards to the wind A.M. Swayed up T.Gt. masts, hoisted in the launch and prepared to unmoor as soon as ever the wind should permit. Received 230 lbs of fresh meat; and a weeks allowance of fruit and vegetables from the hospital.
Transcript for a055181181
[page 181]
Refitting in False Bay. 1801
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Tues.] Nov. 3 Mod. & fine weather. Employed occasionally. At night,
calm. A.M. Light airs. Sent up T.Gt. yard, cleared hawse, unmoored ship
and hove short, but the wind freshening up, into the bay, the ship drove
and obliged us to drop the 2nd anchor. Sent down T.Gt. yards. Received
200 lbs of fresh beef, making on the whole 2200 lbs received from the
Victualling Office. Light breezes.
[Wed.] Nov. 4th. Light winds with variable weather. Hove up the best
bower, and veered to a third of a cable in the small one. Employed in the
after hold, and in securing for sea. At 6, a breeze sprung up from SSW,
but it was too late to move at that time. A.M. Mode. & fine weather.
At 5, cloudy. Up T.Gt. yards. Discharged Mr. John Crosley, astronomer, by
request, on account of ill health. Set the sails, weighed, and cheered
the Vice admiral as we passed under the stern of the Lancaster. Working
out of False Bay, with very variable winds: a boat towing ahead
occasionally Heavy clouds hanging over the land, and drizzling rain at
times. Set royals & T.Gt. studg .sails. Sailmakers repairing the old
hammock clothes. At noon, light breezes with small rain. The Cape Point
W.S.W. 2 or 3 leagues. Th. 67º. Bar 30,09
Transcript for a055182182
[page 182]
Errors and rates of timekeepers
[See original journal for navigational data and remarks on this page]
Transcript for a055183183
[page 183]
[Thursday] Nov. 5. 1801 Off the C. of Good Hope
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and fine weather. Hoisted up the cutter & secured all
the boats. At 2, observed the water to be very red which seemed to arise
from its being full of round animalcules; there being no ground with 40
fms.
Stowed the anchor and unbent one cable. At 6, the extremes of the land
SE1/2E. to the Cape Point at N.W.b.W1/2W dist abt. 4 leagues
At 11, found bottom at 48 fms. Wore ship, having missed stays.
Sounded in 50 fms.
At daylight, the farthest land towards C. Agullas SE. b E. Cape False
N.E.b.N. abt. 4 L.
Light airs. At 9, sounded in 78 fms. greenish mud. C. False bearing
N.E.3/4 N. Cape Point N.N.W.
At noon, no ground with 70 fms. C. False N.E.b.N. Cape Point N.b.W. The
extreme towards C. Agullas S.E.bE.3/4E.
A light breeze getting up from the westward
Transcript for a055184184
[page 184]
[Friday] Nov. 6th 1801. Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine wr. Set T.Gt. studg. sails
At 6, the land extended from N1/2E. to E1/2N.
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Took in the middle staysails and spanker.
Squally at times
Set the staysails and the F.T. mt. and lower studg. sails. Fresh breezes
& hazy. Took in the T.mt. studg. sails.
A few birds about
At noon, fresh breezes & fine wr. with haze.
Some sea running from the W.S.W.
A strange brig in sight
Transcript for a055185185
[page 185]
[Saturday] - 7th towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and squally. Carried away the lower studg. sail boom.
Handed F.T.Gt. sail. Dble reefed the M. and Mz. & 3rd. reefed the F.
topsail. The brig passed us astern, shewing a blue flag which we could
not well make out. Set T.Gt. sails & M.T. mt stay sail
Mod. breezes and cloudy.
Took in the T.Gt. sails
Fresh gales and cloudy, with a considerable sea from the westward
Squally. Hauled up the M. sail.
A few albatrosses and pintado birds about.
Fresh breezes, and cloudy with fine intervals The westerly swell makes
the ship roll unpleasantly.
Transcript for a055186186
[page 186]
[Sunday] Nov. 8th. 1801 Investigator from the C. of G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes and cloudy, with rain at times. At 3, set M.T.Gt.
sail.
Squally with rain. In M.T.Gt. sail, treble reefed the M. close reefed the
fore, & handed the mizen top-sail. Barted the main sail.
Strong breezes and squally, with rain at intervals. A heavy sea rolling
after us from the westward.
Heavy squalls at times
Fresh breezes in general, with strong squalls at intervals.
Mustered ships company and saw them clean.
Ship very wet below, the water coming through the sides, ports &c
Fresh gales and cloudy, with a following sea from the westward
Transcript for a055187187
[page 187]
[Monday] - 9th. towards New Holland]
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes and cloudy weather, with squalls at times
Unsettled weather
Moderate breezes and cloudy.
Squally at times with rain. The westerly swell a good deal abated. At day
light, set miz. topsail & let out double reefs of the F. and M. and
set T.Gt. sails, stay sails and spanker.
Let the 2nd reefs out of the top sails and set the F. and F. top studg.
sails
Cleaned below and aired with stoves -
Served sour krout & vinegar.
At noon, light breezes with fine weather. Swell runng. from W.S.W.
A few pintado birds and brown albatrosses about
Transcript for a055188188
[page 188]
[Tuesday] Nov. 10th. 1801 Investigator fr. Cape of G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes with fine weather. Set M.T.Gt. studg. sail.
Set spanker. Clear starlight night
Moderate breezes with fine weather: the water smooth
Set stay-sails
Mod. breezes and cloudy.
Do. weather. Some swell from WSW. still remaining
Exercised the watch below in the use of small arms, and fired two rounds
of powder
In studg. sails and spanker.
Fresh breezes & hazy weather
Some albatrosses, many pintados, and some other oceanic birds about
Transcript for a055189189
[page 189]
[Wednesday] 11th towards New Holland
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and hazy. Double reefed the top-sails
In T.Gt. sails. Close reefed the miz. and took 3rd reef in the F.T.
sail.
Took in T.Gt. sails
Strong breezes and squally wr.
In Main sail, M.T.mt. and miz. stay sails
Squally with rain, accompanied with loud thunder and vivid lightening.
Close reefed the F.,3rd reefed the M. & handed miz. T.sail
At 4, more moderate. Out 3rd. reef of the M. top-sail
Unsettled weather, with rain at times
Set 3rd. reefed F. 1st. reefed M. and close reefed miz top sail.
Set M. sail and stay sails
Moderate and cloudy wr.
Set M.T.Gt. sail
Transcript for a055190190
[page 190]
[Thursday] Nov. 12. 1801. Investigator from the C. of G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. Let one reef out of the Mz. and two
out of the F. top sail. Set the F.T. mt. and lower studg. sails
Squally with rain at times. Took in the lower studg. sail.
Light breezes and cloudy. A swell running from the westward.
Light airs
Puffs of wind at times with small rain.
Light breeze springing up. All the plain sails set.
At 9, hove to, and hoisted in the larboard cutter to be repaired
At 103/4 h, filled and made sail. Set the larbd. F. top and M.T.Gt.
studg. sails.
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather
Some large albatrosses, some pintados, & sooty petrels about the ship
and sitting on the water
Transcript for a055191191
[page 190]
[Thursday] Nov. 12. 1801. Investigator from the C. of G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. Let one reef out of the Mz. and two
out of the F. top sail. Set the F.T. mt. and lower studg. sails
Squally with rain at times. Took in the lower studg. sail.
Light breezes and cloudy. A swell running from the westward.
Light airs
Puffs of wind at times with small rain.
Light breeze springing up. All the plain sails set.
At 9, hove to, and hoisted in the larboard cutter to be repaired
At 103/4 h, filled and made sail. Set the larbd. F. top and M.T.Gt.
studg. sails.
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather
Some large albatrosses, some pintados, & sooty petrels about the ship
and sitting on the water
Transcript for a055192192
[page 191]
[Thursday Nov. 12 1801] towards New Holland
[Astronomical Observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Whilst the ship was hove lying to, I sent down one of the buckets from
the B. of Longitude, 150 fms. A thermometer being immersed immediately,
stood at 63°,1, whilst in the surface water it stood at 63°,8. In
the open air, when shaded, the themometer stood at 63°,6.
For its relative weight, see the observations in Princess R. Harbour.
[page 192]
[Friday] - Nov. 13th. 1801 Investigator fr. Cape of G. Hope
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy wr. Carpenters repairing the cutter.
Do. weather
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather
In larbd. studg. sails, stay sails, spanker, and up M. sail.
Fresh breezes & fine weather.
Set larboard studg. sails, main sail & stay sails -
Carpenters repairing the cutter.
Washed and cleaned below.
Moderate breezes and fine wr. with some haze: Water smooth
Transcript for a055193193
[page 193]
[Saturday] - 14th. towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes & fine weather Let 1st reefs out to dry.
Single reefed the top sails
Lightening in the northern quarter.
Hazy weather
Light Mod. breezes & fine weather.
Set stabrd. lower & M.T.Gt. studg. sails
Exercised great guns and fired one round of powder. Let the reefs out of
the Mz. top-sail.
Light airs & hazy weather with smooth water.
Transcript for a055194194
[page 194]
[Sunday] Nov.15th. 1801 Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and hazy weather.
Mod. breez. with drizzling rain at times In studg. sails.
Fresh breezes. Double reefed the top-sails Water very smooth.
Fresh breezes & hazy, moist weather. In T.Gt. sails and small stay
sails.
Strong breezes. In jib, M.T.mt. staysail and 3rd. reef of the top
sails.
Lightening in the N.E. quarter
Found that the ship had leaked 18 inches in the last ten hours. -
The thermr. on deck unfortunately broken by a man falling against it;
this is the third destroyed by one accident or other, and the whole that
was supplied by the Navy Board
Sent down T. Gt. Yards -
Mustered the people and saw them clean.
Fresh gales and hazy wr. A sea rising from the northward.
The Navy Board sextant was unfortunately broken, by Lt. Flinders falling
with it in his hand, at noon.
Transcript for a055195195
[page 195]
[Monday] - 16th. towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh gales & thick hazy weather, with rain at times. Secured the
cutter more firmly on the starbd. quarter
More moderate with cloudy weather Let 3rd. reef out of the M. top sail,
and set jib and spanker.
Fresh breezes and fine weather
In spanker
Squally. Took in the jib and M. top stay sail Some albatrosses and other
birds about.
Fresh breezes: a shower of rain.
Sent up the M.T.Gt. yard
Served sour krout and vinegar as usual on banian days.
Mod. breezes & fine wr. with haze. Some sea running from the N.W.
Transcript for a055196196
[page 196]
[Tuesday] Nov. 17th 1801 Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with flying showers of rain.
Out 3rd. reef of the F. top sail and sent up the T.Gt. yard Set both fore
studg. sails
Mod. breezes and cloudy. Out 2nd. reef of the M.T.sail and set both
studg. sails.
Squally at times with small rain. Took in all the studg. sails
Set jib, staysails and spanker, and the fore studg. sail
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Strong breezes. Took in spanker and F. Studg. sail
Mod. & cloudy. Set the spanker; and soon afterwards the fore studg.
sail
Some brown albatrosses and other birds about.
Moderate breezes with flying showers at times
Transcript for a055197
[page 197]
[Wednesday] - 18th. towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather. Served sweet wort to the ships
company.
Saw a whale close under the bows. -
Light airs. Took in F.studg. sail -
Up courses & hauled down the spanker
Clear weather
Set course, staysails, and spanker.
Out all reefs
Moderate breezes & fine wr.
Washed below and aired with stoves
Moderate breezes with fine pleasant weather
Transcript for a055199199
[page 199]
[Friday] - 20th . towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal] ]
Fresh breezes and hazy weather
Set the 3rd. reefs out of the F. and Mz. top-sails
Treble reefed the F. and Mz. T. sails
Carried away the jib stay and haliards
Fresh gales with thick wr.
A sudden shift of wind: trimmed sails and set T.Gt. sails.
Moderate breezes and thick weather with rain.
Let one reef out of each of the top sails.
Set F. and F. top studg. sail; and spanker
Aired below with stoves
Light breezes with dull cloudy weather
Transcript for a055200200
[page 200]
[Saturday] Nov. 21. 1801. Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. Breezes and cloudy wr.
Shifted studg. sails forward and set the spanker.
Many albatrosses about. Set jib and main sail
Mod. breezes and cloudy.
Fine weather with haze
Some westerly swell still following. Out all reefs, set staysails and
T.Gt. studg. sails
Set up the M. and Mz. T. mast rigging
Served sweet wort to the ships company.
Took in T.Gt. studg. sails
Moderate breezes & fine weather with haze
Transcript for a055201201
[page 201]
[Sunday] - 22nd. 1801 towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes & fine wr.
Single reefed the top-sails. Carried away the F. studg. sail yard. In
spanker studg. sails and T.Gt. stay sail
Fresh breezes & cloudy weather, with haze
Took in middle stay sail
Moderate breezes & fine weather.
Cloudy.
Set larboard studg. sails, spanker, and M.T.Gt. staysail
Moderate breezes and cloudy. Cleaned below and aired with stoves.
Mustered ships company and saw them clean. Read the articles of war, and
punished Wm. Donovan (seaman) with 12 lashes for drunkenness and
irregularity.
Served sweet wort
Moderate breezes and fine weather.
Transcript for a055202202
[page 202]
[Monday] Nov. 23. 1801 Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes with hazy wr.
Many petrels about the ship
Took in the stay sails
Set staysails and spanker
Set royal and T.Gt. studg. sails
Light breezes and cloudy.
Carpenters employed repairing the cutter.
Mustered the ships companys clothing. Got the slops upon deck to air.
Noon, light breezes & fine weather
Transcript for a055203203
[page 203]
[Tuesday] Nov. 24 towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod breezes and cloudy. In royals and fore studg. sail.
Took in T.Gt. studg. Sails, and double reefed the top sails
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Heavy dew falling
Took in F.T. mt. studg. sail, and small stay sails.
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather: water smooth
Set stay sails, and F.T. mt. studg. sail.
Many small blue petrels about, (Procelaria forsteri)
Bent the cables and turned in the stoppers. Took in the studg. sail
Strong breezes and cloudy with haze. No sun visible
Several whales seen this morning: Sweet wort served as usual.
Transcript for a055204204
[page 204]
[Wednesday] Nov 25th. 1801 Off the island Amsterdam [on the way towards New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather Several whales seen.
At 7 took in T.Gt. sails, jib, staysails and spanker
At 11 up courses and brought to, with the F.T. sail to the mast.
At 3, wore ship and brought to, with the ships head to the westward.
At 5, filled and made sail, steering to the southward, until we judged
ourselves in the latitude of the island; and then steered to the
east.
Weather thick and hazy, so as to prevent us from seeing more than two
leag. Some whales, many Cape hens and petrels about the ship.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves.
Strong breezes. Took in T.Gt. sails and double treble reefed the top
sails
Transcript for a055205205
[page 205]
on the way towards New Holland
[Wednesday Nov. 25th 1801Off the island Amsterdam]
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Bringing to at 11 P.M. was from supposing ourselves in the longitude of
the Isle of Amsterdam, or nearly, for I suppose believe it to be to the
eastward of 1h:54' as given in Lord Macartneys voyage. I find it laid
down in 77º:40' by H.M.S. Providence which is deduced from three
time-keepers from the Cape.
It should seem, that if this last is its true situation and our longitude
be correct, that at 7 A.M. we must have been within a very few leagues of
it: the 23' difference of easting was the most probably the principal
cause that we did not see it, and the thick weather completed it. I did
not think it worth while to lose time, by steering out of our way for
these two islands; but had the weather been fine, I wished to have sent a
boat on shore with the naturalist, to one or both of them.
Transcript for a055206206
[page 206]
[Thursday] Nov. 26th 1801. Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes with dull, misty weather. Took in the M.T. mt.
staysail
Set M.T.mt. staysail, the wind being more moderate.
Out 3rd. reef of the M.T. sail
Fresh breezes and thick weather, with drizzling rain. Out 3rd. reef of
the F.T. sail, and set T.Gt. sails
Mod. breezes and cloudy.
Out 2nd. reefs and set the spanker and staysails.
Set studg. sails
Mustered the ships company and saw them clean.
Moderate breezes and fine weather
Not many birds about.
Transcript for a055207207
[page 207]
[Friday] 27th. towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Freshening breezes and cloudy weather
Passed some bunches of seaweed
Took in staysails, spanker, and T.Gt. studg. sails
Fresh breezes and fine weather Took in all studg. sails.
Moderate breezes & fine wr. Set studg. sails on both sides and M.
royal.
In starbd. studg. sails.
Shifted studg .sails. Swayed up the lower yards. Exercised great guns and
fired one round of powder.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. A silent, long, swell following from
the westward.
Transcript for a055208208
[page 208]
[Saturday] Nov. 28 1801 Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy. Took in staysails and spanker. Set larbd.
studg. sails Shower of rain.
Set spanker and staysails.
Fresh breezes and cloudy. In studg. sails and staysails but set them
again at daylight
Fresh and moderate breezes alternately, with rain at times. Exercised
small arms and fired 2 rounds of powder. Served sweet wort as usual.
Mod. & fine weather with a long westerly swell. Some Cape hens
hovering about the ship
Transcript for a055209209
[page 209]
[Sunday] - 29. towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and fine weather. Let the reefs out to air. Set T.Gt.
studg. sails
Mod. breezes and cloudy wr. In 1st. reefs of the F. and M. and 2 of the
miz. top sail.
In T.Gt. studg. sails and spanker.
Took in all stud.g sails.
Light breezes. Set stud.g sails and shifted them occasionally. Some
tropic birds reported to be about the ship.
Set stay sails and spanker
Served sweet wort as usual. Mustered the ships company and saw them
clean.
Fresh breezes and hazy wr. In stud.g sails and took two reefs in the mz.
Topsail.
Transcript for a055210210
[page 210]
[Monday] Nov. 30th. 1801 Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Squally with rain at times. Took in spanker, T.Gt. sails and
staysails.
Double reefed the top-sails
Strong breezes. Treble reefed the F. and Mzn. top-sails
At 1/4 before three, it became nearly calm, when the wind shifted
suddenly to the other side: weather thick, with small rain.
Set the M.T.Gt. sail
Squally at times with rain. Set main sail.
Served sweet wort and sour krout to the ships company.
Fresh breezes with fine weather. Few birds about of the usual kinds.
Transcript for a055211211
[page 211]
Lunar observations on the 29th. and 30th. A.M.
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Transcript for a055212212
[page 212]
[Tuesday] Decr. lst. 1801 Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy wr. with rain at times. A high sea
following.
Set jib staysails and spanker, and fore studg. sail
Light breezes. Under double reefed top-sails, T.Gt. sails &c.
Changeable weather. Took in the studg. sail and spanker
Light winds and fine wr. Out 2nd. reefs and set the F. and F. top studg.
sails, spanker and staysails.
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather
Cleaned below.
Some albatrosses and pintados about the ship. Served sweet wort.
Fresh breezes & fine wr. with a long swell following after the
ship
Transcript for a055213213
[page 213]
[Wednesday] 2nd. towards S.W. coast of New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Carried away the F.T.mt. studg. sail
boom.
In staysails and spanker
Squally. Double reefed the top sails
Took in T.Gt. sails. Split the jib
Fresh gales with a high sea running. Treble reefed the F. and M. and
handed the miz. topsail.
Fresh gales and cloudy.
Up M. sail, and set the M. staysail
Took in the F.T. mt. staysail, the sail being split. Set the mzn.
top-sail.
Fresh breezes with fine weather. A high sea running from the N.W.ward.
Unbent the F.T. mt. stay-sail and bent a new one. Sailmakers repairing
sails. Out 3rd. reef of the M. topsail.
Fresh breezes and squally weather. A considerable sea following.
Transcript for a055214214
[page 214]
[Thursday] Dec. 3 1801 Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes and squally.
Handed the mz. top-sail
Treble reefed the M. top-sail, and reefed and set the main sail
Lost 2 log lines
Strong breezes and squally. Up M. sail and closed down the top-sails. Set
them again after the squall. Lightening all round
Out 3rd. reefs of the F. and M. and set the mz. top sail.
Strong squalls with rain at times
Set T.Gt. sails.
Mustered the ships company and saw them clean.
Served sweet wort
Fresh breezes and cloudy. A considerable sea following the ship.
Transcript for a055215215
[page 215]
[Friday]- 4th. towards New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy wr. A considerable following sea.
Fresh breezes and hazy, with spitting rain at times.
Fresh breezes with thick wr. and drizzling rain
Let the reef out of the M. sail, and the 2nd. reef out of the M. top-
sail.
Cloudy wr., with spitting rain at times
Washed between decks and aired with stoves
Noon, fresh breezes and cloudy weather. The sea very little abated
Transcript for a055216216
[page 216]
[Saturday] Dec.5. 1801 Investigator from the Cape
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy. The old F.T. mt. stay-sail being repaired,
rebent it.
Double reefed the M. top-sail
Squally with rain at times
Out 2nd. reefs, and set the spanker and studg. sails
Mod. breezes & fine wr. the sea much gone down
Cleaned below and aired with stoves. Served sweet wort
Light breezes & fine pleasant weather
Transcript for a055217217
[page 217]
[Sunday] - 6th. Towards the S.W. coast of New Holland
[Navigational data & astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and fine weather
Shifted the studg. sails
Mod. & cloudy weather.
A silent swell, following from the westward. Made all sail.
Light breezes and dull cloudy weather.
At 10, in studg. sails and trimmed to the wind.
Mustered ships company and saw them clean. Punished Wm. Beach (marine)
for drunkenness & consequent neglect of duty, with 12 lashes. Served
sweet wort.
Mod. Breezes and cloudy.
Transcript for a055218218
[page 218]
[Monday] - 7th Decr .1801 Investigator from the Cape[of G.Hope to New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather
At 2, in larbd. studg. sails and braced sharp up, expecting soon to make
N. Holland
Bent cables
At 7, saw land from the mast head N.N.E. Sounded in 85 fms coral
sand.
In jib, staysails, spanker & main-sail
At 9, 80 fathoms coarse coral
At 11, 65 fms. coral sand. Wore ship, and stood off under top- sails and
T.Gt.sails
Light winds and cloudy weather
At 2, 80 fathoms, coarse coral bottom
Wore ship
Light breezes and cloudy. 40 fms. coral sand At daylight, made sail. At
5, low land in sight, in patches, from N.N.W. to E bS. from the mast
head.
At 9 sounded in 22, and at 10 in 15 fms. coarse sand. Wore round and kept
along the coast at 10 being about 4 miles off shore.
At 11, squally weather, with rain. Dbl. reefed the topsails. Sounded in
23 fms. Hauled further off from the land.
At noon, sounded in 20 fms. small shells and broken coral. North extreme
being the first land seen N.48º.W. called (A). A barren rock south
of it, not in sight. So. extreme about S.45º.E. Country all sand
hills
Transcript for a055219219
[page 219]
[Monday - 7th Decr. 1801
Investigator from the Cape of G. Hope to New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land seen this afternoon was scarcely definable. It seem to have been
(A) the Wt. most land. From it the land seems to run to the eastward into
a bight, and then turns about S.E.b.S. Land was seen all across this
bight, equally sandy as the other parts of the coast. (A) seems to be
rocky as well as sandy. S.S.E. 3 or 4 miles from A, lies a barren, rocky
island, a, with breakers round it, and between them, a lower sloping
islet; all too far distant to say much of them: but I judge A to be the
south west part of Leuwens Land. At 10, when we wore, in 15 fms., and
kept parallel to the coast, our distance off shore was 3 to 4 miles. A
ridge of sandy hills seems to front the sea, but here and there a back
ridge of more distant land, shews itself. Trees are scattered about the
front ridge, and seem to abound in the inland parts
The coast ahead runs very regular, and no dangers appear there: in the
bight near A, breakers are frequent, but I think they all belong to the
barren islet or rock a.
Transcript for a055220220
[page 220]
[Tuesday] - Dec. 8 1801 Off the south west [coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and squally. Out 3rd. reefs of the F. and mz. top sails. At
3, the south extreme of a steep cape, C, S.60º.E; without which soon
after was seen a patch of breakers. Kept out another point. A small
island south of and near to C. At 5h:40' Two rocks white at the top, bore
S.75.E. At 7h.15' they bore N.29º.E. Furthest land indistinctly seen
N.80E. Braced sharp up, and stood off close to the wind, sounding every
two hours, except at 10, the bottom coral sand and broken pieces. Fresh
breezes and squally weather at 8, but it became finer afterwards. At 1,
tacked ship. Out 3rd. reef of the M top-sails & set T.Gt. &c at
daylight. Saw the land stretching to the eastward, but C or the white
rocks a out of sight, the ship having fallen to leeward. At 5.40 a high,
steep cape D. N.25.E, 6 or 8 miles, wh. afterwards proved to be
insulated; it appears to be the Cape Chatham of Vancouver.
At 7.15 tacked and steered along the coast from 3 to 6 or 7 miles
distant. The two rocks (a) of last night about N.60ºW. Made more
sail. At 10h:25' kept more in with the shore. The soundings, sand, small
coral and broken shells.
At noon about 4 miles off shore, being divided into points and heads with
sandy bays between them
Transcript for a055221221
[page 221]
[Tuesday Dec. 8 1801 Off the South west] coast of New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land continues to be sandy; unto the end of Cape C, which is
tolerably high and steep. On its east side is a sandy beach, but the land
is higher at the back than before. I wished to come in again with C and
the two white rocks a but a current seems to have drifted us to the
leeward.
D is a bluff smooth-surfaced rock, about 1 mile from the shore and at its
back is a bight 2 or 3 miles deep. The country looks pleasant in this
bight. From here the coast to the eastward projects in points, between
which are sandy bays sometimes promising shelter. Upon the whole the
country of this morning has a difft. appearance to the sandy shore of
yesterday it is altogether higher, the shore is more steep and rocky, and
the interior seems well covered with trees; and near the shore, a green,
but rather shabby coat covers the land down to the cliffs. The sand
appears here and there through it, especially in the parts where it falls
back. Smokes were rising near a steep point which bore N.4°W. 4 or 5
miles at noon, and is the first noticed
Transcript for a055222222
[page 222]
[Wednesday] - Dec. 9th. Investigator, along the south- [west coast of New Holland - Astronl. observations]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine weather. At 2, made all sail in order to look into
the bight at the back of Cape Howe before night. At 4, a sloping hummock,
high in the center, came in sight, wide off from the coast which proved
to be the Eclipse Islands. At 5, C. Howe No. about 4 miles, behind which
it falls back N.N.E. 3 or 4 miles. There are no white cliffs in Cape
Howe, but smooth brown cliffs. Finding a probability of getting into King
Georges Sound tonight steered and made sail accordingly. Bald Hd., Mt.
Gardner and west end of Eclipse isles in a line N.60ºE. At 8, hauled
up round Bald Head, and stretched over to Break-sea Island. Tacked ship
occasionally, working up into the sound, the wind being right out, at
111/2, came to an anchor between Seal Island, and the first small beach
round Bald Head in 8 fms. sandy bottom. Furled sails A.M. Sent the master
to sound, and to land on Seal Island: he brought 4 seals on board.
Sent a boat to land the naturalist &c. &c. near Bald Head, and
went away with the master to examine Princess Royal Harbour for a
convenient place to wood, water, and refit the ship in. See next
page.
Transcript for a055223223
[page 223]
[Wednesday - Dec 9th Investigator along the south]west coast of New Holland - Astronl. observations
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The same kind of coast still continues as in the morning, projecting
points every 4 or 8 miles and sandy bights between them. The strong
current that seems to set along this shore, carried us somewhat past our
reckoning, so that when the Eclipse Islands appeared we only then knew
that we were abreast of C. Howe. We found Bald Head to be a more sloping
projection than Captain Vancouver's sketch shews it to be; and being
dusk, the east end of Break-sea Island, being more steep was taken for
it. luckily, however, I had doubts about this, and determined to haul up
into the weathermost bight. Our depths of water between Bald Head and the
islands was too much for a hand line. We chose our [anchor]ing berth in
the dark, and had no great reason to disapprove of our choice, or to find
fault with captain Vancouvers survey.
Note: This day is continued to 36 hours, and therefore after this day,
the time will be reckoned according to civil time account
Transcript for a055224224
[page 224]
Transactions and remarks in King Georges Sound [on the S.W. coast of New Holland]
Continuation of [Wed.] Dec. 9th 1801.
Fresh breezes & fine weather, with squalls at times. Sent down
T.Gt. yds. Hoisted up the boats in the evening. -
In our way towards the Princess R. Harbour, we stopped at Seal Island, to
look for capt. Vancouvers bottle and parchment; but found no vestiges of
it, or of the staff or pile of stones from which I suspect that somebody
ship had been here since. From hence Seal Island we stretched to the
southward, and I landed near the flat rock near which captain Vancouver
[anchor]ed to walk round towards the harbour. I sent the master in the
boat to beat up to it. I was rather surprised to see so much of the air
of Port Jackson about the country and vegetation. On the long beach we
found some small drains of excellent water, but the extent of the shoal
water and surf makes it difficult for boats to get at it. The narrow neck
of land between the head of the sound and the harbour seems to be all
sand, with a few exceptions of rocky points, particularly the south point
of the entrance which is a sloping hill of quartzy granite in many places
bare of vegetation. We joined the master near an island considerably
short of the entrance to which we rowed, and went upon the hill. We had
an extensive prospect of a large piece of shoal water bounded by sandy
beaches and rocky heads points bare of wood, and no fresh water of any
consequence could been seen. The woody projection, to the W.
[Note: several minor changes have been made in pencil on this page, possibly by Flinders - see original journal]
Transcript for a055225225
[page 225]
[Transactions and remarks in King Georges Sound] on the S.W. coast of New Holland
S.W. attracted our notice, to which, as the water seemed to run deeper towards it than to other parts of the shore, we determined to get if possible. It was about 1 o'clock, and it blew a fresh gale nearly right out. We returned back to the boat, dined and rowed into the entrance by the assistance of a tide that happened to be running in, and then set the sails to beat up, which the boat did admirably; but it was six before we landed everybody and thing, one musket excepted, being completely drenched by the spray of the sea. The water was shoal, at one or two cables lengths from the shore, and we could not find any good water. Wood was plentiful, and with some surprise we saw that axes and saws had been used here, many trees bearing marks of them. We saw many small sheds of the natives, such as they set up to keep the wind from their fires and themselves, but no recent marks, no footsteps of men about the shores or anything to bespeak their presence. The large limpets that stick to the rocks are another proof that men are not numerous. From this projection we sailed across, sounding finding the deepest water to be on the northern shore, and the high hills at the back promised us a supply of water. In sounding out of the entrance it appeared, that a channel of from five to seven fathoms lies near the north point of entrance and winds over to the south side and then towards the northern shore, taking this curve to go
[Note: several minor changes have been made in pencil on this page, possibly by Flinders - see original journal]
Transcript for a055226226
[page 226]
Transactions and remarks in King Georges Sound [south west coast of New Holland]
round a shoal which projects from the north side a little within the
entrance. Note: Princess R. Harbour appears to be a very large place,
almost the extent of the sound, and not so rounded as in Vancouvers
survey.
In the place where we dined Near the
south point of entrance into the harbour a collection of sticks and
rubbish upon an almost inaccessible rock, excited our curiosity from its
appearance resemblance to a very large nest. By heaving throwing a line
across it over the rock the master got up and found it to be a collection
of such driftwood as is usually found upon the shore; and fishes scales
and feathers thus formed a part of it. This rock did not stood less than
about eighteen feet above the water.) but the sea, one would suppose,
must have been up to it at a period not far back. The top of the rock was
rugged, and being perhaps in a whirlpool the sticks, grass &c. have
thus collected around it +
We arrived on board about 9 in the evening,
and I found that most of the gentleman who had gone to Bald Head had
preferred staying on shore on account of the surf: we had noticed a fire
at the second beach which we judged to have been theirs.
+ Note: I afterwards had sufficient cause to be satisfied that this was
really the nest of a bird and though of such a monstrous size: the birds
most probably of the eagle kind a kind of fishing eagle.
Transcript for a055227227
[page 227]
[Transactions and remarks in King Georges Sound] south-west coast of New Holland
[Thursday] Dec. 10th. 1801 -
Light
breezes and fine weather. At daybreak sent the master to examine the
north side of Princess R. Harbour for wood and water, and another boat
for the naturalist and other gentlemen. At 71/2h. got under weigh to work
up towards the harbour. Tacked ship occasionally, keeping the lead
constantly going, and finding good, regular soundings. At 10h.50'
anchored in 6 fathoms water off the entrance of the harbour, and about 1
mile distant: Oyster Harbour being also open. Took a boat to examine
Oyster Harbour and the soundings into it. At noon, the master returned
having found water, but no wood near it, nor could a boat come within a
cables length of the shore very near the shore.
In Oyster Harbour, wood and water were
found on the starboard side of the entrance, and deep water close to the
shore, but the water is discoulered, being peat water. In this place, was
a patch of ground six or eight feet square dug up, and on it was lying a
piece of sheet copper marked "Augt. 27 1800 Chr. Dixson ship O/Slligood"
I could not make out the first letter of the ships name. The entrance
into the fair channel could not be found on account of its blowing too
strong to row and sound. I returned at six in the evening. Hoisted up the
cutter and sent the gig to fish, but she had little success.
From the ship Steering right for the
entrance of
Transcript for a055228228
[page 228]
Continuation of [Thurs.] Dec.10. 1801 - King Georges [Sound - New Holland]
Oyster Harbour from the ship I carried 6 and 7 fathoms until the south
point of Michaelmas I. came on with the north end of Break-sea Island, at
when it shoaled to 5 and immediately to 4, 3 and 23/4. On hauling up to
the westward the water shoaled to six feet, and but deepened when we kept
to leeward the eastward to 17 feet, when the east point of the entrance
was being then on with the centre of some high land at the back: and in
this line I kept for the entrance, the water deepening to 3,4,and 5 fms.
After getting in Within the harbour channel, the channel divides; one
part runs towards the little island but the deepest turns round towards
the starboard shore. Upon the little island we found nothing There was
nothing upon the island) that indicated its having been visited by
Europeans. It is full of holes, which I judged to be made by seals, and
probably it is these animals that these prevent birds from laying their
eggs upon it here A flock of shags and pelicans flew from the rocks as we
approached. for the natives for it does not appear likely the natives
visit it. It is shoal near the island all around and there are some
Oysters over the shoal Shoal water surrounds the island but a ship may
lie in 3 or 4 fathoms about at the distance of 2 cables lengths off from
it if she could get into the harbour: there are some oysters upon the
shoal. Having taken a set of bearings from the top of the island, I rowed
over to the east side where the water appeared to be deepest near the
shore, but we could not get within approach it nearer than 30 yards with
the boat. Peices 2 of quartz and ironstone were lying all over the shore:
wood was in abundant here but I could not see any fresh water.1 From
hence I sailed around to the opposite side passing to the south of the
small island)
Transcript for a055229229
[page 229]
[Continuation of Thurs. Dec 10 1801 - King Georges] Sound - New Holland
and found a good deal of deep water on the west side of it but at the
head, which is the nearest shore to the island, off At a head upon the
opposite side of the harbour the boat could not come within 1/2 a cable
of the shore. I landed and Walking around from this head to the south
west low point of the entrance, I passed two small streams of water, the
one brackish, the other fresh but very high coloured, and the shoal in
the front of these would not allow a boat to come within half a mile or
thereabout. The boat met me at the point and I both inaccessible to
boats. Crossing over the entrance to the east side where of the entrance,
I found the prepared ground, and copper before mentioned. Here was a
place, where, by digging, Water might be procured of a high colour, being
obtainable here by digging wood being plentiful, and landing convenient,
I considered this to be the best place we had yet met with. In returning
I wished to have ascertained the depth of water across the bar exactly,
but the wind blew too strong for this purpose. to refit in that had yet
been found, if the depth over the bar would admit the ship into the
harbour; but the strength of the wind prevented this point from being now
ascertained.
We rowed over to There was no fresh water at the south end of the beach
between the two harbours where but I found wood and further marks of axes
and saws; so that from which it should seem, that more than one vessel
has visited this sound since Vancouver. I could not find fresh water and
so we returned on board. Fresh breezes from the W.S.W. with fine clear
weather
Ther. at noon on board 67º
Bar. 29,90
Ther. at 8 PM. 69.
Bar. 29.97
Transcript for a055230230
[page 230]
[Friday] Dec. 11. 1801. King Georges Sound
At daylight, light breezes with dull cloudy weather. Sent the master
to sound on the bar of the entrance into Oyster Harbour. He returned at
9, not being able to find more than 13 feet, including the lead. Went
over to examine it further, and to direct the masters motions in sounding
by signals from the high land, but no more water could be found. I was
therefore obliged to relinquish the intention of going into Oyster
Harbour, in favour of Princess R. Harbour. Not knowing how long it might
be before an easterly, or leading wind into it might set in, we prepared
to wood, at the west end of the beach between the two harbours. The
naturalist and other gentlemen being on shore at Oyster Harbour, sent a
boat for them, and to get oysters. They brought a good quantity of them
and of the large fan muscles, but it was near high water.
In the morning, squally weather with rain at times, afterwards, moderate
breezes and cloudy weather. Cut up a cask of pork to its contents
[Saturday] - 12th. Light breezes & fine weather. Sent a party of men
to wood, and the launch with the seines to fish. At 7, made the signal
for the launch to come on board, with a gun. Put a kedge & hawser
into her ready for use, and the wind being fair, at 10h.25' weighed and
ran for Princess R. Harbour under the top sails. Carried 7.6 - 5, and in
the narrowest part 4 fathoms. Hauled up to S.W.b.W.1/2W. to round the
shoal on the north shore, having then 6 and 7 fms. and 8
Transcript for a055231231
[page 231]
[Saturday] - 12 in continuation - Into Princess Royal Harbour]
in the narrowest part between them. When abreast of the 3rd. sandy
beach on the north side the water had shoaled to 31/2, then steering
W.N.W. When Michaelmas Island came nearly into the middle of the entrance
we had 4. At 11h.12' anchored in 17 feet abreast of the top of the
highest hill on the north shore, and with the two islands on with the two
points of the opening; distant from the shore about half a mile. Veered
away and dropped the other anchor in 3 fms: being hawse open to the
southward.
Landed the naturalist &c. and went on shore to look at the watering
place, and to pitch upon a situation for the observatory and tents. Sent
a petty officer and another man round to the wooders to desire them to
walk round, for the breeze having freshened the launch was unable to work
out of the harbour.
Fresh breezes and fine weather. Sent
a marquee and a bell tent on shore and pitched them near the watering
place. Cut up a cask of beef to its contents. Repaired the rounding of
the cables. Sent down T.Gt. yards at sunset. From the top of the hill at
the back of the tents, I had a view of the surrounding country. Took
Amongst the bearings of very remarkable objects amongst which taken from
thence was a considerable extent of water to the westward, which I judged
to be either a large lagoon, or possibly a harbour opening out into an
inlet from the head of the bight east on the east side of Cape Howe.
Noon Ther. 66º . Bar. 30,20
Transcript for a055232232
[page 232]
[Sunday] Dec.13th.
Remarks and transactions in King Georges Sound]
Light breezes from E.N.E. with fine weather. Sent some astronomical
instruments and the observatory on shore. Got T.Gt. masts down upon deck,
and sent a launch load of empty casks on shore. Washed decks and mustered
the ships company; afterwards gave several leave to walk on shore.
Oysters were found by some of them upon a bank towards the head of the
harbour. A.M. Light breezes with dull cloudy weather; wind Fresh breeze,
from E.b.S. with fine weather.
Ther. At noon 68º. Bar 30,20
[Mon.] Dec.14. Light breezes and dull cloudy weather. Loosed sails to dry
and afterwards unbent them. Unrove the running rigging. Cleared hawser.
Received a launch load of wood from the first wooding place. The cooper
on shore at the watering place setting up and repairing casks. Sent the
launch to the south-west part of the harbour to wood, but they reported
the wood to be very bad there, as it could not be split.
Seeing fires made towards the head of the
harbour, the naturalist and his party went towards them, and saw met with
some natives who were rather shy, but did not seem to be much afraid. A
man with whom they had some communication, was admired for the good form
of his body and his manly behaviour. +(As has normally been observed with
of the natives of New Holland they did not wish communication
Transcript for a055233233
[page 233]
[Sunday Dec. 13th
Remarks and transactions in King Georges Sound]
but made signs for the party to return back. +They took) He received a
bird which had been shot, and a pocket handkerchief. They did not appear
to be very black.
Sent the remainder of the casks out
of the ship.
Ther. at noon 701/2º Bar. 29.91. Fresh breezes and squally weather:
wind from the south-westward. Struck the topmasts and unrigged them, to
repair the rigging. Ther. 701/2. Bar. 29.98
[Tuesday] Dec.15th. Moderate breezes from the west, with fine weather.
Sent a boat into Oyster Harbour, and the wooders in the launch to the
first place; the wood on the opposite side of this harbour being found
difficult to split. Some natives came to the tents and behaved peaceably.
They received many presents. Ther. at noon 70º Bar. 30,04. Unrigged
the fore and mizen masts and got the rigging on a stretch to be served it
afresh. In the evening, the cutter returned loaded with Oysters which
were served out to the ships company. Received two launch loads of wood.
Mod. breezes from the westward & fine weather.
Ther. 68º . Bar. 29.98
[Wednesday] 16th. Mod. breezes from N.W.b.W. with fine weather: some
passing squalls at times. Sent the cutter with the seine to fish. Four
natives came to the tents this morning and behaved peaceably but she
returned in the afternoon without success. Fresh breezes and squally at
times. People employed about the rigging. Sent the cutter away with seine
again in the evening.
Ther. {morning 67.} Bar. {29.98}
{ noon 68.}
{29,99}
{ night 68.}
{30,04}
Transcript for a055234234
[page 234][Thursday] Dec. 17 1801
In Princess Roya Harbour
Light breezes and fine weather. Two other natives came to the tents with
one of the our former ones visiters. The cutter returned early with a few
fish which were divided amongst the ships company. People employed about
the rigging. The cooper at the tents setting up and repairing casks.
Light airs at noon with sultry weather. Rigging the F. and mz. masts. A
good many small fish caught alongside with hook and line: they seem to be
mullet. Ther. and Bar. Morning 65º - 30,02, Noon 67º - 29,97
Night 70º 29,88
[Friday] 18th. Fresh breezes and squally. Took the carpenter over to the
south side of the harbour to look for trees fit for plank and small
spars; and walked up the hills to the sea shore, to take bearings of the
Eclipse Islands, C. Howe &c. but it came to blow a violent gale with
rain, and defeated my purpose. The top of the observatory was blown off
in the first squall. Bent the sheet cable and ustowed the anchor. In the
evening, intervals of fair, moderate weather.
Ther. morning 66º. noon 69º 631/2
Bar. 29,40 29,42 29,51
[Saturday] 19th. Fresh gales with frequent rain, and thunder and
lightening; afterwards it became more moderate with fine intervals.
People employed principally in refitting the rigging. At noon, fresh
breezes with frequent showers of rain. Rigged the three top-masts.
Ther. morning 5681/2º Noon 691/2º Night 621/2º
Barom. 29,66 29,72 29,84
Transcript for a055235235
[page 235]
[Sunday] Dec. 20th. 1801. H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather, with drizzling rain at times. Mustered
the ships company, as usual on Sundays and saw them clean; afterwards,
the greater part of them were permitted to go on shore to wash their
clothes. Some large snappers caught along side with hook and line, and as
usual many small mullet. Sent a boat to fish off the rocky points, with
lines, but they had little success
Note. The snappers caught seem to be exactly of
the same kind as are commonly caught on the east coast of New South
Wales.
Moderate breezes and cloudy. The launch which had
been sent to the south side of the harbour returned with a log of wood
for sawing, after having prepared another log and a saw pit on shore
At night, dull cloudy weather.
[Monday] 21st. Light breezes and cloudy weather. Fidded the topmasts
and rattled down the rigging. The cooper and some hands on shore
repairing casks and filling water.
Three natives came to the tents this morning and continued to behave
peaceably. No presents were now given to them.
Moderate breezes with cloudy weather. Cooper on shore and some hands
watering. People on board about the rigging. Carpenters cutting
planks.
Transcript for a055236236
[page 236]
[Tuesday] Dec. 22. 1801. H.M.S. Investigator in Prin[cess Royal
Harbour. - Additional remarks]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and fine weather. Took the master and a cutter to survey in
the sound. Rigged the top sail yards and crossed them. Swayed up the
lower yards. At noon, Do. weather. Employed about the rigging. Cooper
& carpenters as before
[Wednesday] 23. Fresh breezes with dull weather, and heavy rain at times.
Early this morning I went with a large party to examine two lagoons,
which were discovered to lie near the head of the bight on the east side
of Cape Howe The further one was found to be brackish, but its
communication with the sea was not ascertained.
People on board employed getting coals out
of the hold into the coal-hole, and other work preparatory to receiving
the water on board. At noon, fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Employed
as before
[Thursday] 24th. Moderate breezes & fine weather. People employed
watering the ship. Cut up a cask of beef and another of pork to their
contents
At noon, do. weather. Employed watering as before. Received plank, cut by
the sawyers, from the south side of the harbour. Light breezes and cloudy
weather. The party to the lagoons, returned from their excursion.
Transcript for a055237237
[page 237]
[Tuesday Dec. 22. 1801 - H.M.S. Investigator in Princ]ess Royal Harbour - Additional remarks
Upon the long beach between the two harbours, I measured a base line of
2,44 miles (geographic), from which the position of Seal Island and other
places are fixed. From the beach we ran over to the island, where I took
another extensive set of angles were taken). Several gulls were here
shot, and many young ones found: some penguins were also discovered in
the clefts of the rocks at the top of the island.
(but The length of time taken to measure the base line prevented us from
doing more than as above before night, except returning to the ship
before dark
Our party to the lagoons on Wednesday
morning consisted of all the scientific gentlemen and others to the
number of 13, well armed and provided for two days. Soon after leaving
the head of the Princess Royal Harbour, a native was seen running before
us, and an old man who had before visited the tents made his appearance,
and was very resolute to prevent us from going into the country. He was
not able to prevail, but we accomodated him by going round the part where
it should seem his family were. He followed us through swamps and thick
brushes and when a parroquet was shot he expressed neither surprise or
fear at the report of the gun, and but accepted the bird with apparent
pleasure: he was curious to see what was doing when the gun was
reloading. This old man kept hallooing constantly, for the purpose it
should seem probably, of informing his family of our movements; and after
we had passed some distance from the place where we met him, he fell
behind and left us.
From the head of the harbour to the lagoons, it seems to be
[continued on page 239]
Transcript for a055238238
[page 238]
[Friday] Dec. 25th. H.M.S. Investigator - Princess R. Harbour
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine weather. Washed and cleaned below, and did some
other necessary duties. Sent the cutter to fish with hook and line, and
about noon, she returned with some success. Mustered the ships company,
and saw them clean; afterwds. part had permission to go on shore upon
leave whilst others went to fish. Cloudy weather
[Saturday] 26 Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed stowing the after hold.
A boat employed surveying in this harbour. At noon, do. weather.
Carpenters employed making garden boxes for the Naturalist. Cooper on
shore completing the water cask. People employed in the holds.
[Sunday] 27th. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Got off another raft of water
and stowed it away in the holds. Employed one of the cutters in surveying
in the sound. At noon, moderate breezes and hazy weather. Employments as
in morning
[Monday] 28th. Fresh gales and squally, with rain at times. Employed on
board in completing the holds for sea. Sailmakers repairing sails. In the
afternoon, Fresh breezes and squally.
[Tuesday] 29th. Light breezes and hazy weather. Bent sails. Mod. breezes
and cloudy in the afternoon. Set up the standing rigging fore and aft.
Employed otherwise preparing for sea
Transcript for a055239239
[page 239]
Wednesday Dec. 23. - Additional remarks
we found low swampy ground at the back of the sea coast hills. These
hills consists of rocks stone and sand; generally covered with small
shrubs, but no trees are to be seen upon them. A serpentine stream that
seems to bring the waters from the rising hills to the N.W. into the
nearest lagoon, obliged us to walk further inland in order to cross it
and reach the western lagoon. On Thursday morning we reached this further
lagoon, when steering towards the bight of Cape Howe with the intention
of returning by the seashore. It proved to be much larger than the other
(which I guessed to be 11/2' long and 1 wide) and the water was brackish,
which proved its having a communication of some kind with the sea.
Fearing that this communication might be too large to be crossed, we were
under the necessity of retracing our steps, round the rivulet and eastern
lagoon to reach the sea-shore hills nearer home. The descent from the
hills to the shore sea-side being difficulty and there being some
uncertainty about the ascent again, as well as to the walking along the
shore, we kept along upon the tops of the sea coast hills; and after a
wearisome walk, which was rendered distressing by the want of water and
being obliged to leave still more so from the botanical draughtsman
behind with three to take care of him being unable to proceed from
excessive fatigue and thirst, the greater number of us reached the tents
at eight in the evening: the rest of the party got in about midnight.
About the lagoons, the marks of kanguroos were numerous, but not one was
seen. Two black swans were swimming in one of the streams. The country
has but little to recommend it.
Transcript for a055240240
[page 240]
[Wednesday] Dec. 30th. 1801 Investigator in P. R. Harbour
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and calm, with cloudy weather. Punished Wm. Donovan seaman
with 36 lashes for repeated drunkenness and fighting. Fidded T.Gt. masts
and swayed up T.Gt. yards.
The tents had been visited several times by
natives, which visits become so frequent as not to deserve particular
notice. This morning five of them were almost persuaded to come into the
boat, but in the end fear prevented them. The marines were sent on shore
to be exercised, and their red coats and cross belts raised screams of
delight from the natives. Being apprised of the firing, the vollies did
not raise any terror. This day we obtained many words of their language,
with some degree of certainty. They attended particularly to the striking
of the tents which was done in the afternoon, and left us, perhaps, with
higher ideas of our powers than before.
At 1 P.M. unmoored ship ship and hove short.
Brought the tents, observatory, instruments &c. on board, with the
intention of running into the sound this evening, but the wind shortening
upon us, and but little deep water to beat in, we remained fast. Moderate
breezes and dull cloudy weather.
Transcript for a055241241
[page 241]
[Thursday] - 31st
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Finding the wind to be foul for getting
out of the harbour, I sent the master to sound and take angles in Oyster
Harbour, and I went up to the highest part of the sea-coast hills to take
angles also. Launch employed in cutting spars and fetching grass on
board. At noon, fine wr. with hazes. Employed on various duties
preparatory to going to sea
[Friday] - Jan. 1. 1802. Light airs and calms. At 7, a breeze springing
up from the northward, weighed and ran into the fair way of the entrance
into this harbour, intending to get out by the first opportunity. The
launch employed in fetching on board grass and fire wood Sailmakers
repairing sails. Fresh breezes and fine weather with haze. Many
astronomical observations obtained today, which the cloudy weather
hitherto would not admit of being taken before
Fresh gales in the afternoon and hazy. Seeing the launch upset on the
south side of the harbour sent a cutter to her assistance. - In the
evening more moderate breezes with cloudy weather
Transcript for a055242242
[page 242]
[Saturday] Jan. 2nd 1801 Investigator in Princess R. Harbour
Moderate breezes with fine weather. Sent a cutter to fish with hook and
line. Sailmakers employed repairing sails. At noon, mod. and hazy. The
cutter returned with sufficient fish to make a good serving to those on
board who had not caught sufficient on board for themselves. People
employed in lashing and securing fevery thing for sea.
3rd. Light airs with dull cloudy weather. Hoisted in one of the cutters
to be repaired. Mustered the ships company and read the articles of war.
At 1, a light breeze sprung up from the south westward, upon which we
weighed immediately and sailed through the entrance finding from 71/2 in
the narrowest part between the shoals, to 33/4 between the heads. After
getting into the sound, we stood backwards and forwards with the trawl
and dredge overboard, and caught many subjects of observation for the
naturalist, but not much fish for the ships company; the small boat,
however, which had gone to fish in the (returned) morning, returned with
a sufficient quantity to make up a good serving to all hands. At 7h:30'
we came to with the small bower near the flat rock in 7 fathoms
Transcript for a055243243
[page 243]
[Sunday] 3rd. in King Georges Sound
on the south side of the sound. The extremes of Bald Head and Break-sea
Island, between which we were exposed to the sea, making an angle of
10º. Moderate breezes with fine weather
[Monday] Jan 4th. Fresh gales and hazy weather. Carpenters employed
repairing the cutter. Cut up a cask of pork to its contents. Sent the
master to take bearings from Bald Head.
Ships draught of water Aft. 13.10
-Forwd. 14.0
At noon, do. weather. Some fish caught with hook and line. Left a bottle
upon Seal I. Containing a parchment to inform future visiters of our
arrival and of our intention to sail on the 5th. Employed in little jobs
preparing for sea. At night, mod. breezes
[Tuesday] Jan 5th. Varble. breezes with heavy rain. At 9, it cleared
away; sent up top gallt. yards, treble reefed the top-sails and weighed
anchor Fresh gales and squally, with fine intervals
Steered between Michaelmas Island and the main to
ascertain the existence of a shoal lying off from the island. Passed it
with 5 fms. At noon, sounded in 33 fms. Et. end of Breaksea I. Bearing
S.W1/2S - Lat. obsd. by Lt. Flinders 35º.1'.53" So. - Steering for
Mt. Gardner Point
Transcript for a055244244
[page 244]
Astronomical observations at the observatory
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Transcript for a055245245
[page 245]
Sea water with the hydrostatic balance
[Tuesday] Dec. 29th. I took the bottles of sea water on shore, which
had been taken up in latitude 36º.30' So. and 38º.30' Et. on
[Thursday] Nov. 12th. and I found its weight to be in the following
proportions.
To balance the bulb of glass in air, it required to be put into the
opposite scale }1748 gr.
The bulb being suspended by a hair in fresh water, it required to balance
it }12061/2
The bulb being suspended in water taken up from 150 fms. depth in the
above place, it required to balance it }11941/2
And exactly the same when suspended in the surface water taken up at the
same time }
Also when suspended in the water of Princess Royal Harbour, taken up
alongside of the ship }11941/2
Note - The water taken up at sea smelt like bilge water; and from
its state of decomposition, I suspect it to be lighter than it was when
taken up.
The fresh water used was coloured by vegetable substances; none better
fitted for the experiment being to be found near at hand.
Transcript for a055246246
[page 246]
[Wednesday] Jan. 6th. 1802 H.M.S. Investigator, [examining the south
coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Squally at times with rain. Set the fore sail occasionally. Fine weather
at intervals. At 2h.30' steered to pass between an island (() and the
main. Sounded in 27, mid channel 23, 17, 23, 27, 29, and got into smooth
water to leeward of the island, and ran along a regular coast, low and
sandy.
At 6, a lump of rock (K) nearly a mile from the main bore N.N.W1/2. A
steep cape L N.43°E outer part of island ( S.40 W.
Hauled off shore, set courses & jib
Fresh breezes with fine weather
At day light, fresh breezes and cloudy
Out 3rd. reefs. At 6, the lump of rock K bore N.72°.W. abt. 21/2'
bore away along the shore
At 7, hauled up to look into a bight in which is an island but soon
afterwds. bore away again. At 8, steered further offshore to pass the
extreme land; the shore sandy, sometimes rocky and very barren.
Passed 2 large rocks lying near the sandy
shore.
At noon, a rugged stony cape. (C. Knob) N. 20°E.3' to the eastward of
which is a large sandy bay; a rocky islet lying on the west side of
it
Transcript for a055247247
[page 247]
[Wednesday Jan. 6th 1802 H.M.S. Investigator,] examining the south coast of New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Island ( is a barren island of granite, and appears to be about 2 miles
long. The passage is a short mile wide and quite clear. Behind the
opposite point of the main the a point lies north, and then west forming
a bight which curves to the N.E.ward. Inland we see irregular shaped
mountains, the eastmost of which bore N.3°W. from the passage. The
shore is low and sandy to K, but there rises gradually to a moderate
height
In the morning we came in again with the
rocky islet D. Isle ( also was in sight as well as Mt. Brown. The shore
which we passed to 8 oclock, is rocky and moderately high, especially
where it projects, but it then becomes sandy and in one remarkable place
is entirely sandy.
C. Knob is a remarkable rocky cape. Its front is
about 2' east and west and there are bights on each side of it. An island
is generally found to lie hid in the bights passed this morning
The irregular shaped mountains still in sight
being 7 leagues inland, and these entirely distinct, are beginning to
shew themselves. Except these we see nothing inland.
Transcript for a055248248
[page 248]
[Thursday] Jan. 7th 1802 H.M.S. Investigator [examining the So. Coast
of N. Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes with fine weather. Set all sail. Passed two bights in the
land, rather deep. At 4, bore away to go between the Doubtful Islands,
seeing a clear passage. At 4h.53', had 20 fms. mid channel 1/2' in from
each shore. Hauled up into a deep bay and sent the master to sound an
inner passage to sea, but finding it too shoal tacked and steered out of
the bay. At 8, tacked to weather the Doubtful Islands.
Light airs with fine weather
At daylight, the islands, N.65°1/2 W. 7 or 8 miles.
Light airs with fine weather
Cleaned below and aired with stoves
Served sour krout and vinegar to the ships company, and sweet wort
also
At noon, Doubtful Islands S.66°W. 4 leagues. A hummock (N) being the
east extreme N.34°.I0'E
Fine weather
Transcript for a055249249
[page 249]
[Thursday Jan. 7th 1802 H.M.S. Investigator] examining the So. coast
of New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land passed this afternoon consists of two deep bights, and a
moderately high projection between them. The isles off Point Hood I
expected to find very small; but the two wh. form the east side of the
passage are two miles in length, and that on the west side is almost as
much. The passage is nearly one mile in width and quite clear. The piece
of land forming Pt. Hood is almost divided off into an island also, by
the deep indents on each side. In the inner passage the master found from
6, to 2 fms. Had it been safe I intended to have anchored We found deep
water along the shore. At 5h.35' when we tacked out, our distance was
about a cables length, and we had 71/2 fms. Many seals were seen upon the
island
The land on the north side of this
great bay is low, but there are several peaked barren mountains lying not
far from the shore
Transcript for a055250250
[page 250]
[Friday] - 8th 1802 Investigator, examining [the south coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes & fine weather. At 1h.30' bore away to examine what
appeared to be an opening. At 2.30 hauled to the wind along the shore at
the distance of 2 leagues. Fine weather
At 7, came to a low sandy shore. Rocks seen SE b E1/2E from masthead, and
some breakers bearing south, about 4 miles. At 7.30 tacked ship
Moderate breezes and cloudy wr.
Drizzling rain at times. Tacked ship
At 4, light breezes & cloudy: a southerly swell. At 5h.25' bore away
along the shore, dist. 3 leagues, and soon after saw the breakers, and at
8 others E.N.E. 5' from the former. Passed to the southward of both. Saw
a smooth rocky island, O, between which and the main I intended to pass,
but at 9h.20' breakers were seen extending far towards the main; we
therefore hauled up and weathered the island, leaving a rock with heavy
breakers on the starbd. hand; distance as under 2 or 3 miles
At noon, the island S.72°W. 3 leagues; others of the same kind, a
cluster S681/2E. Low land seen E.N.E. from masthead
Transcript for a055251251
[page 251]
[Friday - 8th 1802 Investigator examining] the south coast of New
Holland
Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The place for which we bore away supposing it to be an opening is the
northern bight of the great bay, north of the Doubtful Islands. Many
smokes were seen inland which aided the appearance of a harbour given by
the formation of the coast and the hills at the back. The coast along
which we sailed after hauling to the wind is rocky and steep & barren
mountains lie near the water. Hummock N is the eastmost of these, and the
low sandy shore recommences there
In the morning we came in with N, and two
barren mountains, fixed points, were in sight.
We found the breakers lie in the situations
given in M. Bauprès chart, as also the isle & breakers between
which we passed, but the isle is too small.
The coast is sandy, and so low and similar
that I cannot find any marks upon it to use in this survey
Many seals were seen upon the isle O. The
breakers extend 3 or 4 or perhaps more miles to the No. and N.E. of it
but I think there is a passage between them and the island
Transcript for a055252252
[page 252]
[Saturday] Jan 9th 1802 Investigator - South [coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine weather
Sailing along a low sandy shore at the distance of 6 or 7 miles. Fresh
breezes
Dble. reefed the top sails
Passed two or three places having the appearance of openings. At 6 saw
land ahead part of D'Entrecasteauxs Archipelago. At 7 hauled to the wind
and at 8 tacked to the westward; the isles being 6 or 7 miles distant
Mod. breezes & fine weather
At 1, tacked ship towards the islands
At 5h.15' bore away to run through the archipelago, the isles of last
night N72° 5 or 6 miles. Many rocks and islands in sight from the
masthead. Set studg. sails &c to get through before night
Passed many small isles and patches of breakers both to the north and
south of us.
At noon, the island, behind what is Port de l'Esperance, bore N34°W.
5 miles. Islands and breakers in every direction except that from whence
we came. Light breezes & fine wr.
Transcript for a055253253
[page 253]
[Saturday Jan. 9th. 1802 Investigator - South] coast of New
Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Beyond the low sandy shore, nothing of the country could be seen; this
shore is some times a little higher, at others very low, but is
universally sandy as far as that of which we came abreast about 4 P.M. it
there begins to be higher and is rocky at times. The appearances of
openings were probably inlets into large lagoons, which are closed up by
the sand until the water, by rising very high in then forces a passage to
the sea.
I had no intention of to loseing any
part of this valuable season of the year, in minutely examining this an
archipelago as it appears to which had been well investigated by
D'Entrecasteaux. and From the great accuracy of M. Bauprès chart
hitherto thus far from Cape Leeuwin I shall should be satisfied to copy
it after some further examination in this part containing) the
archipelago A from him; for up to this day at noon, I find every thing
laid down as it appears very correctly; and a most dan collection of more
dangers than this archipelago presents in a smaller space is seldom
found: I wonder not at the dread expressed by the author of the published
account Labillardiere, at being here in a gale of wind south westerly
gale.
Transcript for a055254254
[page 254]
[Sunday] Jan. 10. 1802. D'Entrecasteauxs archipe[lago South coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Hove to to take bearings. At 0.30 bore away to pass between what appeared
to be a part of the main and a cluster of islands. At 2. 12' in mid
channel: passage 11/2' wide
Mod. & fine weather. Luffed to windward of some and bore away
occasionally for other islands and breakers, hoping to get through before
dark; but finding the breakers increasing in number and islands as far
ahead as could be seen, at 5h1/2 bore away towards some islands between
which and the main we had reason to expect shelter. Passed several rocks
and breakers, and at 7 steered into a small bay sheltered in every
direction except towards the SW, where at a more considerable distance
lie the great body of the islands. [Anchor]d with best bower in 71/2.
Furled sails and sent the master to sound round the ship and in a small
bay further to the west, his report of the other bay was not favourable.
Light breezes & fine weather
A.M. Calm, afterwards light breezes from
S.E. with fine weather, but hazy. Sighted the anchor and found it clear.
Set up the fore and fore topmast rigging. Sent a cutter to fish
Noon, moderate breezes & fine wr. Wind
S.E.b.E.
Transcript for a055255255
[page 255]
[Sunday Jan. 10. 1802. D'Entrecasteauxs archipe]lago South coast of
New Holland -
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Considering it to be desirable thing to get a better knowledge of this
intensive archipelago than a run through it would permit, as well as to
examine the accuracy of our time keepers I readily complied with the wish
of the naturalist to remain a day or two
The scientific gentlemen having expressed a desire for the ship too
remain a day or two in this bay, so that they might examine the
surrounding country, I readily complied with their request; considering
that it would give me an opportunity of gaining a better knowledge of
this archipelago than a mere run through it would permit, and also of
examining into the accuracy of our time keepers.]
Early in the morning a party went on shore,
and soon after I followed them. After taking the first observations for
equal altitudes by from which the longitude is deduced as above, I
ascended a hill at the back of the bay for the purpose of taking bearings
of what was in sight: but the islands and reefs were so numerous that it
was very perplexing. I counted fifty-six islands and islets, independent
of the numerous patches of breakers where no rocks above water appeared;
and yet the major part of those which we had already passed through were
hid behind the main land, and the haziness of the weather prevented us
from seeing more than 8 or 9 miles round us *See next page
After obtaining the corresponding
altitudes, and taking six sets of lunar observations, which, will be
mentioned hereafter, I returned on board.
I had suspected that the land which surrounds
this little bay No.1 to be was insulated, but immediately on land -
Transcript for a055256256
[page 256]
[Sunday] Jan. 10th 1802 Dentrecasteauxs Archipelago [Bay No. 1]
Contd.) ing the marks of fire satisfied me to the contrary. (The rocks I
saw near the shore consisted principally of granite, amongst which
streaks of pure quartz sometimes appears. Mr Brown met with no calcarious
stone nor did I, but some peices of granite were picked up which were
strongly impregnated with iron. (On the top of the hill I found the
botanizing party regaling upon palm nuts, which were rather abundant
there but the greater part number of those that eat them were ill
afterwards taken sick. On coming down the hill, we saw a large nest in a
low tree, apparently belonging to the same kind of birds as those before
mentioned in King Georges Sound: the feathers found in it being the same.
This was a recent nest, and many masses of hair and bones were lying
under it, similar to what owls throw up after swallowing mice. In these
masses we found the fur of seals, feathers of penguins, hair of land
animals, and the bones of birds and small animals: the skin of a large
lizards head was lying in the nest. This nest, contrary to the others,
was not concave, but flat: It was well sheltered by the brow of the hill
from south and westerly winds. The breadth of it diameter of the nest
was
Transcript for a055257257
[page 257]
[Sunday Jan. 10th 1802 Dentrecasteauxs Archipelago]
Bay No. 1
about 3 or 31/2 feet.
*On turning from the view of the islands, rocks, and reefs so
tremendous obnoxious to a seamans eye, to that of the interior country,
the prospect improved but little: sand and rocks, with the slightest coat
covering of vegetation was seen presented themselves everywhere. This
vegetation consisted indeed of an abundant variety of plants, numbers of
which our botanists added to their collection of varieties from King
Georges Sound; but not a blade of grass fit for cattle to eat or depth of
a square yard of soil worth cultivating was could be seen: wind East.
[Tuesday] Jan 11th. Civil account
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Sent a
boat away to fish and kill seals; and after breakfast, I sent the master
in the other cutter to examine a little bay, about a mile to the
eastward.
Employed on board making matts, repairing
sails and other necessary jobs At 10, the first cutter returned with 3
seals and a goose which had been shot: another also was killed during the
day. These geese seem to be tolerably numerous amongst the islands and
are such as frequent the island in Bass Strait.)
Transcript for a055258258
[page 258]
Jan. 1802 [Monday - 11th. Continued - Bay No.1, in D'entre
[casteauxs archipelago]
At noon I landed on the east side of the
bay, and observed the supplement of the suns altitude, which gave
latitude 33º.59'.49"So. I observed, that the granite of the islands
which form the east side of this bay, appears to be was in a state of
decomposition. Its surface is scaling off in peices of from the smallest
size to such as are masses of the size bigness of a ships hull; these
last form large caves in some places, in one of which I found two
swallows nests, but did not observe any thing remarkable in their
structure.
(In the evening the master
returned. He found the small bay of a sufficient size to receive one ship
and keep her in the greatest security. She would lie in the west corner,
with a bower anchor towards the entrance and a stream anchor on her
quarter, and with a hawser on shore from the starboard bow and quarter;
so secured she would lie almost near enough to the shore, in from 3 to 5
fms. water, as to lay a stage to the shore. The landing is very smooth
with all winds and there is a sufficient quantity of small wood to supply
more than one ship with fuel. A beach surrounds the bay, and at the back
of it, at a less distance than a hundred yards, is a lagoon of near a
mile in circumference, containing very good water
Transcript for a055259259
[page 259]
[Jan.1802 Monday -11th Continued - Bay No.1 in D'entre]
casteauxs Archipelago
and in which some ducks were shot. A stream runs from this into the
bay and might be procured by ships with tolerable convenience; but there
is a stream, likewise of good water, coming more into the west corner
which would better suit the purpose: this drains from the hill
apparently)
From this snug little bay, the master
proceeded to the westward, and from the top of an island marked p in the
chart, took some angles, and gave me the form of] the coast for five or
six miles in that direction he likewise met with geese and seals amongst
the islands, but he was not prepared for the former.
[Tuesday] - 12th. Light breezes and cloudy: afterwards fine weather.
Sent a boat to kill seals, and the master to examine the coast and the
islands to the eastwards. People employed occasionally.
A shark , (one of three seen of the same size) caught alongside this
morning whose dimensions were as follows
f
i
Extreme length -------------------- 12. 3
Greatest girth -------------------- 8. -
Back fin from nose ---------------- 4. 8
Outer part of jaw bones forming} 1. 10
the diameter of his mouth }
Length of each breast fin --------- 2. 4
Breadth of (do.) -------------------- 1 5
Height of his back fin -------------- 1 5
Transcript for a055260260
[page 260]
1802 Jan. [Tuesday] 12. in continuation. In Bay No. 1. Entre [casteauxs Archipelago]
Sharks
Dimensions
f
i
Distance of the flukes of the tail asunder - 4 8
Number of gills were five, and the rows of teeth. Number of teeth in the
front row -
In the stomach was found a tolerably
large seal, in two parts, - one whole one which had been skinned and
thrown overboard , and many peices. Part of a spear was taken out also,
with which I suppose the seal to have been struck by a native.
Carpenters employed sawing plank.
People making matts, and otherwise as necessary.
The first boat brought three seals,
and the master returned in the evening with another. He had gone to an
island about 8 miles to the eastward, near the coast, from whence he took
angles of the islands &c further on. The archipelago seems to be
equally thick and dangerous as in the parts through which we have already
passed. One goose was shot and a few more seen.-
Fresh easterly winds with fine
weather Rock fish continue to be caught in tolerable numbers at such
times as the sharks are not seen about the ship
Transcript for a055261261
[page 261]
[In Bay No. 1 D'Entre]casteauxs Archipelago
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Wednesday] - 13. 1802. Fresh breezes with fine weather. Sent a cutter
with the 1st lieut. and master to an island lying about 7 miles off the
coast. They found abundance of a small kind of kanguroos about the rocks,
some of which were killed. I judge these to the wering of Port Jackson.
Many seals were also found on the island, of the fur kind but their fur
is red and very poor.
Burnt wood was found upon the island,
but no marks of natives unless the fire is so. The brush wood was
exceedingly thick, but they set fire to it and it consumed with amazing
rapidity.
Mr. Brown made an excursion to
a peak, which except the high land g; seems to be the highest in the
neighbourhood. He found the top excavated, a large separated piece lying
upon the top of the mount like a cap to it. He represents the country as
miserably barren.
This day, I took equal altitudes and
obtained fresh rates for the time-keepers as given on the opposite
page
In the evening fresh gales and hazy
weather
In a piece of micacious granite brought me from the island u there were
many garnets sticking of a tolerable size.
Transcript for a055262262
[page 262]
Astronl. observations on the East side of Bay No. 1
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
No observations being obtained of the [sun] or [star]s on the east side
of the moon, I reserve these observations for future use and take the
longitude of this bay to be as given by the three best time-keepers
122º.22'.35''.2.*
By one observation of the supplement of the
suns altitude, taken near the same place, the latitude is
33º.59'.49''.So. -
The variation given by 3 azimuth
compasses}
on shore, from observations taken AM and PM } 2º.35'.5W'
Walkers new invented compass gave -
4º.55'W
Theodolite No 1 from observations
taken A.M. and P.M. -
0.30W
Mean dip of the magnetic needle on
shore 66º.6',3 From equal altitudes [Sunday] Jan 10th. and
[Wednesday] 13th. with Sext. No 483 and quicksilver horizon, the rates of
the timekeepers were found to be as under; and allowing the above
longitude, their errors from the Greenh. time will be as follows, at noon
there Jan. 13th.
*By these six sets of lunars and six following, taken on 28th. AM and
reduced back by TKs. the longitude of No. 1 is 122º.27'.29" 5 Et
P.S. -
Transcript for a055263263
[page 263]
1802 Jan. [Thursday] - 14th. Log account -
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
A.M. Light variable breezes with dull cloudy weather. At 6h.40' weighed
and made sail out of the bay. Passed between the same two islands as when
we came in and steered over towards the large island u until we came
abreast of a cluster of islets and breakers which we hauled round and
steered to the eastward
Mod. breezes with hazy weather, so that islands at a few miles distance
were scarcely visible
Carpenters repairing one of the cutters
Passed many patches of breakers, and some islands sometimes very near
Many islands &c. in sight to the N.E.ward Noon, moderate and hazy
weather. Have to take bearings 11/2 dist from a high island with breakers
around it
Transcript for a055264264
[page 264]
[Friday Jan.15th.1802 Investigator amongst [D'Entrecasteauxs Archipelago]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
At 15' past noon made sail to the south by a cluster of islands and
breakers. At 11/2 steered towards the main, between which and a cluster
of islands, I hoped to find shelter for the night. At 21/2 passed through
the cluster and hauled more to the eastward round several low flat
islets. At 31/4h. the water shoaled suddenly, but before the ships head
came round, we passed over water where the ground was visible. Hauled up
to the wind and deepened the water but it appearing shoal ahead, between
2 islets, brought to and sent the master ahead to sound. On his making
the signal we filled and stretched on, and recalled the boat at 5
o'clock. At 5h40' bore away to look behind a large high island, between
which and the main there appeared to be many islands and passages. Seeing
shelter, at 61/2h shortened sail to run in easily and at 7, came to with
the best bower in 7 fathoms, sandy bottom, having the large island from
the N.E. round by the south to W.b.N. and a smaller island to the North
and as far as N.b.W. Sent the master to sound round the ship, and in a
passage to the northward he reported but 3 fms. in it
Transcript for a055265265
[page 265]
[Friday Jan 15th 1802 Investigator amongst] D'Entrecasteauxs archipelago
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
A.M. Sent a boat with the sein to fish but she returned without success.
A boat that landed upon the low island which shelters us from the north
had better success, from finding geese upon it: they brought on board
nine. I afterwards landed upon this
The master again examined the passage
to the N.E. and reported, that after passing over the bar, upon which he
every where found 3 fms., the water increased to 5 and 7; and near a rock
on which the water breaks in the center of the passage, there is 7
fms.
At the back of a beach on the great
island, D Mr. Thistle found a small lake saturated with salt, that
quantities of it were chrystalized upon its banks. The colour of the
water lake is that of a high flesh colour red.
I landed upon the northern island to
take angles, and found it to consist of a granite basis, upon which, in
many places and on the north south side of the island in particular, was
is a thick crust of calcarious stone
Transcript for a055266266
[page 266]
[Friday] Jan.15th.1802 continued to 36 hours. Bay No.2
[D'Entrecasteauxs Archipelago]
Vegetation had made sufficient progress upon this island to afford
shelter for penguins, and I found geese harbouring amongst the tufts of
grass, and others as also upon the rocks near the water: we procured
nine, and others were afterwards taken that made up the number to 25,
killed upon this island: fire was afterwards set to the grass and brush,
which burnt furiously.
Having taken the angles between
various rocks and breakers and some islands, and observed the latitude as
on the preceding page, I crossed to the great southern island and
ascended the mountain marked D in the chart. A hill upon the mainland
near The furthest visible extreme land, a hill upon the main bore
62º15' from hence at the distance of 4 or 5 leagues: this is marked
E in the chart. At a much less distance, breakers and low rocks occupy
the greatest part of the space between this island and the opposite part
of the main, C.
To the southward only one distant island
was visible, bearing 132º10'. (On attentively viewing our track into
this bay No. 2 we saw two spots of breakers which had not been seen in
the ship, which one of which lay so near to it, that it is impossible to
determine on which side of it we passed. (The mountain D is a solid mass
of granite, smooth, and generally naked, but the
Transcript for a055267267
[page 267]
[Friday Jan 15th 1802 continued to 36 hours. Bay No. 2]
D'Entrecasteauxs Archipelago
island is almost every where else is covered with a very thick brush. The
red a flesh-coloured lagoon added an uncommon but beautiful) appearance
to the view in that direction.
The two islands afforded but little to the
botanists.
In the morning, flying showers of rain with fresh breezes, but after noon
it became fine and the wind more moderate and steady at W.S.W.
[Saturday] 16th. Mod. breezes and fine weather. Sent the master to
sound in the southern channel leading to the eastward: he reported it to
be a good one, after passing over the 3 fm. bar close to us.
Roused up the best bower cable,
cleaned well below, sprinkled with vinegar and aired with stoves. Sent
some hands on shore to cut wood for fuel, upon the large island;) from
yesterday there is are also upon it some trees fit for timber, and which
are not far from the water shore, but no run of water was found on the
island The thick brush appears to afford shelter to numbers of small
kanguroos, but none of these were obtained.
A peice of fir plank, thought to have been
a part of a ship's deck was found upon the N.E. pt. of the large island:
the south side of it was found to be calcarious.
Transcript for a055269269
[page 269]
[Sunday] - 17th Log - Bay No. 2 to the eastward
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy wr. At daylight, after having washed decks, sent
up the T.Gt. yards and prepared to get under weigh. At 6h.30' weighed and
ran, under the top sails over the bar of the south channel between the
islands, having but 17 feet. On drawing near the middle rock it deepened
to 7: we left the rock on the left hand. At 7h.20' passed between the
islands which form the channel to the eastward and made sail. Hoisted up
the cutter
Moderate breezes with fine weather
At 9, passed 11/4 to the No. of a rock, and breakers: flat islands in
sight to the southward and ahead.
At 11, passed a projecting part of the main (E), abt. 11/2m. dist, a
cluster of low rocks & islets about the same dist. to the south. At
noon, the furthest part of the main N.44.E. nearest dist abt. 5. islands
nearer.
Transcript for a055270270
[page 270]
1802 Jan. [Monday] - 18th. Investigator from Bay [No. 2 of D'Entrecasteauxs Archipelago - to the eastward
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine weather. Set the F.T. Mt. studg. sail. At 2, took
in the studg. sail, seeing a sunken rock near us and having only 10 fms.
The water afterwards deepened gradually, (Regular soundings from 6 to 10
fms) but at 41/2 it shoaled to 4 fms, the bottom sandy. We had just
passed some breakers 3/4 dist. with 18fms. At 71/4, came to an anchor in
18 fms. quartzose sand. Mod. breezes & cloudy wr. Every thing
prepared to be under weigh in half an hour. The north end of some bare
sand hills N.10º.W. abt. 5 4 miles.
Several dog fish caught during the
night
At 5h.30' weighed, and set all sail, steering along the coast.
At 9, calm. Took in the studg. sails.
At 11, a sea breeze set in, braced up sharp.
At noon, the northernmost of a number of sand hills N.34º.E. Nearest
shore about 4 miles distant. Land seen as far as N.E.b.E.
Transcript for a055271271
[page 271]
[1802 Jan Monday 18th Investigator from Bay] No. 2 of D'Entrecasteauxs Archipelago - to the eastward.
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The shore along which we passed today is very low and generally sandy;
the little rising being sometimes totally uncovered by vegetation. A few
miles behind this is a level and moderately high country, and some
mountains of considerable height peep above this from the more interior
part.
On coming into shoaler water, I observed
the sea to be smoother which I attribute to the northerly direction of
the coast, the main swell being usually from S.W. Having good [anchor]ing
ground, tolerably smooth water, and the appearance of a fine night, I
preferred keeping my station on account of the connexion in the course
requisite to the survey.
No current was observed to set past the
ship. The watches caught several fish, principally dog fish.
The front land passed this morning is still
more sandy than that of yesterday: it consistings of yellow hills without
the least vegetation upon them. The range behind still continues of
nearly the same height, and seems to have timber trees upon it.
Transcript for a055272272
[page 272]
[Tuesday] - Jan.19th. Investigator, along Nuyts [Land - New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with hazy weather. Passed by some blubbers and much red
scum, upon the surface of the water. At 4, tacked to the southward, the
shore being distant 11/2, sandy as before. At 51/2 tacked in shore again
till dusk, when we stood off for the night A steep cliffy cape (P) like
Flamborough Head, N.64.E. nearest shore dist. about 31/2 miles. Dble.
reefed the top-sails.
Moderate breezes and cloudy
Light airs. Tacked ship towards the shore.
At 5 saw the cliffy cape P, to leeward. Set all the light sails, and kept
away for it. A continued cliffy shore soon after was seen stretching to
the N.Et.ward and P became indistinguishable from the neighbouring
cliffs
Washed and aired below.
Served sweet wort to the ships Company. Sour krout & vinegar continue
to be served as usual.
At noon the extremes of the land, which appears to be all cliffy,
N.46(.E., from the deck, to S.85(.W. near P. Offshore 5 or 6 miles.
Transcript for a055273273
[page 273]
[Tuesday - Jan 19th Investigator, along Nuyts]
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
land - New Holland
Some of the red scum was taken up in a bucket. The surface appeared to
be covered with small grains like hay seeds. These when subjected to the
action of spirit, nearly seperated into fine tubes which appeared to be
jointed.
The range of land at the back of the low sandy shore, approaches close to
the water near our northernmost track this afternoon and soon after the
sand vanished and the ridge forms steep(er) cliffs. Other cliffs opened
before these (P), at N.69°.E. which is very different to the line in
M.Beauprès chart: the nearest cliffs being further north than
anything he has laid down here.
A.M. The cliffs along which our track lies this morning appear to be
calcarious; the thin strata are very distinguishable and horizontal. In
the upper part the stone is brown, but lower down it becomes whiter.
Nothing from the interior appears above these cliffs. In some places the
stone seems to have mouldered & fallen down, and thus, in a trifling
degree, breaks the uniform perpendicularity of the shore. I judge the
brown sand brt. up by the lead to be calcarious.
Transcript for a055274274
[page 274]
Jan.1802 [Wednesday] - 20th. H.M.S. Investigator [examining Nuyts Land - New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. Breezes and cloudy weather. All sail set, continuing to steer along
the same cliffy shore as before
In studg. sails, royals & stay sails. Fresh breezes and cloudy. At 4,
offshore 3 miles
Double reefed the top sails
At 7, In Top gant sails and hauled to the wind. Extremes N.47(.E. to
N.85(.W. Offshore abt. 6 miles. Fresh breezes and squally.
At 9h.15' tacked to the westward
Mod. and cloudy
Set T.Gt. sails &c.
At 3, tacked to the eastward
At 5, the extremes from S.80(W to N.60(E. our distance offshore about 4
miles
Out 2nd. reefs and tacked ship. A considerable swell rolling in from the
southward
Light breezes: the swell stopping the ships way.
Cleaned below. Carpenters repairing the boats.
Light breezes and fine weather. A projecting cliff, Q, the nearest shore
N.32(.W. 6 or 8 miles.
Transcript for a055275275
[page 275]
[Jan 1802 Wednesday - 20th H.M.S. Investigator] examining Nuyts Land - New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The little windings in the cliffy shore
make seperately like so many steep heads, but they project so little
beyond the general line of the coast, that long before the ship comes up
with them they are lost amidst the uniform range, and nothing remains to
be noted. This is a considerable inconvenience to the survey. At 4,
however, one of these windings Q remained notable, until we came abreast.
From its projection and greater whiteness it seems as if a piece had
lately fallen from it: it is the same that is set at 7h. at N.85(W. The
winding of the shore will appear from our course, and the distances
off.
Transcript for a055276276
[page 276]
Jan. [Thursday] - 21st. H.M.S. Investigator, along [the coast of Nuyts
Land - New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. Breezes with fine weather.
At 4, we brought the southern extreme of the land, probably Q to bear
S.56(W. our distance off shore being abt. 1 mile
Tacked ship, and at 6, again towards the shore. Dble. reefed the top
sails.
At 71/2, tacked off for the night Fresh breezes with fine weather. In
T.Gt. sails, staysails and spanker.
Lost a deep sea lead from the line breaking. At 11, missed stays and wore
ship
At 2, tacked offshore. A considerable swell running, driving the ship to
leeward. At daylight, the land obscured by the haze. Set jib and
spanker.
Carried away the strings of the main yard.
At 8, set T.Gt. sails and tacked ship. Cleaned below and aired with
stoves. Out 2nd reefs. Served sweet wort to the ships company. Mustered
and saw them clean.
Mod. Breezes and fine weather. The land distinguishable, in the
N.N.W.
Transcript for a055277277
[page 277]
[Jan. Thursday - 21st H.M.S. Investigator along] the coast of Nuyts Land - New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The mode in which the wind now obliges us
to proceed, has not yet enabled me to add any observations upon the
coast, in addition to those of yesterday, and the log.
From this days experience as well as from
former observations, I find that the wind draws round from the southward
towards noon, becoming a sort of sea breeze, and towards midnight it
comes more off the land.
On this account it is, that I stretched in shore till 2A.M. when the wind
drawing more off shore enabled us to lie up better on the larboard tack,
and on the winds heading at 8, tacked towards the land, for which,
according to my expectation, the wind allowed us to lie up better each
hour
The brown, coarse sand brought up by the lead is
mostly calcarious, but small bits, and sometimes pieces of broken coral,
are occasionally mixed with it, as also bits of broken shells
Transcript for a055278278
[page 278]
Jan. [Friday] 22nd. H.M.S. Investigator [examining the coast of Nuyts
Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with hazy weather
Sailmakers making a cutters foresail
Fresh breezes and hazy.
Double reefed the top-sails. At sunset, the land distinguishable through
the haze from west to N.E. Distant 6 or 8 miles at NWbN. At 8 tacked into
the offing. In T.Gt. sails, jib and spanker Third reefed the fore top
sail. At 11, tacked in shore. Fresh breezes & fine wr.
At 2, saw the land in the N.b.E.: tacked ship towards the offing. Set jib
and spanker
Employed repairing some of the rigging Mod. and cloudy weather
Carpenters repairing the cutter, and sailmakers making a boats foresail.
At 9, wore ship towards the land. Light breezes and hazy weather
Served sweet wort and sour krout.
Light breezes & hazy. Land distinguishable from N.85(W to N.28(.E.
Many smokes upon the shore.
Transcript for a055279279
[page 279]
[Jan. Friday 22nd. H.M.S. Investigator] examining the coast of Nuyts Land
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Our distance from the land until late in the evening, and the thickness
of the haze, prevented us from remarking any thing upon it or even
knowing whether it is the same land before seen or other land.
In the morning the land was visible but at
a considerable distance; it appeared to be more irregular in its surface
than the cliffs left yesterday afternoon. The bottom seems to consist of
calcarious and coral sand mixed, in some places, and of live coral in
others.
About noon, we distinguished what was taken to be
streaks of sand upon the land. The furthest smoke seen ahead, bore more
easterly than the land: from the direction in which it passed we
entertained hopes of a fair wind which our barometer partly
corroborates.
Transcript for a055280280
[page 280]
Jan. [Saturday] 23rd. H.M.S. Investigator, exa[mining the coast of
Nuyts Land - New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. Breezes and cloudy weather Got the boats higher upon the quarters,
and the anchors on the bows and resecured them. At 51/2, tacked to the
southward, the shore being 2 miles distant: the extremes W.b.N. to
E.5(.S. seen through the haze. Dble. reefed the top-sails.
At 101/2, taken aback: shortened sail and lay to on the larboard tack.
3rd. reefed the T. sails. Hot, sultry, weather. At 11, wore and brought
to again. A swell from the S.E.
At 1, filled & set the fore sail. At 21/2 wore ship. Fresh breezes
and squally. At 4, wore ship, having missed stays. At 5, bore away to
make the land. Out 2nd. reefs & set all the plain sails.
Saw the land, sandy and of moderate elevation through the haze, and at
81/2 hauled up along shore dist. abt. 3 miles.
Served sweet wort ^Cleaned below and aired with stoves.)
At noon, the shore distant 4 or 5 miles. A freshening breeze with thick,
hazy, weather. Double reefed the top sails, handed T. Gt. sails, and
hauled further off shore
Transcript for a055281281
[page 281]
[Jan. Saturday 23rd H.M.S. Investigator] examining the coast of Nuyts Land - New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land off which we tacked this evening, is low and sandy. A little to
the west lie some little hills, in which the sand is variegated with
vegetation. A great many smokes were rising at the back of the shore.
From 7 fms., in which we tacked, the water
deepened almost immediately to 14 and 17; and on coming in with the land
in the morning it did the same, and continued of nearly the same depth
very regularly.
No part of the land seen at night could be distinguished to be certainly
the same in the morning, but the shore is of the same kind, consisting of
a tolerably regular bank in general covered with vegetation but the sand
frequently peeps through it and a sandy beach runs entirely along its
foot. There is no hill or other remarkable thing near the shore which I
can set as a mark; whether any thing higher inland exists, the thick
weather does not permit us to see.
Transcript for a055282282
[page 282]
Jan.1802. [Sunday] 24. H.M.S. Investigator ex[amining the coast of Nuyts Land New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy with haze. Set T.Gt. sails & stay sails, and
F.T.mt. studg. sails and kept more in towards the shore
Strong breezes. In studg. sails, T.Gt. sails &c.
At 7, treble reefed the top-sails and hauled to the wind off shore; being
then 7 or 8 miles distant: the extremes from NE. to W.b.N.
Strong breezes. Reefed the main sail
Fresh breezes and fine weather. Wore ship
Do. wr. At 5, saw the land from W.6.N. to N.E.b.N. and bore away for it.
Out 3rd. reefs and made sail. At 6, steered along shore.
Fresh breezes and cloudy. At 8h.25' tacked off shore; it being distant
about 21/2 miles.
Mustered ships company and saw them clean. Served sweet wort.
At 11.20 set the staysails & T.Gt. sails and tacked in shore
Noon, light breezes and fine weather Nearest land N.N.W. 4 or 5 miles.
The West extreme W.10(.N.
Transcript for a055283283
[page 283]
[Jan. 1802. Sunday 24 H.M.S. Investigator] examining the coast of Nuyts Land - New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The shore along which our rapid course lies this afternoon is almost
exactly of the same kind with that of the morning. It appears to be more
even and lower; and at the distance of 3 leagues it might be taken for
the horizon, being almost as level as that shewn by the water.
On coming in with the land in the morning
we could, as before, tell but little of its being the same left on the
preceding evening. The country now appears to be well wooded, upon the
bank to which our view is bounded. I expected to have seen the same kind
of cliffs as we have before passed, but this bank of level land so
similar to the top of the cliffs, is skirted with a sandy beach. Ahead
and astern the trees appear further out than the land; and being low, I
judge that we do not see either of them more than 3 or 4 leagues
distant.
Transcript for a055284284
[page 284]
Jan 1802 [Monday] 25th. H.M.S. Investigator [examining the coast of
Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. Breezes with fine weather. At 0h.40' tacked: the shore dist. abt. 2
miles.
At 4, tacked ship along shore: but at 61/2h. were obliged to tack off,
the water having shoaled to 6 fms. A head swell making the ship plunge
much and stopping her way
At 10, tacked in shore until 12, hoping to get the wind more off the
land. At 12, tacked and stretched off
Mod. breezes with cloudy weather
At 71/2, tacked to the northward: no land in sight
Found the M.T.Gt. mast sprung. Got it down and another up
Mod. breezes and fine weather
Served sweet wort
At noon, the land in sight from the deck, to the northward dist. 9 or 10
miles
Transcript for a055285285
[page 285]
[Jan 1802 Monday 25th H.M.S. Investigator]
Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
examining the coast of Nuyts Land
The swell from the southward which has prevailed during this and the greatest part of the preceding day, has caused the ship to labour considerably, and in consequence her old leaks are opened again and she now makes between one and two inches of water per hour. From this cause also, the M.T.Gt. mast has been sprung; and we have the additional mortification to learn from the observations that we have gained nothing to the eastward. Could we have supposed that the wind would have remained at E.b.N. all the morning it would have been most advantageous to have been in with the shore by 7 or 8 o'clock.
Transcript for a055286286
[page 286]
Jan. 1802 [Tuesday] - 26th. H.M.S. Investigator [examining Nuyts Land - New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. and cloudy weather, with a short swell from the eastward. At 1h.45'
missed stays and wore ship off shore
Set T.Gt. sails and staysails, and at 5h.3/4 tacked in shore
Light breezes & fine weather, with haze
At 10, tacked off shore
Light breezes and cloudy: an easterly swell stopping the ships way.
Out 2nd. reefs and set staysails
At 8h.15' the wind shifted and allowed us to steer for the land. At 10
its distance was 8 or 9 miles, when we bore away along it. Made more
sail. Carried away a F.T. studg. sail boom. Got another upon the yard.
Served sweet wort. At noon, the land dist 3 or 4 miles Hauled further
off, double reefed the topsails and handed T.Gt. sails Fresh breezes and
hazy weather.
Transcript for a055287287
[page 287]
[Jan. 1802 Tuesday - 26th H.M.S. Investigator]
Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
examining Nuyts Land - New Holland
On coming in with the shore this
afternoon, we observed a fire to be kindled close to the beach, which
appeared to be meant as a signal to us. They had probably observed the
ship standing off and on these two days past, for we had noticed smoke to
be rising from behind the bank, but the fire now observed was of a
different kind.
The land seen at noon, is a few miles to the east
of what we had seen before distinctly. The bank now appears to retire a
little distance from the shore, and gets some what higher. The front
shore is very low, except a little further on where some naked sandy
hills constitute the sea boundary. The bank is still wooded in tolerable
abundance.
Transcript for a055288288
[page 288]
Jan.1802 [Wednesday] 27th. H.M.S. Investigator [examining the coast of Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes and cloudy weather. Under double reefed top sails and fore
sail
At 4, the steep cliffy shore abreast dist about 5 miles.
At 6, the shore dist. abt. 5 miles. Treble reefed the M. and close reefed
the F. and Mz.T.S. - reefed the courses. At 7h.30' hauled to the wind.
Extremes of the land through the haze N.70ºW. to N.70(E. offshore 5
or 6 miles A considerable sea from the S.W.ward Strong breezes & fine
weather.
At 1, wore ship
Set jib & M.T.mt staysail, let the reefs out of the courses, and at 4
bore away for the land, and at 5 kept away along it at the distance of 6
or 7 miles.Out 3rd. reefs, set T.Gt. sails & F.T.mt studg. sail.
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather
Served sour krout and sweet wort
Noon, the nearest land N.b.W.1/2 W. 6 or 7 miles. Extremes in sight from
the deck N.78º.W. to N.30(.Et. the latter is sand hills
Mod. breezes with cloudy weather
Transcript for a055289289
[page 289]
[Jan. 1802 [Wednesday] 27th H.M.S. Investigator] examining the coast of Nuyts Land -
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Abreast of our situation at 21/2h. the bank comes close to the sea and
forms steep cliffs, whose height I judge to be from 400 to 600 feet. The
upper third part of these cliffs is brown at their commencement, and the
lower 2/3rds white; but whether this is lime or gritstone cannot be
ascertained; no other stratification appears except what is now
mentioned. On coming to the sea, the bank, which was before well clothed
with wood, becomes destitute of that covering, forming a surface almost
as even as that of the sea horizon. Where our afternoon track concludes,
the upper, brown, part of the cliffs had gradually increased until it
occupied half of the whole height, and in the morning I observed that it
kept increasing in proportion to the lower white part. Excavations were
observed in the lower white part. At noon a projecting part of the cliffs
N.14(.E. which is not far from the end of them, for at N.24ºE. we
see hills of naked sand extending eastward and northward.
Transcript for a055290290
[page 290]
1802 Jan. [Thursday] 28th H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the furthest
parts of Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and hazy. A 1h.30' Saw the head of the great gulph, No. 3 or
4 leagues and hauled up for the land stretching towds. the S.E.
Mod. breezes and cloudy. Shore dist 6 or 7 miles to the N.E.
At 6, Breakers seen from Mt.head S.E.1/2S. stretching from the farthest
land seen in the same direction. A long S.W. swell setting in upon the
shore
At 8, tacked to the westward
Light breezes and cloudy. Long swell from the S.W.ward. At 3, up main
sail and wore ship.
Light airs and calms. At day light, the land to the N.E.ward dist. 3 or 4
leagues
Out 2nd. reefs of the top sails
Light breezes and cloudy weather. Set studg. sails
Long swell still running from the S.W.
At noon, Fine weather. Extremes of the land in sight N.12ºW. to
S.88ºE. off the nearest shore about 7 or 8 miles. Breakers
N.30º.E. about 2 miles dist. the same seen last night.
Transcript for a055291291
[page 291]
[1802 Jan Thursday 28th H.M.S. Investigator]
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
exploring the furthest parts of Nuyts Land.
The cliffy projection set at noon, proved to be a point from whence the
land trends N.E.ward to the head of this great gulph of New Holland. It
is however but a few miles deep from the coast line. The shore round it
is low and sandy, but the land rises very gradually inland until the haze
obscured it from us.
Where the coast stretches S.E. the shore is
higher. Every where, on the sand hills excepted, is a coat of vegetation,
but it is a shabby one, the sand peeping thro' in ten thousand
places.
Our distance off shore in the morning did
not permit us to see much of the nature of the land, but it appeared to
be of the same sandy nature, and kind, rising gradually into the country,
but not to much height.
The breakers, of which we were abreast at
noon, seem to stretch to the S.S.E. We saw them breaking about 2 miles in
length and it is possible that they may extend to the shore. They lie off
two large patches of naked sand, which constitute the shore
Transcript for a055292292
[page 292]
Jan. [ Friday] - 29th. H.M.S. Investigator, exploring [the furthest parts of Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine weather. At 2 passed two small clusters of islet,
with breakers round, to the southward, and other breakers in shore to the
northwd. Passed two deep bights between projecting rocky heads; and at
5h.30' hauled round a third head into a wide bay which promised shelter.
The water having shoaled to 3 fms. laid all aback and sent the master to
sound. On drawing into 31/4, [anchor]d with small bower, the boat not
having found any deeper water, towards the head of the bay. Rocky Head B
bearing S.34º1/2E. dist. abt. 2 miles, and distant land as far as
East; between which the bay is open. Sent down the T.Gt. yards.
A.M. Light breezes and cloudy. Washed the ship, squared yards &c.
Cutters employed carrying the comr. naturalist &c. on shore to survey
and examine the country
Prepared every thing for getting under weigh.
Transcript for a055293293
[page 293]
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
[Jan Friday - 29th H.M.S. Investigator, exploring] the furthest part of Nuyts Land - New Holland
The land passed this afternoon, consists of projecting capes apparently
calcarious, between which are deep bights, and rocks, and small islets
and breakers lying off. At 5h.1/2, I saw that the third bight fell back
sufficiently to afford shelter from all the winds that I consider to be
boisterous upon this coast; we accordingly wore round and stood into it.
On drawing towards the head of the bay we found only three fathoms, upon
which we hove to, and the master went ahead to sound, but not making the
signal for any better place I wore round and dropped the [anchor] in 31/2
fathoms, sandy bottom, about 11/4' from the shore.
In the morning, Mr. Brown and his party
landed to take a look round, as I intended to stay to get the latitude
and longitude. At 5, I also (On landing in the morning to take angles and
I found that the land head which shelters us from the westerly and south
winds, was a neck of only half a mile in breadth, as I expected to find
it. The rock is all calcarious.) A nest apparently of the same kind
before noticed was found in a small cavern; but the entrance to it could
only admit a
Transcript for a055294294
[page 294]
Jan 29. [Friday] 1802 in continuation - Bay No.3 [Additional remarks]
bird of very moderate size. No bones or feathers were either in the nest
or near it. Tracks of dogs were seen on the beach, recently marked. The
Dung of resembling that of a horse was seen, which I judge to be that of
the emu.
Towards noon, I went on shore
accompanied by some officers, and four sets of lunars were taken by Lt.
Flinders of the [sun] east of the [moon], whose result is
Et. which are used to fix the
general longitude of the observatory in King Georges Sound. The
meridional altitude of [Sun] LLt = 75º.55'.59" = 32º.0'.3"S.
The longitude given by the time keepers appears on the preceding page,and
is 132º.39'.29" Et on board the ship, taken by Lt. Flinders)
Nothing interesting presenting itself to detain us in this bay, soon
after noon, I got under weigh to beat out of the bay, the wind being
moderate at S.E.
When on shore I noticed broken land to the eastward, which I was anxious
to examine and therefore it was the first object that we attended to
after getting out of the bay.
Transcript for a055295295
[page 295]
[Jan 29. 1802 in continuation - Bay No.3] Additional remarks
(This Bay No.3 is similar to Torbay in the shelter that it affords. It
is open to all winds from S.E. to East, but I do not apprehend that even
these throw any great sea into it, which opinion is founded on the
shallowness of the bottom, - its being covered with weeds; - and the from
finding plants grow close to the high water marks; though the naturalist
informs me that these plants are such only as grow in salt places. There
is no appearance of fresh water, or I believe can wood of sufficient size
for fuel be procured; but the bay may be useful as a place of shelter to
ships going along the coast to the westward, since the security it
affords against winds which would be foul for such ships to proceed, is
complete.)
Some decayed spears were found on the
south) side of the bay near to a place where a small fire had been
kindled not long since; but Nno huts were seen. *Tracks of dogs
&c.
A few small fish were caught alongside, and
two small ducks and as many sea pies and gulls were shot.
The scantiness of plants was found to be
equal to that of other productions.
Transcript for a055296296
[page 296]
Jan 1802 [Saturday] - 30th H.M.S. Investigator [from Bay No. 3 Nuyts Land - eastward]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and fine weather. At 11/4h. got under weigh and set all the
plainsails to work out of the bay. Tacked ship occasionally. At 5h.30',
the end of steep cliffs which had appeared like an island bore N.70(.E.
abt. 3 miles. Not being able to weather to see behind it, tacked off to
sea. At sunset, rocky head (, the south point of the bay W.3(S. in a line
with the coast to the westward. Double reefed the topsails & handed
T.Gt. sails.
Fresh breezes with fine weather. At 12 wore ship in shore; a heavy swell
from the southward
At 3, tacked offshore
Light breezes & fine weather At 5 saw the land, capes ( and (, and
wore ship towards it. Out 2nd. reefs set F.Gt. sails &c.
At 61/2 tacked off to be ready for the sea breeze
Light breezes with fine weather
Set the staysails
At 103/4, tacked ship on her falling off
Noon Mod. Breezes & fine weather. The cliffy land of cape (, bearing
N.b.W. about 5 leagues. Land seen at N.E.
Transcript for a055297297
[page 297]
[Jan 1802 Saturday -30th. H.M.S. Investigator] from Bay No.3 Nuyts Land - eastward
The land lying at some distance beyond the steep cliffs which had been
taken for an island, extends to the eastward as far as we could see, but
between these, there was some probability of finding a bight which should
fall sufficiently within the coast line to afford shelter. This point I
was anxious to ascertain this evening, but for want of two or three hours
more day light it became necessary to stand off to sea, and leave it for
another opportunity.
In the morning, the land shewed our
situation to be much to leeward which I expected to find the case, the
wind having headed us on every tack; and although we were at some
distance from the land, yet the prospect of the winds coming more from
that direction as the day advanced induced me to tack off shore soon
after 7 o'clock, and before 11, the wind came round accordingly and
enabled us to look up for the furthest land we had yet seen
Transcript for a055298298
[page 298]
1802. Jan. [Sunday] 31. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the furthest parts of Nuyts Land N. Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with hazy weather. Keeping a point free, in order to
draw in by the land before dark
At 5, our distance abt. 2 miles from the shore, tacked ship: the furthest
extreme of the main bearing S.60º.E. but from the mast head breakers
and another peice of land are seen further south.
Mod. breezes and fine weather. At 10, tacked towards the shore again
At 12, tacked off.
At 4, tacked to the eastward, and at 7 the land was seen from the deck
bearing N.E.b.E.
At 9, tacked off shore; the land being distant 5 or 6 miles. The extreme
in sight is low land continued from the main and bears E.b.S.1/2S. set
from the mizen top. Three low islets with heavy breakers upon them seen
within the extreme, and dist. from 4 to 7 miles
Mustered the ships company and saw them clean. In T.Gt. sails and sent
the main one down to repair. At 11h.30' tacked towds. the shore: the land
seen ahead.
Transcript for a055299299
[page 299]
[1802 Jan. Sunday 31 H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the furthest part of Nuyts Land. N. Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land with which we came in this afternoon, is
that which runs from behind the cliffs, which had been taken for an
island. These cliffs I saw very distinctly, but no bight of any depth
appeared to the eastward of it. The land is moderately high and generally
covered with vegetation, but as usual the sand shews itself frequently,
and towards the eastern extreme it is almost bare. A cliffy point, c, is
the only noticeable place. The furthest land is supposed to be an island
whose distance from us is more considerable than the extreme set.
Breakers are seen in the wake it, and for a considerable distance along
the shore the water breaks high before it reaches the land.
Our view of the land in the morning added
two flat rocks above water on which the sea breaks very high, to our
knowledge of this part; and the mainland was seen out further than it had
before been. It still seems to preserve the southerly direction which it
has assumed from Bay No.3 and the land is the same kind: A few rocky
cliffs, but in general sandy.
Transcript for a055300300
[page 300]
1802 Feb. [Monday] -1st. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the furthest
part of Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & fine wr. with haze. Double reefed the top-sails &
took in spanker and stay sails. At 2, a small islet, c. N36E. 13/4 mile.
At 3, the main land dist. about 3 to the N.E. tacked off shore in 7 fms.
The M.T.Gt. sail being repaired, sent it up and set it.
At 6h. 30', missed stays, from the ships plunging so much to the head
swell, and wore ship. - Strong breezes, & hazy. At 8, tacked off
shore again. A heavy head swell
Fresh breezes & fine with haze. At 1, wore shore.
At 5h.30' saw the land to the E.N.E. Set T.Gt. sails and staysails
At 8, the small islet c.W.8ºS. 2 miles. A broad flat islet without
the extreme of the main S.36º.E. with heavy breakers on it. Tacked
off shore in 7 fms. coral bottom: our situation being exactly the same as
at 3 P.M.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves
Sweet wort, and sour krout and vinegar continue to be served as usual
Fresh breezes with hazy weather. No land distinguishable. A heavy head
swell making the ship plunge heavy deeply.
Transcript for a055301301
[page 301]
[1802 Feb Monday -1st. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the furthest
part of Nuyts Land
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Between the rocky islet c and the main I judge there is a ship passage at
the back of the other breakers. The main land seems to take a very
easterly direction at the back of these, but curves round again to the
south, the extreme bearing S42º.E. when we tacked off shore. The
land is still sandy in general, but steep cliffs sometimes appear; it is
also moderately high. Breakers of some extent were seen seperated off
from the extreme point.
The situation where we tacked at 8 A.M. was
the same in which the same evolution was performed at 3 P.M. The breakers
lying off the extreme were now seen to be attached to a broad flat islet;
and an island of superior height was seen farther to the
southeastward.
The swell from the southward, which the
ship has bowed so much since leaving Bay No.3 has been the cause of her
leaks increasing considerably. She now appears to make about 3 inches per
hour; but I attribute it entirely to the strain arising from her plunging
to the head swell.
Transcript for a055302302
[page 302]
1802 Feb. [Tuesday] - 2. H.M.S. Investigator ex[ploring the furthest
parts of Nuyts Land - N. Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & fine wr. with haze. A heavy swell from the southward.
At 1h.10' tacked ship towards the land, which, at 4, was seen through the
haze N50.E. Weathered the outermost islet, and breakers seen in the
morning and at 6h.35' tacked ship off shore; another island, d,
S37ºE. 3 miles: a point of the main, E, N.57º.E. beyond which
other land is seen indistinctly through the haze. Breakers discovered to
be within a 1/4 of a mile of the ship when we tacked.
Mod. breezes & fine weather, with haze
At 1, tacked ship towards the land, but finding at daylight that it was
to windward of us, at 5h.40' tacked again into the offing to be ready for
the sea breeze. Mod. breezes & fine weather. Considerable head swell
still running.
Out 2nd. reefs of M. & Miz top sails and set stay sails.
Removed 4 tons of shifting ballast from the after part of the ship,
forward; judging her to be getting too much by the stern
Served sweet wort as usual
At 11h.30', tacked towards the shore on the winds heading -
Noon, Mod. breezes & hazy. No land in sight. The swell considerably
abated
Transcript for a055303303
[page 303]
[1802 Feb. Tuesday 2. H.M.S. Investigator ex]ploring the furthest parts of Nuyts Land - N. Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
From the point of the main, D, which was the furthest extreme seen in the
morning of the 1st, the land runs curvingly towards the east to another
point, E, between which and the next land, which runs further to the
southward, is a considerable space. The island, d, is of moderate height
and is almost environed with rocks and breakers, a long ridge of which
extend to the N.E.ward. Calcarious cliffs and sand, seem still to divide
the land between them; the abrupt parts consisting of the first and the
level and sloping land of the latter.
The perseverance of the wind to blow
against us, does not permit me to add any thing further relative to the
land this day; for on finding that we must pass to leeward of what had
been before seen if we continued to stretch towards the shore in the
morning; I stood off to sea, with the hope of coming in with better
success in a more advanced part of the day when the wind might be
expected to blow upon the shore nearer to a right angle.
Transcript for a055304304
[page 304]
1802 Feb. [Wednesday] - 3d. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring Nuyts Archipelago]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and fine weather with haze. Out 2nd reef of the F. top-sail.
Saw a cluster of islands, some of which we passed to leeward and at 4h.
50' drawing near to one with two smaller isles & breakers near it,
tacked ship to work up to those to windward. Mod. breezes with haze, so
that we cannot see farther than 6 or 7 miles. Carried away the F.T. Gt.
yard.
Tacked ship occasionally, working up under the lee of the islands, under
the largest of which there appeared to be shelter. At 8 passed over a
bank running off from a point, in 6 fms. and immediately deepened to 10
when finding the bottom to be fine sand, dropped the small bower and
furled sails. The island extending from S.75º.E. by the south to
N.30º.W. Four other islands from N. 43 E. to East 2 or 3 miles. The
water smooth as in a pond. Light breezes and hazy. A.M. Weather still
hazy, so that the island off which we tacked first for the main, or the
island d cannot be seen. Find our distance off shore to be 1/3 of a mile,
and from the most inclosed part of a bay having a beach round it, 1/2
mile N.N.E. Many gulls and petrels about, and some seals seen upon the
rocks.
This day continued to 36 hours, on next page
Transcript for a055305305
[page 305]
[1802 Feb Wednesday - 3d. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring Nuyts Archipelago
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The haze was so thick this afternoon that scarcely anything but the
looming of the islands could be seen until we came close to them. We
counted 9 islands besides rocks, two of which appeared to be large. Under
one of the large ones, where there seemed to be sandy beach, and very
smooth water, I intended to anchor for the night, not being able to do
any thing towards surveying the islands whilst the weather remained so
thick. It was quite dark before we got to an anchor, but the shelter
afforded us, fully equalled my expectations. Great flocks of the black
sooty petrel, called by capt. Hunter, Mt. Pitt birds, and many gannets
had been seen within these few days, which I conjectured must belong to
some islands near us, and probably they belong to these.
I have little doubt but that these islands
belong to the cluster amongst which is marked St. Francis and St. Peter
in the charts, and discovered by Peter Nuyts in 1628. These islands
terminate his discovery
Transcript for a055306306
[page 306]
1802 Feb. 3rd. in continuation. Bay No. 4 in island e, of [Peter Nuyts Archipelago]
Light breezes and sultry. Boats employed on sounding and other requisite
services. Sailmakers repairing the spanker. Swayed the lower yards higher
up. At 3 P.M. fresh breezes from S.E. with hazy weather. Land seen to the
N.E.ward supposed to be the main. At sunset, down T.Gt. yards. Sent the
boats on shore to collect Mt. Pitt birds which usually come in from sea
in the evening: they brought about 400, which were served to the ships
company.
Additional notes. I landed in the
morning to take angles of all that could be seen from two points stations
on this island e, which indeed amounted to no more than what had before
been seen, the haze remaining still as thick as before. We now make out
12 islands in this archipelago, but this e is by much the largest, its
circumference being by guess 8 or 10 miles. From the naturalist I learn,
that the stone forming the basis of the islands, and the rocks of the
shore at the south north end, is porphyry; but on all the upper parts of
the island all the stone is calcarious. Upon This calcarious stone, which
is mostly in small loose pieces at the surface and over it is a covering
of sand, thicker deeper in some places than others, and mixed with as
small
Transcript for a055307307
[page 307]
[1802. Feb 3rd in continuation. Bay No.4 in island e, of]
Peter Nuyts Archipelago.
a portion of vegetable matter as may be. Upon this grow shrubs of no
great variety in kind, and in a few places bushes of perhaps 3 feet high.
Amongst these shrubs, wherever the sand & soil is 6 or 8 inches deep,
are the holes made by the sooty petrel, which after captain Hunter and
the people of Norfolk Islanders I call Mt. Pitt birds. In walking upon
the island one frequently steps up to the calf of the leg in these holes,
from the surface of the earth over them giving way. Penguins also occupy
some share of these holes burrows more especially those nearer to the sea
side. Small kanguroos, of the same size but apparently not of the same
kind with those of island u of Dentrecasteauxs Archipelago, were seen
upon this island but none procured this day. The excrement of geese, as
it was universally judged to be, was lying upon every part of the island,
but not a bird of that kind was seen. Several seals were seen both upon
the rocks and beaches, but only one was killed upon this island. Mr.
Thistle landed upon h and k and killed several but saw nothing else
The reflection of the heat from the sand and rock
on shore has made it intolerably hot in traveling. Mr. Browns The
thermometer stood at 98º in the shade, and the island does not in
any one part promise to afford a drop of
Transcript for a055308308
[page 308]
1802 Feb. [Wednesday] - 3rd in continuation. Bay No. 4 in [island e of Peter Nuyts Archipelago. New Holland]
water. On board the ship the heat is much more considerable than we have
ever yet felt it to be before. Of the barometer I have a few observations
to make. On all parts of this south coast of New Holland hither to, I
find an easterly wind to have the same effect upon the barometer as at
the Cape of Good Hope; which is, to make it rise; and although this wind
should blows strong the barometer will seldom stand lower than 30 inches.
At 29.90 and lower, I have seldom been disappointed in my expectation of
a westerly wind, which would be is stronger as the barometer stood lower;
and on its reapproach to 30, I knew that the westerly wind was almost
out. But within these few days, this statement does not at all answer.
The easterly wind continues to follow its routine although the height is
not more than 29,75. No rain or any great quantity of wind follows this,
but the atmosphere is loaded with so dense a haze that we cannot see the
highest land more than 7 or 8 miles, and sometimes the horizon of the sea
is indefinable. Whether this haze is the corresponding cause of the fall,
I cannot yet say with any degree of certainty.
Transcript for a055310310
[page 310]
[Thursday] - 4th Feb 1802. Bay No. 4, island e. of Nuyts archipelago
lying several miles to the eastward which were distinguishable through
the haze; and there appeared to be other land as far as east.
The calcarious stone at this point forms some
caverns in which I found peices of good salt in cakes sticking in the
crevices of the stone. The immediate stone to which it adheres is not
calcarious, or does it seem to be porphyry, which is the basis stone, but
nearer allied to quartz)
During the times that I was employed in taking
the angles one of the men caught several fish, such as we call rock fish,
upon which I afterwards sent the boat back provided with hooks and lines,
but no great number were taken.
There being not the least appearance of water on
this island or of wood, I proposed to leave it as soon as the breeze
should set in from the southward, and intended to repeat my observation
for the latitude, which, on account of the haze yesterday I considered to
be very uncertain; but although it was somewhat clearer than before, yet
I found it impossible to distinguish the land from the horizon
Transcript for a055311311
[page 311]
Some remarks on Bay No. 4
(The shelter afforded by this No. 4 bay is very good, for I apprehend
that no wind whatever could raise much sea in it. From all points of the
compass, except from between No. to and East, this island itself would
shelter a ship properly situated; and from N.E. to East the islands would
break off any sea, that might arise within the main, for at this distance
of leagues the mainland and inner islands extend entirely round the bay
when it is open. (No wood or water can be procured obtained here, as far
as we could see examined; but some hair seals, and any number of the
petrels called Mt. Pitt birds may be procured If lime stone was any
object, it is sufficiently abundant.
Transcript for a055312312
[page 312]
1802 Feb. [Friday] 5th H.M.S. Investigator [exploring Nuyts
Archipelago]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes with sultry weather. At 1h.30' weighed and stood out of the
bay. At 2, passed between g and h, 1/2 mile asunder having 10 fms. close
to the rocks. At 4 passed island (, and steered for other islands behind
which the land appeared to be main land. Saw several low rocks and
breakers, and in attempting to pass between two islands the water shoaled
rather suddenly to 23/4, upon which we wore round and steered off into
clear water. At 8, brought to on the larboard tack. Light breezes &
fine weather, with haze. A still swell from the Southward At 4h.30'
filled and made sail
At 8, Land seen as far as S.40.E. apparently the main. Many islands &
lands from thence to N.68º.W. which is the center of e.
Tacked ship; but on the winds heading tacked again to the eastward
At 11, In T.Gt. sails, jib and staysails a flurry of hot wind.
Lemon juice and sugar served now in lieu of sweet wort. Sour krout as
before
Noon Mod. & fine weather. Smokes on the land on each side of us, but
the land indistinguishable ahead towards the bottom of the bay or
inlet.
Transcript for a055313313
[page 313]
[1802 Feb. Friday 5 th H.M.S. Investigator] exploring Nuyts Archipelago.
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The islands g and h appear to be porphyry covered with a calcarious
crust, the same as e, the passage between [them] is narrow but seems to
be safe. The islands between which we attempted to pass were q and r.
Several low rocks lie about there, but I attempted the passage intending
to [anchor] behind q if good bottom was found. The ship fortunately wore
round very quick which only alone prevented her from striking.
All the islands of this archipelago yet
seen, are much lower than those of D'Entrecasteauxs; but except amongst
these latter islands, reefs do not seem to be so abundant.
The land seeming to be very much broken and
divided, I judge it necessary to return to the part of the main which we
quitted on the evening of the 3rd. The dense haze that has prevailed
since does not allow us to form a correct judgement of any thing beyond 4
or 5 miles
Many grass-hopper-shaped insects were
flying about the ship both at night and in the morning, and in the latter
many small birds, not less than 20 of which were caught, all of the same
kind -
Transcript for a055314314
[page 314]
1802 Feb. [Saturday] - 6th H.M.S. Investigator [exploring Peter Nuyts Archipelago]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Hot sultry breezes & hazy weather. Seeing much discoloured water
towards the head of the bay, and the land running round at 2h.25' bore
away to the Southward along the coast -
Seeing the land trend to the eastward hauled round to the northward again
at 6h in order to explore the the coast which we have not yet seen. Kept
from the wind to give island s and its breakers a good berth. Mod.
breezes & fine wr. with haze. Standing on under three top-sails; and
the mz. top-sail aback.
A fire seen on shore bearing E.N.E at 2. At
5h.30' White cliffs in island e N.80ºW. F a projecting land on the
north side of the bay seen P.M. N.49°E 6 or 7 miles. Made all sail to
the northward hoping to weather the islands p. At 7h.30' tacked not being
able to weather. At 9 tacked again but the wind heading as we approached
the islands, we bore away to pass to leeward.
At noon, the horizon hazy and uncertain the breezes light. Saw island e
bearing W.8ºS. p bore N20º to 55ºE. distant 1 mile, pp
being shut behind it Tried the sea water by the hydrostatic balance and
found it to be more buoyant than in Princess R. Harbour
Transcript for a055315315
[page 315]
[1802 Feb. Saturday - 6 th H.M.S. Investigator] exploring Peter Nuyts Archipelago
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land which forms the bay into which the wind almost obliged us to
enter is low and sandy. We ran until the water was discoloured at the
distance of 1/2 mile, and we had but 7 fms. There was no appearance of
openings in it, altho' much sea weed & refuse was floating in the
bay. Three different smokes were visible in different parts. From the
uncommon direction of the wind this day I was disappointed in my
intention of exploring the part the main which we had not well seen; on
this account we steer to the northwd. at 6 to be ready for tomorrow.
The baffling winds lost us much time in the
morning so that we had not rounded the islands p at noon. These islands
are 11/2 or 2 miles in length each; there seems to be no passage between
them, and many low rocks & much broken water surround them
The great uncertainty of the horizon creates many
difficulties in the survey. It is not uncommon, for different observers
to differ 10' in latitude at noon
Transcript for a055316316
[page 316]
1802 Feb. [Sunday] 7th H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the land & islands of Peter Nuyts Archipelago]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes & fine weather, but very hazy. Hauled up round the
islands p, into a large bay, but finding the water shoaling, up main sail
and soon after were obliged to bear up to go round the island q but not
before we saw that bay closed all round. Passed between o and q and
hauled up into another large bay. Observed much sea weed & refuse on
the water. The water shoaled here also, but some points promising some
openings we stood on into 4 fms., then steered across towards the other
side; but getting into 3, wore round and hauled up to [anchor] under q
for the night. At 6h.15' tacked ship, and again at 6h.30'. Soon after
came to an [anchor] distant 1/2 mile from the island, and nearly the same
from a something more from another island or point of the main. We rode
open from S60ºW. to N.80°W. but two islands lie off S °W;
depth 6 fms. coarse lime stone sand. The shoal passage between the island
and the main, open two points to the S.E. and is the same which we
attempted on the evening of the 5th. A.M. Sent a boat very early to get
birds and kill seals. Boats employed sounding and surveying. Employed on
board in various necessary duties
Transcript for a055317317
[page 317]
[1802 Feb. Sunday 7th. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the land & islands of Peter Nuyts Archipelago.
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The last bay examined this afternoon promised us more than anything we
have yet seen. The numerous smokes in the neighbourhood, number of
insects and birds about the ship, and the quantity of grass & weed
floating about, all combined to make us hope. The land was seen entirely
round this bay at the distance of about 6 miles, which is nearly the same
distance within which we approached the heads of the two other bays.
In passing isle q we noticed a little sandy bay at its N.E. end, for
which we hauled up on being disappointed in the great bay. No wind except
from S.60º to N.80ºW. can have access to this bay to raise any
sea. The open passage to the S.E. is about half a mile wide, in which, on
the 5th, we found but 23/4 fms. and it appears to be shoal entirely
across. We were regaled with the sight of seals on on the island, and
flocks of the sooty petrels coming in at dusk.
Transcript for a055318318
[page 318]
1802 Feb. [Sunday] 7th A.M. Anchorage No.5 under island q of [Nuyts Archipelago. Additional remarks]
The boat which went to get seals and birds was on shore
by the time that daylight appeared, but she was too late to get any
number of the petrels, for they were mostly on the wing, going out to
sea. The seals killed were of the hair kind and not numerous. A black
snake was killed which did not appear to be venomous from the formation
of its head. No quadruped was seen.
About At 9 in the morning I landed on the beach
to take the observations for the longitude, as before given. The sand of
the beach is calcarious and all the surface stone of the island is so
likewise, but the rocks of the shore are granite, in which I observed
small veins of pure quartz as usual. Over the granite the calcarious
crust is frequently in some part 50 or more feet thick
From the highest part of the island I took
a set of angles of all the islands and distinguishable lands in sight.
Between the two bays into which we stood respectively early and later had
steered in the afternoon preceding I was surprised to see water
communicating: from which and the appearance of the land I began to
suspect I found that r which had been taken for a point of the main was
in reality an island, and this was afterwards confirmed. From the great
combined heat from of the sun and that reflected from the sand and rocks
of the island, and from the bird holes into which we were falling every
two or three minutes, I found a walk
Transcript for a055319319
[page 319]
[1802 Feb. Sunday 7th AM Anchorage No. 5 under island q of] Nuyts Archipelago. Additional remarks
of about 2 miles to be as much as I could perform These holes are made in
the sand amongst a quantity of one kind of shrub a stunted sort of
Botany-Bay greens which is the same as seen at island e. This is the
coverings this island overthe calcarious stone as it did island e
On returning to the boat a flock of teal presented themselves of which I
shot four, and after observing the meridional altitude, as before given,
I returned on board with the intention of examining the remaining part of
the main with the ship as far as the island d and the cape D; and then to
work up back to Bay No. 4 of island e to where I thought it was requisite
to get further observations for the latitude and longitude; from the for
I now find great differences which I find from those taken there before,
and which I attribute to the great increase of the horizontal owing to
this dense haze and consequent increase of horizontal refraction that for
several days has hung about prevailed the horizons but more especially
about noon when the breeze has set in from the S.Eward). I judge myself
to have escaped this source of error in the observation of this day at
noon from having brought the horizon so near to me: the eye being
elevated but 31/2 feet.
On Mr. Brown landed on the opposite
shore, upon r which had been taken for main land. He there found the
holes of the petrels to be numerous, and also a small kind of Kanguroo of
which 4 were killed of near the size of a hare. These differ something
from any we have yet
Transcript for a055320320
[page 320]
[Sunday] 7th in continuation - Additional remarks
yet seen; and they were miserably thin. No marks of fire were seen, from
which and from this land being frequented by birds I am confirmed in its
with the presence of the petrels, are a confirmation of r being
insulated. This island, marked r and rr on the chart. It was not found to
contain neither wood or water, and to be is fully as barren as its
neighbour q. No granite or other stone than calcarious stone was seen
there: the island indeed is not so high as q so that if the crust is of
the same thickness in both, it would not appear in r.)
The birds seen by me were the flock of
teal, white- bellied shags, gulls of three Kinds, numbers of crows which
were haunting around the seals which had been killed; a greenish
parroquet and one or two smaller birds
Transcript for a055321321
[page 321]
[Monday] - 8th from [anchor]age No. 5 back to Bay No.4
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. Breezes and fine weather. Made the signal with a gun for the boat
and parties to return on board. At 2, up anchor and made sail along the
coast. At 41/4, a small island at S.30ºE. 11/2 mile. Nearest part of
the main N.N.E. about 3 miles. The cape D, and island d with low islets
round it, in sight. At 5h.15' tacked, being close to islet near d.d.
Variable winds, with spitting rain at such times as it flowed from the
northward. Having seen the continuation of the main to where we had
quitted it on the 2nd. P.M. Made sail for bay No.4 of island e, but the
wind being light & baffling, we did not get to anchor until half past
12, in 13 fms the extremes of the island bearing.
Lightening all round.
Note, island r bore east, about half past 8.
A.M. Light airs and calms, with sultry weather. Brought the sails afresh
to the yards. Sent a boat to fish with hook and line, which caught some
rock fish. Set up the M.T.mast rigging.
Light airs and sultry weather. A large shark struck with harpoon, but got
away
Transcript for a055322322
[page 322]
[Monday] - 8th continued - additional remarks
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
In the morning, Lt. Flinders took altitudes from the artificial horizon,
which gave the longitude as opposite; and clearly shews how much we were
deceived in the horizon when here before
At noon, we both observed the latitude from the beach, and clearly saw
the double horizon. The result was as opposite, whilst the observations
taken on board gave 32°.36' and 37' as before.)
The wind being light and foul,
and having much work with my chart to correct a mass of errors,
contracted between the times of being in this bay, from the haziness of
the horizon; I deferred getting under weigh until the morning, proposing
to collect a good quantity of the sooty petrels, and as much fish as
could be caught by hook and line: there being rather too much surface
upon the beach for hauling the sein.
Transcript for a055323323
[page 323]
1802 Feb. [Tuesday] - 9th from Bay No. 4 to eastward -
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light S.E.tly breezes with sultry weather: clouds rising at times.
Employed in the holds getting water to hand, and in jobs about the
rigging. A boat employed fishing with some success, and at dusk, sent her
with a party of men to collect the sooty petrels. They brought on board
865 birds.
Light airs and calms. A.M. Having obtained
latitude and longitude and a good number of birds, which together had
induced me to visit Bay No. 4 a second time, at 5 we got under weigh,
with a moderate westerly breeze, and made sail for that part of the coast
which we quitted on the 6th. P.M. in order to continue our course along
it.- Served out more than eight birds to each person in the ship.
Passed between the N.E. point of e and the isle
k, with soundings as per column
Light breezes, which dwindled into a calm; but at 9h1/2, the wind
freshened up again into a good breeze Sourkrout & vinegar, sugar
& lime juice continue to be served as usual.
Noon, fresh breezes & hazy. No land can be seen. Sooty petrels and
many gannets about
Transcript for a055324324
[page 324]
1802 Feb [Wednesday] - 10th. H.M.S. Investigator, expl[oring the
furthest south coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & thick hazy weather. At 0h.45' saw the looming of
white cliffs, and at 1h.40' other land more distinctly, which is the head
G.
Dble. reefed the top sails.
At 4, other high land J N.30° to 58E. 5 or 6 miles
In staysails & spanker. Swell from W.S.W. - At 6, a high steep cape,
K N.75E. 6 or 7 miles beyond which no land is visible. In T.Gt. sails and
kept to the wind
At 8 mod. & dull hazy weather. Tacked to the northward
Lost a deep sea lead over board. Wore ship to the southward
Mod. breezes and dull cloudy weather At 5, bore away for the land, and
soon after the steep cape K was seen bearing N.60°.E. At 7, bore away
to look into a bay to the eastward of K, but found it full of breakers
Passed several steep heads, between which are hollows in the coast. The
cliffs stratified Beyond the furthest steep cape L2, was the appearance
of an opening, which we wore round to look at; but not being certain of
finding shelter, were obliged to haul off in order to weather the
coast
Fresh breezes and cloudy dull weather. A swell from the S.W.ward -
Transcript for a055325325
[page 325]
[1802 Feb Wednesday -10th. H.M.S. Investigator, exploring the furthest south coast of New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land first seen this P.M. is most probably H , but island s
& the breakers, were obscured. G is a head faced with calcarious
cliffs, and is the same from which we hauled to the northward on the 6th
at 6PM. The high land J was also then seen but indistinctly. Between
these is a shallow bay, in which is a point with many rocks &
breakers running from it. From J, which is moderately high and cliffy,
the land lowers and runs well to the southward. K is higher than any of
these heads and seems to form a high steep cape. The haze permits us only
to conjecture what may be beyond it, at present.
Between Round K and L2, (which lie N.78°W. and S.78° E. of each
other) are places which promised to afford shelter. The first we
ascertained to be fallacious, but appearances were so strong in the
latter that notwithstanding its being before the wind and a swell setting
on the shore I bore away to examine it. Just before noon, the we
ascertained that if there was an entrance it was narrow & still more
contracted by breakers, we therefore hauled to the wind. Water was seen
over the sandy neck behind the opening.
Transcript for a055326326
[page 326]
1802 Feb. [Thursday] -11th H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the furthest south coast of New Holland.]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes and cloudy weather. At 11/2 land appeared to the westward
of south, like islands. Kept stretching along the line of the shore, till
3h.40', then tacked, the sandy land abreast being abt. 21/2 miles dist.
At 5, tacked again towards the land. Islands seen as far as S.W.b.W.
which make smoother water, when drawing near the shore
At 7 tacked off again, having weathered little. Many breakers seen
between the islands to windward. At 12, tacked ship towards the land.
Strong squalls with rain
At 4, tacked off shore: land being seen on the lee bow. At 5h.30' the
steep head L2 bore N.19ºW, and islands from the main bearing S.65E.
to S.W.b.S. Tacked ship in order to get under the inner island At 7h.30'
came to an [anchor] upon a sandy bottom with small bower & furled
sails. Some swell rolling in gently from the westward but the bay is well
sheltered from all, except from WbS. to about N.W. winds Sent the master
to sound between the island and main; he found the channel occupied by
shoal water & breakers. Employed setting up all the standing rigging
Strong breezes & squally weather.
Transcript for a055327327
[page 327]
[1802 Feb. Thursday 11th. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the furthest south coast of New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Our situation this afternoon was far from being an agreeable one. The
land trended so much to the south, that we could not weather it, neither
could we weather K on the other tack. As we advanced to the southward we
found some of the land to be insulated, but the passages between were
afterwards seen to have many breakers amongst them. The furthest land
seen was at S.W.b.W. like a large, but low, island. This, and 3 other
islands, not small, seem to lie off from a point of the main which is the
furthest extreme we can see. I wished to have beat up and [anchor]ed
under the nearest island; but although the water smoothed as we came in
shore, we were yet far from accomplishing it at dusk; on which it became
necessary to stretch out to sea. In the morning, the wind blew strong,
but having carried a good deal of sail during the night, we fetched up
& got to an [anchor] as already mentioned. The bottom is calcarious
sand and appears to hold very well, but the bay is exposed to westerly
winds, and even now so much swell rolls upon the shore as to make it
difficult landing
There being no passage between the main and the
island, the roadsted is by much the more insecure. I therefore purposed
to stay no longer than to get latitude & longitude as soon as the
wind would permit our departure with prudence.
Transcript for a055328328
[page 328]
[Thursday] - 11th. Additional remarks - Anchorage No.6 in island [u of Nuyts Archipelago]
After breakfast I landed Landing upon the island u with some
difficulty and took to take the observations for the latitude and
longitude as before given before I found this island it to resemble q in
its basis of granite, its covering of calcarious stone, the vegetable
productions upon it, and in its being full of bird holes: its height also
is similar. From the highest part of the island, I had a tolerable view
of w and x w and the large island x were distinctly visible to the
westward; the last appears to be the largest island yet seen, r perhaps
being excepted.
The passage between M opposite point of the main,
M, and this island is too shoal for a ship from 3/4 to 11/4 mile in
width, but the water was breaking mostly across: it is from 3/4 to 11/4
in width. From Beyond M, some distant land appeared bearing 129°.30'
or S.50°.30Et. from which, and from the wind blowing strong from at
SSW. it was evident that we should scarcely be able to keep our offing
from the shore if we got under weigh which as I had purposed to do as so
soon as the latitude was obtained; but which I now thought proper to
therefore deferred it until the morning thereby giving by which also an
opportunity was given to do some necessary internal duties on board the
ship.
Amongst In the excavations amongst the
calcarious stone cliffs the surface of the rock was covered with a fine
white powder, which was salt completly formed. This I imagine to be the
remains of the salt water with which the stone was saturated when it
emerged from the sea and the a have been brought out of the stone with
the water that filters through from the surface and top, and the a-
Transcript for a055329329
[page 329]
[Thursday - 11th Additional remarks - Anchorage No. 6 in island] u of Nuyts Archipelago
-queous particles being exhaled the salt remains. The fresh water will
also bring the salt from the internal part of the porous stone, and being
exhaled as soon as its has reached the surface the salt will remain in
the state we found it. Salt formed in nearby. Salt, which appeared to
have been formed in the same way I have seen in the mountains of New
South Wales, near at the back Port Jackson.
Several hair seals were killed upon this island,
all of which
were hair seals. I shot two Crows, which, as upon the more western
islands of this archipelago, are numerous here. The I shot two whose
colour of them was a fine bright dark blue, like that of the raven. The
bill was surrounded at its base which with small feathers from th
reaching about 1/4th towards its extremity, which I do not recollect to
have noticed in the English crow. No animal was quadruped, except a rat
was seen upon this island.)
After having obtained the meridional observation
as before given, I returned on board to lay down my angles of the
neighbouring lands
(The naturalist observes nothing new concerning
this island but that it is the first upon which no one novelty in natural
history presented itself.
Transcript for a055330330
[page 330]
1802 Feb. [Friday] - 12th Anchorage No. 6, island u, of Nuyts Archip]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes from the SSW. with strong squalls accompanied with rain.
Employed on board in the holds, getting water &c. to hand. At 5, down
T.Gt. yards and veered to whole cable. {Cut up a cask of pork No.13,
contents 53 peices short of weight 11 lbs.
At night the same kind of wind and weather, but
about 6 A.M. it moderated a little, and the wind came from S.b.W. Began
to heave up, in order to stretch towards the large island x, seen to the
W.S.W. : the wind not permitting us to lie along the coast. At 7, under
weigh, and having stowed the [anchor] whilst under the lee of the island
stretched to the westward under Dble. reefed topsails and courses; but we
were soon after obliged to take the third reef in the F.T. sail. At
91/2h., let the reef out again, sent up T.Gt. yards and soon after set
the sails. A long swell from WSW. and a smaller top swell from SSW.
At 11, tacked ship. At noon, the island x for which we were beating up,
bore S5°W. to 33°W dist. 8 or 9 miles Center of w, a smaller,
high island S.16 E. on the south side of which are three rocks appearing
like ships under sail. Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Transcript for a055331331
[page 331]
[Saturday] -13th from u to x islands -
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather Tacked ship occasionally, working up
under the lee of the island in smoother water. At 9h.30', [anchored] with
the best bower in 7fms. fine sand, off a sandy beach of island x, the
extremes of the island bearing S85ºE to S.67ºW, distance off
the beach abt half a mile. Veered to half a cable, furled sails &
sent down T.Gt. yards. Fresh breeze and cloudy weather.
A.M. Mod breezes from S.b.E. and cloudy weather. Saw a peice of shoal
water near which we must have passed in the ship about 9 P.M. Sent a
cutter away to sound, kill seals &c. and the other with the
commander, employed in surveying and taking astronomical observations
Carpenters putting new timbers into the main top,
and otherwise securing it. Sailmakers repairing the main sail, where
torn; and the people employed principally in improving the stowage of the
booms - Mod. breezes & fine weather: wind at South.
Transcript for a055332332
[page 332]
Anchorage No. 7, island x - Additional remarks [Saturday 13th. H.M.S. Investigator]
(I found this island x to consist of a basis of granite, and to be
covered to a considerable thickness with calcarious stone; but between
these was a depth stratum of gritstone or stone of sea sand, in some
places 20 feet thick: the sand of the shore consists of this and of
calcarious sand mixed together. The vegetation of this island is very
different to from that of the last, or other islands of this archipelago
which we have seen; it is covered with bushes, of considerable height in
the lower parts of the island. Very little of that small kind of what is
called Botany-Bay greens, under which the petrels burrow, or of the
tufted grass in which the geese delight, are seen here. -
(After taking altitudes from the an artificial horizon for the longitude,
I walked to the the highest point, at the N.E. end of the island. Many
small kanguroos were started in the lower parts of the island and during
the day I killed five of them, whose size is was nearly that of a cat.
From the higher land I distinguished an further distant island with two
peaks, whose height appeared bearing 217.30 or S.37.30W dist. about 4
leagues. It appeared to be 2 or 3 miles in length, and two peaks upon it
seemed to be sufficiently to high to produce a constant stream run of
water from them to the low land; and water was an article of which we
were now in want. The island appeared to be between three miles in
length, and the highest part bore 217º.30' or S.37º.30'W. dist.
Perhaps 4 leags.) A smaller island and rock, y and y1, at the distance of
8 or 9 miles were visible to the S.W.b.W. but and many very dan-
Transcript for a055333333
[page 333]
[Anchorage No. 7, island x - Additional remarks] Saturday - 13th H.M.S. Investigator
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
gerous breakers lay between nearer to us than the islands There were two
different patches and two patches seperate of breakers nearer to us of
abt. 2 miles in length besides those running seperated from those that
broke to a considerable distance from the points of this island, and from
the shoal near which we must have passed in the ship: upon this latter
the master found only 6 feet water. upon this shoal (This island x forms
bays on every side, but those on the east and west sides as well as that
on the N.W. side have many breakers and much shoal water about them +
The number of kanguroos killed during the day was
12, which might be about an eighth part of the number seen.
The boats crews killed several seals as also did
those of the masters boat; they were all hair seals, as also did those of
the masters boat; they were all hair seals which were all of the hair
kind, and killed found upon the beaches. A Families of these animals were
usually found lying asleep every 2 or 300 yards, each consisting of a
male, four or five females and almost as many young ones but. Some of
those which were sucking last) were almost as large as the mother which
was lying asleep upon her back before the young one that was sucking at
her. them and at whose teats they were sucking. I approached several of
them very closely unobserved without being observed unobserved and
without disturbing them. This bay on the north side affords good shelter
from all southerly winds. but I suspect none of the other bays afford
good [anchor]age
Transcript for a055334334
[page 334]
1802 Feb [Sunday] - 14th H.M.S. Investigator from [anchor]age No. 7, island x
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and fine weather. Several seals and small kanguroos brought
on board. At sunset, down T.Gt. yards and veered to a whole cable. A.M.
Mod. breezes & cloudy wind S.S.E. There being no prospect of getting
water upon this island, and the wind being unfavourable for proceeding
along the coast, at 5h.30', we weighed and made all sail, with the
intention of weathering this island x and of beating up to z, an island
of two or three miles in length and of considerable height, having two
peaks or horns at its Northern end.
Off the N.E. point of x the water shoaled from 9
to 5 fms. suddenly, and deepened again as quickly to 13. Light breezes
with fine weather.
At 7h.25' tacked ship to the S.W.ward but owing
to the baffling winds we could scarcely have fetched the former
[anchor]age. At 8h.30' tacked ship, and at 10h.1/4 back again to the S.W.
ward but at noon, we had not gained anything. Mustered the people and saw
them clean.
Noon, light breezes & fine: [anchor]age So. about 2 miles. Tacked to
the eastward
Transcript for a055335335
[page 335]
[Monday] - 15th. Nuyts Archipelago, eastward
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & fine weather. Passed to the southward of island u and
head M, and at 4.30 tacked and dble. reefed the top sails: the shore,
cliffy, dist 3 or 4 miles. At 6, tacked again not being able to weather
the rocks lying off isle w. At 8, tacked offshore again. Fresh breezes
& fine weather. At 10, passed to windward of w and the rocks, and
stretched on until 12, when we wore ship, having missed stays
Mod. breezes and cloudy.
At 4, tacked off shore to be ready for the sea breeze. At day light, the
same extreme of the main seen as set last night, and a peice of land
apparently unconnected as far E.20°.S. isle w at 5h.40' bore N.68W.
6m. Out 2nd. reefs of the top sails At 10, several rocky islands in sight
from West to N.77°W.
Tacked ship towards the main on the winds heading
Towards noon, land seen to the S.E.ward, thought to be islands - Mod.
breezes with fine weather
Transcript for a055336336
[page 336]
1802 Feb.16th. [Tuesday] - H.M.S. Investigator, explorin[g the South Coast of New Holland, beyond Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes & fine weather. High land appearing on the weather
bow. Saw several smokes upon the land ahead and to leeward. At 4, land as
far as S.30°.E seen from the deck. At 6, being not more than 3 miles
from the shore, tacked ship to seaward a point of land bearing
S.13°.E. abt. 5 miles N.
At 8, In stay sails & M. sails on the ship's coming up to lie along
the coast. A heavy dew falling Took lunars as on the opposite page
At 12, brought to, on the larboard tack until daylight. At 4h.30' filled,
steering towards the land which bore from N.11°.E. to S.12°.W. At
51/2h, set M. sail, stay sails &c and steered along the shore into a
deep bay; the shores of which are low, but the land rises to hills on the
east side. At 8h.25', hauled to the wind for the west side of the bay, on
the water shoaling and at 8h.50', tacked in 31/4 fms.
Saw shoal water all round the bay. Some natives seen upon the beach on
the west side of the bay
Lime juice and sugar served as usual as also sour krout and vinegar on
the proper days.
Noon, tacked to the N.W.ward, working out of the bay. Light breezes &
fine weather
Transcript for a055337337
[page 337]
[1802 Feb. Tuesday - 16th. H.M.S. Investigator, explorin]g the South Coast of New Holland, beyond Nuyts Land
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The weather being tolerably clear, we could see the land to the
northward, so as to pass the point which had before been seen from island
u. No openings or anything worth notice appeared; the shore seems to run
wavingly, and to consist mostly of low cliffs. Those off which we tacked,
seem to consist of sand stone with a calcarious covering of no great
thickness. A small rocky island lies 4 or 5 miles off the coast to the
northward.
The wind blowing almost along shore during the
night we kept our situation, and had a large bay open before us in the
morning. Three natives were seen round a fire under the trees, a little
way up the hills but they did not appear to attend to the ship. The
country on the east side of the bay, is hilly and well wooded, on the
west side it is lower & consists of rocks and sand.
Transcript for a055338338
[page 338]
1802 Feb. [Wednesday] - 17th. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the furthest parts beyond Nuyts Land.]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes with fine, pleasant weather and the water very smooth. At
3, tacked ship, working out of the bay. At 5.30, takes aback; trimmed
accordingly steering for Point O, on west side of the bay. At 6.30 Passed
the point with soundings as per column. Saw a small bay in the point,
promising good shelter from West and all southerly winds. At dusk, the
most dist. part of the main bore S.10°W. Two islands in the offing
S.56°W. - Hauled up, keeping nearly the line of the coast until 12,
when we brought to. Light breezes and cloudy with haze. A heavy dew
falling
At 2, finding the ship to draw nigh to the islands, filled, and at 3,
tacked towards the main. At 5h.40' tacked off being dist. from a point P,
with many breakers off, about 2 miles. Furthest main land seen at
S.59°.E between which and P is a large bay. Found the land from P to
trend to the eastward making a neck of land, between the two bays
At 10, tacked off shore towards the islands. Got two 12-pound carronades
from the quarter deck into the after hold. At noon, several small islands
near us: tacked ship to the eastward.
Transcript for a055339339
[page 339]
[1802 Feb. Wednesday - 17th. H.M.S. Investigator]exploring the furthest parts beyond Nuyts Land
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Thise large bay which has been the subject of our examination this day
afternoon and the preceding morning, appears to be very shoal towards its
head; from which circumstance and the sandyiness of the hills behind
thise shore the prospect of an opening soon vanished. From the variety of
smokes, and the natives seen on both sides of the bay, it should seem
that this part is more thickly inhabited than that whatich we have
hitherto passed. The point O has a basis of granite covered with a crust
of calcarious stones. A The small bay small at its extremity would be
found to afford good shelter from strong southerly winds, and as far as
west
The islands in the offing are small; two small
clusters appear to be mostly granite, and these are higher than the
others which seem to be calcarious. Other islands appear, lying near to
point O of the main
Having at different times, found a disagreement
between bearings and azimuths taken on different tacks, which I thought
might arise from the two guns upon the quarter deck, whose situation was
opposite to the binnacle, I had them removed this morning down into the
hold. My opinion has some times fluctuated between thise being the cause
guns or the neighbouring land having being the cause and for the
disagreement was greater amongst D'Entrecasteauxs Archipelago, and now,
within these two days, than at other times, or I have thought so.
Transcript for a055340340
[page 340]
1802 Feb. [Thursday] - 18th. H.M.S. Investigator ex-[ploring the coast of New Holland, beyond Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with hazy weather. At 2, tacked ship, an island ( of
bearing S.55°E. 1 mile, and the main distant about 2 miles. Weathered
the island ( which was to windward at noon, and at 4 tacked back towards
the main and weathered the two islands ( and (. The furthest extreme of
the main then bore S.40.E. as seen indistinctly through the haze. Nearest
shore dist 1 mile. Tacked ship to seaward & double reefed the top
sails.
At 12, wore ship, having missed stays. A considerable, short swell
running. At 2 saw an island bearing N.W.1/2N.
At daylight, we found ourselves nearly in the same situation as at 6 P.M.
Tacked ship to the southward, let out 2nd reefs & set staysails.
Light breezes & hazy. Nothing more seen of the land than was seen
last night.
Washed and cleaned below. -
Mustered ships company & saw them clean as usual on this day and on
Sunday.
At 11h.45' tacked ship towards the land, which was only seen partially
through the haze, and bearing about east. The islands obscured by the
haze
Transcript for a055341341
[page 341]
[1802 Feb. Thursday - 18th. H.M.S. Investigator, ex-] ploring the coast of New Holland, beyond Nuyts Land
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land round this southern bay is very sandy, as it is on the other
side of the neck. The main, where rocky, and the three islands (, (, (,
appear to be calcarious. Beyond the point Q, the coast sweeps rounds in a
sandy bay, and becomes higher than the sea coast has usually been. In
this are large yellow fields, uninterrupted by vegetation; but whether it
is rocks or sand I cannot tell.
Note, on observing the latitude at noon to the north and to the south. -
On considering this mode of getting the latitude, I see many advantages over a single observation; more especially if the weather is hazy, and the horizontal refraction consequently great. Allowing the horizon to be equally refracted to the north and to the south, and the observations to be taken with equal accuracy, the following consequences arise. The errors in the table of dip, which in some cases are considerable, become ineffective, as also do those of the instrument, and indeed of the observer, if he is equal in his errors; since on one side too much latitude will be obtained and too little on the other. To get the true latitude, no other corrections than the Parx & Ref. are necessary to the alts.
Transcript for a055342342
[page 342]
1802 Feb. [Thursday] - 19th. H.M.S. Investigator ex-[ploring the south coast beyond Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and hazy weather -
Many albatrosses seen today: an unusual thing. At 3 tacked ship, the land
being about 4m. dist.: white cliffs
At 4.40 tacked again towards the land, and at 7h offshore. Land,
apparently an island, S.48°E. and the furthest continuation of the
main, distinguishable through the haze S.71.°E. Breakers E10S. 2
miles
Fine weather with haze & a heavy dew falling. At 1, tacked ship, but
finding the wind to head us, tacked again to the southward at 3h.
Light airs & fine weather. A swell from the southward. No land in
sight.
Nearly calm.
At 10, a breeze sprung up. Tacked ship to the eastward. Set studg. sails,
steering to make the land. Cleaned below & aired with stoves. -
Employed clearing out the bread-room, in which was found a leak, which
had damaged part of the bread. Light breezes & fine weather, with
much haze. The land seen indistinctly from the mast head, to the eastward
NEbyE
Transcript for a055343343
[page 343]
[1802 Feb. Thursday - 19th. H.M.S. Investigator, exploring the south coast beyond Nuyts Land
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The coast seen this P.M. is 8 or 10 miles to the southward of the yellow
land mentioned yesterday. It is moderately high close to the water, which
it bounds, generally, by cliffs. From the strata in the cliffs, I judge
them to be calcarious. The furthest extreme slopes off, apparently, to a
low point; and the supposed island lying off it, is low and sloping also,
but the haziness of the weather prevents us from seeing to any
distance
Transcript for a055344344
[page 344]
1802 Feb [Saturday] 20th. H.M.S. Investigator, explor[ing the south coast beyond Nuyts Land]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes & fine weather, with a long swell from S.W. In studg.
sails, 1st reefed the top sails, & hauled to the wind. At 2h.40'
tacked, there being little wind and breakers not far distant.
At 4, mod. breezes, tacked to the eastward and weathered the breakers and
island (, to which they belong. At 5, kept away to look behind a steep
head R, where is a large bight. At 6h.30' R N.15°E., the land east of
it being at a considerable distance. S point, the furthest part of the
main visible E8°.N. - At 11, wore round and hauled off the shore, but
seeing that we could not weather the island (, at 1h.35' tacked to the
eastward. At 4, breakers being seen on the lee bow, tacked to the
westward till 5, and then returned on the starboard tack and weathered
the breakers. At 6h.30' bore away into the bay between R and S, but
seeing that it did not lead into any inlet at 7h.20' hauled to the wind
on the larbd. tack, until we judged that the ship could weather the point
S, when we tacked at 9; but the wind failing, were obliged to wear and
stretch further off at 11. At noon, light breezes & fine weather with
some haze. S, a hill upon a projecting point of the main N.73°.E.
Transcript for a055345345
[page 345]
[1802 Feb Saturday 20th. H.M.S. Investigator, explor]ing the south coast beyond Nuyts Land
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The island ( lies 2 or 3 miles from the steep head R and there are many
breakers about its western sides. Off R lie 2 high rocks and a further
lower one. This head when seen to the S.E. or N.W. is out-projected by a
low western point which seems to be the extreme. The bay round R, which
we bore away to examine at 6h.30' A.M. appears to afford good shelter
from all westerly winds, and probably as far as S.S.E. The back land,
though not high, yet appears to be sufficiently so to promise water, by
digging in the lower parts; and our want of this article would have
induced me to stand into it at a venture, but that we should not be able
to get out again with the usual winds scarcely in a whole day, and the
rapid progress of the sun to the northward is a constant monitor to
proceed eastward with as few delays as possible
The land which surrounds the bight between R and S is
tolerably high at the water side, and is not so sandy as the coast we
usually see. Tolerably sized trees make their appearance upon a back
ridge on the eastern part of the bay
Transcript for a055346346
[page 346]
1802 Feb. [Sunday] 21. H.M.S. Investigator, explor[ing the south coast beyond Peter Nuyts Archipelago]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and fine weather. At 1, tacked ship to weather the point S.
At 3, it bore N.481/2°E about 3 or 4 miles. At 3h.45' bore away to
pass between isle ( and point S. Passage near 2m. wide. Saw four other
islands open, and the main trending round S to N.15°.W. Land on the
opposite side trending S.33°E, but as no land is seen to connect
them, we cannot tell whether main or an island. Passed several ripplings
with soundings as per column, steering for the north point of the
uncertain land, and at 6 dropped the [anchor] in 31/2 fms.; but on the
master being sent to sound round, he found it very shoal close to the
ship. Weighed the [anchor] again, and stood off into 7 fms. when we let
it go, the bottom being grey sand. Found a tide of 1 knot per hour
running from the N.E.ward.
Furthest part of the main N.b.W.1/2W. from whence, round by the west and
south, we have land as far as EbN. the extreme of the uncertain land,
from which our distance is about 11/4 mile. Furled sails and sent down
T.Gt. yards - Fresh breezes & fine weather. A.M. Squally at times.
Boats employed occasionally
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather.
Transcript for a055347347
[page 347]
[1802 Feb. Sunday 21. H.M.S. Investigator, explor]ing the south coast beyond Peter Nuyts Archipelago
In passing through between the island ( and point S, I observed them to
consist almost altogether of granite. There is a bay on each side of the
passage capable of affording shelter to small vessels. The uncommon
direction of the coast round the point S and no land being visible to the
N.E.ward excites an interesting conjectures amongst the us. The land
trending to the southward has the appearance of being mainland. - The
place in which we [anchor]d. is sheltered to the S.W.ward by isle ( and
two others; to the southward by the uncertain land, and to the N.W.ward
by the main. The bottom being very uneven, the tide running strong, and a
good deal of shoal water about, makes it a bad [anchor]age; but in a
place like this, and darkness approaching, there is not much time left to
chuse.
In the morning, the scientific gentlemen landed to
explore the subjects of natural history of the island; and soon after I
landed to take angles of the neighbouring islands from the top of the
cliffs on the east west side of the island, which as yet I call
uncertain. From hence, the main was seen to extend no farther then
6º to the westward of north, at a considerable distance: but three
small islands appeared, the furthest of which bore 31º. Three small
islands were visible to the southward, also, at a considerable
distance.)
The uncertain island puts on a different appearance to
any islands we have yet seen. It is well covered with small wood, and if
we may judge from appearances, thickly inhabited
Transcript for a055348348
[page 348]
1802 Feb. [Sunday] - 21st. Additional remarks, continued
by kanguroos, of a something larger kind than those which we have seen
upon the former islands. An opossum was killed and three of the
kanguroos. In walking up to the hill, a snake of a yellow colour,
speckled, lay in the way asleep. By putting pressing the butt end of a
musket upon his head neck he was secured kept down, and we sewed up his
mouth with a kneedle and thread, and brought it on board alive to the
naturalist; but we found that the naturalist (he) had killed two others
of the same species, one of which was 7f.9i in length. Some large hawks
or rather eagles were seen, and in two instances they made approaches
advances to attack us, taking us I suppose for to be kanguroos.
Some marks of old former fires were seen, but
none that could have happened within 5 years. From this circumstance and
the shores being frequented by seals, I had little doubt of its this
uncertain land being an island. The rock consists almost altogether of
calcarious stone, but at the height of 200 or more feet above the sea I
found many pieces of granite which were rounded, from all appearances, by
attrition in the water.
Gulls, black sea-pies which are black as usual,
and the black and white shag, frequent the shores
(On returning to the shore at noon, I observed
the meridional altitude of [Sun] LLb. with 483 - 65°.38'.18".S.
Latitude
34.55.55S.
I judge the rise of tide to be 6 or 8 feet
Transcript for a055349349
[page 349]
[Monday] - 22. H.M.S. Investigator - at [anchor]age No. 8
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
(Mod. breezes from the southward with fine weather. I had intended to get
under weigh immediately after noon, but there being considerable
differences in the longitudes given by the time keepers, that were
observed on board, we remained to get others on shore with the artificial
horizon, as given in the column. The place of observation was about 11/2'
to the eastward of the ship. Sent the master in a cutter over to the main
to search for fresh water. At 7, the boat was seen returning but suddenly
missed; upon which I sent Lt. Fowler in the other cutter to look after
them. At 91/2h, fired a gun as a signal for the last cutter to return,
which she did about an hour afterwards not having gained any
intelligence; but was nearly swamped from getting into a rippling of tide
where the water broke sometimes suddenly.
The tide continued to run an hour and half
to windward (S.S.E.) after the boat was seen. Our apprehensions lead us
to suppose, that that the boat has been swamped, and that she has
capsized over them and drifted with the tide to seaward. Only two of the
men in the boat were at all expert in swimming.
Transcript for a055350350
[page 350]
1802 Feb. [Monday] 22nd. Continued from [anchor]age No.8
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
A.M. Mod. breezes and dull cloudy weather. At 5h.30' weighed and steered
toward that part of the main, to which the lost boat had been sent. On
seeing some suspicious looking water, sent the cutter to sound upon it,
but she found 12 fms. Hauled round all the smooth looking water and
seeing a little beach in a bay upon the main hauled up for it, and
finding it sheltered from all winds but from the N.E., [anchored] in
101/2 fms. water, the points of the main bearing E.S.E. and N.6ºW.
when we had veered to half a cable. The islands from being shut on with
the southern point, run round to E.NE. and No. 3 from wherein these
island at invervals to the main) and several islands sheltering us from
easterly winds Sent the cutter away in search of the boat and people, and
two parties went to walk along the shore of the main. The cutter soon
returned, towing the oth wreck of the other boat, which appeared to have
been dashed upon the rocks, nothing remaining whole except the bottom of
the boat, which was upwards. One oar was afterwards picked up, but by
nobody was anything of the master or boats crew seen. Sent the cutter
away upon further search. Mod. breezes & cloudy)
Transcript for a055351351
[page 351]
Additional remarks. to No.9 or Memory Cove
The partys that went to search along the shore, were that of the
naturalist to the northward, and mine to the southward. An oar and a
peice of the wreck were seen by the former, and an oar, which was picked
up, was seen by the midshipman whom I stationed upon the south head of
this little bay cove with a glass, to examine every thing which the tides
might drift past him. My walk was directed to the south extreme of the
main land and over to a bay on the west side of the east part of the cape
S. which I now call Cape Catastrophe; but we were not fortunate enough
able to gain any intelligence of our unfortunate ship-mates.
Of the land I noticed, that the basis is granite
covered by a loose calcarious crust. My search for fresh water was
ineffectual, although many natives huts were standing at the back of the
little beach in the cove. A continual Tall brush wood covers all the
northern and eastern sides of the hills, but it is not difficult of
penetration. Four small kanguroos were seen
The naturalist made some additions to his
botanical collection of specimens in botany.
Transcript for a055352352
[page 352]
1802 Feb. [Tuesday] - 223rd. H.M.S.Investigator - Memory Cove
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. At 4, nearly calm. Shortened in the
cable. At 5, the cutter returned with some trifling remnants of the boat,
found between the isle No. 4 and the main, but nothing was seen of the
people. Cloudy weather. A.M. Light breezes & cloudy. Sighted the
[anchor] and found it clear. Took the cutter and went along the coast to
the northward in search of our unfortunate people, or parts of the boat
wreck; as also to take angles for the survey. Variable airs with dull
cloudy weather until near noon when it cleared up.)
In this boat excursion, I followed all the little
sinuosities of the shore, to the distance of for 12 miles, but with
little success as to the main object of the expedition. From three
different stations I took angles bearings of the neighbouring lands. The
furthest extreme of the main bore, from the last station
N.10º.35'Et. at about the distance of distant about 5 or 6 leagues,
but between that and a point bearing N.3º.20' Wt. about 3 miles is a
space where an bay was seen to run inlet goes in to the westward as seen
by our gentlemen from the top of the highest hill near the ship. Some
small places of shelter are situated along the coast to the northward of
Memory Cove; and behind the island No.4, there appears to be good
[anchor]age.
Transcript for a055353353
[page 353]
[Wednesday] - 24th in Memory - South coast of New Holland
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Broached a cask of pork No.32, contents 53 pieces. Returned on board with the cutter, having found a small Keg belonging to the master, and two small remnants of the boat, but nothing of the people. At 8, flurries of wind off the land. Veered to a whole cable and struck T.Gt. masts. A.M. Blowing fresh, until 3, when it moderated and the weather became fine. Sent Lt. Fowler in the cutter to examine the outer island to the southward for the remains of our unfortunate people, but he was not able to bring the least intelligence. Swayed up T.Gt. masts, sent up the yards and hove in to half a cable. Noon, moderate breezes & fine weather
[Thursday] - 25th. Additional notes. This afternoon I ascended the
highest land near the ship and saw the water which runs inland to the
westward, some distance and is probably a bay and appears to be a
bay.
(To the south-eastward of Uncertain Island, several small islands appear,
about 3 leagues further distant.
The same barrenness of soil prevails upon the whole of
the hills that I have seen; a dry loose covering of calcarious stone
being usually composing the surface; and in the vallies, sand is equally
predominant. I found, however, some blocks of granite on the highest
parts, today.
Of the tides near this great cape of New Holland, I
calculate that the flood comes from the southward and runs to nearly
the
Transcript for a055354354
[page 354]
1802 Feb. [Thursday] - 25th. extra remarks - in Memory Cove [on the south coast of New Holland]
time that the moon passes over the meridian. There are two regular tides
in the day, and the flood appears to rise about 6 or 7 feet. I think it
probable that the direction of the tide from the southward, is mostly
influenced from the position of the islands that lie off the cape, and
that probably it may run a little differently on the eastward side of the
islands.
As we had now made every search for our
unfortunate shipmates, that we could think had any prospect of being
attended with success, I thought it could avail nothing to remain longer
on their account, for there was only a small chance of obtaining their
bodies on their rising to the surface, from the number of sharks which
have been seen. Even the small chance would have induced me, had not the
want of water been so pressing to hurry us forward. I caused a stout post
to be set up in the cove, and upon and to it was nailed a peice of sheet
copper upon which was engraved the following inscription,
Memory
Cove
H.M.S.Investigator, M.Flinders Comr.
Anchored here Feb. 22. 1802
Mr. John Thistle, the master,) Mr. William Taylor Midn.
and]
six of the crew were most unfortunately drowned near this
place from being upset) in a boat. The wreck of the boat
was
found
Transcript for a055355355
[page 355]
[1802 Feb. Thursday - 25th. extra remarks - in Memory Cove]
on the south coast of New Holland
Memory
Cove
H.M.S.Investigator, M. Flinders
Comr.
Anchored
here Feb.22. 1802
Mr.
John Thistle, the master.
Mr.
William Taylor, Midn. and
six of the crew were most unfortunately
drowned near this place from being upset
in a boat. The wreck of the boat was found,
but their bodies were not
recovered.
Nautici, cavete!
I must take occasion to observe in this place, that Mr. Thistle was truly a valuable man, both as a seaman, an officer, and a good member of society. I have known him, and we have been mostly together, since 1794. He constantly was one in the several excursions that were made for the further discovery of the coasts near Port Jackson, and for his superior merit and prudent conduct was advanced to be a master in the service, from being before the mast. In a voyage like the present, his loss cannot be otherwise than felt most severely, and he is equally lamented by his shipmates and friends, in which latter class, may be reckoned every individual on board
Transcript for a055356356
[page 356]
1802 Feb. [Thursday] - 25th. H.M.S.Investigator from Memory Cove
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes from South & fine weather. Sent the cutter towards
evening to haul the sein, which she did with small success upon the
little beach of the cove, as to give every body two meals and some to
cure. At sunset, down T.Gt.yards.
A.M. Mod. And cloudy, wind from the S.E. -
Ships draught of water: {13.9 F.
{13.4
A.
Having waited to finish the inscription, sent it to be
set up on shore, and in the mean time, weighed whilst the weather tide
was running, and stood out of the cove; when we brought to and filled
occasionally, waiting for the boat. At 11h.30', hoisted up the cutter and
made sail to the northward between the isles No. 3 and 4. - The best
bower cable being much chafed at 13 fms. from the clinch, ordered it to
be cut off, and delivered to the boatswain for junk.
At noon, Isle No.4 bore W.N.W. 11/4 mile
Mod. & fine weather.
Transcript for a055357357
[page 357]
[Friday] - 26th. to [anchor] No.10, bay
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine weather. At 1, hauled round gradually towards the
great bay seen from the hills at the back of Memory Cove. At 3, passed
the southern point of the bay, which is a peninsula; the opposite nearest
land appearing to be an island. At 3h.45', after passing two small
islands came to an anchor in 41/2 fms. upon a soft bottom of grey sand,
being landlocked from N.9°E. round by the west and south to
N.38°E. and between these two bearings lies one of the islands
occupying about half of the space. Sent the cutter on shore to search for
water at the foot of a hill, and to sound round the ship. She returned
having dug a hole, but salt water flowed into it. Many natives huts seen
on shore. Light airs. A.M. Mod. and cloudy. Sent the gig to examine a
large island in the middle of the bay for water. Ascended the hill to
take bearings and to examine the bay; from whence a lake was
distinguishable about 2 miles beyond the head of the bay. At 101/2 h.
weighed and steered upwards, the flood tide beginning then to make.
Passed near to an island on the starboard hand, which shore we kept
nearest on board to the island. - Some smokes seen towards the head of
the bay Noon, light breezes & fine weather.
Transcript for a055358358
[page 358]
1802 Feb. [Friday] - 26, continued - Additional remarks
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
From the top of the hill marked T in the chart the islands near Memory
Cove were distinguishable, as well as the whole of this bay No. 10. There
appears to be two passages, made by a large island which is shaped some
thing like a star being all points fish and divides the entrance into two
parts. Besides the three four islands in this bay and two others
something to the N.E. several others appears at a more considerable
distance; and the furthest part of the main U a low sandy point U bore
27°.33'.
The country almost entirely resembles that at the
back of Memory Cove, but might may contain a little more soil.
The hill, marked T in the chart, upon which we
were, is not high, but gives an excellent view of the bay and
neighbouring the islands in it. When seen to the north or south its shape
is nearly that of a cone, but when seen at a right angle to that line, it
is oblong. The stone upon its top is granite, but lower down it is a
loose covering of calcarious stone. The basis is granite as before
Gave an order to Mr. Thos. Evans - Masters Mate, to act in the capacity of master in the room of Mr. Thistle, until further order.
Transcript for a055359359
[page 359]
[Saturday] - 27th. Investigator in Bay No. 10
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light variable breezes with fine weather
Steered different courses to find the deepest water, and at
11/4h came to with the best bower in 33/4 fms soft bottom about 3/4' from
the shore and 11/2 from the head of the bay. Took the cutter and went to
examine the lake, which was found to brackish but we were fortunate
enough to find fresh water by digging down about 3 feet, at 100 yards
from the beach. Below the first foot of soil was a white clay in which
the water lodged
A.M. Mod. breezes and fine weather. Moored ship a cable
each way. Sent the time keepers &c. & two tents on shore in the
cutter with and spades to dig a large hole ready for watering. Hoisted
out the la launch, and got a raft of empty casks sent on shore. On
finding some water draining in upon the beach, dug a hole at high water
mark into which the fresh water came in, but on digging deeper it became
brackish, and we found it necessary to fill at the pitts 100 yards behind
the shore.-This day continued to 36 hours. - P.M. sent another large raft
of empty casks on shore, and the gunner with a party to fill them.
Employed on board in the main hold Light breezes & fine weather.
Transcript for a055360360
[page 360]
1802 Feb. [Saturday] - 27th. continued. Additional remarks
The distance from the head of the lake to the bay, to the lake, is about 2 miles, and from a hill on the No. side of the bay I saw judged that its distance from the open bay sea on the east side cape R to be nearly the same; how whence it is that the water is not fresh I cannot tell, and the salt is given out from the calcarious stone which is about the lake and appears to form the bottom it. Its shores consist of whitish hardened clay, covered with a thin crust in which salt is a component part. The length of the lake to the S.S.W. is 2 or 3 miles, and half that distance east and west, but all some parts are narrower. The land around it is by no means high; on the contrary, the neck from between this the head of the bay and the lake is low land, but in general stony. That we find water so abundantly in this dry season, in the low land, where there is are no land hills of considerable eminence in the neighbourhood is considerably materially different from what our experience in New Holland would lead us to expect. I think it may be attributed to the clayey consistence of the substratum, which is found which is on a whitish clay, and in the lowest parts, at a foot deep is found comes within a foot of the surface also foot deep. The water does not seem to get below this, but either runs into the sea in its parellel or it lodges in lakes.
Transcript for a055361361
[page 361]
[Sunday] - 28th Civil Account in Bay No. 10 - New Holland
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Thick hazy weather until the sun rose, and cleared it away. Light
breezes with fine weather. Took cutter to examine the bay, with a view to
its survey. Received on board from the watering place 17 puncheons of
water. Employed on board stowing it away in the main hold, and in stowing
provisions in the after hold. Noon, light breezes & fine weather.
Received another raft of water casks from the shore, and stowed it away.
In the evening, hoisted up the boats as usual, the launch excepted.-
Additional remarks. In the water boat
expedition of this day, I steered from the ship towards the high hill on
the north side of the bay, the water shoaling gradually, until we passed
over the tail end of a spit, when it deepened again to 13ft.) Along the
shore is a good native-path, seemingly the same which leads round the
head of the bay. (The hill afforded a good view of the bay and islands,
and of the lake; A smaller lake also also was conspicuous on the south
side of the bay below the ship; with which had the same white salt-like
appearance surrounding it, which bespoke it not to be a fresh water lake;
Some hills, which seemed to be those near mount N were visible to the
N.W. ward, and a hill one which might be the mount itself, were visible
from the hill, as also some bore 306'.0; yellow land like that of the sea
coast mentioned on 18th and 19th was seen also bearing 278°.15'.
Transcript for a055362362
[page 362]
1802 Feb. [Sunday] - 28th continued - Additional remarks
From the shore under the hill, we steered to pass between this island
No. 3 and the low point of the Middle Land, but did not find so much as 3
fms. and in the western part of the passage there are but very few feet
of water: finding the passage to be shoal and the bottom sandy; but from
hence steering towards the large island the water soon deepened to 7 fms.
- I ascended the highest land upon part of the large island but the trees
and brush were so thick upon it that I could see nothing as to obstruct
the view in every direction I had left orders on board to fire three guns
upon my making a signal which I intended to do at from this place for the
purpose of getting a base line for my survey, and had provided myself
with a half-second pendulum of 9,8 inches in length to measure the
interval between the flash and report of the guns, for the purpose of
getting a base line to my survey but was entirely disappointed. From the
west side of large island, we sounded until we came near to the ships
track in the bay. At a cables length from the shore, was 8 fms.,
afterwards in 9,8,7,6, and 5 fms. to near the track the ships track up
the bay; so that deepest water seemed to be the channel at the back of
the large island seems to be the deepest.
It was about sunset when I landed to walk across
over to the small lake on the south side of the bay. The distance across
is near half a mile and I found the water was almost as salt as that of
the bay. At 71/2h. we got in board
Transcript for a055363363
[page 363]
[Monday] - 2 1st. civil account. H.M. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and calms. Received on board 2 rafts of water, which we were
employed getting on board and stowing away. Noon, light win and sultry
weather: hazy. Received another raft of water. Employed on board in the
holds. Some hands cutting fire wood on shore, at such times as the pitts
require to fill themselves up. Vble weather.
Additional remarks. Mr. Brown and a party visited the large lake this
today, and found that where we had supposed the end of it to be it to
terminate, it branched off into two parts, each of which runs to near
within a hundred yards only from of the sea, in the bight near cape R:
They judge the lake to be 4 miles in length. Upon Near that the shore,
the a boats sail and yard of a boat were seen floating, belonging no
doubt to our late cutter, but no other remains of the wreck were seen.)
Many bearings for the survey taken this day, as also observations for the
variation of the theodolite, the latitude, and rates of the time-keepers:
the observations will be mentioned hereafter.
[Tuesday] - 3rd. 2nd. Light breezes and calms with hazy weather.
Took the cutter up down the harbour to survey, and from upon the large
island near the entrance of the bay, I counted 85 swings of a half-second
pendulum, between the flash and report of three different guns which were
fired from the ship; which makes the distance 7,93 miles
Employed as before watering the ship. Noon, mod. breezes
Transcript for a055364364
[page 364]
1802 Mar. [Tues.] - 2nd. continued. H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
with thick hazy weather. Towards evening, the weather became clearer.
Employed as before in the holds.
Additional remarks. I found the soundings about the bay to run tolerably
regular in this days excursion, from 4 fms. near the shores to 9 fms. in
the deepest. (The large I. appears to consist wholly of granite, scarcely
any calcarious stone having been seen upon it in the two visits.) Upon
the southernmost of the two small islands, where we also landed, the
surface is entirely calcarious, but the basis is granite as before (Some
old marks of fire were visible upon the large island, and that which we
made as a signal for the ship to fire the guns was burning furiously and
had spread considerably before dark, the dry wood, which is large and
plentiful, being favourable to it.
[Wednesday] - 3rd. Light breezes and cloudy weather. Received the greater
part of the remaining water casks on board and stowed them away, as also
some wood. Towards the evening the cutter left the ship for the purpose
of proceeding to Memory Cove and the neighbouring islands in search of
the bodies of our unfortunate shipmates, upon a two-days excursion. The
wind blowing strong in the afternoon, but became light in the evening
Transcript for a055365365
[page 365]
Moored in Bay No. 10 - South coast of New Holland
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Thurs.] - 4th. Light airs with dull cloudy weather, and rain.
Received on board the remainder of our water casks from the tents. Washed
and cleaned above and below. Cloudy weather, with spitting rain at times
until a little before noon when the weather cleared up. Ships draught of
water F 13f.10i. A13f. 8i. Observed the beginning of a solar eclipse, at
apparent time here 1h.12'.39", and end at 3h.36'11,5" Brought on board,
the tents, astronomical instruments &c. from the shore, hoisted in
the launch and prepared every thing ready for going down to the entrance
of the bay in the morning. Light breezes and cloudy weather.
Additional remarks. This morning some natives were heard calling as we
supposed, calling to a boat which had just landed at the tents, and two
of them were seen at about half a mile from us; but they soon went away,
or perhaps were retired into the woods to watching our motions from the
woods. No attempts were made to follow them, as I have always found of
the natives of New Holland that they avoid those who seem anxious to
communicate with them, but if left entirely alone, will usually come down
after having noted our motions for four or five days. These are the first
natives seen at this place, and no great proportion of huts have been
found; but the path
Transcript for a055366366
[page 366]
1802 Mar. [Thursday] - 4th. in Bay 10 - South coast
Additional remarks. - which leads round the head of the bay must have been long and frequently trodden to have been worn so much as it is by naked feet. -
Astronomical observations made at the tents, -
[Not reproduced - see original journal]
Transcript for a055367367
[page 367]
Astronl. observations made at the tents - continued
[Not reproduced - see original journal]
From Lieut. Flinders observations of the rise of tide on shore at the
head of this bay, it appears that like Princess Royal Harbour, there is
only one high water in 24 hours which is about 11 hours after the [moon]
passes over the meridian or 1 hour before she comes to the lower
meridian. The tide rises from 2 to 3 feet.
Transcript for a055368368
[page 368]
[Friday] Mar. 5th Bay No 10, in the before [unexplored south coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
At daylight, mod. breezes and cloudy. Unmoored ship, and at 7h.45'
weighed and made sail down the bay. Attempting to pass between two small
Is. and the main, shoaled to 23/4, tacked ship and wore round. After
passing to leewd. of them hauled up within the outer south point of the
bay, and at 10h.20' [anchored] in 71/2 fms. soft muddy bottom, with the
best bower, and furled sails. Extreme of Point T, with the dist. land on
at the back N.15ºE. dist abt. 1 mile.
At 5 P.M. Lt. Fowler returned in the cutter having revisited Memory Cove,
the large uncertain island under which we first anchored, and the smaller
islands in the neighbourhood, but without the least success as to finding
any marks or remains of our unfortunate shipmates or of the wreck of the
boat. -
Bent a new M.T.Gt. sail, the old being too bad to
be repaired.
Served slops to the ships company
Transcript for a055369369
[page 369]
[Bay No.10 in the before] unexplored south coast of New Holland -
[Saturday] - 116th 1802
Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see
original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy. Early in the morning took the cutter to the
south point of entrance into the bay and took a set of bearings. Found
the water to shoal gradually and very regularly from the [anchor]age to
the shore; there being 5 fms. within a cables length.
The point T consists of granite, with a loose and
slight covering of calcarious stone, and a little vegetable mould. The
formation of the 1st bay within the point, promises fresh water at the
back of the beach by digging, when the season is not so dry as at
present. -
Sent the cutter to sound between the two small isles
and the point T, between where she found a small passage of 3 fms.
nearest to the point.
Hoisted in the cutter, and at 10h. weighed and made
sail along the coast to the northward: the wind light and variable At
noon, Light airs & fine weather with haze. The south point of
entrance into Bay No.10 S.S.E. 3 miles. Extremes of large island lying in
the entrance N.67 W. to S.10 W.
Transcript for a055370370
[page 370]
1802 Mar. [Sunday] - 7th. Log account. Investigator [along the south east coast of New Holland, at [anchor]age No.11]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and fine weather with haze
Sold the clothes of the lost boats crew at the mast. - Find ourselves set
considerably to the northward, between the point U and several islands of
different sizes: On passing near one of the first islands the water
shoaled to 5 fms: tacked ship and came to [anchor] with best bower in
101/2 fms. soft bottom & furled sails. Hoisted out the cutter and
landed upon the nearest island, (about 1/2 mile distant) to take
bearings, and look round amongst the archipelago of low islands. Calm and
hazy weather. A.M. Shortened in the cable. Cleaned above and below and
sent up T.Gt. yards at 8 oclock.
Went on shore upon the little island which shelters us
from the southward, to take a plan of the islands and the naturalist and
his party also landed.
Some seals of the hair kind killed by the boats
crew
At noon, light breezes & fine weather with haze
Sold the clothes &c. of Mr. Thistle and Mr. Taylor
the officers lost in the cutter; and prepared to get under weigh as soon
as the latitude was obtained.
Transcript for a055371371
[page 371]
[1802 Mar. Sunday 7th Log account. Investigator] along the southeast coast of New Holland, at [anchor]age No.11.
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The situation in which we [anchor]ed affords good shelter, being
surrounded by the main land and by islands at different distances. The
nearest island (1, is about 1/2 mile distant, bearing S.20ºW. to
S.34ºE. - The basis of this island is granite as usual, and with a
slight covering of calcarious stone. There is not a sufficient depth of
soil or sand for the petrels to burrow in it, but the same kind of grey
shrub almost covers it, under which their holes are mostly found.
Many marks of geese were to be seen upon the island,
and two of the birds were also seen, but not killed.
Pidgeons, parroquets, shags, gulls and a large hawk or
vulture were seen.
Seals are the most numerous race of animals, but they are not
abundant. -
Transcript for a055372372
[page 372]
1802 Mar. 8th. [Monday] H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the great inlet No.12]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. At 2h.5' weighed and steered along
the coast to the northward, leaving the cluster of islands on the
right.
Do. Wr. At 61/2, the extreme of the main N.N.E.1/2E. A mountain inland
N.72 W: offshore 5 or 6 miles. Hauled to the wind under double reefed
topsails and courses
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Tacked ship towards the land.
At 4, wore round & brought to with the ships head off shore, until
the land was seen at 6, when we bore away to make it more distinctly.
Dull cloudy weather. At 71/4h., the inland mountain bore N81/2º
W.2.S: hauled up along shore, which was distant 7 or 8 miles. - Fresh
breezes with dull cloudy weather
Cleaned below and aired with stoves. At 11, shoaled the water up to 1/4
less 7,upon which we hauled up to the wind, let out the 2nd. reefs &
set T.Gt sails &c.
At noon, moderate and cloudy. The low sandy shore dist. 3 or 4 miles. A
small opening bearing about north
Transcript for a055373373
[page 373]
[1802 Mar. Monday 8th H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the great inlet No.12
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The cluster of islands which we now quitted and are mostly low and have
but small vegetation upon them. and The tide ripples a good deal amongst
them. After passing them, no land but the main could be seen. The coast
is of moderate elevation, not sandy, but rather bare of vegetation and of
smooth surface: I should judge it to be granite.
The mountain whose bearing is set at night and in the
morning, is not much elevated above the front land: its top is flat and
its N.E. end rather steep. The shore becomes lower as we advanced to the
northward, the range of hills retreating inland. A hill v bearing
N.62ºW. at noon, is the N.E.ern corner of them, their direction from
it being to the north. The low land continues its eastern direction,
inclosing a lake or bay which was visible from the mast head; and to
which I judge the small opening leads, which was seen soon after noon. At
that time, no high land except what had was astern, could be seen; the
coast being very low and mostly sandy; but covered with small trees,
which are seen before the land itself appears ahead.
Transcript for a055374374
[page 374]
1802 Mar. [Tuesday] 9th. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the great inlet No.12]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with dull cloudy weather Saw land extending 6 points on the
starbd. beam & dist. abt. 5 leagues, like main land. On the other
side, the main is dist. 8 or 9 miles Low sandy shore, extending to the
northward meeting the other land. At 5, hauled towards the western shore
to look for [anchor]age, but the water shoaling quick to 23/4 wore round
and stood into 5 fms. and [anchor]d with the best bower. Mod. breezes,
but squally at times with spitting rain. Veered to a whole cable and sent
down T.Gt. yards. Hummocks like an island bearing N.b.E. near to which
the land extends from each shore. So. extreme of the ends S.20ºW.
Fresh breezes and squally weather
Sent up T.Gt. yards, and at 9 weighed and steered to wind ward of the
hummocks of land which had appeared to be islands, but were soon seen to
be connected to the western shore by low land. At 11 tacked ship, the
water having shoaled from 12 to 7 fms. but wore again round again and
stood on under easy sail. -Double reefed the topsails. Fresh breezes
& fine. A low point W N.43ºE. round which it seems to open
Transcript for a055375375
[page 375]
[1802 Mar. Tuesday 9th H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the great inlet No.12
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land which was unexpectedly seen to the eastward of us, is higher
than usual and appears to be a part of the main The shallowness of the
water corroborates the supposition that this coast is sheltered from any
violent winds; and at this time we judge ourselves to have entered some
large river or gulph.
The front land to the westward is very low, and seems
to be sandy. The hills retreat inland in some places; but near our
[anchorage] some considerable ones come near the sea shore. Three
hummocks are particularly distinguishable
Our run up this enclosed piece of water (whatever it
is) shewed us the connexion of the low western land with the hummocks,
and almost as far as the high eastern land. This land seems to lie more
to the eastward than that seen first, making the direction of this river
or sound to be N.Et.ly.
The low land is mostly sandy, and the higher land but
partially covered wth. wood
Transcript for a055376376
[page 376]
1802 Mar. [Wednesday] - 10th. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring No.12, the great inlet]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes & fine weather. At 1, saw a dry bank stretching along
the eastern shore; bore away for what appears to be the entrance of a
river. Seeing shoal water about, clued down the F. and Mz. top-sails
preparatory to [anchor]ing. At 4, hauled up towds. the western shore but
shoal water obliged us to wear round into mid-channel, where we
[anchor]ed in 7 fms. with best bower, and veered to a whole cable. Furled
sails sent down T.Gt. yds: the wind blowing a fresh gale, up the gulphh.
The entrance bearing South to 30ºE. the head closed round by low
land and shoals, at the distance of 3 or 4 miles. The sides distant 11/2
and or two miles.
At sunset, dropped the small bower under foot, and wove a new service
into the hawse of the best bower.
A.M. Mod breezes & fine weather. Hove up the small bower, and mended
the rounding of the best.
Took the cutter to go up the river upon a surveying
expedition, taking a sextant and time-keeper with me.
Got up all the slops to be aired. Found some of them bad from
damp and others eaten by mice. People employed making nippers and
otherwise working up junk. Cut up a cask of pork No.14 contents 53
peices, answered
Transcript for a055377377
[page 377]
[1802 Mar. Wednesday - 10th H.M.S. Investigator] exploring No.12, the great inlet
At 2, we entered a part of the gulph of or river which is much narrower
than before being contracted by the approach of the western land. Its
breadth here seems to be from 6 to 10 miles and it contracts fast
upwards. The land on both sides is moderately high at a little distance
from the shore, especially on the eastern side where the mountain form a
sharp-topped ridge nearly parallel to the shore. The front land on each
side is low and on the east side covered with wood. We see much smoke
rising from it
At 4, the head appeared to be closed up by very low
land in which some small channels of water were distinguishable. I wished
to [anchor] on the western shore, but the water became so shoal suddenly,
that before the ship wore round, they had only two fms. in the chains. It
deepened again as suddenly on hauling to the eastward, although the shoal
water appeared to extend to a considerable distance from that shore
also.
(In the morning, Messrs. Brown, Bauer & Westal,
with attendants, set off with the intention of ascending for X the
highest peak X of the ridge of mountains on the east side of the river
marked X . +See three pages on
From the ship I steered over to the west shore, finding
a deep channel beyond the middle shoal, but the softness of the bank
prevented me from landing, I therefore kept in the
Transcript for a055378378
[page 378]
1802 Mar [Thursday] -11th. H.M.S. Investigator, exploring [No12, the great inlet]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with fine weather. People employed airing the slops and
working up junk. A.M. Light airs and sultry weather. Cleaned below.
Mustered the ships company and saw them cable clean. Shortened in the
cable to a half. People employed working up junk. Light airs
Light airs and hazy. The party returned from the eastern mountains in the
evening; and at 10 P.M. the commander returned from his excursion up the
river, the head if which was found to be in latitude 32º.25'So. and
longitude 130º.10' Et. being 20 miles above the ship No fresh water
was found in the river.
A.M. Light airs and fine weather. Sighted the [anchor], and finding it
clear let it go again in 7 fms. Sent the gig to sound upon the middle
shoal. At night light breezes and fine weather.
Transcript for a055379379
[page 379]
[1802 Mar [Thursday] -11th. H.M.S. Investigator, exploring] No.12, the great inlet
Additional remarks, contd. - channel upward, and landed near the flat
topped hill on the western shore After taking altitudes for the
longitude, (which see hereafter) and taking angles from the top of the
hill, we proceeded upwards, the river being contracted to about 11/2
miles in width and much of it occupied by shoal water. Some time being
lost in following birds, we found it necessary to stop on the western
shore at night about 12 miles from the ship. The river being small in
this part I did not intend to proceed further until some flights of
swans, going downwards induced us to hope for a supply of fresh food. At
10, we had ascended as far a boat could go, the river being scarcely more
than a drain from swamps, but was still as salt as below. I observed the
longitude here (which see hereafter) and by means of the highest peak on
the eastern ridge of mountains I ascertain the head of the river to be in
latitude 32º.25'. - So. or 20 miles distant from the ship in a
straight line. At noon, we stopped at a red bank on the western shore
where I observed the latitude from the artificial horizon to be
32º.28'.8".S. and the high peak X on the eastern mountains, bore
97º.25' by theodolite; from which and its bearing from the ship X is
in 32º.30".26" So.
Transcript for a055380380
[page 380]
1802 Mar. Excursion up the river continued -
by the meridional altitude of the [moon] it would be 40" more to the
southward. This altitude was taken near six o'clock, when we were 9 miles
distant from the ship; and it was past 10 before we got on board.
This river seems to be) a drain which carries off the water which, in wet
seasons, is thrown from the hills on each side. At this time, very little
fresh water is mixed with that which flows in from the sea. The set tide
is found to set past the ship at the rate of 11/2 knots per hour,
notwithstanding its width in the lower part. The rise appears to be from
6 to 8 feet in common, and as we found it to be high water at 9h, in the
morning of the 12th, it will be about 21/2 hours after the moon passes
over the meridian. At least a hundred swans were seen in the river, but
contrary to what I have usually found to be the case in similar
circumstances, they could all fly and not one was killed. Many flocks of
red bill, both black and pied, frequent the shoals, as also of ducks; of
which some birds of each were shot.
Their excursion of the party up the mountains proved to be a most
laborious one; the mountain X, the object at which they aimed, being
proving to be not less than 15 miles distant
Transcript for a055381381
[page 381]
Astronomical Observations
Taken during the excursion in the cutter
[Not reproduced - see original journal]
Transcript for a055382382
[page 382]
1802 Mar. [Friday] - 12th. Additional remarks continued
from where they landed distant, although it appeared to be abreast of
the ship, they did not reach its top until 5 in the evening, and were
obliged to pass the night without water, or fire: which was not found
until the following day in their walk down, however, on the following day
water was found, and a spot of tolerably good ground around it. The view
from the summit did not furnish any lakes or bays to the westward, but a
dead uninteresting flat country every where presented itself. Like the
hill which I ascended on the west side of the river, there mountains
consisted of a reddish stone, which Mr Brown supposed to be
argillaceous.
Many marks of natives were seen, and some recent;
but they themselves, as usual, kept out of sight
Transcript for a055383383
[page 383]
[Saturday] - 13. H.M.S. Investigator in
Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Variable breezes with fine weather. Sent the gig to fish with hook and
line, and she had some success. Flurries of wind from the westward at
times. Veered away to a whole cable.
A.M. Mod. breezes & fine weather: at daylight, the
wind light. At 6 weighed and made sail down the river. In attempting to
pass over to the east side of the river where there appeared to be a deep
channel, the water shoaled very suddenly, and at 7h.45' the ship hung
upon a shoal covered with grass and soft. Hove all aback, but the ship
still sticking, hoisted out the cutter and hove dropped a kedge, with
which we hove her astern into deep water, and at 8h.30' made sail
downwards. At 10h.30' Hauled over to the eastward for what appeared to be
a middle shoal , but the depth remained the same. Steered along the
eastern shore about 11/2' distant.
At noon, light breezes and fine weather. Saw an extensive dry shoal
stretching out from a low point on the eastern shore; hauled to the
westward to go around it.
Transcript for a055384384
[page 384]
1802 Mar. [Sunday] 14. H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy. Made several attempts to get near the eastern
shore but we constantly found shoal water prevented us from succeeding.
These shoals are dry in two patches at low water.
Tkd. ship, bore up, and hauled to the wind occasionally as by column of
courses. At 5 o'clock the weather became squally and the wind would not
permit us to steer the course necessary to passing clear of the shoal;
therefore on finding the water beginning to shoal, we came to an [anchor]
in 7 fms soft bottom, with the best bower and veered to a whole cable. No
land visible from S.W. to S.S.E. Hill W bearing N.79.W. and Mt. X
N.18ºE. Sent the gig to acting master to sound to the S.E. where he
found 31/2 fms. near the ship in that direction, but 4 fms. everywhere
else. At night, squally weather. A.M. Mod. & fine. At 6h.30' weighed
and stood to the southward under single reefed topsails. Found the water
to be very shoal at times but we kept on as long as possible in order to
get near the eastern shore. Mustered the people & saw them clean.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves. At 11h.40' tacked ship in 31/4
fms.
Mod. breezes and fine weather
Transcript for a055385385
[page 385]
[1802 Mar. Sunday 14. H.M.S. Investigator]
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The shoal which we have been constantly attempting to
pass in order to get to the eastern shore of the river, during the
greater part of this day, I now judge, at noon to belong to the eastern
shore. The hills inland are high there, but like the upper banks of the
river they are skirted by very low land, which appears only on a near
approach.
Some spits of white sand extend westward from this
shore, but it is not improbable that the water upon them is as deep as in
the blacker water, this being found to be the case higher up.
At noon, our distance from the shore was 6 or 7 miles,
and its furthest southern extent from the mast head is S.2ºW. taken
by a Hadley. The mountain X was obscured by the haze but it still appears
to be very high
Transcript for a055386386
[page 386]
1802 Mar. [Monday] - 15th H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. At 1, tacked the ship towards the
eastern shore. At 3h. 40' the water having shoaled gradually to 3 fms.
tacked off shore again, the land being dist. 5 ot 6 miles.
At 5, tacked again towards the eastern shore, and on the water shoaling
to 4 fms. came to with best bower in upon a soft sandy bottom &
veered to 1/2 cable; the wind being moderate and weather fine. No land
visible from deck between west and south. - Sent down T.G.'yards and
ranged both cables. At 12, fresh breezes with rain A.M. moderate breezes
with dull cloudy weather. At 6h.30' weighed and made sail down the sound,
upon a wind. Hauled the M.sail up occasionally on the water shoaling to
be ready for wearing round. Fresh breezes and dull cloudy weather. At
10h, tacked the ship towards the eastern shore, the water being of
considerable depth, but at 50' past it shoaled quick to 3 fms: tacked off
immediately: distance from the shore 6 or 8 miles At noon, fresh breezes
and cloudy Served wine to the ships company
Transcript for a055387387
[page 387]
[1802 Mar. [Monday] -15th H.M.S. Investigator]
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
From the days experience, I should judge that the great
shoal on the eastern shore of this river, extends from the contracted
part upwards, to the part abreast of us this day at noon, to 40' of
latitude; and it is probable that it runs yet further south. In
consequence of this, the eastern shore seems to be inaccessible and
indeed the southern parts of the western shore seem to be nearly the
same
The hills on each side were the first land seen, altho'
they are generally several miles within the low land that forms the
shore. This low shore is covered with small wood, so as to have rather a
fertile appearance, but on a near approach it looks more sandy.
Lime juice had continued to be served to the ships
company for a considerable time, until this day. When finding the cask of
wine which was laid in for the sick at Madeira, beginning to be acid, we
served it it to the ships company, and stopped the lime-juice & sugar
for the time.
Transcript for a055388388
[page 388]
1802 Mar. [Tuesday] - 16th H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy. On the water shoaling at 2, tacked to the
eastward, being 7 or 8 miles distant from the low western shore
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Dble. reefed the top-sails. The wind heading as
we approached the eastern shore, so as to blow off the land, at 5h.50'
came to an [anchor] with the best bower in 1/4 less 5 fms. coral bottom
mixed with mud and sand, and veered to half a cable. Sent down T.Gt.
yards. Set up the T.Gt. rigging. Washed decks, and ranged both cables.
The eastern shore dist. 4 or 5 miles and extending from N.b.E. to
S.12ºW. The western land in sight to the W.S.W. Mod. breezes and
hazy weather
A.M. Moderate and cloudy. At 6, weighed, and made sail on the larboard
tack
Mod. breezes and cloudy. Cleaned below. Served sour krout as usual.
Light and fresh breezes and at times.
At noon, the eastern land extending as far as S.b.E. The western land in
sight on the lee beam nearly.
Transcript for a055389389
[page 389]
[1802 Mar. Tuesday - 16th. H.M.S. Investigator]
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The shore off which we anchored this evening seems to be rather rocky
and low, but not so low as the shores are higher up. A small range of
back hills just peeps above the front land; but farther to the south,
along which our course lies in the morning, nothing appears but the
rising of the front land to a moderate elevation, and level it seems to
be a level country, by no means naked of wood
By noon, we had passed the narrowest part of the lower
entrance into the river, where its breadth is about 20 miles.
Transcript for a055390390
[page 390]
1802 Mar. [Wednesday] - 17th. H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather
At 2, tacked towards the eastern shore
At 3h.30', seeing breakers N.78.E 11/2', and shoaling the water, tacked
off: the nearest land S.57.E. 7 or 8 miles. At 5, tacked in shore, for an
hour, and at 6, drawing towards the breakers, stood off, and double
reefed the top-sails
Fresh breezes and fine weather.
Tacked ship to the eastward
At 2, tacked off again, and at 4, tacked in shore. At 6, saw the land to
the E.N.E.
Out 2nd. reefs and set stay-sails.
Moderate breezes and fine weather.
At 11, tacked offshore, it being then distant about 31/2, white sandy
beach with clow cliffs at the back. Extremes S.29°.W. and
N.10°.W.
Noon, moderate breezes and fine weather with some haze
Transcript for a055391391
[page 391]
[1802 Mar. Wednesday - 17th H.M.S. Investigator]
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The distance from the land which the breakers lie, off which we tacked
this evening makes them very dangerous; and the water seems to break too
little upon them to give any warning in the night. - On the opposite
shore we notice some white patches in the front land like cliffs, but I
think it probable that they are places where the white sand shews itself
in the bank thro' the vegetation. The land seen in the morning being but
little distant from the former, in almost every respect bears a
resemblance to it: upon the whole it seems to be more sandy
Transcript for a055392392
[page 392]
1802 Mar. [Thursday] - 18th H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and fine weather. At 1, tacked towards the shore; and at 3
stood off again Some small islands seen near the south extreme. At 41/2,
tacked towards the shore. On drawing near, saw broken water and shoals
stretching along the sandy beach ahead; and the wind heading, tacked and
steered along the shore towards the islands; which being low, and fearing
shoals lying off them, at 7 brought to with the M.T. sail to the mast, it
being then dark; and at 91/2h, supposing we had drifted far enough to
leeward, made sail to the S.S.W.until 3, when we tacked inshore. At 5,
saw the outer island E.N.E. and the water shoaling, tacked again to the
southward
At 7, tacked to the eastward
Mod. breezes and hazy weather
Mustered the ship's company and saw them clean.
At 10h.30' Tkd. Wt. extreme of the land, supposed to be an island N.26.W.
about 6 miles. Furthest land in sight about S.b.E. S.W1/2.S. thought to
be an island also
Noon, fine weather with haze
Transcript for a055393393
[page 393]
[1802 Mar. [Thursday] - 18th H.M.S. Investigator]
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The same land which was the southernmost land seen at night, was the
northernmost in the morning. It assumes the appearance of islands in both
cases, but I suspect that a low sandy neck connects it with the main. On
the south side of this island, or point, the shore forms a large wide bay
facing the south. The land is sandy round it, and even in the country the
appearance is (partly) similar. The land near the shore is low, and
although it keeps ascending for some miles inland, it does not by any
means become high. The country has, upon the whole, a tolerable
appearance for a sea coast, but I believe it to be mostly barren.
Transcript for a055394394
[page 394]
1802 Mar. [Friday] - 19th H.M.S. Investigator [returning out of No.12 great Inlet]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather. At 1, tacked to the eastward. Saw the
water to be discoloured in patches in 8 and 9 fms. At 4h.15', the land
ahead dist. about 4 miles, tacked offshore.
At sunset, land seen from the mast head bearing S.W.b.S. thought to be an
island, and joined to the extreme set at noon
Mod. & fine weather. Saw a fire upon the westernmost land. At 9h.40'
came to [anchor] with the best bower upon a gravelly bottom; apparently
about 3 miles off shore. The land from East to W.b.S. round by the south.
- Heard the howling of dogs on shore.
A.M. Light winds & fine weather
Having taken altitudes for the TKs. as per column, at 7h.30' weighed and
made sail to pass round the westernmost point. Saw the coast stretching
from it soon after to S.22ºW.
At 10, the large Uncertain Island in sight, and a wedge-shaped island
seen before, now bearing S.33ºW. dist. abt. 7 leagues. Noon. mod.
& cloudy wr.
The mainland behind Memory Cove in sight. Highest part of Uncertain I.
S.58ºW. dist. about 7 leagues.
Transcript for a055395395
[page 395]
[1802 Mar. Friday - 19th. H.M.S. Investigator] returning out of No.12 great Inlet
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The situation where we [anchor]d this evening is well sheltered from the
southerly winds, which are those only which blow with violence at this
time of the year. The fire seen upon the land, and the howling of the
dogs, confirm us in the opinion of its being the main land. The land
rises as little gradually from the lower sea shore and seems to be well
covered with wood of a moderate size. The rocks appear to calcarious
where they shew themselves in cliffs.
The coast has now brought us near to the large
Uncertain Island, which consequently will lie in the entrance into this
broad river, or perhaps with more propriety, the term gulph ought to be
applied to it.
The wind being very nearly in the direction which the
coast assumes from the west point which shelters the [anchor]age, I
stretched to the westward towards Uncertain Island, having an object to
accomplish of some importance to the accuracy of my chart of this great
inlet.
Transcript for a055396396
[page 396]
1802 Mar. [Saturday] - 20th H.M.S. Investigator [off the entrance into No.12 inlet]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather. Continued stretching to the westward
until 4h.40' when a ledge of rocks bore S72W. about 3 miles. Tacked ship
to the eastward, having ascertained the rates of the TKs. found in Bay
No. 10 to be right. The
Isles (, &c. a few miles to the north of us, and Wedge Island
S.261/2ºE. The eastern side of the gulph out of sight, but the land
and islands near Memory Cove distinctly seen. - On the wind heading at
9h.30' tacked ship, and again at 11, from the same cause: Wedge I. then
bearing S.b.W. by supposition 4 or 5 miles.
At 2, tacked to the southward.
Moderate breezes and cloudy.
At 6, Point ( where we [anchor]d yesterday N.62ºE., and Wedge I.
S.47º1/2W. near which are some other smaller islands.
At 9, set land as far S.1ºW. which is near the extreme in sight, at
a considerable distance. Furthest part of the main which we can be
certain is so, S.42E. - Employed working up junk, and trimming sails to
the variable wind. Noon, a cape E.1ºN. which is the furthest part of
the certain main & dist. 5 or 6 miles. Some small islands off it.
Furthest land S.13ºW. Hazy weather
Transcript for a055397397
[page 397]
[1802 Mar. Saturday - 20th H.M.S. Investigator] Off the entrance into No. 12, great inlet
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Having, as by column of observations, ascertained that the longitudes
of places as now given by TKs are nearly the same as they gave from bay
No.10, the position of all the places in the gulph are thereby verified.
Bay No. 10 at present stands in the longitude 136º8'.47".3Et. as
given by the time keepers from the rates in Bay No. 1. These rates were
found to be erroneous and consequently the longitude they gave in Bay No.
10 would be more so, than that at Uncertain Island taken 6 days before. I
ascertain by bearings that the true difference between these two places
is, in longitude 20'40" which being subtracted from 136º.24'.27",
the longitude of Uncertain Island, gives an error of 5' in the longitude
of Bay No. 10, which it has been taken too great, and consequently every
longitude since is equally erroneous. But for the true longitude of No.
10 re the summary of lunar observations at the end.
The connexion between the southern land and the main
not being yet seen, we are in doubt as to its being the former being
insulated, (4, the cape bearing E.1º.N. at noon is steep,
calcarious, and moderately high; and if the southern land joins to it, it
is by a connecting part whose distance is considerable
Transcript for a055398398
[page 398]
1802 Mar. [Sunday] - 21st. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the unknown south east coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Variable light airs and cloudy weather At 3h.35' tacked ship to the
southward, but not being able to weather the outer island lying off cape
(4, tacked off again.
At 7, a steady breeze set in with which we steered towards the southern
land. At 8, the isle o, E1/2N. 4 or 5 miles.
Fresh breezes. At 10, tacked ship and brought to under double reefed top
sails.
At 12, the island N.E.b.E. Wore ship, treble reefed the top-sails, and
stood, under them towards the southern land. - Carried away the F.T. mt.
spring stay. - A heavy sea from the S.W.
Fresh gales: the weather tolerably fine. Wore and stood to the northward
till daylight when the southern land bore from South to E.b.S. through
the haze. The isle ( N.b.W. about 5 miles. At 6h.10' wore ship to the
southward Sent down T.Gt. yards, and close reefed the topsails. - The
water getting smoother as we got under the weather shore.
At 9h.30' shortened sail with the intention of [anchor]ing in a bight
between the cliffs, till the weather was more moderate, but finding it
not well sheltered, steered along the coast. At noon, strong squalls at
times
Extremes S83E. to S.62(W. off shore about 3 miles. Under two top sails
and fore sail.
Transcript for a055399399
[page 399]
[1802 Mar. Sunday - 21st. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the unknown south coast of New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The cape (4), and isle, appear to be calcarious, as also does the
southern land.
The gale that came on about 12 o'clock in the night
blew the hardest that we have yet experienced upon the coast of New
Holland. The unknown space between (4), and the southern land, we were
afraid to steer for during the night; but kept off and on; until
daylight, when the wind had not had not gotten so far to the south as to
prevent us from fetching under the weather shore. No smokes or any
certain marks of main land or of island, appearing upon the southern
land, we can only conjecture as to its connexion. The width of the
passage is 24 miles, according to the obsd. latitudes; the south land is
high, calcarious, and cliffy; some small bights and beaches lying between
the projecting heads. The line of the shore seems to be N.75°.E.
which it preserves nearly as far as we saw at noon.
The badness of the weather induced me to try for anchorage in one of the
bights but not finding it well sheltered, we steered on to the
eastward.
Transcript for a055400400
[page 400]
1802 Mar [Monday] - 22. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the unknown south coast of New Holland]
Fresh gales and cloudy weather. At 1h.50' hauled round a point from which
the land lowered into a bay to the southward. Let out the 4th. reefs out
of the topsails and set main sail, trying to fetch up. At 6, we came near
the land on the east side of the bay, where we [anchor]ed in 9 fms. fine
sand, with the best bower in very smooth water. The south land extending
from East, round by So. to N. 74°W. and high land like an island
N.35° to 75°E: distance off shore about 1/2 mile: a small sandy
beach. - Fresh breezes & squally. Found a tide running 1 knot per
hour to the eastward, until 81/2 h. At 9, it made to the westward. -
A.M. Moderate breezes and cloudy with squalls at times. Went on shore
with a party of gentlemen, to examine the land, which we found every
reason to think an island notwithstanding its magnitude. By the return of
the boat we sent 3 kanguroos of considerable size on board
Sailmakers repairing the F. and Mz. topsails and Mz.
staysails.
Cloudy weather with spitting rain, so that no observations could be
obtained in the morning or at noon.
Transcript for a055401401
[page 401]
[1802 Mar. Monday - 22. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the unknown south coast of New Holland
From (2, which we passed at 1h.45' to the point under which we
[anchor]ed, is a large bight comprehending several small ones, but they
appear to be mostly shoal, being out of the stream of the tides.
On landing in the morning we were soon satisfied that
some animals which, with glasses, we had seen moving about were
kanguroos; numbers of them appearing at the landing place, which was near
a place free from brush wood and covered with grass, and seemed to be a
favourite feeding spot. It is impossible to form any guess as to the
numbers seen during the day, but those brought on board were 31, whose
weight was between 69 and 125 lbs each uncleaned; these made a glorious
feast to people to who had been 4 months upon salt provisions. I ordered
that 50 or 60 lbs should be stewed into soup each day in the ships
coppers, and that as much meat besides should be served to the messes as
they could eat; and the meat would last. These animals seem to resemble
the largest kind in New South Wales, except in colour, which is much
darker.
The main object for which I landed was defeated by the
thickness and height of the brushwood, which would not permit me to see
round after I had been at the labour of ascending the higher land; but
the kanguroos and the seals satisfied me that it was an island.
Transcript for a055402402
[page 402]
1802 Mar. [Tuesday] - 23d. H.M.S. Investigator at [anchor]age [No.13 - Kanguroo Island - So. coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy. At 2, returned on board with 20 kanguroos.
After cleaning the kanguroos and serving out as much as could be eaten,
got the T.Gt. masts down upon deck, and struck the top-masts, preparatory
to shifting them. Showers of rain at times. A.M. Variable breezes with
cloudy weather. Employed shifting the present top-masts, which are split
at the heels, for others. - Noon, moderate breezes and fine weather. A
party of gentlemen on shore examining the island and shooting
kanguroos.
Additional remarks. This land which we now judge to be an island, seems
to be calcarious in all the cliffs that shewed themselves further to the
westward; but near our present [anchor]age, the calcarious matter is
found scattered in loose, and small quantities. The basis seems to be a
slate, which in some parts splits off like iron bars. The strata lie
nearly horizontal, and in the interstices, some streaks of quartz are
sometimes seens. In some pieces a composition with mica gives it a
shining, ore-like, appearance.
A thick wood covers all this side of the island, but none of the trees
that I saw in a vegetating state, were equal in size to the generality of
those that that were dead. Such abundance of the last were lying on the
ground, besides many standing, that in penetrating inland to get upon the
higher ground, a considerable portion of the walk
Transcript for a055403403
[page 403]
[1802 Mar. Tuesday - 23d. H.M.S. Investigator at anchorage] No. 13 - Kanguroo Island - So. coast of New Holland
was made upon them. These prostrated trees were lying in all
directions, and therefore I judge they were not so placed by any general,
violent wind; but they seemed to be all nearly of the same age and in the
same state of decay. I am induced from all circumstances to believe that
they have been killed by fire which, by some accident, seems to have
prevailed all over this side of the island, and probably over the whole.
This accident might have originated from lightening, or from the friction
of two dead trees lying against each other in a gale. -
The kanguroos appeared to have possessed a dominion in
this island, which probably has never before been invaded before; the
seals share with them on the shores, but they seem to dwell amicably
together. It was not unfrequently the case happened, that the report of a
gun fired at a kanguroo, brought out two or three bellowing seals from
bushes that were further from the shore than the kanguroo at which the
gun was fired. The seals, indeed, seemed to be the most discerning
animals of the two, for they acted as if they knew us not to be
kanguroos, whereas the latter appeared sometimes not unfrequently to
consider us as to be seals:
The party on shore this day, had not the success that we had yesterday in
their shooting; but they report having seen some large running birds like
the emu.
Transcript for a055404404
[page 404]
1802 Mar [Wednesday] - 24th. H.M.S. Investigator at [anchor]age [No.13 Kanguroo Island]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy. Employed in rigging the new top-mast, and
setting it up. Received 11 kanguroos on board, killed by the party on
shore Many of them were small, compared to those killed yesterday. Fresh
meat served out as before to the ships company. Light breezes and cloudy.
A.M. Fresh breezes, afterwards moderate. Employed restowing the booms and
scraping the topmasts.
At 10, weighed and made sail to the northwestward, to that part of the
main, (4, which we quitted on the 21st. P.M. in order to trace its
continuation up to the land, which lies opposite to this Kanguroo Island,
and which
Lowered down the cutter from the quarter davits, and hoisted her in board.
+from smoke seen upon it, we judge to be main land.
At noon, moderate breezes and squally at times. The northern land seen as
far to the west as N.44º.E. Extremes of Kanguroo Island N.81º.W
to S.55ºE. Head near our [anchor]age S.31º.E. - Under single
reefed topsails &c.
Transcript for a055405405
[page 405]
[1802 Mar. Wednesday] - 24th. H.M.S. Investigator at anchorage] No. 13
- Kanguroo Island
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
From the appearance of this shore I judge that the rise of tide is about
6 feet. The flood comes from the eastward, and the time of high water a
ships swinging to the ebb is about 21/2 hours after the moon passes over
the meridian; but from after observation, it appears that it is not high
water until an hour and half afterwards
The wood of Kanguroo Island, is in abundance near the
water side, and is of a sufficient size for fire wood or for stowage; but
it does not appear to be calculated for superior purposes.
The soil of that part of the island which was examined
by us, was judged to be much superior to any yet seen either upon the
islands or main of this south coast: some small spots in Princess Royal
Harbour scarcely excepted. I did not ascertain its depth, but it cannot
be very shallow in general. It consists of vegetable earth with a mixture
of sand, but not in any great proportion; and I think it superior to some
part of the land which is cultivated about Port Jackson. or even in
England
Transcript for a055406406
[page 406]
1802 Mar. [Thursday] - 25th. H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather, with squalls at times. Trimmed sails
accordingly.
At 6, land seen to the northward as far as W.N.W. and thence to a low
point bearing N.b.E. 3 or 4 leagues. Kanguroo Island S.40º.W. to
S.3º.E. our anchorage being invisible.
Double reefed the top-sails.
Moderate breezes and cloudy weather
At 2h.40' saw isle o, bearing W.b.N. At 4, it bore N.W. Tacked ship at
that time, shortened sail and brought to on the starbd. tack. At day
light, out 2nd. reefs, and at 6.30 filled and steered to the eastward
parellel to the line of the shore: cape (4, to N43ºW. about 8
miles.
Moderate breezes with dull cloudy weather
Kanguroo served out to the ships company as before
Mustered the ships company and saw them clean. At 11h.15', tacked ship on
the water shoaling. Saw a sunken rock very near us. At noon, our distance
off a low sandy shore 5 or 6 miles. The point from which the shoal water
runs off N.18ºE. -
Transcript for a055407407
[page 407]
1802 Mar. [Friday] - 26th. Unknown south coast
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. and dull cloudy weather: the sun having not appeared once this day,
notwithstanding the height of the barometer. At 1.10, tacked to the
eastward until past 4, when we tacked off, not being able to weather a
point, which bore east about 4 miles. At 6, double reefed the
top-sails.
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
At 101/2 h, tacked to the northward, the land bearing S.W. to east, dist.
about 3 miles
At 4, saw land on the lee bow, and the water shoaling at the same time
Tkd. ship
At 5h.45' tacked to the northward.
At 8, tacked off shore, not being able to weather the same point, at
which we tried yesterday afternoon. Out 2nd reefs and set T.Gt.
sails.
At 11.30 tacked to the northward, but we find ourselves set so much to
leeward that we lose ground rather than gain. At noon, moderate breezes
and fine weather with haze. The point of the northern land which we must
weather to examine a bight there. bore N.38(20'E.
Transcript for a055408408
[page 408]
1802 Mar. [Saturday] - 27th H.M.S. Investigator explori[ng the unknown south coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather. At 2.30 tacked to the southward,
finding that we could not weather the island-like point. At 4, tacked
towards the point, and at 6, the hummock upon it bore N.12.E. and the
furthest extreme there N.38.E. dist. off shore 5 or 6 miles. (2 of the
island, bore S.2.E in that situation. Double reefed the top-sails. At 8,
tacked, on finding the water shoal; and our distance from the low shore
to leeward being abt. 3 miles
Fresh breezes and squally.
Tacked ship to the eastward, but on the wind heading at 2, tacked off
again. At 4, tacked again to the eastward until 6, when the extreme of
the low northern land bore N.191/2E; being nearly in the same situation
as at 6 P.M. tacked to the southward and let the 2nd reefs out of the
top-sails.
At 8 tacked ship, but on the wind heading almost immediately, tacked
again to the southward
Towards noon, it became calm, and hazy weather. Lowered down the sails
and dropped a kedge to prevent being drifted to the westward. The point
(2, S. 24(W.21/2 miles
Transcript for a055409409
[page 409]
[1802 Mar. Saturday - 27 th. H.M.S. Investigator explori]ng the
unknown south coast of New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The part of the main opposite to Kanguroo Island, to examine which has
been the object of our labour since leaving the island, is generally low
land, and seemingly sandy. The island- like point which with so much
difficulty we at last weathered this evening is somewhat remarkable from
the hummock upon it, which, at a little distance, appears to be an
island. There is no particular point there but the land from thence
trends to the N.E. ward and no land is visible in the space between it
and the high land of great No.2, which we have hitherto supposed to be
main land. From observing comparing the ships real course with that given
by the log, I suspect, that the tides run differently on the two sides of
this passage or strait, and that some inlet on this north side is the
cause of it.
At the time of our [anchor]age about noon, we
ought to have had a tide setting to the eastward, judging from what we
observed at the [anchor]age further to the eastward, but this was not the
case; and as observed on the following page, the easterly tide did not
make, until three oclock, when we might have expected one in an opposite
direction; and its course was then to the N.E. instead of the
S.E.ward.
Transcript for a055410410
[page 410]
1802 Mar. [Sunday] - 28th. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the inlet No.14 - on the south coast]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and calms with cloudy weather and haze. Found no observable
drift of tide until 3 oclock, when it made a little to the N.E.ward.
Weighed the kedge, and made sail towards the unexplored part of the main
At 6, fresh breezes and threatening weather. Double-reefed the top-sails
& handed T.Gt. sails. Saw a fire upon the land ahead. In spanked
M.sail and jib
At 12, the land seen ahead and on the weather bow, and several fires upon
it.
Wore ship, having missed stays.
At 2, tacked again to the eastward. At 3, nearly calm: lightening in the
N.E.
At daylight, the high eastern land, extending from about N.35(E. to S.20
W. A lofty mountain N.65 (E.: offshore abt. 9 miles
At 7 1/2, it became calm. Hauled up the courses. Hazy weather, so that
the land is not defineable any at any great distance.
Cleaned below, mustered the ships company and saw them clean
At 11, a light air sprung up from the S.W. Made sail. By the lead, tried
at various times this morning, no tide could be observed. Noon, fine
weather with some haze
Transcript for a055411411
[page 411]
[1802 Mar. Sunday - 28th. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the inlet No.14 - on the south coast.
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land about point (2, seems to be more barren than the cape further
west where we [anchor]ed; but a thick brush is not wanting at a little
distance inland.
The opposite land, along which we ran in the night, and
lay near, becalmed, in the morning, is much higher; and generally
consists of more than two ridges of land. The shore is mostly rocks and
sand with a few small trees interspersed; but higher up a well-appearing
forest seems to clothe the country. From the fires seen during the night,
the smoke observed before upon it, and from its general appearance, we
believe it to be the mainland; and the space between it and the main, to
the west, being full thirty miles, as appears from the observations; it
may be presumed that we are entering a large inlet of some kind, as I
before suspected there was, from the set of the tides.
Transcript for a055412412
[page 412]
1802 Mar. [Monday] -29th. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the Inlet No.14 - South coast]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and hazy weather. Steered nearly parallel to a low sandy
beach, the high hills having retreated inland. At 3h. 1/2, hauled further
offshore on the water shoaling. At 4, lowland seen from the mast head as
far as N.b.W. The loftiest of the hills passed S.69E. and our distance
offshore abt. 8 miles. At 50' before sunset came to, with the best bower,
in 5 fms., upon a bottom of sand and peices of dead coral. The low sandy
shore distant 8 or 10 miles, and seen as far as No. - ; and the opposite
west shore seen from W.5 S. to N.W.b.W. Veered to a whole cable and sent
down T.Gt. yards. Mod. breezes and fine weather: some swell coming in
from the southward.
Very little tide observed during the night At daylight,
light airs and fine weather. Took the gig and went to sound upon a
rippling to the westward, but there not did appear to be any difference
in the depth, which was 5 1/4. Set up the the T.and M.T. mast and
T.Gt.rigging, at 8 sent up T.Gt. yards and at 9h.30' weighed and made
sail to proceed up this inlet, but it became calm and remained so until
11h., when a light breeze sprung up, to which we trimmed sails, hauling
more up, at noon, on account of the water shoaling.
Some mountains seen to the north and N.N.W. A low shoal point of the east
shore N.5 E.
Transcript for a055413413
[page 413]
[1802 Mar. Monday - 29th. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the Inlet No.14 - South coast
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The low eastern shore along which we have run this day, is generally
sandy, but is mostly covered with small trees. The breadth of this low
land; from the water to the back hills, is various. It appears to be not
more than 5 or 6 miles in the first part; but as they preserve nearly a
N.N.E. direction and the low shore curves to the westward, it
consequently becomes broader
We notice much smoke upon this low land, which is probably at no great
distance beyond the fire seen on the preceding night; and at noon also,
great smokes were rising upon the western land, near the mountains which
bear N.19(W.
The rippling, upon which I went to sound early in the morning, was
evidently the effect of tide, but the difference in depth upon, or on
each side of it was scarcely perceptible and the run of tide at the ship
was trifling: what little there was came from the N.W.ward.
At noon, Light breezes and fine wr. with haze
Transcript for a055414414
[page 414]
1802 Mar. [Tuesday] - 30th. H.M.S. Investigator, at [anchorage in Inlet No.14 - south coast]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy weather. At 11/2 h kept more away up the inlet,
but the water shoaling from the eastern shore, were obliged to haul more
across. At 31/2, steered nearly in a direct line upwards, but drawing
near the western shore, hauled more to the eastwd. and steered different
ways in order to find out the deepest channel. Towards sunset, the inlet
appeared to be closed round at the distance of 6 or 7 miles, and finding
no deep channel any further up, came to [anchor] with the best bower in
51/4 fms. upon a bottom of coarse sand, shells and broken peices of
coral. Veered to half a cable and sent down T. Gt. yards. A hummocky
mount, at the head of the inlet N.2(W. The shore distant in the nearest
parts on each side, 4 or 5 miles. The loftiest mountain on the eastern
shore S.42ºE. Hoisted out the cutter to be in readiness early in the
morning to examine the head of the inlet.
A.M. Light breezes and fine weather. Took the cutter and went up to the
head of this inlet, to examine its termination. Roused the small bower
cable upon deck to clean the tier and repair the rounding.
Noon, light breezes and fine weather
At 8 A.M. Observed the tide of to run S.SW. 1/2 knot
Transcript for a055415415
[page 415]
[1802 Mar. Tuesday - 30th. H.M.S. Investigator, at] anchorage in Inlet 14 - south coast
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Although the western shore appears evidently to be the deepest side of
the inlet in this upper part, yet it should seem that 3 or 4 miles is as
near as a ship can approach it. The land on that side rises gradually to
a moderate elevation, but in general, it has a smooth, barren,
appearance: many large smokes appear upon it. -
The eastern shore seems more woody and also more
sandy.
In the excursion up to the head of the inlet in the
morning I was accompanied by the naturalist. The soundings were not less
than 3 fms. for the first 4 miles, but we then soon came upon a bank, so
shoal, that it was necessary to row a little back to get into a narrow
deep channel nearer to the western shore. Numbers of sting rays came
round the boat whilst on the flat, but being unprovided, we were not able
to succeed in getting any into the boat.
The narrow channel, carried us up to near the head of
the inlet, but the boat
Transcript for a055416416
[page 416]
1802 Mar. [Wednesday] - 31st. H.M.S. Investigator, at 2 [anchor]age in [Inlet No.14 - south coast]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with fine weather. Employed finishing the cable and
restowing the booms.
Light breezes towards evening, with fine weather and some haze. At 7,
returned on board in the cutter from examining the head of the inlet.
At 101/2 h, ship swung to the flood tide, and which ran soon after 1/2
knot to the N.b.E.
Boused in the slack cable At daylight, after washing decks, sent up the
T. Gt. yards; and at 6h.30' weighed and made sail down the inlet, with
light winds
Hoisted the gig on board to be repaired
Repaired the puddening of the anchors
Light breezes and fine weather, with haze. Carrying all the small fore
and aft sails. Cleaned below. Served sour krout. A Turtle seen on the
water. At 111/2, tacked ship, the western shore 3 or 4 miles distant
Transcript for a055417417
[page 417]
[1802 Mar. Wednesday - 31st. H.M.S. Investigator, at 2 anchorage in] Inlet No.14 - south coast.
could not then approach nearer than half a mile to the shore: the bottom
consisted of mud and sand. - After taking angles and observing the
latitude, we walked up to the ridge of back land, from whence the head of
the inlet was sufficiently conspicuous. There did not appear to be any
drain of water into the inlet, but in wet weather much will no doubt be
thrown into it, from hills which in a circular form inscribe circumscribe
the head of the inlet; these hills are of moderate elevation, and are
part of the same ridge which runs nearly parallel to the east shore of
the inlet. - The water of the western gulph No.12, was hid by land,
something higher than that upon which we were; but might probably been
seen from a hummocky mountain, which we had proposed to ascend, but found
had not its distance been found to be beyond the bounds of returning to
the ship in the evening.
We found the tide to be out, at about 10h1/2; and
therefore it should be high water about 71/2h. after the [moon] passes
over the meridian: the rise seems to be about 6 feet in common. Some few
shags, gulls, and one black swan were seen upon the shoals. -
The country has a pleasant appearance round the inlet,
at a distant view; but all that I saw was poor in fertility. The trees
grow but in patches, and the grass thin
Transcript for a055418418
[page 418]
1802 Apr. [Thursday] - 1st. H.M.S. Investigator [beating down the Inlet No.14 - south coast]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with fine weather. At 2h.5' tacked on the water
shoaling; from having passed to the east side of the deep channel. At
5h.40', being within 1/2 mile of the west shore tacked to the eastward;
the hum'ky. mountain N.16 1/2 E. and south extreme S.5(E. - Do. weather
with haze. On the ships breaking off, at 8h.30', tacked to the
southward.
Moderate breezes & fine wr. Saw a large fire upon the eastern shore.
Shortened sail on the wind coming free; and at 3, brought to, and laid by
until daylight, when Mt. Lofty bore E.21/2 (S. The western shore not in
sight. Bore round to the westward to make that land, and made sail. At
9h.30', saw a dry sand bank lying off from the low southern extreme of
the western shore, and hauled round to weather it. Passed over some shoal
patches of sandy bottom, and saw others more extensive.
At noon, the extreme of the high land of the eastern shore S.14(.E.
Kanguroo Island in sight from the mast head. Light breezes and fine
weather
Mustered ships company and saw them clean.
Transcript for a055419419
[page 419]
[1802 Apr. Thursday - 1st. H.M.S. Investigator] beating down the Inlet No. 14 - south coast
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land which we approached so near to, this afternoon, has a pleasant
appearance, being grassy hills of a gentle ascent with clumps of trees
interspersed, but from analogy, I judge it to be rather barren than
fertile. The shore is somewhat cliffy and not so low as as usual, and
from our being able to approach within 1/2 a mile, it is more steep near
the shore than one would expect in an inclosed inlet where no stream of
consequence was running.
The best point of entrance into this Inlet near
to which our course was directed at daylight, is very low land, the shore
is sandy beach, and off the point lies a dry spit reaching some miles
distant, but I believe connected with it, though of this I speak not
certainly. I saw the island-like hummock from the mast head at noon but
could not set it, or get anything to which I could reduce an angle from
it. The contrast between this lowland, and the opposite shore is
considerable, that being mountainous and stony.
Transcript for a055420420
[page 420]
1802 Apr. [Friday] - 2. H.M.S. Investigator, from [the Inlet No. 14, back to Kanguroo Island]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and hazy weather
At 3, a light breeze sprung up from the S.E.ward, to which we made sail,
tacking to the southward
Fine weather with haze. Steering to the southward for Kanguroo Island,
the former [anchor]ing place there being in sight bearing south.
At 11, steered along the shore to the entrance of a deep bay, on the west
side of the former [anchor]age, and at 11h.40' dropped the [anchor] in
71/2 fms. sandy bottom; the east point of the bay, ( bearing ENE. off
shore about 3/4 of a mile. Veered to half a cable and furled sails.
Hoisted out the cutter to be in readiness to go on shore early in the
morning.
A.M. Light breezes and fine weather. Landed in order to shoot some
kanguroos, but very were seen, and only one shot at this time
Sent a small party to cut fire wood, and others to shoot
kanguroos
Cleaned the ship below.
The tide not running regular in this place, no clear acct. of
them was kept. This irregularity is owing to our being out of the passage
between the island and the main
Transcript for a055421421
[page 421]
[1802 Apr. Friday - 2. H.M.S. Investigator, from] the Inlet No. 14, back to Kanguroo Island
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
In consequence of our passing that part of the mainland which constitutes
the eastern cape of entrance in to the Inlet, at night, no more of it
could be seen more than we knew before; that it is rather high land and
appears to be barren up the hills. In coming to Kanguroo Island again,
the objects were, a place of security at night, to get another fresh meal
of kanguroo, and to ascertain generally whether our time-keepers were
keeping their rates. In the two first of them we succeeded moderately
well, but the kanguroos were not now found in anything like the former
numbers. Five emus were distinctly seen today, by people who had no guns
with them; and part of the skin of a porcupine or something very like one
was found. This island will probably afford the only instance of
containing the emu of any of the insulated parts of New Holland, Van
Diemens Land excepted. From the annexed observation for the longitude, it
appears, that the time keepers had differed 1'.50" of longitude nearly,
to the west, since we quitted it on March 24th. and consequently that the
sum of their rates of losing was not now quite so great as had been
allowed during that interval; the difference being abt. ·57 of a
second per day
Transcript for a055422422
[page 422]
1802 Apr. [Saturday] - 3rd. H.M.S. Investigator at the 2 [anchor]age [in Kanguroo Island]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and fine weather. Boused in the slack cable. Returned on
board, bringing a few kanguroos which, with some killed by others, were
sufficient to give every body a fresh meal. Received on board a cutter
load of wood and stowed it away. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Veered away to
the half cable. A.M. Mod. And cloudy. At 6h. 30', weighed, stretched in
shore, and tacked to the northward. Found that the Time-keepers, were run
down, having been neglected to be woundup yesterday. Dropped the [anchor]
again in nearly the same place as before, and on the turning of the tide
to leeward moored ship.
Went on shore to get observations for ascertaining the
rate of going of the time keepers, and their errors from mean Greenwich
time, according to the longitude deduced from the observation of [Wed.]
24 March, A.M. Hoisted out the launch, and sent an officer in her to kill
kanguroos and seals. Sent a party on shore to cut wood. At noon, light
breezes & fine weather.
[Sunday April 4th.] Light airs. In the evening the launch returned with
several seal-skins; and the wooders returned in the cutter. Mod. &
fine weather A.M. Took the cutter to go upon an excursion for examining
the large bay, in which the ship lies. Carpenters on shore wooding. Got
up the best bower cable, cleaned the tier, and payed down the cable. At
noon, light airs
Transcript for a055423423
[page 423]
[H.M.S. Investigator at the 2 anchorage] in Kanguroo Island
[Navigational data for Monday 5th. not reproduced - see original journal]
and fine weather. Slack water noted on the log to be at 10h.30' soon
after which the tide made from the eastward
[Monday - 5th.] Fine weather. Received on board wood, by the launch; and
a second turn in the evening
A.M. Spitting rain. Sent some hands on shore to cut brooms. Cleaned the
ship thoroughly above and below, and aired with stoves. Sent the launch
to the eastward to fish, and to bring on board a party who went to shoot
kanguroos. At 11, returned on board in the cutter from our excursion, in
which was found a rivulet lagoon, frequented by many pelicans, and the
sea coast of the south side of the island seen from a hill. Dull cloudy
wr.
Additional remarks. The object of the excursion abovementioned was both
to examine the head of the bay, and to ascend a hill, which seems to be
the only one in the island where the height and thickness of the brush
wood does not entirely intercept the view. On approaching the S.W. corner
of the bay, we were pleased gratified to find an small opening which led
towards the hill. After breakfasting on the west shore of the rivulet
lagoon, we proceeded upwards and which brought us nearly to near the foot
of the hill and getting it. After observing the suns meridional altitude,
we got through the brush without much difficulty, and reached the top at
1 o'clock; for
Transcript for a055424424
[page 424]
1802 Apr. [Monday] - 5th. Additional remarks continued - [Pelican Rivulet, in Kanguroo Island.]
for I had waited till past noon at the shore in order to observe the
latitude in the artificial horizon. To the southward, the sea appeared
was conspicuous from the top of the hill, at not a greater distance than
2 miles. Projecting capes appeared to the S.E. and S.W.ward, forming a
wide open bay, which, as observed, approaches to within two miles of is
so near to the head of this rivulet lagoon, as to leave an isthmus of
only two miles broad by which the eastern and western parts of this
island are connected together The shore there on the south side appeared
to be calcarious and cliffy, but not high.
The rivulet (lagoon) spreads itself out into two heads,
of whh. the southern one, which was first examined is the smallest and
shallowest. They (It) extends 3 or 4 miles from the entrance, but it is
at high water only can that a boat can pass much about in most parts of
it scarcely affords water enough for boats, except at high water. The
eastern head of the lagoon contains three islands, upon two of which we
landed on, and from appearances judged them seem to be breeding places
for pelicans: on the third we did not land. These birds were in great
numbers, and many of them were too young to fly. From the number quantity
of skeletons and scattered bones upon one of the islands, I infer that
the pelicans also end their days there close as well as commence their
existence here at a distance from man the disturber. not only commence
their being here, but that they have selected this retreat for the
closing scene of their existence; here, at a distance from man, the great
disturber of all the vital principal that animated them, can quietly
depart, without interruption, and perhaps without a pang.
(Between the outer bay and this eastern head of the lagoon the land is
formed into a neck of no great breadth; but it is as thickly covered with
brush as elsewhere. It being too late to return on board after examining
the eastern hills, we pitched the
Transcript for a055425425
[page 425]
[1802 Apr. Monday - 5th. Additional remarks continued] Pelican Rivulet, in Kanguroo Island
[Astronomical observations for April 4th.not reproduced - see original journal]
tent near the eastern point of the entrance and as before mentioned got
on board, before noon.
Besides pelicans, this piece of water is frequented by
flocks of the pied shags, and by a few ducks, and gulls. Some oysters
were found upon the shoals
The country round the water is every where thickly
covered with brush wood. The soil seems to be of nearly the same good
quality as in the neighbourhood of the ship. Only two kanguroos were
killed, and but few seen; and not one emu
The depth of water in the outer part of the entrance
small passage entrance into the lagoon is less than it is higher up where
a regular channel is formed. I cannot give the depth of water, not having
a lead and line in the boat, but it appears to be sufficient for rowing
boats of any size, up into the eastern head of the rivulet
To have ascertained the breadth of this large island,
is a valuable addition to the little knowledge we yet have of its form
& extent; and is more than I expected to have gained from the
moderate height of the hill, which I call Prospect Hill. In consequence
of the near approach of the water lagoon to the rivulet south shore
Kanguroo Island is seperated into two penisulas parts of very unequal
size, but of their proportions and form nothing yet can be said connected
by an isthmus of two whose breadth is about two miles.
Transcript for a055426426
[page 426]
1802 Apr. Additional remarks - Kanguroo Island
We found it to be high water in Pelican Rivulet Lagoon, at 6h. on the
morning of 5th. Which is near 4h after the [moon] passes over the
meridian; but it appears from the log that the tide did not made from the
westward more than an hour before that time; so that the first hour and
half of the western tide makes high water; and it which is about 3 hours
earlier than at the head of the inlet No. 14.
(We did not find the an equal) The number of
kanguroos in any part of the island, were not found to equal those met
with at the first anchorage. They seem to be attracted by (the) a space
of ground there which is uncovered by the brush, and by some small grass
plots, which they keep exceedingly bare; they appear to feed also upon
some of the bushes. (Although not less than 30 emus were seen at
different times, yet it so happened that they were never but once fired
at, and we did not get one of them. They were mostly seen near a small
drain of water a little to the eastward of the first [anchor]age and)
where, with some difficulty, a ship might procure that essential article.
It will be found at both ends of the beach.
Transcript for a055427427
[page 427]
Astronomical observations, on shore near the 2 [anchor]age
On finding that the time-keepers had been let down, I judged it necessary
to remain a certain number of days, to get fresh rates, lest by stopping
they might have altered; And to ascertain their errors from mean
Greenwich time, I take the longitude of the place abreast of the ship,
where the observations were taken, to be about 1.'20" of longitude to the
west of our first [anchor]age, or 138(. 23'.00" = 9h.13'.32", Et. of
Greenwich. The results of the observations are as follow
[Table of astronomical observations not reproduced - see original
journal]
On arriving this second time at Kanguroo Island we found that the
time-keepers gave the longitude less than at the first time by about
1'50", and consequently that the sum of the two rates of losing had been
allowed somewhat greater than the time-keepers had really lost during the
9 days of interval. The sum of the two rates of Earnshaws two
time-keepers now found, corroborates this, being 0".26 less than the
former. From this and every other circumstance we have reasons to think
the rates now found to be good; and therefore I did not think it
necessary to remain longer on their account. The variation obsd. on shore
by Comp. No.1 was 2.58Et.. but by Theodolite 5(.48' Et.
Transcript for a055428428
[page 428]
1802 Apr. [Tuesday] - 6th. H.M.S. Investigator, from [anchor]age No. 2 of Kan- [H.M. guroo Isld. to anchorage 3, there]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes with dull cloudy weather. People employed in the holds,
and as most necessary. At dusk the launch returned with but few fish. One
of the crew having been simple enough to attack a large seal with a small
stick in an incautious manner, was seized upon by the seal and much
bitten in the leg. As he attacked the seal without any object in so
doing, he was not undeserving of some punishment for his malignity: he
has paid rather severely.
Hoisted in the launch, and prepared to go to sea in the
morning. A.M. Mod. and fine weather; but afterwards dull weather, with
thick haze. Unmoored ship, hove short on the small bower and sent up down
T.Gt. yards Took the cutter on shore to get the last set of altitudes for
the time-keepers, which I was fortunate enough to obtain before the
weather became thick. At 9, weighed and made sail to the eastward, having
light variable airs Found so bad a chafe in the best bower cable as to
make it necessary to shift it in doing which we were employed all the
morning. At noon, we perceived by the land that the tide was setting us
to the westward. Dropped the small bower and lowered down the sails:
nearly in the 1st. [anchor]age
Transcript for a055430430
[page 430]
1802 Apr. [Thursday] - 8th. H.M.S. Investigator [from Kanguroo Island, along the coast eastward]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Set stay sails. At 2h.10' tacked towards
the main. At 3, passed through a strong rippling of tide like broken
water, upon we had 12 fms., stones and shells. At 5, tacked to the
southward, being about 1 m. from the main.
At 7h. 40' tacked ship being within one mile of the point ( 2.
At 9, saw one of the isles, ( or (1, bearing N.E.b. E.1/2E.
Handed the top-gallant sails
Mod. breezes and cloudy
At 4, tacked to the southward: the land seen on the lee quarter and
beam.
At 6, tacked towards the land. The northern part of Kanguroo Island
bearing West, and the main from N.74(W to N.19(E. Set T.Gt. sails
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather
Employed in the after hold
Saw the land as far as east
Mustered the ships company and saw them clean
At noon, light breezes and fin dull cloudy weather. Some swell from the
southward which stops the ships way. Southern extreme of cape (, on the
main S85(.30'W. from where the latitude is deduced
Transcript for a055431431
[page 431]
[1802 Apr. Thursday - 8th. H.M.S. Investigator] from Kanguroo Island, along the coast eastward
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The bay which we left on the A.M. preceding this days log, seems to
afford secure shelter in all cases: how far the kanguroos or emu's may be
numerous in its neighbourhood, we did not stay to ascertain. The water
seems to shoal rather suddenly in this bay, so that the shore should be
approached with caution. The eastern points excepted, this part of the
main island is covered with the same kind of thick brush as in the other
parts. On the opposite part of the main, near which our track mostly lies
this P.M. the clothing of the hills is very different. A short scrubby
brush every where covers the land, which is rather high, and much
intersected by ravines and gullies, apparently cut by water, which they
seem to have conveyed from the highest parts down to the sea. The stone
appears to be slaty, as upon cape ( of the opposite island.
The land seen ahead at daylight, assumed a very
different appearance to that of the cape, its more western part.
Numberless small hummocks first appeared, which, as the land rose, were
found to be joined, and their connexion with the western land was also
seen. The intermediate connecting space is low, and falls back into a
wide indent; and the hummocks also are much lower than the western land,
and they appear to be sandy
Transcript for a055432432
[page 432]
1802 Apr. [Friday] - 9th. H.M.S. Investigator, ex[ploring the south coast of New Holland]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and fine weather
At 1h.30' tacked ship to the eastward
Harpooned a porpoise. About 4, saw a ship ahead, cleared at quarters and
shewed our colours. On their shewing French colours with an English jack,
shewed a white flag, shortened sail and hove to On his coming up, found
the ship to be the Geographe captain Baudin, upon a voyage of discovery
from Mauritius. Hoisted out the cutter, and went on board. At 7.10,
returned, hoisted up the boat, and made sail upon a wind in company with
the Geographe.
Backed the miz top-sail occasionally, to keep company.
At 12, burnt a blue light, on which the Geographe wore, as we did after
her
Light breezes and fine weather.
At daylight ran alongside the french ship, lowered down the cutter and
went again on board. At 8, returned and hoisted up the boat. Made sail,
and at half past 8, wore to the southward, the French ship standing to
the N.W.
At noon, light airs and cloudy weather
Hummocks of land, apparently sandy, seen from the mast head as far
S.E.
Transcript for a055433433
[page 433]
[1802 Apr. Friday - 9th. H.M.S. Investigator, ex]ploring the south coast of New Holland
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
On the first appearance of the ship, we were in doubt whether it was a
whaler or the French ship which it proved to be. On going on board, I was
shewed their passport, upon requesting to see it, and in return offered
mine for inspection, but captain Baudin put it back without looking at
it. He informed me that he had come through Bass's Strait after exploring
more thoroughly the southern and eastern parts of Van Diemens Land.
Having met with bad weather in the strait, he had parted with his
consort, the Naturaliste, and had not found any place in which he could
[anchor] since; the coast being uninterrupted by any inlets or rivers
from this strait to the place of our meeting *see two pages forward
Captain Baudin was sufficiently communicative of his discoveries about
Van Diemens Land and of his remarks upon my chart of the strait, an
imperfect copy of which he had gotten: these remarks were not
ungratifying. We parted with the intention of keeping company during the
night and of seeing each other in the morning.
At daylight, the naturalist Mr Brown accompanied me on board as before.
We learned from different circumstances that the French had visited the
west coast of New Holland, an unexplored part of which, between Leeuwen
and Edels Land they had examined; but the opening of Dampier near the
Rosemary Isles they had left untouched. They had been left six of their
scientific people gentlemen had remained behind at Mauritius, where they
had left 6 of their naturalists, and at Timor at which last their last
port they had lost 10 people by dysentery; amongst whom whose)
Transcript for a055434434
[page 434]
1802 Apr. [Friday] - 9th continued. Additional remarks [From Kanguroo Island to Bass' Strait]
was their best botanist. They had spent a considerable time in exploring
upon the south and eastern parts of Van Diemens Land, ion the last of
which, his geographer, a boats crew, and his largest boat, had been left,
and probably lost: he recommended them to our care in case of meeting
with them, or of their reaching Port Jackson.
This morning captain Baudin was much more inquisitive
concerning the Investigator and her destination, than before, and on
understanding that we were employed upon the same service as himself
having learnt from the boats crew that our business was discovery; and
finding that we had examined the south coast of New Holland) thus far, he
appeared to be somewhat mortified. He received some I gave him as much
information respecting Kanguroo Island, the Inlets No. 12 and 14 and Bay
No. 10, as far as was necessary to his obtaining wood and water.
I offered to convey any information he wished to the
Naturaliste in case of meeting with her; but he only required me to say
to him that he should go to Port Jackson as soon as the bad weather came
on.
As he had an imperfect copy of my chart of Van Diemens
Land, and of Bass' Strait; I presented him this morn)ing with a copy of
the three charts lately published, of that and of the neighbouring parts,
and of the small memoir attached to them; for which he expressed his
thanks, and said] that his charts were yet unfinished, but that when he
came to Port Jackson he should be able to make some return.
Upon my I requested to be informed of know the
name of the
Transcript for a055435435
[page 435]
[1802 Apr. Friday - 9th. continued. Additional Remarks] From Kanguroo Island to Bass' Strait.
captain of the Naturaliste, +which is Hamelin; upon which he begged to
know mine, and expressed some surprise on being informed it was Flinders;
and more especially that I should have again gotten here before him.)
He gave me of information of a rock lying about 2 leagues off
the coast with shoal water about it, at the distance of 22 leagues from
his situation on [Thursday] at noon and in the latitude of 37(.1'
So.-
+he, "apropos", begged to know
mine, and finding that it was synonimous to the author of the chart of
the strait which he had been criticising, expressed some surprise and
congratulation; but I did not apprehend that my being here at this time,
so far along the coast, gave him any great pleasure
*I inquired of him concerning a large island lying in the western entrance of the strait, but he had not seen it and seemed much to doubt its existence
Transcript for a055436436
[page 436]
1802 Apr. [Saturday] - 10th. H.M.S. Investigator [between Kanguroo Island and Bass' Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Variable light airs and calm. Find by the lead that the ship drifts fast
to the WNW which is probably the flood tide.
At 2, a breeze sprung up: tacked to the eastward. At 6, furthest land
visible at ESE Double reefed the top-sails and tacked off shore. Moderate
breezes with rain at times; and much lightening over the land.
At 9, tacked towards the land. Lightening to the eastward.
At 12, tacked offshore. Light airs and calms
At daylight. Out 2nd reefs, set T.Gt. sails and staysails, and at 63/4h
tacked off towards shore, it being dist. 8 or 9 miles.
Light breezes and fine weather. Cut up pork No. 34 to its contents.
Harpooned a porpoise
At 11h.20' tacked the ship, the low sandy shore dist. about 21/2 miles,
and seen as far as S60E. At noon, light breezes and cloudy: a long swell
from the southward
Aired the studg. sails.
Transcript for a055437437
[page 437]
[1802 Apr. Saturday - 10th. H.M.S. Investigator] between Kanguroo Island and Bass' Strait.
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The alterations which took place in the appearance of the shore, from
high land intersected by gullies where it slopes down to the water side,
to low sandy land upon which many small hummocks of sand stand
everywhere, is still the case as far as we are able to discern on this
day at noon. There is no particular object which can be used as a point
of bearing which may be known again, nor does any thing inland appear
above the little hummocks
Having sent the guns down below that were placed upon the quarter deck near the binnacle I expected to find a better agreement in the bearings by the azimuth compasses, and for some little time I thought the object accomplished; but for some little time back, I have again perceived a difference when the ships head had been different ways; and observations for the amplitude and azimuth have differed in the same manner
Transcript for a055438438
[page 438]
1802 Apr. [Sunday] - 11th H.M.S. Investigator, exploring [on the south coast towds. Bass' Strait]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy weather -
At 2h.15' tacked ship
Light breezes & fine wr. Land seen from deck at S.E.b.E.
Tacked off shore, the land being dist. 3 or 4 miles
Mod. and cloudy wr.
At 2, tacked towards the land. At 4 it became calm, and we peceived the
ship drift somewhat to the N.W. by the lead.
At daylight, the land could not be seen from the masthead, or at 8
oclock.
Light breezes and hazy weather
Employed upon deck and below, in getting the stream cable and [anchor]
into a better state of readiness for immediate use, and in cleaning the
ship.
At noon, the land seen from N.b.E. to about S.65(.E. from the masthead.
The nearest part N.60(.E 7 or 8 miles from deck Mod. breezes & dull
weather with spitting rain
Transcript for a055439439
[page 439]
[Mon.] - 12th. on the south coast, towds. Bass's Strait.
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Vble. breezes with rain at times, short intervals of fine weather.
Steered more offshore. Saw a flock of sooty petrels. Light airs &
calms. Soon after a breeze sprung up; made sail, keeping as much up for
the land as the wind would permit. At dusk the same kind of humky. shore
as before dist. 7 or 8 miles, stretching to the S.E.ward. Dble. reefed
the top sails and at 7h.30' tacked offshore. At 10, tacked to the
eastward, and at 12, back to the westward
Rainy, with lightening in the west.
At 3, tacked to the eastward. Saw the land, on the weather bow. At 5,
judging ourselves not far from the land, brought to till daylight, when
it extended N.1/2W. to S.E.1/4E. Nearest shore N.E. abt. 5 miles. Filled
and steered along shore with a light breeze and hazy weather
Got the [anchor]s higher up, upon the bows - Sour krout & vinegar,
lime-juice and sugar served as usual.
Light airs and cloudy. Sandy shore dist. 3 or 4 miles to the Et. and
trending nearly south. Furthest extreme S.b.E. from the masthead.
Transcript for a055440440
[page 440]
1802 Apr. [Tuesday] - 13th. H.M.S. Investigator, explor[ing the south coast towards Bass's Strait.]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs approaching nearly to a calm
Continued standing parallel to a low, sandy shore.
At 4, saw land as far as S.b.W.
Light breezes and fine weather. At 5h.30' tacked offshore, it being then
dist. 3 or 4 miles. A hummock behind the head of the bight, South and the
furthest extreme S.30°.W. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Took in the
stay-sails and afterwards, double reefed the topsails. At 10, tacked to
the eastward
Mod. breezes and hazy weather, with drizzling rain. Tacked at 12, to the
S.W.ward.
Squally with rain. Took in the jib and spanker. A considerable swell from
S.b.W.
At 4, tacked to the eastward. At daybreak, saw the land, not more than 5
miles distant. Tacked ship Fresh breezes, with a confused sea from the
south
At 9 missed stays and wore ship towards the land. - Saw a broad patch of
rocks above water, to which we drew near towards after 11 oclock. At
111/2 tacked offshore: the breakers bearing N.55º. to 71'E. which
surround the rocks, and dist. about 13/4mile. Noon. Mod. & fine
weather: sea running as before . The rocks N64°.E. and extreme points
of the land )( and )(, N.4° and S.44.E. last dist.
Transcript for a055441441
[page 441]
[1802 Apr. Tuesday - 13th. H.M.S. Investigator explor]ing the south coast towards Bass's Strait
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The low sandy land, before mentioned as being topped by many small
hummocks, continued the same until the commencement of this day; when the
front bank ceased to be hummocky, and became more covered with bushes;
and partially, some higher ground inland shewed itself over the bank
towards the evening. - In the morning we found the ourselves abreast of
the projecting land, )(, which had been the furthest extreme of the
evening. The land here is well covered with small wood and is higher than
the sandy bank of the last two days. The rocks, of which Mons. Baudin
gave us information I judge to be those from which we tacked a little
before noon; The latitude in which he placed them, to the best of my
recollection, was 37º.1', but I make them to lie 4 or 5 miles
farther to the southward. The breakers extend to some distance around
them. They shew themselves well above the water, and by supposition they
are 3 or 4 miles from the shore
Transcript for a055442442
[page 442]
1802 Apr. [Wednesday] - 14th. H.M.S. Investigator explor-[ing the south coast of Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy, with a jumble of a sea from the S.W.ward. At
2h.15' tacked ship towards the land
At 41/2, tacked offshore: Point )( N.82E. 3 miles. Extremes from about
No. to S.40E.
Mod. breezes & fine weather; but the ship uneasy from the motion of
the sea.
At 10, tacked towards the land; until 12, when we handed T.Gt. sails and
stood off; the wind being fresh; but soon after became light, accompanied
with showers of rain at times.
At 31/2h. takes aback: filled on the starbd. tack and soon after tacked
ship; the very variable and light, and soon after became calm. On a
breeze springing up, tacked at 5h.40' to the S.E.ward.
At daylight, out 2nd. reefs and set staysails. A long swell from the
S.W.ward.
Light breezes and cloudy. At 9, tacked ship off )( point, being but
little to windward of our situation at 4h.30' PM.
Cleaned below and aired with stoves.
Sour krout served as usual.
Noon, light breezes and cloudy with a long swell from the S.W.ward. The
land from N.24ºE. to S.72º40'Et. Nearest part, )(, N.79ºE.
dist 6 or 7 miles.
Transcript for a055443443
[page 444]
[1802 Apr. Wednesday - 14th. H.M.S. Investigator explor-]ing the south coast towards Bass's Strait
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The projecting part, )(, is sandy and is topped generally by bushes; in
these respects much resembling the land lately seen. The north-eastern or
inner part of the point is rocky and the sea breaks upon it with much
violence; and there are also some black rocks straggling along the other
parts of the projection.
It is probable that the bight on the north side
of )( affords shelter from south westerly winds; but since it is open to
west, no one would venture to put into it but in the last extremity; and
against this probability may be mentioned the bad unfitness of the bottom
for [anchor]age as far as we have stood in, and also the uncertainty of
the depth of water.
From )(, the coast takes a direction more
easterly than before, being S.E. nearly as far as we can see from this
day at noon.-
The heavy swell rolling in from the S.W. drives
us much to leeward.
Transcript for a055444444
[page 444]
1802 Apr. [Thursday] - 15th. H.M.S.Investigator explor[ing the south coast towards Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy, with a long swell from the southwestward
At 3, tacked towards the land.
At dusk the land from N.E. to E.S.E. but the particular parts not
distinguishable
At 8, do. wr. Tacked offshore; the land just distinguishable
At 101/2h, tacked towards the land, until 12; when we tacked to the
southward, the wind having come more off the land.
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather
At daylight, the extremes of the land from the mast head, bore N.b.E. to
East; and apparently is the same land set yesterday at noon; but it can
scarcely be seen at all from the deck
At 8, mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Tacked towards the land
Mustered ships company and saw them clean
At 113/4, tacked off shore: the land dist about 4 miles, sandy, with
small hummocks upon it, and trending to the S.S.E.
Noon, moderate breezes and fine weather Extremes of the land from the
deck N.19ºW. to S.65E. A patch of bare sand N.79ºE.
Transcript for a055445445
[page 445]
[1802 Apr. Thursday - 15th. H.M.S.Investigator explor]ing the south coast towards Bass's Strait.
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
On tacking at 3 PM. the man at the masthead reported breakers to the west
of us. I went up immediately afterwards but they could not be seen, and
their existence may be doubted. -
From the projection )(, mentioned yesterday, the land
ceases to be so woody as before, but is more like the hummocky bank
further to the northward. Bare patches of sand appear often, and of some
extent. This bank is not high, but nothing inland appears above it
Transcript for a055446446
[page 446]
1802 Apr. [Friday] - 16th. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the south coast towards Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and fine weather. At 2, tacked towards the land. Took in
the staysails
Dble. reefed the top-sails. At 4 5, the shore, low and sandy, about 3
miles distant; tacked off the extreme in sight bearing S58 E.
Handed T.Gt. sails
Fresh breezes & fine. A southerly swell getting up. At 8, tacked
towards the shore
At 10, stood off again. Lost a log line.
Fresh breezes & fine weather.
Mod. & fine weather.
No land seen at daylight. Out 2nd. reefs and handed set T.Gt. sails.
Light breezes and fine weather. Set staysails
At 9, tacked ship to the northward
Cleaned below
At 11, tacked on the ships falling off
At noon, nearly calm. No land in sight from the mast head -
Transcript for a055447447
[page 447]
[1802 Apr. [Friday] - 16th. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the south coast towards Bass's Strait
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The furthest land seen this evening projected beyond the general line of
the coast, and its connexion was not well ascertain. Its consistence
seemed to be something different to the sandy land then abreast of us.
This bank, which is topped with hummocks as before, is too low to be seen
from a ships deck at a greater distance than 10 or 12 miles.
From the soundings having increased to an
unfathomable depth when our distance from the land cannot be more than 25
miles, I judge that the direction of the coast must now be altered; and
it probably now runs eastward to Bass's Strait: the latitude at noon,
having but little to the north of the north side of the strait. -
Transcript for a055448448
[page 448]
1802 Apr. [Saturday] - 17th. H.M.S. Investigator, ex[ploring the south coast towards Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fine weather with haze. A still swell rolling in from the southward
Light cats-paws of wind at times, sufficient to enable us to keep the
ships head one way, but not to give a perceptible motion through the
water
Fine weather with haze
At 1/4 before 4, a light breeze sprung, with which we steered to make the
land near the furthest extreme seen yesterday P.M.
At daylight, the land seen from the N1/2 E to E.b.S.
Set royals. -
At 7, braced upon the winds shifting, and took in the royals.
At 9, bore away along the shore at the distance of about 21/2 miles, the
furthest extreme bearing N33.W. being the same set at S.58.E on the 16th
PM.; but hauled up to the wind soon afterwards on its reshifting.
At noon, light breezes and fine weather
Extremes of the land N.30.W. to S.46.E. Nearest shore dist. 21/2 miles;
some scattered rocks lying off.
Transcript for a055449449
[page 449]
[1802 Apr. [Saturday] - 17th. H.M.S. Investigator, ex-]ploring the south coast towards Bass's Strait
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land made this morning proved to be near the furthest which had been
seen on the 16th P.M. It projects something from the coast line and there
is a bight back on its north side, the bottom of which we did not see
further than to know that the point is connected with the main
The sea shore continues to be sandy and to be topped with hummocks as
before; upon which the bare sand frequently shews itself. There is
however in one point a material difference, for we see land of a
considerable height looking over the front bank from a considerable
distance inland
The furthest extreme is rocky and the present direction of the coast to
the S.S.E. seems to terminate there. There are many breakers off the
point
Transcript for a055450450
[page 450]
1802 Apr. [Sunday] -18th. H.M.S. Investigator
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy.
At 11/2 h. tacked off shore on the wind heading. Extr. land S57(.E.
rocky, with breakers off. At 4 tacked towards the land, but found that we
had lost ground at 6; when we stood off again
Light airs and cloudy.
Calm, with very light airs at times, just sufficient to keep the ships
head one way.
At day break, a light breeze sprung up, on which we steered in for the
land, which was soon after seen to bear from N.b.W. to E.b.S. not very
distinct, on account of the haze
At 9, kept away along the shore; but on the wind becoming less, and a
heavy S.W. swell rolling in upon it, kept further off
Mustered ships company & saw them clean
At noon, rocky islets which were the furthest seen P.M. bore N.62(E. 4 or
5 miles, with extensive breakers round them.
Furthest extreme about E.S.E. sandy hummocks
Transcript for a055451451
[page 451]
[Monday] - 19th exploring the south coast, to Bass' Strait
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy weather, with a long rolling swell from the
south-westward
Furthest extreme of the land, E.51/2( S. Perceive by the bearings as well
as the lead, that the ship is drifted to the eastward by the swell.
At 7, a breeze sprung up. Took in T. Gt. sails, and stretched off upon a
wind until 9, when we brought to, with the M. top-sail.
Mod. breezes and cloudy
At 2, wore round and lay to: head towards the shore
Fresh breezes. Filled and stood in for an hour, on the winds heading, and
then brought to again. Squally weather. Dble. Reefed the top-sails
At 6, made sail. In a squall clewed down the top sails, & treble
reefed the F. and Mz. At 8, the land seen as far as E.S.E. moderately
high
At 91/2 kept away as the shore trended; but at 101/2h, the wind suddenly
shifted in a thick squall with rain, which obliged us to haul up close to
weather the land, which was seen as far as S.E. Out 3rd. reefs of the F.
and Mz. top sails, the weather very thick with rain, and the wind and sea
rising considerably; but it was necessary to carry sail. At noon, rainy
weather, and no land visible, though not further off than 4 or 5
miles
Transcript for a055452452
[page 452]
1802 Apr. [Tuesday] - 20th. H.M.S. Investigator [exploring the south coast towards Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes. At 0h.30, the weather cleared a little and a bold cliffy
cape bore S.76 )( E. 5m. being the furthest land. At 2, kept away, and at
3 steered east along the shore
Squalls of rain at times, and the wr. so thick that nothing can be seen
but at intervals.
At 4, a double rocky islet bore N.23 )(.E. 5 miles.
At 5h.30, the bold cape, )(, and a nearer one on at N75W. the rocky islet
N.45 )(.W. Land seen indistinctly as far as about EN.E. Hauled to the
wind off shore. Moderate weather at times, but squalls of wind and rain
frequent, with lightening.
At 12, wore ship, having missed stays
Squalls of wind, hail, and rain. In 3rd. reef of the top-sails
At 5, wore ship. At daylight saw the land to the northward, and bore away
for it
At 8, the double rocky islet bore N.67W. and after island )(. N.10.E. 5
or 6 miles being the same seen furthest last night
At 81/2, the appearance of land was seen to the southward, upon which we
hauled up to the wind for an hour, but being then undeceived, bore away
again. The land seen very indistinctly, but in continuation from )(
island to a point which bore N.68 East at 11h - Strong squalls at times
with rain, and very thick weather.
Transcript for a055453453
[page 453]
[1802 Apr. Tuesday - 20th. H.M.S. Investigator] exploring the south coast towards Bass's Strait
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The shore along which our course has laid this evening and the preceding
morning is considerably higher than we have seen lately; it is sandy, but
not so sandy as that part where the shore is topped with hummocks. For
want of a latitude yesterday at noon, the whole of the coast from the
cliffy point which has sharp-pointed rocks lying off, eastward cannot be
otherwise than ill laid down, both with respect to latitude and
longitude, when compared with all the preceding parts of the coast; and
its form also has been but imperfectly seen, one thick squall succeeding
another so fast, and the sea running so high, that but little can be seen
at the distance which common prudence requires us to keep. The cape )( is
steep and bold and is nearly insulated though I think we may be certain
that it is not quite so. The island )( is cliffy and flat; but not high.
The coast is either very low at its back, or falls in to some distance.
Further eastward we could see at intervals that the shore is sandy, and
rather low, to the point set at east at 11h. A rock lies a few miles off
the shore 7 or 8 miles on the west side of the point; but for want of
satisfactory observations, from the thickness of the weather, and the 6
or 7 miles offing which it is necessary to our safety to keep, we can do
no more than tell that land exists in about this situation
Transcript for a055454454
[page 454]
1802 Apr. [Wednesday] - 21st. H.M.S. Investigator, along [the south coast towards Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong squalls with frequent rain. Clued down and set the treble-reefed
top-sails occasionally and also the M. sail. At 2, kept up to the wind
Close reefed the top-sails, reefed the M. sail and handed the mz topsail.
Bent the storm staysails. The land seen at times only 5 or 6 miles to
leeward, when the squalls clear away.
Sent down T. Gt. yards, and handed the F. top-sail. Strong gales with
thick weather, but quite moderate at times. At 8, saw the land on lee
beam NE, apply. 4 or 5 miles off at no great distance. Set F. and mz.
top-sails and reefed M. sail
At 2, the weather moderated. Set jib and spanker and let out the 1st
reefs; but a hard squall coming on were obliged to take them in again and
to hand the F. and Mz. top-sails, and take in the main sail, which was
not all accomplished before daybreak; at which time were gratified to
find no land in sight, for the ship would now scarcely make her course
good parallel to the shores. Strong breezes with squalls of wind and
rain, at times.
At 9, set the F. and Mz. and let the reef out of the main, and the
weather moderating still more, set the jib and spanker, and let out the
close reefs. Saw high land astern, bearing at noon N.W.bW. to N.N.W.
probably distant 8 or 10 leagues. Mod. breezes & fine & the sea
much abated.
Transcript for a055455455
[page 455]
[1802 Apr. Wednesday - 21st. H.M.S. Investigator, along] the south coast towards Bass's Strait
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The land seen this afternoon is rather a bold shore, though it is
frequently sandy; I cannot, however, say much of it, since we could only
see it when the squalls cleared away. That part seen at 8 P.M. under our
lee appeared to be a head land of considerable height. A common regard to
our safety required that we should keep as far off the shore as the wind
would allow us to fetch, and I determined to quit the small remaining
part of the unknown south coast until a more favourable opportunity. This
I was prompted to by the violence of the wind and sea in the first place,
and confirmed from the consideration, that captain Baudin had explored it
before me, in the first place as well as from the lateness of the season,
which also, as and well as also as the great expenditure of our
provisions required us to proceed towards Port Jackson would not allow us
to keep off the coast to wait for fairer weather. The land seen at noon,
which must undoubtedly be a part of the main will lie in about the
latitude 38 )(45'S. and by T. Kr. in longitude 144 )(36'Et.
By the assistance of the current we find
ourselves this day at noon, within the entrance of Bass's Strait; and
according to the situation laid down by Mr. Reed, under the lee of a
large island, the south end of which is in 40 )(.10'So. this is partly
confirmed by the water getting so much smoother since 9 o'clock.
Transcript for a055456456
[page 456]
1802 Apr. [Thursday] - 22nd. H.M.S.Investigator [exploring further in Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes & fine weather. Out 3rd. reefs, sent up T.Gt. yards
and set the sails. - Hauled up to the southward to make Hunters
Islands.
Mod. breezes & cloudy.
No land in sight at dusk.
Light breezes & fine
Nearly calm
Light breezes. Tacked to the westward. No land seen at day light
At 8, saw land to the S.W.wd which I judge to be an island before seen,
but not explored
Fresh breezes & cloudy. Handed T.Gt. sails. Mustered ships company
& saw them clean. At noon the extremes of the island 6 )(.W. to
62(.30'W. dist, in the nearest part 8 or 10 m.
High distant land seen N. 35 )(.W. from the mast head, apparently the
same seen yesterday at noon. Fresh breezes and cloudy
Transcript for a055457457
[page 457]
[Friday] - 22nd. [H.M.S. Investigator] exploring further in Bass's Strait
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy weather
Double reefed the top sails.
At 3 tacked, the N.W. extreme of the island S 311/2 )( W. Northern Main
N42 )( to 20 )( .W.-
Do. weather.
Took in the jib and spanker: standing on under easy sail to the
southward. At 10, the water shoaled to 16 fms. upon which we brought to,
till 11, and then stretched to the northward. Thick rainy wr. with strong
breezes in squalls.
At 31/2 saw the land on the lee bow, and at 4, tacked off for an hour and
then stood in. At daylight the island extended from W.b.S. to south,
distant 6 or 7 miles. Out 2nd. reefs & made more sail
Saw breakers extending 5 or 6 miles from the N.W. point of the island. At
9, tacked to the southward, being dist. off shore 4 or 5 miles, the N.W.
point bearing S.46 )( W. Breakers as far as W.b.S.
At 11, tacked to the westward on the ship's falling off.
Fresh breezes & squally. At noon the highest land of the N.W. pt.
bore true west. Nearest shore S.W. 4 or 5 miles.
Transcript for a055458458
[page 458]
1802 Apr. [Saturday] - 24th. H.M.S. Investigator, off [the large Western island in Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and squally weather. Double reefed the top sails. At 1,
tacked ship, working up towards the land. At 1h.45' tacked again, and at
2h.45' came to, with the small bower upon a bottom of fine sand &
furled sails. Veered to half a cable, and the extremes of the land then
bore S.43 )(.E and N.75 )(.W. Nearest shore S.24 )( W. about 2/5ths. of a
mile. Hoisted out the cutter, and went on shore accompanied by the
naturalist &c. Found a studg. sail boom thrown up by the sea, which
we brought off at sunset, also one kanguroo and two womats. Hoisted in
the cutter and prepared every thing for getting under weigh.
Fresh breezes & squally weather.
Hoisted out the cutter at day light, and the naturalist and others went
on shore, further to examine the island and its productions. A small lake
of fresh water was found, half a mile distant from the beach, surrounded
by a more fertile soil. Two very small streams of high-coloured, fresh,
water had been found on the preceding evening, caused apparently by the
great late rains; these narrow down to the beach. At 9 made the signal
for the boat to return, and afterwards fired two guns
At 11, weighed and made sail to the northward for the high land seen on
the 22nd. and 23rd. at noon
Noon, fresh breezes and cloudy. Extremes of the island S.b.E. 1/2 E. to
S.50 )(.W. Breakers seen out as far as W.1/2S. the same seen at 9 A.M.
yesterday
Transcript for a055459459
[page 459]
[1802 Apr. [Saturday] - 24th. H.M.S. Investigator, off] the large western island in Bass's Strait
On landing upon this large western island, which we did with not much
difficulty in a bight behind a projecting rock, we found it covered with
a brush so thick, that no one thought of attempting to penetrate it. On
stepping on shore, I saw one of the animals called Womats upon a small
grass hill near the shore, which I shot, and another was killed
afterwards. Near the same place, was lying a top-mast studg .sail boom,
not much injured, which I judge to have drifted from the wreck of the
ship Sydney Cove at Preservation Island on the east side of the strait:
it had no mark upon it. The kanguroo killed here holds a middle place in
size between the small island kanguroo and the larger ones of the main,
or of Kanguroo Island. A seal of a different species to any yet seen by
us was also killed. Its phippers behind were double when compared to the
common seal, and those forward were smaller and placed nearer the head.
The nose was very flat and broad, like so that the difference in this
part was like that of a mastiff to a shepherds dog. The quantity of fat
upon the animal was at least treble in quantity, the hair much shorter,
of a blueish grey cast. + Note. I afterwards heard this animal called the
sea elephant.
The small portions of rock that appear above the sand
seem to be granite. The bank facing the sea is almost entirely sand,
which is either blown or washed up in great ridges and is partly held
together by the roots of a spreading grass.
(One) Two womats were killed in the morning, and
a skull picked up thought to be that of a small dog or perhaps opossum.
The small lake of fresh water found by the naturalist was surrounded by a
good soil. He collected a greater variety of plants upon this island than
upon any one we have yet seen.
Transcript for a055460460
[page 460]
1802 Apr. [Sunday] - 25th. H.M.S.Investigator, exploring [on the north side of Bass's Strait - N.S. Wales]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy. At 3 lost sight of the large western island. At
4, the high land of Main in sight, N.W. to N.b.W. from deck. At 5, double
reefed the M. top-sails and hauled to the wind. Extremes N.69ºW. to
12ºE. Nearest land, a bluff point, N.65ºW. 3 or 4 leagues.
At 8, moderate breezes and cloudy, Tacked to eastward. Set T.Gt.
sails.
At 12, saw high land on the lee beam. Tacked to the S.W.ward.
At 2, high land NNW. Light breezes and cloudy.
At 4, tacked to the eastward. At day light, the land extended N.N.E. to
W.N.W. bore away for [?]
At 7, hauled up along the shore at the distance of 8 or 10 miles; the
extremes bearing from N.NW. to N. 181/2°E; the last, a
square-topped projecting part. Out 2nd reefs, and set staysails.
At 10, set the F. and F.T. mast studg. sails
Steering along a bold, high shore, at the distance of about 8 miles.-
Mustered the people and saw them all clean.
At noon, the extremes of the land from the deck S.72º.W. to
N.19º.E. Light breezes and cloudy weather. Water remaining 371/2
tons
Transcript for a055461461
[page 461]
[1802 Apr. Sunday - 25th. H.M.S. Investigator, exploring] on the north side of Bass's Strait - N.S.Wales
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
From the height of the barometer I had but little doubt of the weather
remaining fine; and therefore, notwithstanding that the wind blew nearly
on the the north coast of the strait, I steered over to trace as much of
the remaining south coast of New Holland as we could, proceeding, at the
same time, in our way towards Port Jackson. The land seen at 4 P.M. is
much higher than we have usually seen near the coast, and was seen on
the
22d. at noon from deck at the distance of leagues. I judge this land to
be 13 leagues from the part of the coast seen at 8 P.M. on the 21st.- but
the most western land seen this day is not more than 8 or 9 leagues from
it.- This very bold coast, has a better appearance than almost any part
of the south coast of New Holland, the upper ridges being well clothed
with wood, and no bare sand or naked rock appearing in any part. The
distinct point, (, set PM. and again A.M. is tolerably bluff, and to the
westward the coast falls back before it stretches along to the western
extreme: whether there is any thing more than a small indent in the coast
there I cannot tell. The extreme which bore N.181/2ºE at 7h.A.M, is
a square-topped projection, sufficiently singular to be noticed from the
westward; but the high land behind it coming very near the shore, the
projection is almost overshadowed by it, except at a very near
distance.
Transcript for a055462462
[page 462]
1802 Apr. [Monday] - 26th. H.M.S.Investigator explor[ing on the north side of Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light breezes and cloudy weather. At 1, saw land bearing N.59º.E.
like an island: hauled more up.
At 2, hauled close to the wind, seeing low land running out to windward.
At dusk, the island (seemingly) N.59ºE. to 79º[?] but there are
spaces to the northward where the land is seen only at intervals. Bent
the [?] cable. Light airs & fine weather. At 8, tacked from the
shore
At 2, tacked to the northward; and again at 4 to the southward
At 5h.30' tacked towds. the land supposed to be an island, and which was
soon after seen to the north-eastward. As we neared the land we found a
low shore running in the front of the higher, supposed island, and to the
N[?]ward, joining, apparently all round, Before eleven, bore away
rounding the head of the bight; the bluff highest land N.71.E. and an
irregular rocky point N91/2W. at 6 miles.- At noon, there was the
appearance of an opening round the rocky point, but it seemed to be
narrow and to break nearly across from the rocks off the point to the
opposite head, which is a low bluff
Transcript for a055463463
[page 463]
[1802 Apr. Monday - 26th. H.M.S.Investigator explor]ing on the north side of Bass's Strait
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
From the square topped point of yesterday the land trends to the N.N.E.
becoming gradually lower until it is very low land. There is one
remarkable hummock, which may be either an island or a hill near the sea
side; it bore N.5ºW. at sunset. The land like an island seems to be
high land, more especially at its western end where it slopes off
suddenly, and the land to the northward seems to be further distant;
whence I judge that between them may be the Western Port of Mr. Bass,
although its distance is not equal to what I supposed of that port. In
the morning, the joining of low land to the bluff mount, prevented us
from thinking any further that we were near the Western Port, and until
noon, no idea was entertained of any opening existing in this bight; but
at that time, an opening became more and more conspicuous as we ran
further west, and high land at the back appeared to be at a considerable
distance; still however entertained but little hopes of finding a passage
sufficiently deep for the ship, and the narrowness of the entrance
prevented me from thinking it the west entrance into Wstern. Pt.
Transcript for a055464464
[page 464]
1802 Apr. [Tuesday] - 27th. H.M.S. Investigator on the [north side of Bass's Strait, in No.16, Port]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes & fine weather. Soon after noon, hauled up for the
opening. At 11/2h. entering the opening; [bore?] away to clear a ridge of
rocks running off from the east point, towards which the ebb set us. At
2h.30', tacked on coming upon the edge of a shoal and afterwards
occasionally between it and the south shore, working upwards. At 41/2h.,
the water shoaled suddenly, and the flood being made [dragged?] us upon a
mud bank before the ship [came?] round, where she stuck fast. Lowered
down the gig and sounded round the ship, finding it shoal to the east.
Hoisted out the cutter and carried out a kedge, with which we hove her
off, but she struck almost immediately against another bank of 10 feet.
Sent the cutter to sound, and getting the ships head to the deep[er?]
water she went off and the water soon deepened to 4,6, and 10 fms. upon
which we came to with the best bower and furled sails. Light breezes
& fine wr.
A.M. Mod. breezes and fine weather; overcasting at times. Took the cutter
up the port, in order to ascend the bluff mount to the eastward and see
the general form of the port and lay of the shoals. Employed on board in
drying the sails which had gotten wet in the sail room from leaks, during
the last gale
A large shark caught alongside. -
This day continued to 36 hours bringing it to civil [?].
Light breezes & fine weather. Employed as before
Transcript for a055465465
[page 465]
[1802 Apr. Tuesday - 27th. H.M.S. Investigator, on the] north side of Bass's Strait, in No.16, Port
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
From several appearances, I at first judged this port to be Western Port,
although many others did not answer; for capt. Baudin had met with no
harbour along the coast after passing leaving that; and from his account
he had had fine weather and kept the shore close on board to the time of
his meeting us. The entrance is about 2 miles wide, but the deep channel
in does not seem to be no much more than one mile. After passing the
entrance, which may be safely done by keeping the rocks on the eastern
hand tolerably close on board, the port opens into a spacious expanse of
water, the northern boundary of which, is not visible from the mast head.
There is a middle bank with shoal water round it about 3 miles from the
entrance, and passages, seemingly, on each side. We took the weathermost,
or southern passage and (finding) found the water to run deep close to
the southern shore for some little distance. Afterwards, shoal water
appeared in places both near the shore and towards the middle shoal and
(bef) we grounded as before mentioned.
In the expedition to the bluff mount which I judge to
be about 7 miles from the ship, the naturalist and landscape painter
accompanied me. The view from the mount presented a large expanse of
water, the boundary to which was scarcely visible; and for 60º to
the No.ward could not be at a less distance than 15 miles, and may
probably be twice as much
Transcript for a055466466
[page 466]
1802 Apr.[Tuesday] - 27th. Investigator in No.16 Port
Additional remarks continued
and round the furthest visible point
on the western shore the water extended to the S.W.ward, until lost
behind the land. No island, the middle dry shoal excepted, or other
object appeared in the port to attract attention; but it appeared seemed
to be an immense basin of water, most of which is may probably be shoal;
in going, and in returning, however, we had tolerably regular soundings
from 4 to 7 fms, passing a little without the place where the ship
grounded. To the eastward 3 or 4 leagues, a considerable space of water
appeared which seemed to be shoal, but having communication with the sea
this may possibly probably be Western Port. - The soil about the mount
was found to be much superior to any we have yet seen on any part of the
coast of New Holland, and is equal to the middling ground in the best
parts about Port Jackson, although upon the salt-water borders. Marks of
natives, such as fire places & heaps of oyster shells, were frequent
along the shores; and a small club was picked up by another party who
landed abreast of the ship. We were regaled by a feast upon the largest
and best-tasted oysters which I recollect to have seen, and these were
mostly collected at high-water mark, which is a thing I never saw or knew
before. Several new plants were found, and a new kind of white cockatoo,
with the whose under feathers were red, was shot. - I found by the shore,
that the tide did not fall this P.M. above 4 feet or perhaps 3: whereas
its rise in Western Port is from 10 to 14 feet according to Mr. Bass.
Transcript for a055467467
[page 467]
[Wednesday.] - 28th. Proceeding up the port.
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and cloudy weather. Employed stowed away the dry sails.
Light breezes and fine weather. At 61/2h., returned on board in the
cutter.
Mod. breezes and cloudy
Light breezes & fine, afterwards moist hazy weather. At 6h3/4 weighed
and made sail. On coming near the middle shoal, tacked to the eastward,
keeping along its south side, and kept away at times on the water
shoaling. At 8h.25', shortened sail, and the tide being nearly high
water, came to with the stream [anchor] in 71/2 fms. fearing we might
ground at high water and be left. The bottom sandy. South point of the
entrance W.3º.30'N Bluff mount S.80º.30'E Nearest shore S.W.
about 11/2 miles, part of the peninsula which forms the south side of the
port.
Sent the acting master to sound, who found the continuation of the middle
shoal not more than a cables length from us, but a good channel between
it and the shore, leading to the N.E.ward.
Transcript for a055468468
[page 468]
1802 Apr. [Thursday] - 29th. H.M.S. Investigator [in No. 16 - Port]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Light air with hazy weather. At 3, the tide began to slack and a light
breeze sprang up: weighed and made sail. At 3h.36' tacked, working to the
N.E.ward, but the wind dying away, [anchor]ed at 4h1/2 in 71/4 fms with
the stream. This also [anchor] 2
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather
Nearly calm
Mod. breezes and cloudy.
At daylight, the Commander took the cutter upon an excursion to examine
the port. At 7, weighed and made sail, working downwards. At 7h.50'
touched the ground, having 10 feet on one side and 5 fms. on the other.
At 8, having swung clear, came to in 71/2 fms. Sent the gig to sound
round Inner No. point of entrance bearing W.b.N.N.
At 11h.30', weighed and made sail working downwards. Noon, light breezes
& fine weather
Transcript for a055469469
[page 469]
[Friday] - 30th. [H.M.S. Investigator] in No. 16 - Port
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. and cloudy. At 0h.45' came to with best bower in 6 fms. sandy
bottom, on the wind shifting. The entrance into the port N.77W. Bluff
Mount, East. Highest of I inland mounts N.44°W.
Cloudy with rain. Lost overboard the iron stock of the stream [anchor]
from the fore lock coming out.
Cloudy with rain and lightening.
Fresh breezes and cloudy with haze and rain at times. Cleaned the ship
and scrubbed hammks. Noon Mod. breezes & fine wr.
[Saturday] May 1st.
Fresh breezes and cloudy; afterwards calms, and squalls at intervals with
rain. Double reefed the miz top-sail A.M.
A.M. Light breezes and cloudy weather
People employed getting another stream [anchor] out of the hold, over the
side ready for letting.
Light breezes and fine wr.
Transcript for a055470470
[page 470]
1802 May [Sunday] - 2nd. H.M.S. Investigator. No.16
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs and calms. At 2, weighed and made sail further down towards
the entrance, the gig ahead sounding. Hauled up and bore away
occasionally to avoid shoal water At 51/2 came to with best bower at
[anchorage] 5. in 6 fms. fine sand. The entrance of the port N.85W. Bluff
mount N84°.E. Middle dry bank N.45° to 55°E. Furled sails
Strong breezes and cloudy
Fresh breezes. At 7h.15' weighed and dropped [?] down and soon after came
to at [anchorage] 6 in 9 fms. fine brown sand. Veered to a third of a
cable and furled sails
Points of the entrance S86° & N85°W. Bluff mount S85E. off
shore about 1/2 mile.
Mustered ships company and saw them clean.
Noon, calm and cloudy.
Boats expedition to examine the port -[Thursday] - 29th. A.M.
At 6h. left the ship in the cutter and proceeded along the eastern shore
of the port abt 11/4 m. dist., round the point of the middle shoal.
Carried from 61/2 to 9; and 71/2 fms. on drawing nearer to the steep
shore of the 1st. and 2nd. eastern points, and 4 fms. close.
Landed about 2 miles short of the 3rd. eastern point and took the alts.
for T.K. that follow, having Arnolds watch No. 1736 with me, compared
with the other two time keepers before and after the expedition. The
difference of comparison being 17".5 which it had gained on 543. -
Walked to the 3rd. eastern point through a good country
Boats expedition to examine the port -[Thursday] - 29th. A.M.
At 6h. left the ship in the cutter and proceeded along the eastern shore
of the port abt 11/4 m. dist., round the point of the middle shoal.
Carried from 61/2 to 9; and 71/2 fms. on drawing nearer to the steep
shore of the 1st. and 2nd. eastern points, and 4 fms. close.
Landed about 2 miles short of the 3rd. eastern point and took the alts.
for T.K. that follow, having Arnolds watch No. 1736 with me, compared
with the other two time keepers before and after the expedition. The
difference of comparison being 17".5 which it had gained on 543. -
Walked to the 3rd. eastern point through a good
country
Transcript for a055471471
[page 471]
Boats expedition. [Thursday] - 29th. A.M. civil time
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
country, and took bearings. Not being able to return to the boat before
noon, took another set of altitudes, to form with the others double
altitudes for the latitude, annexed. - At the point I found that a very
low shore much curtailed the size of the point on the N.E. part which had
appeared to extend to the feet of high land and there being much
appearance of strong westerly winds, we set off as soon as possible to
row across the port to the west side. In crossing, we found [no?] less
than 11 fms. but generally no bottom with 12, until we drew near the
Indented Point on the west side when we had 9, then 10 feet; and about 9
oclock, landed.
[Friday] - 30th. On looking round in the morning a fire was found at the distance of 200 yards from the tents, and from appearances I judged that natives had taken up their residence there in the evening, but had decamped upon our landing. Whilst taking bearing upon the N.E. part of the point, some natives were seen upon the shore to the westward whither we rowed; and landing, found 2 a huts with a fires in them it, but their utensils and arms gone. I left some pieces of red bandage, of which they are fond, hanging about the hut, and rowed along the shore towards a large piece of water which extends to the S.W.ward. - Whilst rowing along the shore
Transcript for a055472472
[page 472]
1802 May Apr. [Friday] - 30th. continued, civil account. Boats expedition
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
shore, three men appeared and came down to the boat without any
hesitation. They received a shag, and some trifles with much pleasure,
and parted with such of their arms as we wished to possess without
reluctance. These natives followed us along the shore, and saw me shoot
another shag which hovered over the boat. On giving holding it they again
ran down to the shore, and on our landing they came again to us. They
seemed to understand the effect of the musket, having I suppose, seen me
shoot other birds but they yet acted without fear or seeming suspicion;
and parted with the whole of their arms. - At this place I took bearings
from the top of the bank and took the annexed latitude -
Rowing along shore, we stopped at a low sandy
point about 1 or 11/4 mile west of the place of observed latitude; here I
took alts. For the Time Keeper, as annexed, and other bearings.
From the low point, steered across the the
water which runs to the S.W.ward, towards a high peaked hill which is the
largest of a short ridge of the same kind. In going across the soundings
were at 3/5ths of a mile from the shore 4, at mile 5, 51/2, 51/2, 6,
about mid passage, 51/2, 51/2, 4, 31/2, and then shoal water above a mile
from the shore, on which were many ducks and other water fowl. The
distance across, by guess, is six miles. Pitched the tent on the low
marshy shore.
Transcript for a055473473
[page 473]
May 1st. Boat excursion in No. 16 - Port
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
At the dawn of day in the morning I set off with three men to the top of
the hill, which we I supposed to be 6 or 7 miles dist. but found it to be
about 10 to the foot of the hill. From the top, the head of the port, of
the water leading S.W.ward, and considerable extent of surrounding
country were within my view. I was not able to get back to the boat for
31/2h. when Mr. Lacy, the midshipman of the [bo]at, gave me the suns
altitude taken from the artificial horizon at noon, as annexed -
After taking some refreshment, we rowed back across the water, to the
place of observed latitude yesterday, upon the N.W. [?] of Indented
Point. Coming near the shore after dark, some fires were seen moving
along the shore, and on landing we found 2 new-erected huts with fires
and many of the utensils which the natives usually carry about with them,
and which must have belonged to some of those seen before, since some
rice was found in one of the baskets.
[Sunday] - 2nd. We remained undisturbed all night, no natives appearing until the boat had left the shore, when seven of them appeared shewed themselves upon the brow of the hill. Some ran down immediately to the huts to examine how we had left them into the state of their huts, and finding everything as they left it, a little water excepted of which we were in want, they went to our fire place; and from thence they followed us along the shore for some little distance.
Transcript for a055474474
[page 474]
1802 May [Sunday] 2nd. continued. Boats excursion in No. 16 - Port
Along the whole of the shore of Indented Point, from the [N.ern?]
part, westward, we found the water to be very shoal, having no more than
6 feet. From thence steering to the southward about 1/2 mile from the
shore, the soundings were 2,2, 11/4 past the easternmost part of the
point; then 11/2, 3, 4 at 2/3rd of a mile off shore, and continuing on
for the low sandy peninsula, had from 31/2 to 21/4. Upon two parts of
this peninsula I took bearings about the noon, but no latitude could be
observed on account of the clouds.
Steering from hence for the ship, the soundings were from 21/2 to 5 fms.
which last I suppose to be in near the middle of the passage up the port
on the west side of the middle shoal. The water shoaled from thence
gradually to 21/2, which was probably upon the tail of the shoal.
Soundings afterwards to the ship were as follows 3, 4, 5, 41/2, 41/4,5,
47 in the southern channel, 7, 7, 61/2, 5, 41/2, 71/2, 8, 9, 81/2 to the
ship where we arrived about 4 oclock.
[continuation of page 475]
yet seen, and answers well to Mr. Bass description of land upon the
borders of Western Port in its neighbour hood.
In every part, the least elevated above the
beach, I found a good even grass covering the country; in some parts
thickly covered, in others thinly, and in others destitute of wood. The
sides and bottoms of the hills have the deepest soil; the uncovered
plains, which are very extensive, have a [.?.] and shallower soil. Sand
mixed with the soil in different
[continued on page 476]
Transcript for a055475475
[page 475]
General observations upon the port No.16
The entrance into this port is so obscure, and when seen, the tide
appears so much like breakers running across it, that I wonder not at
Mons. Baudin not having seen, or having seen it, not venturing to enter
it. The extent and direction of the shoals, as far as our short stay
would enable me to ascertain them will best appear by the chart. I judge
the general rise of tide to be from 3 to 5 feet, but towards the furthest
parts it seems to be scarcely so much from the swinging of the ship,
which yet differed in different stages, the time of high water seems to
be about 21/2 hours after the [moon] passes the meridian. From the
narrowness of the entrance and the large space of water within, it
follows that the tides run with much rapidity; and this is more
particularly the case just without the entrance where the water is much
shoaler than within and occasions a violent rippling. Upon an ebb tide
and a S.W. gale it would scarcely be safe to pass it, and at all times it
will be dangerous to boats.
After entering, the deepest channel lies on the
south side of the middle bank and shoal, but it is irregular in breadth
and depth and seems to divide in one or two places. The channel on the
west side of the shoal seems also to be of sufficient depth for a ship to
pass it into the body of the port. -
The country which surrounds this port is infinitely
superior to any part of the south coast which we have
[continued on page. 474].
Transcript for a055476476
[page 476]
General observations - No.16 - port
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
different proportions. - A friendly intercourse might easily be established with the natives, who already are acquainted with the effect of fire arms, and are anxious to possess many of our conveniences. - They are evidently the same kind of men as in King Georges Sound and Port Jackson, but I think them to be more fleshy and muscular than the former; perhaps from being better fed. Their arms and utensils differ little from those of the others already known. Of the language, no word is collected: it is different entirely to that spoken at Port Jackson. Emu's, kanguroos, and a variety of birds are here, the latter in numbers; amongst which are black swans and innumerable ducks.
Transcript for a055477477
[page 477]
[Monday] - 3rd. from No.16 port - eastward
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather.
At 4, returned on board in the cutter from examining the port
Light airs and calms. Lightening to the westward.
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather
Fresh & afterwards light breezes & fine wr.
At 6h.40' weighed to go out with the last half of the ebb.
Backing, filling, and tacking occasionally, drifting out with the tide.
At 8, the extreme rock of the south point of entr. S 30°E. 2/3rd. of
a mile. Immediately on clearing the entrance, the wind freshened. Dble.
reef the T.Ss. At 93/4, kept away along the shore. At noon, fresh breezes
and cloudy. )( cape N.40.W. 4 or 5 miles. A steep cape seen to the east
which is probably the S.E. end of the isle forming Western Port, the west
entrance of which is open
Transcript for a055478478
[page 478]
1802 May [Tuesday] - 4th. Investigator exploring [the north side of Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes and cloudy weather. At [0.?h] Hauled off to clear a
reef of rocks lying off S.W. end of the large I. Passed by some
discoloured water at 21/2h. & yawed to clear it. At 4, the eastern
entrance into Western Port N.35°.W. 7 or 8 miles. At sunset Cape
[Wollamai?] N541/2°.W. A cape S.65°.E. At 5h.30' treble reefed
and hauled to the wind off shore. Fresh winds. Close reefed the F. and M.
and handed the mz. Reefed the M. sail - A considerable sea from the
S.W.ward
At wore and stood towards the land for two hours and then wore off again
until 4. Squally with at times, and blowing a fresh gale.
At 4, wore towards the land. At 61/2, s[aw] a head bearing E5°.N. and
some peaks of land off it. Bore away. Found the peak to be the entrance
of Wilsons Promontory, and lumps of land, islands, which lie off it. At
9, a high peaked island abt. 6 miles from the promontory. N841/2E.
Another high island S62°E for which we kept up.
Sour krout served as usual.
At noon, the high peaks N.21°W. The S° [?] Island N.40E 6 or 7
miles, near which are two remarkable peaked rocks.
Fresh gales and squally weather, with fine intervals.
Transcript for a055479479
[page 479]
[1802 May [Tuesday] - 4th. Investigator exploring] the north side of Bass's Strait
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
The west passage into Western Port appears to be wide, but breakers seem
to occupy part of it. Off the S.W. end lies a reef of rocks about 11/2
mile, one of which is high and square topped. About the middle of the
island is a projection off which lies two rocks, one of which is
sugar-loaf shaped. From thence a bight is formed in the land, and it
curves to the S.E. point, which is Cape Wollamai. This cape is steep but
the land at the back of it low. The opposite part of the main across the
east passage is moderately high; but the hills soon leave the sea coast,
which then is sandy, and rather a low shore. The island seems destitute
of wood to seaward, and many breakers lie along its coast.
Wilsons Promontory is very high irregular
land, but the thick haze and clouds much obscured it. The islands lying
off it, are rocky and of moderate height generally. The greatest number
lie to the west side of the promontory but they are too clustered and the
weather to thick to define much amongst them. From our corrected run, the
promontory will be about 39°.12'So. much different to its situation
by Mr. Bass; and the islands to the southward will differ somewhat more.
The difference of longitude from Western Port to the Promontory is near
the truth.
Transcript for a055480480
[page 480]
1802 May [Wednesday] - 5th. H.M.S. Investigator, pass[ing through Bass's Strait towards Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Strong breezes and cloudy. Finding ourselves further to the south than
expectation, at [0h3?] bore away for Keats Group - Cut up beef No.63
answered contents. - At 2. Keats Group in sight bearing N.65.E.
At dusk a peaked rock bore E.S.E. and the body of Keats Group W.N.W.
dist. asunder abt. 4 leagues. No land in sight further. Steered to the
eastward, having one reef out of the M.T.sail. Weather finer and wind
more moderate.
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
At daylight out 3rd. reefs and set M.T.Gt. sail
Let 2nd. reef out of the F. top-sail
Cleaned below and aired with stoves.
Set M. sail and F.T.Gt. sail
Fresh breezes and cloudy. The appearance of land seen to the
N.N.W.ward.
Transcript for a055481481
[page 481]
[1802 May [Wed.] 5th. H.M.S. Investigator, pass]ing through Bass's Strait towards Port Jackson
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
In passing through the strait this time I find some material errors in the relative positions of Keats Group & Wilsons Promontory with the islands between. These I shall be able to rectify, and to add a rock to the chart which had been very imperfectly seen before. - The A part of Furneauxs largest Island was visible this evening, bearing S.53ºE. - Being tolerably well satisfied that nothing lies in our way beyond the small rock which we passed at dusk, I thought it sufficiently safe to run all night, having such easy sail set, as we could haul to the wind under. - As near as I can combine our present longitude by time keepers, with the lands laid down according to lunar observations in Port Dalrymple, the difference will be 16' which the two time keepers are to the[?] eastward, being nearly the error with which we left Bay No.10, and which is given by my observations on April 17th. Whence it should appear that the last rates are good
Transcript for a055482482
[page 482]
1802 May [Thursday] - 6th. H.M.S.Investigator [towards Port Jackson]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy Set stay sails
At 4, brought to, to sound.
Land about the Ram Head seen in patches from N.1/2W. to W.b.N.1/2N.
Mod. breezes and fine weather
At 3 tacked towards the land
Lightening to the N.W.ward. Handed T.Gt.sails.
At 7 , squally: double reefed the topsails.
Saw the land to the N.W.ward
Fresh breezes and cloudy.
At 11, tacked to the eastward. Mustered ships company & saw them
clean. At noon, dull cloudy weather, no observations could be
procured.
Transcript for a055483483
[page 483]
[Friday] - 7th. [H.M.S. Investigator] towards Port Jackson
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine weather. Out 2nd. reefs and set T.Gt. sails. Clued
down the M. top-sail to repair the leech rope
The land in sight in hummocks from N.b.W. to West.
Cloudy weather, with lightening from the N.E. to S.E. of a threatening
appearance: hauled a point further off shore
Squally, with rain at times. Took in and set T.Gt. sails occasionally
Fresh breezes and squally. Dble. reefed the top sails
At 7, set the T.Gt. sails, and stay sails
Lumps of land from W.b.S. to N.W.b.W.
Got the two 12lb carronades out of the hold into their carriages
Cleaned below, and aired with stoves - Sour krout served as usual. Mt.
Dromedary W1/2S. Other land as far N.W.
Transcript for a055484484
[page 484]
1802 May [Saturday] - 8th. H.M.S. Investigator, towards [Port Jackson, From Bass's Strait]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Variable moderate breezes and cloudy wr.
Served slops to the ships company.
Fresh breezes
On the wind shifting suddenly to the southward, hauled up the main sail
and handed T.Gt. sails
Took in the jib & double 3rd. reefed the F.top [sail?].
Fresh breezes and squally with drizling rain
Wind being more steady and weather sett[led?] made more sail.
Out 3rd. reef of the F.top sail.
At daylight, hauled up to make the land.
Cut up pork No. 38 to its contents
Set M.T. mast stay sail
Land seen indistinctly from the mast head. -
Handed T.Gt. sails and took in the spanker. Land from the mast head at
W.b.S. which I judge to be near Hat Hill. Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Transcript for a055485485
[page 485]
[1802 May Saturday - 8th H.M.S.Investigator, towards] Port Jackson, from Bass's Strait
If the land seen at noon and this P.M. was Mt. Dromedary, it must be
visible at an immense distance; for it was seen from deck. The error of
the time-keepers [?]ing at this time supposed 16' to the east, the
distance of the mount, taking it to be in [?]0º.4' Et., will be 28
leagues. At the time of seeing the land, I could scarcely believe this
but supposed conjectured the time-keepers error to be much more
considerable.+ For this reason, I kept further off ceased to steer in for
the coast at 10 P.M.: but, at daylight, hauled up as near as the wind
would then permit us, for the land
+which was afterwards found to be the case
Transcript for a055486486
[page 486]
1802 May [Sun.] 9th. H.M.S.Investigator [into Port Jackson]
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Set [?] sails & spanker trying to
fetch the heads Port Jackson. At 4, the entrance bore West and soon after
saw the colours upon the south head. Shewed a white flag at the T.Gt. Mt.
head, being a private signal to the [?] At 6, the flag staff S.W.b.W. off
shore 7 or 8 miles.
Fire on the south head W1/2S.
At 10, tacked towards the land on the wind heading.
Fire on the south head W.b.S. Tacked s[outh?].
Mod. breezes & fine weather. Out 2nd reef of the top sails and set
stay sails.
At 4, tacked to the N.W. but found ourselves still to leeward of the port
at daylight, the south head bearing W.N.W. when we tacked at 6h.20'. -
Shewed colours and private signal. Moderate breezes and cloudy weather At
9, tacked ship to the westward, the wind heading at that time.
At noon, steering in for the entrance with a free wind, bearing N.W.b.W.
2 or 3 miles.
Transcript for a055487487
[page 487]
[Monday] - 10th [H.M.S. Investigator] into Port Jackson
[Navigational data and astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes and fine weather. At 1, entered the heads; tacked and took
on board the pilot, and worked up to the mouth of Sydney Cove, where we
came to with the small bower in 51/2 fms, at 3h.15'. Furled sails,
lowered down the cutter, and the Commander went to wait upon His
Excellency the governor. Found riding here H.M.S. Porpoise and brig Lady
Nelson the French ship Naturaliste, a whaler and a privateer brig. Light
breezes and fine weather. At sunset, down T.Gt. yards
A.M. Light breezes and fine weather.
People employed upon occasional duties
Taken upon the east point of Sydney Cove on May 13th. by log where the latitude is 33º.52' 00"S.
For additional remarks, see pages 524-527 near the end of this book.
Transcript for a055488488
[page 488]
1802 May [Tuesday] - 11th. H.M.S.Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson.]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Light airs with fine weather. Employed occasionally. A.M. At daylight the
pilot came on board, weighed the [anchor] and warped into a convenient
berth for being near Banilongs point, and moored ship a ca[ble?] each
way. Hoisted out the launch
[Wednesday] - 12th. Light and moderate breezes alternately. Sent two bell
tents and a markee to the east point of the cove, where we also began to
land empty casks to be examined and repaired by the cooper. Unrove part
of the running rigging which was bad, to be ready for surveying. Sent a
corporal and 3 marines to the tent as a guard Calm. A.M. Fresh breezes
with rain at times. Sent the observatory and some instruments on shore to
the tents. Held a survey upon decayed boatswains stores and upon the
remains of Boatswains Carpenters and Gunners stores; as also upon the
barracadoing of the quarter deck Having found this barracading a great
detriment obstruction to my surveying; and con-
Transcript for a055489489
[page 489]
[Tuesday - 12th H.M.S.Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
ceiving it to be a detriment to the ships sailing, I wrote to His
Excellency, who is the naval senior officer in these seas, representing
this matter; upon which he ordered the commander of the Lady Nelson, the
Carpenters to the Territory, and of this ship to survey it and report
their opinions as to any injury which the ship might sustain from its
removal. Their report corresponding with what I had represented, His
Excellency gave me an order to have it removed without delay, and sent
four convict carpenters to assist in the work
[Thurs.] - 13th Fresh breezes with rain at times. Employed sending on
shore empty casks, and about the condemned stores
Arrived the Britannia, whaler - Turnbull from a fishing cruize off these
coasts A.M. Fresh breezes & cloudy. Loosed sails to dry. Entered 4
supernumerary carpenters to assist in taking down the barracade. Cooper
on shore repairing casks. People employed in the holds Served out greens
to the ships company
Transcript for a055490490
[page 490]
1802 May [Friday] - 14th. H.M.S. sloop Investigator [In the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes with showers of rain. People on board employed in the holds
and sending on shore the empty casks. Sent a suit of sails on shore to
the tents and the sail-makers to repair them. A.M. Do. weather. Punished
And. Robinson (marine) with 12 lashes for mutinous expressions. Held a
survey upon the remains of Boatswains Gunners and Carpenters stores.
Employed sending on shore casks, and in other duties.
[Saturday] - 15. Fresh breezes with rain at times. Employed as before,
upon the bulwark, clearing the ship and getting the provisions up to be
surveyed A.M. Employed on board as before. Sailmakers at the tents upon
the sails.
[Sunday] - 16. Rainy at times & unsettled weather Recd. a turn of
water by launch. A.M. Mustered the ships company and saw them clean and
afterward part had leave to go on shore. Weather unsettled &
rainy
[Monday] - 17. Fresh breezes and squally with rain A.M. Do. weather.
Employed as before in the holds and at the tents.
Transcript for a055491491
[page 491]
[1802 May Tuesday - 18th H.M.S. sloop Investigator] In the harbour of
Port Jackson
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Varble. Winds and weather. Employed on board in the holds, and at the
tents in repairing sails and casks. Carpenters taking down the bulwark
and refitting the rails.
A.M. Employed as above. Sailed the French national ship Le Naturaliste
having procured some supplies of bread, but little or no meat, the colony
being at a short allowance of that necessary
[Wednesday] - 19th. Moderate breezes and cloudy weather. Employed as
before about the barracading, repairing sails and casks and in the holds.
Sent the hammock clothes on shore to be painted. A.M. Do weather. Empd.
as before.
[Thursday] - 20th. Moderate and cloudy. Recd. a load of water by the
launch. A.M. Sent the parts of the garden house on board the Supply hulk.
Held a survey upon the remains of Pursers stores. Do. weather
[Fridday - 21. Fresh breezes and cloudy with rain Employed stowing away
the provisions after being surveyed; otherwise, as before
A.M. Moderate & fine weather. Employed as above, principally in the
holds.
Transcript for a055492492
[page 492]
1802 May [Saturday] - 22. H.M.S. Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Moderate breezes and cloudy with rain. Arrived the American ship Arthur -
Jenckes, from Providence, with provisions and sundries. Launch employed
watering to complete the 2nd tier. A.M. Varble. with hard rain at times.
Employed on board in the holds, and upon the barracade, and on shore at
the observatory, and in repairing sails and casks.
[Sunday] - 23. Fresh breezes with hard rain. Employed in the holds. A.M.
Frequent rain. Part of the ships company had leave to go on shore
Applied to His Excellency, the governor for an order to
bear two supernumeraries [.?.]
[Monday] - 24. Do. weather. A.M. Mod. and cloudy.
Punished John Clark, seaman, with 12 lashes for leaving a boat when on
duty. Employed watering the ship and in the holds.
[Tuesday] - 25. Mod. and cloudy. Employed in the various occupations as
before. A.M. Received 1078 gallons of rum from the ship Arthur for the
ships use. Employed pumping it off into good casks and stowing it away in
the after hold. - Do. weather.
Transcript for a055493493
[page 493]
[ Wednesday] - 26 [H.M.S. Investigator] in the harbour of Port
Jackson
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. breezes with fine weather. Employed in the after hold stowing away
spirits. A.M. Recd. 987lbs of tobacco from the ship Arthur for the ships
use. Employed in the holds
[Thursday] - 27. Fine weather. Employed about the barracade and in the
holds as before. A.M. Struck the M. top-mast and unrigged the main mast.
Carpenters refitting the barracade rails &c. Sailed for Otaheite,
H.M.S. Porpoise, to fetch pork for the settlement. Two men on shore
painting the hammock clothes, besides the sailmakers and cooper.
[Friday] - 28th. Mod. breezes and fine weather. Employed overhauling the
main rigging. Sailed the Cumberland and Francis, colonial schooners, for
Broken Bay. Sailmakers, carpenters, cooper and people employed as before.
The armourer employed refitting the hammock stations. A.M. Employed as
before.
[Saturday] - 29th. Rigged the main mast, fidded the top mast and set up
the rigging. A.M. Employed rattling down the rigging, and in sundry other
duties as before.
Transcript for a055494494
[page 494]
1802 May [ Sunday] - 30th. H.M.S. Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Mod. and cloudy weather. Swayed up the main yard. Opened beef No. 53,
contents 42 pieces, short 32 lbs on being cut up in the presence of the
warrant officers; and pork No. 19, contents 53 pieces, right. A.M. Light
breezes with rain. Mustered the ships company and gave part leave to go
on shore.
[ Monday] - 31. Calm, with lightening, and drizzling rain. A.M. Light
breezes and fine. Sent the launch for a load of water. Employed about the
rigging.
June [Tuesday] 1. Mod. with finer weather. Employed about the rigging,
the bulwark, sails, casks, and at the observatory. A.M. Blacked yards and
mast heads. Punished Richd. Hetherly, seaman, for staying beyond his
leave, for drunkenness, and using mutinous expressions, with two dozen
lashes.
[Wednesday] - 2. Cloudy with drizzling rain. Arrived the brig Harrington
- Campbell from a sealing cruise in Bass's Strait. A.M. Moderate and
cloudy. Employed tarring down the rigging and getting on board present
use water
Transcript for a055495495
[page 495]
[Thursday] - 3rd. [H.M.S.Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed painting the lower masts, tarring down
the rigging and other duties as before mentioned. A.M. Do. weather.
Employed as necessary
[Friday] - 4th. Fresh breezes with fine weather. Employed clearing and
cleaning the ship. A.M. Dressed the ship with colours in honour of His
Majestys birth day.
[Saturday] - 5th. Do. weather. At 1 P.M. fired a royal salute and
afterwards the Commanders and Officers dined with His Excellency the
governor to celebrate the birth day. A.M. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Sent
a masters mate and 6 men to cut wood on the north side of the harbour.
Washed and cleaned below. Employed otherwise as necessary
[Sunday] - 6. Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. People on board and on
shore employed as necessary. A.M. Drizzling rain. Mustered the ships
company and saw them clean as usual; and afterwards paid them for their
savings of bread since leaving the Cape of Good Hope +, and gave a part
leave to go on shore. +amounting to £54.5.3
Transcript for a055496496
[page 496]
1802 June H.M.S. Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Monday] - 7th. Sailed the Speedy, South Sea whaler - Quested, for
England by the way of Cape Horn. A.M. Fresh breezes and squally with
rain. Employed clearing the decks and in occasional duties. -
[Tuesday] - 8. Fresh breezes and squally. Employed as necessary. A.M. Do.
weather. Washed and cleaned below; employed otherwise in necessary
duties
[Wednesday] - 9. Mod. breezes and cloudy, with rain at times. A.M. Recd.
present use water by the launch. Sailmakers and cooper employed on shore
as before. Carpenters making arch pieces for the ports, and otherwise
completing the upper deck railing. People employed occasionally
[Thursday] - 10. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed as before: - the
party still wooding on the north side of the harbour. A.M. Rain at times.
Employed upon necessary duties
[Friday] - 11. Fresh breezes and squally. Fired a salute of 17 guns upon
the coming on board of His Excellency the governor of New South Wales.
A.M. Mod. & fine weather. Recd. wood by the launch. Dried the [?] and
cleaned the ship.
Transcript for a055497497
[page 497]
1802 June - [H.M.S. Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Saturday] -12. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed as necessary. A.M.
Mod. & fine. People picking oakum for the carpenters.
[Sunday] - 13. People employed occasionally. Carpenters caulking the
sheer-plank round the timber heads. A.M. Mod. & fine wr. Mustered the
ships company and saw them clean as usual on this day; afterwards a part
had leave to go on shore. Sailed the Britannia, on a fishing cruize.
[Monday] -14th. Mod. & fine weather. Arrived the ship Coromandel -
Sterling with prisoners 4 months from Portsmouth. A.M. Do. weather.
Employed as necessary in wooding &c.
[Tuesday] - 15th. Cloudy, with rain at times, and distant thunder.
Repairing sails, and casks, wooding, and other necessary occupations
employ the ships company
A.M. Launch employed wooding. Punished Andrew Robinson, marine, with 12
lashes for leaving his post when sentry. Entered Thos. Toney, seaman,
being the third entered here to replace the boats crew lost upon the
south coast. -
Transcript for a055498498
[page 498]
1802 June H.M. Ship Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Wednesday] - 16th. Calm and fine weather. Launch employed wooding. A.M.
Mod. & fine wr. Launch employed bringing on board a part of a
twelve-months provisions sent out in the Coromandel for this ship; and in
landing the remainder. Entered Joseph Tuzo and John Simmonds.
[Thursday] - 17th. Mod. and cloudy. Employed principally about the
provisions, as yesterday. A.M. Thick foggy weather, afterwards clearer.
Employed as before about the provisions.
[Friday] - 18. Fresh breezes and fine weather. Employed landing
provisions and placing them in the store. A.M. Mod. breezes. Employed in
the holds stowing away provisions, and on shore doing the same in the
colonial store. Entered Thos. (Sher?) Brown
[Saturday] - 19. Mod. & fine weather. The launch employed in fetching
water to complete the third tier. A.M. Employed as before. Carpenters
caulking the water-way seam upon the upper deck.
Transcript for a055499499
[page 499]
1802 June [H.M. Ship Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Sunday] - 20th. Mod. and fine weather. Employed in the holds completing
the 3rd tier with water and provisions. Sailmakers, Cooper, and Armourer
employed on shore as before
[Monday] - 21st. Mod. & fine weather. Gave part of the ships company
leave to go on shore. A.M. Light airs. Sent a boat to assist in towing up
the French national ship Le Geographe, which came within the heads
yesterday. Employed in the holds. Entered Francis Smith - seaman.
[Tuesday] - 22. Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Employed in the holds.
Carpenters caulking upon the upper deck. Le Geographe [anchor]ed in
Neutral Bay. A.M. Mod. & fine wr. Fired the morning gun, by order of
the governor. Washed and cleaned below. The commandant of the French
expedition visited the ship.
[Thurssday] - 23. Carpenters, cooper, sailmakers and armourer employed as
before. People on board as necessary. Fired the evening gun. A.M. Mod.
& fine weather. Employed working up junk. The Commander visited the
French ship.
Transcript for a055500500
[page 500]
1802 June H.M.S. Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Thursday] - 24th. Mod. & fine weather. Employed working up junk and
about the rigging. A.M. Do. weather. Carpenters caulking upon the upper
deck. Recd. a launch load of water for present use. Entered Thos. Smith,
seaman.
[Friday] - 25th. Mod. breezes with fine weather. People employed working
up junk. Lent the launch and a coxon to go up to Parramatta. A.M. Fresh
breezes and cloudy. Employed making points and gaskets. Entered Josh.
Marlow.
[Saturday] - 26. Do. weather. Came in and anchored in the cove, the
Greenwich - Law, from a fishing cruize off New Zealand; and the Francis,
colonial schooner. A.M. Fresh breezes with rain. Employed scraping the
decks after the caulkers, and other necessary duties
[Sunday] - 27. Fresh breezes and cloudy with rain at times. Came in and
anchored, the general Boyd - from a fishing cruize; and the Hercules -
Betts, with convicts from England Cork, sent November last. A.M. Mustered
the ships company and saw them clean, and afterwards gave part leave to
go on shore
Transcript for a055501501
[page 501]
1802 June [H.M.S.Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Monday] - 28th. Fresh breezes and cloudy weather, with rain. A.M. Do.
weather. Sent the launch up the harbour, to get logs for sawing into
planks. Entered John McDonald from the ship Coromandel, and discharged
Richd. Stanley in lieu. Employed about occasional duties
[Tuesday] - 29th. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Got on board the sails after
being repaired. A.M. Squally with rain. Carpenters repairing the scupper
shoots &c. previous to painting the ship. People employed as
necessary
[Wednesday] - 30. Do. weather. Recd. 5 logs by the launch People
variously employed. A.M. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Began painting the
ship. Sent two carpenters on board the Supply hulk to fit up the green
house. Dried such sails on board as were wet, and stowed them away.
Employed otherwise as necessary
[Thursday] - July 1st. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Recd. water by the
launch and afterwards lent her to carry convicts up to Parramatta.
Employed painting the ship. Cooper repairing casks and packing the spare
ones to leave behind A.M. Mod. and cloudy. Empld. as necessary
Transcript for a055502502
[page 502]
1802 July H.M.S. Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Friday] - 2nd. Moderate breezes and cloudy. Employed painting the ship.
A.M. Drizzling rain at times. Sent the Carpenters into the woods to cut a
back tiller, which we propose to fit to enable us to carry the green
house with less strain to the ship.
[Saturday] - 3rd. Varble weather. Cut up a cask of beef and pork No. 3
and No. 5 to their contents. A.M. Moderate and fine. Employed principally
in painting the ship. Recd. 99 lbs of beef in lieu of so much salt pork
to be returned. Came up the French ship Le Naturaliste from the lower
part of the harbour, where she had been kept since her arrival by foul
winds. She had attempted to get to Mauritius by the west round Van
Diemens Land, but failed.
[Sunday] - 4th. Light breezes and fine weather. Finished painting the
ship, and blacked the bends. A.M. Do. weather. Served fresh beef to the
ships company. Mustered the ships company, saw them clean, and read the
articles of war to them.
Transcript for a055503503
[page 503]
1802 July, [H.M.S.Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Monday] - 5th. Fresh breezes and cloudy weather. Came in the colonial
brig, Lady Nelson, from the Hawkesbury. A.M. Employed fitting
hammock-cloths upon the rails after painting the ship, and otherwise as
necessary. The Commr. and lst lieut. sitting as members of a Court of
Vice Admiralty to try Mr. Lukyn Betts master of the Hercules transport
for putting to death several convicts said to be concerned in a mutinous
attempt to take the ship from the commander & officers
[Tuesday] - 6th. Fresh breezes and fine. Recd. a load of water for
present use, by the launch. A.M. Drizzling rain at times. Carpenters
employed on board the Supply hulk, fitting up the green house &
sawing plank; and here in fitting the back tiller. Otherwise employed as
necessary.
[Wednesday] - 7th. Squally weather at times, and cloudy. Arrived the ship
Atlas - Brookes from Cork with convicts, since November: - very sickly
and having lost 60. A.M. Fresh breezes and hazy weather. Sawyers on board
the Supply hulk cutting plank. Employed on board in various duties
Transcript for a055504504
[page 504]
1802 July H.M. sloop Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Thursday] - 8th. Fresh breezes and hazy weather. A.M. Got the green
house from the Supply hulk and employed the Carpenters in setting it up,
but finding it too inconvenient and large, reduced it one third, by which
means we may be able to carry it notwithstanding the w[eak?]ness of the
upper works of the ship. People employed in various necessary duties.
[Friday] - 9th Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Armourer and cooper
employed on shore. Carpenters setting up the green- house on board. A.M.
Fresh breezes and cloudy. Employed [clear?]ing away to stow bread, which
the launch was employed to fetch. Arrived the American brig Fanny from
Boston.
[Saturday] - 10th. Do. weather. Received bread in casks, to the amount of
10,305 lbs. A.M. Mod. breezes and fine weather. Recd. water by the
launch.
[Sunday] - 11th. Mod. Breezes and fine weather. Employed in various
duties as before. A.M. Do. weather. Mustered the ships company and saw
them clean, previous to sending a large part of them on shore to attend
Divine Service; afterwards part had leave to go on shore
Transcript for a055505505
[page 505]
1802 July [H.M. sloop Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Monday] - 12th. Mod. breezes and fine weather. Employed in various
duties preparing for sea. A.M. Light airs. Bent the sails. Paid the
carpenters, sawyers, armourer, cooper, and sail makers for their extra
work done in refitting the ship. Le Geographe warped up the harbour to be
laid ashore for repairing some of her copper.
[Tuesday] - 13. Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Carpenters making boxes
and otherwise fitting up the green-house. A.M. Do. weather. Sent paint on
shore and a man to paint the new whale boat. Employed on board in various
duties fitting for sea and assisting the brig Lady Nelson
[Wednesday] 14th. Do. weather. Employed as before. A.M. People working up
junk. Washed and cleaned below. Calm towards noon
[Thursday] - 15th. Calm and hazy. Fired a salute of 11 guns on being
visited by captain Baudin, the commander of the French ships, and by
lieut. governor Paterson of this colony. A.M. Mod. & cloudy. Roused
up the small bower cable, cleaned the tier, stowed plank under it and
coiled it away again.
Transcript for a055506506
[page 506]
1802 July H.M. sloop Investigator [H.M. in the harbour of P. Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Friday] - 16th. Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Carpenters employed
about the green house. Wm. John Davis - marine, being invalided by a
medical survey, was discharged into the ship Coromandel for a passage to
England, and Thos. Shirley George Brown was entered in his lieu. A.M.
Mod. and cloudy. Employed setting up the lower and topmast rigging fore
and aft. Recd. 2,507 lbs of bread from the Fanny brig, by the launch, and
sent her again for spirits.
[Saturday] - 17th Mod. breezes and cloudy, with rain at times. Recd.
4051/4 gallons of spirits from the American brig. Employed in the after
hold. A.M. Rainy weather. Punished Francis Smith with 12 lashes, and
Joseph Tozo with 6 for drunkenness and fighting.
[Sunday] - 18th. Calm with rain. Employed as necessary. A.M. Punished a
man belonging to the Greenwich - whaler, with 18 lashes at the request of
the master, for mutinous expressions and striking the mate. Mustered the
ships company and saw them clean; and afterwards sent a part on shore to
attend Divine Service.
Transcript for a055508508
[page 508]
1802 July. His Majestys sloop Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
[Navigational data not reproduced - see original journal]
[Thursday] - 22. Mod. breezes and cloudy weather. Entered Mr. John Aken,
to act as master, and discharged Thos. Shirley into the brig Lady Nelson
being a convict. At 21/2h. the pilot came on board, made the signal with
a gun for all persons to repair on board; - weighed and steered out off
the cove, fired a second gun, Mr. Aken not being on board. At 4h.30' came
to off Bradleys Point, and veered to half a cable; furled sail and sent
down T.Gt. yards. Fresh breezes and cloudy.
Our stay in Port Jackson being now completed,
it may be proper to make a short statement of the advantages we derived
from being there, and of the observations made during our stay.
The principal objects in view, in coming into
this port, are briefly the following
1. To refresh the ships company
2. To complete the provisions for a twelve months
expedition round New Holland
Transcript for a055509509
[page 509]
[1802 July. His Majestys sloop Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
3rd. To make a thorough examination into the state of all the stores on
board, and to have surveys upon them to enable the different officers to
pass their annual accounts.
4th. To complete the charts of the south coast of New Holland; and to get
copies of them made and sent home to the my Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty.
5th. To ascertain the errors of the time-keepers in longitude and get
fresh errors and rates for them.
6th. To make up the deficiencies in the ships company, which the loss of
the boats crew near Uncertain Island had made considerable; and also to
get another boat in lieu of that lost.
7th. To set up the green-house for the reception of exotic plants;
and
8thly. To consult with His Excellency the governor as to the best means
of executing the remaining part of my instructions for the examination of
New Holland.
How far we fulfilled these objects
remains
Transcript for a055510
[page 510]
Abstract of transactions in the harbour of [Port Jackson; on board the Investigator]
will partly appear from the preceding journal but more concisely as
follows
1st. In refreshing the ships company, we were obliged to trust more to
their individual exertions than to any public purchases: the price of
fresh meat being so very exorbitant. His Excellency once exchanged a days
fresh beef with us for salt pork and occasionally gave us a basket of
vegetables. Fish it was difficult to get in the winter season and our
necessary duties did not permit us to send away men to fish without more
certainty of success; a few were, however, occasionally purchased
alongside. In lieu of the pound of biscuit, 11/4 lbs of soft bread was
issued to the people daily, without any additional expense. The officers
and many of the ships company, generally had vegetables at their tables,
and sometimes poultry, but which was not obtained at a small expense. On
going to sea, I purchased sheep at £3 per head: pigs at 9d. per lb
alive, geese at 10s. each and fowls at 3s. each. The latter are usually
purchased by bar[?]
Transcript for a055511511
[page 511]
[Abstract of transactions in the harbour of] Port Jackson; on board the Investigator
2nd. In completing our provisions for a further expedition we were very
fortunate. I entered into a contract for 30,000 lbs of biscuit, 8000 lbs
of flour and 156 bushels of wheat; but in the interim a twelve months
provisions arrived for the ships from England, agreeably to my
application to the Admiralty of July 18, 1801; upon which I prevailed
upon the contractor to annul the part which related to flour and wheat;
but I took the bread, for which 33s. per hundred pounds, was paid. In
every other respect we completed up to a twelve month, except with
spirits which had not arrived; and I left the remaining provisions in the
public stores, under charge of the commissary, for our future use. From
two American vessels which arrived, I purchased 14831/4 gallons of rum,
at 6/6 per gallon; which, with what remained of our former stock, was
equal to our proportion of other provisions
3rd. The stores of every kind were well examined and surveys of the whole
were taken and sent home. The two suits of sails which had been bent,
required to be repaired, and the sailmakers were accordingly employed in
that duty the greater part of our stay
Transcript for a055512512
[page 512]
Abstract of transactions on board H.M. ship [Investigator, in the harbour of Port Jackson]
3rd. continued. stay. On considering the sate of our sails and the
service which we should have for them, I thought it necessary to write
home for another suit and some other stores being likely to be wanted, a
demand was sent as follows
Boatswains Stores | Provisions for 90 men |
---|---|
One suit of sales complete | Beef and pork for 6 months |
Two 131/2 inch cables | Pease -- Do. |
One 8 inch stream cable | Spirits -- Do. |
Two 8 inch messengers | Lime juice --- Do. |
One 5 inch hawser | Essence of malt |
One 22 cwt. Bower anchor | Mustard in bottles ---Do. |
Two barrels of tar | Essence of spruce --- Do. |
40 gallons of black varnish | Molasses --- Do. |
Sourkrout --- Do. | |
Carpenters stores | |
Linseed oil - 50 gallons |
I had purchased for the use of the people 978 lbs of tobacco, being able to buy it for so little as 6d. per pound at that time; and our stock of that article being nearly expended, and a part damaged.
4th. This object of our putting into Port Jackson was completly fulfilled. From the astronomical journal, the log, the bearing book, and from the rough chart I constructed a series of charts of the whole south coast, and some
Transcript for a055513513
[page 513]
[Abstract of transactions on board H.M. ship] Investigator, in the harbour of Port Jackson
larger scales of other particular) parts: they consisted of the
following:
The south coast of New Holland, from }
Cape Leuwen to Wilsons Promontory, } 6 sheets
upon a scale of 4 inches to a degree of } longitude }
A particular survey of King Georges }
Sound and its two harbours: the scale } 1 sheet
one inch to a geographic mile }
A particular chart of D'Entrecasteauxs }
Archipelago, upon a scale of a 1/4 of an } 1 sheet
inch to a geographic mile }
A particular chart of No.10 bay and its }
neighbourhood; and sketches of the }
heads of No.12 and No.14 inlets, and } 1 sheet
of Port Phillip: scale 12 inches to a }
degree of longitude }
Of these charts I had two
copies made, by one of young gentlemen on board; the one to be
transmitted home to the admiralty, and the other to be left in the hands
of the governor, and to be forwarded to England in case of the loss of
the ship, lest the copy sent might fail. By a prior conveyance I
transmitted to the Admiralty an account of the principal discoveries made
upon the south coast, but the charts were not then ready.
Transcript for a055515515
[page 515]
[Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
mate of the ship Hercules was entered as an acting master, - three men
were exchanged who were not fit for active service, and a marine
invalided and sent home; and the places of these were all filled up, so
that we sailed with a full complement of men. Some of those entered being
convicts, His Excellency governor King, gave me an instrument relating to
them, which is as follows
"By
His Excellency Philip Gidley;
King,
Esquire; Captain General and
Governor
in Chief in and over His
Majestys
Territory of New South
Wales
and it Dependencies &c. &c. &c.
Whereas captain Matthew Flinders, Commander of His
Majestys sloop Investigator has requested permission to receive on board
that ship the undermentioned convicts as seamen to make up the number he
is deficient, I do hereby grant Thomas Toney Joseph Tuzo
Thomas
Shirley Francis Smith
Thomas Smith
Joseph Marlow
Thomas Martin
Richd. Stephenson
and Charles Brown
permission
to ship themselves on board His Majestys sloop Investigator. And on
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Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
6th object, continued "on the return of that ship to
"this port according to captain Flinders's recommendation of "them
severally and individually, they will receive Conditional "Emancipations
or Absolute Pardons as that officer may "request. And in the interim, do
by virtue of the power and "authority vested in me Grant a Provisional
Conditional "Emancipation to the said Thomas Toney, Joseph Tuso, "Thomas
Shirley, Francis Smith, Thomas Smith, Joseph "Marlow, Thomas Martin,
Richard Stephenson, and Charles "Brown, for the purpose of their being
enabled to serve on "board His Majestys said sloop Investigator whilst in
the "neighbourhood of this territory; which Conditional Pardon will "be
of no effect in case any of the above named do individually "conduct
themselves so ill as to put it out of Captain Flinders's "power to
recommend them for a conditional or absolute "pardon on his return to
this port.
Given
under my hand and seal at Government House, "Sydney, in New South Wales
this 15th day of July in the year of Our Lord 1802."
Philip
Gidley King.
The above mentioned men were generally seamen in good
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[Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
good health, and mostly young men; so that I considered them to be a
great acquisition to our strength; and it must be considered as a
valuable situation to be placed in, by them; since through it they might
be able to return to their country, their friends, and that society from
which they had been banished; and in this light it seems to have been
considered from the great number of candidates for the vacancies, and
from whom the above men were selected
The boat which was built for us, was after the model of
that whale boat in which Mr. Bass, coasted from Port Jackson to Western
Port; a distance not less than 400 miles, and returned safe. She was
timbered with the largest kind of banksia, which is found to be more
durable than mangrove, and planked with cedar. She is 28f. 7" over all,
and will row eight oars when requisite, but is generally intended to use
but six generally. She was built under the inspection of Mr. Thos. Moore,
the master boat builder of the colony, and appears to be a fine boat. She
was charged only £30 to the Navy Board, many of the materials
having been furnished by government.
7th. In complying with that part of my instructions which directed the
green-house to be set up for the reception of
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Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
7th object, continued. of live plants I was obliged to deviate a little
on account of the weak state of the upper works of the ship, which could
not bear such a weight when raised so high as to stand over the tiller.
To enable the ship better to carry it, I had a short tiller fitted abaft
the rudder head, and by doubling the purchase upon it, I thought it would
answer as well, and the green house was then let down close to the deck.
I also reduced it one third; it being the opinion of the naturalist that
it would still contain all the plants that would be collected in one
expedition; and so reduced, I thought there was no risk of our being
obliged to through throw the it over board on account of the weakness of
the ship.
8th. In consulting with His Excellency the governor upon my future
proceedings, many points were to be considered. The first that I proposed
was to take down the barraccade] upon the upper deck, which I had found
to be a great impediment to my taking the necessary angles when running
along the coast, from its great height when the hammocks were stowed upon
it. On making application for an order from him for the purpose, he
directed a survey to be held upon it by the proper of
ficers
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[Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
ficers in order to ascertain whether the frame of the ship would suffer
any injury from it; and on their reporting that no injury, but advantage
might arise from it; he gave an order for its being cut down, and lent 4
convict carpenters to assist in the work.
Upon the subject of proceeding to the southward and
going round that way to the north coast, we perfectly agreed upon the
ineligibility of it at this time of the year; and therefore, if I
proceeded that way it would be necessary to wait several months, which
might afford time to make a visit to the Feejee Islands; but this was not
judged to be adviseable, as in the mean time the French ships would have
explored the most material parts; upon the whole, therefore, we agreed,
that to proceed to the northward and explore Torres Strait and the Gulph
of Carpentaria before the north-west monsoon should set in would be the
most adviseable, and to proceed to explore the north-west coasts during
its continuance. Afterwards to complete the objects of the voyage in that
part, and either return by Torres Strait or by the south and Bass's
Strait as circumstances
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Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
8th. object continued. might make expedient; and in the way I meant to
look into the Bay of Inlets, but not to keep within the reefs beyond that
part.
According to the wish of the projectors of
the voyage His Excellency ordered the Lady Nelson to accompany me, giving
me the following order to take her under my command
By
Philip Gidley King Esq. captain general and
governor
in chief in and over the Territory of
New
South Wales and it dependencies, and
commander
of His Majestys armed vessel
Porpoise
&c. &c. &c.
" In consequence of directions received from His Majestys "principal
secretary of state for the Home Department and from "the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty - You are hereby "required and directed to
take under your command His "Majestys armed surveying vessel Lady Nelson,
and to employ "her as you may judge proper, in prosecuting the service
you "are on, until that service is performed, when you are to leave "her
under the direction of the Governor of this colony, or other "Officer in
command for the time being."
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[Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
being. For which this shall be your order
Given
under my hand at Government House
Sydney,
New South Wales, this 15th day of
July,
1802.
Philip
Gidley King
Captain Matthew Flinders
Commander of His Majestys
sloop Investigator.
at the same time I received an order for acting-lieutenant John Murray who commanded the Lady Nelson to put himself under my orders which I gave to him; and soon after sent him a small code of signals to be observed between us.
Thus through the assistance of the governor we were able to leave Port Jackson for the prosecution of our voyage, in a better state than when we departed from England; and at the time of sailing we had not a man in the sick list:-
The prosecution of the voyage is continued in Log book No.2)
No opportunity having offered for transmitting
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Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator [in the harbour of Port Jackson]
transmitting the charts of the south coast, mentioned in the 4th article
above, I left them with His Excellency the governor, to be by him
forwarded to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty by the first good
conveyance.
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[Abstract of transactions on board the Investigator] in the harbour of Port Jackson
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May 10.1802. continued. Additional remarks
From journals and papers furnished to me put
into my hands by His Excellency the governor, I learn the following
particulars concerning a part of the south coast of New Holland and Bass'
Strait
In the passage from the Cape of Good Hope to Port
Jackson, lieutenant James Grant in the brig Lady Nelson made the south
coast of New Holland in latitude 38º.So. being a projecting part
which he called it Cape Bridgewater Northumberland. This appears to be
the cliffy rocky point mentioned on April the 18th and 19th; and the bold
cliffy cape ( he named Cape Bridgewater. The high cape ( obtained the
name of Cape Otway and the cape ( he called Cape Schank. Lieutenant Grant
does not appear to have examined the coast very nicely, but he) is
undoubtedly the first discoverer of these parts, whereas I had hitherto
given this credit to captain Baudin.
It may be proper at this place to point out the
exact limits of the particular discoveries of Lt. Grant, captain Baudin
and the Investigator, which I am able to do with sufficient
minuteness.
It is known that the French admiral
D'Entrecasteaux
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did not pursue the south coast of Nuyts Land as far as Nuyts himself
had done, although M. Labillardiere apart who may not be scrupulously
nice in geographical matters, asserts the contrary; for the isles St.
Peter and St. Francis which terminated the Dutch discovery were not seen
by him, or any islands that could have been mistaken for them; the French
then have no claim to original discovery to the westward of these
islands, although their contrè admiral D'Entrecasteaux and his
geographer Bauprè deserve much credit praise for their exact
delineation of these parts.
It is most probable that Nuyts did not see
the main coast as far to the east as the islands which he named; but
however that be be that as it may it is certain, that the Investigators
claim discovery will commence where that of the Dutch ends, and
terminates where she met with captain Le Geographe. The western boundary
of this space cannot be placed to the eastward of 135º. from
Greenwich, and the place of meeting with captain Baudin was
139º.10'.Et. Within these limits are comprehended 1st the whole of
that great projecting cape of which Cape Catastrophe is the extreme, with
all its bays and islands - 2nd. the great inlet No.12 up to
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May 9. 1802 continued. Additional remarks
to its (source) head - 3rd. the inlet No.14. - 4th. the large island
called Kanguroo Island, with the channel between it and the main, and the
cape (. To all these I apprehend the Investigator has an undisputed claim
to aff[ord?] names; and to her and the British Admiralty only can this
right belong, so far as relates to European nations. (From the before
mentioned longitude of 139º.10' from Greenwich, to Cape
Northumberland which I place in 140º.50', the claim of original
discovery is vested to in captain Baudin and the French nation, so far as
I am acquainted. Nor shall I presume to give any other names to call the
head lands contained in their survey but such as by any other names than
those which shall be assigned to them in the French chart; The latitude
comprehended in this space is from 35º.43' to 38º.3' south.
From Cape Northumberland to Western Port,
lieutenant Grants priority of discovery cannot, I believe, be contested;
as also or that of Mr. Bass from Western Port to the situation of Point
Hicks in the chart of captain Cook.
Being upon the subject of names, it may not be
improper to speak of mention an agreement between captain Baudin and
myself to call the S.W. cape of New Holland Cape Leeuwen; this we think
the Dutch will not dispute.
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From the journals and paper furnished me by the governor King I also find that the large island on the west side of the strait had been visited since Reids time by lieutenant Murray who succeeded Mr. Grant in the command of the Lady Nelson, and named this piece of land Kings Island, which, as Reed gave it no name, seems to obtain generally. Our No.16, port, had also been previously visited by Mr. Murray and has been named Port Phillip.