[page 20]

[1802 July [Thursday] - 29th. H.M.S. Investigator]
along the east coast - Break-sea Spit.
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]

In running along the spit, we saw that there were many small winding passages amongst the breakers. The first examined by the master was narrow, but seemed to lead into the bay with from 2 to 3 fms., the spit not being very broad in that part. The second channel was much wider larger, being abt. 11/2 mile wide, but it does not carry more than 14 feet completely through. The breakers in this part seem to about 31/2 miles broad, and are likewise intersected with small shallow passage. From former observation,
the *spit appears to be much more connected towards its extremity than near Sandy Cape. On the return of the boat I gave up all hope of finding any passage through the spit. -
    I felt some disappointment in not seeing the brig in the morning, since she now had had sufficient time to have arrived at this rendezvous.-
    About 10 o'clock we came in with the same part of the spit near which we had [anchor]ed; and then continued our course close to it*. I think it may be safely said that there is no passage through any part of the spit which is fit for a ship. There were no breakers towards this end of the spit, but the shoal water was plainly distinguishable from the mast head.- The spit may be passed over in 24°.24'So. its length from the Cape being 18 miles only.