[page 42]

[Sunday - 8th.] Boat excursion up No.1, port, of the east coast

By an observation taking in the southern entrance, the latitude of the south head of Facing Island is 23º. 53' So. -
   At daylight in the morning, I left the brig and landed upon the southern part of the 1st. island, and took bearings. In order to get to the ship afterwards, we rowed to the south-eastward round a considerable shoal which stretches in that direction from the 1st. island, and afterwards got into a tolerable channel of 3 fms. in depth, leading towards the passage north of the 1st. island, but whether it continues through I cannot tell. We kept a channel of the same kind, however, in steering towards the Rocky I. and which seems to pass between some black rocks and a sand, which are dry at half tide; and from thence close to Facing Island for a small distance; but the bottom being rocky all round the Rocky I. there does not seem to be any regular channel on either side; and there is generally but 4 or 5 feet. At 91/2h. we reached the ship. -
    The general remarks which occurred during this excursion are as follows. The natives appear to be more numerous about the lower part of the port and the neighbouring sea coast than in the upper parts.