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1802 Aug. [Friday] - 13th. Boat excursions to examine the [rivers of Keppel Bay]

shore, we I found but 4 and 3 fms. to the point which divides the eastern arm into two branches; the one running E.S.E. the other S.S.E. We took the former, and after rowing abt. 6 miles stopped on the N.E. shore, above three small mangrove islands which seperate the branch into different passages. The principal direction of the branch to this part was S.S.E. and its width about 3/4 of amile. The depth of water was various, between 6 and 3 fms. being deepest upon the eastern shore, until we came to the mangrove islands when there did not appear to be more than 2, at low water. - At this place we slept, as well as the mosquitos and sand flies would permit us; and after taking the bearings of the highest inland hill, and of the broad mount in the morning, we rowed upwards.-
   The rise of the tide at this place was from 10 to 12 feet, and the time of high water was about 9 in the evening, the moon wanting 28 hours of being full. We found The river to diminished both in depth and breadth as we proceeded upwards, and to divided itself ainto small channels amongst the mangroves, but apparently they all joining again further on Having advanced about 4 miles from the place where we slept the branch began to widen and to get deeper, having 21/2 fms. of water in it; and it soon became evident, that it communicated with No. 1 port. I took a station directly opposite to the 2nd. reddish cliffs which had been the uppermost station from No. 1 port, and from thence the small peak upon the highest inland hill bore 189º.15', and the broad mount on the west side of Keppel Bay 292º.15'
   From having found one communication, we were led to hope that the branch leading to the westward near the