[page 70]

[1802 Aug. [Wednesday] - 18th. H.M.S. Investigator] along the east coast - Keppel Isles
[Astronomical observations not reproduced - see original journal]

Keppel Isles are a considerable cluster, if we include the various rocks and rocky islets which lie scattered about and amongst them. There are two islands of considerable size, the largest being 7 or 8 miles in circumference, and inhabited: we saw men also upon one of the smaller and more northern isles. -
   We did not find any dangers amongst them but what are sufficiently apparent; and they no doubt afford several [anchor]ages. The largest I. has some sandy bays in it, but the best of them seem to exposed to the easterly winds.
   The isles seem to have grass and bushes upon them and there are trees upon the second largest island. From the gullies upon the sides of the hills, I should judge that fresh water is not very scarce: the presence of natives confirms this. There does not seem to be much sand upon any of the isles, but they are all rocky, and some of them tolerably high