State Library of NSW
Remarks on Passing Cape Horn [in left margin]
Passage we should not have been in those Seas, besides the fatiguing of our People the damage we must have done to our Anchor Cables, Sails & Rigging some of which have sufferd in our Passage round Cape Horn. From what I have said it will appear that I am no advocate for the Straits of Magellan, but it should be expected that I should say something of Strait Le Maire through which we passed & this is the more incumbant on me as it was by choice & contrary to the Advice given by Mr Walter the ingenious Author of Lord Ansons Voyage who advises all Ships not to go through this Strait but to go to the Eastw.d of Staten Land & likewise to stand to the Southward as far as 61 or 62º South before any Endeavour is made to get to the Westward, with respect to the passing of Strait Le Maire or going round Staten Land I look upon of little Consequence & either one or the other to be pursued according to Circumstances for if you happen to fall in with the land to the Westward of the Strait & the Winds favourable for going through it certainly must be a piece of folly to loose time in going round Staten Land for by paying a little Attention to the Directions I have already given no ill Consequences can attend; but on the Contrary if you should fall in with the land to the Eastward of the Strait or the wind should prove Boisterous, or unfavourable in any of these Cases the going to the Eastward of Staten Land is the most Advisable, & next as to the running into the Latitude of 61 or 62º South before any
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