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[Page 2]
Novr. 6th 1802
The 6th of Novr. I passed the River [blank space] at a place called by the Natives Binkana. The [blank space] of the River are here very passable the depth of water on the East Shore at the most 2 feet & diminishes rapidly to the middle from whence it continues over to the West Shore at 3 or 4 inches - the Bottom is a Quicksand which appears in Waves like the Sea when it is agitated by a gentle Wind - I believed, by the report of several persons, that it was very dangerous to pass the sandy places of this River on foot, as they often sunk to the above their knees - I have passed this same River several times in different places & assert that I never sunk more than 4 or 5 pouces [inches] & cannot but smile at the absurd & gross the exaggerations of some persons in the Colony.
The sloping of the Banks being too steep for the Carriage I took off the Cattle, & had it, carried over as well as the Provisions, carried over to the other side where having replaced every thing in its former order, & having breakfasted, we went S 7° W for 8 hours when we came to a Morass or Bay called Baraguel by the Natives - I found several very choice Shells - finding myself unwell I determined to stop at Baraguel till the Morrow & having taken a good glass of warm Brandy & Water with Sugar I slept till 2 hours after Noon, my people having covered me well up I perspired much, & found myself so well after I had dined that I was tempted to go & examine the Marsh again where I found some new Shells that I had not seen before.
The Thermometer at 6 oclock am 56° 30'
- at Noon 79° -
- in the Evening 62° -
The sky covered with Clouds, the Wind SE, we went S 7° W 4 Miles, the Country flat & Open.