Transcription

                                                           New Wales or East Coast of New Holland

May 1770   breakers stretching out from it about NNE 2 or 3 Miles; at the Outermost part of them is a Rock just above Water. In passing these rocks at the distance of 1/2 a Mile we had from 15 to 20 fathoms; being past them we hauld along shore WNW for the farthest land we had in sight. At Noon we were by Observation in the Latitude of 23 degrees 52 minutes; to the North part of Bustard Bay bore South 62 degrees East distance 10 Miles & the Northermost land in sight North 60 degrees West. Longitude in 208 degrees 37 minutes West, distance from the nearest Shore 6 Miles; in this situation had 14 fathoms water _____________________
Friday 25th   In the pm had it calm until 5 when a light breeze sprung up at SE & we steer'd NW as the land lay until 10 then brought too having had all along 14 & 15 fathoms. At 5 am we made sail. At day light the Northermost point of the Main bore N70W, and soon after we saw more land making like Islands bearing NW by N; at 9 we were abreast of the point distant from it 1 mile, Depth of Water 14 fathoms. I found this point to lay directly under the Tropic of Capricorn & for that reason call it by that Name. Longitude 209 degrees 0 minutes West. It is of a moderate height & looks white & barren & may be known by some Islands which lies to the NW of it & some small Rocks one League SE from it; on the Western side of the Cape there appeared to be a Lagoon on the 2 pits which form the Entrance were a great Number of Pelicans at least so I call them. The most northermost land we could see bore from Cape Capricorn North 24 degrees West & appeared to be an Island but the Main land Trended West by North 1/2 North which course we steer'd having from 15 to 6 fathoms, & from 6 to 8 a hard sandy bottom, at Noon our Latitude by Observation was 23 degrees 24 minutes South; Cape Capricorn bore South 60 degrees East, distance 2 leagues, a small Island North by East 2 Miles; in this Situation had 9 fathoms at the distance of 4 Miles from the Main land which is here low & Sandy except the points which are moderately high & rocky; in land the Country is hilly & affords but a very indifferent prospect  ______________
Saturday 26th  In the pm light breezes at ESE & with which we stood to the NW until 4 o'clock when it fell calm & soon after we anchored in 12 fathoms, Cape Capricorn bearing South 54 degrees East distant 4 Leagues, having the Main land & Islands in a manner all round us. In the night we found the tide to rise & fall near 7 feet & the flood to set to the Westward & Ebb to the Eastward which is quite the reverse to what we found it when at Anchor to the Eastward of Bustard Bay. At 6.am we weigh'd with the Wind at South, a Gentle breeze, & stood away to the NW btween the Outermost range of Islands & the Main Land leaving several small Islands between us & the Latter which we passed Close by. Our soundings was a little irregular, from 12 to 4 fathoms, which caused me to send a Boat ahead to sound. At Noon we were about 3 Miles from the Main about the same distance from the Islands 
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