Sea; to the Southward of that the land is of a moderate heigth, and wears a most desolate and inhospitable aspect. Nothing is to be seen but long sand Hills, with hardly any Green thing upon them, and the great Sea which the prevailing Westerly winds impell upon the Shore must render this a very Dangerous Coast. This I am so fully sencible of, that was we once clear of it I am determined not to come so near Again, if I can possible avoid it, unless we have a very favourable wind indeed.[1]
Friday, 5th.—Fresh gales at S.W. with frequent Squalls attended with rain. The S.W. swell still keeping up we stood to the N.W. all this day with a prest Sail in order to get an Offing. At Noon True Course made good N. 38 W., distance 102 Miles. Lat. in P. Observation 35° 10′ S. Cape Maria Van Diemen bore N. 10 E.; distant 41 Miles.
Saturday, 6th.—First part a fresh breeze at S.W. by S.; in the night had it at S. A.M., light Airs from the Southward next to a Calm, and Clear weather. Course made good to-day is N. 76 W.; distance 8 Miles; Latitude per Observation 35° 8′ S.
Sunday, 7th.—Variable light Airs and Sometimes Calm with Clear pleasant weather. At daylight saw the land which we took to be Cape Maria Van Diemen bearing N.N.E., distant 8 or 9 Leagues. At Noon Lat. in P. Observation 35° 0′ S. Cape Maria Van Diemen bore N., dist. 11 Leagues.
Monday, 8th.—Gentle breezes at N.E. and pleasant weather. At 6 p.m. saw the land bearing E., and sometime after saw a Turtle upon the Water. At Noon the land Extending from N. to E., distant 5 or 6 Leagues, being the high land before mentioned and which it intersected in 2 places each having the appearance of a Bay or inlet, but I believe it is only low land.[2] Course and distance made good since Yesterday at Noon is S. 33 E., 53 miles. Lat. per Observation 35° 45′ S. Cape Maria Van Diemen N. 25 W., distant 30 Leagues.
Tuesday, 9th.—Gentle breezes between the N.E. and N.W., Cloudy weather sailing along shore within sight of Land at Noon. Course and distance Sailed S. 37 E., 69 Miles. Lat. in per Observation 36° 39′ S.; the place we were abreast of the 4th Inst. which we at first took for a Bay or Inlet[3] bore N.E. by N., distant 5½ Leagues, and Cape Maria Van Diemen bore N. 29 W., distant 47 Leagues.
Wednesday, 10th.—Winds at N.N.E. and No., the first part a Gentle breeze, the remainder a fresh breeze and Cloudy with rain
