184 PHILLIP 1787-92 The existence of this strait was a subject of discussion in Cook's time, but we have seen that Fumeaux reported against it, and his opinion apparently satisfied Cook. Hun- Previoua ob- ter's observations during the voyage with the First Fleet seem to have led him to a different conclusion, in which he was confirmed on his subsequent voyage from the Cape of Good Hope. Referring to the run up the coast on the former occasion. Tench remarked : — Owing to the weather, which forebade any part of the ships en- The First gaging with the shore, we are unable to pronounce whether or not FTeet off the ^ straight intersects the continent thereabouts; though I have been informed by a naval friend that, when the fleet was off this part of the coast, a strong set off shore was plainly felt. The naval friend was most probably Captain Hunter, whose skill as a navigator was shown throughout the passage. When " the long wished for shores of Van Diemen " ap- peared in sight, his passengers were surprised to find that he had predicted the hour at which land would be seen : — We made the land at two o'clock in the afternoon [of the 7th January, 1788], the very hour we expected to see it from the lunar Accarate observations of Captain Hunter, whose accuracy as an astronomer and conduct as an officer had inspired us with equal gratitude and admiration. After the wreck of the Sirius in March, 1790, at Norfolk Island, Hunter remained there in weary captivity with the officers and crew of the ship, to the number of eighty, for Eleven eleven months, no means beiner available for taking them mpnthson -r-iiirmf^t -iTTi •!-»•• theidand. to England. The Supply had been sent to Batavia in order that a Dutch ship might be chartered and laden with provisions for the settlement ; and on her return she was again sent to Norfolk Island in order to bring away the shipwrecked crew. A Joyful This information I received with jov, as our situation was now release. •/ • » become exceedingly irksome ; we had been upon this small island eleven months, and during a great part of that time, through various causes, had been oppressed by feelings more distressing than I can find words to express. Digitized by Google
