Captain Cook's Journal During His First Voyage Round the World/Chapter 11
CHAPTER XI.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE TO ENGLAND.
Tuesday, 16th—At 2 o'clock in the P.M. saw a large Ship behind the Island, under French Colours, standing into Table Bay; at 3 weigh'd with a Light breeze at S.E., and put to Sea; at 4 departed this Life Mr. Robert Molineux Master, a young man of good parts, but had unfortunately given himself up to Extravagancy and intemperance, which brought on disorders that put a Period to his Life. At 6 we had the Table Mountain and the Penguin Island in one bearing S.S.E., distant from the latter about 4 or 5 Leagues; had it calm most part of the night. In the morning a light breeze sprung up Southerly, with which we steer'd N.W.; at noon we were by Observation in Lat. 33° 30′ S. The Table Mountain bore S. 54° E., distant 14 Leagues. N.B.—The Table Mountain lies directly over the Cape Town, from which last I take my departure; it lies in the Latitude of 33° 56′ S., and Long. 341° 37′ W. from Greenwich.
Wednesday, 17th.—Fresh breezes and fair weather, with a swell from the S.W. Wind Southerly; course N. 50° W.; distance 118 m.; lat. 32° 14′ S., long. 344° 8′ W.
Thursday, 18th.—Gentle breezes and clear weather. Swell as before. Wind Ditto; course N.W.; distance 85 m.; lat. 31° 14′ S., long. 345° 19′ W.
Friday, 19th.—Little wind and Sometimes calm. Swell from the Southward. Wind S.E. to N.W.; course N. 50° W.; distance 16 m.; lat. 31° 14′ S., long. 345° 33′ W.
Saturday, 20th.—Gentle breezes and Clear weather. Wind Westerly; lat. 29° 40′ S., long. 346° 10′ W.
Sunday, 21st.—A moderate trade wind and Pleasant weather. Wind Southerly; course N. 54° W.; distance 100 m.; lat. 28° 43′ S., long. 347° 42′ W.
Monday, 22nd.—A Fresh Trade, and Pleasant weather. Exercised the People at Small Arms. Observations for Longitude with the Sun and Moon agree with the Log. Wind S.E.; course N. 50° W.; distance 118 m.; lat. 27° 27′ S., long. 349° 24′ W.
Tuesday, 23rd.—Gentle breezes, and Clear weather. Found the Variation in the Evening, by the Amplitude, to be 17° 40′ W., and by Azimuth in the Morning 18° 37′. Employ'd repairing Boats and Sails. Exercis'd Great Guns and Small Arms. Wind S.E. by S. to W.S.W.; course N. 46° W.; distance 98 m.; lat. 26° 19′ S., long. 350° 42′ W.
Wednesday, 24th.—Ditto weather. Found the Variation to be 17° 30′ W. Employ'd as yesterday. Wind W., W.N.W.; course N. 20° W.; distance 78 m.; lat. 25° 6′ S., long. 351° 16′ W.
Thursday, 23th.—First part, moderate and Clear; Middle, Squally, with Rain; Latter, fresh Gales and Cloudy. Employ'd as above. Wind N.W., S.W.; course N. 20′ W.; distance 105 m.; lat. 23° 28′ S., long. 351° 52′ W.
Friday, 26th.—Fresh Gales, and a large Swell from the Southward. Wind S.S.W., S.E. by S.; course N. 50° W.; distance 168 m.; lat. 21° 40′ S., long. 354° 12′ W.
Saturday, 27th.—Fresh Gales and Cloudy. Employ'd repairing Sails. Wind S.E. ½ S.; course N. 55° W.; distance 168 m.; lat. 20° 4′ S., long. 356° 40′ W.
Sunday, 28th.—Ditto weather. Variation per Azimuth 14° W. Wind S.E.; course N. 56° 30′ W.; distance 152 m.; lat. 18°41′ S., long. 358° 54′ W.
Monday, 29th.—Ditto Gales. Variation 13° 53′ W. In the A.M. crossed the line of our first Meridian, viz., that of Greenwich, having now Circumnavigated the Globe in a West direction. Wind S.E.; course N. 53° W.; distance 136 m.; lat. 17° 19′ S., long. 0° 50′ W.
Tuesday, 30th.—Fresh Gales and Pleasant weather. Exercised the people at Great Guns and Small Arms. Wind S.E.; course N. 58° W. S., distance 126 m.; lat. 16° 11′ S., long. 2° 42′ W.
Wednesday, May 1st.—Fresh Trade and Pleasant weather. At 6 A.M. saw the Island of St. Helena bearing W., distant 8 or 9 Leagues. At Noon Anchor'd in the Road, before James's Fort, in 24 fathoms water. Found riding here His Majesty's Ship Portland and Swallow[1] Sloop, and 12 Sail of Indiaman. At our first seeing the Fleet in this Road we took it for granted that it was a War; but in this we were soon agreeably deceived. The Europa Indiaman Anchor'd here a little before us; she sail'd from the Cape 2 days after us, and brings an account the French Ship we saw standing into Table Bay was a French Man of War, of 64 Guns, bound to India, and that there were 2 more on their Passage. Wind S.E. At noon at Anchor in St. Helena Road.
Thursday, 2nd.—Clear, Pleasant weather. In the P.M. moor'd with the Kedge Anchor, and in the A.M. received some few Officers' stores from the Portland. Wind Ditto. At noon at Anchor in St. Helena Road.
Friday, 3rd.—Clear, Pleasant weather. Employ'd repairing Sails, overhauling the Rigging, etc. Wind S.E. At noon at Anchor in St. Helena Road.
Saturday, 4th.—Little wind and pleasant weather. At 6 A.M. the Portland made the Signal to unmoor, and at Noon to Weigh, at which time the Ships began to get under Sail. Wind Ditto. At noon at Anchor in St. Helena Road.
Sunday, 5th.—Gentle breezes and Clear weather. At 1 P.M. weigh'd, and stood out of the Road in company with the Portland and 12 Sail of Indiamen. At 6 o'clock James Fort, St. Helena, bore E. ½ S., distant 3 Leagues. In the A.M. found the Variation to be 13° 10′ W. Wind E. by S.; course N. 50° 30′ W.; distance 71 m.; lat. 15° 5′ S. long. 6° 46′ W.
Monday, 6th.—Moderate breezes and Cloudy weather. Sailing in Company with the Fleet. Wind E.S.E.; course N. 47½° W.; distance 122 m.; lat. 13° 42′ S., long. 8° 27′ W.
Tuesday, 7th.—Ditto Weather. In the A.M. found the Variation to be 12° 5′ W. Exercised the people at Great Guns and Small Arms. Wind S.E.; course N. 46° W.; distance 137 m.; lat. 12° 5′ S., long. 10° 9′ W.
Wednesday, 8th.—A Steady breeze and Pleasant Weather. All the Fleet in Company. Wind S.E.; course N. 46° 45′ W.; distance 126 m.; lat. 10° 39′ S., long. 11° 42′ W.
Thursday, 9th.—Ditto Weather. In the Evening found the Variation to be 11° 42′ W. Wind S.E. by S.; course N.W.; distance 118 m.; lat. 9° 16′, long. 13° 17′ W.
Friday, 10th.—At 6 in the A.M. saw the Island of Ascention bearing N.N.W., distant 7 Leagues. Made the Signal to speak with the Portland, and soon after Captain Elliott himself came on board, to whom I deliver'd a Letter for the Admiralty, and a Box containing the Ship's Common Log Books, and some of the Officers' Journals, etc. I did this because it seem'd probable that the Portland would get home before us, as we sail much heavier than any of the Fleet.[2] At Noon the Island of Ascention bore E. by S., distant 4 or 5 Leagues. By our Observations it lies in the Latitude of 7° 54′ S., and Longitude of 14° 18′ W. A N.W. by N. course by Compass, or N.W. a little Westerly by the Globe from St. Helena, will bring you directly to this Island. Wind Ditto; course N.W.; distance 120 m.; lat. 7° 51′ S., long. 14° 32′ W.
Friday, 11th.—A steady Trade wind and pleasant Weather. At ½ past 6 p.m. the Island of Ascention bore S.E. ¾ E., distant 11 or 12 Leagues. Sailing in Company with the Fleet. Wind Ditto; course N. 42° W., distance 117 m.; lat. 6° 24′ S., long. 15° 51′ W.
Saturday, 12th.—First and Middle parts a Steady breeze, and fair the Latter; light Squalls, with rain. Wind S.E. by S. to S.E. by E.; course N. 31° 15′ W.; distance 123 m.; lat. 4° 38′ S., long. 16° 54′ W.
Sunday, 13th.—Gentle breezes and Clear Weather; hott and Sultry. Sailing in Company with the fleet. Variation 10° W. Wind S.E. by S.; course N. 32½° W.; distance 119 m.; lat. 2° 58′ S., long. 17° 58′ W.
Monday, 14th.—Ditto Weather. Wind S.E. by. S.; course N. 32½° W.; distance 109 m.; lat. 1° 26′ S., long. 18° 57′ W.
Tuesday, 15th.—Little wind and hot, Sultry weather. In the P.M. observed, meerly for the sake of Observing, an Eclipse of the Sun. In the A.M. brought another Foretopsail to the Yard, the old one being quite wore out. Wind E.S.E.; course N. 32½° W.; distance 85 m.; lat. 0° 14′ S., long. 19° 43′ W.
Wednesday, 16th.—Light breezes and fair weather. Variation 9° 30′ W. Wind S.E. by S.; course N. 31° W.; distance 71 m.; lat. 0° 47′ N., long. 20° 20′ W.
Thursday, 17th.—Ditto Weather. Sailing in Company with the Fleet. Wind Ditto; course N. 31° W.; distance 61 m.; lat. 1° 39′ N., long. 20° 50′ W.
Saturday, 18th.—First part ditto weather; remainder Squally, with Thunder and Rain. The observ'd Latitude is 14 Miles to the Northward of the Log. Sailing in Company with the Fleet. Wind S.S.E. to E.; course N. 20° W.; distance 86 m.; lat. 3° 0′ N., long. 21° 22′ W.
Sunday, 19th.—Cloudy, unsettled weather, with some rain. In the A.M. found the Variation by the Amplitude and Azimuth 7° 40′ W. Hoisted a Boat out, and sent on board the Houghton for the Surgeon, Mr. Carret, in order to look at Mr. Hicks, who is so far gone in a Consumption that his Life is dispair'd of. Observation at Noon 16 Miles to the Northward of the Log. Wind SE. to S. by E.; course N. 20° W.,; distance 98 m.; lat. 4° 32′ N., long. 21° 58′ W.
Monday, 20th.—Dark, cloudy, unsettled weather, with rain. At Noon the Observ'd Latitude was 27 Miles to the Northward of the Log. Sailing in Company with the Fleet. Wind Variable between the S. and E.; course N. 19° W.; distance 70 m.; lat. 5° 38′ N., long. 22° 21′ W.
Tuesday, 21st.—Little wind, with some heavy showers of rain. At 2 p.m. had some Observations of the Sun and Moon, which gave the Longitude 24° 50′ W., 2° 28′ W. of Account. In the morning it was Calm, and the Ships, being near one another, several of them had their Boats out to tow. We Observed the Portland to carry out a long Warp. I, being desirous to see the Machine they made use of, we hoisted out a Boat, and Mr. Banks, Dr. Solander, and myself went on board her, where we was show'd it. It was made of Canvas, in every respect like an Umbrello; its Circumference, if extended to a Circle, was 24 feet, tho' this was a Small one of the Sort; yet Captain Elliot told me that it would hold as much as 150 Men could haul. I was so well satisfied of the Utility of this Machine that I would not have delayed a moment in having one Made had not our Forge been render'd Useless by the loss of some of its parts. Winds Variable; course N. 31° W.; distance 35 m.; lat. 6° 8′ N., long. 25° 8′ W.
Wednesday, 22nd.—Variable, unsettled weather, with rain. About 9 o'clock in the A.M. the Portland shorten'd Sail for the Sternmost Ships to come up. As we imagin'd, this gave us an Opportunity to get a Head of the Fleet, after which we made such sail as was necessary to keep in Company. Wind Variable; course N.N.W. ¾ W.; distance 58 m.; lat 6° 58′ N., long. 25° 38′ W.
Thursday, 23rd.—Little wind from the Eastward, with frequent showers of Rain, and hazey weather. The Fleet astern of us all this day. At Noon we Shortned Sail for them to come up, the headmost being about 2 Leagues off. Wind E. to N.E.; course N. 25° W.; distance 56 m.; lat. 7° 49′ N., long. 26° 2′ W.
Friday, 24th.—First part Moderate breezes, and hazey, with rain; the latter, fresh breezes and fair. At 3 p.m., finding the Fleet to come fast up with us, we made all the Sail we could. Soon after it became hazey, and we lost sight of them until near 6, when it clear'd up a little, and we saw 3 Sail abreast of us, bearing E. about 2 or 3 Miles' Distance; by this we saw that they not only kept a better wind, but out sail'd us upon a wind. It became again hazey, and we lost Sight of them, and notwithstanding we keept close upon a wind all night, with as much Sail out as we could bear, there was not one Sail in sight in the Morning. Wind N.E. and N.N.E.; course N. 54° W.; distance 92 m.; lat. 8° 42′ N., 27° 18′ W.
Saturday, 25th.—Moderate Trade Wind and Cloudy weather. Wind N.N.E.; course N. 50° 15′ W.; distance 92 m.; lat. 9° 41′ N., long. 28° 30′ W.
Sunday, 26th.—A Steady Trade and Cloudy Weather. About 1 o'Clock P.M. departed this Life Lieutenant Hicks, and in the Evening his body was committed to the Sea with the usual ceremonys. He died of a Consumption which he was not free from when we sail'd from England, so that it may be truly said that he hath been dying ever since, tho' he held out tolerable well until we got to Batavia. Wind N.E. by N.; course N. 46° W.; distance 92 m.; lat. 20° 47′ N., long. 29° 35′ W.
Monday, 27th.—A Steady, fresh Trade and Cloudy weather. This day I gave Mr. Charles Clerk an order to act as Lieutenant in the room of Mr. Hicks, deceased, he being a Young Man extremely well qualified for that Station. Wind N.E.; course N. 39° W.; distance 103 m.; lat. 12° 7′ N., long. 30° 40′ W.
Tuesday, 28th.—A steady Trade and fair weather. Wind N. Easterly; course N. 40° W.; distance 108 m.; lat. 13° 30′ N., long. 31° 51′ W.
Wednesday, 29th.—Fresh Gales and Hazey. Wind Ditto; course N. 31½° W.; distance 128 m.; lat. 15° 19′ N., long. 33° 2′ W.
Thursday, 30th.—Ditto Gales and Cloudy. Fix'd a new maintopmast Backstay, the old one having broke several times. Wind Ditto; course N. 31° 15′ W.; distance 124 m.; lat 17° 5′ N., long. 34° 9′ W.
Friday, 31st.—Strong Gales and Cloudy in the Evening. Got down Top Gallant Yards, and in the Morning found the Variation 5° 9′ W. Wind N.E. and N.E. by E.; course N. 39½° W.; distance 136 m.; lat. 18° 50′ N., long. 35° 40′ W.
Saturday, June 1st.—Fresh Trade, and Cloudy weather. In the A.M. got up Top Gallant Yards. Wind N.E.; course N. 35° W.; distance 100 m.; lat. 20° 12′ N., long. 36° 41′ W.
Sunday, 2nd.—Moderate Gales and Clear weather. Variation 5° 4′ W. Wind N.E. to N.N.E.; course N. 49° W.; distance 104 m,; lat. 21° 20′ N., long. 38° 5′ W.
Monday, 3rd.—A Gentle Trade Wind, and Pleasant weather. Wind N.E.; course N. 44° W.; distance 85 m.; lat. 22° 21′ N., long. 39° 9′ W.
Tuesday, 4th.—Ditto weather. In the A.M. found the Variation to be 4° 30′ W. Wind N.E.; course N. 34° W.; distance 91 m.; lat. 23° 40′ N., long. 40° 4′ W.
Wednesday, 5th.—Gentle breezes, with some Showers of Small Rain. Wind Ditto; course N. 52° W.; distance 83 m.; lat. 24° 31′ N., long. 41° 11′ W.
Thursday, 6th.—Ditto weather. In the A.M. found the Variation by the mean of the Amplitude and Azimuth to be 5° 34′ W., and by Observation of the Sun and Moon found the Ship in Longitude 43° 18′ W. of Greenwich, 2° 51′ W. of the Log since the last Observations; this I judge to be owing to a Westerly Current. Wind E.N.E. to E.; course N. ¾ W.; distance 90 m.; lat. 26° 1′ N., long., per Observation Sun and Moon, 43° 18′ W.
Friday, 7th.—Moderate breezes, and Cloudy. A.M., Variation per mean of 20 Azimuths 5° 20′ W. Wind E.N.E.; course N. 15° W.; distance 84 m.; lat. 27° 22′ N., long. 43° 42′ W.
Saturday, 8th.—Moderate breezes and Pleasant weather. In the A.M. found the Variation to be 5° 24′ W. By the Observation of the Sun and Moon the Longitude of the Ship at Noon was 43° 42′ W. Wind Easterly; course N.; distance 88 m.; lat. 28° 50′ N., long. 43° 42′ W.
Sunday, 9th.—Clear, pleasant weather and a Smooth Sea. In the A.M. found the Variation to be 7° 33′ W. Some Tropick birds flying about the Ship; we have seen of these birds every day since we passed the Tropick. Wind Ditto; course N. by W. ½ W.; distance 81 m.; lat. 30° 11′ N., long. 44° 9′ W.
Monday, 10th.—Little wind and Clear weather. Exercised the people at Small Arms. Wind Ditto; course N. 30° W.; distance 71 m.; lat. 31° 12′ N., long. 44° 50′ W.
Tuesday, 11th.—Ditto weather. A Smooth Sea. Wind N.E. by E.; course N. 18° W.; distance 67 m.; lat. 32° 16 N., long. 45° 14′ W.
Wednesday, 12th.—Light breezes and clear weather. Variation by the Amplitude in the Evening 7° 0′ W., and by Azimuth in the Morning 6° 55′ W. Exercised Great Guns and Small Arms. Wind E. by S.; course N.N.E.; distance 48 m.; lat. 33° 8′ N., long. 44° 53′ W.
Thursday, 13th.—Little wind and pleasant weather. Found the Variation by the Amplitude in the Evening to be 8° 23′; in the Morning 8° 15′, and by Azimuth soon after 8° 14′ W. Wind Ditto; Course N. by E. ½ E.; distance 77 m.; lat. 34° 14′ N., long. 44° 25′ W.
Friday, 14th.—A Gentle Gale, and pleasant weather. In the A.M. saw 2 Turtle laying a Sleep upon the water. Wind E.S.E.; course N. 18° E.; distance 99 m.; lat. 35° 48′ N., long 43° 48′ W.
Saturday, 15th.—Ditto Weather at Daylight. In the Morning saw a Sloop to Windward standing to the Eastward, which we run out of sight by Noon. Wind S.E.; course N.E. ½ E.; distance 119 m.; lat. 37° 2′ N., long. 41° 54′ W.
Sunday, 16th.—A Steady breeze and pleasant weather, with some rain in the Night. At daylight in the Morning saw a Sail a head, which we came up and spoke with a little after 10 o'clock. She proved a Portoguee Ship from Rio de Janeiro, bound to Lisbon. Wind Ditto; course N.E. ½ E,; distance 119 m.; lat. 38° 18′ N., long. 40° 38′ W.
Monday, 17th.—Steady, Gentle Gales and pleasant weather. Variation in the Evening 9° W. Wind S.S.E.; course N. 68° E.; distance 104 m.; lat. 38° 57′ N., long. 38° 36′ W.
Tuesday, 18th.—Little wind, and clear weather. At 2 p.m. found the Ship to be by Observation 1° 22′ to the Westward of Account carried on from the last Observation; in the Evening the Variation was 14° 15′ W., and in the Morning 14° 24′. Wind South; course N. 66° E.; distance 82 m.; lat. 39° 52′ N., long. 36° 50′ W.
Wednesday, 19th.—Fresh Gales and Cloudy. At 2 p.m. found by observation the same Error in our Longitude as Yesterday, which I have now corrected. The Longitude of this day is that resulting from Observation. At 10 A.M. saw a Sail a head, which we soon came up with, and sent a Boat on board. She was a Schooner from Rhoad Island out upon the Whale fishery. From her we learnt that all was peace in Europe, and that the America Disputes were made up; to confirm this the Master said that the Coat on his back was made in old England. Soon after leaving this Vessel we spoke another from Boston, and saw a third, all out on the same account. Wind S. to S.W.; course N. 73° E.; distance 127 m.; lat. 40° 9′ N., long. 36° 44′ W.
Thursday, 20th.—Fresh Gales and Cloudy, with some Showers of rain. At day light in the Morning saw a Sail ahead standing to the E. A Swell from the N.N.W. Wind S.W., N.W., N.; course N. 80½° E.; distance 121 m.; lat. 40° 20′ N., long. 33° 10′ W.
Friday, 21st.—Fresh Gales and Cloudy. In the P.M. saw a Sail astern standing to the S.E., and at 11 o'Clock A.M. saw from the Mast head 13 Sail of Stout Ships, which we took to be the East India Fleet. Wind Northerly; course E. by N.; distance 128 m.; lat. 40° 33′ N., long. 30° 20′ W.
Saturday, 22nd.—Fresh Gales, with Squalls, attended with rain. In the Evening had 14 Sail in sight, 13 upon our lee Quarter, and a Snow upon our lee Bow. In the Night split both Topgallant Sails so much that they were obliged to be unbent to repair. In the Morning the Carpenter reported the Maintopmast to be Sprung in the Cap, which we supposed hapned in the P.M., when both the Weather Backstays broke. Our Rigging and Sails are now so bad that something or another is giving way every day. At Noon had 13 Sail in sight, which we are well assured are the India Fleet, and are all now upon our Weather Quarter. Wind N. to N.E.; course N. 81° E.; distance 114 m.; lat. 41° 11′, long. 27° 52′ W.
Sunday, 23rd.—Fresh Gales and Squally, attended with Showers of rain. In the Evening all the Fleet were to Windward of us, and in the Morning not one was to be seen. Wind N.E. by N. to E.N.E.; course S. 69½° E.; distance 80 m.; lat. 40° 43′ N., long. 26° 13′ W.
Monday, 24th.—First part, moderate breezes; remainder, Squally. At Noon Tack'd. Wind N.E. to E.S.E.; course S. 82° E.; distance 64 m.; lat. 40° 34′ N., long. 24° 49′ W.
Tuesday, 25th.—First part and remainder a fresh breeze and Cloudy. Wind N.E. to N.N.E.; course S. 85° E.; distance 58 m.; lat. 40° 39′ N., long. 23° 33′ W.
Wednesday, 26th.—First part, breezes; remainder, little wind. Wind N. by E.; course N. 86° 45′ E.; distance 72 m.; lat. 40° 43′ N., long. 21° 58′ W.
Thursday, 27th.—Moderate breezes and Cloudy weather. Wind Westerly; course N. 54° E.; distance 54 m.; lat. 41° 14′ N., long. 20° 59′ W.
Friday, 28th.—Fresh breezes, with Showers of Rain. Wind W. to N.N.W.; course N. 38° E.; distance 123 m.; lat. 42° 55′ N., long. 19° 18′ W.
Saturday, 29th.—First part, little wind; remainder, Fresh Gales and Squally, with Showers of Rain. Wind S.W. to W. and N.E.; course N. 59° 15′ E.; distance 86 m.; lat. 43° 39′ N., long. 17° 36′ W.
Sunday, 30th.—Gentle breezes and fair weather. Variation in the Evening 18° 30′ W., and in the Morning 19° 30′. Wind Northerly; course N. 50° 45′ E.; distance 87 m.; lat. 44° 34′ N., long. 16° 2′ W.
Monday, July 1st.—Ditto weather. In the Night passed 2 Sail Standing to the S.W. Wind Ditto; course N. 77° 15′ E.; distance 90 m.; lat. 44° 54′ N., long. 13° 59′ W.
Tuesday, 2nd.—Little wind and Cloudy, hazey weather. One Sail in Sight to the N.E. Wind Ditto; course East; distance 42 m.; lat. 45° 54′ N., long. 13° 2′ W.
Wednesday, 3rd.—Little wind and pleasant weather. At 9 A.M. found the Ship by Observation of the Sun and Moon 1° 14′ E. of Account. Six Sail in Sight. Wind N. and N.W.; course N. 56° E.; distance 54 m.; lat. 45° 24′ N., long. 11° 59′ W. per Log, 10° 45′ per Observation.
Thursday, 4th.—Gentle breezes and Cloudy weather. Variation per Azimuth and Amplitude in the Evening 21° 25½′ W., and in the Morning 20° 10′ W. Wind W., N., and N.E.; course S. 85° E.; distance 55 m.; lat. 45° 29′ N., long. 10° 44′ W. per Log, 9° 27′ per Observation.
Friday, 5th.—Little wind and Cloudy. At 1 P.M. spoke a Dutch Galliot bound to Riga. At 5 Tack't, and stood to the Westward till 8 a.m., then to the Eastward. Wind N.E.; course N. 50° E.; distance 8 m.; lat. 45° 34′ N., long. 10° 32′ W. per Log, 9° 18′ per Observation.
Saturday, 6th.—Gentle breezes and Cloudy. At 1 p.m. sent a Boat on board a Brig belonging to Boston, last from Gibraltar, and bound to Falmouth. Wind N.N.E.; course N. 72° 30′ E.; distance 37 m.; lat. 44° 45′ N., long. 9° 42′ W. per Log, 8° 28′ per Observation.
Sunday, 7th.—Gentle breezes and Clear weather. In the Evening found the Variation by the Amplitude to be 22° 30′ W. At 9 A.M. Spoke a Brig from Liverpool bound to Porto, and some time after another from London, bound to the Granades. She had been 3 days from Scilly, and reckoned herself in the Longitude of about 10° W., which was about 40′ to the Westward of what we found ourselves to-day by Observation. We learnt from this Vessel that no account had been received in England from us, and that Wagers were held that we were lost. It seems highly improbable that the Letters sent by the Dutch Ships from Batavia should not come to hand, as it is now 5 months since these Ships sail'd from the Cape of Good Hope. Wind N.N.E. and N.W.; course N. 50° E.; distance 49 m.; lat. 46° 16′ N., long. 9° 39′ W. per Account, 9° 29′ per Observation.
Monday, 8th.—Little wind and hazey weather. Swell from the Northward. Wind N.N.W. to S.W.; course N. 46° 45′ E.; distance 43 m.; lat. 46° 45′ N., long. 8° 54′ W.
Tuesday, 9th.—Fore and middle parts a Gentle breeze, and thick, Foggy weather; remainder, a fresh Breeze and Cloudy. A swell from the N.N.W. all day. Wind S. Westerly; course N. 21° E.; distance 100 m.; lat. 48° 19′ N., long. 8° 1′ W. per Account, 8° 7′ per Observation.
Wednesday, 10th.—Pleasant breezes and Clear weather. At 6 o'Clock in the Morning sounded, and Struck ground in 60 fathoms Shells and Stones, by which I judged we were the length of Scilly Isles. At Noon we saw land from the Mast Head, bearing N., which we judged to be about the Land's End. Soundings 54 fathoms, Coarse, Grey Sand. Wind Westerly; course N. 44° E.; distance 97 m.; lat. 49° 29′ N., long. 6° 18′ W.
Friday, 11th.—Steady fresh breezes and clear weather. At 2 in the P.M. saw the Lizardland, and at 6 o'clock the lighthouse bore N.W., distant 5 Leagues, we being at this time, by my reckoning, in the Longitude of 5° 30′ W.; soon after 2 Ships under their Topsails between us and the land, which we took for Men of War. At 7 o'clock in the morning the Start Point bore N.W. by N., distant 3 Leagues, and at Noon we reckon'd ourselves about 5 Leagues short of Portland. This Forenoon a small cutter built vessel came under our Stern, and inquir'd after the India Fleet, which, they said, they were cruizing for and had not seen.
Friday, 12th.—Winds at S.W., a fresh Gale, with which we run briskly up Channel, At ½ past 3 p.m. passed the Bill of Portland, and at 7 Peverell Point; at 6 a.m. passed Beachy head at the distance of 4 or 5 miles; at 10 Dungeness, at the distance of 2 miles, and at Noon we were abreast of Dover.
Saturday, 13th.—At 3 o'clock in the P.M. anchor'd in the Downs, and soon after I landed in order to repair to London.