Page:Narrativeavoyag01wilsgoog.djvu/321

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ANCHOR IN THE RIVER TAMAR.
289

ingly did so, and towards evening came in sight of Van Dieman's Land.

We had neither ascertained the latitude nor longitude, by observation, since the commencement of the gale, and were therefore uncertain as to our position; but, as several individuals pointed out the entrance, we stood very close to the shore, before it was discovered that we had made a mistake. We then deemed it prudent to stretch out to sea; but, in consequence of the heavy swell) and the wind having died away, we made very little progress. In a short time, however, a land breeze sprang up, and carried us out of danger[1].

During the night, we had an opportunity of ascertaining our exact position, and made sail for Waterhouse Island, which we saw at daylight, and then directed our course for the entrance of the Tamar; on approaching which, a pilot came on board, and at eight, A.M., we anchored in a small cove, off George's Town.

  1. The ship Portland was not so fortunate; having been lately wrecked in this place, under similar circumstances.