ADDRESS TO THE SAILORS.

31

their relative bearings, by an azimuth compass. On returning, we were saluted with the glad tidings that the long-boat, now afloat, leaked very little.

In the evening we re-assembled, when a short address was made to the sailors, explanatory of our projected future proceedings. The dangers, that might reasonably be expected to befall us during the way, were pointed out, and also the means of averting or combating them successfully; the sailors were complimented on their hitherto general good conduct, which it was hoped would continue to merit praise, as influencing materially the favourable issue of our enterprise.

The scene was impressive and picturesque ;-the numerous blazing fires, which the sailors had for pastime kindled along the shore, completely illumined the small bay in which the boats, all ready for departure, were now floating, and threw a lurid glare on the hardy, weather-worn countenances of the assembled group, who were ever and anon reminded of their unenviable situation, by a sudden blast of the breeze, or a sullen threatening roar of the ruthless sea.-Place, time, and circumstances, thus conspiring to excite and cherish gloomy ideas, those who looked beyond the present moment could not avoid being somewhat depressed, in spite of every effort to be, as well as to appear, cheerful and unconcerned.

Watches were placed in situations commanding a good look out, with directions how to act, should any strangers make their appearance during the night,

32

PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT BEING SURPRISED.

precautionary measures to prevent surprise, being now rendered doubly necessary; as it was reasonable to suppose, that the natives, (distinct and recent traces of whom had been observed during the day,) might be attracted to the spot by the fires, which were blazing in all directions around us. After these arrangements, we severally betook ourselves to rest.

The spot where the Captain and myself slept last night, had been, by the care of some of our comrades, converted into a very pretty bower,-branches of trees being interwoven on the east and west sides of the rock, the ensign spread over the top, soft twigs strewed on the sand, and the whole ornamented with various flowers. We were pleased with this spontaneous attention, and slept soundly till about two o'clock in the morning, when we got up, for the purpose of making some observations, with a view to determine the longitude; the distance between " Jupiter" and the

Moon's remote, and between "Fomalhaut" and her near limb, were measured carefully several times; and the observations thus made being reserved for calculation, when time and place might be more convenient, the observers resumed their repose till the dawn of day.

As soon as daylight appeared, preparations were made for our departure; before embarking, I recommended, both by precept and example, a long swim,—to exercise and fatigue the limbs, now about to be cramped and confined for some time. We also thought it not amiss to take a good breakfast, which the cooks, who

had been early at work, had prepared for us. This being finished, every utensil capable of containing water was filled therewith; and all being properly arranged in the boats, about six o'clock, A.M., of the 22d of May, we left the island, not without regret, yet pleased, that we should no longer be annoyed with reefs and sand-banks. Not wishing to run the risk of finding a clear passage between any of the islands, we steered to the northward of the group', and then directed our course W. by S. across the gulf of Carpentaria.

1 This group consists of fourteen small islands; the largest not being more than three miles in length, and about one and a half in breadth.

The island at which we stopped was of considerable height. The trees were of stunted growth; the grass was luxuriant, and the water in abundance. On the (granite) pinnacle of the island, we observed an immense collection of stones, resembling a cairn; and as we imagined it served the same purpose, we did not fail to increase the heap by a liberal contribution.

High water occurs at about 2h 30' after the Moon's culmination, and the tide rises from eight to ten feet.

The latitude, as already observed, is 10° 13′ 27′′ south, and the longitude, (by lunar observations, and by chronometer corrected from the Eastern Fields,) is 141° 56' 36", east.

Neither Captain Flinders nor Captain King went so far north, and therefore did not notice these islands; which, in compliment to the Honourable Captain Duncan, R.N., we named Duncan's Isles.

Ꭰ

CHAPTER III.

Favourable weather continues-Observance of the Sabbath-day-Weather becomes stormy-Miraculous escape-Skiff heaves-to-Jolly-boat abandoned; the crew having yielded to despair being admitted into the long boat-Heavy gale-Long boat nearly swamped-Being unable to reach Melville Island, we proceed to Timor-Straits of Semao-Colonial Brig "Amity”—Arrival at Coupang-Mr. Underwood's Narrative-Retrospective View of Occurrences-Character of the Officers.

THE weather was serene and apparently settled; and the eastern, breeze blew steadily, by the influence of which we were propelled neither slowly nor unpleasantly over the undulating bosom of the emerald sea. We were also cheered by the indications of continued moderate weather, confirmed by the placid aspect of departing day.

The night came on, and every thing around us still wore a favourable appearance, and our spirits were buoyed up by the pleasing hope, that the issue of our enterprise might be prosperous.

The long-boat, in the centre, led the way; the skiff

CONTINUANCE OF FAVOURABLE WEATHER.

35

being stationed on one quarter, and the jolly-boat on the other. As before mentioned, we had a few candles; but they were reserved for use, in the event of the weather being hazy; and, while the sky was clear, we directed our course by the stars.

During the night, we proceeded at the rate of four miles an hour; nothing occurred to cause us any alarm, nor, from the appearance of early morn, did we apprehend any sudden change. The weather continued fine throughout the day, the sea smooth, the wind fair, and the boats kept close company. At noon, having ascertained our latitude and longitude, we kept on our course for New Year's Isle.

Now came "Saturday night at sea," a night commonly supposed to be dedicated by the sons of the waves to reminiscences of "sweethearts and wives," and to "the flowing bowl." This, however, is more in song than in reality;—at least, it has, in a great measure, like many other old customs, passed away; and, with all due regard to Dibdin's memory, it may be fairly doubted, whether the time be very fit to drink and sing "while the foaming billows roll." Be that as it may, we could only celebrate it in sober silence.

Since our departure from the islands, we had seen little to enliven our lonely way. A few "boobies" occasionally made their appearance; two of which, having this evening lighted on the boat, were caught, and soon snapped up, without much ceremony of cooking. We passed a great number of sea-snakes, whose movements,