rees 29 minutes South, Longitude
251 degrees 54 minutes; but either our Longitude must be erroneous or the
Straits of Sunda must be faltily laid down in all Books and Charts; but
this no doubt we shall have an opportunity to settle.* (* Cook's
longitude was in error nearly three degrees. No lunars had been taken
since they left Savu, and there is a current running westward. It is a
good example of the error of dead reckoning, even with the most careful
of navigators.)

Tuesday, 2nd. In the P.M., had the wind at South-South-East, South-East
by South and South-South-East, with which we stood to the Eastward close
upon a wind. At 6 o'Clock the Hill on Princes Island bore South-West by
South, and Cracatoa Island, North 10 Miles; in this situation had 58
fathoms, standing still to the Eastward. At 8 o'Clock had 52 fathoms,
muddy bottom, at 10 23 fathoms. By 4 in the morning we fetched close in
with the Java shore in 15 fathoms, then steer'd along shore. At 5 it fell
Calm, which continued with some Variable light Airs until noon, at which
time Anger Point bore North-East, distant 1 League, and Thwart-the-way
Island North. In the morning I sent a Boat ashore to try to get some
fruits for Tupia, who is very ill, and, likewise, to get some grass,
etc., for the Buffaloes we have still left. The Boats return'd with only
4 Cocoa Nutts, a small bunch of Plantains, which they purchased of the
Natives for a Shilling, and a few Shrubs for the Cattle.

Wednesday, 3rd. Soon after 12 o'Clock it fell quite Calm, which obliged
us to Anchor in 18 fathoms, Muddy bottom, about 2 Miles from shore, where
we found a strong Current setting to the South-West. Not long before we
Anchor'd we saw a Dutch Ship laying off Anger Point, on board which I
sent Mr. Hicks to enquire after News.* (* It will be recollected that the
Endeavour was now two years and two months from England, without the
slightest chance of any news from home. We can imagine the anxiety and
excitement on board on thus approaching civilisation, though they had no
prospect of personal letters. With the frequent communication of modern
times, we can scarcely realise such circumstances, and should certainly
consider them as an exceeding hardship.) Upon his return he inform'd me
that there were 2 Dutch Ships from Batavia, one bound for Ceylon, and the
other to the Coast of Mallabar, besides a small Fly-boat or Packet, which
is stationed here to carry all Packets, Letters, etc., from all