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.* (* The Portland and the
India fleet got home three days before the Endeavour.) At Noon the Island
of Ascention bore East by South, distant 4 or 5 Leagues. By our
Observations it lies in the Latitude of 7 degrees 54 minutes South, and
Longitude of 14 degrees 18 minutes West. A North-West by North course by
Compass, or North-West a little Westerly by the Globe from St. Helena,
will bring you directly to this Island. Wind Ditto; course North-West;
distance 120 miles; latitude 7 degrees 51 minutes South, longitude 14
degrees 32 minutes West.

Friday, 11th. A steady Trade wind and pleasant Weather. At 1/2 past 6
p.m. the Island of Ascention bore South-East 3/4 East, distant 11 or 12
Leagues. Sailing in Company with the Fleet. Wind Ditto; course North 42
degrees West, distance 117 miles; latitude 6 degrees 24 minutes South,
longitude 15 degrees 51 minutes West.

Saturday, 12th. First and Middle parts a Steady breeze, and fair the
Latter; light Squalls, with rain. Wind South-East by South to South-East
by East; course North 31 degrees 15 minutes West; distance 123 miles;
latitude 4 degrees 38 minutes South, longitude 16 degrees 54 minutes
West.

Sunday, 13th. Gentle breezes and Clear Weather; hott and Sultry. Sailing
in Company with the fleet. Variation 10 degrees West. Wind South-East by
South; course North 32 1/2 degrees West; distance 119 miles; latitude 2
degrees 58 minutes South, longitude 17 degrees 58 minutes West.

Monday, 14th. Ditto Weather. Wind South-East by South; course North 32
1/2 degrees West; distance 109 miles; latitude 1 degree 26 minutes South,
longitude 18 degrees 57 minutes West.

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 East-South-East; course North 32 1/2 degrees West; distance 85
miles; latitude 0 degrees 14 minutes South, longitude 19 degrees 43
minutes West.

Wednesday, 16th. Light breezes and fair weather. Variation 9 degrees 30
minutes West. Wind South-East by South; course N