r the command of Monsieur De Perrouse. The
astonishment of the French at seeing us, had not equalled that we had
experienced, for it appeared, that in the course of their voyage they
had touched at Kamschatka, and by that means learnt that our expedition
was in contemplation. They dropped anchor the next morning, just as
we had got under weigh to work out of the Bay, so that for the present
nothing more than salutations could pass between us.

Before I quit Botany Bay, I shall relate the observations we were
enabled to make during our short stay there; as well as those which our
subsequent visits to it from Port Jackson enabled us to complete.

The Bay is very open, and greatly exposed to the fury of the S.E. winds,
which, when they blow, cause a heavy and dangerous swell. It is of
prodigious extent, the principal arm, which takes a S.W. direction,
being not less, including its windings, than twenty four miles from the
capes which form the entrance, according to the report of the French
officers, who took uncommon pains to survey it. At the distance of a
league from the harbour's mouth is a bar, on which at low water, not
more than fifteen feet are to be found. Within this bar, for many miles
up the S.W. arm, is a haven, equal in every respect to any hitherto
known, and in which any number of ships might anchor, secured from all
winds. The country around far exceeds in richness of soil that about
Cape Banks and Point Solander, though unfortunately they resemble each
other in one respect, a scarcity of fresh water.

We found the natives tolerably numerous as we advanced up the river, and
even at the harbour's mouth we had reason to conclude the country more
populous than Mr. Cook thought it. For on the Supply's arrival in the
Bay on the 18th of the month, they were assembled on the beach of the
south shore, to the number of not less than forty persons, shouting
and making many uncouth signs and gestures. This appearance whetted
curiosity to its utmost, but as prudence forbade a few people to venture
wantonly among so great a number, and a party of only six men was
observed on the north shore, the Governor immediately proceeded to land
on that side, in order to take possession of his new territory, and
bring about an intercourse between its old and new masters. The boat in
which his Excellency was, rowed up the harbour, close to the land, for
some distance; the Indians keeping pace with her on the beach. At last
an offi