the gale continued; but when we came
within 2 miles of it it fell calm; yet afterwards, by the help of the
current, a small gale, and our boat, we got through before day. In the
night we had a very fragrant smell from the island.

STRANGE WHIRLPOOLS.

By morning-light we were got 2 leagues to the westward of it; and then
were becalmed all the morning; and met such whirling tides that when we
came into them the ship turned quite round; and though sometimes we had a
small gale of wind yet she could not feel the helm when she came into
these whirlpools: neither could we get from amongst them till a brisk
gale sprang up; yet we drove not much any way, but whirled round like a
top. And those whirlpools were not constant to one place, but drove about
strangely; and sometimes we saw among them large ripplings of the water,
like great overfalls, making a fearful noise. I sent my boat to sound but
found no ground.

DISTANCE BETWEEN CAPE MABO AND CAPE ST. GEORGE COMPUTED.

The 18th Cape Mabo bore south distance 9 leagues. By which account it
lies in the latitude of 50 minutes south and meridian distance from Cape
St. George 1243 miles. St. John's Isle lies 48 miles to the east of Cape
St. George; which, being added to the distance between Cape St. George
and Cape Mabo, makes 1291 meridional parts; which was the furthest that I
was to the east. In my outward-bound voyage I made meridian distance
between Cape Mabo and Cape St. George 1290 miles; and now in my return
but 1243; which is 47 short of my distance going out. This difference may
probably be occasioned by the strong western current which we found in
our return, which I allowed for after I perceived it; and though we did
not discern any current when we went to the eastward, except when near
the islands, yet it is probable we had one against us, though we did not
take notice of it because of the strong westerly winds. King William's
Island lies in the latitude of 21 minutes south, and may be seen
distinctly off of Cape Mabo.

In the evening we passed by Cape Mabo; and afterwards steered away
south-east half east, keeping along the shore which here trends
south-easterly. The next morning, seeing a large opening in the land with
an island near the south side, I stood in, thinking to anchor there. When
we were shot in within 2 leagues of the island the wind came to the west,
which blows right into the opening. I stood to the north shore;
intending, when I came pretty nigh