nment to call (on her
way to Port Essington) at Shelburne Bay and Escape River, to ascertain,
if possible, the fate of the three men left at the former place, and
recover the papers of Mr. Kennedy secreted by Jackey-Jackey, who went in
the Freak to point out the localities.)

Wednesday, May 2, 1849.

In the night fresh breezes from North-East with rain; at daylight weighed
and made sail, the Harbinger in company; shaped a course to pass between
Cape Direction and the low sandy island which lies off it; passed close
to the latter; I observed the reef extending from the North-East end
further than laid down on the chart; after passing it, and giving Cape
Direction a good berth, shaped a course for Restoration Island. At 9 A.M.
dense masses of rain-clouds to the east and north-east. The weather
became thick and rainy, shortened sail to the topsails. At 10.30 A.M.,
the weather clearing a little, saw Restoration and Cape Weymouth; when
close to the former we had heavy squalls with rain, which prevented our
seeing the land; hove-to with the vessel's head to the North-East;
shortly after the weather clearing a little so as to enable us to see the
land, bore up and stood in for Weymouth Bay. The rain now descended in
torrents, lowered topsails on the cap, feeling our way cautiously with
the lead; finding the water shoaling, anchored in twelve fathoms; at 0.30
P.M., the weather clearing a little, saw Restoration, bearing
South-South-East 1/2 East, and a small island distant about a mile west.

At 3.30 P.M. fine, and finding we were a long distance out, weighed and
ran in under the jib, the Harbinger following our example; as we
approached the bottom of the bay the water shoaled gradually, and when
the haze lifted Jackey pointed out the hill at the foot of which was the
camp where Mr. Kennedy had left eight of the party, and from whence
Carron and Goddard had been rescued. We stood into five fathoms, and at 5
P.M. anchored about 1 1/2 miles from the shore; the Harbinger brought up
close to us. Made up my mind to visit the camp in the morning, and
endeavour to find if there were any papers which might have been left and
not destroyed.

Thursday, May 3.

During the night moderate breeze from the south with light showers. At
five A.M., Captain Sampson came alongside, he wishing to join our party,
and visit the camp. Having well manned and armed the large whaleboat,
pulled on shore, and landed at the entrance of a small river, o