for
our dinner. While the party was out getting oysters, I got the boat in
readiness for sea, and filled all our water vessels, which amounted to
nearly 60 gallons.

The party being returned, dinner was soon ready, and every one had as
good an allowance as they had for supper; for with the pork I gave an
allowance of bread; as I was determined forthwith to push on. As it was
not yet noon, I told every one that an exertion should be made to gather
as many oysters as possible for a sea store, as I was determined to sail
in the afternoon.

At noon I again observed the latitude 12 deg. 39' S; it was then high-water,
the tide had risen three feet, but I could not be certain which way the
flood came from. I deduce the time of high-water at full and change to
be ten minutes past seven in the morning.

[Sidenote: Sunday 31.]

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 31.]

Sunday, May the 31st. Early in the afternoon, the people returned with
the few oysters they had time to pick up, and every thing was put into
the boat. I then examined the quantity of bread remaining, and found 38
days allowance, according to the last mode of issuing a 25th of a pound
at breakfast and at dinner.

Fair weather, and moderate breezes at E S E and S E.

Being all ready for sea, I directed every person to attend prayers, and
by four o'clock we were preparing to embark; when twenty natives
appeared, running and holloaing to us, on the opposite shore. They were
armed with a spear or lance, and a short weapon which they carried in
their left hand: they made signs for us to come to them. On the top of
the hills we saw the heads of many more; whether these were their wives
and children, or others who waited for our landing, until which they
meant not to show themselves, lest we might be intimidated, I cannot
say; but, as I found we were discovered to be on the coast, I thought it
prudent to make the best of my way, for fear of canoes; though, from the
accounts of captain Cook, the chance was that there were very few or
none of any consequence. I passed these people as near as I could, which
was within a quarter of a mile; they were naked, and apparently black,
and their hair or wool bushy and short.

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 31.]

I directed my course within two small islands that lie to the north of
Restoration Island, passing between them and the main land, towards Fair
Cape, with a strong tide in my favour; so that I was abreast of it by
eight o'clock. The coast