402 LEAVE PORT ESSINGTON. 



July 24. — Finding that we could not procure 

 a supply of provisions from the settlement, our stay 

 was necessarily, though reluctantly, of short dura- 

 tion, and on the morning of the 24th, we were 

 accordingly running out of Port Essington. After 

 rounding Vashon Head, we steered to the westward, 

 along the northern side of the Peninsula, and 

 early in the afternoon anchored in Popham Bay, 

 one point of which is formed by the N. W. extreme 

 of the Peninsula, a low projection with one tall 

 mangrove growing on the point, and fronted by 

 an extensive coral reef, past which a two-knot tide 

 sweeps into the gulf of Van Diemen. On the 

 eastern side of this projection is a snug boat or 

 small craft harbour, much frequented by the Malays, 

 who call it Blue-mud Bay. It may be recognized by 

 a little island lying off its mouth. 



Our attention having been directed towards the 

 openings on the coast opposite Melville Island, we 

 proceeded towards the first, lying on the south side 

 of Clarence Strait. It was further important to 

 ascertain, if that strait was navigable, and also to 

 examine the south eastern-side of Melville Island. 

 Finding the western shore of Coburg Peninsula 

 placed too far from Port Essington on the chart, 

 it was determined to commence the survey at Pop- 

 permitted to do so. The total abandonment of the North coast 

 of New Holland caused much regret to the mercantile people 

 here, as they had anticipated great advantages from a commercial 

 intercourse." — Wilsons Narrative, p. 179. 



