MAR. 1771 ARRIVAL AT CAPE OF GOOD HOPE 429 



the substance that I have before often mentioned under the 

 name of sea-sawdust ; the water likewise emitted a strong 

 smell like that of sea-weeds rotting on the shore. 



1 2th. In the morning saw Cape False, 1 and soon after the 

 Cape of Good Hope, off which we observed a rock not laid 

 down in the charts. The breeze was fresh and fair; it 

 carried us as far as Table Bay, off which we anchored. In 

 coming along shore we saw several smokes upon the next 

 hill before the Lion's rump, and when at anchor fires upon 

 the side and near the top of the Table Mountain. In the 

 bay were several ships, four French, two Danes, one 

 English, viz. the Admiral Pocock, Indiaman, and several 

 Dutch. 



13th. Wind so fresh at S.E. that we could not attempt to 

 go ashore ; no boat, indeed, in the whole harbour attempted 

 to stir; the Dutch Commodore hauled down his broad 

 pennant, a signal for all boats belonging to him to keep on 

 board. Jno. Thomas died. 



14:th. The ship was got under way and steered into the 

 harbour to her proper berth. A Dutch boat came on board 

 to know from whence we came, and brought with her a 

 surgeon, who examined our sick, and gave leave for them 

 and us to come ashore, which we accordingly did at dinner- 

 time. 



1*7 th. Dr. Solander, who had been on board the Indiaman 

 last night, was taken violently ill with a fever and a pain 

 in his bowels. A country physician was immediately sent 

 for, who declared on hearing his case that it was the common 

 consequence of Batavian fevers, that the Doctor would be 

 much worse, and would for some time suffer very much by his 

 bowel complaint, but upon the whole he declared that there 

 was no danger. I could not, however, help being a good deal 

 alarmed in my own opinion. 



31st. Dr. Solander, after having been confined to his bed 

 or chamber ever since the 17th of this month, this day 

 came downstairs for the first time, very much emaciated by 

 his tedious illness. 



1 This appears to have been Cape Agulhas. 



