Feb. 1830. FATAL BAY—MR. MILLAR’S DEATH. 335 
work until the 1st of February.(c) On that day we sailed, and 
entered the Mesier Channel, anchoring in a small open bay, 
the only stopping-place we could perceive; which, from the 
loss we sustained shortly after our arrival, was called Fatal 
Bay. It is insecure, and the anchorage ground confined : the 
only convenience was, that wood and fresh-water were 
near. During our stay we had much rain, which retarded us. 
Mr. Kirke went away in a boat, whenever the weather per- 
mitted, and, on the 8th, we sailed for an anchorage, about ten 
miles to the southward, where he had previously been ; but a 
sad event happened before our departure. 
“ On the afternoon of the 3d, we had the misfortune to lose 
Mr. Alexander Millar, who died in consequence of a severe 
attack of inflammation of the bowels, which carried him off, 
after an illness of only three days. 
“ On Thursday afternoon he was buried, close to the shore, 
near the anchorage, and just within the edge of the wood. 
«That our progress had been so slow during the last month, 
was a great disappointment ; but we had had many causes of 
detention. All the early part of January the weather was 
stormy: eighteen days we were anchored within the Channel’s 
Mouth; yet during two only could our boats leave the vessel. 
«* Among the Guaianeco islands we had moderate weather, 
but also much wet : still the chief cause of our delay, I fear, was 
my own illness. From the beginning of January, I had been 
confined to my bed, with a tedious and obstinate disease ; and 
from that time most of the angles were taken, and all the 
observations were made, by Mr. Kirke, who was ever exceedingly 
willing and indefatigable. After the loss of Mr. Millar, not 
only almost the whole duty of surveying fell upon him, but 
much of the duty of the vessel. 
** At noon this day (8th), we moored in Island Harbour, a 
small but excellent landlocked anchorage, with good holding 
(@) During much of this cruise, Lieutenant Skyring was so ill that he 
was unable to leave the Adelaide ; and for a month ke was confined to bed. 
His illness was caused by fatigue, and by sitting too long while con- 
structing charts.—R. F. 
