Loa or MR. SIMPSON. 253 



making- towards Cape Bedford, and he mig-ht have 

 taken that direction. Two large sharks were seen 

 about the ship this morning- ; it is our impression 

 the man can never have reached the land ; the black 

 was seen by Parker, on deck, at two A.M., whilst it 

 was thundering, lightening, and raining, but was 

 never seen afterwards. 



EXTRACT 



From the private log- of T. Beckford Simpson, 

 master of the brig- " Freak,"* giving an account 

 of her proceedings when employed in searching 

 for the papers, &c,, connected with the late Mr, 

 Kennedy's exploring party. 



May 2nd, 1849. — In the night fresh breezes from 

 N.E. with rain j at daylight weighed and made saU, 

 the Harbinger in company ; shaped a com'se to pass 

 between Cape Du'ection and the low sandy island 

 which lies off it ; passed close to the latter ; I 

 observed the reef extending from the N.E. end 

 further than laid down on the chart ; after passing 

 it, and giving Cape Direction a good berth, shaped 



* Under contract with the Colonial Government to call (on her 

 way to Port Essington) at Shelhurne Bay and Escape Riyer, 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 locaUties. 



