262 Kennedy's expedition. 



very dangerous, not being' visible from the mast 

 head. I went aloft after crossing it, and could 

 perceive no indication of shoal water. The bearings 

 I got when on the shoal were, the outer or larger 

 Hannibal Island, S.E. ^ E., the inner one (only a 

 solitary tree visible) S. by E. g- E. 



At eleven a.m. passed Cairncross Island, running 

 under easy sail and keeping as near the shore as 

 prudent to keep the boat in sight. I have given 

 instructions to the officers in charge to make a 

 signal if anything was discovered. At half-past 

 four hauled in for Fern Island ; at five anchored 

 under the lee in three fathoms, mud ; bearings, the 

 highest part of Fern Island S. by E., the entrance 

 to Escape River, N.W- by W. ^ W., hoisted the 

 recall for the boat, on the return of which the 

 officer reported as follows. 



"1 ran along close to the shore aU day. I 

 landed a httle to the southward of Orfordness. We 

 met about thirty natives on the beach, who came 

 up to us without hesitation, and appeared very 

 friendly j they shook hands with all of us, and 

 brought us water. Jackey at first thought he 

 recognised the native who escaped from the Ariel 

 among them 5 he got a little excited, and wanted to 

 shoot him, when he approached nearer he was 

 satisfied he was not the same individual. At 

 another place where I landed I found part of the 

 lower mast of a vessel about 400 tons, and pieces of 

 wreck ; saw no natives or indication of them on the 

 beach." 



