272 



past foui' hard squalls and heavy raiu ; rounded the 

 Tree Island Reef and anchored in fire fathoms, 

 about one and a half miles from the north end of 

 Albany Island. 



I do not intend going' into Port Albany, as the 

 tides run very strong- there ; outside is quite as safe 

 at this season. " In the evening went on shore on 

 Albany Island. Saw four or five natives, who 

 knew Captain ElUottj they were very anxious to 

 get biscuit and tobacco. They seem to be the same 

 class of men as those of Port Essington, but the 

 language is, I think, different. 



May lO^A.— AH night blowing hard, and squally. 

 At daylight same weather ; no chance of the boat 

 getting to the southward to-daj'. At ten went on 

 shore, for the purpose of selecting a spot to inter 

 the remains of Messrs. Wall and Niblet. Saw the 

 horse left by the Ariel ; he seemed in good con- 

 dition, but rather shy ; no chance, I fear, of 

 catching him. Took some corn and meal in a 

 bucket for him. 



At three p.m. the weather rather more moderate. 

 Both vessels g-ot under weigh, and worked close in 

 shore. At 4*30 anchored in three and three-quarters 

 fathoms, mud : Tree Island N.E. by E. half E. ; Pile 

 Island W. half S. ; north extreme of Albany Island 

 S. by E. half E. ; within a short half mile of the 

 shore. 



Got all ready for a start in the morning, should 

 the weather be moderate. Should the weather 



