April 1828. 



PORT IIEXKY SITUATION. 



159 



to the north by low land, and fronted by many islands. This 

 high mountain, which appears to be an island from the offings 

 was called ' Cabo Primero.' 



" The following night was clear, and the wind moderate 

 from S.E., but in the course of next morning it shifted to N.E., 

 with squalls, rain, and thick weather ; we worked into the inlet 

 notwithstanding, and by noon had reached three miles within 

 its S.W. head-land, Cape William, and were abreast of a bay, 

 into which I sent a boat to look for anchorage. On her return 

 we stood into it, and anchored in the excellent harbour, after- 

 wards named Port Henry, where we remained from the 2d to 

 the 5th of April, employed in making a correct survey of the 

 harbour and its adjacencies, and determining the latitude and 

 longitude.-j- 



" The inner harbour, distinguished in the plan by the name 

 of ' Aid Basin,' is perfectly land-locked, and sufficiently spa- 

 cious to contain a numerous squadron of the largest ships in 

 twenty fathoms water, over a mud bottom, and as completely 

 sheltered from the effects of wind and sea as in wet-docks. At 

 the south- west side of the basin is a fresh-water lake, which dis- 

 charges itself by a small stream, whence casks might be con- 

 veniently filled by means of canvas hoses, and the shores 

 around have wood for fuel in abundance ; but, from the lofty 

 surrounding mountains, some rising almost perpendicularly to 

 an elevation of two thousand feet, the thick clouds with which 

 this basin was generally overhung, and the dense exhalations 

 that arose from it during the rare intervals of sunshine, together 

 with the exceeding prevalence of heavy rain on this coast, this 

 place must be disagreeable and unhealthy. Such objections do 

 not apply to the outer harbour, for while its shores afford 

 shelter, they do not obstruct a free circulation of air. It is 

 sufficiently large to afford convenient and secure anchorage for 

 five or six frigates. 



"We hauled the seine with very poor success, as a few smelt 

 only were taken ; we had no better luck with our fishing-lines ; 



* (Sarmiento, p. 65.) 



t The description of Port Henry is given in our Sailing- DirectionSo 



