' . N E W S O U T H W A L E S„ ■ 'i 
little barren ifland of Afcenfion ; and St. Helena, by the ^* 
induftry of the Englifli fettlers, has become the feat of v— ' 
plenty and of elegance. Without the afliftance derived, 
in going or returning, from fome of thefe places, the 
interval of near forty degrees on each fide of the line, 
in a fea expofed to violent heat, and fubje6t to tedious 
calms, would be fufficient to difcourage even the navi- 
gators of the eighteenth century. - 
On the 1 8th of June, the fleet came in fight of the Junersth, 
Gape Verd Iflands, and was diredted by fignal to fleer 
for St. Jago. But the want of favourable wind, and the 
oppoiition of a ilrong current making it probable that 
all the fliips would not be able to get into the Bay, the 
Governor thought it befl to change his plan. The fig- 
nal for anchoring was hauled down, and the fliips were 
directed to continue their firft courfe ; a circumftance of 
much difappointment to many individuals on board, 
who, as is natural in long voyages, were eager on 
every occaiion to enjoy the refrefliments of the fliore. 
As an additional incitement to fuch wiflies, the vv'eather 
had now become hot ; the thermometer ftood at 82°, 
which, though not an immoderate heat for a tropical 
climate, is fufficient to produce confiderable annoyance. 
But, unmoved by any confideration except that of expe- 
dience, Governor Phillip perfift ed in conducing his fliips 
E % to 
