North Coast: Torres' Strait.] INTRODUCTION 
the Donley's Island of captain Bligh, bore S. W. by S. seven or eight 
leagues ; a dry sand was seen in the W. N. W. , ( probably W. S. W. ) ; 
and a reef, which appears to have been that of Anchor Key, was six 
or seven miles distant in the S. E. At four in the afternoon, when 
Darnleys Island bore W. by N. L N. five leagues, and Murray's 
Island S.E,±E. ( probably S. S. E. L E. ) the ships anchored in 22 
fathoms, marly bottom ; and the boats were sent towards the first 
island to sound, and see if it were inhabited. The latitude observed 
at this anchorage, was 9 ° 4.0' south, and longitude from three dis- 
tances of the sun and moon 142 0 58' 30" east. 
July 2. The boats returned. Between the ships and the island, 
they had passed over five different reefs, separated by narrow 
channels of 11 to 14 fathoms deep. The natives of the island 
came down in considerable numbers; and exchanged some bows 
and arrows, for knives and other articles. They were stout men- 
and somewhat above the common size of Europeans. Except in 
colour, which was not of so deep a cast, they bore much resemblance 
to the natives of Port Jackson; and had scars raised upon their 
todies in the same manner. The men were entirely naked; but 
the women, who kept at a distance and appeared small in size, wore 
an apron of leaves, reaching down to the knee. Many cocoa-nut 
trees were seen in the lower parts of the island. 
When the boats returned, they were followed by four canoes 
One of them went along-side of the Chesterfield ; and an Indian 
ventured on board, on a sailor going into the canoe, as a hostage for 
him. Most of these people had their ears perforated. The hair 
was generally cut short ; but some few had it flowing loose. It is 
naturally black ; but from being rubbed with something, it had a 
reddish, or burnt appearance. These Indians, so far as they could 
be understood, represented their island to abound in refreshments ; 
and it was, therefore, determined to send another boat to make fur- 
ther examination. 
July 3- Mr. Shaw, chief mate of the Chesterfield, Mr. Carter, 
vol. r. y 
xxxni 
Bampton 
and Alt. 
1793. 
