INTRODUCTION. 
[Prior Discoveries. 
Bampton July 22. The ships' crews beginning to feel the want of fresh 
and Alt. * t n i 
1792. water, people were sent on shore to dig a well ; and the natives, 
though they still appeared shy and suspicious, gave them some 
assistance. On the 24th, the boats had discovered a passage to the 
south-westward ; and as the well produced little water, and no pro- 
vision could be obtained, it was determined to proceed onward, 
through the Strait, without further delay. 
They weighed the same afternoon ; and anchored, at dusk, in 14 
fathoms ; Campbell's Island bearing N. E. by E. to E. by N. f N. ; 
and many other small isles being in sight to the south-west and 
southward. Next day, the 25th, they steered S. by W. f W., from 
seven in the morning to six in the evening ; when they anchored in 
17 fathoms, having islands in sight nearly all round : the nearest 
at the distance of five or six miles. These islands were small ; 
but inhabitants were seen on the greater number ; and two canoes 
went off' to the Chesterfield. 
July 26. The ships proceeded westward, very slowly ; the wind 
being at south-west. In the morning of the 27th, they were at anchor 
in 11 fathoms ; Dungeness Island bearing W. by N. to N. W. by 
W. i W., about six miles ; and Warriors Island N. N. W. §■ W. eight 
miles. Mr. Dell had passed the preceding night upon one of the 
Six Sisters, which was called Dove Island, bearing from the ship, 
S. S.E. six miles. A fire on the beach, with two fish broiling upon 
it, bespoke the presence of inhabitants; but on searching the island 
over, none could be discovered : it was thought that they had fled 
to a larger island, it being connected with this by a reef, which dries 
at low water. Mr. Dell had a seine with him, and caught a dozen 
fine fish ; but the object of remaining all night, that of taking turtle, 
did not succeed ; although large shells of them were found upon 
the shore. 
Dove Island is about one mile and a half in circumference ; and 
covered with trees and shrubs, the fragrance of whose flowers per- 
fumed the air. Amongst other birds, two beautiful doves were shot. 
