North Coast: Torres' Strait.] INTRODUCTION. xvii 
the whole of August 26, captain Edwards ran along it to the Edwards. 
southward, without finding any passage through. On the 27th, the 1791, 
search was continued, without success ; but on the 28th, a boat was 
despatched to examine an opening in the reef ; and the ship stood 
off and on, waiting the result. At five in the evening, the boat 
made a signal for a passage being found ; but fearing to venture 
through, so near sunset, without more particular information, 
captain Edwards called the boat on board. In the mean time, a 
current, or tide, set the Pandora upon the reef ; and, after beating 
there till ten o'clock, she went over it into deep water; and sunk in 
15 fathoms, at daylight of the 29th. 
A dry sand bank was perceived within the opening, at the distance 
of four miles; and thither the boats repaired with the remaining 
officers and people ; thirty-nine men having lost their lives in this 
melancholy disaster. This opening was ascertained to lie in latitude 
ii° 24', and longitude 143 0 38' ; and is represented as very practicable 
for ships. 
Not being able to save any thing from the wreck, captain Edwards, 
almost destitute of provisions and water, set sail on Aug. 30, with 
his squadron of four boats ; and steered for the north-east part of 
Terra Australis. No reefs, or other dangers, appear to have been 
encountered in the way to the coast ; but in the course northward, 
along it, some islands and reefs were seen. From one part of the 
coast, two canoes with three black men in each, paddled hard after 
the boats ; but though they waved and made many signs, it was 
not thought prudent to wait for them. At one of the York Isles, 
the natives, for some trifling presents, filled a keg of water for 
captain Edwards ; but refused to bring down any more ; and, soon 
afterward, they let fly a shower of arrows amongst the unfortunate 
sufferers. Happily no person was wounded ; and the aggressors 
were put to flight, by a volley of musketry. 
At the Prince of Wales' Islands, good water was found; and 
much alleviated the distress of captain Edwards and his people. 
vol. r. D 
