Bass' Strait.} 
TERRA AUSTRALIS. 
205 
go through the water. We had no chance of clearing the land on 1802. 
the other tack ; and therefore our sole hope was, that the coast Apnl " 
might not trend any further to the southward. 
At two in the morning, the strength of the gale obliged us to Wedne 3 . 21. 
take in the fore and mizen top sails and main sail ; and we had 
soundings in 45 fathoms, small stones. Our anxiety was great until 
daylight, when it was dissipated by not finding any land near us ; 
and in the course of the morning the wind moderated, the barometer 
began to ascend, and the weather became even fine. Our latitude at 
noon was 39 0 10^' and longitude 144 0 22' ; the last being 22' more than pfifvi.) 
given by the log. High land was then visible astern, extending 
from about N. 50 0 to if W., at the supposed distance of twelve or 
fifteen leagues. 
We were now entered into Bass' Strait; and the subsiding of 
the sea made me suspect that the large island, concerning which I 
had made inquiry of captain Baudin, was to windward. The south 
part of this island was discovered by Mr. Reid, in a sealing expedi- 
tion from Port Jackson ; and before quitting New South Wales in 
1799, I na d received an account of its lying to the north-west of 
Hunter's Isles. It afterwards appeared, that the northern part was 
seen in January 1801, by Mr. John Black, commander of the brig 
Harbinger, who gave to it the name of King's Island.* Of this I 
was ignorant at the time ; but since it was so very dangerous to 
explore the main coast with the present south-west wind, I was 
desirous of ascertaining the position of this island before going to 
Port Jackson, more especially as it had escaped the observation of 
captain Baudin. 
Our soundings in the afternoon, and until four in the morning Thurs. 22. 
when we tacked to the westward, were from 35 to 28 fathoms, sand 
and shells. At eight o'clock, land was seen to the south-west; and 
at noon our 
* Grant's Voyage to New South Wales, page 86. 
yoL. 1. 3 G 
