64 
A VOYAGE TO 
[ East Coast. 
isos. broad side, it made her heel in a manner to excite alarm. The sails 
ScDtCOlllGT. . 
Monday i3. were immediately clewed down, and the top-gallant yards struck; 
and it appearing that the stream anchor allowed the ship to drive 
further up the bank as the tide rose, the best bower was let go, and 
then she righted and swung to the tide. The Lady Nelson also got 
off safe ; but a part of the after sliding keel was carried away. 
# I went in a boat to examine the place which had presented the 
appearance of an opening; but it proved to be only a bending in 
the shore, and the mud banks and mangroves did not admit of 
landing ; we therefore went back with the returning ebb to Upper 
Head, and moored the ship nearly in our first situation ; where there 
was something more than 3 fathoms all round, at low water. 
Tuesday 14. On the following morning, the time keepers and other instru- 
ments were sent on shore under the charge of lieutenant Flinders, 
with two of the young gentlemen to assist him, and a guard of 
marines for the protection of the tents. It had appeared from the 
survey, that the time keepers were losing more than the Port-Jackson 
rates supposed; and before quitting this coast for the Gulph of Car- 
pentaria, it was necessary to take fresh observations. Mr. Flinders 
undertook as usual to perform this service, whilst I should be absent 
up the Sound ; and lieutenant Fowler was directed to examine and 
air all the stores, and make the ship ready for sea against my return. 
Having made these dispositions, I embarked in the Lady Nelson 
with the naturalist, taking my whale boat and surveying instruments. 
We had a strong flood tide; and after grounding on a bank, 
anchored eleven miles above the ship, in 3 fathoms, that being the 
greatest depth to be found. It was then high water ; and the brig 
being expected to be left dry by the ebb, we prepared for it by 
mooring, to prevent all chance of settling on the anchor, and hove 
up the fore and after keels; the new main keel being swelled by the 
wet, could not be raised, and when it took the ground, the vessel 
turned about violently and dragged both the anchors, until the keel 
broke off, and then she lay easy. 
