810 
A VOYAGE TO 
[ East Coast, 
1803. 
August. 
Monday 22, 
Tuesday 23. 
proceed to Port Jackson. The first and principal means, however, 
through which our deliverance was to be expected, being the safe 
arrival of the cutter, the choice of an officer to conduct her was next 
considered. Lieutenant Fowler proposed, and it seemed to be the 
general wish, that I should undertake the execution of the task; and 
being satisfied that the preservation of order on the bank, and the 
saving of the stores would be left in good hands, the hope of being 
instrumental to the general safety induced me readily to comply. 
But to provide against sickness and the various accidents which 
might arise from the natives of the coast or otherwise, it was neces- 
sary that two officers should be in the boat; and captain Park of the 
Cato being desirous of returning to Port Jackson, to make the ne- 
cessary statements relative to the loss of his ship, he was appointed 
my second with the general approbation. 
The smaller cutter with an officer, his second, and a boat’s 
crew, I proposed should remain with the stores, and in charge of 
my charts and books for a few weeks lobger than the two months ; 
and then go to Port Jackson also, should no vessel arrive before that 
time. This precaution was necessary, lest any unforeseen occur- 
rence should delay my return to the bank beyond two months, 
though not prevent it altogether; that the charts, journals, and 
papers might still be found there, to be taken on to England if 
wanted. I designed my brother, lieutenant Flinders, for this service ; 
but Mr. Fowler claiming it as the post of honour, I too much re- 
spected the principle that influenced him not to accede to his request; 
and therefore ordered, that the former officer and Mr. John Aken, 
master of the Investigator, should take charge of the decked boats, 
with a master’s mate in each capable of conducting them to Port 
Jackson, should illness or any accident happen to either of the officers. 
By the evening of the 23rd, the Porpoise was well nigh emptied 
of all the most essential things ; and on a survey being made, there 
was found sufficient water and provisions on the bank to serve ninety- 
four men, which was our number, for three months, even at full 
