212 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
1819. 
June 28. 
CHAPTER VI. 
Transactions at Endeavour River, and intercourse with the 
Natives Examine the River Geognostical Remarks Leat e 
Endeavour River, and resume the examination of the coast : 
Anchor among Howick's Group, and under F Under, s Group 
Explore Princess Charlotte's Bay, and the Islands and Reefs 
as far as Cape York, anchoring in the way on various parts 
of the coast:— The cutter nearly wrecked at Escape River. 
Loss of anchor under Turtle Island :-Pass round Cape York 
and through Torres Strait, by the Investigator’s route. 
As soon as the vessel was secured, the boat s 
frame was landed, and three of our people com- 
menced its erection. Previously, however, to 
this, the precaution was taken of burning the 
grass, to avoid a repetition of the revengeful and 
mischievous trick which the natives formerly 
played Captain Cook; for in a fit of rage, at not 
being allowed to take away some turtles that 
were lying on the ships’ deck, they set fire to 
the grass to windward of the tents, by which 
many stores and sails were consumed*. 
The moment that a few embers from our fire- 
place were scattered under the roots, the grass 
was in a blaze, and the flames rushed along with 
* Hawkesworth, vol.iii, p. 177. 
