250 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
1819* sight to the westward of our course, (S.W.|S.) 
July 28. between which and the range of Wessel’s Islands 
I intended to pass ; but after standing on for some 
distance through the channel, against a strong 
tide setting at the rate of three miles and a half 
per hour, it was perceived that the opening 
formed a communication with Arnhem Bay. 
Being convinced of the fact, we tacked, and 
passed round the northernmost extremity of the 
western range of islands, for doing which we had 
nearly paid dear ; a strong rippling was perceived 
to extend for three miles off the point ; but, as it 
appeared to be occasioned by the tide setting 
round it, we stood on with the intention of going 
through them. Near their edge soundings were 
suddenly obtained with nine fathoms, and succes- 
sive casts decreased the depth to six, five, and 
three and three-quarters fathoms ; the helm was put 
a-lee to return, but the wind at the same moment 
dying away, the vessel became ungovernable, and 
was drifted over the spit ; fortunately, however, 
we found sufficient depth to prevent striking. As 
soon as the danger was passed, the water deepened 
to nine, and, in a few heaves, we found no bottom 
with thirteen fathoms ; the night was passed at 
29 - anchor, and the next morning we resumed our 
course to the southward in a parallel direction 
with the coast ; at noon our observation proved 
