At eleven we arrived at the entrance of the river, where I camped for the night, on a sandy beach not far from Point Shadwell, having determined to examine the native camp at daybreak.  Set a watch, but made no fire, as I wanted to take the natives by surprise.

Wednesday, May 9th, 1849.

Blowing very hard all night from South-East; passed a miserable night—­the mosquitoes devouring us.  At break of day launched our boats and pulled towards the camp where we had seen natives the day before.  Some of the party went along the beach.  On arriving at the camp found it had very recently been abandoned; one of Jackey’s companions saw one native, who ran into the bush and was seen no more.

I went with Jackey some distance into the bush, he showed me the place where a native threw a spear at him the day before Mr. Kennedy’s death; Jackey fired, but missed him.  I forgot to mention that the master of the Coquette had seen a native at Port Albany, who had, apparently, been wounded in the face with large shot, and as he answered the exact description given by Jackey, there is little doubt that he was the same individual mentioned in his statement as shot by him.

We searched the camp, found a small piece of red cloth, which Jackey recognised as part of the lining of Mr. Kennedy’s cloak, also a piece of painted canvas; a canoe on the beach we destroyed.  Finding nothing more could be done, we pulled out of the river, and got on board about ten A.M., after a very hard pull against both a head wind and tide.

Found the brig riding very uneasy in consequence of the heavy sea, and as Jackey said the other papers, called by him the small ones, and which I conceive to be the most important, as he was particularly instructed to take them to the Governor, were secreted at the head of another river, about eight miles further to the northward, and finding the vessel could not ride any longer here with safety, I determined, when the tide ceased, to weigh and seek some more secure anchorage.

At half-past twelve P.M. weighed, the Coquette in company, and stood to the northward.  At half-past four hard squalls and heavy rain; rounded the Tree Island Reef and anchored in five fathoms, about one and a half miles from the north end of Albany Island.

I do not intend going into Port Albany, as the tides run very strong there; outside is quite as safe at this season.  In the evening went on shore on Albany Island.  Saw four or five natives, who knew Captain Elliott; they were very anxious to get biscuit and tobacco.  They seem to be the same class of men as those at Port Essington, but the language is, I think, different.

Thursday, May 10.

All night blowing hard, and squally.  At daylight same weather; no chance of the boat getting to the southward today.  At ten went on shore, for the purpose of selecting a spot to inter the remains of Messrs. Wall and Niblet.  Saw the horse left by the Ariel; he seemed in good condition, but rather shy; no chance, I fear, of catching him.  Took some corn and meal in a bucket for him.