Notwithstanding the nearness of the land there were no signs of such proximity:  no discolouring in the water, no sea weed, no new birds, and but few of the species before seen.  The current had, indeed, somewhat changed; for while, during the three preceding days, it had set N. 12 deg.  W. twenty-seven miles per day, on an average, it was found this day to have run N. 47 deg.  E. twenty-two miles.  This change, however, could scarcely be thought a sign of land, since equal, or greater differences had occurred during the passage, and might arise, in part, from errors in the log.

(Atlas Plate II.)

At two in the afternoon, the wind being north-westward, we hauled up to make the south-western point of Leeuwin’s Land, and bent the cables.  At seven, land was seen right ahead, bearing N. 14 deg.  E., at the supposed distance of ten leagues; and on sounding there was 85 fathoms, coral sand.  We stood for it until eleven at night, and then veered to the south-west, in 65 fathoms, same bottom.

The examination of Nuyts’ and of Leeuwin’s Lands was not prescribed in my instructions to be made at this time; but the difference of sailing along the coast at a distance, or in keeping near it and making a running survey, was likely to be so little that I judged it advisable to do all that circumstances would allow whilst the opportunity offered; and I had the pleasure to find this slight deviation approved at the Admiralty.

MONDAY 7 DECEMBER 1801

At two in the morning we had 80 fathoms, and veered towards the land.  It was seen from the mast head at five; and the highest part, the same which had been set in the evening, bore N. 12 deg.  W. This is the largest of the before-mentioned Isles of St. Alouarn; but at half past seven we saw hills extending from behind, and, to all appearance, joining it to the main land.  This supposed isle is, therefore, what I denominate CAPE LEEUWIN, as being the south-western and most projecting part of Leeuwin’s Land.  The highest hill lies nearly in latitude 34 deg. 19’ south, and longitude 115 deg. 6’ east; it is a sloping piece of land of about six hundred feet in elevation, and appeared to be rocky, with a slight covering of trees and shrubs; but this cape will be best known from Mr. Westall’s sketch. (Atlas Plate XVII.  View I.).  A piece of lower land was seen to the north-west, probably a continuation of the coast, and there are some rocky islets scattered on the south side of the cape.  The largest of these islets, lying about four miles off, was passed before eight o’clock, at the distance of seven or eight miles, and seen to be surrounded with high and extensive breakers.