Before quitting Memory Cove a boat was sent to haul a seine upon the beach, which was done with such success that every man had two meals of fish and some to spare for salting.  In the morning [THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY 1802] we sailed for the new discovered inlet, and at two o’clock passed round the projection which had been set at N. 18 deg.  W. from Thistle’s Island.  It formed the south side of the entrance to the new opening, and is named CAPE DONINGTON.  Our soundings in passing it were from 7 to 9 fathoms, and in steering south-westward we left an island four miles long, named Boston Island, on the starboard hand, and passed two islets on the other side, called Bicker Isles, which lie off Surfleet Point.  On the depth of water diminishing to 5 fathoms we tacked, and presently came to an anchor on the west side of this point in 41/2 fathoms, soft grey sand.  We were then three miles within the entrance, and the nearest shore was a beach half a mile distant, lying under a hill which had been seen from Thistle’s Island.  This is a ridge of moderately high land about two miles long, but when seen to the north or south it assumes a conical form.  I named it Stamford Hill; and there being a good deal of wood scattered over it, a hope was given of procuring water by digging at the foot.  A boat was sent to make the experiment this evening, at the back of the beach; but the water which flowed into the pit was quite salt; and notwithstanding the many natives huts about, no fresh water could be found.

Boston Island at the entrance of the port being also woody and of some elevation, the boat was sent next morning [FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY 1802] to search there for water; and in the mean time I landed with the botanists, and ascended Stamford Hill to ascertain the nature of this inlet and take angles.  The port was seen to terminate seven or eight miles to the west-south-west; but there was a piece of water beyond it, apparently a lake or mere, from which we, might hope to obtain a supply, if no more convenient watering place could be found.  Betwixt Cape Donington at the entrance, and Surfleet Point, was a large cove with a sandy beach at the head, capable of sheltering a fleet of ships, if the depth should be sufficient, as it appeared to be, to receive them; this was named Spalding Cove.  Wood was not wanting there, but no stream of water could be distinguished.  On the north side of the port, higher up, was a projecting piece of land, with an island lying off it nearly one mile in length.  This island, which was named Grantham Island, contracts the width of that part to one mile and three-quarters; whereas above and below it the width is from two to three miles.