They weighed the same afternoon; and anchored, at dusk, in 14 fathoms; Campbell’s Island bearing N. E. by E. to E. by N. 3/4 N.; and many other small isles being in sight to the south-west and southward.  Next day, the 25th, they steered S. by W. 1/2 W., from seven in the morning to six in the evening; when they anchored in 17 fathoms, having islands in sight nearly all round:  the nearest at the distance of five or six miles.  These islands were small; but inhabitants were seen on the greater number; and two canoes went off to the Chesterfield.

July 26.  The ships proceeded westward, very slowly; the wind being at south-west.  In the morning of the 27th, they were at anchor in 11 fathoms; Dungeness Island bearing W. by N. to N. W. by W. 1/2 W., about six miles; and Warriors Island N. N. W. 1/2 W. eight miles.  Mr. Dell had passed the preceding night upon one of the Six Sisters, which was called Dove Island, bearing from the ship, S. S. E. six miles.  A fire on the beach, with two fish broiling upon it, bespoke the presence of inhabitants; but on searching the island over, none could be discovered:  it was thought that they had fled to a larger island, it being connected with this by a reef, which dries at low water.  Mr. Dell had a seine with him, and caught a dozen fine fish; but the object of remaining all night, that of taking turtle, did not succeed; although large shells of them were found upon the shore.

Dove Island is about one mile and a half in circumference; and covered with trees and shrubs, the fragrance of whose flowers perfumed the air.  Amongst other birds, two beautiful doves were shot.  The plumage of the body was green; the head, bill, and legs, red; the tail, and under sides of the wings, yellow.  No huts, plantations, or other signs of fixed inhabitants were seen; nor was there any fresh water.

On the return of the boat, the vessels weighed; and the wind being at W. S. W., they worked through. between Dungeness and Warriors Islands, with the flood tide.  They then anchored in 11 fathoms; the first Island bearing S. S. E. to S 1/2 W. three leagues, and the second E. by S. 1/2 S.

July 28.  Having a fresh breeze at E. S. E., the long boat was sent ahead, and the ships followed, to the westward.  They passed Turtle-backed Island, the Cap, and the Brothers, on one side, and Nichols’ Key on the other:  the soundings gradually shoaling from 12 to 7 fathoms.  Upon the Cap, Mr. Bampton “saw a volcano burning with great violence,” which induced him to give it the name of Fire Island; not knowing that it had before been named.  At noon, the Brothers, with the Cap and Turtle-backed Island behind, bore S. E. by S. to S. 1/2 E. four miles; and Mount Cornwallis N. 16 deg.  W.

The water continued to shoal; and at three p.m., the ships anchored in 5 fathoms, sand, shells, and stones; the Brothers bearing E. by S. 1/4 S. five leagues, and Mount Cornwallis N. by E. 1/4 E. There were two large islands in sight in the S. S. W. 1/4 W. to S. W. 1/4 S., at the distance of eight or ten leagues; and many nearer reefs in the same direction.