We had more moderate weather in the morning, and went on towards the south point of Vanderlin’s Island; but stopped two or three miles short of it, at a station whence the south point and the low islet lying off were visible, as also was the sandy head set from the ship on the 12th and 13th; and from the bearings of these objects my survey round Vanderlin’s Island became connected.  A part of the sandy main coast was distant not more than four miles to the S. S. W., whence it extended as far as S. 62 deg.  W.; the water appeared to be too shallow for a ship to pass between it and the island.

A fresh wind from the north-west prevented me from going any further to leeward; and it was with much difficulty that we rowed back to the isle where we had passed the night.  Strong squalls again came on towards evening, and the larger isle, lying a mile to the north-west, was chosen for our night’s residence, on account of its affording some shelter; but the lightning was so violent and close to us, that I feared to place the tent near the trees. and was surprised in the morning, not to see half of them shivered to pieces:  the rain fell in torrents, during a part of the night.

FRIDAY 24 DECEMBER 1802

Next morning the weather was better, but the wind still adverse to my project of going over to the south end of Centre Island; by noon, however, we reached a low islet half way across. where I observed the latitude 15 deg. 42 deg. 47”, and took a set of bearings very useful to the survey; and we afterwards made an attempt to get over, and succeeded.  A rocky hillock on the south-east point of Centre Island, was my next station; and from thence we proceeded westward along the south side, to a low islet near the south-west point, for the purpose of landing, the sun being then set; but the islet proving to be a mere mud bank covered with mangroves, we rowed onward to the large South-west Island, in very shallow water; and there passed a night which, happily for the fatigued boat’s crew, turned out fine.

SATURDAY 25 DECEMBER 1802

I took azimuths and some bearings in the morning, and we then proceeded northward through a small passage between the Centre and South-west Islands; there was 5 fathoms in the very narrow part, but no deep water within; and without side, it was also very shoal for two or three miles.  Near the north-west point of Centre Island lies an islet and two rocks, and from the cliffy north end of the islet another set of bearings was taken; after which we steered eastward, sounding along the north side of Centre Island.  It was noon when we reached the north-east point, and I observed the latitude 15 deg. 39’ 35” upon the south-east end of a rocky islet there, and took more bearings from the top; and in the afternoon, we reached the ship.