We went over in two boats to the Royal Islands, and sounded, but found no bottom:  A very rapid tide set through wherever there was an opening; and they cannot be approached by shipping without the most imminent danger.  Whoever navigates this part of the streight, should keep the north shore close on board all the way, and not venture more than a mile from it till the Royal islands are passed.  The current sets easterly through the whole four-and-twenty hours, and the indraught should by all means be avoided.  The latitude of Cape Gallant road is 53 deg. 50’S.

We continued in this station, taking in wood and water, and gathering mussels and herbs, till the morning of the 27th, when, a boat that had been sent to try the current, returned with an account that it set nearly at the rate of two miles an hour, but that, the wind being northerly, we might probably get round to Elizabeth Bay or York Road before night; we therefore weighed with all expedition.  At noon on the 28th, the west point of Cape Gallant bore W.N.W. distant half a mile, and the white patch on Charles’ Island S.E. by S. We had fresh gales and heavy flaws off the land; and at two o’clock the west point of Cape Gallant bore E. distant three leagues, and York Point W.N.W. distant five leagues.  At five, we opened York Road, the point bearing N.W. at the distance of half a mile:  At this time the ship was taken a-back, and a strong current with a heavy squall drove us so far to leeward, that it was with great difficulty we got into Elizabeth Bay, and anchored in twelve fathom near a river.  The Swallow being at anchor off the point of the bay, and very near the rocks, I sent all the boats with anchors and hausers to her assistance, and at last she was happily warped to windward into good anchorage.  York Point now bore W. by N. a shoal with weeds upon it W.N.W. at the distance of a cable’s length.  Point Passage S.E. 1/2 E. distant half a mile, a rock near Rupert’s Isle S.1/2 E. and a rivulet on the bay N.E. by E. distant about three cables’ length.  Soon after sun-set we saw a great smoke on the southern shore, and another on Prince Rupert’s Island.

Early in the morning I sent the boats on shore for water, and soon after our people landed, three canoes put off from the south shore, and landed sixteen of the natives on the east point of the bay.  When they came within about a hundred yards of our people they stopt, called out, and made signs of friendship:  Our people did the same, shewing them some beads and other toys.  At this they seemed pleased, and began to shout; our people imitated the noise they made, and shouted in return:  The Indians then advanced, still shouting, and laughing very loud.  When the parties met they shook hands, and our men presented the Indians with several of the toys which they had shewn them at a distance.  They were covered with seal-skins, which stunk abominably, and some of them were eating the rotten flesh and blubber raw, with