Monday the 25th, a fresh gale at E.N.E. and cloudy weather.  At nine this morning got under sail, in order to go back to those islands to get some seal, there being great numbers on the rocks, and we in great want of provision, with the wind against us.  We took the opportunity of the wind back to the islands, but were disappointed; being not able to get ashore for provisions, came to an anchor in fourteen fathom, sandy ground.  Hard gales at N.N.E. with thunder, lightning and rain, all night.

Tuesday the 26th, this morning moderate gales at N.W. and fair weather, got under sail; after clear of the islands, steer’d N.E. by N. keeping along shore:  It is a fine level land, and regular soundings fifteen fathom, five leagues off the land.  We have no seal, nor any other kind of food on board.  We have a fair wind, and not far from our desired port; so that we are in pretty good spirits.  This day died the oldest man belonging to us, Thomas Maclean, cook, aged 82 years.

Wednesday the 27th, moderate gales at W. steered N. and sail’d all day within a cable’s length of the shore in three fathom water.  We have now nothing but a little water to support nature.  At noon had an observation, latitude in 32:  40 south:  I reckon myself 18 leagues from the Rio Grand, and hope to see it in the morning.

Thursday the 28th, kept the shore close aboard, and sounded every half hour, not caring to go within three fathom, nor keep without five, sailing along by the lead all night.  At six in the morning saw the opening of the river Grand; kept within the breakers of the bar, having at some times not above seven feet water at half flood; steer’d N.E. by E. until the river’s mouth was fairly open; then steer’d N. and N.N.W. until abreast of the town; anchored on the east shore in two fathom water.  There presently came a boat from the shore, with a serjeant of the army, and one soldier.  The lieutenant, myself, and Mr Cummins, with Captain P——­n of the land forces, went on shore with them.  The commandant, the officers, and people of the place, receiv’d us in a most tender and friendly manner.  They instantly sent on board to the people four quarters of beef, and two bags of Farine bread.  We were conducted to the surgeon’s house, the handsomest habitation in the place, where we were most hospitably entertain’d.  At four in the afternoon the governor came to town; After a strict enquiry into our misfortunes, and the reasons of our coming into this port, being somewhat doubtful that we might be inspectors of their coast, he began to examine me, the lieutenant having reported me to him as pilot.  He ask’d me if there was a chart of the coast on board; and, if not, how it was possible we could hit the bar, and venture into so hazardous a place as this is?  I told him, as for a chart, we had none of any kind, but I had a good observation the day before, that our vessel drew but a small draught of water, that we kept a lead always going, and in