The Matilda and the Mary-Ann transports came into the harbour on the 16th; these ships had been out but nine days.  The Matilda had been into Jervis-Bay, but had not seen any spermaceti whales.  The Mary-Ann fell in with one shoal; it was in the evening when all the boats were absent from the ship:  the master was in hopes they should have the fish about them the next morning, but he had the mortification to find that a current had driven the ship fifty miles to the southward.

The Gorgon dropped down the harbour on the 17th of December, Captain Parker intending to sail the next day.  The detachment under the command of Major Ross were embarked, agreeable to the orders which had previously been given.

* * * * *

Here closes the Journal of Governor Phillip; which contained the latest accounts from New South Wales; being received by the Gorgon, that left Port Jackon in December, 1791.

The following Journal of Lieutenant Ball of the Supply, is subjoined; because it contains an account of a voyage from Port Jackson by the route of Cape Horn, which was made in a shorter time than had ever been performed by any other vessel.

Chapter XXIV

VOYAGE TO ENGLAND FROM PORT JACKSON

November 1791 to April 1792

-The Supply leaves Port Jackson.—­Receives some damage in a storm.—­Doubles Cape Horn.—­Passes Staten’s land.—­Anchors at Rio Janeiro.—­Refreshments procured.—­Departure from Rio Janciro.—­Proceeds towards England.—­Arrives off the Lizard.—­Particulars respecting Norfolk-Island.-

Having received orders from Governor Phillip to get the Supply ready for sea, I had every thing in readiness by the 25th of November; and early the next morning, we weighed anchor, and stood out of Sydney Cove, with a moderate breeze at east-north-east, and pleasant weather.

I had a Kanguroo on board, which I had directions to carry to Lord Grenville, as a present for his Majesty.

Governor Phillip, accompanied by Captain John Parker, of the Gorgon, breakfasted on board the Supply the morning of our departure; and soon afterwards they left us, and proceeded to the look-out at Port Jackson.

At four o’clock in the afternoon, we lost sight of the land, and stood to the southward, with a moderate breeze at north-east.  In the forenoon of the 29th, the wind shifted to the southward, and blew a very strong gale, which brought us under low sail, but at five o’clock the weather grew moderate.

A vast number of birds were about the ship, and a land bird, of a singular kind, was caught:  our latitude, at noon, was 38 deg. 31’ south, and the longitude 154 deg. 23’ east.

On the 2d of December, we saw a whale; our latitude, at noon, was 44 deg. 21’ south, and the longitude, by lunar observation, 156 deg. 20’ east:  the variation of the compass, 10 deg. 00’ east.  I now ordered the ship to be well cleaned every day between decks, being firmly convinced that cleanliness conduces very much to preserve the health of seaman.  On the 4th, we had light, variable winds, chiefly from the northward:  the latitude, at noon, was 47 deg. 10’ south, the longitude, by observed distances of the sun and moon, 160 deg. 20’, and the variation of the compass 11 deg. 20’ east.