pass the Ship. This made us think that we were near some land,[1] but at daylight we saw not the least appearance of any, and I did not think myself at liberty to spend time in searching for what I was not sure to find, although I thought myself not far from those Islands discovered by Quiros in 1606; and very probably we were not, from the birds, etc., we have seen for these 2 or 3 days past. Wind W.N.W. to N.W.; course N.E. by N. ¼ E.; distance 99 m.; lat. 22° 23′ S., long. 129° 2′ W.
Saturday, 25th.—First part dark cloudy weather, with rain and a fresh breeze of wind; remainder fair and Cloudy. Wind N.W. by N., to W. by N.; course N.E. ½ N.; distance 95 m.; lat. 22° 11′ S., long. 127° 55′ W.
Sunday, 26th.—Squally weather, with rain. At 5 p.m. saw some sea Weed pass the Ship, and at 7 Wm. Greenslade, Marine, either by Accident or design, went overboard and was Drowned. The following circumstances makes it appear as tho' it was done design'dly. He had been Centinel at the Steerage door between 12 and 4 o'clock, where he had taken part of a Seal Skin put under his charge, and which was found upon him. The other Marines thought themselves hurt by one of their party commiting a crime of this nature, and he being a raw young fellow, and, as very probable, made him resolve upon commiting this rash Action, for the Serjeant not being willing that it should pass over unknown to me, was about 7 o'clock going to bring him aft and have it inquired into, when he gave him the Slip between Decks, and was seen to go upon the Forecastle, and from that time was seen no more. I was neither made acquainted with the Theft or the Circumstances attending it, until the Man was gone. Wind, N.W. to W.; long. 127° 43° W.
Monday, 27th.—Variable winds and weather, with frequent showers of rain. At Noon saw a Bird like a Gannet. Wind variable; course N. ¼ E.; distance 30 m.; lat. 21° 2′ S., long. 127° 38′ W.
Tuesday, 28th.—Little wind and Cloudy. Variation per Amplitude 3° 56′ East. Wind Easterly; course N.N.W.; distance 37 m.; lat. 20° 38′ S., long. 127° 50′ W.
Wednesday, 29th.—Little winds and Cloudy weather. Variation per Azimuth 2° 27′ E. Saw a Bird like a Dove and several fish about the Ship. Employed worming the Best Br. Cable, repairing and Painting the Boats. Wind Easterly; course N. 75° W.; distance 50 m.; lat. 20° 14′ S., long. 129° 27′ W.
Thursday, 30th.—First part, Calm and close Cloudy weather; in the night had Variable winds and weather, with rain. A.M. Genteel
- ↑ The Endeavour was now passing to the northward of the easternmost islands of the Paumotu or Low Archipelago, though out of sight of them.
