JANUARY, 1771.
Tuesday, 1st.—In the P.M. stood over for the Sumatra Shore, having the wind at S.S.W., a fresh breeze, and the current in our favour; but this last shifted and set to the Eastward in the Evening, and obliged us to Anchor in 30 fathoms, under the Islands which lay off Verekens point, which point constitutes the narrowest part of the Straits of Sunda. Here we found the current set to the S.W. the most part of the night; at 5 a.m. weigh'd with the wind at N.W., and stood to the S.W. between the Island Thwart-the-way and Sumatra; the wind soon after coming to the westward we stood over for the Java Shore. At noon the S. point of Peper Bay bore S.W. by S., and Anger Point N.E. ½ E., distant 2 Leagues; tacked and stood to the N.W.
Wednesday, 2nd.—First and middle parts fresh breezes at S.W., and fair the remainder, squally with rain; plying to windward between Cracatoa and the Java shore without gaining anything.
Thursday, 3rd.—In the P.M. had it very squally, with heavy showers of rain; at ½ past 7 anchor'd in 19 fathoms, Cracatoa Island S.W., distance 3 Leagues. In the morning came to sail, having very squally variable weather; at Noon Cracatoa West 2 Leagues.
Friday, 4th.—Most part of these 24 hours squally, rainy weather, winds variable between the N.N.W. and S.S.W.; at 5 p.m. anchor'd in 28 fathoms water, Cracatoa W., distant 3 miles. Some time after the wind veer'd to N.W., with which we got under sail, but the wind dying away we advanced but little to the S.W. before noon, at which time Princes Island bore S.W., distance 8 or 9 Leagues.
Saturday, 5th.—Had fresh breezes at S.W., with squally, rainy weather until the evening, when it clear up, and the wind veer'd to S. and S.E., with which we stood to the S.W. all night. In the morning the wind veer'd to N.E., which was still in our favour; at noon Princes Island bore W. ½ S., distant 3 Leagues.
Sunday, 6th.—At 3 o'clock in the P.M. anchor'd under the S.E. side of Princes Island in 18 fathoms water, in order to recruite our wood and water, and to procure refreshments for the people, which are now in a much worse state of health than when we left Batavia. After coming to an anchor I went on shore to look at the watering place, and to speak with the Natives, some of whom were upon the Beach. I found the watering place convenient, and the water to all appearance good, Provided proper care is taken in the filling of it. The Natives seemed inclined to supply us with Turtle, Fowls, etc.; Articles that I intended laying in as great a stock as possible for the benefit of the Sick, and to suffer every one to purchase what they pleased for themselves, as I found these people as easy to
