342 JOHN BOIT
Isles Roads. At sunset came to in the Roads, 15 fm. muddy bottom. Pass'd several Turtle and Water Snakes between the Sisters and our anchorage. The two ships shew English Colours. In the morning early shifted our berth nearer the watering place, and at 7 A. M. anchor'd in 15 fm. Hoisted out all the Boats, and dispatch'd them for water. The ships that lay in the Road was an English 64, Capt. Gore 213 and the Indostan India Company Ship, Capt. Mackintosh. The Lion had on board Mr. Macartney, 214 a Minister from the British Government to the Court of Pekin. We took Dispatches for them to leave at St. Helena. Towards evening these ships sail'd for Batavia. Two Dutch Guard of Coasters anchor'd in company with us. By night we had fill'd up all our water and purchas'd a good quantity of Poultry and Fruit of the Malays at the Beach. I landed, with the charge of our boats, found above 200 Malays round the watering place. They was completely arm'd, with Creases, (or Daggers), but was quite friendly. However I did not allow the Boats to touch the beach and only let 6 men beside myself land, and swam the water casks off to the boats, when fill'd. This method I thought but prudent, as the Malays had kill'd one of the Lion's crew, while washing cloaths at the brook. I cannot say that I experi- enced the most agreeable sensations while on this duty.
4. Employ'd variously. Got a good quantity of Wood from North Isle. The watering place being on Sumatra, we see no Natives on North Isle.
5. Weigh'd and sail'd from North Island Roads, bound through Sunda Straits, pass'd the Qepthan Isles and Stroon Rock, upon which was high breakers. Pass'd it on the lar- board hand. At Meridian Crackatoa Isle bore SSW. 4 miles, sounding 20 fm. St. Tamanies Isle NNE. Wind SSW.
6. S. Lat. 6 2'. Wind from SW. to NW. and very squally weather, with heavy rain. Turning to windward between Princes Island and Crokatore and in the Night came very near depositing the Ship on the Qu Klip rocks. However good luck prevail'd. Crew all in health.
7. S. Lat. 6 39'. At Meridian Princes Isle bore East and
213 Erasmus Gower. W. C. F.
214 George Macartney, Earl Macartney (1737-1806). W. C. F.
