When about to quit the shores of New Zealand, Mr. Cook was desirous of returning home by way of Cape Horn, keeping a high southern latitude, in order to determine, whether there was any great southern continent or not; a question which he had the honour to set at rest in a future voyage: but after consulting with his officers, and weighing the dangers of such a navigation, he finally resolved to steer for the east coast of New Holland, and then follow that coast northward, as far as practicable, with a view to make a passage home by the East Indies.
It was on the 31st of March that the Endeavour sailed from New Zealand, on a westerly course; and on the 19th of April, the coast of New Holland was seen by Lieut. Hicks, from whom the first promontory observed was named Point Hicks, lying in 38° S latitude, 211° 7' W. longitude. No land was seen to the south of it. From thence the
