Guinea, which is called the Cape of Good Hope, and which we doubled at the distance of 1,000 toises. It is 0° 20′ south latitude, and 130° 34′ east longitude. We were surprised that Forest, in other respects an accurate navigator, should have so much mistaken its true latitude; for that which he gave, differed from ours more than 20′ towards the north.
The variation of the compass, after a gradual diminution was now but 1° 30′ east.
We were prevented by calms from coasting along New Guinea, till a sea-breeze sprang up, about three o'clock P.M. The shore was generally broken and rocky: but we observed some sandy spots, of a gentle declivity, which presented convenient landing places.
21st. On the morning of this day we were very near the two little islands of Miss Palu. The least of them is in 0° 20′ south latitude, and in 130° 7′ east longitude. The largest is in 0° 19′ 57″ south latitude, and 130° 4′ 30″ east longitude.
23d. We steered close to the shore of New Guinea, with an intention to enter among the Moluccas, by Watson's Strait. It would have been agreeable to us to explore that strait, which is much less frequented than those further to the westward. Besides, we would have had the advantage of keeping more to the windward, than by
passing
