At 5 ^oClock in the AM I sent away the Master with two boats to search for a passage out between the Islands while we got the Ship under sail. As soon as it was light the Signal was made by the boats of thier having found a passage upon which we followd with the Ship, After we had got out and into deep water we hoisted in the boats and made Sail to the Northward as the land lay, soundings from 9 to 15 fathom, having still some small Islands without us
At Noon we were about 2 Leagues from the Mainland and by observation in the Latitude of 22°..53' So Longitude made from Cape Capricorn 20 Miles west, At this time the northermost ^point of land we had in sight bore NNW distant 10 Miles this point I named C. Manyfold from ^the number of high hills over it Latitude 22°..43' So it lies N 26° West distant 171/3 Leagues from C. Capricorn between them the shore forms a large bay which I call'd Keppel Bay and the Islands which lay in and off it are in known by the same name. In this Bay is it Lay are a great number of Islands and good anchorage every where where there is a sufficient depth of water What refreshments it may afford for shipping I know not we caught no fish here not withstanding we was were the le at anchor - It can hardly be doubted but what it affords fresh water in more ^several place as both main land and Islands are inhabited, we saw smooks by day and fires in the night upon the Main and people upon one of the Islands —