On the 6th, in the forenoon, in latitude of 8° 1°, we saw an island to the N.W. of us, of considerable extent, being about six or seven leagues of flat level land; and, by the latitude we were in, we supposed it was Timor land, which is laid down in the maps more to the westward. We had a very fresh trade-wind from the S.E. and no soundings.

On the 7th, we had a fresh trade-wind from the east, with clear weather, latitude 9° 3°, and saw abundance of very small flying-fish, and some porpoises.

On the 9th, we had light breezes, or calms, all day. Mr. Banks went out in the small boat, and shot between thirty and forty large boobies, which prey upon the flying-fish. In the evening we saw land to the N. W. of us, and supposed it to be about twenty leagues distant, which being very high, we thought, at first, it had been clouds. Latitude 9° 4°.

On the 10th, we had light breezes or calms all day, and were still at a great distance from land. We made an observation of the sun this day, and of the moon at night, to determine the longitude, and found ourselves in 233° 3° west from London; and our latitude, by observation, was 10° ° south, by which we were certain that a current had driven us to the south, as we kept our course to the west. We saw several sharks, dolphins, and barracootas, about the ship, and caught a large shark.

Voyaging Accounts