ABSTRACT
Octobr. f 5th £ Fresh breeze, but too near WbS & WSW, so that we cannot go more Westerly; for as we are now near the Longitude of Cape North, the Captain wishes to keep on the Westside of the Northern Isle of New Zeeland, in order to have a better chance of running into Queen-Charlotte's Sound, than last year, when we were obliged to beat the windward for more than a week;1 & as we have no time to lose for to reach America & to go on the last part of our Southern cruize we ought to be carefull in avoiding every thing that could disappoint & detain us longer than ordinary: but the Wind sets us much to Eastward, unless it becomes more favourable, & in that case we must keep on the East Side of the Isle & perhaps go to Mercury-Bay2 in about 36° 50' S. Lat. which is the most likely to afford us Fish, Crayfish, Oysters, Shags, Wood & Water & some Sellery for to refresh & prepare us against the great Cruize: for upon the whole, this Voyage is, according to all those who have been in the Endeavour, far more severe & hard upon our Crew, who get less fresh provisions than those in the Years 1769 & i?7O.3 The Thermometer at 65!, in my Cabin 72°.
