returned in the evening, he informed us that the surf had prevented them
from getting near the strand, so that there could be not question of
landing.

In the morning of the 21st, the wind being S.E., we set sail; course held
S.S.W. along the land; at noon we were in 15 deg. 38'; in the evening we came
to anchor with the ebb in 31/2 fathom.

In the morning of the 22nd the wind was E.N.E., course held South; at
noon we were in 16 deg. 4'; the wind being W. by N. we dropped anchor towards
the evening in 21/2 fathom, about one mile from the land.

On the 23rd the wind was N.N.E., with a stiff breeze, so that we set sail
on a S.S.W. course along the land in 31/2, 3, 21/2 and 2 fathom, clayey
bottom; at noon we were in 16 deg. 32'; for the rest of the day we tried to
get south with variable winds, and towards the evening came to anchor in
3 fathom close inshore.

On the 24th the wind was E. by S., course held S.S.W. along the land in
21/2, 31/2 and 41/2 fathom, clayey bottom; at noon we were in 17 deg. 8'. This same
day the council having been convened, I submitted to them the question
whether it would be advisable to run further south, and after various
opinions had been expressed, it was agreed that this would involve divers
difficulties, and that the idea had better be given up: we might get into
a vast bay, and it is evident that in these regions in the east-monsoon
north-winds prevail, just as north (?) of the equator south-winds prevail
in the said monsoon: we should thus fall on a lee-shore; for all which
reasons, and in order to act for the best advantage of the Lords
Managers, it has been resolved and determined to turn back, and follow
the coast of Nova Guinea so long to northward as shall be found
practicable; to touch at divers places which shall be examined with the
utmost care, and finally to turn our course from there to Aru and
Quey...it was furthermore proposed by me and ultimately approved of by
the council, to give 10 pieces of eight to the boatmen for every black
they shall get hold of on shore, and carry off to the yachts, to the end
that the men may use greater care and diligence in this matter, and Our
Masters may reap benefit from the capture of the blacks, which may
afterwards redound to certain advantage.

On the 25th the skipper of the Pera got orders to go ashore with the two
pinnaces well-manned and armed, in order to make special search for fresh
water, with which we are very poorly provid