as to call at Madeira for a supply of wine; to sail for the Cape
of Good Hope and there refresh his men; then to look for Cape
Circumcision, placed by M. Bouvet in 54 degrees South, 11 degrees 20
minutes East, to determine if it formed part of a continent, and if so to
explore it, following the coast and endeavouring to get as near to the
South Pole as he could without endangering his ships or crews. Should
Cape Circumcision prove to be an island, or should he be unable to find
it, he was to proceed as far south as he thought there was a probability
of meeting with land, and then steering east, circumnavigate the world in
as high a latitude as he could. In case of meeting with land he was to
explore as far as time would permit. When the season rendered it unsafe
to remain in high latitudes he was to retire to the north to refit and
recruit, and at a proper season to return to the south. In any unforeseen
circumstances he was to use his own discretion, and if the Resolution
should be lost, he was to prosecute his voyage in the Adventure. A copy
of these orders was given to Captain Furneaux, and in case of separation
the following rendezvous were named: Madeira, Port Praya in the island of
St. Iago, the Cape of Good Hope, and New Zealand.

FORSTER SAVES SHIP!

The Forsters evidently were far from pleasant travelling companions, and
at one time or another seem to have quarrelled with every one on board
the ship. At the very first the father was dissatisfied with the
accommodation allotted to him, and offered Mr. Cooper 100 pounds to turn
out of his cabin; when this offer was declined, he tried to force Mr.
Gilbert, the Master, to give up his, threatening if he refused he should
be reported to the king and turned out of the Navy; this threat appears
to have been a favourite one, and soon became a by-word with the seamen,
who, according to Mr. Wales, would use it to each other on every possible
occasion. But, according to his own account, Mr. Forster was able to save
the expedition from a very great disaster on 12th July. He says he came
on deck and noticed the ship was adrift from her moorings; neither the
officer of the watch nor the look-out had seen it till he called
attention, and then, after a scene of the greatest confusion, the ship
was fortunately brought up within a few feet of the rocks. On the other
hand, the Master's log admits the Resolution got adrift, but before Mr.
Forster reached the deck the fact had been