Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/152

130

general point of view, since every vessel in the Pacific must proceed to the southward beyond their latitude, before doubling Cape Horn, on their passage to England or America.

The Americans are fully sensible of the advantageous position of the islands, and frequently visit them for the purposes of refitting or refreshment; they are also resorted to for similar purposes by the whaling ships of France and other nations, whilst they have been hitherto only too much neglected by those of the nation to which they belong.

There is, besides, a further benefit to be anticipated from the islands becoming, as proposed, the future seat of a whaling station, on a systematic plan, which is, that their colonization will grow out of their being so appropriated; and what population could be more fitted to inhabit them than a race of hardy, enterprising British seamen?

This project is not a recent one on the part of the Messrs. Enderby, but was formed by them nearly three years ago, immediately upon the return of our expedition, contingently upon the islands being granted to them by the government; and I most cordially wish them the success their spirited conduct so well deserves.

We had a fine run during the night, and at noon the following day we were in latitude 36° 27′ S. and longitude 177° 34′ E. In the evening the land of the East Cape was distinguishable, bearing S. 15° W. (true). I was informed by the master of a schooner belonging to the Church of England