On the 21st, there being two points in view, between which our navigators could see no land, they conceived hopes of having at last found a passage into the Indian Sea.

Mr.Cook, however, that he might be able to determine the matter with greater certainty, resolved to land upon an island, which lies at the south-east point of the passage.

Accordingly, he went into the boat, with a party of men, accompanied by Mr.Banks and Dr.Solander.As they were getting to shore, some of the natives seemed inclined to oppose their landing, but soon walked leisurely away.

The gentlemen immediately climbed the highest hill, from which no land could be seen between the south-west and west-south-west; so that the lieutenant had not the least doubt of finding a channel, through which he could pass to New Guinea.

As he was now about to quit the coast of New Holland, which he had traced from latitude thirty-eight to this place, and which he was certain no European had ever seen before, he once more hoisted English colours.
He had, indeed, already taken possession of several particular parts of the country.