Indeed the most skilful engineer in Europe could not choose a situation better adapted to enable a small number to defend themselves against a greater.

Among other accommodations which the Endeavour's company met with in Mercury Bay, they derived an agreeable refreshment from some oyster beds, which they had fortunately discovered.

The oysters, which were as good as ever came from Colchester, and about the same size, were so plentiful, that not the boat only, but the ship itself, might have been loaded in one tide.
On Wednesday, the 15th, Lieutenant Cook sailed out of Mercury Bay.
This name has been given to it, on account of the observation which had there been made of the transit of that planet over the sun.

The river where oysters had been so plentifully found, he called Oyster River.

There is another river, at the head of the Bay, which is the best and safest place for a ship that wants to stay any length of time.