On the same day, accompanied by Mr.King, his second lieutenant, he went upon Cape Francois, with the hope, that, from this elevation, he might obtain a view of the sea-coast, and of the adjoining islands.

But when he had gotten up, he found, that every distant object below him was obscured in a thick fog.

The land on the same plain, or of a greater height, was sufficiently visible, and appeared naked and desolate in the highest degree; some hills to the southward excepted, which were covered with snow.
On the 29th, Captain Cook departed from Christmas Harbour, and proceeded to range along the coast, with a view of discovering its position and extent.

In pursuing his course he met with several promontories and bays, together with a peninsula, all of which he has described and named, chiefly in honour of his various friends.

Such was the danger of the navigation, that the ships had more than once a very narrow escape.