CHAPTER XII.
May 1788 to June 1788 The Supply returns from Lord Howe Island--Some convicts assaulted by the natives--excursion of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay by Land--interview with many natives--the fourth of June celebrated--some account of the climate.
25 May 1788 On the 25th of May, the Supply tender returned from Lord Howe Island, but unfortunately without having been able to procure any turtle.

She had met with squally weather, and had been obliged to cut away her best bower anchor, but suffered no other damage.

The three transports bound for China had all appeared off the island while the Supply remained there.
About this time one of the convicts who, in searching for vegetables, had gone a considerable way from the camp, returned very dangerously wounded in the back.

He said, that another man who had gone out for the same purpose, had been carried off by the natives in his sight, after having been wounded in the head.

A shirt and hat were afterwards found, both pierced with spears, in one of the huts of the natives; but no intelligence of the man could be gained.