To the geographical knowledge of this country, supplied by Captain Cook,
and Captain Furneaux, we are able to add nothing. The latter explored
the coast from Van Diemen's land to the latitude of 39 deg south;
and Cook from Point Hicks, which lies in 37 deg 58 min, to Endeavour
Streights. The intermediate space between the end of Furneaux's
discovery and Point Hicks, is, therefore, the only part of the
south-east coast unknown, and it so happened on our passage thither,
owing to the weather, which forbade any part of the ships engaging with
the shore, that we are unable to pronounce whether, or not, a streight
intersects the continent hereabouts: though I beg leave to say, that I
have been informed by a naval friend, that when the fleet was off this
part of the coast, a strong set-off shore was plainly felt.
At the distance of 60 miles inland, a prodigious chain of lofty
mountains runs nearly in a north and south direction, further than the
eye can trace them. Should nothing intervene to prevent it, the Governor
intends, shortly, to explore their summits: and, I think there can be
little doubt, that his curiosity will not go unrewarded.
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