Saturday 20 August 1836

Called the hands as usual & spent the greater part of the day in forwarding work on shore. Capⁿ Martin took dinner with me under my Tent & soon afterwards the Mate of the L.M.P. came to inform me that Capⁿ Ross was confined to his bed through illness & wished to see me. Settled sundry matters & was about to put off when I noticed a sail coming from the E round Kangaroo Head, one of the Islanders said it was a boat & we should not have taken any further notice but that the mate of the “John Pirie” at that moment hoisted his colours. I then found by my glass that the sail in question was a Brigg & pushed off with the intention of first boarding the L.M.P. & then going on to the Brigg. While on board the L.M.P. the Brigg put about stood into the entrance of Pelican Lagoon shortened sail & dropt anchor & it being too far to reach before dark I returned to the shore, paid the men &c &c. & agreed with Capⁿ Martin to put off at ½ past 5 the following morning & ascertain who she was.