Wednesday 7 December 1836

7 December-It was my intention to have gone on shore this day and examine the other side of the port, but after looking attentively with a good glass and comparing the appearance of the country on both sides, I found them so exactly of the same nature that I determined on running for Spalding Cove, and search for fresh water. No settlement of any extent could be formed here for many years; the hills sloping down to the water’s edge, and the want of fresh water, are impediments that could not be got over without ruining the first settlers. We got under way at nine, and anchored in Spalding Cove at half past four p.m., having in two or three reaches gone sufficiently far into Boston Bay to see that nothing there was so good as at the port. At five p.m. I left the brig to look for fresh water, and as I had heard that a stream ran into the sea, I rowed round for a considerable distance (nearly to Cape Donington) without success. I returned on board at eight p.m. Heavy looking weather with occasional lightning and strong gales all night.