Wednesday 7 September 1836

We left Nepean Bay at 9 a.m. this morning to proceed to Gulf St. Vincent, but at 3 p.m. it fell so calm that we were obliged to drop anchor about halfway across the passage – There was a fine breeze all the morning but as it was not fair, which together with the tide being against us, was the cause of our not being able to proceed further. Before leaving Stephens sent word that he had heard guns at sea firing at intervals of four minutes during the night, but as none of the vessels have heard them we suppose he must have been mistaken and I pray God he may be so – we have repeatedly sent a man to the masthead but he has discovered nothing. The “Cygnet” has now been six months at sea and even should she be safe I pity the poor females who have been cooped up in her so long, as being very crowded they must have suffered many hardships. The night is beautifully calm and we intend remaining at anchor until daybreak. I am now going to look at my fishing lines which have been overboard without success ever since we came to at 8 p.m.