The most reliable opinion as to matters connected with a voyage may be
expected from the first mate or chief officer of a vessel. Lieutenant
Zackary Hickes, whose log of the ship _Endeavour_ was recovered a few
years ago, gives his "Remarks on board his Majesty's Barque _Endeavour_
New Holland, 1770." Therein we read for successive days:
"Moor'd in Sting Rea Bay."
While there, on Sunday, April 29, he wrote:
"Hoisted y^e boats out, and y^e Capn^n &c. attempting to land was
opposed by a few of y^e Natives who dispersed on being wounded with
small shot. In y^e evening returned having found a watering place."
Zackary Hickes notes their leaving Sting Rea Bay, May 8th. Under
latitude 34° 6″ he writes:
"Moored in _Sting Rea Bay_ the mouth of the Bay from E. to N.E. ½
E. distant from the shore ¾ mile."
On May 17 his progress was "Sting ree bay 2° 00 E^t." The Chief Officer
knew nothing of Botany Bay.
RICH^D PICKERSGILL is the signature to what is called "A Logg of ye
Proceedings, &c." He was master's mate for the ship. After stating on
April 28:--
"Moor'd in Sting ray Bay," it adds: "April 29. At 3 the Cap^n &c
went ashore and were opposed on landing by 2 of the Nat^s whom they
were obliged to sting with small shot which frighted them into y^e
woods."