The PALLISER Log, a direct present from Captain Cook to his old patron, Sir Hugh Palliser, and ever since preserved in the family, though not positively in Cook's handwriting, is signed by him, and must be ever considered of the highest authority. It knows nothing of _Botany Bay_. Extracts from the Palliser Log. Remarks, &c., in Stingray Harbour:-- "Gentle breezes and settled wea^r. At 3 p.m. Anchor'd in 7 fa. water in a place which I called Sting-Ray Harbour, the S^o. point Bore S.E., and the N^o. p^t. East Dist. from the S. Shore 1 Mile. We saw Severell of the Natives on both sides of the Harbour as we came in, and a few Hutts, women, and children, on the North Shore opposite the place were we anchor'd, and where I soon after Landed with a party of men, Accompanied by Mr. Banks, Dr. Sollander, and Tupia. As we approached the Shore the Natives all made off, except two men who at first seemed resolved to oppose our landing. We endeavour'd to gain there Consent to land by throwing them some Nails, Beeds &c. ashore, but this had not the desir'd effect but as we put in to the shore, one of them threw a Large stone at us and as soon as we landed they threw 2 darts at us but the Fireing of 2 or 3 musquets loaded with small shott they took to the woods and we saw them no more. We found here a few Old hutts made of the Bark of Trees in one of which were hid 4 or 5 children with whom we left some strings of beeds &c^a. After searching for fresh water, without Success Except a little in a small hole dug in the Sand we embarqued." Remarks on Monday, 6 May, 1770:-- "The Yawl returnd from fishing having Caught 2 Stingrays the weight of which was near 600 lb. The great quantity of these sort of fish found here. Occasioned my giving it the Name of _Stingray Harbour_." THE LIEUTENANT'S LOG AND STING REA BAY 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.