09.10.1798
Flinders at Montague Island
In the morning, we steered along the shore; and saw eight or nine
miles from the south point of Bateman's Bay, a small opening like
a river running south-westward. It was here that Mr. Bass found
a lagoon with extensive salt swamps behind it. At noon, the east
point of the opening bore N. ¼ W. seven miles, and the
top of Mount Dromedary was visible about the haze.
Soon after noon. land was in sight to the S. S. E., supposed to
be the Point Dromedary of captain Cook's chart; but, to my great
surprise, it proved to be an island not laid down, though lying
near two leagues from the coast. The whole length of this island
is about one mile and a quarter, north and south; the two ends
are a little elevated, and produce small trees; but the sea appeared
to break occasionally over the middle part. It is probably frequented
by seals, since many were seen in the water whilst passing at
the distance of two miles. This island, I was afterwards informed,
had been seen in the ship Surprise, and honoured with the name
of Montague.