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DECEMBER, 1899] THE SETTLEMENTS IN THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS.
Number 2. Archibald Blair, to Robert Blair, 1789, December 26. Port Cornwallis, Chatham Island.
327
"Commodore Cornwallis arrived here the 19th, and seems perfectly satisfied that it is a place of infinite national importance. I bave therefore little doubt but the Government of Bengal will instantly take the necessary steps to establish it as our principal naval port in India. He proposes to return here next south-west monsoon, and I have the satisfaction to perceive that he approves of what I have done. He quits this place soon to visit Penang, when I shall be left to execute his commands. The vessel I commanded proceeds to Calcutta with dispatches, and will return with provisions and men.
"The soil is productive, the climate healthy; we are well provided with fish, turtle from Diamond Island in great abundance, and vegetables from the Carnicobar."
No. III.
An Account of the Harbour at the North East end of the Great Andaman Island, by Mr. Patrick Stone, Master of His Majesty's Ship Crown, received per Rodney, 9th June 1791.
Directions for Sailing in, and out of the Harbour. When you are between the North and South reefs you'll see far up the Harbour at the N. W. Corner, two Points with a smali Island between them; keep this Isle in sight and run in, or if you should have the Wind N. E. you may turn in with the above Isle from Point to Point, but do not lose sight of it; to make it better known you'll see a remarkable Tree on the left hand point, or the North end of Long Island, but indeed you may run into this Harbour with the greatest ease without Danger, only give every point a Birth about 2 Cables length and go the Northward of the little Isle, then haul over to the Southward; be sure you keep the Southernmost point of the Harbours Mouth open with the next, and Anchor on the West side of the little Isle: this is called the Outer Harbour.
Marks for Anchoring. This is such a good and fine Harbour, there are no particular Marks for Anchoring but I would advise Strangers not to go into any of the Coves, 'till they first Sound with their Boats without it is the South Cove, which is the first Cove on the South side which is clean and clear of all Rocks; You may Anchor in what Water you please, good holding Ground.
Wooding and Watering. Wood in great plenty, you may cut it alongside of the boats, there are many Streams of Water from the Mountains and with a little trouble might be made very convenient.
Provisions and Refreshments.
None to be had here at present as there is no Settlement, you may have Fish with the Seine or Hook and Line.
Fortifications and Landing Places. No Fortifications. You may Land any where here the Water being so smooth, but the Sandy bays are preferable.
Trade and Commerce. Neither Trade or Commerce. The People are quite Black with Woolly Hair and of a Savage Disposition, and of a Small Statnre.
This Harbour lies in the Latitude 13° 24' N. and Longitude 95° 20′ Et. It flows full and change at 9 o Glock and rises and falls 7 or 8 feet at Spring Tides. If coming from the Southward and boand into this Harbour, the first remarkable thing is the High Hill called Saddle Hill, which is the highest land hereabouts or I believe the highest on the Island; at the foot of Saddle Hill is a Small Isle called Craggy Island, but being badly to be seen 'till you run in shore; but what makes it easily known is a remarkable White Rock standing close to it,
[Now Port Blair. - ED.]
[Now Port Cornwallis. - ED]
