by John Marshall

“ The dark objects on the surface of the sea proved to be patches of small floating cinders. The island or crater appeared to be 70 or 90 yards in its external diameter, and the lip as thin as it could be, consistent with its height, which might be 20 feet above the sea in the highest, and six feet in the lowest part, leaving the rest for the diameter of the area within. These details could only be observed in the intervals between the great eruptions, some of which I witnessed from the boat. No words can describe their sublime grandeur ”

“ A small detached rock, with 15 feet water on it, lies 130 yards to the S.W. of the central patch. About 3/4 of a mile N.W. of the centre there is a detached bank, with 23 fathoms on it. All the rock appears to be dark coloured porous lava; and the sand, which is extremely fine in the deepest water, is composed entirely of particles of the same substance. ”

“ In four days, during which the wind was constantly from N.W., currents were perceived from N.W., N., and N.E., the N.W. prevailing, and sometimes running at the rate of a mile an hour. The temperature of the water, on and near the shoal, does not differ from that of the sea at a distance. I have moored in three fathoms water, at the N.W. side of the shoal, a water cask, painted white, with a pole on it, surmounted by a white ball, and at the S.E. side of the shoal, in 31/2 fathoms, a similar cask, painted black, bearing a black ball on a pole. These two buoys are about 120 yards apart. ”

“ The island appeared about 160 feet high, presenting a various aspect, as the bearing by compass altered; but in general, that of two longitudinal hills connected by intermediate low land, sending up smoke or vapour in abundance. On the western and highest part we observed the union flag of England waving majestically over this new and appalling scene of danger and desolation. ”

“ By this the soundings near the shoals may be distinguished, but it should be approached with great caution, as a large extent of deep water discoloured, which lies to the south-west, may be mistaken for it, while the real danger is seldom visible till it is near, being composed of very dark-coloured materials, and it is so steep that the lead cannot be trusted. ”