Flinders Journal – 7 December

Tuesday 7 December, 1802 Isle Mornington "No doubt remained that the land of Cape Van Diemen was an island; for it had been circumnavigated, with the exception of about three leagues, which the rocks and shoal water made impracticable. ... I did not land upon any part, but the surface appeared to be more rocky than sandy; and judging from the bushes and trees with which it is mostly covered, there must be some portion, though perhaps a small one, of vegetable soil. ... Several smokes and some natives were seen, and it is reasonable to suppose there are fixed inhabitants." (P158) "Had not the name of Van Diemen so often occurred in Terra Australis, as to make confusion, I should have extended it from the cape to the whole island; but such being the case, I have taken this opportunity of indulging my gratitude of a nobleman of high character ... This large island is therefore distinguished by the name of Isle Mornington; and to the whole of the group, now discovered to exist at the head of the Gulph of Cappentaria, I have given the appellation of Wellesley's Islands." (P158/9)

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