PORT HAMILTON.

Western Star, Issue 945, 6 May 1885, Page 3

PORT HAMILTON.

Port Hamilton, which the Russians say has been taken possession of lately by the British, is in the Corean Archipelago. It is one of a group, and is thus described by Admiral Sir Edward Belcher, in 11.M.5. Samarang, when commanding that vessel:—" The Port Hamilton group, lying N.N.E i E., 38 miles from the N.E. end of Quelport,; consists of three islands, two large and one small, deeply indented, which form a well sheltered harbor within, named Port Hamilton, the entrance to which is at the south-east part of the group. These islands may be readily distinguished from the numerous clumps of islets and rocks in the neighborhood by their greater size, as well as their peculiar position. Within Observatory Island, 3Goft high (west point,latitude 3-1-11 N„, longitude 127'2(H E.), a vessel may be safely hove down for repair. Wood is scarce; freshwater is plentiful and good, and fasily obtained. Pish may be caught with the seine. Although the native s were very friendly, H.M.S. Saracen, in 1856, could not obtain fresh stock of any description. This group, so far as their examination went, is; clear of danger on all sides, but is best approached from the S.E. On entering the portjtheonly danger that does not show is the Saracen Hock, with -seven feet of water on it, lying at the entrance, two cables from the east end of Observatory Islaud. It is a small pinnacle, steep, too, on th« outside, but may be easily avoided by opening the Gap Tree, or Aberdeen Island, a little northward of Observatory Island, before bringing Triangle Peak in line with Rose Point, bearing S.S.W. Vessels; may anchor anywhere inside the port. When working in, it should not be forgotten that the north shore of the entrance, nearly up to Shoal Point, is a» steep as a wall, and that the Observatory Island shore is quite safe, although rather shelving. The three fathoms edge of soundings from Shoal Point extends more than half way across towards the west point of Observatory Island, and there are only two fathoms water for nearly one-third of this distance.''

It will be easily perceived, by Admiral Belchers description*of the group, that Point Hamilton is a place of some importance and very suitable as a harbor of reluge lor vessels cruising about the Corean Archipelago.