A NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, ON BOARD HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP _BOUNTY_; AND THE SUBSEQUENT VOYAGE OF PART OF THE CREW, IN THE SHIP's BOAT, From TOFOA, one of the Friendly Islands, To TIMOR, a Dutch Settlement in the East Indies. 

 Written by LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BLIGH. 

 ILLUSTRATED WITH CHARTS. 

 LONDON: PRINTED FOR GEORGE NICOL, BOOKSELLER TO HIS MAJESTY, PALL-MALL. MDCCXC. 

 ADVERTISEMENT. 

The following Narrative is only a part of a voyage undertaken for thepurpose of conveying the Bread-fruit Tree from the South Sea Islands tothe West Indies. The manner in which this expedition miscarried, withthe subsequent transactions and events, are here related. This part ofthe voyage is not first in the order of time, yet the circumstances areso distinct from that by which it was preceded, that it appearsunnecessary to delay giving as much early information as possibleconcerning so extraordinary an event. The rest will be laid before thePublic as soon as it can be got ready; and it is intended to publish itin such a manner, as, with the present Narrative, will make the accountof the voyage compleat. 

At present, for the better understanding the following pages, it issufficient to inform the reader, that in August, 1787, I was appointedto command the Bounty, a ship of 215 tons burthen, carrying 4six-pounders, 4 swivels, and 46 men, including myself and every personon board. We sailed from England in December, 1787, and arrived atOtaheite the 26th of October, 1788. On the 4th of April, 1789, we leftOtaheite, with every favourable appearance of completing the object ofthe voyage, in a manner equal to my most sanguine expectations. At thisperiod the ensuing Narrative commences. 

 A

 NARRATIVE, &c. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

I sailed from Otaheite on the 4th of April 1789, having on board 1015fine bread-fruit plants, besides many other valuable fruits of thatcountry, which, with unremitting attention, we had been collecting forthree and twenty weeks, and which were now in the highest state ofperfection. 

On the 11th of April, I discovered an island in latitude 18° 52´ S. Andlongitude 200° 19´ E. By the natives called Whytootackee. On the 24th weanchored at Annamooka, one of the Friendly Islands; from which, aftercompleting our wood and water, I sailed on the 27th, having every reasonto expect, from the fine condition of the plants, that they wouldcontinue healthy. 

On the evening of the 28th, owing to light winds, we were not clear ofthe islands, and at night I directed my course towards Tofoa. The masterhad the first watch; the gunner the middle watch; and Mr. Christian, oneof the mates, the morning watch. This was the turn of duty for thenight. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

Just before sun-rising, Mr. Christian, with the master at arms, gunner'smate, and Thomas Burket, seaman, came into my cabin while I was asleep, and seizing me, tied my hands with a cord behind my back, and threatenedme with instant death, if I spoke or made the least noise: I, however, called so loud as to alarm every one; but they had already secured theofficers who were not of their party, by placing centinels at theirdoors. There were three men at my cabin door, besides the four within;Christian had only a cutlass in his hand, the others had muskets andbayonets. I was hauled out of bed, and forced on deck in my shirt, suffering great pain from the tightness with which they had tied myhands. I demanded the reason of such violence, but received no otheranswer than threats of instant death, if I did not hold my tongue. Mr. Elphinston, the master's mate, was kept in his birth; Mr. Nelson, botanist, Mr. Peckover, gunner, Mr. Ledward, surgeon, and the master, were confined to their cabins; and also the clerk, Mr. Samuel, but hesoon obtained leave to come on deck. The fore hatchway was guarded bycentinels; the boatswain and carpenter were, however, allowed to come ondeck, where they saw me standing abaft the mizen-mast, with my handstied behind my back, under a guard, with Christian at their head. 

The boatswain was now ordered to hoist the launch out, with a threat, ifhe did not do it instantly, to take care of himself. 

The boat being out, Mr. Hayward and Mr. Hallet, midshipmen, and Mr. Samuel, were ordered into it; upon which I demanded the cause of such anorder, and endeavoured to persuade some one to a sense of duty; but itwas to no effect: "Hold your tongue, Sir, or you are dead this instant, "was constantly repeated to me. 

The master, by this time, had sent to be allowed to come on deck, whichwas permitted; but he was soon ordered back again to his cabin. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

I continued my endeavours to turn the tide of affairs, when Christianchanged the cutlass he had in his hand for a bayonet, that was broughtto him, and, holding me with a strong gripe by the cord that tied myhands, he with many oaths threatened to kill me immediately if I wouldnot be quiet: the villains round me had their pieces cocked and bayonetsfixed. Particular people were now called on to go into the boat, andwere hurried over the side: whence I concluded that with these people Iwas to be set adrift. 

I therefore made another effort to bring about a change, but with noother effect than to be threatened with having my brains blown out. 

The boatswain and seamen, who were to go in the boat, were allowed tocollect twine, canvas, lines, sails, cordage, an eight and twenty galloncask of water, and the carpenter to take his tool chest. Mr. Samuel got150lbs of bread, with a small quantity of rum and wine. He also got aquadrant and compass into the boat; but was forbidden, on pain of death, to touch either map, ephemeris, book of astronomical observations, sextant, time-keeper, or any of my surveys or drawings. 

The mutineers now hurried those they meant to get rid of into the boat. When most of them were in, Christian directed a dram to be served toeach of his own crew. I now unhappily saw that nothing could be done toeffect the recovery of the ship: there was no one to assist me, andevery endeavour on my part was answered with threats of death. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

The officers were called, and forced over the side into the boat, whileI was kept apart from every one, abaft the mizen-mast; Christian, armedwith a bayonet, holding me by the bandage that secured my hands. Theguard round me had their pieces cocked, but, on my daring the ungratefulwretches to fire, they uncocked them. 

Isaac Martin, one of the guard over me, I saw, had an inclination toassist me, and, as he fed me with shaddock, (my lips being quite parchedwith my endeavours to bring about a change) we explained our wishes toeach other by our looks; but this being observed, Martin was instantlyremoved from me; his inclination then was to leave the ship, for whichpurpose he got into the boat; but with many threats they obliged him toreturn. 

The armourer, Joseph Coleman, and the two carpenters, M'Intosh andNorman, were also kept contrary to their inclination; and they begged ofme, after I was astern in the boat, to remember that they declared theyhad no hand in the transaction. Michael Byrne, I am told, likewisewanted to leave the ship. 

It is of no moment for me to recount my endeavours to bring back theoffenders to a sense of their duty: all I could do was by speaking tothem in general; but my endeavours were of no avail, for I was keptsecurely bound, and no one but the guard suffered to come near me. 

To Mr. Samuel I am indebted for securing my journals and commission, with some material ship papers. Without these I had nothing to certifywhat I had done, and my honour and character might have been suspected, without my possessing a proper document to have defended them. All thishe did with great resolution, though guarded and strictly watched. Heattempted to save the time-keeper, and a box with all my surveys, drawings, and remarks for fifteen years past, which were numerous; whenhe was hurried away, with "Damn your eyes, you are well off to get whatyou have. "

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

It appeared to me, that Christian was some time in doubt whether heshould keep the carpenter, or his mates; at length he determined on thelatter, and the carpenter was ordered into the boat. He was permitted, but not without some opposition, to take his tool chest. 

Much altercation took place among the mutinous crew during the wholebusiness: some swore "I'll be damned if he does not find his way home, if he gets any thing with him, " (meaning me); others, when thecarpenter's chest was carrying away, "Damn my eyes, he will have avessel built in a month. " While others laughed at the helpless situationof the boat, being very deep, and so little room for those who were inher. As for Christian, he seemed meditating instant destruction onhimself and every one. 

I asked for arms, but they laughed at me, and said I was well acquaintedwith the people where I was going, and therefore did not want them; fourcutlasses, however, were thrown into the boat, after we were veeredastern. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

When the officers and men, with whom I was suffered to have nocommunication, were put into the boat, they only waited for me, and themaster at arms informed Christian of it; who then said--"Come, captainBligh, your officers and men are now in the boat, and you must go withthem; if you attempt to make the least resistance you will instantly beput to death:" and, without any farther ceremony, holding me by the cordthat tied my hands, with a tribe of armed ruffians about me, I wasforced over the side, where they untied my hands. Being in the boat wewere veered astern by a rope. A few pieces of pork were then thrown tous, and some cloaths, also the cutlasses I have already mentioned; andit was now that the armourer and carpenters called out to me toremember that they had no hand in the transaction. After havingundergone a great deal of ridicule, and been kept some time to makesport for these unfeeling wretches, we were at length cast adrift in theopen ocean. 

I had with me in the boat the following persons:

 Names. Stations. 

 JOHN FRYER Master. THOMAS LEDWARD Acting Surgeon. DAVID NELSON Botanist. WILLIAM PECKOVER Gunner. WILLIAM COLE Boatswain. WILLIAM PURCELL Carpenter. WILLIAM ELPHINSTON Master's Mate. THOMAS HAYWARD } Midshipmen. JOHN HALLETT } JOHN NORTON } Quarter Masters. PETER LINKLETTER } LAWRENCE LEBOGUE Sailmaker. JOHN SMITH } Cooks. THOMAS HALL } GEORGE SIMPSON Quarter Master's Mate. ROBERT TINKLER A boy. ROBERT LAMB Butcher. MR. SAMUEL Clerk. 

There remained on board the Bounty, as pirates, FLETCHER CHRISTIAN Master's Mate. PETER HAYWOOD } EDWARD YOUNG } Midshipmen. GEORGE STEWART } CHARLES CHURCHILL Master at Arms. JOHN MILLS Gunner's Mate. JAMES MORRISON Boatswain's Mate. THOMAS BURKITT Able Seaman. MATTHEW QUINTAL Ditto. JOHN SUMNER Ditto. JOHN MILLWARD Ditto. WILLIAM M'KOY Ditto. HENRY HILLBRANT Ditto. MICHAEL BYRNE Ditto. WILLIAM MUSPRAT Ditto. ALEXANDER SMITH Ditto. JOHN WILLIAMS Ditto. THOMAS ELLISON Ditto. ISAAC MARTIN Ditto. RICHARD SKINNER Ditto. MATTHEW THOMPSON Ditto. WILLIAM BROWN Gardiner. JOSEPH COLEMAN Armourer. CHARLES NORMAN Carpenter's Mate. THOMAS M'INTOSH Carpenter's Crew. 

In all 25 hands, and the most able men of the ship's company. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

Having little or no wind, we rowed pretty fast towards Tofoa, which boreN E about 10 leagues from us. While the ship was in sight she steered tothe W N W, but I considered this only as a feint; for when we were sentaway--"Huzza for Otaheite, " was frequently heard among the mutineers. 

Christian, the captain of the gang, is of a respectable family in thenorth of England. This was the third voyage he had made with me; and, asI found it necessary to keep my ship's company at three watches, I gavehim an order to take charge of the third, his abilities being thoroughlyequal to the task; and by this means my master and gunner were not atwatch and watch. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

Haywood is also of a respectable family in the north of England, and ayoung man of abilities, as well as Christian. These two were objects ofmy particular regard and attention, and I took great pains to instructthem, for they really promised, as professional men, to be a credit totheir country. 

Young was well recommended, and appeared to me an able stout seaman;therefore I was glad to take him: he, however, fell short of what hisappearance promised. 

Stewart was a young man of creditable parents, in the Orkneys; at whichplace, on the return of the Resolution from the South Seas, in 1780, wereceived so many civilities, that, on that account only, I should gladlyhave taken him with me: but, independent of this recommendation, he wasa seaman, and had always borne a good character. 

Notwithstanding the roughness with which I was treated, the remembranceof past kindnesses produced some signs of remorse in Christian. Whenthey were forcing me out of the ship, I asked him, if this treatment wasa proper return for the many instances he had received of my friendship?he appeared disturbed at my question, and answered, with much emotion, "That, --captain Bligh, --that is the thing;--I am in hell--I am in hell. "

As soon as I had time to reflect, I felt an inward satisfaction whichprevented any depression of my spirits: conscious of my integrity, andanxious solicitude for the good of the service in which I was engaged, I found my mind wonderfully supported, and I began to conceive hopes, notwithstanding so heavy a calamity, that I should one day be able toaccount to my King and country for the misfortune. --A few hours before, my situation had been peculiarly flattering. I had a ship in the mostperfect order, and well stored with every necessary both for service andhealth: by early attention to those particulars I had, as much as lay inmy power, provided against any accident, in case I could not get throughEndeavour Straits, as well as against what might befal me in them; addto this, the plants had been successfully preserved in the mostflourishing state: so that, upon the whole, the voyage was two thirdscompleted, and the remaining part in a very promising way; every personon board being in perfect health, to establish which was ever amongstthe principal objects of my attention. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

It will very naturally be asked, what could be the reason for such arevolt? in answer to which, I can only conjecture that the mutineers hadassured themselves of a more happy life among the Otaheiteans, than theycould possibly have in England; which, joined to some femaleconnections, have most probably been the principal cause of the wholetransaction. 

The women at Otaheite are handsome, mild and chearful in their mannersand conversation, possessed of great sensibility, and have sufficientdelicacy to make them admired and beloved. The chiefs were so muchattached to our people, that they rather encouraged their stay amongthem than otherwise, and even made them promises of large possessions. Under these, and many other attendant circumstances, equally desirable, it is now perhaps not so much to be wondered at, though scarcelypossible to have been foreseen, that a set of sailors, most of themvoid of connections, should be led away; especially when, in addition tosuch powerful inducements, they imagined it in their power to fixthemselves in the midst of plenty, on the finest island in the world, where they need not labour, and where the allurements of dissipation arebeyond any thing that can be conceived. The utmost, however, that anycommander could have supposed to have happened is, that some of thepeople would have been tempted to desert. But if it should be asserted, that a commander is to guard against an act of mutiny and piracy in hisown ship, more than by the common rules of service, it is as much as tosay that he must sleep locked up, and when awake, be girded withpistols. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

Desertions have happened, more or less, from many of the ships that havebeen at the Society Islands; but it ever has been in the commanderspower to make the chiefs return their people: the knowledge, therefore, that it was unsafe to desert; perhaps, first led mine to consider withwhat ease so small a ship might be surprized, and that so favourable anopportunity would never offer to them again. 

The secrecy of this mutiny is beyond all conception. Thirteen of theparty, who were with me, had always lived forward among the people; yetneither they, nor the messmates of Christian, Stewart, Haywood, andYoung, had ever observed any circumstance to give them suspicion of whatwas going on. With such close-planned acts of villainy, and my mind freefrom any suspicion, it is not wonderful that I have been got the betterof. Perhaps, if I had had marines, a centinel at my cabin-door mighthave prevented it; for I slept with the door always open, that theofficer of the watch might have access to me on all occasions. Thepossibility of such a conspiracy was ever the farthest from mythoughts. Had their mutiny been occasioned by any grievances, eitherreal or imaginary, I must have discovered symptoms of their discontent, which would have put me on my guard: but the case was far otherwise. Christian, in particular, I was on the most friendly terms with; thatvery day he was engaged to have dined with me; and the preceding nighthe excused himself from supping with me, on pretence of being unwell;for which I felt concerned, having no suspicions of his integrity andhonour. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL. ]

It now remained with me to consider what was best to be done. My firstdetermination was to seek a supply of bread-fruit and water at Tofoa, and afterwards to sail for Tongataboo; and there risk a solicitation toPoulaho, the king, to equip my boat, and grant a supply of water andprovisions, so as to enable us to reach the East Indies. 

The quantity of provisions I found in the boat was 150 lb. Of bread, 16pieces of pork, each piece weighing 2 lb. 6 quarts of rum, 6 bottles ofwine, with 28 gallons of water, and four empty barrecoes. 

[Sidenote: Wednesday 29. ]

Wednesday, April 29th[*]. Happily the afternoon kept calm, until about 4o'clock, when we were so far to windward, that, with a moderate easterlybreeze which sprung up, we were able to sail. It was nevertheless darkwhen we got to Tofoa, where I expected to land; but the shore proved tobe so steep and rocky, that I was obliged to give up all thoughts of it, and keep the boat under the lee of the island with two oars; for therewas no anchorage. Having fixed on this mode of proceeding for the night, I served to every person half a pint of grog, and each took to his restas well as our unhappy situation would allow. 

[*] It is to be observed, that the account of time is kept in thenautical way, each day ending at noon. Thus the beginning of the 29th ofApril is, according to the common way of reckoning, the afternoon of the28th. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL 29. ]

In the morning, at dawn of day, we set off along shore in search oflanding, and about ten o'clock we discovered a stony cove at the N Wpart of the island, where I dropt the grapnel within 20 yards of therocks. A great deal of surf ran on the shore; but, as I was unwilling todiminish our stock of provisions, I landed Mr. Samuel, and some others, who climbed the cliffs, and got into the country to search for supplies. The rest of us remained at the cove, not discovering any way to get intothe country, but that by which Mr. Samuel had proceeded. It was greatconsolation to me to find, that the spirits of my people did not sink, notwithstanding our miserable and almost hopeless situation. Towardsnoon Mr. Samuel returned, with a few quarts of water, which he had foundin holes; but he had met with no spring or any prospect of a sufficientsupply in that particular, and had only seen signs of inhabitants. As itwas impossible to know how much we might be in want, I only issued amorsel of bread, and a glass of wine, to each person for dinner. 

I observed the latitude of this cove to be 19° 41´ S. 

This is the N W part of Tofoa, the north-westernmost of the FriendlyIslands. 

[Sidenote: Thursday 30. ]

Thursday, April 30th. Fair weather, but the wind blew so violently fromthe E S E that I could not venture to sea. Our detention therefore madeit absolutely necessary to see what we could do more for our support;for I determined, if possible, to keep my first stock entire: Itherefore weighed, and rowed along shore, to see if any thing could begot; and at last discovered some cocoa-nut trees, but they were on thetop of high precipices, and the surf made it dangerous landing; bothone and the other we, however, got the better of. Some, with muchdifficulty, climbed the cliffs, and got about 20 cocoa-nuts, and othersslung them to ropes, by which we hauled them through the surf into theboat. This was all that could be done here; and, as I found no place soeligible as the one we had left to spend the night at, I returned to thecove, and, having served a cocoa-nut to each person, we went to restagain in the boat. 

[Sidenote: 1789. APRIL 30. ]

At dawn of day I attempted to get to sea; but the wind and weatherproved so bad, that I was glad to return to my former station; where, after issuing a morsel of bread and a spoonful of rum to each person, welanded, and I went off with Mr. Nelson, Mr. Samuel, and some others, into the country, having hauled ourselves up the precipice by longvines, which were fixed there by the natives for that purpose; thisbeing the only way into the country. 

We found a few deserted huts, and a small plantain walk, but littletaken care of; from which we could only collect three small bunches ofplantains. After passing this place, we came to a deep gully that ledtowards a mountain, near a volcano; and, as I conceived that in therainy season very great torrents of water must pass through it, we hopedto find sufficient for our use remaining in some holes of the rocks;but, after all our search, the whole that we found was only ninegallons, in the course of the day. We advanced within two miles of thefoot of the highest mountain in the island, on which is the volcano thatis almost constantly burning. The country near it is all covered withlava, and has a most dreary appearance. As we had not been fortunate inour discoveries, and saw but little to alleviate our distresses, wefilled our cocoa-nut shells with the water we found, and returnedexceedingly fatigued and faint. When I came to the precipice whence wewere to descend into the cove, I was seized with such a dizziness in myhead, that I thought it scarce possible to effect it: however, by theassistance of Mr. Nelson, and others, they at last got me down, in aweak condition. Every person being returned by noon, I gave about anounce of pork and two plantains to each, with half a glass of wine. Iagain observed the latitude of this place 19° 41´ south. The people whoremained by the boat I had directed to look for fish, or what they couldpick up about the rocks; but nothing eatable could be found: so that, upon the whole, we considered ourselves on as miserable a spot of landas could well be imagined. 

I could not say positively, from the former knowledge I had of thisisland, whether it was inhabited or not; but I knew it was consideredinferior to the other islands, and I was not certain but that theIndians only resorted to it at particular times. I was very anxious toascertain this point; for, in case there had only been a few peoplehere, and those could have furnished us with but very moderate supplies, the remaining in this spot to have made preparations for our voyage, would have been preferable to the risk of going amongst multitudes, where perhaps we might lose every thing. A party, therefore, sufficiently strong, I determined should go another route, as soon asthe sun became lower; and they cheerfully undertook it. 

[Sidenote: MAY. Friday 1. ]

Friday, May the 1st: stormy weather, wind E S E and S E. About twoo'clock in the afternoon the party set out; but, after suffering muchfatigue, they returned in the evening, without any kind of success. 

At the head of the cove, about 150 yards from the water-side, was acave; across the stony beach was about 100 yards, and the only way fromthe country into the cove was that which I have already described. Thesituation secured us from the danger of being surprised, and Idetermined to remain on shore for the night, with a part of my people, that the others might have more room to rest in the boat, with themaster; whom I directed to lie at a grapnel, and be watchful, in case weshould be attacked. I ordered one plantain for each person to be boiled;and, having supped on this scanty allowance, with a quarter of a pint ofgrog, and fixed the watches for the night, those whose turn it was, laiddown to sleep in the cave; before which we kept up a good fire, yetnotwithstanding we were much troubled with flies and musquitoes. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 1. ]

At dawn of day the party set out again in a different route, to see whatthey could find; in the course of which they suffered greatly for wantof water: they, however, met with two men, a woman, and a child; the mencame with them to the cove, and brought two cocoa-nut shells of water. Iimmediately made friends with these people, and sent them away forbread-fruit, plantains, and water. Soon after other natives came to us;and by noon I had 30 of them about me, trading with the articles we werein want of: but I could only afford one ounce of pork, and a quarter ofa bread-fruit, to each man for dinner, with half a pint of water; for Iwas fixed in not using any of the bread or water in the boat. 

No particular chief was yet among the natives: they were, notwithstanding, tractable, and behaved honestly, giving the provisionsthey brought for a few buttons and beads. The party who had been out, informed me of having discovered several neat plantations; so that itbecame no longer a doubt of there being settled inhabitants on theisland; and for that reason I determined to get what I could, and sailthe first moment the wind and weather would allow me to put to sea. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 1. ]

[Sidenote: Saturday 2. ]

Saturday, May the 2d: stormy weather, wind E S E. It had hitherto been aweighty consideration with me, how I was to account to the natives forthe loss of my ship: I knew they had too much sense to be amused with astory that the ship was to join me, when she was not in sight from thehills. I was at first doubtful whether I should tell the real fact, orsay that the ship had overset and sunk, and that only we were saved: thelatter appeared to me to be the most proper and advantageous to us, andI accordingly instructed my people, that we might all agree in onestory. As I expected, enquiries were made after the ship, and theyseemed readily satisfied with our account; but there did not appear theleast symptom of joy or sorrow in their faces, although I fancied Idiscovered some marks of surprise. Some of the natives were coming andgoing the whole afternoon, and we got enough of bread-fruit, plantains, and cocoa-nuts for another day; but water they only brought us aboutfive pints. A canoe also came in with four men, and brought a fewcocoa-nuts and bread-fruit, which I bought as I had done the rest. Nailswere much enquired after, but I would not suffer one to be shewn, as Iwanted them for the use of the boat. 

Towards evening I had the satisfaction to find our stock of provisionssomewhat increased: but the natives did not appear to have much tospare. What they brought was in such small quantities, that I had noreason to hope we should be able to procure from them sufficient tostock us for our voyage. At sun-set all the natives left us in quietpossession of the cove. I thought this a good sign, and made no doubtthat they would come again the next day with a larger proportion of foodand water, with which I hoped to sail without farther delay: for if, inattempting to get to Tongataboo, we should be blown away from theislands altogether, there would be a larger quantity of provisions tosupport us against such a misfortune. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 2. ]

At night I served a quarter of a bread-fruit and a cocoa-nut to eachperson for supper; and, a good fire being made, all but the watch wentto sleep. 

At day-break I was happy to find every one's spirits a little revived, and that they no longer regarded me with those anxious looks, which hadconstantly been directed towards me since we lost sight of the ship:every countenance appeared to have a degree of cheerfulness, and theyall seemed determined to do their best. 

As I doubted of water being brought by the natives, I sent a party amongthe gullies in the mountains, with empty shells, to see what they couldget. In their absence the natives came about us, as I expected, but morenumerous; also two canoes came in from round the north side of theisland. In one of them was an elderly chief, called Maccaackavow. Soonafter some of our foraging party returned, and with them came agood-looking chief, called Eegijeefow, or perhaps more properly Eefow, Egij or Eghee, signifying a chief. To both these men I made a present ofan old shirt and a knife, and I soon found they either had seen me, orhad heard of my being at Annamooka. They knew I had been with captainCook, who they enquired after, and also captain Clerk. They were veryinquisitive to know in what manner I had lost my ship. During thisconversation a young man appeared, whom I remembered to have seen atAnnamooka, called Nageete: he expressed much pleasure at seeing me. Inow enquired after Poulaho and Feenow, who, they said, were atTongataboo; and Eefow agreed to accompany me thither, if I would waittill the weather moderated. The readiness and affability of this mangave me much satisfaction. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 2. ]

This, however, was but of short duration, for the natives began toincrease in number, and I observed some symptoms of a design against us;soon after they attempted to haul the boat on shore, when I threatenedEefow with a cutlass, to induce him to make them desist; which they did, and every thing became quiet again. My people, who had been in themountains, now returned with about three gallons of water. I kept buyingup the little bread-fruit that was brought to us, and likewise somespears to arm my men with, having only four cutlasses, two of which werein the boat. As we had no means of improving our situation, I told ourpeople I would wait until sun-set, by which time, perhaps, somethingmight happen in our favour: that if we attempted to go at present, wemust fight our way through, which we could do more advantageously atnight; and that in the mean time we would endeavour to get off to theboat what we had bought. The beach was now lined with the natives, andwe heard nothing but the knocking of stones together, which they had ineach hand. I knew very well this was the sign of an attack. It being nownoon, I served a cocoa-nut and a bread-fruit to each person for dinner, and gave some to the chiefs, with whom I continued to appear intimateand friendly. They frequently importuned me to sit down, but I asconstantly refused; for it occurred both to Mr. Nelson and myself, thatthey intended to seize hold of me, if I gave them such an opportunity. Keeping, therefore, constantly on our guard, we were suffered to eat ouruncomfortable meal in some quietness. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 2. ]

[Sidenote: Sunday 3. ]

Sunday, 3d May, fresh gales at S E and E S E, varying to the N E in thelatter part, with a storm of wind. 

After dinner we began by little and little to get our things into theboat, which was a troublesome business, on account of the surf. Icarefully watched the motions of the natives, who still increased innumber, and found that, instead of their intention being to leave us, fires were made, and places fixed on for their stay during the night. Consultations were also held among them, and every thing assured me weshould be attacked. I sent orders to the master, that when he saw uscoming down, he should keep the boat close to the shore, that we mightthe more readily embark. 

I had my journal on shore with me, writing the occurrences in the cave, and in sending it down to the boat it was nearly snatched away, but forthe timely assistance of the gunner. 

The sun was near setting when I gave the word, on which every person, who was on shore with me, boldly took up his proportion of things, andcarried them to the boat. The chiefs asked me if I would not stay withthem all night, I said, "No, I never sleep out of my boat; but in themorning we will again trade with you, and I shall remain until theweather is moderate, that we may go, as we have agreed, to see Poulaho, at Tongataboo. " Maccaackavow then got up, and said, "You will not sleepon shore? then Mattie, " (which directly signifies we will kill you) andhe left me. The onset was now preparing; every one, as I have describedbefore, kept knocking stones together, and Eefow quitted me. We had nowall but two or three things in the boat, when I took Nageete by thehand, and we walked down the beach, every one in a silent kind ofhorror. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 3. ]

When I came to the boat, and was seeing the people embark, Nageetewanted me to stay to speak to Eefow; but I found he was encouraging themto the attack, and I determined, had it then begun, to have killed himfor his treacherous behaviour. I ordered the carpenter not to quit meuntil the other people were in the boat. Nageete, finding I would notstay, loosed himself from my hold and went off, and we all got into theboat except one man, who, while I was getting on board, quitted it, andran up the beach to cast the stern fast off, notwithstanding the masterand others called to him to return, while they were hauling me out ofthe water. 

I was no sooner in the boat than the attack began by about 200 men; theunfortunate poor man who had run up the beach was knocked down, and thestones flew like a shower of shot. Many Indians got hold of the sternrope, and were near hauling us on shore, and would certainly have doneit if I had not had a knife in my pocket, with which I cut the rope. Wethen hauled off to the grapnel, every one being more or less hurt. Atthis time I saw five of the natives about the poor man they had killed, and two of them were beating him about the head with stones in theirhands. 

[Sidenote: 1789. May 3]

We had no time to reflect, before, to my surprise, they filled theircanoes with stones, and twelve men came off after us to renew theattack, which they did so effectually as nearly to disable all of us. Our grapnel was foul, but Providence here assisted us; the fluke broke, and we got to our oars, and pulled to sea. They, however, could paddleround us, so that we were obliged to sustain the attack without beingable to return it, except with such stones as lodged in the boat, and inthis I found we were very inferior to them. We could not close, becauseour boat was lumbered and heavy, and that they knew very well: Itherefore adopted the expedient of throwing overboard some cloaths, which they lost time in picking up; and, as it was now almost dark, theygave over the attack, and returned towards the shore, leaving us toreflect on our unhappy situation. 

The poor man I lost was John Norton: this was his second voyage with meas a quarter-master, and his worthy character made me lament his lossvery much. He has left an aged parent, I am told, whom he supported. 

[Sidenote: 1789. May 3. ]

I once before sustained an attack of a similar nature, with a smallernumber of Europeans, against a multitude of Indians; it was after thedeath of captain Cook, on the Morai at Owhyhee, where I was left bylieutenant King: yet, notwithstanding, I did not conceive that the powerof a man's arm could throw stones, from two to eight pounds weight, withsuch force and exactness as these people did. Here unhappily I waswithout arms, and the Indians knew it; but it was a fortunatecircumstance that they did not begin to attack us in the cave: in thatcase our destruction must have been inevitable, and we should have hadnothing left for it but to die as bravely as we could, fighting closetogether; in which I found every one cheerfully disposed to join me. This appearance of resolution deterred them, supposing they could effecttheir purpose without risk after we were in the boat. 

Taking this as a sample of the dispositions of the Indians, there waslittle reason to expect much benefit if I persevered in my intention ofvisiting Poulaho; for I considered their good behaviour hitherto toproceed from a dread of our fire-arms, which, now knowing us destituteof, would cease; and, even supposing our lives not in danger, the boatand every thing we had would most probably be taken from us, and therebyall hopes precluded of ever being able to return to our native country. 

We were now sailing along the west side of the island Tofoa, and my mindwas employed in considering what was best to be done, when I wassolicited by all hands to take them towards home: and, when I told themno hopes of relief for us remained, but what I might find at NewHolland, until I came to Timor, a distance of full 1200 leagues, wherewas a Dutch settlement, but in what part of the island I knew not, theyall agreed to live on one ounce of bread, and a quarter of a pint ofwater, per day. Therefore, after examining our stock of provisions, andrecommending this as a sacred promise for ever to their memory, we boreaway across a sea, where the navigation is but little known, in a smallboat, twenty-three feet long from stern to stern, deep laden witheighteen men; without a chart, and nothing but my own recollection andgeneral knowledge of the situation of places, assisted by a book oflatitudes and longitudes, to guide us. I was happy, however, to seeevery one better satisfied with our situation in this particular thanmyself. 

[Sidenote: 1789. May 3. ]

Our stock of provisions consisted of about one hundred and fifty poundsof bread, twenty-eight gallons of water, twenty pounds of pork, threebottles of wine, and five quarts of rum. The difference between this andthe quantity we had on leaving the ship, was principally owing to lossin the bustle and confusion of the attack. A few cocoa-nuts were in theboat, and some bread-fruit, but the latter was trampled to pieces. 

It was about eight o'clock at night when I bore away under a reefed lugfore-sail: and, having divided the people into watches, and got the boatin a little order, we returned God thanks for our miraculouspreservation, and, fully confident of his gracious support, I found mymind more at ease than for some time past. 

At day-break the gale increased; the sun rose very fiery and red, a sureindication of a severe gale of wind. At eight it blew a violent storm, and the sea ran very high, so that between the seas the sail wasbecalmed, and when on the top of the sea it was too much to have set:but I was obliged to carry to it, for we were now in very imminentdanger and distress, the sea curling over the stern of the boat, whichobliged us to bale with all our might. A situation more distressing has, perhaps, seldom been experienced. 

Our bread was in bags, and in danger of being spoiled by the wet: to bestarved to death was inevitable, if this could not be prevented: Itherefore began to examine what cloaths there were in the boat, and whatother things could be spared; and, having determined that only two suitsshould be kept for each person, the rest was thrown overboard, with somerope and spare sails, which lightened the boat considerably, and we hadmore room to bale the water out. Fortunately the carpenter had a goodchest in the boat, into which I put the bread the first favourablemoment. His tool chest also was cleared, and the tools stowed in thebottom of the boat, so that this became a second convenience. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 3. ]

I now served a tea-spoonful of rum to each person, (for we were very wetand cold) with a quarter of a bread-fruit, which was scarce eatable, fordinner; but our engagement was now strictly to be carried intoexecution, and I was fully determined to make what provisions I had lasteight weeks, let the daily proportion be ever so small. 

At noon I considered my course and distance from Tofoa to be W N W 3/4W. 86 miles, my latitude 19° 27´ S. I directed my course to the W N W, that I might get a sight of the islands called Feejee, if they laid inthe direction the natives had pointed out to me. 

[Sidenote: Monday 4. ]

Monday, 4th May. This day the weather was very severe, it blew a stormfrom N E to E S E. The sea ran higher than yesterday, and the fatigue ofbaling, to keep the boat from filling, was exceedingly great. We coulddo nothing more than keep before the sea; in the course of which theboat performed so wonderfully well, that I no longer dreaded any dangerin that respect. But among the hardships we were to undergo, that ofbeing constantly wet was not the least: the nights were very cold, andat day-light our limbs were so benumbed, that we could scarce find theuse of them. At this time I served a tea-spoonful of rum to each person, which we all found great benefit from. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 4. ]

As I have mentioned before, I determined to keep to the W N W, until Igot more to the northward, for I not only expected to have betterweather, but to see the Feejee Islands, as I have often understood, fromthe natives of Annamooka, that they lie in that direction; Captain Cooklikewise considers them to be N W by W from Tongataboo. Just before noonwe discovered a small flat island of a moderate height, bearing W S W, 4or 5 leagues. I observed in latitude 18° 58´ S; our longitude, byaccount, 3° 4´ W from the island Tofoa, having made a N 72° W course, distance 95 miles, since yesterday noon. I divided five small cocoa-nutsfor our dinner, and every one was satisfied. 

[Sidenote: Tuesday 5. ]

Tuesday, 5th May. Towards the evening the gale considerably abated. WindS E. 

A little after noon, other islands appeared, and at a quarter past threeo'clock we could count eight, bearing from S round by the west to N W byN; those to the south, which were the nearest, being four leaguesdistant from us. 

I kept my course to the N W by W, between the islands, and at sixo'clock discovered three other small islands to the N W, the westernmostof them bore N W 1/2 W 7 leagues. I steered to the southward of theseislands, a W N W course for the night, under a reefed sail. 

Served a few broken pieces of bread-fruit for supper, and performedprayers. 

The night turned out fair, and, having had tolerable rest, every oneseemed considerably better in the morning, and contentedly breakfastedon a few pieces of yams that were found in the boat. After breakfast weprepared a chest for our bread, and it got secured: but unfortunately agreat deal was damaged and rotten; this nevertheless we were glad tokeep for use. 

I had hitherto been scarcely able to keep any account of our run; but wenow equipped ourselves a little better, by getting a log-line marked, and, having practised at counting seconds; several could do it withsome degree of exactness. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 5. ]

The islands I have passed lie between the latitude of 19° 5´ S and 18°19´ S, and, according to my reckoning, from 3° 17´ to 3° 46´ W longitudefrom the island Tofoa: the largest may be about six leagues in circuit;but it is impossible for me to be very exact. To show where they are tobe found again is the most my situation enabled me to do. The sketch Ihave made, will give a comparative view of their extent. I believe allthe larger islands are inhabited, as they appeared very fertile. 

At noon I observed, in latitude 18° 10´ S, and considered my course anddistance from yesterday noon, N W by W 1/2 W, 94 miles; longitude, byaccount, from Tofoa 4° 29´ W. 

For dinner, I served some of the damaged bread, and a quarter of a pintof water. 

[Sidenote: Wednesday 6. ]

Wednesday, 6th May. Fresh breezes E N E, and fair weather, but veryhazy. 

About six o'clock this afternoon I discovered two islands, one bearing Wby S 6 leagues, and the other N W by N 8 leagues; I kept to windward ofthe northernmost, and passing it by 10 o'clock, I resumed my course tothe N W and W N W. At day-light in the morning I discovered a number ofother islands from S S E to the W, and round to N E by E; between thosein the N W I determined to pass. At noon a small sandy island or key, 2miles distant from me, bore from E to S 3/4 W. I had passed ten islands, the largest of which may be 6 or 8 leagues in circuit. Much larger landsappeared in the S W and N by W, between which I directed my course. Latitude observed 17° 17´ S; course since yesterday noon N 50° W;distance 84 miles; longitude made, by account, 5° 37´ W. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 6. ]

Our supper, breakfast, and dinner, consisted of a quarter of a pint ofcocoa-nut milk, and the meat, which did not exceed two ounces to eachperson: it was received very contentedly, but we suffered great drought. I dared not to land, as we had no arms, and were less capable to defendourselves than we were at Tofoa. 

To keep an account of the boat's run was rendered difficult, from beingconstantly wet with the sea breaking over us; but, as we advancedtowards the land, the sea became smoother, and I was enabled to form asketch of the islands, which will serve to give a general knowledge oftheir extent. Those I have been near are fruitful and hilly, some verymountainous, and all of a good height. 

To our great joy we hooked a fish, but we were miserably disappointed byits being lost in getting into the boat. 

[Sidenote: Thursday 7. ]

Thursday, 7th May. Variable weather and cloudy, wind north-easterly, andcalms. I continued my course to the N W, between the islands, which, bythe evening, appeared of considerable extent, woody and mountainous. Atsun-set the southernmost bore from S to S W by W, and the northernmostfrom N by W 1/2 W to N E 1/2 E. At six o'clock I was nearly mid-waybetween them, and about 6 leagues distant from each shore, when I fellin with a coral bank, where I had only four feet water, without theleast break on it, or ruffle of the sea to give us warning. I could onlysee that it extended about a mile on each side of us; but, as it isprobable that it extends much farther, I have laid it down so in mysketch. 

I now directed my course W by N for the night, and served to each personan ounce of the damaged bread, and a quarter of a pint of water, forsupper. 

[Sidenote: 1789. May 7. ]

It may readily be supposed, that our lodgings were very miserable andconfined, and I had only in my power to remedy the latter defect byputting ourselves at watch and watch; so that one half always sat upwhile the other lay down on the boat's bottom, or upon a chest, withnothing to cover us but the heavens. Our limbs were dreadfully cramped, for we could not stretch them out, and the nights were so cold, and weso constantly wet, that after a few hours sleep we could scarce move. 

At dawn of day we again discovered land from W S W to W N W, and anotherisland N N W, the latter a high round lump of but little extent; and Icould see the southern land that I had passed in the night. Being verywet and cold, I served a spoonful of rum and a morsel of bread forbreakfast. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 7. ]

As I advanced towards the land in the west, it appeared in a variety offorms; some extraordinary high rocks, and the country agreeablyinterspersed with high and low land, covered in some places with wood. Off the N E part lay two small rocky islands, between which and theisland to the N E, 4 leagues apart, I directed my course; but a leecurrent very unexpectedly set us very near to the shore, and I couldonly get clear of it by rowing, passing close to the reef thatsurrounded the rocky isles. We now observed two large sailing canoescoming swiftly after us along shore, and, being apprehensive of theirintentions, we rowed with some anxiety, being sensible of our weak anddefenceless state. It was now noon, calm and cloudy weather, my latitudeis therefore doubtful to 3 or 4 miles; my course since yesterday noon N56 W, distance 79 miles; latitude by account, 16° 29´ S, and longitudeby account, from Tofoa, 6° 46´ W. Being constantly wet, it was with theutmost difficulty I could open a book to write, and I am sensible thatwhat I have done can only serve to point out where these lands are tobe found again, and give an idea of their extent. 

[Sidenote: Friday 8. ]

Friday, 8th May. All the afternoon the weather was very rainy, attendedwith thunder and lightning. Wind N N E. 

Only one of the canoes gained upon us, and by three o'clock in theafternoon was not more than two miles off, when she gave over chase. 

If I may judge from the sail of the vessels, they are the same as at theFriendly Islands, and the nearness of their situation leaves little roomto doubt of their being the same kind of people. Whether these canoeshad any hostile intention against us is a matter of doubt; perhaps wemight have benefited by an intercourse with them, but in our defencelesssituation it would have been risking too much to make the experiment. 

I imagine these to be the islands called Feejee, as their extent, direction, and distance from the Friendly Islands, answers to thedescription given of them by those Islanders. Heavy rain came on at fouro'clock, when every person did their utmost to catch some water, and weincreased our stock to 34 gallons, besides quenching our thirst for thefirst time since we had been at sea; but an attendant consequence madeus pass the night very miserably, for, being extremely wet, and no drythings to shift or cover us, we experienced cold and shiverings scarceto be conceived. Most fortunately for us, the forenoon turned out fair, and we stripped and dried our cloaths. The allowance I issued to-day, was an ounce and a half of pork, a tea-spoonful of rum, half a pint ofcocoa-nut milk, and an ounce of bread. The rum, though so small inquantity, was of the greatest service. A fishing-line was generallytowing, and we saw great numbers of fish, but could never catch one. 

At noon, I observed, in latitude 16° 4´ S, and found I had made acourse, from yesterday noon, N 62° W, distance 62 miles; longitude, byaccount, from Tofoa, 7° 42´ W. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 8. ]

The land I passed yesterday, and the day before, is a group of islands, 14 or 16 in number, lying between the latitude of 16° 26´ S and 17° 57´S, and in longitude, by my account, 4° 47´ to 7° 17´ W from Tofoa; threeof these islands are very large, having from 30 to 40 leagues ofsea-coast. 

[Sidenote: Saturday 9. ]

Saturday, 9th May. Fine weather, and light winds from the N E to E by S. 

This afternoon we cleaned out the boat, and it employed us till sun-setto get every thing dry and in order. Hitherto I had issued the allowanceby guess, but I now got a pair of scales, made with two cocoa-nutshells; and, having accidentally some pistol-balls in the boat, 25[*] ofwhich weighed one pound, or 16 ounces, I adopted one, as the proportionof weight that each person should receive of bread at the times I servedit. I also amused all hands, with describing the situation of New Guineaand New Holland, and gave them every information in my power, that incase any accident happened to me, those who survived might have someidea of what they were about, and be able to find their way to Timor, which at present they knew nothing of, more than the name, and some notthat. 

[*] It weighed 272 grains. 

At night I served a quarter of a pint of water, and half an ounce ofbread, for supper. In the morning, a quarter of a pint of cocoa-nutmilk, and some of the decayed bread, for breakfast; and for dinner, Idivided the meat of four cocoa-nuts, with the remainder of the rottenbread, which was only eatable by such distressed people. 

At noon, I observed the latitude to be 15° 47´ S; course since yesterdayN 75° W; distant 64 miles; longitude made, by account, 8° 45´ W. 

[Sidenote: 1789 MAY 10. ]

[Sidenote: Sunday 10. ]

Sunday, May the 10th. The first part of this day fine weather; but aftersun-set it became squally, with hard rain, thunder, and lightning, and afresh gale; wind E by S, S E, and S S E. 

In the afternoon I got fitted a pair of shrouds for each mast andcontrived a canvass weather cloth round the boat, and raised thequarters about nine inches, by nailing on the seats of the stern sheets, which proved of great benefit to us. 

About nine o'clock in the evening, the clouds began to gather, and wehad a prodigious fall of rain, with severe thunder and lightning. Bymidnight we had caught about twenty gallons of water. Being miserablywet and cold, I served to each person a tea-spoonful of rum, to enablethem to bear with their distressed situation. The weather continuedextremely bad, and the wind increased; we spent a very miserable night, without sleep, but such as could be got in the midst of rain. The daybrought us no relief but its light. The sea was constantly breaking overus, which kept two persons baling; and we had no choice how to steer, for we were obliged to keep before the waves to avoid filling the boat. 

The allowance which I now regularly served to each person was one 25thof a pound of bread, and a quarter of a pint of water, at sun-set, eightin the morning, and at noon. To-day I gave about half an ounce of porkfor dinner, which, though any moderate person would have considered buta mouthful, was divided into three or four. 

The rain abated towards noon, and I observed the latitude to be 15° 17´S; course N 67° W; distance 78 miles; longitude made 10° W. 

[Sidenote: Monday 11. ]

Monday, May the 11th. Strong gales from S S E to S E, and very squallyweather, with a high breaking sea, so that we were miserably wet, andsuffered great cold in the night. In the morning at day-break I servedto every person a tea-spoonful of rum, our limbs being so cramped thatwe could scarce feel the use of them. Our situation was now extremelydangerous, the sea frequently running over our stern, which kept usbaling with all our strength. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 11. ]

At noon the sun appeared, which gave us as much pleasure as in awinter's day in England. I issued the 25th of a pound of bread, and aquarter of a pint of water, as yesterday. Latitude observed 14° 50´ S;course N 71° W; distance 102 miles; and longitude, by account, 11° 39´W. From Tofoa. 

[Sidenote: Tuesday 12. ]

Tuesday, May the 12th. Strong gales at S E, with much rain and darkdismal weather, moderating towards noon and wind varying to the N E. 

Having again experienced a dreadful night, the day showed to me a poormiserable set of beings full of wants, without any thing to relievethem. Some complained of a great pain in their bowels, and all of havingbut very little use of their limbs. What sleep we got was scarcerefreshing, we being covered with sea and rain. Two persons were obligedto be always baling the water out of the boat. I served a spoonful ofrum at day-dawn, and the usual allowance of bread and water, for supper, breakfast, and dinner. 

At noon it was almost calm, no sun to be seen, and some of us shiveringwith cold. Course since yesterday W by N; distance 89 miles; latitude, by account, 14° 33´ S; longitude made 13° 9´ W. The direction of mycourse is to pass to the northward of the New Hebrides. 

[Sidenote: Wednesday 13. ]

Wednesday, May the 13th. Very squally weather, wind southerly. As I sawno prospect of getting our cloaths dried, I recommended it to every oneto strip, and wring them through the salt water, by which means theyreceived a warmth, that, while wet with rain, they could not have, andwe were less liable to suffer from colds or rheumatic complaints. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 13. ]

In the afternoon we saw a kind of fruit on the water, which Mr. Nelsonknew to be the Barringtonia of Forster, and, as I saw the same again inthe morning, and some men of war birds, I was led to believe we were notfar from land. 

We continued constantly shipping seas, and baling, and were very wet andcold in the night; but I could not afford the allowance of rum atday-break. The twenty-fifth of a pound of bread, and water I served asusual. At noon I had a sight of the sun, latitude 14° 17´ S; course W byN 79 miles; longitude made 14° 28´ W. 

[Sidenote: Thursday 14. ]

Thursday, May the 14th. Fresh breezes and cloudy weather, windsoutherly. Constantly shipping water, and very wet, suffering much coldand shiverings in the night. Served the usual allowance of bread andwater, three times a day. 

At six in the morning, we saw land, from S W by S eight leagues, to N Wby W 3/4 W six leagues, which I soon after found to be four islands, allof them high and remarkable. At noon discovered a rocky island N W by Nfour leagues, and another island W eight leagues, so that the whole weresix in number; the four I had first seen bearing from S 1/2 E to S W byS; our distance three leagues from the nearest island. My latitudeobserved was 13° 29´ S, and longitude, by account, from Tofoa, 15° 49´W; course since yesterday noon N 63° W; distance 89 miles. 

[Sidenote: Friday 15. ]

Friday, May the 15th. Fresh gales at S E, and gloomy weather with rain, and a very high sea; two people constantly employed baling. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 15. ]

At four in the afternoon I passed the westernmost island. At one in themorning I discovered another, bearing W N W, five leagues distance, andat eight o'clock I saw it for the last time, bearing N E seven leagues. A number of gannets, boobies, and men of war birds were seen. 

These islands lie between the latitude of 13° 16´ S and 14° 10´ S: theirlongitude, according to my reckoning, 15° 51´ to 17° 6´ W from theisland Tofoa[*]. The largest island may be twenty leagues in circuit, the others five or six. The easternmost is the smallest island, and mostremarkable, having a high sugar-loaf hill. 

[*] By making a proportional allowance for the error afterwards found inthe dead reckoning, I estimate the longitude of these islands to be from167° 17´ E to 168° 34´ E from Greenwich. 

The sight of these islands served but to increase the misery of oursituation. We were very little better than starving, with plenty inview; yet to attempt procuring any relief was attended with so muchdanger, that prolonging of life, even in the midst of misery, wasthought preferable, while there remained hopes of being able to surmountour hardships. For my own part, I consider the general run of cloudy andwet weather to be a blessing of Providence. Hot weather would havecaused us to have died with thirst; and perhaps being so constantlycovered with rain or sea protected us from that dreadful calamity. 

As I had nothing to assist my memory, I could not determine whetherthese islands were a part of the New Hebrides or not: I believed themperfectly a new discovery, which I have since found to be the case; but, though they were not seen either by Monsieur Bougainville or CaptainCook, they are so nearly in the neighbourhood of the New Hebrides, thatthey must be considered as part of the same group. They are fertile, andinhabited, as I saw smoke in several places. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 16. ]

[Sidenote: Saturday 16. ]

Saturday, May the 16th. Fresh gales from the S E, and rainy weather. Thenight was very dark, not a star to be seen to steer by, and the seabreaking constantly over us. I found it necessary to act as much aspossible against the southerly winds, to prevent being driven too nearNew Guinea; for in general we were forced to keep so much before thesea, that if we had not, at intervals of moderate weather, steered amore southerly course, we should inevitably, from a continuance of thegales, have been thrown in sight of that coast: in which case therewould most probably have been an end to our voyage. 

In addition to our miserable allowance of one 25th of a pound of bread, and a quarter of a pint of water, I issued for dinner about an ounce ofsalt pork to each person. I was often solicited for this pork, but Iconsidered it better to give it in small quantities than to use all atonce or twice, which would have been done if I had allowed it. 

At noon I observed, in 13° 33´ S; longitude made from Tofoa, 19° 27´ W;course N 82° W; distance 101 miles. The sun gave us hopes of drying ourwet cloaths. 

[Sidenote: Sunday 17. ]

Sunday, May the 17th. The sunshine was but of short duration. We hadstrong breezes at S E by S, and dark gloomy weather, with storms ofthunder, lightning, and rain. The night was truly horrible, and not astar to be seen; so that our steerage was uncertain. At dawn of day Ifound every person complaining, and some of them soliciting extraallowance; but I positively refused it. Our situation was extremelymiserable; always wet, and suffering extreme cold in the night, withoutthe least shelter from the weather. Being constantly obliged to bale, tokeep the boat from filling, was, perhaps, not to be reckoned an evil, asit gave us exercise. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 17. ]

The little rum I had was of great service to us; when our nights wereparticularly distressing, I generally served a tea-spoonful or two toeach person: and it was always joyful tidings when they heard of myintentions. 

At noon a water-spout was very near on board of us. I issued an ounce ofpork, in addition to the allowance of bread and water; but before webegan to eat, every person stript and wrung their cloaths through thesea-water, which we found warm and refreshing. Course since yesterdaynoon W S W; distance 100 miles; latitude, by account, 14° 11´ S, andlongitude made 21° 3´ W. 

[Sidenote: Monday 18. ]

Monday, May the 18th. Fresh gales with rain, and a dark dismal night, wind S E; the sea constantly breaking over us, and nothing but the windand sea to direct our steerage. I now fully determined to make NewHolland, to the southward of Endeavour straits, sensible that it wasnecessary to preserve such a situation as would make a southerly wind afair one; that I might range the reefs until an opening should be foundinto smooth water, and we the sooner be able to pick up somerefreshments. 

In the morning the rain abated, when we stripped, and wrung our cloathsthrough the sea-water, as usual, which refreshed us wonderfully. Everyperson complained of violent pain in their bones: I was only surprisedthat no one was yet laid up. Served one 25th of a pound of bread, and aquarter of a pint of water, at supper, breakfast, and dinner, ascustomary. 

At noon I deduced my situation, by account, for we had no glimpse of thesun, to be in latitude 14° 52´ S; course since yesterday noon W S W 106miles; longitude made from Tofoa 22° 45´ W. Saw many boobies andnoddies, a sign of being in the neighbourhood of land. 

[Sidenote: 1789. May 19. Tuesday 19. ]

Tuesday, May the 19th. Fresh gales at E N E, with heavy rain, and darkgloomy weather, and no sight of the sun. We past this day miserably wetand cold, covered with rain and sea, from which we had no relief, but atintervals by pulling off our cloaths and wringing them through the seawater. In the night we had very severe lightning, but otherwise it wasso dark that we could not see each other. The morning produced manycomplaints on the severity of the weather, and I would gladly haveissued my allowance of rum, if it had not appeared to me that we were tosuffer much more, and that it was necessary to preserve the little Ihad, to give relief at a time we might be less able to bear suchhardships; but, to make up for it, I served out about half an ounce ofpork to each person, with the common allowance of bread and water, fordinner. All night and day we were obliged to bale without intermission. 

At noon it was very bad weather and constant rain; latitude, by account, 14° 37´ S; course since yesterday N 81° W; distance 100 miles; longitudemade 24° 30´ W. 

[Sidenote: Wednesday 20. ]

Wednesday, May the 20th. Fresh breezes E N E with constant rain; attimes a deluge. Always baling. 

[Sidenote: 1789. May 20. ]

At dawn of day, some of my people seemed half dead: our appearances werehorrible; and I could look no way, but I caught the eye of some one indistress. Extreme hunger was now too evident, but no one suffered fromthirst, nor had we much inclination to drink, that desire, perhaps, being satisfied through the skin. The little sleep we got was in themidst of water, and we constantly awoke with severe cramps and pains inour bones. This morning I served about two tea-spoonfuls of rum to eachperson, and the allowance of bread and water, as usual. At noon the sunbroke out, and revived every one. I found we were in latitude 14° 49´S; longitude made 25° 46´ W; course S 88° W; distance 75 miles. 

[Sidenote: Thursday 21. ]

Thursday, May the 21st. Fresh gales, and heavy showers of rain. Wind E NE. 

Our distresses were now very great, and we were so covered with rain andsalt water, that we could scarcely see. Sleep, though we longed for it, afforded no comfort: for my own part, I almost lived without it: wesuffered extreme cold, and every one dreaded the approach of night. About two o'clock in the morning we were overwhelmed with a deluge ofrain. It fell so heavy that we were afraid it would fill the boat, andwere obliged to bale with all our might. At dawn of day, I served alarge allowance of rum. Towards noon the rain abated and the sun shone, but we were miserably cold and wet, the sea breaking so constantly overus, that, notwithstanding the heavy rain, we had not been able to add toour stock of fresh water. The usual allowance of one 25th of a pound ofbread and water was served at evening, morning, and noon. Latitude, byobservation, 14° 29´ S, and longitude made, by account, from Tofoa, 27°25´ W; course, since yesterday noon, N 78° W, 99 miles. I now consideredmyself on a meridian with the east part of New Guinea, and about 65leagues distant from the coast of New Holland. 

[Sidenote: Friday 22. ]

Friday, May the 22nd. Strong gales from E S E to S S E, a high sea, anddark dismal night. 

Our situation this day was extremely calamitous. We were obliged to takethe course of the sea, running right before it, and watching with theutmost care, as the least error in the helm would in a moment have beenour destruction. The sea was continually breaking all over us; but, aswe suffered not such cold as when wet with the rain, I only served thecommon allowance of bread and water. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 22. ]

At noon it blew very hard, and the foam of the sea kept running over ourstern and quarters; I however got propped up, and made an observation ofthe latitude, in 14° 17´ S; course N 85° W; distance 130 miles;longitude made 29° 38´ west. 

[Sidenote: Saturday 23. ]

Saturday, May the 23d. Strong gales with very hard squalls, and rain;wind S E, and S S E. 

The misery we suffered this day exceeded the preceding. The night wasdreadful. The sea flew over us with great force, and kept us baling withhorror and anxiety. At dawn of day I found every one in a mostdistressed condition, and I now began to fear that another such a nightwould put an end to the lives of several who seemed no longer able tosupport such sufferings. Every one complained of severe pains in theirbones; but these were alleviated, in some degree, by an allowance of twotea-spoonfuls of rum; after drinking which, having wrung our cloaths, and taken our breakfast of bread and water, we became a littlerefreshed. 

Towards noon it became fair weather; but with very little abatement ofthe gale, and the sea remained equally high. With great difficulty Iobserved the latitude to be 13° 44´ S; course N 74° W; distance 116miles since yesterday; longitude made 31° 32´ W from Tofoa. 

[Sidenote: Sunday 24. ]

Sunday, May the 24th. Fresh gales and fine weather; wind S S E and S. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 24. ]

Towards the evening the weather looked much better, which rejoiced allhands, so that they eat their scanty allowance with more satisfactionthan for some time past. The night also was fair; but, being always wetwith the sea, we suffered much from the cold. A fine morning, I had thepleasure to see, produce some chearful countenances. Towards noon theweather improved, and, the first time for 15 days past, we found alittle warmth from the sun. We stripped, and hung our cloaths up to dry, which were by this time become so thread-bare, that they would not keepout either wet or cold. 

At noon I observed in latitude 13° 33´ S; longitude, by account, fromTofoa 33° 28´ W; course N 84° W; distance 114 miles. With the usualallowance of bread and water for dinner, I served an ounce of pork toeach person. 

[Sidenote: Monday 25. ]

Monday, May the 25th. Fresh gales and fair weather. Wind S S E. 

This afternoon we had many birds about us, which are never seen far fromland, such as boobies and noddies. 

[Sidenote: Allowance lessened. ]

About three o'clock the sea began to run fair, and we shipped but littlewater, I therefore determined to know the exact quantity of bread I hadleft; and on examining found, according to my present issues, sufficientfor 29 days allowance. In the course of this time I hoped to be atTimor; but, as that was very uncertain, and perhaps after all we mightbe obliged to go to Java, I determined to proportion my issues to sixweeks. I was apprehensive that this would be ill received, and that itwould require my utmost resolution to enforce it; for, small as thequantity was which I intended to take away, for our future good, yet itmight appear to my people like robbing them of life, and some, who wereless patient than their companions, I expected would very ill brook it. I however represented it so essentially necessary to guard againstdelays in our voyage by contrary winds, or other causes, promising toenlarge upon the allowance as we got on, that it was readily agreed to. I therefore fixed, that every person should receive one 25th of a poundof bread for breakfast, and one 25th of a pound for dinner; so that byomitting the proportion for supper, I had 43 days allowance. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 25. ]

At noon some noddies came so near to us, that one of them was caught byhand. This bird is about the size of a small pigeon. I divided it, withits entrails, into 18 portions, and by the method of, Who shall havethis[*]? it was distributed with the allowance of bread and water fordinner, and eat up bones and all, with salt water for sauce. I observedthe latitude 13° 32´ S; longitude made 35° 19´ W; and course N 89° W;distance 108 miles. 

[*] One person turns his back on the object that is to be divided:another then points separately to the portions, at each of them askingaloud, "Who shall have this?" to which the first answers by namingsomebody. This impartial method of division gives every man an equalchance of the best share. 

[Sidenote: Tuesday 26. ]

Tuesday, May the 26th. Fresh gales at S S E, and fine weather. 

In the evening we saw several boobies flying so near to us, that wecaught one of them by hand. This bird is as large as a good duck; likethe noddy, it has received its name from seamen, for suffering itself tobe caught on the masts and yards of ships. They are the most presumptiveproofs of being in the neighbourhood of land of any sea-fowl we areacquainted with. I directed the bird to be killed for supper, and theblood to be given to three of the people who were the most distressedfor want of food. The body, with the entrails, beak, and feet, I dividedinto 18 shares, and with an allowance of bread, which I made a merit ofgranting, we made a good supper, compared with our usual fare. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 26. ]

In the morning we caught another booby, so that Providence seemed to berelieving our wants in a very extraordinary manner. Towards noon wepassed a great many pieces of the branches of trees, some of whichappeared to have been no long time in the water. I had a goodobservation for the latitude, and found my situation to be in 13° 41´S; my longitude, by account, from Tofoa, 37° 13´ W; course S 85° W, 112miles. Every person was now overjoyed at the addition to their dinner, which I distributed as I had done in the evening; giving the blood tothose who were the most in want of food. 

To make our bread a little savoury we frequently dipped it in saltwater; but for my own part I generally broke mine into small pieces, andeat it in my allowance of water, out of a cocoa-nut shell, with a spoon, economically avoiding to take too large a piece at a time, so that I wasas long at dinner as if it had been a much more plentiful meal. 

[Sidenote: Wednesday 27. ]

Wednesday, May the 27th. Fresh breezes south-easterly, and fine weather. 

The weather was now serene, but unhappily we found ourselves unable tobear the sun's heat; many of us suffering a languor and faintness, whichmade life indifferent. We were, however, so fortunate as to catch twoboobies to-day; their stomachs contained several flying-fish and smallcuttlefish, all of which I saved to be divided for dinner. 

We passed much drift wood, and saw many birds; I therefore did nothesitate to pronounce that we were near the reefs of New Holland, andassured every one I would make the coast without delay, in the parallelwe were in, and range the reef till I found an opening, through which wemight get into smooth water, and pick up some supplies. From myrecollection of captain Cook's survey of this coast, I considered thedirection of it to be N W, and I was therefore satisfied that, with thewind to the southward of E, I could always clear any dangers. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 27. ]

At noon I observed in latitude 13° 26´ S; course since yesterday N 82°W; distance 109 miles; longitude made 39° 4´ W. After writing myaccount, I divided the two birds with their entrails, and the contentsof their maws, into 18 portions, and, as the prize was a very valuableone, it was divided as before, by calling out Who shall have this? sothat to-day, with the allowance of a 25th of a pound of bread atbreakfast, and another at dinner, with the proportion of water, I washappy to see that every person thought he had feasted. 

[Sidenote: Thursday 28. ]

Thursday, May the 28th. Fresh breezes and fair weather; wind E S E andE. 

In the evening we saw a gannet; and the clouds remained so fixed in thewest, that I had little doubt of our being near to New Holland; andevery person, after taking his allowance of water for supper, began todivert himself with conversing on the probability of what we shouldfind. 

At one in the morning the person at the helm heard the sound ofbreakers, and I no sooner lifted up my head, than I saw them close underour lee, not more than a quarter of a mile distant from us. Iimmediately hauled on a wind to the N N E, and in ten minutes time wecould neither see nor hear them. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 28. ]

I have already mentioned my reason for making New Holland so far to thesouthward; for I never doubted of numerous openings in the reef, throughwhich I could have access to the shore: and, knowing the inclination ofthe coast to be to the N W, and the wind mostly to the southward of E, Icould with ease range such a barrier of reefs till I should find apassage, which now became absolutely necessary, without a moment's lossof time. The idea of getting into smooth water, and findingrefreshments, kept my people's spirits up: their joy was very greatafter we had got clear of the breakers, to which we had been muchnearer than I thought was possible to be before we saw them. 

In the morning, at day-light, I bore away again for the reefs, and sawthem by nine o'clock. The sea broke furiously over every part, and I hadno sooner got near to them, than the wind came at E, so that we couldonly lie along the line of the breakers, within which we saw the waterso smooth, that every person already anticipated the heart-feltsatisfaction he would receive, as soon as we could get within them. ButI now found we were embayed, for I could not lie clear with my sails, the wind having backed against us, and the sea set in so heavy towardsthe reef that our situation was become dangerous. We could effect butlittle with the oars, having scarce strength to pull them; and it wasbecoming every minute more and more probable that we should be obligedto attempt pushing over the reef, in case we could not pull off. Eventhis I did not despair of effecting with success, when happily wediscovered a break in the reef, about one mile from us, and at the sametime an island of a moderate height within it, nearly in the samedirection, bearing W 1/2 N. I entered the passage with a strong streamrunning to the westward; and found it about a quarter of a mile broad, with every appearance of deep water. 

On the outside, the reef inclined to the N E for a few miles, and fromthence to the N W; on the south side of the entrance, it inclined to theS S W as far as I could see it; and I conjecture that a similar passageto this which we now entered, may be found near the breakers that Ifirst discovered, which are 23 miles S of this channel. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 28. ]

I did not recollect what latitude Providential channel[*] lies in, butI considered it to be within a few miles of this, which is situate in12° 51´ S latitude. 

[*] Providential Channel is in 12° 34´ S, longitude 143° 33´ E. 

Being now happily within the reefs, and in smooth water, I endeavouredto keep near them to try for fish; but the tide set us to the N W; Itherefore bore away in that direction, and, having promised to land onthe first convenient spot we could find, all our past hardships seemedalready to be forgotten. 

At noon I had a good observation, by which our latitude was 12° 46´ S, whence the foregoing situations may be considered as determined withsome exactness. The island first seen bore W S W five leagues. This, which I have called the island Direction, will in fair weather alwaysshew the channel, from which it bears due W, and may be seen as soon asthe reefs, from a ship's mast-head: it lies in the latitude of 12° 51´S. These, however, are marks too small for a ship to hit, unless it canhereafter be ascertained that passages through the reef are numerousalong the coast, which I am inclined to think they are, and then therewould be little risk if the wind was not directly on the shore. 

My longitude, made by dead reckoning, from the island Tofoa to ourpassage through the reef, is 40° 10´ W. Providential channel, I imagine, must lie very nearly under the same meridian with our passage; by whichit appears we had out-run our reckoning 1° 9´. 

We now returned God thanks for his gracious protection, and with muchcontent took our miserable allowance of a 25th of a pound of bread, anda quarter of a pint of water, for dinner. 

[Sidenote: Friday 29. ]

Friday, May the 29th. Moderate breezes and fine weather, wind E S E. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 29. ]

As we advanced within the reefs, the coast began to shew itself verydistinctly, with a variety of high and low land; some parts of whichwere covered with wood. In our way towards the shore we fell in with apoint of a reef, which is connected with that towards the sea, and hereI came to a grapnel, and tried to catch fish, but had no success. Theisland Direction now bore S three or four leagues. Two islands lay aboutfour miles to the W by N, and appeared eligible for a resting-place, ifnothing more; but on my approach to the first I found it only a heap ofstones, and its size too inconsiderable to shelter the boat. I thereforeproceeded to the next, which was close to it and towards the main, where, on the N W side, I found a bay and a fine sandy point to land at. Our distance was about a quarter of a mile from a projecting part of themain, bearing from S W by S, to N N W 3/4 W. I now landed to examine ifthere were any signs of the natives being near us; but though Idiscovered some old fire-places, I saw nothing to alarm me for oursituation during the night. Every one was anxious to find something toeat, and I soon heard that there were oysters on the rocks, for the tidewas out; but it was nearly dark, and only a few could be gathered. Idetermined therefore to wait till the morning, to know how to proceed, and I consented that one half of us should sleep on shore, and the otherin the boat. We would gladly have made a fire, but, as we could notaccomplish it, we took our rest for the night, which happily was calmand undisturbed. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 29. ]

The dawn of day brought greater strength and spirits to us than Iexpected; for, notwithstanding every one was very weak, there appearedstrength sufficient remaining to make me conceive the most favourablehopes of our being able to surmount the difficulties we might yet haveto encounter. 

As soon as I saw that there were not any natives immediately near us, Isent out parties in search of supplies, while others were putting theboat in order, that I might be ready to go to sea in case any unforeseencause might make it necessary. The first object of this work, thatdemanded our attention, was the rudder: one of the gudgeons had comeout, in the course of the night, and was lost. This, if it had happenedat sea, would probably have been the cause of our perishing, as themanagement of the boat could not have been so nicely preserved as thesevery heavy seas required. I had often expressed my fears of thisaccident, and, that we might be prepared for it, had taken theprecaution to have grummets fixed on each quarter of the boat for oars;but even our utmost readiness in using them, I fear, would not havesaved us. It appears, therefore, a providential circumstance, that ithappened at this place, and was in our power to remedy the defect; forby great good luck we found a large staple in the boat that answered thepurpose. 

The parties were now returned, highly rejoiced at having found plenty ofoysters and fresh water. I also had made a fire, by help of a smallmagnifying glass, that I always carried about me, to read off thedivisions of my sextants; and, what was still more fortunate, among thefew things which had been thrown into the boat and saved, was a piece ofbrimstone and a tinder-box, so that I secured fire for the future. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 29. ]

One of my people had been so provident as to bring away with him acopper pot: it was by being in possession of this article that I wasenabled to make a proper use of the supply we found, for, with amixture of bread and a little pork, I made a stew that might have beenrelished by people of more delicate appetites, of which each personreceived a full pint. 

The general complaints of disease among us, were a dizziness in thehead, great weakness of the joints, and violent tenesmus, most of ushaving had no evacuation by stool since we left the ship. I hadconstantly a severe pain at my stomach; but none of our complaints werealarming; on the contrary, every one retained marks of strength, that, with a mind possessed of any fortitude, could bear more fatigue than Ihoped we had to undergo in our voyage to Timor. 

As I would not allow the people to expose themselves to the heat of thesun, it being near noon, every one took his allotment of earth, shadedby the bushes, for a short sleep. 

The oysters we found grew so fast to the rocks that it was withdifficulty they could be broke off, and at last we discovered it to bethe most expeditious way to open them where they were found. They werevery sizeable, and well tasted, and gave us great relief. To add to thishappy circumstance, in the hollow of the land there grew some wiregrass, which indicated a moist situation. On forcing a stick, aboutthree feet long, into the ground, we found water, and with littletrouble dug a well, which produced as much as we were in need of. It wasvery good, but I could not determine if it was a spring or not. Ourwants made it not necessary to make the well deep, for it flowed as fastas we emptied it; which, as the soil was apparently too loose to retainwater from the rains, renders it probable to be a spring. It lies about200 yards to the S E of a point in the S W part of the island. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 29. ]

I found evident signs of the natives resorting to this island; for, besides fire-places, I saw two miserable wigwams, having only one sideloosely covered. We found a pointed stick, about three feet long, with aslit in the end of it, to sling stones with, the same as the natives ofVan Diemen's land use. 

The track of some animal was very discernible, and Mr. Nelson agreedwith me that it was the Kanguroo; but how these animals can get from themain I know not, unless brought over by the natives to breed, that theymay take them with more ease, and render a supply of food certain tothem; as on the continent the catching of them may be precarious, orattended with great trouble, in so large an extent of country. 

The island may be about two miles in circuit; it is a high lump of rocksand stones covered with wood; but the trees are small, the soil, whichis very indifferent and sandy, being barely sufficient to produce them. The trees that came within our knowledge were the manchineal and aspecies of purow: also some palm-trees, the tops of which we cut down, and the soft interior part or heart of them was so palatable that itmade a good addition to our mess. Mr. Nelson discovered some fern-roots, which I thought might be good roasted, as a substitute for bread, but itproved a very poor one: it however was very good in its natural state toallay thirst, and on that account I directed a quantity to be collectedto take into the boat. Many pieces of cocoa-nut shells and husk werefound about the shore, but we could find no cocoa-nut trees, neither didI see any like them on the main. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 29. ]

I had cautioned every one not to touch any kind of berry or fruit thatthey might find; yet they were no sooner out of my sight than theybegan to make free with three different kinds, that grew all over theisland, eating without any reserve. The symptoms of having eaten toomuch, began at last to frighten same of them; but on questioning others, who had taken a more moderate allowance, their minds were a littlequieted. The others, however, became equally alarmed in their turn, dreading that such symptoms would come on, and that they were allpoisoned, so that they regarded each other with the strongest marks ofapprehension, uncertain what would be the issue of their imprudence. Happily the fruit proved wholesome and good. One sort grew on a smalldelicate kind of vine; they were the size of a large gooseberry, andvery like in substance, but had only a sweet taste; the skin was a palered, streaked with yellow the long way of the fruit: it was pleasant andagreeable. Another kind grew on bushes, like that which is called thesea-side grape in the West Indies; but the fruit was very different, andmore like elder-berries, growing in clusters in the same manner. Thethird sort was a black berry, not in such plenty as the others, andresembled a bullace, or large kind of sloe, both in size and taste. Seeing these fruits eaten by the birds made me consider them fit foruse, and those who had already tried the experiment, not finding any badeffect, made it a certainty that we might eat of them without danger. 

Wild pigeons, parrots, and other birds, were about the summit of theisland, but, as I had no fire-arms, relief of that kind was not to beexpected, unless I met with some unfrequented spot where we might takethem with our hands. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 29. ]

On the south side of the island, and about half a mile from the well, asmall run of water was found; but, as its source was not traced, I knownothing more of it. 

The shore of this island is very rocky, except the part we landed at, and here I picked up many pieces of pumice-stone. On the part of themain next to us were several sandy bays, but at low-water they became anextensive rocky flat. The country had rather a barren appearance, exceptin a few places where it was covered with wood. A remarkable range ofrocks lay a few miles to the S W, or a high peaked hill terminated thecoast towards the sea, with other high lands and islands to thesouthward. A high fair cape showed the direction of the coast to the NW, about seven leagues, and two small isles lay three or four leagues tothe northward. 

I saw a few bees or wasps, several lizards, and the blackberry busheswere full of ants nests, webbed as a spider's, but so close and compactas not to admit the rain. 

A trunk of a tree, about 50 feet long, lay on the beach; from whence Iconclude a heavy sea runs in here with the northerly winds. 

This being the day of the restoration of king Charles the Second, andthe name not being inapplicable to our present situation (for we wererestored to fresh life and strength), I named this Restoration Island;for I thought it probable that captain Cook might not have taken noticeof it. The other names I have presumed to give the different parts ofthe coast, will be only to show my route a little more distinctly. 

At noon I found the latitude of the island to be 12° 39´ S; our coursehaving been N 66° W; distance 18 miles from yesterday noon. 

[Sidenote: Saturday 30. ]

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 30. ]

Saturday, May the 30th. Very fine weather, and E S E winds. Thisafternoon I sent parties out again to gather oysters, with which andsome of the inner part of the palm-top, we made another good stew forsupper, each person receiving a full pint and a half; but I refusedbread to this meal, for I considered our wants might yet be very great, and as such I represented the necessity of saving our principal supportwhenever it was in our power. 

At night we again divided, and one half of us slept on shore by a goodfire. In the morning I discovered a visible alteration in every one forthe better, and I sent them away again to gather oysters. I had now onlytwo pounds of pork left. This article, which I could not keep under lockand key as I did the bread, had been pilfered by some inconsiderateperson, but every one most solemnly denied it; I therefore resolved toput it out of their power for the future, by sharing what remained forour dinner. While the party was out getting oysters, I got the boat inreadiness for sea, and filled all our water vessels, which amounted tonearly 60 gallons. 

The party being returned, dinner was soon ready, and every one had asgood an allowance as they had for supper; for with the pork I gave anallowance of bread; as I was determined forthwith to push on. As it wasnot yet noon, I told every one that an exertion should be made to gatheras many oysters as possible for a sea store, as I was determined to sailin the afternoon. 

At noon I again observed the latitude 12° 39´ S; it was then high-water, the tide had risen three feet, but I could not be certain which way theflood came from. I deduce the time of high-water at full and change tobe ten minutes past seven in the morning. 

[Sidenote: Sunday 31. ]

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 31. ]

Sunday, May the 31st. Early in the afternoon, the people returned withthe few oysters they had time to pick up, and every thing was put intothe boat. I then examined the quantity of bread remaining, and found 38days allowance, according to the last mode of issuing a 25th of a poundat breakfast and at dinner. 

Fair weather, and moderate breezes at E S E and S E. 

Being all ready for sea, I directed every person to attend prayers, andby four o'clock we were preparing to embark; when twenty nativesappeared, running and holloaing to us, on the opposite shore. They werearmed with a spear or lance, and a short weapon which they carried intheir left hand: they made signs for us to come to them. On the top ofthe hills we saw the heads of many more; whether these were their wivesand children, or others who waited for our landing, until which theymeant not to show themselves, lest we might be intimidated, I cannotsay; but, as I found we were discovered to be on the coast, I thought itprudent to make the best of my way, for fear of canoes; though, from theaccounts of captain Cook, the chance was that there were very few ornone of any consequence. I passed these people as near as I could, whichwas within a quarter of a mile; they were naked, and apparently black, and their hair or wool bushy and short. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 31. ]

I directed my course within two small islands that lie to the north ofRestoration Island, passing between them and the main land, towards FairCape, with a strong tide in my favour; so that I was abreast of it byeight o'clock. The coast I had passed was high and woody. As I could seeno land without Fair Cape, I concluded that the coast inclined to the NW and W N W, which was agreeable to my recollection of captain Cook'ssurvey. I therefore steered more towards the W; but by eleven o'clock atnight I found myself mistaken: for we met with low land, which inclinedto the N E; so that at three o'clock in the morning I found we wereembayed, which obliged us to stand back to the southward. 

At day-break I was exceedingly surprised to find the appearance of thecountry all changed, as if in the course of the night I had beentransported to another part of the world; for we had now a miserable lowsandy coast in view, with very little verdure, or any thing to indicatethat it was at all habitable to a human being, if I except some patchesof small trees or brush-wood. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 31. ]

I had many small islands in view to the N E, about six miles distant. The E part of the main bore N four miles, and Fair Cape S S E five orsix leagues. I took the channel between the nearest island and the mainland, about one mile apart, leaving all the islands on the starboardside. Some of these were very pretty spots, covered with wood, and wellsituated for fishing; large shoals of fish were about us, but we couldnot catch any. As I was passing this strait we saw another party ofIndians, seven in number, running towards us, shouting and making signsfor us to land. Some of them waved green branches of the bushes whichwere near them, as a sign of friendship; but there were some of theirother motions less friendly. A larger party we saw a little farther off, and coming towards us. I therefore determined not to land, though Iwished much to have had some intercourse with these people; for whichpurpose I beckoned to them to come near to me, and laid the boat closeto the rocks; but not one would come within 200 yards of us. They werearmed in the same manner as those I had seen from Restoration Island, were stark naked, and appeared to be jet black, with short bushy hairor wool, and in every respect the same people. An island of good heightnow bore N 1/2 W, four miles from us, at which I resolved to see whatcould be got, and from thence to take a look at the coast. At this isleI landed about eight o'clock in the morning. The shore was rocky, withsome sandy beaches within the rocks: the water, however, was smooth, andI landed without difficulty. I sent two parties out, one to thenorthward, and the other to the southward, to seek for supplies, andothers I ordered to stay by the boat. On this occasion their fatigue andweakness so far got the better of their sense of duty, that some of thembegan to mutter who had done most, and declared they would rather bewithout their dinner than go in search of it. One person, in particular, went so far as to tell me, with a mutinous look, he was as good a man asmyself. It was not possible for me to judge where this might have anend, if not stopped in time; I therefore determined to strike a finalblow at it, and either to preserve my command, or die in the attempt:and, seizing a cutlass, I ordered him to take hold of another and defendhimself; on which he called out I was going to kill him, and began tomake concessions. I did not allow this to interfere further with theharmony of the boat's crew, and every thing soon became quiet. 

The parties continued collecting what could be found, which consisted ofsome fine oysters and clams, and a few small dog-fish that were caughtin the holes of the rocks. We also found about two tons of rain-water inthe hollow of the rocks, on the north part of the island, so that ofthis essential article we were again so happy as not to be in want. 

[Sidenote: 1789. MAY 31. ]

After regulating the mode of proceeding, I set off for the highest partof the island, to see and consider of my route for the night. To mysurprise I could see no more of the main than I did from below, itextending only from S 1/2 E, four miles, to W by N, about three leagues, full of sand-hills. Besides the isles to the E S E and south, that I hadseen before, I could only discover a small key N W by N. As this wasconsiderably farther from the main than where I was at present, Iresolved to get there by night, it being a more secure resting-place;for I was here open to an attack, if the Indians had canoes, as theyundoubtedly observed my landing. My mind being made up on this point, Ireturned, taking a particular look at the spot I was on, which I foundonly to produce a few bushes and coarse grass, and the extent of thewhole not two miles in circuit. On the north side, in a sandy bay, I sawan old canoe, about 33 feet long, lying bottom upwards, and half buriedin the beach. It was made of three pieces, the bottom entire, to whichthe sides were sewed in the common way. It had a sharp projecting prowrudely carved, in resemblance of the head of a fish; the extreme breadthwas about three feet, and I imagine it was capable of carrying 20 men. 

At noon the parties were all returned, but had found difficulty ingathering the oysters, from their close adherence to the rocks, and theclams were scarce: I therefore saw, that it would be of little use toremain longer in this place, as we should not be able to collect morethan we could eat; nor could any tolerable sea-store be expected, unlesswe fell in with a greater plenty. I named this Sunday Island: it lies Nby W 3/4 W from Restoration Island; the latitude, by a good observation, 11° 58´ S. 

[Sidenote: JUNE. Monday 1. ]

Monday, June the 1st. Fresh breezes and fair weather, ending with afresh gale. Wind S E by S. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 1. ]

At two o'clock in the afternoon, we dined; each person having a fullpint and a half of stewed oysters and clams, thickened with small beans, which Mr. Nelson informed us were a species of Dolichos. Having eatenheartily, and taken the water we were in want of, I only waited todetermine the time of high-water, which I found to be at three o'clock, and the rise of the tide about five feet. According to this it ishigh-water on the full and change at 19 minutes past 9 in the morning;but here I observed the flood to come from the southward, though atRestoration Island, I thought it came from the northward. I thinkcaptain Cook mentions that he found great irregularity in the set of theflood on this coast. 

I now sailed for the key which I had seen in the N W by N, giving thename of Sunday Island to the place I left; we arrived just at dark, butfound it so surrounded by a reef of rocks, that I could not land withoutdanger of staving the boat; and on that account I came to a grapnel forthe night. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 1. ]

At dawn of day we got on shore, and tracked the boat into shelter; forthe wind blowing fresh without, and the ground being rocky, I was afraidto trust her at a grapnel, lest she might be blown to sea: I was, therefore, obliged to let her ground in the course of the ebb. Fromappearances, I expected that if we remained till night we should meetwith turtle, as we had already discovered recent tracks of them. Innumerable birds of the noddy kind made this island theirresting-place; so that I had reason to flatter myself with hopes ofgetting supplies in greater abundance than it had hitherto been in mypower. The situation was at least four leagues distant from the main. Wewere on the north-westernmost of four small keys, which were surroundedby a reef of rocks connected by sand-banks, except between the twonorthernmost; and there likewise it was dry at low water; the wholeforming a lagoon island, into which the tide flowed: at this entrance Ikept the boat. 

As usual, I sent parties away in search of supplies, but, to our greatdisappointment, we could only get a few clams and some dolichos: withthese, and the oysters we had brought from Sunday Island, I made up amess for dinner, with an addition of a small quantity of bread. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 1. ]

Towards noon, Mr. Nelson, and his party, who had been to the easternmostkey, returned; but himself in such a weak condition, that he was obligedto be supported by two men. His complaint was a violent heat in hisbowels, a loss of sight, much drought, and an inability to walk. This Ifound was occasioned by his being unable to support the heat of the sun, and that, when he was fatigued and faint, instead of retiring into theshade to rest, he had continued to do more than his strength was equalto. It was a great satisfaction to me to find, that he had no fever; andit was now that the little wine, which I had so carefully saved becameof real use. I gave it in very small quantities, with some small piecesof bread soaked in it; and, having pulled off his cloaths, and laid himunder some shady bushes, he began to recover. The boatswain andcarpenter also were ill, and complained of head-ach, and sickness of thestomach; others, who had not had any evacuation by stool, becameshockingly distressed with the tenesmus; so that there were but fewwithout complaints. An idea now prevailed, that their illness wasoccasioned by eating the dolichos, and some were so much alarmed thatthey thought themselves poisoned. Myself, however, and some others, whohad eaten of them, were yet very well; but the truth was, that all thosewho were complaining, except Mr. Nelson, had gorged themselves with alarge quantity of raw beans, and Mr. Nelson informed me, that they wereconstantly teazing him, whenever a berry was found, to know if it wasgood to eat; so that it would not have been surprizing if many of themhad been really poisoned. 

Our dinner was not so well relished as at Sunday Island, because we hadmixed the dolichos with our stew. The oysters and soup, however, wereeaten by every one, except Mr. Nelson, whom I fed with a few smallpieces of bread soaked in half a glass of wine, and he continued tomend. 

In my walk round the island, I found several cocoa-nut shells, theremains of an old wigwam, and the backs of two turtle, but no sign ofany quadruped. One of my people found three sea-fowl's eggs. 

As is common on such spots, the soil is little other than sand, yet itproduced small toa-trees, and some others, that we were not acquaintedwith. There were fish in the lagoon, but we could not catch any. As ourwants, therefore, were not likely to be supplied here, not even withwater for our daily expence, I determined to sail in the morning, aftertrying our success in the night for turtle and birds. A quiet night'srest also, I conceived, would be of essential service to those who wereunwell. 

From the wigwam and turtle-shell being found, it is certain that thenatives sometimes resort to this place, and have canoes: but I did notapprehend that we ran any risk by remaining here. I directed our fire, however, to be made in the thicket, that we might not be discovered inthe night. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 1. ]

At noon, I observed the latitude of this island to be 11° 47´ S. Themain land extended towards the N W, and was full of white sand-hills:another small island lay within us, bearing W by N 1/4 N, three leaguesdistant. My situation being very low, I could see nothing of the reeftowards the sea. 

[Sidenote: Tuesday 2. ]

Tuesday, June the 2d. The first part of this day we had some lightshowers of rain; the latter part was fair, wind from the S E, blowingfresh. 

Rest was now so much wanted, that the afternoon was advantageously spentin sleep. There were, however, a few not disposed to it, and those Iemployed in dressing some clams to take with us for the next day'sdinner; others we cut up in slices to dry, which I knew was the mostvaluable supply we could find here. But, contrary to our expectation, they were very scarce. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 2. ]

Towards evening, I cautioned every one against making too large a fire, or suffering it after dark to blaze up. Mr. Samuel and Mr. Peckover hadthe superintendence of this business, while I was strolling about thebeach to observe if I thought it could be seen from the main. I was justsatisfied that it could not, when on a sudden the island appeared all ina blaze, that might have been seen at a much more considerable distance. I ran to learn the cause, and found it was occasioned by the imprudenceand obstinacy of one of the party, who, in my absence, had insisted onhaving a fire to himself; in making which the flames caught theneighbouring grass and rapidly spread. This misconduct might haveproduced very serious consequences, by discovering our situation to thenatives; for, if they had attacked us, we must inevitably have fallen asacrifice, as we had neither arms nor strength to oppose an enemy. Thusthe relief which I expected from a little sleep was totally lost, and Ianxiously waited for the flowing of the tide, that we might proceed tosea. 

I found it high-water at half past five this evening, whence I deducethe time, on the full and change of the moon, to be 58' past 10 in themorning: the rise is nearly five feet. I could not observe the set ofthe flood; but imagine it comes from the southward, and that I have beenmistaken at Restoration Island, as I find the time of high-watergradually later as we advance to the northward. 

At Restoration Island, high water, full and change, 7^h 10'Sunday Island, 9 19Here, 10 58

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 2. ]

After eight o'clock, Mr. Samuel and Mr. Peckover went out to watch forturtle, and three men went to the east key to endeavour to catch birds. All the others complaining of being sick, took their rest, except Mr. Hayward and Mr. Elphinston, who I directed to keep watch. About midnightthe bird party returned, with only twelve noddies, a bird I have alreadydescribed to be about the size of a pigeon: but if it had not been forthe folly and obstinacy of one of the party, who separated from theother two, and disturbed the birds, they might have caught a greatnumber. I was so much provoked at my plans being thus defeated, that Igave the offender[*] a good beating. I now went in search of theturtling party, who had taken great pains, but without success. This, however, did not surprise me, as it was not to be expected that turtlewould come near us after the noise which was made at the beginning ofthe evening in extinguishing the fire. I therefore desired them to comeback, but they requested to stay a little longer, as they still hoped tofind some before day-light: they, however, returned by three o'clock, without any reward for their labour. 

[*] Robert Lamb. --This man, when he came to Java, acknowledged he hadeaten nine birds on the key, after he separated from the other two. 

The birds we half dressed, which, with a few clams, made the whole ofthe supply procured here. I tied up a few gilt buttons and some piecesof iron to a tree, for any of the natives that might come after us; and, happily finding my invalids much better for their night's rest, I gotevery one into the boat, and departed by dawn of day. Wind at S E;course to the N by W. 

We had scarcely ran two leagues to the northward, when the sea suddenlybecame rough, which not having experienced since we were within thereefs, I concluded to be occasioned by an open channel to the ocean. Soon afterwards we met with a large shoal, on which were two sandy keys;between these and two others, four miles to the west, I passed on to thenorthward, the sea still continuing to be rough. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 2. ]

Towards noon, I fell in with six other keys, most of which produced somesmall trees and brush-wood. These formed a pleasing contrast with themain land we had passed, which was full of sand-hills. The countrycontinued hilly, and the northernmost land, the same which we saw fromthe lagoon island, appeared like downs, sloping towards the sea. To thesouthward of this is a flat-topped hill, which, on account of its shape, I called Pudding-pan hill, and a little to the northward two otherhills, which we called the Paps; and here was a small tract of countrywithout sand, the eastern part of which forms a cape, whence the coastinclines to the N W by N. 

At noon I observed in the latitude of 11° 18´ S, the cape bearing W, distant ten miles. Five small keys bore from N E to S E, the nearest ofthem about two miles distant, and a low sandy key between us and thecape bore W, distant four miles. My course from the Lagoon Island N 1/2W, distant 30 miles. 

I am sorry it was not in my power to obtain a sufficient knowledge ofthe depth of water; for in our situation nothing could be undertakenthat might have occasioned delay. It may however be understood, that, tothe best of my judgment, from appearances, a ship may pass wherever Ihave omitted to represent danger. 

I divided six birds, and issued one 25th of a pound of bread, with halfa pint of water, to each person for dinner, and I gave half a glass ofwine to Mr. Nelson, who was now so far recovered as to require no otherindulgence. 

The gunner, when he left the ship, brought his watch with him, by whichwe had regulated our time till to-day, when unfortunately it stopped; sothat noon, sun-rise, and sun-set, are the only parts of the 24 hours ofwhich I can speak with certainty, as to time. 

[Sidenote: Wednesday 3. ]

Wednesday, June the 3d. Fresh gales S S E and S E, and fair weather. Aswe stood to the N by W this afternoon, we found more sea, which Iattributed to our receiving less shelter from the reefs to the eastward:it is probable they do not extend so far to the N as this; at least, itmay be concluded that there is not a continued barrier to preventshipping having access to the shore. I observed that the stream set tothe N W, which I considered to be the flood; in some places along thecoast, we saw patches of wood. At five o'clock, steering to the N W, wepassed a large and fair inlet, into which, I imagine, is a safe andcommodious entrance; it lies in latitude 11° S: about three leagues tothe northward of this is an island, at which we arrived about sun-set, and took shelter for the night under a sandy point, which was the onlypart we could land at: I was therefore under the necessity to put upwith rather a wild situation, and slept in the boat. Nevertheless I senta party away to see what could be got, but they returned without anysuccess. They saw a great number of turtle bones and shells, where thenatives had been feasting, and their last visit seemed to be of latedate. The island was covered with wood, but in other respects a lump ofrocks. We lay at a grapnel until day-light, with a very fresh gale andcloudy weather. The main bore from S E by S to N N W 1/2 W, threeleagues; and a mountainous island, with a flat top, N by W, four or fiveleagues: several others were between it and the main. The spot we wereon, which I call Turtle Island; lies in latitude, by account, 10° 52´ S, and 42 miles W from Restoration Island. Abreast of it the coast has theappearance of a sandy desert, but improves about three leagues fartherto the northward, where it terminates in a point, near to which is anumber of small islands. I sailed between these islands, where I foundno bottom at twelve fathoms; the high mountainous island with a flattop, and four rocks to the S E of it, that I call the Brothers, being onmy starboard hand. Soon after, an extensive opening appeared in the mainland, with a number of high islands in it. I called this the Bay ofIslands. We continued steering to the N W. Several islands and keys layto the northward. The most northerly island was mountainous, having onit a very high round hill; and a smaller was remarkable for a singlepeaked hill. 

The coast to the northward and westward of the Bay of Islands had a verydifferent appearance from that to the southward. It was high and woody, with many islands close to it, and had a very broken appearance. Amongthese islands are fine bays, and convenient places for shipping. Thenorthernmost I call Wednesday Island: to the N W of this we fell in witha large reef, which I believe joins a number of keys that were in sightfrom the N W to the E N E. We now stood to the S W half a league, whenit was noon, and I had a good observation of the latitude in 10° 31´ S. Wednesday Island bore E by S five miles; the westernmost land S W two orthree leagues; the islands to the northward, from N W by W four or fiveleagues, to N E six leagues; and the reef from W to N E, distant onemile, I now assured every one that we should be clear of New Holland inthe afternoon. 

It is impossible for me to say how far this reef may extend. It may be acontinuation, or a detached part of the range of shoals that surroundthe coast: but be that as it may, I consider the mountainous islands asseparate from the shoals; and have no doubt that near them may be foundgood passages for ships. But I rather recommend to those who are to passthis strait from the eastward, to take their direction from the coast ofNew Guinea: yet, I likewise think that a ship coming from the southward, will find a fair strait in the latitude of 10° S. I much wished to haveascertained this point; but in our distressful situation, any increaseof fatigue, or loss of time, might have been attended with the mostfatal consequences. I therefore determined to pass on without delay. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 3. ]

As an addition to our dinner of bread and water, I served to each personsix oysters. 

[Sidenote: Thursday 4. ]

Thursday, June the 4th. A fresh gale at S E, and fair weather. 

At two o'clock as we were steering to the S W, towards the westernmostpart of the land in sight, we fell in with some large sand-banks thatrun off from the coast. We were therefore obliged to steer to thenorthward again, and, having got round them, I directed my course to theW. 

At four o'clock, the westernmost of the islands to the northward bore Nfour leagues; Wednesday island E by N five leagues; and Shoal Cape S E byE two leagues. A small island was now seen bearing W, at which I arrivedbefore dark, and found that it was only a rock, where boobies resort, for which reason I called it Booby Island. A small key also lies closeto the W part of the coast, which I have called Shoal Cape. Hereterminated the rocks and shoals of the N part of New Holland, for, except Booby Island, we could see no land to the westward of S, afterthree o'clock this afternoon. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 4. ]

I find that Booby Island was seen by Captain Cook, and, by a remarkablecoincidence of ideas, received from him the same name; but I cannot withcertainty reconcile the situation of many parts of the coast that I haveseen, to his survey. I ascribe this to the very different form in whichland appears, when seen from the unequal heights of a ship and a boat. The chart I have given, is by no means meant to supersede that made byCaptain Cook, who had better opportunities than I had, and was in everyrespect properly provided for surveying. The intention of mine ischiefly to render the narrative more intelligible, and to shew in whatmanner the coast appeared to me from an open boat. I have little doubtthat the opening, which I named the Bay of Islands, is EndeavourStraits; and that our track was to the northward of Prince of Wales'sIsles. Perhaps, by those who shall hereafter navigate these seas, moreadvantage may be derived from the possession of both our charts, thanfrom either singly. 

At eight o'clock in the evening, we once more launched into the openocean. Miserable as our situation was in every respect, I was secretlysurprised to see that it did not appear to affect any one so strongly asmyself; on the contrary, it seemed as if they had embarked on a voyageto Timor, in a vessel sufficiently calculated for safety andconvenience. So much confidence gave me great pleasure, and I may assertthat to this cause their preservation is chiefly to be attributed; forif any one of them had despaired, he would most probably have diedbefore we reached New Holland. 

I now gave every one hopes that eight or ten days might bring us to aland of safety; and, after praying to God for a continuance of his mostgracious protection, I served an allowance of water for supper, and keptmy course to the W S W, to counteract the southerly winds, in case theyshould blow strong. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 4. ]

We had been just six days on the coast of New Holland, in the course ofwhich we found oysters, a few clams, some birds, and water. But perhapsa benefit nearly equal to this we received from not having fatigue inthe boat, and enjoying good rest at night. These advantages certainlypreserved our lives; for, small as the supply was, I am very sensiblehow much it relieved our distresses. About this time nature would havesunk under the extremes of hunger and fatigue. Some would have ceased tostruggle for a life that only promised wretchedness and misery; whileothers, though possessed of more bodily strength, must soon havefollowed their unfortunate companions. Even in our present situation, wewere most wretched spectacles; yet our fortitude and spirit remained;every one being encouraged by the hopes of a speedy termination to hismisery. 

For my own part, wonderful as it may appear, I felt neither extremehunger nor thirst. My allowance contented me, knowing I could have nomore. 

I served one 25th of a pound of bread, and an allowance of water, forbreakfast, and the same for dinner, with an addition of six oysters toeach person. At noon, latitude observed 10° 48´ S; course sinceyesterday noon S 81 W; distance 111 miles; longitude, by account, fromShoal Cape 1° 45´ W. 

[Sidenote: Friday 5. ]

Friday, June the 5th. Fair weather with some showers, and a strong tradewind at E S E. 

This day we saw a number of water-snakes, that were ringed yellow andblack, and towards noon we passed a great deal of rock-weed. Though theweather was fair, we were constantly shipping water, and two men alwaysemployed to bale the boat. 

At noon I observed in latitude 10° 45´ S; our course since yesterday W1/4 N, 108 miles; longitude made 3° 35´ W. Served one 25th of a pound ofbread, and a quarter of a pint of water for breakfast; the same fordinner, with an addition of six oysters; for supper water only. 

[Sidenote: Saturday 6. ]

Saturday, June the 6th. Fair weather, with some showers, and a freshgale at S E and E S E. Constantly shipping water and baling. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 6. ]

In the evening a few boobies came about us, one of which I caught withmy hand. The blood was divided among three of the men who were weakest, but the bird I ordered to be kept for our dinner the next day. Served aquarter of a pint of water for supper, and to some, who were most inneed, half a pint. 

In the course of the night we suffered much cold and shiverings. Atday-light, I found that some of the clams, which had been hung up to dryfor sea-store, were stolen; but every one most solemnly denied havingany knowledge of it. This forenoon we saw a gannet, a sand-lark, andsome water-snakes, which in general were from two to three feet long. 

Served the usual allowance of bread and water for breakfast, and thesame for dinner, with the bird, which I distributed in the usual way, ofWho shall have this? I determined to make Timor about the latitude of 9°30´ S, or 10° S. At noon I observed the latitude to be 10° 19´ S; courseN 77° W; distance 117 miles; longitude made from the Shoal Cape, thenorth part of New Holland, 5° 31´ W. 

[Sidenote: Sunday 7. ]

Sunday, June the 7th. Fresh gales and fair weather till eight in theevening. The remaining part of the 24 hours squally, with much wind at SS E and E S E, and a high sea, so that we were constantly wet andbaling. 

In the afternoon, I took an opportunity of examining again into ourstore of bread, and found remaining 19 days allowance, at my former rateof serving one 25th of a pound three times a day: therefore, as I sawevery prospect of a quick passage, I again ventured to grant anallowance for supper, agreeable to my promise at the time it wasdiscontinued. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 7. ]

We passed the night miserably wet and cold, and in the morning I heardheavy complaints of our deplorable situation. The sea was high andbreaking over us. I could only afford the allowance of bread and waterfor breakfast; but for dinner I gave out an ounce of dried clams to eachperson, which was all that remained. 

At noon I altered the course to the W N W, to keep more from the seawhile it blew so strong. Latitude observed 9° 31´ S; course N 57° W;distance 88 miles; longitude made 6° 46´ W. 

[Sidenote: Monday 8. ]

Monday, June the 8th. Fresh gales and squally weather, with some showersof rain. Wind E and E S E. 

This day the sea ran very high, and we were continually wet, sufferingmuch cold in the night. I now remarked that Mr. Ledward, the surgeon, and Lawrence Lebogue, an old hardy seaman, were giving way very fast. Icould only assist them by a tea-spoonful or two of wine, which I hadcarefully saved, expecting such a melancholy necessity. Among most ofthe others I observed more than a common inclination to sleep, whichseemed to indicate that nature was almost exhausted. 

Served the usual allowance of bread and water at supper, breakfast, anddinner. Saw several gannets. 

At noon I observed in 8° 45´ S; course W N W 1/4 W, 106 miles; longitudemade 8° 23´ W. 

[Sidenote: Tuesday 9. ]

Tuesday, June the 9th. Wind S E. The weather being moderate, I steered Wby S. 

[Sidenote: 1789 JUNE 9. ]

At four in the afternoon we caught a small dolphin, the first relief ofthe kind we obtained. I issued about two ounces to each person, including the offals, and saved the remainder for dinner the next day. Towards evening the wind freshened, and it blew strong all night, sothat we shipped much water, and suffered greatly from the wet and cold. At day-light, as usual, I heard much complaining, which my own feelingsconvinced me was too well founded. I gave the surgeon and Lebogue alittle wine, but I could give no farther relief, than assurances that avery few days longer, at our present fine rate of sailing, would bringus to Timor. 

Gannets, boobies, men of war and tropic birds, were constantly about us. Served the usual allowance of bread and water, and at noon dined on theremains of the dolphin, which amounted to about an ounce per man. Iobserved the latitude to be 9° 9´ S; longitude made 10° 8´ W; coursesince yesterday noon S 76° W; distance 107 miles. 

[Sidenote: Wednesday 10. ]

Wednesday, June the 10th. Wind E S E. Fresh gales and fair weather, buta continuance of much sea, which, by breaking almost constantly over theboat, made us miserably wet, and we had much cold to endure in thenight. 

This afternoon I suffered great sickness from the oily nature of part ofthe stomach of the fish, which had fallen to my share at dinner. Atsun-set I served an allowance of bread and water for supper. In themorning, after a very bad night, I could see an alteration for the worsein more than half my people. The usual allowance was served forbreakfast and dinner. At noon I found our situation to be in latitude 9°16´ S; longitude from the north part of New Holland 12° 1´ W; coursesince yesterday noon W 1/2 S, distance 111 miles. 

[Sidenote: Thursday 11. ]

Thursday, June the 11th. Fresh gales and fair weather. Wind S E and S SE. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 11. ]

Birds and rock-weed showed that we were not far from land; but Iexpected such signs must be here, as there are many islands between theeast part of Timor and New Guinea. I however hoped to fall in with Timorevery hour, for I had great apprehensions that some of my people couldnot hold out. An extreme weakness, swelled legs, hollow and ghastlycountenances, great propensity to sleep, with an apparent debility ofunderstanding, seemed to me melancholy presages of their approachingdissolution. The surgeon and Lebogue, in particular were most miserableobjects. I occasionally gave them a few tea-spoonfuls of wine, out ofthe little I had saved for this dreadful stage, which no doubt greatlyhelped to support them. 

For my own part, a great share of spirits, with the hopes of being ableto accomplish the voyage, seemed to be my principal support; but theboatswain very innocently told me, that he really thought I looked worsethan any one in the boat. The simplicity with which he uttered such anopinion diverted me, and I had good humour enough to return him a bettercompliment. 

Every one received his 25th of a pound of bread, and quarter of a pintof water, at evening, morning, and noon, and an extra allowance of waterwas given to those who desired it. 

At noon I observed in latitude 9° 41´ S; course S 77° W; distance 109miles; longitude made 13° 49´ W. I had little doubt of having now passedthe meridian of the eastern part of Timor, which is laid down in 128° E. This diffused universal joy and satisfaction. 

[Sidenote: Friday 12. ]

Friday, June the 12th. Fresh breezes and fine weather, but very hazy. Wind from E to S E. 

All the afternoon we had several gannets, and many other birds, aboutus, that indicated we were near land, and at sun-set we kept a veryanxious look-out. In the evening we caught a booby, which I reserved forour dinner the next day. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 12. ]

At three in the morning, with an excess of joy, we discovered Timorbearing from W S W to W N W, and I hauled on a wind to the N N E tillday-light, when the land bore from S W by S about two leagues to N E byN seven leagues. 

It is not possible for me to describe the pleasure which the blessing ofthe sight of land diffused among us. It appeared scarce credible, thatin an open boat, and so poorly provided, we should have been able toreach the coast of Timor in forty-one days after leaving Tofoa, havingin that time run, by our log, a distance of 3618 miles, and that, notwithstanding our extreme distress, no one should have perished in thevoyage. 

I have already mentioned, that I knew not where the Dutch settlement wassituated; but I had a faint idea that it was at the S W part of theisland. I therefore, after day-light, bore away along shore to the S SW, and the more readily as the wind would not suffer us to go towardsthe N E without great loss of time. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 12. ]

The day gave us a most agreeable prospect of the land, which wasinterspersed with woods and lawns; the interior part mountainous, butthe shore low. Towards noon the coast became higher, with someremarkable head-lands. We were greatly delighted with the general lookof the country, which exhibited many cultivated spots and beautifulsituations; but we could only see a few small huts, whence I concludedno European resided in this part of the island. Much sea ran on theshore, so that landing with a boat was impracticable. At noon I wasabreast of a very high head-land; the extremes of the land bore S W 1/2W, and N N E 1/2 E; our distance off shore being three miles; latitude, by observation, 9° 59´ S; and my longitude, by dead reckoning, from thenorth part of New Holland, 15° 6´ W. 

With the usual allowance of bread and water for dinner, I divided thebird we had caught the night before, and to the surgeon and Lebogue Igave a little wine. 

[Sidenote: Saturday 13. ]

Saturday, June the 13th. Fresh gales at E, and E S E, with very hazyweather. 

During the afternoon, we continued our course along a low woody shore, with innumerable palm-trees, called the Fan Palm from the leaf spreadinglike a fan; but we had now lost all signs of cultivation, and thecountry had not so fine an appearance as it had to the eastward. This, however, was only a small tract, for by sun-set it improved again, and Isaw several great smokes where the inhabitants were clearing andcultivating their grounds. We had now ran 25 miles to the W S W sincenoon, and were W five miles from a low point, which in the afternoon Iimagined had been the southernmost land, and here the coast formed adeep bend, with low land in the bight that appeared like islands. Thewest shore was high; but from this part of the coast to the high capewhich we were abreast of yesterday noon, the shore is low, and I believeshoal. I particularly remark this situation, because here the very highridge of mountains, that run from the east end of the island, terminate, and the appearance of the country suddenly changes for the worse, as ifit was not the same island in any respect. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 13. ]

That we might not run past any settlement in the night, I determined topreserve my station till the morning, and therefore hove to under aclose-reefed fore-sail, with which the boat lay very quiet. We were herein shoal water; our distance from the shore being half a league, thewesternmost land in sight bearing W S W 1/2 W. Served bread and waterfor supper, and the boat lying too very well, all but the officer of thewatch endeavoured to get a little sleep. 

At two in the morning, we wore, and stood in shore till day-light, whenI found we had drifted, during the night, about three leagues to the W SW, the southernmost land in sight bearing W. On examining the coast, andnot seeing any sign of a settlement, we bore away to the westward, having a strong gale, against a weather current, which occasioned muchsea. The shore was high and covered with wood, but we did not run farbefore low land again formed the coast, the points of which opening atwest, I once more fancied we were on the south part of the island; butat ten o'clock we found the coast again inclining towards the south, part of it bearing W S W 1/2 W. At the same time high land appeared fromS W to S W by W 1/2 W; but the weather was so hazy, that it was doubtfulwhether the two lands were separated, the opening only extending onepoint of the compass. I, for this reason, stood towards the outer land, and found it to be the island Roti. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 13. ]

I returned to the shore I had left, and in a sandy bay I brought to agrapnel, that I might more conveniently calculate my situation. In thisplace we saw several smokes, where the natives were clearing theirgrounds. During the little time we remained here, the master andcarpenter very much importuned me to let them go in search of supplies;to which, at length, I assented; but, finding no one willing to be oftheir party, they did not choose to quit the boat. I stopped here nolonger than for the purpose just mentioned, and we continued steeringalong shore. We had a view of a beautiful-looking country, as if formedby art into lawns and parks. The coast is low, and covered with woods, in which are innumerable fan palm-trees, that look like cocoa-nut walks. The interior part is high land, but very different from the more easternparts of the island, where it is exceedingly mountainous, and toappearance the soil better. 

At noon, the island Roti bore S W by W seven leagues. I had noobservation for the latitude, but, by account, we were in 10° 12´ S; ourcourse since yesterday noon being S 77 W, 54 miles. The usual allowanceof bread and water was served for breakfast and dinner, and to thesurgeon and Lebogue, I gave a little wine. 

[Sidenote: Sunday 14. ]

Sunday, June the 14th. A strong gale at E S E, with hazy weather, allthe afternoon; after which the wind became moderate. 

At two o'clock this afternoon, having run through a very dangerousbreaking sea, the cause of which I attributed to a strong tide setting towindward, and shoal water, we discovered a spacious bay or sound, with afair entrance about two or three miles wide. I now conceived hopes thatour voyage was nearly at an end, as no place could appear more eligiblefor shipping, or more likely to be chosen for an European settlement: Itherefore came to a grapnel near the east side of the entrance, in asmall sandy bay, where we saw a hut, a dog, and some cattle; and Iimmediately sent the boatswain and gunner away to the hut, to discoverthe inhabitants. 

The S W point of the entrance bore W 1/2 S three miles; the S E point Sby W three quarters of a mile; and the island Roti from S by W 1/4 W toS W 1/4 W, about five leagues. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14. ]

While we lay here I found the ebb came from the northward, and beforeour departure the falling of the tide discovered to us a reef of rocks, about two cables length from the shore; the whole being covered athigh-water, renders it dangerous. On the opposite shore also appearedvery high breakers; but there is nevertheless plenty of room, andcertainly a safe channel for a first-rate man of war. 

The bay or sound within, seemed to be of a considerable extent; thenorthern part, which I had now in view, being about five leaguesdistant. Here the land made in moderate risings joined by lower grounds. But the island Roti, which lies to the southward, is the best mark toknow this place. 

I had just time to make these remarks, when I saw the boatswain andgunner returning with some of the natives. I therefore no longer doubtedof our success, and that our most sanguine expectations would be fullygratified. They brought five Indians, and informed me that they hadfound two families, where the women treated them with Europeanpoliteness. From these people I learned, that the governor resided at aplace called Coupang, which was some distance to the N E. I made signsfor one of them to go in the boat, and show me Coupang, intimating thatI would pay him for his trouble; the man readily complied, and came intothe boat. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14. ]

These people were of a dark tawny colour, and had long black hair; theychewed a great deal of beetle, and wore a square piece of cloth roundtheir hips, in the folds of which was stuck a large knife. They had ahandkerchief wrapped round their heads, and at their shoulders hunganother tied by the four corners, which served as a bag for their beetleequipage. 

They brought us a few pieces of dried turtle, and some ears of Indiancorn. This last was most welcome to us; for the turtle was so hard, thatit could not be eaten without being first soaked in hot water. Had Istaid they would have brought us something more; but, as the pilot waswilling, I was determined to push on. It was about half an hour pastfour when we sailed. 

By direction of the pilot we kept close to the east shore under all oursail; but as night came on, the wind died away, and we were obliged totry at the oars, which I was surprised to see we could use with someeffect. However, at ten o'clock, as I found we got but little ahead, Icame to a grapnel, and for the first time I issued double allowance ofbread and a little wine to each person. 

At one o'clock in the morning, after the most happy and sweet sleep thatever men had, we weighed, and continued to keep the east shore on board, in very smooth water; when at last I found we were again open to thesea, the whole of the land to the westward, that we had passed, being anisland, which the pilot called Pulo Samow. The northern entrance of thischannel is about a mile and a half or two miles wide, and I had noground at ten fathoms. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14. ]

Hearing the report of two cannon that were fired, gave new life to everyone; and soon after we discovered two square-rigged vessels and a cutterat anchor to the eastward. I endeavoured to work to windward, but wewere obliged to take to our oars again, having lost ground on each tack. We kept close to the shore, and continued rowing till four o'clock, whenI brought to a grapnel, and gave another allowance of bread and wine toall hands. As soon as we had rested a little, we weighed again, androwed till near day-light, when I came to a grapnel, off a small fortand town, which the pilot told me was Coupang. 

Among the things which the boatswain had thrown into the boat before weleft the ship, was a bundle of signal flags that had been made for theboats to show the depth of water in sounding; with these I had, in thecourse of the passage, made a small jack, which I now hoisted in themain shrouds, as a signal of distress; for I did not choose to landwithout leave. 

Soon after day-break a soldier hailed me to land, which I instantly did, among a croud of Indians, and was agreeably surprised to meet with anEnglish sailor, who belonged to one of the vessels in the road. Hiscaptain, he told me, was the second person in the town; I thereforedesired to be conducted to him, as I was informed the governor was ill, and could not then be spoken with. 

Captain Spikerman received me with great humanity. I informed him of ourmiserable situation; and requested that care might be taken of those whowere with me, without delay. On which he gave directions for theirimmediate reception at his own house, and went himself to the governor, to know at what time I could be permitted to see him; which was fixed tobe at eleven o'clock. 

I now desired every one to come on shore, which was as much as some ofthem could do, being scarce able to walk: they, however, got at last tothe house, and found tea with bread and butter provided for theirbreakfast. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14. ]

The abilities of a painter, perhaps, could never have been displayed tomore advantage than in the delineation of the two groups of figures, which at this time presented themselves. An indifferent spectator wouldhave been at a loss which most to admire; the eyes of famine sparklingat immediate relief, or the horror of their preservers at the sight ofso many spectres, whose ghastly countenances, if the cause had beenunknown, would rather have excited terror than pity. Our bodies werenothing but skin and bones, our limbs were full of sores, and we werecloathed in rags; in this condition, with the tears of joy and gratitudeflowing down our cheeks, the people of Timor beheld us with a mixture ofhorror, surprise, and pity. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14. ]

The governor, Mr. William Adrian Van Este, notwithstanding his extremeill-health, became so anxious about us, that I saw him before theappointed time. He received me with great affection, and gave me thefullest proofs that he was possessed of every feeling of a humane andgood man. Sorry as he was, he said, that such a calamity could ever havehappened to us, yet he considered it as the greatest blessing of hislife that we had fallen under his protection; and, though his infirmitywas so great that he could not do the office of a friend himself, hewould give such orders as I might be certain would procure me everysupply I wanted. In the mean time a house was hired for me, and, tillmatters could be properly regulated, victuals for every one were orderedto be dressed at his own house. With respect to my people, he said Imight have room for them either at the hospital or on board of captainSpikerman's ship, which lay in the road; and he expressed muchuneasiness that Coupang could not afford them better accommodations, thehouse assigned to me being the only one uninhabited, and the situationof the few families such, that they could not accommodate any one. Afterthis conversation an elegant repast was set before me, more according tothe custom of the country, than with design to alleviate my hunger: sothat in this instance he happily blended, with common politeness, thegreatest favour I could receive. 

On returning to my people, I found every kind relief had been given tothem. The surgeon had dressed their sores, and the cleaning of theirpersons had not been less attended to, besides several friendly gifts ofapparel. 

I now desired to be shewn to the house that was intended for me, and Ifound it ready, with servants to attend, and a particular one, which thegovernor had directed to be always about my person. The house consistedof a hall, with a room at each end, and a loft over-head; and wassurrounded by a piazza, with an outer apartment in one corner, and acommunication from the back part of the house to the street. I thereforedetermined, instead of separating from my people, to lodge them all withme; and I divided the house as follows: One room I took to myself, theother I allotted to the master, surgeon, Mr. Nelson, and the gunner; theloft to the other officers; and the outer apartment to the men. The hallwas common to the officers, and the men had the back piazza. Of this Iinformed the governor, and he sent down chairs, tables, and benches, with bedding and other necessaries for the use of every one. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14. ]

The governor, when I took my leave, had desired me to acquaint him withevery thing of which I stood in need; but I was now informed it was onlyat particular times that he had a few moments of ease, or could attendto any thing; being in a dying state, with an incurable disease. On thisaccount, whatever business I had to transact would be with Mr. TimotheusWanjon, the second of this place, and the governor's son-in-law; who nowalso was contributing every thing in his power to make our situationcomfortable. I had been, therefore, misinformed by the seaman, who toldme that captain Spikerman was the next person to the governor. 

At noon a very handsome dinner was brought to the house, which wassufficient to make persons, more accustomed to plenty, eat too much. Cautions, therefore, might be supposed to have had little effect; but Ibelieve few people in such a situation would have observed moremoderation. My greatest apprehension was, that they would eat too muchfruit. 

Having seen every one enjoy this meal of plenty, I dined with Mr. Wanjon; but I found no extraordinary inclination to eat or drink. Restand quiet, I considered, as more necessary to my doing well, andtherefore retired to my room, which I found furnished with everyconvenience. But, instead of rest, my mind was disposed to reflect onour late sufferings, and on the failure of the expedition; but, aboveall, on the thanks due to Almighty God, who had given us power tosupport and bear such heavy calamities, and had enabled me at last to bethe means of saving eighteen lives. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14. ]

In times of difficulty there will generally arise circumstances thatbear more particularly hard on a commander. In our late situation, itwas not the least of my distresses, to be constantly assailed with themelancholy demands of my people for an increase of allowance, which itgrieved me to refuse. The necessity of observing the most rigid[oe]conomy in the distribution of our provisions was so evident, that Iresisted their solicitations, and never deviated from the agreement wemade at setting out. The consequence of this care was, that at ourarrival we had still remaining sufficient for eleven days, at ourscanty allowance: and if we had been so unfortunate as to have missedthe Dutch settlement at Timor, we could have proceeded to Java, where Iwas certain every supply we wanted could be procured. 

Another disagreeable circumstance, to which my situation exposed me, wasthe caprice of ignorant people. Had I been incapable of acting, theywould have carried the boat on shore as soon as we made the island ofTimor, without considering that landing among the natives, at a distancefrom the European settlement, might have been as dangerous as among anyother Indians. 

The quantity of provisions with which we left the ship, was not morethan we should have consumed in five days, had there been no necessityfor husbanding our stock. The mutineers must naturally have concludedthat we could have no other place of refuge than the Friendly Islands;for it was not likely they should imagine, that, so poorly equipped aswe were in every respect, there could have been a possibility of ourattempting to return homewards: much less will they suspect that theaccount of their villany has already reached their native country. 

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 14. ]

When I reflect how providentially our lives were saved at Tofoa, by theIndians delaying their attack, and that, with scarce any thing tosupport life, we crossed a sea of more than 1200 leagues, withoutshelter from the inclemency of the weather; when I reflect that in anopen boat, with so much stormy weather, we escaped foundering, that notany of us were taken off by disease, that we had the great good fortuneto pass the unfriendly natives of other countries without accident, andat last happily to meet with the most friendly and best of people torelieve our distresses; I say, when I reflect on all these wonderfulescapes, the remembrance of such great mercies enables me to bear, withresignation and chearfulness, the failure of an expedition, the successof which I had so much at heart, and which was frustrated at a time whenI was congratulating myself on the fairest prospect of being able tocomplete it in a manner that would fully have answered the intention ofhis Majesty, and the honourable promoters of so benevolent a plan. 

With respect to the preservation of our health, during a course of 16days of heavy and almost continual rain, I would recommend to every onein a similar situation the method we practised, which is to dip theircloaths in the salt-water, and wring them out, as often as they becomefilled with rain; it was the only resource we had, and I believe was ofthe greatest service to us, for it felt more like a change of drycloaths than could well be imagined. We had occasion to do this sooften, that at length all our cloaths were wrung to pieces: for, exceptthe few days we passed on the coast of New Holland, we were continuallywet either with rain or sea. 

Thus, through the assistance of Divine Providence, we surmounted thedifficulties and distresses of a most perilous voyage, and arrived safein an hospitable port, where every necessary and comfort wereadministered to us with a most liberal hand. 

[Sidenote: Timor. ]

[Sidenote: 1789. JULY. ]

As, from the great humanity and attention of the governor, and thegentlemen, at Coupang, we received every kind of assistance, we were notlong without evident signs of returning health: therefore, to secure myarrival at Batavia, before the October fleet sailed for Europe, on thefirst of July, I purchased a small schooner; 34 feet long, for which Igave 1000 rix-dollars, and fitted her for sea, under the name of HisMajesty's schooner Resource. 

[Sidenote: July. 20. ]

On the 20th of July, I had the misfortune to lose Mr. David Nelson: hedied of an inflammatory fever. The loss of this honest man I very muchlamented: he had accomplished, with great care and diligence, the objectfor which he was sent, and was always ready to forward every plan Iproposed, for the good of the service we were on. He was equally usefulin our voyage hither, in the course of which he gave me greatsatisfaction, by the patience and fortitude with which he conductedhimself. 

[Sidenote: July. 21. ]

July 21st. This day I was employed attending the funeral of Mr. Nelson. The corpse was carried by twelve soldiers drest in black, preceded bythe minister; next followed myself and second governor; then tengentlemen of the town and the officers of the ships in the harbour; andafter them my own officers and people. 

After reading our burial-service, the body was interred behind thechapel, in the burying-ground appropriated to the Europeans of the town. I was sorry I could get no tombstone to place over his remains. 

This was the second voyage Mr. Nelson had undertaken to the South Seas, having been sent out by Sir Joseph Banks; to collect plants, seeds, &c. In Captain Cook's last voyage. And now, after surmounting so manydifficulties, and in the midst of thankfulness for his deliverance, hewas called upon to pay the debt of nature, at a time least expected. 

[Sidenote: August 20. ]

August the 20th. After taking an affectionate leave of the hospitableand friendly inhabitants, I embarked, and we sailed from Coupang, exchanging salutes with the fort and shipping as we ran out of theharbour. 

[Sidenote: 1789. AUGUST. ]

I left the governor, Mr. Van Este, at the point of death. To thisgentleman our most grateful thanks are due, for the humane and friendlytreatment that we have received from him. His ill state of health onlyprevented him from showing us more particular marks of attention. Unhappily, it is to his memory only that I now pay this tribute. It wasa fortunate circumstance for us, that Mr. Wanjon, the next in place tothe governor, was equally humane and ready to relieve us. His attentionwas unremitting, and, when there was a doubt about supplying me withmoney, on government account, to enable me to purchase a vessel, hechearfully took it upon himself; without which, it was evident, I shouldhave been too late at Batavia to have sailed for Europe with the Octoberfleet. I can only return such services by ever retaining a gratefulremembrance of them. 

Mr. Max, the town surgeon, likewise behaved to us with the mostdisinterested humanity: he attended every one with the utmost care; forwhich I could not prevail on him to receive any payment, or to render meany account, or other answer, than that it was his duty. 

Coupang is situated in 10° 12´ S latitude, and 124° 41´ E longitude. 

[Sidenote: August 29. ]

On the 29th of August, I passed by the west end of the Island Flores, through a dangerous strait full of islands and rocks; and, having gotinto the latitude of 8° S, I steered to the west, passing the islandsSumbawa, Lombock, and Bali, towards Java, which I saw on the 6th ofSeptember. I continued my course to the west, through the Straits ofMadura. 

[Sidenote: September 10. ]

[Sidenote: Passourwang]

On the 10th of September, I anchored off Passourwang, in latitude 7° 36´S, and 1° 44´ W of Cape Sandana, the N E end or Java. 

[Sidenote: 1789. SEPTEMBER]

On the 11th I sailed, and on the 13th arrived at Sourabya, latitude 7°11´ S, 1° 52´ west. 

[Sidenote: Sourabya. Crissey. ]

On the 17th of September, sailed from Sourabya, and the same dayanchored at Crissey, for about two hours, and from thence I proceeded toSamarang. Latitude of Crissey 7° 9´ S, 1° 55´ west. 

[Sidenote: Samarang. ]

[Sidenote: Batavia. ]

On the 22nd of September, anchored at Samarang; latitude 6° 54´ S; 4° 7´W. And on the 26th I sailed for Batavia, where I arrived on the 1st ofOctober. Latitude 6° 10´ S; 8° 12´ W from the east end of Java. 

On the day after my arrival, having gone through some fatigue inadjusting matters to get my people out of the schooner, as she lay inthe river, and in an unhealthy situation, I was seized with a violentfever. 

On the 7th, I was carried into the country, to the physician-general'shouse, where, the governor-general informed me, I should be accommodatedwith every attendance and convenience; and to this only can I attributemy recovery. It was, however, necessary for me to quit Batavia withoutdelay; and the governor, on that account, gave me leave, with twoothers, to go in a packet that was to sail before the fleet; and assuredme, that those who remained should be sent after me by the fleet, whichwas to sail before the end of the month: that if I remained, which wouldbe highly hazardous, he could not send us all in one ship. My sailing, therefore, was eligible, even if it had not been necessary for myhealth; and for that reason I embarked in the Vlydt packet, which sailedon the 16th of October. 

[Sidenote: Cape of Good Hope. ]

[Sidenote: 1789. DECEMBER. ]

On the 16th of December, I arrived at the Cape of Good Hope where Ifirst observed that my usual health was returning; but for a long timeI continued very weak and infirm. 

I received the greatest attention and politeness from thegovernor-general, and all the residents on the coast of Java; andparticular marks of friendship and regard from the governor, M. Van deGraaf, at the Cape of Good Hope. 

On the 2d of January, 1790, we sailed for Europe, and on the 14th ofMarch, I was landed at Portsmouth by an Isle of Wight boat. 

FINIS.