ce,
there were others, who, deceased, were buried at the bottom of the sea,
the Ensign von Stedel of the Regiment von Donop, among the first
victims. Scurvy was developed as a result of tainted humors, for which
the drinking of sea water was used as a medicine, and also the chewing
of tobacco, which the Hessians had learned from the sailors and later
kept up as a habit in their own homes. The disease reigned supreme,
however, and many individuals suffered for a long time yet after the
disembarkation from paralyzed limbs, and some even died. There was a
lack of the most necessary things. The food supplies provided for by the
officers themselves were exhausted, even the rations of zwieback were
cut down to only 17 loth (8-1/2 oz.) a day. The water, which in the
whole fleet had been stored in new oaken casks, became undrinkable and
finally putrid. The beds of the soldiers were broken up in the storms,
camp kettles and canteens were smashed, tents, clothing apparel, even
the cartridges had been destroyed by the rats, which finally had even
gnawed through the water casks; all of these troubles more or less were
suffered by most of the transport ships.

Meanwhile a much wished for wind filled the sails, and the ever more and
more anxious, but daily disappointed hope, now at last to see New York,
grew upon its wings; yet the wind on the 30th of July became so strong
that the sails had to be drawn in, the rudders bound fast, and the ships
left to the shattering blows of the waves, which roaringly dashed and
resounded about the ships. As soon as the storm had subsided the
commodore by means of the cannon shots gathered together the scattered
fleet and gave instructions for a changed course in order to avoid being
driven against the near coast, but, unfortunately, the ships came into a
strong contrary current, the water again became high and turbulent, it
rained and lightened incessantly, masts toppled over, as was the case on
the Friendship which had on board 200 members of the Regiment Crown
Prince, besides Colonel von Hachenberg. Sailors and ship carpenters
found everywhere enough to do, until finally a favorable strong wind on
the 4th of August fortunately blew the fleet out of the current. On the
10th of August the fleet offered an excellent and very hopeful
appearance as it, in a most speedy wind, with high towering sails, was
cutting its course through the little waves. On the 11th, at the hour
of noon the happy signals in