quence of sharing the provisions, that it
was living to-day and starving to-morrow; but the people were not to be
satisfy'd, the officers had now no authority over 'em, and they were some
time deaf to their persuasions; nay, it was with difficulty that they could
dissuade 'em from pulling down the store-tent, and taking away the
provisions by force; they remov'd the provisions out of the store-tent,
then fell to digging a hole to bury the brandy; the sea-store to be
secur'd, the remainder to be immediately shar'd. Had this been comply'd
with, the consequences might have been very terrible; however, to pacify
'em in some shape, it was agreed, that every man should have a pint of
brandy per day, which, by calculation, would last 'em three weeks. On this
they seem'd very easy, and went to their respective tents. The captain told
his officers that he would act nothing contrary to what was agreed on for
the welfare and safety of the community. Finding the captain in a temper of
mind to hearken to reason, I said to him, sir, I think it my duty to inform
you that I am not the person whom you imagine to be the principal in this
affair. The captain answer'd, how can I think otherwise? I reply'd, Sir,
the paper I read to you was your lieutenant's projection: There sits the
gentleman, let him disown it if he can. The captain turning himself to the
lieutenant, says, Mr Bulkeley has honestly clear'd himself. We then drank a
glass of wine, and took our leaves. At night the captain sent for Mr
Cummins and me to sup with him; we were the only officers present with him:
When I was seated, I said, Sir, I have my character at stake, from drawing
back from your cock'd pistol; had I advanc'd, one of us must have dropt.
The captain answer'd, Bulkeley, I do assure you the pistol was not design'd
for you, but for another; for I knew the whole before. We then talk'd of
indifferent things, and spent the evening in a very affable manner.

Saturday the 29th, came here five Indian canoes, loaden with muscles; the
men, women, and children, were about fifty: These Indians had never been
with us before, they are not so generous and good-natur'd as our friends I
have already mentioned; they were so mercenary, that they would not part
with a single muscle without something in exchange; their stay was but
short with us, for the next morning they launch'd their canoes, and went
off.

Tuesday, September the 1st, the carpenter was shot in the thigh with
sev