ent two parties out, one to the
northward, and the other to the southward, to seek for supplies, and
others I ordered to stay by the boat. On this occasion their fatigue and
weakness so far got the better of their sense of duty, that some of them
began to mutter who had done most, and declared they would rather be
without 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 as
myself. It was not possible for me to judge where this might have an
end, if not stopped in time; I therefore determined to strike a final
blow 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 defend
himself; on which he called out I was going to kill him, and began to
make concessions. I did not allow this to interfere further with the
harmony of the boat's crew, and every thing soon became quiet.

The parties continued collecting what could be found, which consisted of
some fine oysters and clams, and a few small dog-fish that were caught
in the holes of the rocks. We also found about two tons of rain-water in
the hollow of the rocks, on the north part of the island, so that of
this 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 part
of the island, to see and consider of my route for the night. To my
surprise I could see no more of the main than I did from below, it
extending 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 had
seen before, I could only discover a small key N W by N. As this was
considerably farther from the main than where I was at present, I
resolved 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 they
undoubtedly observed my landing. My mind being made up on this point, I
returned, taking a particular look at the spot I was on, which I found
only to produce a few bushes and coarse grass, and the extent of the
whole not two miles in circuit. On the north side, in a sandy bay, I saw
an old canoe, about 33 feet long, lying bottom upwards, and half buried
in the beach. It was made of three pieces, the bottom entire, to which
the sides were sewed in the common way. It had a sharp projecting prow
rudely