rong.

[Sidenote: 1789. JUNE 4.]

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

For my own part, wonderful as it may appear, I felt neither extreme
hunger nor thirst. My allowance contented me, knowing I could have no
more.

I served one 25th of a pound of bread, and an allowance of water, for
breakfast, and the same for dinner, with an addition of six oysters to
each person. At noon, latitude observed 10 deg. 48' S; course since
yesterday noon S 81 W; distance 111 miles; longitude, by account, from
Shoal Cape 1 deg. 45' W.

[Sidenote: Friday 5.]

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

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

At noon I observed in latitude 10 deg. 45' S; our course since yesterday W
1/4 N, 108 miles; longitude made 3 deg. 35' W. Served one 25th of a pound of
bread, and a quarter of a pint of water for breakfast; the same for
dinner, with an addition of six oysters; for supper water only.

[Sidenote: Saturday 6.]

Saturday, June the 6th. Fair weather, with some showers, and a fresh
gale 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 with
my 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 a
quarter of a pint of water for supper, and to some, who were most in