64 



porter'^s journal. 



sea than the Essex. Our crew had now perfectly recover- 

 ed from the dysentery, with which they were attacked af- 

 ter leaving St. Catharines ; and we had but one man on 

 board seriously ill ; a marine, afflicted by a pulmonar}- 

 complaint. Indeed, the extraordinary health of the crew 

 surprises me, (considering the privations they have suffer- 

 ed since the cruise commenced,) and I can only attribute 

 it to the steady attention to their cleanliness and comfort, and 

 to their cheerful disposition. No doubt the good provisions 

 and the excellent water we have been blessed with, have 

 tended greatly to promote it. 



The albatrosses, and other birds, that frequent high lati- 

 tudes, now began to assemble around us, but in small num- 

 bers ; many attempts were made to catch them, but they 

 all failed. We also saw two whales. The colour of the 

 water continued to indicate soundings ; but we could not 

 reach the bottom with one hundred and sixty fathoms hne 5 

 rock-weed was also seen. 



On the morning of the 3d the weather appeared more 

 settled ; the sun rose clear ; a breeze sprung up frorp the 

 northwest, and had every appearance of continuing. All 

 sail was set to the best advantage ; and we steered, by 

 compass, S. S. W. half W. By meridian our rate was in- 

 creased to nine knots per hour. I flattered myself with 

 the expectation of a speedy and pleasant run to the 

 Streights of le Maire. Our latitude was 42' 1 4' 30 " south ; 

 longitude, 59° 9' 51 " west; and the variation of the compass 

 14° 52' east. With a view of relieving the anxiety of my 

 crew, I addressed to them a note, which produced the hap- 

 piest effect, as it diffused a general joy throughout the ship, 

 and served to convince me, that although the time of many 

 of my best men was near expiring, I had nothing to appre- 

 hend from their disaffection. 



I now made inquiries into the state of the purser's slops, 

 and found, to my regret, that we had but a small number 

 of shoes. As every man in the ship was in want of a pair, 

 I determined not to issue any until we arrived in a more 

 southern latitude, that I might be enabled to judge who 

 were most in want; I directed, however, one pair of wool- 

 len stockings to be issued to such as required them. 



At about 2 P. M., to our great regret, the wind hauled, 

 aground to the S. W., and there remained, and served as 



