26 
PEEPAKIKG FOR SEA. 
recover their health. For this step he had discre- 
tionary power given him by Captain Trotter. 
The task of preparing the ship for sea was one of 
no ordinary difficulty, as there were no officers, and 
few men being able to do duty. The decks w^ere so 
encumbered by the sick, that there was very little 
room to work. But, in the belief that the pure air 
of the wide ocean must have a beneficial effect, every 
exertion was made with a view to try the climate to 
the southward of the equator as early as possible, and 
eventually to go to Ascension. 
In consequence of the death of two pursers, surveys 
were to be held on the remains of provisions in the 
‘Wilberforce’ and ‘Soudan;’ the holds were to be 
cleaned out; provisions, water, sails, and running- 
rigging were to be brought on board; besides the very 
laborious work of coaling. 
In the dusk of one evening there was great excite- 
ment among all, by the report of a vessel having been 
seen in the offing; and as it was said the stranger 
looked like a steamer, all believed it to be our com- 
panion the ‘ Albert.’ ‘ Soudan’ was therefore ordered 
to get up steam, and go to assist her to the anchorage 
if necessary. However, on clearing the point of 
Clarence Cove, nothing was to be seen, and she re- 
turned. No one could tell how the report had ori- 
ginated: but all were willing to believe Avhat we daily 
expected. 
Thursday, October 2nd . — One of our stokers died 
