TROUBLES AT SEA. 45 
On the obverse : 
Under the command of Captain Will. Bligh, from the 28th 
April, 1789, to the 14th June following. 
On the 10th, the weather again began to be 
extremely boisterous, with constant rain, and 
frequent thunder and lightning. The sea was 
so rough as often to break over the boat, so 
that they were constantly baling, and often in 
imminent danger of perishing. In addition to 
their other misfortunes, the bread was damaged 
by the salt-water. Their clothes being never 
dry, they derived no refreshment from the little 
rest they sometimes got. Many were benumbed 
and cramped by the cold, and afflicted with 
violent shiverings and inward pains. As the 
weather still continued tempestuous, Mr. Bligh 
recommended all to take off their clothes, and 
wring them in the salt-water. This produced 
a warmth, which, whilst their clothing was wet 
with the rain, they could not enjoy, n 
The following mournful entries are extracted 
from Bligh's little MS. book : 
" 12th May — Calm and very cloudy : very 
uncomfortably wet ; no sun : see fish, but can 
catch none. Saw a gannet. 
" 17th May— Sky dreadfully black all round 
us. Not able to see the compass. 
" 20th May— Deluge of rain. We now 
dread the night ; being so cold and wet. 
" Thursday, 21st May — Dismal, dark, rainy 
weather ; not able to see the compass ; steering 
by the sea, and suppose out of our course." 
On the 24th, it was thought necessary to 
reduce their already wretched pittance ; and it 
