54 ROTI. 
thus far in all his troubles and privations. 
"It is not possible for me to describe the plea- 
sure which the blessing of the sight of this 
land diffused among us. It appeared scarce 
credible to ourselves, that in an open boat, and 
so poorly provided, we should have been able to 
reach the coast of Timor in forty-one days after 
leaving Tofoa ; having at that time run, by our 
log, a distance of 3,618 miles ; and that, not- 
withstanding our extreme distress, no one 
should have perished in the voyage ! " 
On the 13th, they found land in a small sandy 
bay near the island of Roti, where the natives, 
who were of a dark tawny colour, received them 
courteously, bringing them a few pieces of dried 
turtle, and some ears of Indian corn, which were 
very acceptable. They offered to bring other 
refreshments ; but Bligh, who acknowledged 
their kindness, and the " European politeness" 
of some of them, determined to push on. At 
ten o'clock that night he issued for supper a 
double allowance of bread, and a little wine to 
each person ; and at one the next morning, 
which was Sunday, " after the most sweet and 
happy sleep that ever men enjoyed," they 
weighed anchor, and continued along the east 
shore. Then, after rowing and resting alter- 
nately for some distance, they were, on the 14th 
June, regaled with sounds and sights dear to 
every seaman, but almost transporting to those 
who had so long been strangers to all that was 
joyous in their profession. The report of two 
cannons that were fired gave new life to all ; and 
soon after they discovered two square-rigged 
