MISERABLE ALLOWANCE. 39 
On the obverse : 
Under the command of Captain Will. Bligh from the 28^ 
April, 1789, to the\Uh of 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. 
On the 24th it was thought necessary to 
reduce their already wretched pittance ; and it 
was agreed that each person should receive one 
twenty-fifth part of a pound of bread for break- 
fast, and the x same quantity for dinner, omitting 
the allowance for supper. 
The next day they saw several noddies, and 
other sea-fowl, a few of which they were so for- 
tunate as to catch ; one of the birds came so 
near the boat, that it was caught by the 
hand. There was no wish to cook the birds. 
Besides the difficulty of dressing them, the 
claims of hunger were too peremptory to 
wait for such a process. Bligh divided one of 
