Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p2.djvu/300

  which we endeavoured to benefit as much as possible, by facing the weather with our mouths open, and handkerchiefs spread out; but the drifting moisture was so thin and lights that we were barely able to catch sufficient to wet our lips. This morning we received a small thimble full; of rum each, which was occasionally allowed.

“Dec. 30th. – We were this day reduced to a very low ebb indeed, and could not eat the smallest crumb, till supplied with an additional measure of water to moisten our lips, which were almost held together by a tough viscid phlegm, that could not be expectorated but with the greatest difficulty. On this occasion we dipped our bit of biscuit in the water, and afterwards supped a little of it with each mouthful, to force it down. The butter, cheese, and hams, were left free for the use of every one; for they were found to occasion greater thirst, and therefore remained almost untouched. Several of the crew had again recourse to the salt water, which appeared not to have any bad effects.

“Dec. 31st. – We again suffered greatly this day, from the burning heat of the sun, and the parched state of our bodies, and were allowed an additional measure of water, with a larger portion of rum than usual; in which we soaked our bit of biscuit, and made our meal of it. About four in the afternoon the clouds began to shew for rain, and we made preparations accordingly; but were so unfortunate as to see it fall in heavy showers all around us, and had barely as much over the boat as would wet our handkerchiefs.

“The people this day appeared to be in a more hopeless state than ever, and discovered signs of disrespect to their officers; which was, however, happily checked in time by the spirited conduct of the gunner, who chastised the leader in the face of the whole crew, and restored discipline. Many of the people this day drank their own urine, and others tried the salt water. The weather was this day more warm and sultry than at any time since our misfortune.

“Jan. 1st, 1790. – We dined this day as on the preceding, and in general appeared in better spirits, which we considered on account of its being the first day of the new year, a happy presage of our safety.

“Jan. 2d. – Clear weather till about four in the afternoon, when it became overcast, and blew a fresh gale: we had before this dined on our usual fare of biscuit and water, with half a measure of rum, and were all in tolerable spirits; but the gale increasing during the night, and the sea running immensely high, brought us again into great danger, which, with the disappointment of not seeing land in the morning, as expected, reduced us to our former miserable state of despondency. At eight in the evening the fore-sail was shifted to the main-mast, and the boat sailed under it reefed till about six in the morning, when the mizen was set on the fore-mast to give her greater steerage way. At noon the latitude was observed 33° 19' and supposed longitude cast of Greenwich 34° 15'.

“Jan. 3d. – About seven in the evening the clouds put on the appearance

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