Powers then at war, breaking through the liberty granted in
my passports ; particularly knowing, that if separated from my
charge many articles, from various casualties, might be lost or
damaged, of which the mathematical instruments were not the
least to be considered. Besides, if the vessel towed well, I
knew she could not receive any damage, and we should be the
sooner out of the enemy's track. As I had neither a carpenter,
nor any mechanic on board, this was another reason for my acquiescing
to the proposal. Captain Grant assured me we should
have free scope; we therefore got the end of his hawser on
board, and soon found that the vessel" tawed very well.
During the time we had been out the weather was very indifferent,
being gloomy, with more or less rain, which prevented
me from making many necessary arrangements. I had also
observed that there were several small leaks in the decks, and
upperworfes, which greatly annoyed us, owing to the slovenliness
and inattention of the workmen employed in fitting her out,
although the most positive directions were given to the contrary.
The water found its way in many plaices under the covering
boards, and along the gunwale, insomuch that I was deprived of
the use of one of the bed-places in the cabin; and also to the
detriment of many articles fastened up against the side, which
were necessary to be kept at hand. The vessel being rigged
also into a brig from a cutter, the pumps were removed further
aft, and not being well finished, admitted much water, until
the weather permitted us to stop the leaks.
On the 21st the wind freshened with thick gloomy weather,
which we had reason to expect from its being the equinox; and
the sea, from the long and steady wind at E.N.Eu became
.rough and more uneasy; yet the vessel rose well to it, but
-being in tow, it was impossible at all times to prevent her from
being dragged through some of the seas. This afforded some
amuseamusement
to the passengers on board the Brunswick, who vi-
sifed the sterna gallefy of it to see the little vessel in tow.
%iff^lthing particular occurred till thb WBê, when the wind had
increased iso much, that being forced into several heavy sea's by
the Brunswick; it evidently appeared to me that the vessel might
fro strained too much; and as night was coming on, with great
appearance of blowing hard, I ordered the" hawser to b e let go
at five: P. M. wishing my name-sake a pleasant parage» I havé
since been informedythat it was generally supposed I intended
to return to Spitbead, as deeming it impracticable to go (to. At
seven P. M. the gate increased a t E. and E, b y ifl* when we
made the vessel infig J ew the night, during which she was very
comfortable, and rose well to the sea. Day-light brought us
more moderate weather, and at noon wé had a good observation,
which gave us Lat. éS* Dong. IA* 17* W.’ We lost
right of the fleet during the night. As this was the first-day we
had any clear weather since we‘came out, 1 ordered all tjie bedding
on deck, and spread them out to air, 'together with the
seamens ;cibtbéis, which custom l eonstantly followed when .the
wieatherfperEoitted, and to which I attribute the great bealth my
memexp(arieneed during the voyage, Who werèlahded at "Sydney
in Mèw Sömth Wales in the same state as when they embarked.
I t is true, thatron board of all his Majesty ^s ships th e
hammocks are brought up every fine day, and stowed into the
nettings;-ï'yèt'the benefit-of dispersing contagion cannot be procured
whil'eefose packed so’-wcll as by exposing the daffc-
rent .articles to the air and sun. Infectious matter it!Hs -well
knowii may be preserved in the flocks with which the bed-ticks,
are filled^r'bow rieeessajy then isdt that the hammocks should
be opened, particularly in warm climates, whfere -the perspiration
is augmented ? This mode ought constantly to be followed,
Besides, another advantage accrues from'it; the lazy
and