A long drought had nearly exhausted them.

The hardships which we in consequence suffered were great, but not comparable to what had been formerly experienced.

Besides, now we made sure of ships arriving soon to dispel our distress.

Whereas, heretofore, from having never heard from England, the hearts of men sunk and many had begun to doubt whether it had not been resolved to try how long misery might be endured with resignation.
Notwithstanding the incompetency of so diminished a pittance, the daily task of the soldier and convict continued unaltered.

I never contemplated the labours of these men without finding abundant cause of reflection on the miseries which our nature can overcome.