Her sails and rigging were so much worn, that something was giving way every hour; and there was nothing left, either to repair or to replace them.

The provisions of the vessel were in such a state of decay, that they afforded little nourishment, and the company had been long without refreshments.

Indeed, the crew were yet healthy, and would cheerfully have gone wherever the captain had judged it proper to lead them; but he was fearful, lest the scurvy should lay hold of them, at a time, when none of the remedies were left by which it could be removed.

He thought, likewise, that it would have been cruel in him to have continued the fatigues and hardships they were perpetually exposed to, longer than was absolutely necessary.

Throughout the whole voyage, they had merited by their behaviour every indulgence which it was in his power to bestow.
Animated by the conduct of the officers, they had shewn that no difficulties or dangers which came in their way were incapable of being surmounted; nor had their activity, courage, and cheerfulness been in the least abated by the separation from them of their consort the Adventure.
From all these considerations, which were evidently the dictates of wisdom and humanity, Captain Cook was induced to spend no longer time in searching for the French discoveries, but to steer for the Cape of Good Hope.