They must, indeed, lead a life of privation, the island producing scarcely anything; and even the water supply being extremely scanty, and so brackish as to be hardly fit for human use.
Although to-day is the Sabbath--writes Captain Semmes, in his journal of the following day--I did not consider it any violation of Christian duty to continue coaling, as we are liable to be surprised at any moment, and to have our purpose defeated.
So, too, thought the Alabama's crew, who worked cheerfully on throughout the day, completing their task by half-past eleven on the Monday morning.

The Alabama had now on board about 285 tons, nearly 200 tons having been received from the Agrippina.

Estimating her consumption at sixteen tons a day, which would give a moderate rate of steaming, she had, therefore, in her bunkers fuel for about eighteen days.
This important matter arranged, the next thing to be done was to send down the mainyard, which had been carried away in the cyclone, and roughly fished together, and to supply its place with the second new spar taken from the ship T.B.Wales.

This occupied the greater portion of the 25th, and Captain Semmes then proceeded to "break out" the hold, for the purpose of taking stock of his provisions, no opportunity having yet offered, since the hurried shipment of stores off Terceira, to ascertain the precise amount in hand of salted provisions, and other necessaries.

Batches of liberty-men were also sent on shore to recruit themselves with a run upon _terra firma_--an amusement in which such of the officers as could be spared were but too glad to join.
Wednesday, the 26th November, saw all these arrangements completed, and the last batch of liberty-men safely on board again after their run.