'I now,' says Bligh, 'made the ship's company acquainted with the object of the voyage, and gave assurances of the certainty of promotion to every one whose endeavours should merit it.' Nothing, indeed, seemed to be neglected on the part of the commander to make his officers and men comfortable and happy.

He was himself a thorough-bred sailor, and availed himself of every possible means of preserving the health of his crew.

Continued rain and a close atmosphere had covered everything in the ship with mildew.

She was therefore aired below with fires, and frequently sprinkled with vinegar, and every interval of dry weather was taken advantage of to open all the hatchways, and clean the ship, and to have all the people's wet things washed and dried.

With these precautions to secure health, they passed the hazy and sultry atmosphere of the low latitudes without a single complaint.
On Sunday, the 2nd of March, Lieutenant Bligh observes, 'after seeing that every person was clean, Divine service was performed, according to my usual custom.