Our situation was miserable; always wet, and suffering extreme cold in the night, without the least shelter from the weather.

The little rum we had was of the greatest service: when our nights were particularly distressing, I generally served a teaspoonful or two to each person, and it was always joyful tidings when they heard of my intentions.

The night was again a dark and dismal one, the sea constantly breaking over us, and nothing but the wind and waves to direct our steerage.

It was my intention, if possible, to make the coast of New Holland to the southward of Endeavour Straits, being sensible that it was necessary to preserve such a situation as would make a southerly wind a fair one; that we might range along the reefs till an opening should be found into smooth water, and we the sooner be able to pick up some refreshments.' On the 18th the rain abated, when, at their commander's recommendation, they all stripped and wrung their clothes through the sea-water, from which, as usual, they derived much warmth and refreshment; but every one complained of violent pains in their bones.

At night the heavy rain recommenced, with severe lightning, which obliged them to keep baling without intermission.