As a rule--though I say it before men accustomed to victualing ships--our crews are vilely provided for.
Salt meat they must eat, for no other can be obtained at sea; but it should be of good quality, likewise the other provisions.

I want not biscuits that are alive with maggots, nor moldy flour, nor peas or other things that cattle would turn up their noses at.

I want everything to be the very best of its kind, with cider good, and sound, and in fair abundance.
"This is not an ordinary voyage.

We shall be away for many months, maybe for a year or two; and unless the men are well fed they will assuredly lose their health, and likely enough become mutinous.

If we come upon a Spanish ship when three parts of the crew are weak with scurvy, we shall make but a poor fight of it.