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which produced a warmth, which, whilst wet with the rain, they could not have.

On the 24th it was thought necessary to reduce their already wretched pittance; and it was agreed that each person should receive one twenty-fifth part of a pound of bread for breakfast, and the same quantity for dinner, omitting the allowance for supper.

The next day they saw several noddies, and other sea-fowl, a few of which they were so fortunate as to catch; one of them came so near the boat, that it was caught by the hand. There was no wish to cook these birds. Besides the difficulty of dressing them, the claims of hunger were too peremptory to wait for such a process. Bligh divided one of these birds, of the size of a small pigeon, into eighteen portions. Several boobies flying near them, they caught one of them. The sight of sea-birds indicated the neighbourhood of land. The weather was now dry and fine. But even this soon became distressing; the heat of the sun was so intense, that many of the people were seized with a languor and faintness, which made them weary of life.

On the morning of the 29th, breakers were discovered about a quarter of a mile distant; they immediately hauled off, and were soon out of danger. At daylight they again saw the reef, over which the sea broke furiously. Steering along the edge of it, an opening was observed, through which the boat passed. A small island within the reef Mr. Bligh named, Island of Direction, as it served to show the entrance of the channel. "We now returned God thanks for His gracious protection; and with much content took our miserable allowance of a twenty-fifth of a pound of bread, and a quarter of a pint of water for dinner.”

They had the advantage of using frequently a devout and suitable prayer to God, which had been drawn up by their Commander, partly from the Prayer-Book. This form of prayer, which is in Mr. Bligh's handwriting, in the manuscript book alluded to, includes an humble confession of sins on the part of those who were suffering under the Divine chastisement, invokes the Almighty's protection for the future, and contains a thanksgiving to Him, who ruleth the raging

of the sea, and who had rescued these his afflicted creatures from the jaws of death.

The coast of New Holland now began to show itself distinctly. They landed in a fine sandy bay on an island near the main. Here they found plenty of oysters, water, and berries, which by men in their sad condition, were looked upon as luxuries. After a more comfortable repose than they had enjoyed for many nights, they were preparing the next day to depart, when about twenty natives appeared on the opposite shore, running and hallooing, and making signs to land. Each was armed with a spear; several others were seen peeping over the tops of the adjacent hills. Mr. Bligh judged it the most prudent to make the best of his way to sea. He named the place Restoration Island; as not only applicable to their own situation, but the anniversary of King Charles's Restoration, when it was discovered. the boat sailed along the shore, many other parties of the natives came down, waving green boughs as a token of friendship; but Mr. Bligh thought it wise not to land.

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On the 31st, the voyagers landed on a small

island, in order to get a distinct view of the coast. From thence, after making a hearty meal on oysters, they again put to sea, steering along the shore, often touching at the different islands and quays to refresh themselves, and to get such supplies as could be afforded. On the evening of the 3d of June, they had passed, by a most difficult and dangerous passage, through Endeavour Straits, and were once more launched into the open ocean, shaping their course for the island of Timor. A continuance of wet and tempestuous weather, and incessant fatigue, affected even the strongest among them to such a degree, that they appeared to be almost at the point of death. Mr. Bligh then, as at other times, used every effort to revive their drooping spirits.

At three o'clock in the morning of the 12th of June, to their inexpressible joy, they discovered the island of Timor, and on the 14th arrived at the Dutch settlement of Coupang. There they met with the most friendly and hospitable reception from the governor, Mr. Van Este, though he was in ill state of health. He sent a message,

a very

regretting that his illness prevented his befriending them in person; but he committed them to the care of Mr. Wanjon, his son-in-law, who, with other leading persons at Coupang, rendered their situation comfortable.

On the 20th of July, Nelson, the botanist, died of fever. He was a man much respected, and of great scientific knowledge.

On the 30th of August, Mr. Bligh, and his crew of sixteen, sailed from Coupang for Batavia, taking in tow the launch in which their lives had been so providentially preserved. After some detention at Batavia, in consequence of illness, Mr. Bligh was able to sail homeward; and on the 14th of March, 1790, he landed at Portsmouth.

Of the eighteen who had been with him in the launch, eleven returned to their native country. He had brought all but Norton safe to Coupang: Elphinston, Linkletter, Hall, and Lamb, died soon afterwards. Ledward remained at Batavia.

A few words respecting Bligh will be interesting. It appears by the register of St. Andrew's, Plymouth, that William, son

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