At Every Fleeting Speck
Which Arose From The Bosom Of The Sea, The Heart Bounded, And The Telescope
Was Lifted To The Eye.
If a ship appeared here, we knew she must be bound
to us; for on the shores of this vast ocean (the largest in the world)
we were the only community which possessed the art of navigation,
and languished for intercourse with civilized society.
To say that we were disappointed and shocked, would very inadequately describe
our sensations. But the misery and horror of such a situation
cannot be imparted, even by those who have suffered under it.
March, 1790. Vigorous measures were become indispensable. The governor
therefore, early in February, ordered the 'Sirius' to prepare for a voyage
to China; and a farther retrenchment of our ration, we were given
to understand, would take place on her sailing.
But the 'Sirius' was destined not to reach China. Previously to her intended
departure on that voyage, she was ordered, in concert with the 'Supply',
to convey Major Ross, with a large detachment of marines, and more than
two hundred convicts, to Norfolk Island, it being hoped that such a division
of our numbers would increase the means of subsistence, by diversified
exertions. She sailed on the 6th of March. And on the 27th of the same month,
the following order was issued from headquarters.
Parole - Honour.
Counter sign - Example.
The expected supply of provisions not having arrived,
makes it necessary to reduce the present ration.
And the commissary is directed to issue, from the
1st of April, the under-mentioned allowance, to every
person in the settlement without distinction.
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