512 LETTERS 1790 Hunter's The SuppTy bound for Batavia, thence to China and the Gape, if necessary. Measures taken to avert star- vation. Flimsy diet this kind of frame the shipwrecked seated themselves, two or more at a time, and thus were dragged on shore through a sad dashing surf, which broke frequently over their heads, keeping them a con- siderable time under water. Some of them in coming on shore were half drowned and a good deal bruised. Captain Hunter was considerably hurt, and with repeated seas knockeid off the grating; insomuch that all lookers on feared greatly for his letting go ; but he got on shore safe, and his hurts are by no means dangext>iis. Many private effects were saved by the seas driving them on shore when thrown overboard ; but it was not always so courteous. Much is lost, and many escaped with nothing more than they stood in. But for this ill-hap it was intended to have sent the Sirius to China immediately on her return for provisions. The Supply, however, is getting ready with all expedition for sea. She is, if convenient, to touch at Norfolk Island on the way to receive the first lieutenant, who is to have the charge of bringing hither what- ever vessels may be taken up, but not for this or any other purpose to make any long delay, for the errand she goes upon is, as you perceive, of the last importance. Batavia is the port to which they are first bound ; if a ship or ships cannot be got there, they will proceed to China or the Cape, possibly both j and if at the latter no news is heard of any that have sailed on their way to New Holland, or in case they have, and yet there is reason to judge, from the time, &c., that something fatal had befallen them, they must then take up a very capital concern on Government account, which, at this rate, must exceed six months. But we must hope for something sooner, or this may come too late. It is one satisfaction, amidst this gloomy state of things, to see prudent measures pursued in order to avert) as much as possible, the present and impending evils. Private stock, of which, by-the-bye, there is but little, is purchased on the public account, and served in lieu at the store. Seed and every proper encouragement is now given to those who will industriously cultivate the ground. There are several spots laid out for raising vegetables, and these are designed for a public concern. I am sorry to observe that the most useful productions, such as grain, thrive very indifferently ; but they have some spots at a little settlement up the harbour, called Rose Hill, where things thrive tolerably well, but altogether quite inadequate to the purpose of public subsistence. Tis true most of the settlers have each a cultivated spot, but vegetables, if put wholly to it, are but a flimsy diet, and here they are by no means in lavish abundance. The boats, let who will own them, are all sent to fishing for the community ; fish being served out as pork, only in larger proportion, by way of making the provisions hold out People are also appointed to go into the woods after kangaroos, but tliis is rather a precarious supply, and seldom turns to much account But all helps, and if it was less 'twere worthy the trying for. Digitized by Google
