May 29, 1789 Home Logbook May 31, 1789
Revised Jun 30 2021
Very fine Weather with ESE and SE Winds.
This afternoon I sent the Parties out again to gather Oysters, and with some of the inner part of the Palm Top we got another good Stew made for Supper, of which I issued to each person a full pint and a half, but I refused Bread to this Meal for I considered my wants might yet be very great, and as such I represented the necessity of saving our principal support whenever it was in our power. This occasioned some murmuring with the Master and Carpenter, the former of whom wanted to prove a propriety of such an Expenditure, and was troublesomely ignorant–tending to create disorder among those, if anywise weak enough to listen to him.
At night I again divided, and one part slept in the Boat and the other by a good fire. In the morning I discovered a visible alteration in every one for the better, and I sent them away again to gather Oysters. I had now only two lbs of Pork left and I promised to give it for dinner. This article which I could not keep under lock and key as I did the Bread was exposed to the theft of some inconsiderate persons, but every one most sacredly denied it I therefore resolved to put it out of their power for the future. While the party was out Oystering I got the Boat in readyness for Sea, and filled all our water Vessels which now amounted to nearly 60 Gallons. The party being returned the Dinner was soon ready and every one had as good an Allowance as they had for Supper, for with the Pork I had given an allowance of Bread, and I was determined forthwith to push on. As we had yet time before Noon I told every one that an exertion should now be made to gather as many Oysters as possible for a Sea Store as I was determined to sail in the Afternoon, but our full Bellies made us forget the necessity and I had an opposition to such a plan alledging they were too weak. I was told also that when they were from me there were several complaining of my stay at this place and that it was much better to be going on, & that these unthankfull people were no sooner saved from perishing with want and fatigue than they had forgot the mercies they had received. I therefore after reprobating their conduct sent them out for a Sea Store and assured them they should now pursue their Voyage at all events gather what they would.
About Noon they returned with the few Oysters they had time to pick up and every thing was put into the Boat. I also examined the quantity of Bread and I found 38 days allowance at my last mode of issuing 1/24 of a lb at Breakfast and 1/24 of a lb at Dinner.
At Noon I had a good observation for the latitude and found it to be 12°..39′ So. It was high water at Noon and the Tide rose 3 feet, Flood from the northward. From this I deduce the time of high water at full and change to be at 10 minutes past 7 in the morning.
May 29, 1789 Home Logbook May 31, 1789