August 1791

Monday 29th  Calm and hazy with showers at times. Employed clearing the Holds &c – two shore boats employed carrying on shore our empty casks – Confined Daniel Hog Seaman for drunkeness and insolence Loosed sails to dry – Ordered from the shore 930 gallons of wine

Tuesday 30th  Light airs and fair – Employed in the Holds – received on board several casks of water – people stowing away the casks – Ditto Weather. received Fresh Beef.

Wednesday 31  Ditto Weather. employed in the fore and after Holds as yesterday – received water, 930 gallons of wine, and Fresh Beef – Ships company preparing for sea, and the Captain exceeding ill of a fever. It was remarked that the air felt very hot and sufficating, yet our people continued healthy – Mr. [blank], Midshipman, behaved infamously, having got drunk on shore, when on duty, several times
Ships draught of water Foreward 15 feet:00 Abaft 16:03

September 1791

Thursday 1st  Ditto Weather. at 4 PM unmoored and hove to one cable service on the Best Bower – carried out the Kedge to steady her. Employed clearing the decks – At 10 hove into ½ cable and weighed the Kedge – At 5 AM Calm and Hazy – received water – weighed Anchor and sent the boats ahead to tow – stowed the Anchors – Ditto Weather. at Noon the East point of the Bay NEbE and the West SW. The town of Sancta Cruz W½S 3 leagues – Ships draught of water Foreward 15 feet:03 Inches – Abaft 16 feet: 3 Inches – Assistant in Company

Memorandum:  Yesterday I was ordered by Captain Bligh to take the command of the Assistant while Lieutenant Portlock remained on board the Providence – that is, during Captain Bligh's extreme illness. In consequence thereof I went on board her and Lieutenant Portlock into the Providence, where his attendance was thoug[h]t necessary for the welfare of the expedition. As my orders were verbal, and no particular charge given me, or alteration made in the ship's books, I think it proper to continue the Journal of the Providence instead of that of the Assistant – since as both vessels were in company no material alteration would take place in their different reckonings. As to private occurances, nothing worthy [of] notice took place – however what may anywise be commented [within?] the voyage will be mentioned under the name of the Assistant, until our arrival at the Cape of Good Hope, which to me was a happy relief.