worked hard on board the Porpoise, and by the 22d had got most of the water and provisions secured in a large tent made with spars and sails; each mess of officers and men had also their private tent; and our manner of living and working had assumed the same regularity as before the shipwreck.
“Our prospects of receiving succour from the Bridgewater having become very feeble, after two days of moderate weather had elapsed, I called a council of all the officers, to deliberate upon the best means of relieving ourselves from the precarious situation in which our misfortune, and Captain Palmer’s want of energy and humanity, had left us exposed; and it was finally determined, that an officer and crew, in the largest of the two six-oared cutters, should endeavour to get to Sandy Cape, 63 leagues distant, and from thence along the coast to Port Jackson, and pray his Excellency, the Governor, to send vessels to carry us either back to that port, or on towards England. But as the safe arrival of the cutter at that season of the year, when strong winds usually prevail from the southward, was a subject of much apprehension; it was resolved that two decked boats, capable of transporting every person remaining on the bank, excepting one officer and boat’s crew, should be immediately laid down by the carpenters, to be built from what was already, and might be still further saved from the wreck; and that, if the officer in the cutter did not return with assistance in two months, the boats should then, or as soon after as they could be ready to sail, proceed to Port Jackson. The first, and principal means, however, through which our deliverance was to be expected, being the safe arrival of the cutter, the choice of an officer to conduct her was next considered. Lieutenant Fowler proposed, and it seemed to be the general wish, that I should undertake the execution of the task; and being satisfied that the preservation of order on the bank, and the saving of the stores would be left in good hands, the hope of being instrumental to the general safety induced me readily to comply. * * *
“On Aug. 26, the largest cutter being ready for her expedition, was launched, and named the Hope. The morning was fine, and wind light from the southward; and notwithstanding its being Friday, which in the seaman’s calendar is the most unfortunate of the whole week to commence a voyage, I embarked for Port Jackson, with the commander of the Cato. * * * * * * The reader has perhaps never gone 250 leagues at sea in an open boat, or along a strange coast inhabited by savages; but if he recollect the 80 officers and men upon Wreck-Reef Bank, and how important was our arrival to their safety, and to the saving of the charts, journals, and papers of the Investigator’s voyage, he may have some idea of the pleasure we felt, but particularly myself, at entering our destined port[1].”
- ↑ See Flinders’ Voyage to Terra Australia, II. 297–321.
