Feb 23, 1792 Home Providence Log Feb 25, 1792
Revised Aug 26 2021
1 pm: Light Airs & Calms with much Haze – Sent the Cutter on shore to fill some Water Casks. —
4 pm: The people returned from the Assistant. —
6 pm: At ½ past 6 weighed and Sailed the Assistant in Company. —
8 pm: Light Variable Winds-the high land next Pengwin Island SbW distant 1 Mile. —
11 pm: A very sudden Gust of Wind came off the land which obliged us to take in all Sails. Close Reefed the Topsails. – Split the Jib. —
4 am: Strong Gales and hard Squalls with Rain, handed the Mizen Top Sail —
6 am: Saw the Land near Fluted Cape NW, from the Mast head distant 10 or 12 Leagues. —
7 am: Seals and porpoises seen. –
8 am: A Hard Gale and severe Squalls of Rain & Sleet. Handed Fore Top Sail and down Top Gallant Yards. —
9 am: Served a Hot breakfast as usual. —
11 am: Dried Ship with Fires. Krout in the Pease for Dinner. –
12 noon: Ditto Weather & much Sea.– The Assistant in Company. –
Handed the Main Top Sail. –
Many Oceanic Birds.—
WE lost but a little time in being put back again into this Bay, for the Winds were trifling and Contrary. To make up for this, the Assistant got completely refitted, and we employed ourselves to the best advantage.
Several Fires were obdservable about the Country to the NW, but the Natives made no longer any near Gulley Head, as we had observed coming in, a proof that they absented themselves and wished to have no communication or intercourse with us.
I ahve before mentioned that two Goats were left on Pengwin Island and would be of no use, as we had no Male to leave with them; I therefore permitted some of the Gentlemen to go in search of them. They could only find one which was brought on board, & an albetross which they Shot that measured 7 feet 7 Inches from tip to tip of the Wing.
We had no sooner got out of the Bay than we were suddenly surprised by a heavy Squall of Wind and Rain. Out Top Gallant Sails & Stay Sails were Set and only one Reef in the Top Sails, so that it was with great difficulty we saved the Sails. We nevertheless received no damage, but spliting the Jibb. The Gale increased, and by Noon we were brought under low Sails. We had fair intervals and I got some tolerable Altitudes for the time peices and good Noon observation.
Feb 23, 1792 Home Providence Log Feb 25, 1792