1793 February

Sunday 17 Fair Weather with some Squalls in the middle part. Employed Warping further into the Harbour all the afternoon. At ½ past 6 dropt the Best Bower in 7 fathoms muddy bottom. Veered to a half Cable and moored Ship with the Stream Anchor to the NW in 4 fathoms. The West point of the Harbour (called Fishermans point) SSW about 1 Mile. Wilsons Key or East point of the Harbour S18°E about 1 Mile. Pinnocks House S45°E. The Point of the lee Reef SbW distant ¾ Mile. Port Morant Wharf N68W 1½ or 2 Miles. Sent the Launch at the head of the Harbour for Water. Washed the Ship fore and aft and dried with Fires. Opened Hogshead Beef No. 1477 Contents 66 Double Pieces.

  I was received here by a Mr. John McLean one of the Committee at his House called Bowden on a Hill on the East side of the Harbour who made preparations for receiving ye Plants

Monday 18 Moderate Weather with Showers. Hauled the Seine without any success. Served Bore Cole and Portable Soup thickned with Oatmeal for Dinner and hot Breakfast of thick Gruel every day. I set off for Bath to meet Mr. Shirley the Chairman of the Committee with Mr. McLean. A spot near the Botanic Garden was agreed on to be the place for the Plants. The Botanic Garden had no rare things in it, except the Sago Plant, the Camphor and Cinnamon. The Mango grew luxuriantly, and these are plentifull all over the Island. Lodgings & Board were procured for Mr. Wiles the Gardener who is to reside here. I rode to the Hot Spring and drank the Water, it gushes abundantly from a Rock into a River, and is so hot as to prevent one from drinking more than a mouthfull at a time. It is about two & half Mile from the Town into the Mountains in a narrow Gully with lofty & romantick Mountains on each side. Hot and Cold Baths are conveniently contrived, and here is also an Hospital for diseased wandering people attended by Doctor Danser, supported by the Society at large.

Tuesday 19 Ditto Weather. Dried Sails occasionally.

  Matters being fixed respecting how we were to proceed with the Plants, I returned to the Ship. I found our two Otaheite Friends dangerously Ill with a Fever and a heavy defluxion on their lungs with a dreadfull Cough, which I attributed to the effects of the Small Pox. Mr. McLean in a very kind manner took them to his House, where I resided to recover my health.

  Began to land part of the Plants to be carried to Bath on Negroes heads. I had my Officers stationed to see them safe, & I attended with Mr. McLean.

Wednesday 20 Moderate Breezes and fine Weather. Aired Sails. Washed Hammocks. Got up every thing from below and Washed Ship. Sailmakers repairing Sails. Got water on board. Served thick Portable Soup Gruel for Breakfast. No fresh Meat to be got here.

  This day, the Plants landed Yesterday were got safe to Bath. They were placed under a Shade in the Botanic Garden untill ground could be prepared for them.