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Revised Aug 29 2021

Bond's Providence Logbook Aug 29-Sep 1, 1791

Remarks on board H.M.S. Providence in Sancta Cruz road
In Company with the Assistant Tender

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.


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