December 1792

Tuesday 18th Moderate breezes and fine weather the french ship sailed this evening. At 1 PM tripped the best bower and warped further in shore. Let go the small bower in 13 fathoms water, mud and sandy bottom. Veered away and moored EbS and WbN a cable on the small bower to the Eastward and half a one on the other to the Westward.
Ship's Draught of water foreward 14 feet.06 inches abaft 15.06
Unbent the small sails and got down the Top Gallant steering sail booms for erecting a tent on shore, sent also the old Mizen Top sail for that purpose. Sent the Cooper with a Midshipman and one Man to the Tent, with tools and empty casks. Captain Bligh went on shore and was saluted by the Fort on his landing, with 13 Guns – a customary compliment to Captains of H.M. Navy – At sunset down Top Gallant Yards.
AM. light airs and cloudy – at 4 mizzling rain; Employed starting salt water and sending empty casks on shore to the Tent to bve filled and shifted occasionally. Some people unstowing the after hold and stowing the Spirit room. Sent 2 men to gather Water Cresses. Caught a few Mackeral with hook and line alongside, in the night. At Noon moderate breezes and cloudy weather Broached a puncheon of Spruce beer.
Marks when Moored; [?] [blank] Pasture point S60°W, Flag staff S16E, Steple of St. James's Church S12E, Sugar loaf point N66°E – with the best bower in 19 fathoms water, sand and muddy bottom. Bent the old main, and best mizen topsail.

Wednesday 19th First and middle parts moderate breezes and hazy weather latter, fresh gale and hazy. Employed sending empty casks on shore, and in the holds. Two men sent to pick water cresses, and served it to the ships company. received two turn of water per Launch. Som hands employed about the rigging, others working at the holds. Aired the Topsails &c and bent the old fore Top sail