were drifting in with the tide; at which the master of the port,
who was on board the Sirius, expressed much uneasiness; but he
was told our seamen knew very well how to manage their ships, and
that there was no danger: the Portuguese will not allow more than
one of their ships in the narrows at a time.

The ships in general had been remarkably healthy; the whole
number buried since we left England was sixteen, six only of that
number had died between Teneriffe and this place, which certainly
is a very trying part of the voyage to people who have not been
accustomed to warm climates, and being fed wholly on salt
provisions; many of those whom we had lost since we left
Portsmouth, had been lingering under diseases with which they
were afflicted when they embarked; consequently little hope could
be entertained of their recovery in such a situation and under
such circumstances.

On our arrival here, there were but four out of the whole
number in fevers, and a few others with various but trifling
complaints; and between 20 and 30, in whom symptoms of the scurvy
had lately appeared, the seeds of which it was hoped and expected
would be effectually eradicated before we left this place. Fresh
provisions were immediately provided on our arrival, and served
to the ships companies, marines, and convicts; vegetables were
also provided, of which they were to have a proportion served
with their other provisions every day whilst we remained here;
oranges and other tropical fruits were in vast abundance at this
time; the convicts also had a proportion of oranges with their
other provisions, this fruit being in such great plenty, that the
expence attending the purchase of a few for each individual a