he horizon, in hope of seeing a sail. At every fleeting
speck which arose from the bosom of the sea, the heart bounded, and the
telescope was lifted to the eye. If a ship appeared here, we knew she must
be bound to us; for on the shores of this vast ocean (the largest in the
world) we were the only community which possessed the art of navigation,
and languished for intercourse with civilized society.

To say that we were disappointed and shocked, would very inadequately
describe our sensations. But the misery and horror of such a situation
cannot be imparted, even by those who have suffered under it.

March, 1790. Vigorous measures were become indispensable. The governor
therefore, early in February, ordered the 'Sirius' to prepare for a voyage
to China; and a farther retrenchment of our ration, we were given to
understand, would take place on her sailing.

But the 'Sirius' was destined not to reach China. Previously to her
intended departure on that voyage, she was ordered, in concert with the
'Supply', to convey Major Ross, with a large detachment of marines, and
more than two hundred convicts, to Norfolk Island, it being hoped that
such a division of our numbers would increase the means of subsistence, by
diversified exertions. She sailed on the 6th of March. And on the 27th of
the same month, the following order was issued from headquarters.

Parole--Honour.

Counter sign--Example.

The expected supply of provisions not having arrived, makes it necessary
to reduce the present ration. And the commissary is directed to issue, from
the 1st of April, the under-mentioned allowance, to every person in the
settlement without distinction.

Four pounds of flour, two pounds and a half of salt pork, and one pound and
a half of rice, per week.

On the 5th of April news was brought, that the flag on the South-head was
hoisted. Less emotion was created by the news than might be expected. Every
one coldly said to his neighbour, "the 'Sirius' and 'Supply' are returned
from Norfolk Island." To satisfy myself that the flag was really flying, I
went to the observatory, and looked for it through the large astronomical
telescope, when I plainly saw it. But I was immediately convinced that
it was not to announce the arrival of ships from England; for I could see
nobody near the flagstaff except one solitary being, who kept strolling
around, unmoved by what he saw. I well knew how different an effect the
sight of strange ships