would produce.

April, 1790. The governor, however, determined to go down the harbour, and
I begged permission to accompany him. Having turned a point about half way
down, we were surprised to see a boat, which was known to belong to the
'Supply', rowing towards us. On nearer approach, I saw captain Ball make
an extraordinary motion with his hand, which too plainly indicated that
something disastrous had happened; and I could not help turning to the
governor, near whom I sat, and saying, "Sir, prepare yourself for bad
news." A few minutes changed doubt into certainty; and to our unspeakable
consternation we learned, that the 'Sirius' had been wrecked on Norfolk
Island, on the 19th of February. Happily, however, Captain Hunter, and
every other person belonging to her, were saved.

Dismay was painted on every countenance, when the tidings were proclaimed
at Sydney. The most distracting apprehensions were entertained All hopes
were now concentred in the little 'Supply'.

At six o'clock in the evening, all the officers of the garrison, both
civil and military, were summoned to meet the governor in council, when
the nature of our situation was fully discussed and an account of
the provisions yet remaining in store laid before the council by the
commissary. This account stated, that on the present ration* the public
stores contained salt meat sufficient to serve until the 2nd of July, flour
until the 20th of August, and rice, or pease in lieu of it, until the 1st
of October.

[*See the ration of the 27th of March, a few pages back.]

Several regulations for the more effectual preservation of gardens,
and other private property, were proposed, and adopted and after some
interchange of opinion, the following ration was decreed to commence
immediately, a vigorous exertion to prolong existence, or the chance of
relief, being all now left to us.

Two pounds of pork, two pounds and a half of flour,
two pounds of rice, or a quart of pease, per week,
to every grown person, and to every child of more
than eighteen months old.

To every child under eighteen months old, the same
quantity of rice and flour, and one pound of pork.**

[**When the age of this provision is recollected, its inadequacy will more
strikingly appear. The pork and rice were brought with us from England. The
pork had been salted between three and four years, and every grain of rice
was a moving body, from the inhabitants lodg