The leakiness of the ship increased with the continuance of the south-west winds; and at the end of a week, amounted to five inches of water an hour.  It seemed, however, that the leaks were mostly above the water’s edge, for on tacking to the westward they were diminished to two inches.  This working of the oakum out of the seams indicated a degree of weakness which, in a ship destined to encounter every hazard, could not be contemplated without uneasiness.  The very large ports, formerly cut in the sides to receive thirty-two-pound carronades, joined to what I had been able to collect from the dock yard officers, had given me an unfavourable opinion of her strength; and this was now but too much confirmed.  Should it be asked, why representations were not made, and a stronger vessel procured?  I answer, that the exigencies of the navy were such at that time, that I was given to understand no better ship could be spared from the service; and my anxiety to complete the investigation of the coasts of Terra Australis did not admit of refusing the one offered.

THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 1801

The wind was at south when we tacked to the westward; but it shortly veered to south-by-east, and as far as south-east-by-south, which enabled me to look up for the small Isle Sable, or St. Paul, said to lie in 0 deg. 25’ south, and about 181/2 deg. west.  I was desirous of ascertaining the true position of this, and of some other small islands, laid down in the neighbourhood of the equator.  They are placed so much in the tracks, both of outward and homeward bound ships, that it was not improbable some one of the vessels missed at different times, might have suffered shipwreck upon them; and the hope that we might be the happy means of restoring to their country and friends some unfortunate fellow creatures, perhaps countrymen, was an additional incitement to look after them.

MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 1801

On the 7th, our latitude was 0 deg. 43’ north, and we expected to cross the equator some time in the following night.  It was a part of my plan for preserving the health of the people, to promote active amusements amongst them, so long as it did not interfere with the duties of the ship; and therefore the ancient ceremonies used on this occasion, were allowed to be performed this evening; and the ship being previously put under snug sail, the seamen were furnished with the means, and the permission, to conclude the day with merriment.  At noon next day, the latitude was 0 deg. 17’ south, and longitude 17 deg. 7’ west; so that the line had been crossed in nearly 17 deg., about seven in the morning [TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER].