the least concern for the preservation of their lives, but are rather the reverse, being ripe for mutiny and destruction; this is a great affliction to the lieutenant, myself, and the carpenter, we know not what to do to bring them under any command, they have troubled us to that degree, that we are weary of our lives; therefore, this day we have told the people, that unless they alter their conduct, and subject themselves to command, that we will leave them to themselves, and take our chance in this desolate part of the globe, rather than give ourselves any farther concern about so many thoughtless wretches.  Divided the people into four watches, to make more room below.  The people have promised to be under government, and seem much easier.

Sunday the 8th, this morning the people requested provisions to be served; it being four days before the usual time, we think the request very unreasonable.  We laid the inconveniences before them of breaking in upon our stores, considering the badness of the weather, and the length of our passage, that if we are not exceedingly provident in regard to serving out provisions, we must all inevitably starve.  They will not hearken to reason, therefore we are obliged to comply with their demands, and serve out provisions accordingly.  Several of the people have desired to be put on shore, desiring us to allow them some few necessaries:  We wanted to know what could induce them to request our putting them ashore in this remote and desolate part of the world:  They answered, they did not fear doing well, and doubted not but to find the cutter, which, if they did, they would go back to the northward, otherwise they would make a canoe; therefore insisted on going ashore.  On their earnest intreaties the body of people agreed to their request:  We haul’d the boat close in shore; the people who chose to stay behind were eleven in number, we supply’d them with proper necessaries, and they signed a certificate, to inform the L——­ s of the A——­y, that they were not compelled to stay, but made it their own choice, and that they did it for the preservation of themselves and us.

A Copy of their Certificate.

“These are to certify, the right honourable the lords commissioners for executing the office of lord high admiral of Great Britain, &c.  That we, whose names are undermentioned, since the misfortune of losing the cutter, have consider’d the ill conveniences and difficulties to be attended, where so great a number of people are to be carried off, therefore we have requested and desired the officers and company remaining of the same vessel to put us on shore, with such necessaries of life as can be conveniently spared out of the vessel.  We, of our own free will and choice, do indemnify all persons from ever being call’d to an account for putting us on shore, or leaving us behind, contrary to our inclinations.  Witness our hands, on board the Speedwell schooner, in the latitude 50 deg. 40’ S. this 8th day of November, 1741.  Which was signed by the following people, viz.