“Sir,

“I am sorry you should give me the liberty of telling you, you have not discharg’d your promise, by letting us know the governor’s answer to what we requested:  Which was, at our expence and charge, to go to the assistance of his majesty’s ships at Rio Janeiro; since which time I am to inform you that we are in want of provision, having none of any kind allow’d us yesterday, and but one small fish per man for two days before.  The meaning of which, I believe, is owing to you, by the endeavouring, through the persuasions of the persons you confide in, to blacken us, and in so vile a manner, that you seem unacquainted with the ill consequence, which may attend the touching a man’s character.  We know, and are fully convinced, from what has been done already, that nothing will be allow’d or granted us but by your means:  Mr Cummins and myself ask no favour from you, but to use your endeavours to get us dispatches to the ships at Rio Janeiro, where every man must give account of his actions, and justice take place.  If I am not mistaken, you told me that what we were supply’d with here was a bounty flowing from the generous spirit of the governor, and the gentlemen of the place.  If this be the case, we ought to be very thankful indeed.  I am surprized, sir, you don’t see the grievances of the inhabitants here, and hear the soldiers murmurings for want of their arrears.  If they should revolt at this juncture, we shall stand a very bad chance.  I must acquaint you, sir, the vessel we came in is not so much out of repair, but that, if you can get canvas out of the store for sails, we can make ’em, and get ready for sailing in ten days time.  And if the vessel expected here with supplies comes in a shorter time, our vessel will be ready fix’d for the use of the governor; and if one vessel should not be large enough to carry us all off, we can go in company.  I imagine you know of the stores being robbed, and the disturbance among the soldiers, which must occasion uneasiness enough, without repeating grievances, where relief is not to be had.  I beg, sir, you’ll get us dispatch’d with all expedition to his majesty’s service, that we may not lose the opportunity of joining the two ships and the Flota.

Sir, yours.”

The next morning the lieutenant came down on horseback, being the first time of his appearing among us since we have been here, which is above three weeks; we went with him to the commandant, who promised we should not want fresh beef and fish, but as for bread there is none to be got.  William Oram, one of the carpenter’s crew, died this day in the hospital.