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 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.