Monday the 27th, launched the boat, went to the wreck, but found nothing; close weather, the wind still at north:  Rose the sheets for erecting a tent over the long-boat to keep the men from being exposed to the continual rains.  This day we finished the thatching of our new house.

Wednesday the 29th, fresh gales at N.W. with rain; sure no men ever met with such weather as we have in this climate:  To-day we walked in the woods to take some notice of the trees, which we find to be very much like our beech in England; but the trees and bushes are in general of a soft free nature, and with a spicy bark.

Thursday the 30th, wind still at N.W. and rainy weather.  This day departed this life, Nathaniel Robinson, the last private man of the invalids; there are now only two left, viz. the captain and surgeon.  Being at the honourable Mr B——­n’s tent, I found him looking in Sir John Narborough’s voyage to these seas:  This book I desired the loan of, he told me it was Captain C——­p’s, and did not doubt but he would lend it me; this favour I requested of the captain, and it was presently granted.  Carefully perusing this book, I conceived an opinion that our going through the Streights of Magellan for the coast of Brasil, would be the only way to prevent our throwing ourselves into the hands of a cruel, barbarous, and insulting enemy:  Our long-boat, when finished, can be fit for no enterprize, but the preservation of life:  As we cannot act offensively, we ought to have regard to our safety and liberty.  This evening proposals were offered to the officers concerning our going through the Streights of Magellan; which at this time they seem to approve of.

Friday the 31st, hard gales at N.W. with rain:  This day was taken up along shore, an otter just killed, but by what animal we could not tell; it was bleeding fresh when taken up, and proved a dainty repast.  Came ashore the ship’s beams, with several things of great value.

Saturday, August the 1st, hard gales at N.W. with rain and hail.  This day put to an allowance of flour, one quarter of a pound a man per diem, and one pint of wine:  Those who like brandy, to have half a pint in lieu of wine.  We have now in a manner nothing to live on but what we pick’d up along the shore:  The ship’s company agree to go through the Streights of Magellan.

Sunday the 2d, this morning found the store-tent robbed of brandy, filled up all the ullage casks, picked up about the rocks abundance of clams, a shell-fish not unlike our cockles:  These fish are at present the support of our life.  The people are now very quarrelsome and discontented.