TRANSCRIPTION
As we still had plenty of work to do on the coast of New Holland and had only enough water for another two months, I judged it right to begin cutting down on it in good time; that is, instead of giving each man two and a half bottles of water, I gave him no more than two. Undoubtedly it was not a very great reduction, for we were still allowing more than the regulations for long voyages prescribed. Nevertheless, it produced malcontents - not amongst the sailors. but in another quarter. Be that as it may, it will in no way alter my decision on the matter. for I am convinced that people can well do without tea and coffee twice daily. So, satisfied or not, I was the first to conform - and with a good grace.
