As there is no news here of the ship,
and we cannot see her, we surmise she has gone down with all hands. I
cannot see there is any chance of her being afloat or she would be
here. I don't know how the Skipper will take it.
"March 12, Sunday.--Heard groans proceeding from the sleeping-bags all
night; all hands suffering from over-eating. Hayward not very well.
Turned out 8 o'clock. Good breakfast--porridge, seal, vegetables, and
coffee; more like a banquet to us. After breakfast Richards and Wild
killed a couple of seals whilst I made the hut a bit comfy. Hayward
can hardly move. All of us in a very bad state, but we must keep up
exercise. My ankles and knees badly swollen, gums prominent. Wild,
very black around joints, and gums very black. Richards about the best
off. After digging hut out I prepared food which I think will keep the
scurvy down. The dogs have lost their lassitude and are quite frisky,
except Oscar, who is suffering from over-feeding. After a strenuous
day's work turned in 10 o'clock.
"March 13, Monday.--Turned out 7 o'clock. Carried on much the same as
yesterday, bringing in seal blubber and meat. Preparing for departure
to-morrow; hope every one will be all right. Made new dog harness and
prepared sledges. In afternoon cooked sufficient seal meat for our
journey out and back, and same for dogs.
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