96 PHILLIP 1788-02 we might be deemed peculiarly fortunate that, of the whole num- ber of all descriptions of persons coming to form the new settle- ment, only thirty-two had died since their leaving England, among Health on whom were to be included one or two deaths by accidents ; although previous to our departure it was generally conjectured that before we should have been a month at sea, one of the transports would have been converted into an hospital ship. But it fortunately happened otherwise ; and the spirits visible in every eye were to be ascribed to the general joy and satisfaction which immediately took place on finding ourselves arrived at that port which had been so much and so long the theme of our conversations. There was every reason, indeed, for rejoicing, when the history of the Second Fleet is borne in mind. But the Judge-Advocate did not show much acumen when he ascribed this singular good fortune entirely to the re- freshments at Rio de Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope, and "the excellent quality of the provisions" with which Tnie reason the ships worc supplied by the contractor in England. cees. Provisions alone would not have brought the fleet into Port Jackson with so much cause for congratulation.* It was owing to the provident care and foresight of its chief that the expedition met with unexpected good fortune at every stage ; just as the success achieved by Captain Cook in his voyages was due rather to his own skill and good management than to the mere equipment of his vessels. f We have only to trace the history of Phillip's adminis- tration in order to see the same characteristics attended • Captain Tench was not quite ao pleased with the provisions : — '* When the reader is told that some of the necessary articles allowed to ships on a common passage to the West Indies were withheld from us ; that portable soup, wheat, and pickled vegetables were not allowed ; and that an inade- quate quantity of essence of malt was the only anti-scorbutic supplied, his surprise will redouble at the result of the voyage." — Narrative, p. 46. t Sir Joseph Banks, in a letter dated August 16, 1791, addressed to Mr. Richards, the contractor, said : — **It appears clear, however, from the remarkable healthyness of the crews that went out with Governor Phillip, and from the as remarkable unhealthyness of some transports that have arrived since, that the good sense and personal attention of the commanders to enforce cleanliness and order among these unfortunate people is the prin- cipal cause of the success with which they can be carried out. Government is always ready to allow the necessary expense, but not always able to find out proper people to take charge of the ships." Digitized by Google
