But the zeal and alacrity of captain Hunter, and our brethren of the 'Sirius', rendered superfluous all assistance or co-operation.
Here on the summit of the hill, every morning from daylight until the sun sunk, did we sweep the horizon, in hope of seeing a sail.

At every fleeting speck which arose from the bosom of the sea, the heart bounded, and the telescope was lifted to the eye.

If a ship appeared here, we knew she must be bound to us; for on the shores of this vast ocean (the largest in the world) we were the only community which possessed the art of navigation, and languished for intercourse with civilized society.
To say that we were disappointed and shocked, would very inadequately describe our sensations.

But the misery and horror of such a situation cannot be imparted, even by those who have suffered under it.
March, 1790.

Vigorous measures were become indispensable.