Having turned a point about half way down, we were surprised to see a boat, which was known to belong to the 'Supply', rowing towards us.

On nearer approach, I saw captain Ball make an extraordinary motion with his hand, which too plainly indicated that something disastrous had happened; and I could not help turning to the governor, near whom I sat, and saying, "Sir, prepare yourself for bad news." A few minutes changed doubt into certainty; and to our unspeakable consternation we learned, that the 'Sirius' had been wrecked on Norfolk Island, on the 19th of February.

Happily, however, Captain Hunter, and every other person belonging to her, were saved.
Dismay was painted on every countenance, when the tidings were proclaimed at Sydney.

The most distracting apprehensions were entertained All hopes were now concentred in the little 'Supply'.
At six o'clock in the evening, all the officers of the garrison, both civil and military, were summoned to meet the governor in council, when the nature of our situation was fully discussed and an account of the provisions yet remaining in store laid before the council by the commissary.

This account stated, that on the present ration* the public stores contained salt meat sufficient to serve until the 2nd of July, flour until the 20th of August, and rice, or pease in lieu of it, until the 1st of October.
[*See the ration of the 27th of March, a few pages back.] Several regulations for the more effectual preservation of gardens, and other private property, were proposed, and adopted and after some interchange of opinion, the following ration was decreed to commence immediately, a vigorous exertion to prolong existence, or the chance of relief, being all now left to us.
Two pounds of pork, two pounds and a half of flour, two pounds of rice, or a quart of pease, per week, to every grown person, and to every child of more than eighteen months old.
To every child under eighteen months old, the same quantity of rice and flour, and one pound of pork.** [**When the age of this provision is recollected, its inadequacy will more strikingly appear.