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[Page 3]
fear of losing my Masts or crippling the ship and my Men falling sick - this with other reasons which I will not state to you again as I have done in my first letter was the cause of my bearing away on the 22nd April.-
That it appeared I had little chance to accomplish my passage during the time I could stay longer in that Sea. - That to put into Port at such a season and attempt it again, provided I had success, was gaining but little time at a great risk, and the chances much against me. - That I had not a moment to spare to make my passage to the C of Good Hope & refit so as to be sure of my getting to Otaheite in time. - That the ship from being constantly in very high seas began to be leaky & required carefully to be attended with the pumps which increased our labour. - That my people being now but ten on whom the hard duty of furling & reefing principally fell upon, felt much the severity of the weather and were much harassed and fatigued, the sails & ropes being work'd with much difficulty from the heavy snow storms. - That upon the whole being considered, the one amounting the matter to a certainty & the other to a doubt, and being honored with discretionary orders