January 28th, 1776
More have fallen prey to fevers this day. We receive reports of other ships in the fleet where the illness is much more advanced upon the people; the sores have appeared upon some.
We await this unwelcome development.
I ate a full supper this day, and my head is again clear. The others who have shared my pallet these last days worsen. I pray God they may be delivered of the worst of the disease.
Today a word from Slant, delivered by Pomp, as Slant will no longer approach the flock-bed of sickness. Pomp came to my side, and said just, “Slant ain’t had it.”
In that, a world of anguish. I watch him down the length of the ship; he grimaces and works his fingers backwards and cannot sit; and none of us can walk about, or breathe any air untainted.