midday
In a cabin underneath this , the three petty officers and twenty of the sailors lived together , the main body of the crew occupying the raised forecastle and the cabin underneath it . The galley was forward , built up against the forecastle , and thus sheltered from heavy seas which might sweep the waist of the vessel . Four small cannon were mounted on the poop , two on the forecastle , the six larger guns were in the waist -- three on either side . The breeze freshened as the Swan drew out from under the shelter of the land , and by midday the shore had faded from the sight . The crew had by this time settled down in their places , and sat in groups on deck , some overhauling the contents of their sea bags , looking over their clothes , and setting to , with needle and thread , to make such repairs as were needed . Some of the new hands were leaning over the side , wishing heartily that they were on shore again . Those who had made voyages were talking to their companions about the various ports at which they might touch , and the sights they would behold .