About noon
For myself , although at the commencement of the voyage I had been in bad health , and was at all times of a delicate constitution , I suffered less than any of us , being much less reduced in frame , and retaining my powers of mind in a surprising degree , while the rest were completely prostrated in intellect , and seemed to be brought to a species of second childhood , generally simpering in their expressions , with idiotic smiles , and uttering the most absurd platitudes . At intervals , however , they would appear to revive suddenly , as if inspired all at once with a consciousness of their condition , when they would spring upon their feet in a momentary flash of vigour , and speak , for a short period , of their prospects , in a manner altogether rational , although full of the most intense despair . It is possible , however , that my companions may have entertained the same opinion of their own condition as I did of mine , and that I may have unwittingly been guilty of the same extravagances and imbecilities as themselves -- this is a matter which can not be determined . About noon Parker declared that he saw land off the larboard quarter , and it was with the utmost difficulty I could restrain him from plunging into the sea with the view of swimming toward it . Peters and Augustus took little notice of what he said , being apparently wrapped up in moody contemplation . Upon looking in the direction pointed out , I could not perceive the faintest appearance of the shore -- indeed , I was too well aware that we were far from any land to indulge in a hope of that nature . It was a long time , nevertheless , before I could convince Parker of his mistake .