492 cook's voyage to dec. 



one o'clock next morning, it fell calm, and we were 

 left to the mercy of a north-easterly swell, which 

 impelled us last toward the land ; so that, long before 

 day-break, we saw lights upon the shore, which was 

 not more than a league distant. The night was dark, 

 with thunder, lightning, and rain. 



At three o'clock, the calm was succeeded by a 

 breeze from the south by east, blowing in squalls, 

 with rain. We stood to the north-east, thinking it 

 the best tack to clear the coast ; but if it had been 

 day-light, we should have chosen the other. At day- 

 break, the coast was seen extending from north bv 

 w r est, to south-west by west; a dreadful surf break- 

 ing upon the shore, which was not more than half 

 a league distant. It was evident, that we had been 

 in the most imminent danger. Nor were we yet in 

 safety, the wind veering more easterly ; so that, for 

 some time, we did but just keep our distance from 

 the coast. What made our situation more alarming, 

 was the leach-rope of the main top-sail giving way ; 

 which was the occasion of the sail's being rent in 

 two ; and the two top-gallant sails gave way in the 

 same manner, though not half worn out. By taking 

 a favourable opportunity, we soon got others to the 

 yards ; and then we left the land astern. The Dis- 

 covery, by being at some distance to the north, was 

 never near the land ; nor did we see her till eight 

 o'clock. 



On this occasion, I cannot help observing, that I 

 have always found, that the bolt-ropes to our sails 

 have not been of sufficient strength or substance. 

 This, at different times, has been the source of infi- 

 nite trouble and vexation ; and of much expence of 

 canvass, ruined by their giving way. I wish also, that 

 I did not think there is room for remarking, that the 

 cordage and canvass, and indeed all the other stores 

 made use of in the navy, are not of equal goodness 

 with those,* in general, used in the merchant-sei> 

 vice. 



