20 DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND. 



along the shore for Buchan-ness. In the even- 

 ing, the wind freshening to a stiff breeze, com- 

 pelled us to cast off the tow-rope ; and with 

 a view of saving time, as well as the risk of 

 lowering a boat, we sent off our letters in a keg 

 made fast to a line veered from the Rhadaman- 

 thus for the purpose. The next morning, being 

 off the Orkneys and the wind favourable, it was 

 thought unnecessary to detain the Rhadamanthus 

 any longer, and Mr. King having received his 

 instructions, parted company from us, in the true 

 English style with three hearty cheers from his 

 crew. 



We now shaped our course for Cape Farewell. 

 From the 24th to the 27th, we had occasional 

 squalls, with a short pitching sea, and, on the 

 27th, a strong gale from the S. W. The sailing 

 qualities of the Terror were thus put to the test ; 

 and it was gratifying to find that, deep and lum- 

 bered as she was, and though at every plunge the 

 bowsprit dipped into the water, she yet pitched 

 so easily as scarcely to strain a rope-yarn, and, 

 in seaman's phrase, made very good weather of 

 it. This sort of weather continued with little 

 intermission till the 30th, the sea washing over 

 the decks, and the men constantly employed ; 

 but, on that day the wind moderating and be- 

 coming at the same time more favourable, the 

 royals and all the studding-sails were for the first 

 time set, and the gallant ship in the full pride 



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