ESCAPE. 1 27 



interposed a dense cloud of spray, which limited 

 our view to a few fathoms only, and effectually 

 prevented our obtaining any information as to 

 her condition. 



After about four hours of the most anxious 

 solicitude, the gale began to moderate ; the ves- 

 sel became comparatively easy ; and the mist 

 arising from the breakers clearing away, we had 

 the gratification to observe the Dorothea still 

 afloat. We, however, soon learnt, by signal, that 

 she had suffered very severely. The storm which 

 had arisen suddenly, now as speedily abated, and 

 our efforts were immediately directed towards 

 the liberation of our vessel, lest the wind should 

 again increase and complete the work of destruc- 

 tion, so effectually begun. It was a difficult task 

 which we had to perform, and one that was by 

 no means yet free from danger ; but the blows 

 which the vessel now encountered were so com- 

 paratively light with respect to those she had al- 

 ready withstood, that we thought little of them ; 

 besides, the necessity of the measure seemed so 

 urgent that we persevered in our endeavours, and 

 about four o'clock succeeded in getting the Trent 

 quite clear of the ice. The Dorothea, however, 

 was too much damaged to risk the heavy blows 

 which attended this operation, and continued 

 embayed in the ice until six o'clock the follow- 



