484 WHALE-FISHEllY. 



gered, and, consequently, the ship itself, we imme- 

 diately furled the after-sails, and so reduced the rest 

 of our canvas, that we were in a great measure 

 dragged by the John, which continued to carry a 

 most prodigious press of sail. The sea being heavy, 

 and the water collecting in the lee-bilge, whilst 

 the leak was sensibly increased, were circumstances 

 not a little alarming. A kind Providence, however, 

 seemed to favour us, for appearances only were 

 against us ; the gale subsided, the ship righted, and 

 the hold was easily cleared of water. 



At 3 A. M. of the following day, we descried land; 

 and at 10 a. m. Hangcliff, Shetland, bore W. b. N. 

 distant about 15 miles. The wind being for a 

 short time southerly, we steered towards the land, 

 with the design of putting into Lerwick, and await- 

 ing a better opportunity of pursuing our voyage ; 

 when, however, we approached within three or four 

 miles of the coast, a S. E. breeze sprung up, which 

 being favourable, we hauled to the wind on a S. S. 

 W. course. Inthe evening, the John having fulfilled 

 the articles of agreement, as far as was required, we 

 sent the twelve men belonging to her crew on board, 

 and after receiving from them a supply of fresh 

 water, they left us with three cheers, and the usual 

 display of colours. We were now left to sail by 

 ourselves; our progress was, in consequence, rather 

 «low. 



