70 DRIVEN FROM THE ANCHORAGE. 



well with those reported in the account of the French 

 expedition under Captain Baudin. 



From the specimens of the squalls we experienced 

 the last two nights, and which appear to be pretty 

 reffular in their visitation, I am inclined to believe 

 they do not extend any considerable distance from 

 the land. They give the seaman ample warning of 

 their approach ; yet, since they always come on in 

 the night, when their violence cannot be properly 

 estimated, the ship's head should (if circumstances 

 permit) be kept to the westward (W.N.W.) until 

 the short-lived fury of the storm has exhausted 

 itself. 



January 15. — We progressed with light and 

 variable airs through the day, gradually shoaling 

 our water till nine, p.m., when the anchor was 

 dropped in 14 fathoms, having previously passed 

 over a rocky ledge of apparently coral formation, 

 in 13 J fathoms. The land over the south point of 

 Roebuck Bay bore E.S.E., about 17 miles distant ; 

 but we did not see it till the following morning. 



The evening wore a threatening aspect, though 

 not apparently so much to be dreaded as that of 

 yesterday ; however, we were disagreeably out in 

 our anticipations, for about three o'clock, a.m., 

 {Januarij 16.) a heavy squall burst on us, veering 

 from E.S.E. to E.N.E., broke our best bower 

 anchor, and drove us half a mile out to sea, when the 

 remaining fluke hooked a rock and brought us up. 

 It rained and blew till day-light, then we were 



