PASSAGE TO VALPARAISO. 45 



number of the crew against the masts and guns, and com- 

 pletely inundated the berth-deck. Though, about 9 o'clock, 

 the wind changed its direction, so that the ship tailed clear 

 of the above-mentioned reef, yet we were not rescued from 

 the danger of being shipwrecked. At every moment the 

 water was becoming more and more shoal. In less than 

 half an hour it shoaled six fathoms, and the storm still 

 raged with unabated fury ; however, to our great delight, 

 about midnight it began perceptibly to moderate. 



We hailed with joy the ray of comfort this afforded us. 

 It was like the arrival of an old friend, whose presence in 

 the hour of misfortune affords consolation. It was believed 

 that we passed within twenty yards of the reef; and had 

 the storm continued a few moments longer we would in- 

 evitably have been lost. 



At 3.30 A. M., the ship fell-off before the wind, upon 

 which we slipped the remaining cables, made sail, hauled 

 on a wind on the larboard-tack, and stood out to sea. By 

 7 A. M. the ship was under whole topsails and main-top- 

 gallant sail, and was rapidly increasing her distance from 

 the spot, which, only a few hours before, filled every 

 bosom with so many death-like apprehensions. 



On the 27th, we fell in with the " Montezuma," a whale- 

 ship, from Talcauanaha, bound to Nantucket. Her captain 

 informed us of the taking of Lima by the Chilian army. 

 He also presented us with a quantity of vegetables, for 

 which he received our warmest thanks. We had not 

 tasted anything of the kind since we left Hio Janeiro. 

 During the night, the breeze became very light. 



April 4th. We captured with the hook seven albatrosses ; 

 the plumage of two of which was extremely beautiful. 

 This is the best mode of taking them when the ship has 

 but little head-way. Two were prepared for dinner, but 



