90 SEAMANSHIP. 



The convoy was dispersed in all direc- 

 tions, owing to the violence of its effects. 



The " Dedaigneuse," a small thirty-two 

 gun frigate, rolled away, her masts under 

 our stern, and we all expected to see her 

 go down every minute. We afterwards 

 learned she was saved only by the coolness, 

 and courage, or superior seamanship of her 

 commander by his experience and know- 

 ledge of the proper resources in such an ex- 

 tremity. Our own ship rolled and pitched 

 so unmercifully, from the short chopping 

 nature of the sea, that it was almost impos- 

 sible for the men to keep their footing, and 

 most of them, as well as the officers, were 

 obliged to hold on by some part of the rigging. 



I myself stood on the quarter-deck grasp- 

 ing a rope or a belaying pin, to prevent 

 my being tossed from one side of the ship 

 to the other. 



When the storm had abated, each ship 

 had to make the best of her way to port ; 

 and, casting anchor at Macao, three days 



