1846.] HOMEWARD BOUND. 215 



from home. The temperature, which had now fallen to 54, 

 was sharply felt by men so long accustomed to tropical 

 regions, where that of 76 was almost chilly, but possibly 

 this feeling was much increased in my own mind, for I 

 believe that I was the greatest sufferer. 



Those who have made similar voyages, especially after an 

 absence of nearly four years, can readily picture the anxiety 

 of the greater part of my crew to reach England in time to 

 participate in the festivities of the approaching Christmas. 

 Many were the prophecies, and numerous the bets, as to 

 the glad day on which we should reach home. Even the 

 old ship herself seemed to share in this pleasurable ex- 

 citement, and lightened of stores, provisions and water, 

 was gaily bounding over the waves, increasing hourly her 

 speed, until she had attained the velocity of eleven knots. 



Little did any of us, however, dream that these cheerful 

 anticipations of the evening were so nearly approaching 

 to an awful crisis. I had previously given directions to 

 be called before midnight, in order that sail might, if 

 necessary, be reduced by both watches, and thus avoid 

 the necessity of disturbing them during the night. She 

 was then reduced to a close-reefed main-top-sail and fore- 

 sail, and the watch called. Her velocity, I find, recorded 

 under this canvas, ten knots. The watch were employed 

 getting topgallant masts on deck, and making all snug 

 aloft. I had not been below long, when I detected, by 

 the motion, that she was badly steered. The foresail was 

 taken in, and a fresh helmsman placed ; her velocity had 

 now increased to thirteen knots. The temperature fell, 

 a short cross sea, evidently showing a contrary wind not 

 far distant, made her very uneasy. Shortly after, a sea, 



