218 " BROACHING TO." [1846. 



tion, the almost certain destruction, under received notions 

 of " broaching to," that stared every one in the face ; the 

 necessity for thought, and action, the getting up of a firm- 

 ness and decision at such a moment, as should inspire 

 those around with confidence, and belief that it was in the 

 power of their Commander to achieve their safety : these 

 were instantaneous. I saw, that to avoid the evil of 

 "broaching to" too abruptly, I must treat her as a 

 well-trained horse, throw her gradually on her haunches, 

 then give her the rein, and let her take her humour. The 

 orders, I have already observed, were transmitted so per- 

 fectly that my views were duly executed. Handling the 

 main braces forward, so as to neutralize, or shiver, the 

 main-top-sail as she came to to starboard, it was occa- 

 sionally spilling aback, or filled, until I could stop her 

 way, when, watching my moment, the weather and lee 

 main-top-sail sheets were so eased together, and the main 

 yard braced aback as to shiver and split the sail to ribbands 

 (this I foresaw would be commenced by the chain top-sail 

 sheets), but under this she heeled awfully. Permission 

 was asked "to cut away the masts," but it was too 

 palpable, that ere five minutes could elapse our fate would 

 be decided, my reply was, " you may order the axes up, 

 and see to the laniards, but first ascertain for me the 

 exact inch to which she is depressed at the main hatch- 

 way." " One inch clear, and battened down," was the 

 firm reply, and such a reply, at such a moment, was new 

 life. " Hold on ; the masts will take her home " ! That 

 reply inspired the crew with more confidence than if they 

 had heard the crash of the falling masts. What the 

 feelings were of those around me I could not divine, but 



