BAR OF THE NUN. 151 



Boy came on board, and his people were sup- 

 plied with hatchets, to assist our men in cut- 

 ting wood. 



Thursday, October 31st. — After taking in a 

 supply of wood, at 7. 30 a. m. we got under weigh. 

 All our difficulties were not yet surmounted, as 

 we had still to cross a very dangerous bar. When 

 last I passed it in this small vessel, we were 

 nearly lost ; for, being short of fuel, we were 

 obliged to burn all the spars, and were in great 

 danger of being driven on the western breakers. 

 In crossing the bar this time, we had four, 

 three and a half, and five fathoms water; 

 and, I believe, there is never less than three 

 fathoms. Several vessels, as the Neptune, Mary, 

 and others, have been lost in attempting to pass 

 it. Thermometer 84°. 



At 8 p. M. we anchored within six miles of the 

 shore, and off the Bonny river. In taking in the 

 foresail, the Kroomen, by some blunder or other, 

 allowed it to become entangled with the paddle- 

 wheel, by which it was torn to shreds. At the 

 time we anchored there was a very heavy swell, 

 and the hands were directed to keep a sharp look- 

 out, lest the anchor, which was our only one, 

 should go. 



