MISFORTUNES ON THE VOYAGE. 157 



time, under weigh for the Niger. The yards of 

 His Majesty's brig Curlew, Captain Trotter, 

 were manned, and we were saluted with three 

 hearty cheers from her, which we as heartily re- 

 turned, as we left the bay. 



Nothing of importance occurred the next day; • 

 but on Thursday, the 14th, we found that a 

 strong current prevented our making rapid pro- 

 gress. However, on Friday, November 15th, at 

 S p. M. we made the entrance to Bonny ; and 

 when in three and a half fathoms water, the grat- 

 ing of the fire-flue was melted, from the in- 

 creased heat produced by using coals instead of 

 wood : since leaving England we had used no- 

 thing but wood, except during the last two days. 

 The anchor was let go at 2 p. m. and the cable 

 instantly parted. It seemed as if we were 

 doomed to misfortune on our very outset. The 

 best bower anchor was immediately let go ; but 

 the vessel being light and very lively on the 

 water, by some fatality we soon parted with 

 that likewise. 



Our situation had now become dangerous ; for 

 the vessel was quickly drifted into shallow water 

 on the bar, and we soon after touched the ground 

 lightly. Our feelings at this moment were none 



