in the Java Earthquake, August, 1883. 91 



in the direction of the volcano at the rate of twelve miles an 

 hour. At 4 p.m. wind moderating, the explosions had nearly 

 ceased, the shower of ashes was not so heavy, so was enabled 

 to see our way round the decks. The ship was covered with 

 tons of fine ashes resembling pumice-stone. It stuck to 

 the sails, rigging, and masts like glue, so it was weeks before 

 it was removed, some of it still remaining on the wire back- 

 stays. One seaman was severely injured by walking off the 

 forward house ; he died the day after the ship's arrival in 

 Boston. All day Tuesday, 28th August, crew were employed 

 in shovelling the ashes off the decks, clearing the cables, and 

 heaving up one anchor. Wednesday afternoon, 29th August, 

 got under weigh. Was abreast of Anger at 8 in the evening ; 

 saw no lights on shore or signs of life. Although a fair wind, 

 furled all sail but topsails. Kept on our course slowly, and 

 cautiously heaving the lead every few minutes. At daylight 

 the Straits were covered with trees, so it was difficult find- 

 ing a passage through them. Passed a large number of dead 

 bodies and fish, and thousands of green cocoanuts. At 6 p.m. 

 were outside of the Straits. The ocean for 600 miles was 

 covered with ashes and lava, the water for 1000 miles having 

 a dull grey colour. Five of the crew were taken sick with 

 the Java fever the day after leaving the Straits. Buried one 

 man at sea. After rounding the Cape experienced a very 

 heavy gale in the Gulf and bad weather on the coast, with 

 only five men to work the ship, and those completely laid 

 up by the time we got a pilot on board off Highland Light, 

 one seaman dying the day after we arrived, and several more 

 going to the Hospital." 



