132 SECURE SAILING OR LIFE BOAT. 



one of the sides, and supposed to have broken adrift from 

 the enemy's coast by the boisterous weather : finding its 

 magnitude too vast for their strength to tow, and the even- 

 ing approaching, they returned. Numbers of persons were 

 assembled on the piers to witness the action, power, and 

 performance of the boat, who were highly pleased and gra- 

 tified. I was not present myself, but the next morning one 

 of the crew was sent to me from Newhaven to this place, 

 who stated, that the whole of them were so fully satisfied 

 with the safety and superior powers of the boat, that they 

 shall not be afraid to put to sea in any weather, when the 

 distresses of their fellow creatures claim their exertions and 

 assistance. They particularly observed, she, with the six 

 oars manned, pulled extremely light and easy through the 

 water, and that though the breakers they pulled through, 

 and the heavy seas they rode over were awful, she did not 

 ship ten gallons of water the whole trip, neither were the 

 Mr. Great- men wet on the seats. We have now at Newhaven one of 

 mitch infofor "'^''* Greathead's boats, provided by subscription, but from 

 the difficulty of getting her to sea, and her weight and con- 

 strnct'o 1 rendering it almost impossible i^o pull her through 

 the broken water, it is very improbable she will ever be 

 used. 



My opinion is, that Mr. Wilson's boat will answer. Its 

 cost I conceive will exceed ,£l50, including the building 

 and fitting her out. 



I have the honour to subscribe myself with the greatest 

 respect. 



Gentlemen, 



Your obliged and most 



obedient humble servant, 

 WILLIAM BALCOMBE LANGRIDGE. 



P. S. I should have observed, that the crew pulled her 

 stern on at every sea, and that such water, as in general fills 

 over vhe bow of ordinary boats, is received by the fore part 

 of her flammings, or floor of extended sides, and sent or 

 dispersed sideways, 

 <f 



IX. 



