386 ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 



quick flashes of every variety of tint. The wind was moderate from 

 the southwest, and a squall of hail passed at the time. In latitude 

 47° S. they first encountered phosphorescence in the water. On the 

 17th they made the land of New South Wales, and continued to 

 experience a variety of weather until the 21st, when they arrived off, 

 and anchored within, the Heads of Port Jackson. 



The next day they proceeded up the harbour, and anchored off 

 Sydney Cove. The ship was much shattered, but her officers and 

 crew all in good health. Here they were kindly received, and no time 

 was lost in proceeding to make the necessary repairs. The collector 

 was kind enough to give them permission to land every thing that 

 might be necessary, when and where they pleased. The powder 

 and fire-works were received into the public magazine, and when 

 called for were politely sent in a government boat, free of expense. 

 The railway for merchant-vessels, was found too light to trust the 

 Peacock upon it. Mossman's Cove, on the north shore, was then 

 resorted to, not only as a convenient place for making the necessary 

 repairs, but as affording more security for the crew against the crimps 

 and rum-shops. 



The day after my arrival, I visited the Peacock, in order to 

 examine into her condition, and could not withhold my astonishment 

 that she had been able, after undergoing such damage, to reach a 

 distant port. The visible injuries have already been stated, in 

 speaking of her accident. On their arrival at Sydney, it was found 

 that her stem had been chafed to within one and a half inches of her 

 wood ends, and much strained throughout. After a full examination 

 of the circumstances, I feel it a duty I owe to Captain Hudson, as 

 well as to his officers and crew, to state that I am well satisfied, that 

 his coolness, decision, and seamanship, with the good conduct of his 

 officers and men in the perilous situation in which they were placed, 

 are worthy of the highest encomiums. The preservation of the ship 

 and crew, and her subsequent navigation to a distant port, reflect 

 the highest credit upon her commander and upon the service to which 

 he belongs. 



Sydney was now much crowded with people, and several balls 

 were given, to which we had the honour of an invitation. That of the 

 St. Patrick Society was attended by the chief people in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Sydney, including the governor and most of the officers of 

 the crown. It was given in the new court-house, and was a handsome 

 and well-conducted entertainment. Two military bands were in 



