WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER* 



sea, and daily becoming lighter, to near the shore. 

 We now worked hard to secure whatever provi- 

 sions we could get at, spars and sails to strengthen 

 our tents, and arms and ammunition for our 

 protection against molestation on the part of the 

 Indians. 



One of our nine-pounder long guns was also 

 got up and pointed over the stern of the ship, so 

 as to cover our camp, as well as give protection 

 to the ship. The weather to-day was cold and 

 frosty, with fog : the surf appeared to be forming 

 a ridge of sand outside the bows of the ship ; the 

 hull at times working a good deal, particularly 

 in her lower frame, the stanchions and bulk- 

 heads in the lower deck and holds having given 

 way, and the chain-lockers displaced. She was 

 in sand to the depth of eight or nine feet. The 

 fore-yard was got over the side, and drifted to 

 the beach. Many stores and provisions were 

 collected, and taken to the encampment, with 

 several articles of comfort, such as tea, which 

 had escaped damp, wine, and cooking utensils 5 

 likewise the coppers for the ship's company's 

 cooking. 



A party had erected another large tent for 

 the captain and officers, their previous tent being 



