14 



A DIARY OF THE 



already reached the shore, being carefully fitted 

 in a similar manner. 



Into the gig went Mr. Gordon, midshipman, 

 a most zealous volunteer, who had anxiously 

 sought the dangerous attempt of going in the 

 first boat : with him were six volunteer seamen. 

 One of the six, serving his time on board for 

 having been a smuggler, and possessed of great 

 activity and strength, was placed in the charge 

 and management of the steer-oar, the nature of 

 the surf rendering a rudder useless. On leaving 

 the stern of the ship, cheered by all on board, 

 they passed over a roller or two in security, and 

 the superior management of the steer-oar ap- 

 peared to promise certain success. But, alas! 

 another and another terrific roller followed, the 

 gig broached-to, was instantly capsised, and 

 whirled over and over. This heartrending sight 

 again damped the hopes of all ; and what added 

 to the cruel and distressing situation of those 

 in the ship, was the impossibility of rendering 

 the least assistance to our poor shipmates, now 

 struggling with death in the dangerous surf. 

 Most anxiously were our glasses directed to the 

 spot, when occasionally, as they drifted to the 

 southward, their heads were at moments visible. 



