in the Pacific Ocean. 



11 



beach for some time, together with considerable flocks of birds, 

 much resembling geese, induced me to believe that I must be 

 very near the shore. I therefore caused a good look out to be 

 kept, took in top-gallant-saiis, double-reefed the topsails, furled 

 the mainsail, and had every thing prepared, in case it should be 

 necessary to haul our wind; and at half-past six had cause to 

 rejoice that I had taken such precautions, as breakers were dis- 

 covered, bearing E. S. E. and S. E., distant about three-fourths 

 of a mile, and in a few minutes afterwards the land appeared in 

 the same direction: we consequently hauled on a wind to the 

 eastward, and sounded in forty-five fathoms water. We had now 

 approached so close to the breakers, with the hope of weathering 

 them, that we had not room to wear ; there was a tremendous sea 

 running, the ship driving forecastle under ; no chance of weather- 

 ing the land, which could now be seen a-head, bearing E. by N., 

 running out in small lumps, and surrounded with dreadful 

 breakers. Our only hope of safety was in getting the ship in 

 stays ; the mainsail was set with the utmt)st expedition, and we 

 were so fortunate as to succeed : after getting the ship about, the 

 jib and spanker were set, and the top-gallant-yards sent down ; 

 but, in a few moment?, the jib was blown to pieces. My first 

 impression was, that we had been set by the currents to the west- 

 ward, into the bay formed by Cape St. Vincent and the coast of 

 Terra del Fuego : and, as the gale was increasing, and night fast 

 approaching, the thick weather continuing, the wind directly on 

 shore, with a tremendous sea, I saw no prospect of saving the 

 ship, but by carrying a heavy press of sail to keep off the lee 

 shore until the wind changed. We kept the lead constantly go- 

 ing, and found our soundings very regular at forty-five fathoms, 

 rocky and coral bottom. After standing to the W. N. W. about 

 an hour, the water began to grow very smooth, which could onl^ 

 be occasioned by a sudden change of the current ; and whales ap- 

 peared along-side the ship. This gave me hopes of being to the 

 eastward of St. Vincent, and in the Streights of Le Maire; a 

 sharp look out was kept for the land, and at half-past seven, to 

 our unspeakable joy, the land was discovered a-head, and on both 

 bows, distant about a mile. No doubts now remained as to our 

 being in the streights. I therefore directed the helm to be put 

 a-weather, and made all sail to the soutliward, keeping the coast 

 of Terra del Fuego close a-board; and, as we undoubtedly had 

 the first of the tide, we were swept througli with great rapidity, 

 and at nine o'clock were clear of the streiglits. 



The extreme haziness of the weather prevented my making 

 many observations on the appearance of the land ; it, however, 

 had not that dreary aspect I was prepared to expect. The hills 

 appeared clothed with verdure, and the const beenied indented 



