JfOKTER S JOURNAl.. 



<:orisequentiy 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 mn- 

 ning, the ship driving forecastle under ; no chance of wea- 

 thering the land, which could now be seen ahead, bearing 

 E. by N., running out in small lumps, and surrounded with 

 dreadful breakers. Our only hope of safety was in get- 

 ting the ship in stays ; the mainsail was set with the utmost 

 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 moments, 

 the jib was blown to pieces. My first impression was, that 

 we had been set by the currents to the w estward, into the 

 bay formed by Cape St. Vincent and the coast of Terra del 

 Fuego : and, as the gale was increasing, and night fast ap- 

 proaching, 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 going, 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 w^ater 

 began to grow very smooth, which could only be occasion- 

 ed by a sudden change of the current ; and whales appear- 

 ed 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 lookout w^as kept for the land, and at half 

 past seven, to our unspeakable joy, the land was discovered 

 ahead, and on both bows, distant about a mile. No doubts 

 now remained as to our being in the streights. I there- 

 fore directed the helm to be put a-weather, and made all 

 sail to the southward, keeping the coast of Terra del Fue- 

 go close a-board ; and as we undoubtedly had the first of 

 the tide, we v/ere swept through with great rapidity, and 

 at nine o'clock were clear of the streights. 



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 

 coast seemed indented with deep bays, which, from the ac- 

 counts of former navigators, I have no doubt, are well cal- 



