PdRTER'g JOURNAL, 



iM^t then he adviseable ifco go to the east of Staten Land, 

 in preference tP attempting the streights, as the rapidity of 

 the current might offer some embarrassments « On getting 

 dear of the land, the prevalent winds are from the south- 

 west and northwest by the west, and generally in violent 

 blasts. Steer to the southward, with a flowing sail, and 

 carry as much canvas as the ship will bear, until you get 

 into the latitude of upwards of 60" south, when you will 

 Escape, in a great measure, the violence of the current that 

 is forced by the prevailing winds along the coast of Terra- 

 del Fuego. On reaching the latitude of 60°, keep on that 

 tack whi9h most favours your course to the west, but al- 

 ways under a heavy press of canvas,^ and about one point 

 free ; and never heave to so long as you can carry sail, and 

 keep head-way on the ship. Make an allowance for the 

 current setting to the eastward eighteen miles in every 

 twenty-four hours; and don't attempt to weather Terra 

 del Fuego, until you are sure you have reached the longi- 

 tude of 8 r west from London •, as strong westerly gales 

 constantly prevail on the coast of Patagonia, which render 

 it necessary to keep well to the westward, to avoid the dif- 

 ficulties and dangers of a lee-shore. These gales extend 

 as far as the parallel of Baldivia, and render the dangers 

 on that coast greater than those of Cape Horn, as they blow 

 with equal violence, and are attended with a sea equally, 

 if not more terrible ; in addition to which, you have, undef 

 the lee, an inhospitable, iron-bound coast. When you 

 have passed the latitude of 40" south, you may then ven- 

 ture (but cautiously) to use some of your light sails. I 

 think, however, it would be a good rule not to use them 

 until you arrive at Mocha, or St. Maria, where you may 

 touch to refresh, afier the fatigues of the passage, and rig 

 and repair your ship ; and that she will require repairs, is 

 certain. 



During your passage around the Cape, avoid harassing 

 your crew imnecessarily ^ keep only the watch on deck, ex- 

 cept when there is the most absolute necessity for all hands ; 

 and use every means in your pov/er, that will contribute 

 their comfort ; by this you will have fresh and healthy me^, 

 and in good spirits, to exert themselves in time of need a 

 circumstance greatly to be desired, where health and strength 

 are so necessary for the preservation of the ship, and for 



