340 LANDING AT PORTSMOUTH. 1821 
After passing the Azores we had a storm for 
seven days, during the last six of which the wind 
was contrary, and, notwithstanding every exer- 
tion, we lost about one hundred and fifty miles 
of distance. When the storm subsided, it was 
succeeded by seven days of moderate but 
contrary wind, which still impeded our progress 
towards England. On the 1st of May we arrived 
opposite to Cape Finisterre in Spain, and I now 
gave up all hopes of reaching London by the 
annual meeting of the Missionary Society on the 
10th. However, by the 6th, we believed our- 
selves advanced to the chops of the Channel, 
though no land had yet been seen. Next day, 
Monday 7th, at three o'clock, a pilot-boat was 
observed at no great distance, when tAvo pas- 
sengers and myself agreed to offer a certain sum 
to be taken on shore ; which the master of the 
boat, on coming alongside, consented to accept. 
We found some difficulty in getting on board the 
pilot-boat, as the sea ran very high. It turned 
out that we had left the ship much farther from 
Portsmouth than we supposed, being at least 
one hundred miles distant. However, we arrived 
next morning at eight o'clock in Portsmouth har- 
bour. My portmanteau could not be got through 
the custom-house in time for the last morninar 
coach, which obliged me to wait till the evening 
at seven. We reached London-bridge at seven 
the next morning, only three hours previous to 
