VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 17 
wind, that the utmost exertion hardly saved the royals and studding- 
sails from being blown away, before they could be taken in. Some 
mischief was done to the rigging, and we could hardly stand on deck. 
For about an hour, we ran furiously through the water, when ano- 
ther cloud, much more black and threatening than the former, ap- 
peared in the south. Its approach was announced by several claps 
of thunder of increasing loudness, and we prepared for a heavier 
squall, when, after a quarter of an hour's violent rain, it suddenly fell 
calm. Then, however, our troubles began, for the sea having become 
extremely agitated by the fury of the former gale, the swell was tre- 
mendous; and as there was no wind to carry us forward, the ship, be- 
ing at its mercy, plunged very hard. A wave struck her a-stern, broke 
two of the cabin windows, overstreamed all the books, papers, and 
whatever lay on the lockers, and filled the floor some inches high 
with water. Fortunately not much injury was done, but we were 
obliged to put in dead-lights, and glad to retreat on deck out of so 
hot and dark a dungeon. Our patience was now again put to trial 
by the return of calms and light baffling winds, by the sailors called 
catVpaws. In the evening, a hawk, after flying long about the ship, 
perched on the fore-yard near the fore-top, and Avas taken. Slie was 
a beautiful bird. I protested against her destruction, as being con- 
trary to all rules of hospitality, but could not save her. 
9th. About three in the morning, a black cloud with very vivid 
lightning and loud thunder approached us, but brought little either 
of wirid or rain. More short squalls assailed us during the da}'. A 
brig having appeared in sight to the north-east, and proving to be 
a Portuguese, bound to the Brazils, we sent a packet of letters on 
board, which her captain promised to deliver safely. 
In the evening, clouds came on with thunder and lightning, and 
while we were singing our evening-hymn, several strong flashes illu- 
mined our little cell. But while the elements seemed at war without, 
the peace of God comforted our hearts within. 
10th. The Portuguese brig, which had approached us during the 
s^quall, tacked and stood to the westward. This satisfied us that 
D 
