VISIT TO SOLTTII .\FRICA. 395 
6th. We had proceeded swiftly and steadily during the night. 
About eight in the morning, it began to blow what even the sailors 
called a hard gale. But the sky was perfectly clear and the sua 
shone upon the boisterous ocean with great brightness. Tlic waves 
seemed to roll in upon us like mountains. Tlie royal masts were 
struck, and we ran under close-reefed top-sails and a storm stay- 
sail. During the forenoon, the Captain was making great exer- 
tions to get up the main-yard, whicli had been fished yesterday, but 
Avas obliged to give it up till four in the afternoon, when the wind 
abated a little. 
7th. We were now in the chops of the Channel; and in the after- 
noon, on sounding, found ourselves in ninety-eight fathom water. 
Our calculations by the chronometer have been so correct, that we 
were exactly where it was supposed we should be. We sounded 
every four hours during the night. 
8th. The morning set in with a he.ivy squall, but in our favour. 
During the forenoon, sliowcrs passed over us. I was amused with 
observing the sand cleaving to tlie bottom of the lead. The most 
minute shells, among which were star-fish not above a quarter of an 
inch in diameter, were brought up from a depth of from eighty to 
sixty fathoms. 
About two o'clock, a lishing-boat came to us. The man brought 
two newspapers. We were sorry to hear of some serious disturb- 
ances in several parts of England. We learnt also, that a severe 
engagement had taken place between the English and Algerines, 
in which our countrymen were victorious; and that, during a dread- 
ful storm, about three weeks ago, many ships had been wrecked 
in the Channel. 
9lh. In the afternoon, we saw the Lizard point, and entered the 
Channel with a gentle breeze at north-west. About midnight, the 
wind changed to south-west, increasing in strength. We ran at the 
rate of nine and ten knots an hour, and though it began to grow 
hazy with drizzling rain, discovered the different promontories, as 
we passed swiftly along. About four miles to the westward of the 
