2,94 
AT SEA. 
run for the island. The men, both white and black, were active 
and steady. The sails were set most expeditiously, and we all 
looked with an anxious heart to our approaching danger. We 
attempted first to weather the western reef, but finding that impos- 
sible, wore round for the sandy island. At that moment Captain 
Court perceived the wind had changed a point, and instantly 
determined to try and weather the eastern reef, which before the 
change was impossible. 
In a heavy gale, which carried us gunwale under water, we had 
the felicity of passing the point of the reef, on which the sea broke 
tremendously, at the distance of only two cables length. Our first 
sensations were those of joy for our escape, and gratitude to that 
almighty Being, who had so wonderfully preserved us, in the mo- 
ment of otherwise certain destruction, by the change of wind. 
When, however, we became a little calm, other and very painful 
feelings obtruded themselves. We had lost four anchors and 
cables ; we had only a spare one left in the hold without a stock. 
To venture to Jidda in such a situation was impossible— to run into 
Port Mornington without an anchor was equally so. Our first idea 
was to return to Massowah, and send a dow to Mocha to commu- 
nicate our distress, and try to procure relief. Our fresh provisions 
were nearly out, and our salt store was so small as to render the 
using them a very serious business. We therefore put before the 
wind — as we advanced, and found it did not diminish, we had 
hopes it might, as on a former occasion, carry us all the way to 
Mocha — ^we therefore determined to make a trial. 
We called the whole crew aft, and returning them our thanks 
for their excellent behaviour, I gave them a present of one hundred 
