^14 BOTHER'EM BAY. 
nearly two hours in a most noble passage, which gradually narrowed 
and shoaled. Mr. Maxfield made no signal, and we went on till 
we were in four fathom, when we made a signal to him to inform 
us in what water he was ; but before he could answer we were in 
three fathom, with islands close to us on each side. No signal ap- 
peared from the Assaye, but we perceived that, on a sudden, all 
her sails were lowered in evident confusion. Wewere ourselves in 
but two and a half fathom, and therefore, as soon as we had cleared 
one of the islands, let go our anchor. The ship instantly swung 
round against a rock, with only one and a half fathom, and there 
struck. At this moment our dow, which had been crowding all 
sail behind us, came up, and Unus leaped overboard and came to 
us. He then dived, and ascertained the situation of the vessel's 
bottom, and of the anchor. Our boats sounded around, and we 
found that we were in a cul-de-sac, with rocks in every direction, 
even that in which w e entered. To add to our alarm, it was ap- 
parently high water, and how much the tide might fall wg knew 
not. The only thing in our favour was the perfect smoothness of 
this salt water lake, which no wind could possibly ruffle. The 
Captain w^as active and collected. He instantly began to lighten 
the vessel by pumping out the salt water which w^as in the casks ; 
Unus brought his dow along side to take in our guns ; our yards 
and top masts were lowered, and an anchor was carried astern to 
warp us out. At the earnest request of Captain Court, I and the 
other gentlemen removed to the Assaye, that he might be more at 
liberty. My European and other servants staid on board, and 
assisted the ship's company. 
To our good fortune, the tide did not fall quite a foot; the wind 
