LENT BAY. 
307 
Had the monsoon set in from the northward, I know not what we 
should have done. On the next day was to be a new moon, from 
which we had considerable hopes, as the day had been moderate, 
and the sky clear. 
February ^8. — It blew too fresh to stir with safety, as we found 
by experience; for in trying to get under weigh, our anchor 
dragged, and we were obliged to let go another. We therefore con- 
tinued in statu quo, hoping that the change of the moon would yet 
bring a change of weather. 
March 1. — It blew a gale in the night from the N. N. so as to 
oblige us to let go a third anchor, by which we rode safely. It 
lulled towards morning, and we attempted to get under weigh, 
though there was a considerable swell. In doing this we drifted to 
within a quarter of a cable's length of the rock, that has but a 
quarter less one on it. In the course of the morning we contrived 
to get an anchor down farther from it. It blew very fresh ; but the 
sky was clear. A fishing boat from Suakin brought us fish yesterday 
and to day. The fishermen say they will follow us as far as they 
can; our custom is too valuable to be given up easily. 
March 2.— It blew very fresh in the night: the Assaye dragged, 
and then parted her anchor. Mr. Maxfield let go his last when only 
in three fathom, rock, at which time there was a very heavy swell 
from the northward. His situation being dangerous, he fired signal 
guns of distress. We immediately sent off our cutter with a hawser, 
and fortunately his vessel rode safe till it was fastened ; we then 
warped her astern of us. It was extremely alarming for us also, since, 
if the wind had come round two points to the westward, we should 
in all probability have been driven on the dangerous rock that was s@ 
VOL. n. R R 
