39 
it was a smack- sail; so that to change the course it 
must be loosened, when it floats like an immense 
sheet, and gives terrible shocks: the rude ropes of bark 
bend with difficulty: all which render the working of 
the ship so heavy, fatiguing, and tardy, that I am as- 
tonished the number of shipwrecks is not more con- 
siderable. 
Fifteen men were not at all times sufficient to manage 
our sail: it was then requisite for the passengers to 
lend a hand. 
Saturday, January 3d. 
We passed through the midst of the numerous 
group of Islands called Ham a ra, and cast anchor near 
one of them. 
Sunday, January 4th. 
We anchored at night near an island surrounded 
with rocks. 
Monday, January 5th. 
Terrible day! About midnight a furious storm arose. 
The wind increased in such a manner, that at two in 
the morning it blew with double force; so that in a 
few minutes the cables of four anchors were broken. 
The vessel, being left to itself, and the mercy of the 
wind and waves, was driven upon a rock, upon which 
it struck with dreadful violence. We all thought we 
were lost, and uttered cries of desolation and despair. 
In the midst of these clamours I distinguished the 
shrill voice of a man, who sobbed and cried like a 
child. I asked who it was, and found it to be the cap- 
tain. I enquired for the pilot, but he was no where to 
be found. Then thinking every thing was lost, since I 
