28 
A VOYAGE TO 
[From Madeira. 
1801. south-western winds, and was carried so far eastward, that he 
wSni^i crossed the equator in longitude 8" west. Monsieur de la Perouse 
also experienced them, and both were here at the same season with 
ourselves ; that is, in the months of August and September, when 
the African continent had received its greatest degree of heat. 
Although I preferred to avoid Africa, it is by no means cer- 
tain that a good passage to the Cape of Good Hope may not be made, 
especially at this season, by steering round the Bight of Benin with 
the south-west and south winds. It is probable, that on approach- 
ing the meridian of Greenwich the wind would be found to return 
to the south-west, and perhaps more westward, and enable a ship to 
reach the loth degree of south latitude before meeting the south- 
east trade ; in which case, the circuit to be made before attaining 
the western winds beyond the southern tropic, would be much short- 
ened. The East-India-Company's ships bound to St. Helena, do, I 
believe, now generally follow that route. 
The leakiness of the ship increased with the continuance of 
the south-west winds ; and at the end of a week, amounted to five 
inches of water an hour. It seemed, however, that the leaks were 
mostly above the water's edge, for on tacking to the westward they 
were diminished to two inches. This working of the oakum out of 
the seams indicated a degree of weakness which, in a ship destined 
to encounter every hazard, could not be contemplated without unea- 
siness. The very large ports, formerly cut in the sides to receive 
thirty-two-pound carronades, joined to what I had been able to 
collect from the dock yard officers, had given me an unfavour- 
able opinion of her strength ; and this was now but too much con- 
firmed. Should it be asked, why representations were not made, and 
a stronger vessel procured ? I answer, that the exigencies of the navy 
were such at that time, that I was given to understand no better 
ship could be spared from the service ; and my anxiety to complete 
the investigation of the coasts of Terra Australis did not admit of 
refusing the one offered. 
