SHIPWRECK. 253 
but before they could be reached, the magazine and bread-room were 
under water. 
At this crisis, when our safety hung probably on the most feeble 
chance, no disorder prevailed ; every man did his duty calmly, dili- 
gently, and effectually. The boats being cleared and lowered, the 
Ambassador, his suite, and part of his guard, within half an hour 
after the striking of the vessel, were in the barge, and making for the 
nearest point of land, distant about three miles. After leaving 
the vessel we saw more accurately the dangerous nature of her 
situation. The reef on which she had struck was distinctly seen 
from the boat extending a few yards from her. Beyond, the water 
was dark and deep, and continued so for nearly half a mile, and 
then became so shallow that the beautiful but fatal coral was con- 
tinually seen as we approached the shore. When about a mile from 
the land, sunken rocks covered by not more than from one to three 
feet water, surrounded us on all sides. The boat struck several 
times, but was saved from any serious accident by the skill of 
Lieut. Hoppner who commanded her. After sailing or rowing for 
about an hour, we gained what had appeared from the ship to be land 
covered with wood, but to our mortification discovered nothing but 
insulated masses of granite interspersed with trees growing in the 
water. The rocks being too small to receive us, and not appearing 
to be above high water mark, some men were sent forward amongst 
the trees to seek for land, but returned after a fruitless search. 
Having been joined by the other barge, with the servants of the 
Embassy, we coasted along the shore in quest of a more convenient 
place for debarkation. Several creeks which seemed to penetrate 
inland were in vain explored, they all terminated in deep swamps. 
Similar attempts were reiterated, till anxiety to send back the boats 
for the relief of others on board determined His Excellency to land 
on the first rocks which should be found sufficiently large or nume- 
rous for the reception of the party. This intention was at length 
effected in a small bay, where the rocks were so mingled with 
trees as to afford firm hand-hold. Having with some difficulty 
