164 LOSS OF THE CENTAUR. 
In every part of the horizon, except where the land was 
discovered, there was so thick a haze that we could not have 
seen any thing for more than three or four leagues. Fayal, 
by our reckoning, bore E. by N. which course we were steer- 
ing, and in a few hours, had not the sky opened for our pre- 
servation, we should have increased our distance from the 
land, got to the eastward, and of course missed all the island. 
As we approached the land our belief had strengthened that 
it was Fayal. The island of Pico, which might have f eveal- 
ed it to us, had the weather been perfectly clear, was at this 
time capped with clouds, and it was some time before we were 
quite satisfied, having traversed for two hours a great part of 
the island where the steep and rocky shore refused us a land- 
ing. This circumstance was borne with much impatience, 
for we had flattered ourselves that we should meet with fresh 
water at the first part of the island we might approach ; and 
being disappointed, the thirst of some had increased anxiety 
almost to a degree of madness, so that we were near making 
the attempt to land in some places where the boat must have 
been dashed to pieces by the surf At length we discovered a 
fishing canoe, which conducted us into the road of Fayal 
about midnight ; but where the regulation of the port did not 
permit us to land till examined by the health officers ; how- 
ever I did not think much of sleeping this night in the boat, 
our pilot having brought us some refreshments of bread, wine, 
and water. In the morning we were visited by Mr. Graham, 
the English consul, whose humane attention made very am- 
ple amends for the formality of the Portuguese. Indeed I can 
never sufficiently express the sense I have of his kindness 
and humanity, both to myself and people ; for I believe it 
was the whole of his employment for several days to contrive 
the best means of restoring us to health and strength. It is 
true, I believe, there never were more pitiable objects. Some 
of the stoutest men belonging to the Centaur were obliged to 
be supported through the streets of Fayal. Mr. Rainy, the 
master, and myself, were, I think, in better health than the 
rest, but I could not walk without being supported ; and for 
several days, with the best and most comfortable provisions of 
diet and lodging, we grew rather worse than better. 
J. N. INGLEFIELD. 
Fayal, Oct. 13, 1782. 
