424 LOSS OF THE PHOENIX. 
carpenters had the tarpaulins and batins all ready for hatch- 
ways j got the top-gallant mast down upon the deck ; jib- 
boom and sprit-sail-yard fore and aft ; in fact every thing we 
could think of to make a snug ship. 
The poor devils of birds now began to find the uproar in 
the elements, for numbers, both of sea and land kinds, came 
on board of us. I took notice of some, which happening to 
be to leeward, turned to windward like a ship, tack and tack : 
for they could not fly against it. When they came over the 
ship they dashed themselves down upon the deck, without at- 
tempting to stir till picked up ; and when let go again, they 
would not leave the ship, but endeavored to hide themselves 
from the wind. 
At eight o'clock a hurricane ; the sea roaring, but the wind 
still steady to a point ; did not ship a spoonful of water. 
However, got the hatchways all secured, expecting what 
would be the consequence should the wind shift ; placed the 
carpenters by the main mast, with broad axes, knowing from 
experience, that at the moment you may want to cut it away 
to save the ship, an ax may not be found. Went to supper : 
bread, cheese, and porter. The purser frightened out of his 
wits about his bread-bags ; the two marine officers as white 
as sheets, not understanding the ship's working so much, and 
the noise of the lower deck guns ; which, by this time, made 
a pretty screeching to the people not used to it ; it seemed as 
if the whole ship's side was going at each roll. Wooden, our 
carpenter, was all this time smoking his pipe and laughing at 
the doctor ; the second lieutenant upon deck, and the third in 
his hammock. 
At ten o'clock I thought to get a little sleep : came to look 
into my cot ; it was full of water ; for every seam, by the 
straining of the ship, had begun to leak. Stretched myself, 
therefore, upon deck between two chests, and left orders to be 
called, should the least thing happen. At twelve a midship- 
man came to me : " Mr. Archer, we are just going to wear 
ship. Sir!" O, very well, I'll be up directly; what sort of 
weather have you got? " It blows a hurricane." Went upon 
deck, found Sir Hyde there. " It blows hard, Archer." It 
does indeed. Sir. " I don't know that I ever remember its 
blowing so hard before ; but the ship makes a very good weath- 
er of it upon this tack, as she bows the sea ; but we must 
wear her, as the wind has shifted to the S. E. and we were 
drawing right upon Cuba ; so do you go forward, and have 
some hands stand by ; loose the lee yard-arm of the fore-sail, 
