PORTER’S JOURNAL. 
IS 
them away to more advantage, securing them against further 
damage from leaks by covering them with tarpawlings; also, cut 
two scuttles in the birth-deck, to carry off such water as might en¬ 
ter by the leaks in the water-ways, stem, and down the hatchways; 
also, took advantage of the good weather to fleet and set up our 
main rigging, to render the masts more secure; unbent the fore¬ 
top-sail, which was injured by chafing, and bent another. 
Having had favourable winds since our departure, we this day 
found ourselves in the latitude of 36° 7' N., longitude, by dead 
reckoning, 58° 54' west; but with a view of getting into a lati- 
tude where we might expect more moderate weather, as well as 
to cross the track of vessels bound from England to Bermudas, 
and those from the West Indies to Europe, stood to the south¬ 
east. 
On the morning of the 3d, a sail was discovered to the 
S.W.; made all sail in chase, and at 8 o’clock, discovered 
her to be a Portuguese merchant brig, bound to the west¬ 
ward ; gave*over chase, and stood on to the S.E. with light 
winds from the N. and variable; sent up our royal masts, and em¬ 
ployed the crew in various useful jobs, the sick and cooks of the 
messes being occupied in picking oakum for caulking the water¬ 
ways, which were found to be very open, in consequence of the 
oakum having washed out. Got up the marine clothing from the 
store-room to air, as some of it was found to be wet from the 
leak in the stem; the other store-rooms on examination proved 
to be dry. Also, employed the sail-makers in repairing the fore- 
top-sail that was unbent, and gave directions to the officers to get 
their boats in the best state for service, (each lieutenant of the 
ship, as well as the sailing-master, having charge of one). To¬ 
wards the latter part of the day, the wind hauled abound from the 
eastward, and threatened rain. Rated Benjamin Wadden car¬ 
penter’s yeoman. This day saw a bird that very much resem- 
a plover in appearance and note. Latitude, by observation, 35° 
1' N.; longitude, by dead reckoning, 57° 9' W.; variation of the 
compass 4° westerly. 
The winds being light on the 4<th, and the weather 
markably pleasant, got up our new suit of sails; bent the new 
