PORTER’S JOURNAL. 
n 
steered away more to the eastward ; we had studding-sails set on 
both sides, and our rate of sailing from 7 to 9 miles per hour. 
On the 13th, the wind continued to increase, and the weather 
became still more hazy, with rain. At meridian, I calculated that 
Cape St. John’s, the eastern part of Staten Land, bore S. £ W. 
distant 35 miles; and although the thickness of the weather pre¬ 
vented our seeing more than a mile ahead, a confidence of being 
able to see the land in sufficient time to haul-off to clear it, in¬ 
duced me to continue my run ; but at 4 o’clock, the appearance 
of a strong current, which was indicated by a violent ripple, and 
seeing an unusual quantity of kelp, some of which, as though it 
had been dead and drying on the beach for some time; and the 
appearance, also, of considerable docks of birds, much resembling 
geese, induced me to believe, that I must be very near the shore. 
I therefore caused a good look-out to be kept, took in top-gallant- 
sails, double-reefed the top-sails, furled the main-sail, and had 
every thing prepared, in case it should be necessary, to haul our 
wind; and at half past six, I had cause to rejoice that I had 
taken such precautions, as breakers were discovered, bearing 
E.S.E. and S.E., distant about three-fourths of a mile, and in a 
few minutes afterwards, the land appeared in the same direction ; 
we consequently hauled on a wind to the eastward, and sounded 
in 45 fathoms water. We had now approached so close to the 
breakers, with the hope of weathering them, that we had not 
room to wear; there was a tremendous sea running, the ship 
driving forecastle under; no chance of weathering the land, which 
could now be seen a-head, bearing E. by N., running out in small 
lumps, and surrounded with dreadful breakers. Our only hopes 
of safety was, in getting the ship in stays; the mainsail was set 
with the utmost expedition, and we were so fortunate as to suc¬ 
ceed: after getting the ship about, the jib and spanker were set, 
and the top-gallant-yards sent down; but, in a few moments, the 
jib was blown to pieces. My first impression was, that we had 
been set by the currents to the westward, intothe bay formed by 
the Cape St. Vincent and the coast of Terra del Fuego; and, as 
the gale was increasing, and night fast approaching, the thick 
weather continuing, the wind directly on shore, with a tremendous 
