PORTER’S JOURNAL. 
91 
in preference to attempting the streights, as the rapidity of the 
current might offer some embarrassments. On getting clear of 
the land, the prevalent winds are from the south-west and north¬ 
west by the west, and generally in violent blasts. Steer to the 
southward, with a flowing sail, and carry as much canvas as the 
ship will bear, until you get into the latitude of upwards of 60° 
south, when you will escape, in a great measure, the violence of 
the current that is forced by the prevailing winds along the coast 
of Terra del Fuego. On reaching the latitude of 60°, keep on 
that tack which most favours your course to the west, but always 
under a heavy press of canvas, and about one point free ; and ne¬ 
ver heave to, so long as you can carry sail, and keep head-way 
on the ship. Make an allowance for the current setting to the 
eastward, 18 miles in every 24 hours ; and don’t attempt to wea¬ 
ther Terra del Fuego, until you are sure you have reached the 
longitude of 81® west from London ; as strong westerly gales 
constantly prevail on the coast of Patagonia, which render it ne¬ 
cessary to keep well to the westward, to avoid the difficulties 
and dangers of a lee-shore. These gales extend as far as the pa¬ 
rallel of Baldivia, and render the dangers on that coast greater 
than those of Cape Horn, as they blow with equal violence, and 
are attended with a sea equally, if not more terrible ; and in ad¬ 
dition to which you have, under the lee, an inhospitable iron- 
bound coast. When you have passed the latitude of 40® south, 
you may then venture (but cautiously) to use some of your light 
sails. I think, however, it would be a good rule not to use them 
until you arrive at Mocha, or St. Maria, where you may touch to 
refresh, after the fatigues of the passage, and rig and repair 
your ship ; and that she will require repairs, is certain. 
During your passage around the cape, avoid harassing your 
crew unnecessarily ; keep only the watch on deck, except when 
there is the most absolute necessity for all hands; and use every 
means in your power, that will contribute to their comfort; by 
this you will have fresh and healthy men, and in good spirits, to 
exert themselves in time of need ; a circumstance greatly to be 
desired, where health and strength are at all times so necessary 
for the preservation of the ship, and for those exertions in making 
