36 
LETTERS FROM 
strongly-built vessel, and the tremulous mo¬ 
tion, the strange sort of shuddering Jit she so 
often experiences when the engines are at work, 
proves that her frame is not very robust. 
Finding that there was not much proba¬ 
bility of our being compelled to take refuge 
in our boats, we now hoisted in the gig, and 
a sea striking her just as she was brought 
alongside, she received a blow which ren¬ 
dered her perfectly unserviceable. What a 
pitiable condition we should now have been 
in if any misfortune had befallen us before 
we reached a port; for our only remaining 
hope, the jolly-boat, would not have safely 
carried more than twelve persons. 
When our battered vessel was in tolerably 
sea-worthy condition again, our commander 
held a short consultation with his officers. 
He then informed us, that it was their united 
opinion, that in our present state it would be 
