d the launching of the boats, during which time I and my nieces
were on deck in our night-dresses, supplemented by such wraps as we had
been able to hastily snatch on the moment of the first alarm. But when
the boats had been safely lowered into the sea and secured, Mr
Snelgrove (the young officer who had last assumed the command) came to
us, and, in the kindest manner possible, begged us to retire to our
cabins, assuring us that we might do so with perfect safety, and that we
might depend on him to summon us in good time to attempt a landing with
the rest of the crew. We accordingly took his advice, glad to get back
to the shelter of the saloon, where we at once discarded our wet
garments and proceeded to make ourselves as comfortable as the
circumstances permitted. Day broke at length, and then Mr Snelgrove
made his appearance in the saloon, informing us that the weather had
moderated, the sea gone down a good deal, and the tide had ebbed,
rendering it a favourable moment to attempt a landing, which he believed
might be effected without much danger; he further added that the seamen
were then passing provisions and water into the boats, and that he would
allow us ten minutes wherein to select and pack a small bundle of such
clothing and effects as might be deemed by us most necessary. At length
the eventful moment arrived for us to pass down into the boats, and
though we were assured by the sailors that there was no danger, I never
was so thoroughly frightened in my life, for the sea was still very
rough, leaping, curling, and foaming all round us. However, we all
managed to embark without accident, and then our boat (which was the
second to make the attempt) pushed off and made for the shore. The
breakers were appalling, and the boat was turned round with her bow
pointing seaward, and `backed'--I think they called it--toward the
shore. The sea broke over us several times, half filling the boat; but
two men were kept constantly baling with buckets, and at length--thanks
to Mr Snelgrove's admirable management--we safely reached the beach,
but wet to the skin as a matter of course. Meanwhile, the first boat,
in charge of the boatswain, had discharged her cargo on the beach, and
was now sent back with four men to the wreck to bring on shore the
remainder of the crew and whatever of value they could lay their hands
upon. This going to and fro between the beach and the ship lasted
nearly all day, and by nightfall we