; but so very easily, that many people on board were not
aware that she had touched. Signals were immediately made to warn the
convoy of their danger, but before the signals could be answered, the
Daedalus swung off into deep water. All sail was set, and strong hopes
were entertained that she was not materially injured; but her frame
was too slight to sustain any shock whatever without damage, the lower
part of the stern-post had given way, occasioning a leak of such
magnitude, that although the pumps were instantly manned; and worked
with unceasing energy, the water could not be kept under. A signal was
made for the convoy to bring to, and to send all their carpenters on
board the Daedalus, which was immediately done, but the combined
efforts of the whole were unavailing to reduce the leak. The rudder
worked so much that it was found necessary to unship it from the
broken part of the stern-post, and bring it alongside; and in order to
relieve the ship from the pressure aft, the guns and other heavy
things were carried forward; this, however, was of so little avail,
that the guns and anchors were soon thrown overboard. They then
prepared a sail with oakum and tar, and got it over the stern, in
order, by passing it under the keel, to stop the leak. For a time this
seemed to have the desired effect, and hopes were entertained that
they might be able to carry the ship to Trincomalee; but these hopes
were of short duration. In spite of the indefatigable exertions of
every officer and man on board, the water gained upon them till it
rose two feet above the orlop-deck. The men had now been working
without intermission for eight hours, and their strength and spirits
began to fail, when, notwithstanding all their efforts, they saw the
water rising to the level of the lower deck.

Captain Maxwell now knew that there was not a chance of saving his
ship, and he felt the painful necessity of leaving her as soon as
possible, in order to preserve the lives of his men, whilst there was
yet time. He ordered the boys, idlers, and two divisions of seamen and
marines to get into the boats which were alongside, while the
remaining men were employed at the pumps to keep the ship afloat, The
good order and discipline which prevailed during this scene are beyond
all praise. 'The men behaved,' to use the words of the captain, 'as if
they were moving from one ship to another in any of the king's ports.'

Such conduct is highly creditable, not