inst the granite cliff. The hull, however, did not
appear to come in contact with the rock; but, as if answering the
helm, her head turned off shore, and as she swung round, the larboard
quarter boat was completely smashed between the ship's side and the
rock. Nothing could exceed the alarm that prevailed on board for a few
minutes after the sudden crash. The decks were covered with spars and
rigging, lying pell-mell upon the bodies of those who had been injured
by their fall. The man at the helm had been killed at his post, and
the wheel itself was shivered to atoms; whilst the darkness of the
night, and the roar of the breakers against the cliff, added to the
horrors of a catastrophe of which the suddenness alone was sufficient
to paralyse the energies of the men.

Captain Burgess saw that everything depended upon promptitude and
decision: he quickly rallied his people, and order was soon restored:
he then gave directions that the well should be sounded, and that the
men should stand by the small bower anchor.

A sentinel was placed to guard the spirit-room, and two small sails
were run up the fore and main-masts, the stumps of which were from
twelve to fifteen feet above the deck, and the helm was put to
starboard. The winches were next manned, and guns, rockets, and blue
lights let off in rapid succession.

The well was reported dry; orders were given for the small bower
anchor to be let go, but it was found covered with the wreck of the
bowsprit, and it was necessary to cut away the best bower in order to
keep the ship off shore; and for the same purpose every spar that
could be obtained was made use of to bear her off the rocky cliffs,
but in vain, for from the depth of the water, the anchor did not reach
the bottom, and the stern tailed upon a shelving rock in spite of all
their efforts. The men were next ordered to clear away the boats and
get them ready--but they were found totally destroyed. Those on the
quarters had been smashed by the rocks, and those on the booms and
stern by the falling of the masts. During the whole of this anxious
period, the conduct of the men was most exemplary. Aware that all
depended upon individual exertion, each one appeared to emulate the
example set by his officers, and worked with hearty good will; not a
single instance of anything like bad conduct occurred.

Their condition was most disheartening; the boats were no longer
available; the water was gaining on the vessel; and