. We had been unable to distinguish any landmark before
the storm burst in all its fury upon us, and the rain poured in
torrents. Our supply of coals was too limited to enable us, with
prudence, to put to sea again; and of course, the marks or ranges for
crossing the bar would not be visible fifty yards in such thick weather.
Being quite confident of our position, however, I determined to run down
the coast, and anchor off the bar till daylight. Knowing the "trend" of
the land north of New Inlet bar, the engine was slowed down and the lead
kept going on both sides. The sounding continued quite regular three and
three and a quarter fathoms, with the surf thundering within a stone's
throw on our starboard beam, and nothing visible in the blinding
torrents of rain. I knew that if my calculated position was correct, the
water would shoal very suddenly just before reaching the bar; but a
trying hour or more of suspense had passed before the welcome fact was
announced by the leadsmen. The course and distance run, and the
soundings up to this point proved, beyond doubt, that we had now reached
the "horse shoe" north of New Inlet bar. At the moment when both of the
leadsmen almost simultaneously called out "and a quarter less three,"
the helm was put hard a-starboard, and the Lee's bow was pointed
seaward. We could not prudently anchor in less than five fathoms water,
as the sea was rising rapidly; and that depth would carry us into the
midst of the blockading fleet at anchor outside. It seemed an age before
the cry came from the leadsmen "by the mark five." The Lee was instantly
stopped, and one of the bower anchors let go, veering to thirty fathoms
on the chain. The cable was then well stoppered at the "bitts," and
unshackled; and two men stationed at the stopper, with axes, and the
order to cut the lashings, instantly, when so ordered; the fore-staysail
was loosed, and hands stationed at the halliards; and the chief engineer
directed to keep up a full head of steam. The night wore slowly away;
and once or twice we caught a glimpse, by a flash of lightning, of the
blockading fleet around us, rolling and pitching in the heavy sea. The
watch having been set, the rest of the officers and crew were permitted
to go below, except the chief engineer and the pilot. We paced the
bridge, anxiously waiting for daylight. It came at last, and there,
right astern of us, looming up through the mist and rain, was the
"Mound." We had only to st