st one has a diameter of 66 English
feet (twenty metres), its highest point is to the eastward, 16 feet
under water (five metres). The southeastern has a diameter of 197 feet
(sixty metres), and its highest point is only at a depth of 4 feet.
This last point is situated, according to my observations, which agree
with the position laid down in the chart of Admiral Berard, in 37 deg.
24' of north latitude, and 6 deg. 16' 25" of east longitude from Paris,
(or 8 deg. 36' 45" east of Greenwich); 17'.4 miles S. 65 deg. 15' W. of
the east point of the Island of Galita, and 27'.3 miles N. 0 deg.
30' E. of Cape Roux.'

The fate of the Avenger leads to many sad reflections. The last of the
wrecks described in this volume, one of yesterday, as it were, was
more disastrous than many others. It is painful to contemplate the
scene of dismay, when the ship struck, so unlike the presence of mind
and calm deportment which we have recorded on similar occasions. But
every allowance is to be made for the panic which followed a
catastrophe so sudden and so overwhelming. The night was dark and
tempestuous, the sea was running high, and all the elements were in a
state of uproar. The paralyzing effect of this accumulation of horrors
appears in the fact, that even after the small party of eight had so
far secured their preservation as to be in possession of the cutter,
and were within sight of the Island of Galita, two of them were found
to be bereft of their reason.

The first crash, and the rapid plunge of the ship into the gulf that
opened for her, and the loss of their captain among the first that
perished, left the crew without that guidance and control to which
seamen are in the habit of looking for support.

But though we have to regret the consternation that prevailed, there
was no gross neglect or misconduct to throw a darker shade over the
last hours of the Avenger. Captain Napier had been in consultation in
his cabin with the master and second-master, examining the charts, and
had also been on deck, giving directions to the officer of the watch,
but a short time before the first alarm. When the panic was at its
height, there was no act of dastardly selfishness for personal
preservation, to the disregard of the safety of others. The officers
are not accused of losing their composure. Lieut. Marryat is stated to
have been 'calm and self-possessed;' and Mr. Rooke's strenuous efforts
to lower the cutter, and his manly resolution to r