th of September, but, having carried away our mainmast, we had to
return to replace it, so that it was not till the 20th that we could
make a fair start. We reached our destination off the mouth of the
river on the 27th. This is one of the most dangerous situations in
which a ship can bring up, as the bay is completely open to the north,
the quarter from which the winds are most prevalent. The only safe
proceeding, as the anchorage is none of the best, is at once to run to
sea. A bar, on which a tremendous surf breaks, stretches across the
mouth of the river, so that, except in calm weather and a slack tide,
the landing is dangerous in the extreme. Of this we had a sad proof
soon after we arrived there. Everything being made snug, to obtain
fresh provisions was our first consideration. For this purpose a boat
was despatched under the command of Mr York, a master's mate, with
directions to enter the river and to procure fresh beef and other
eatables. All sorts of commissions were likewise given him.
"Give my compliments to King Hodge-podge, and tell him that I'll knock
up his quarters before long," sang out one of his messmates.
"Take care of those rollers there, Mr York," I observed. "They are apt
to play people a scurvy trick every now and then."
"Ay, ay, sir," he answered; and then in a lower tone he added, "I've
crossed such bars as that fifty times, and I should think I knew by this
time how to handle a boat on one of them."
I pretended not to hear the remark, and the boat pushed off from the
ship's side. Away she pulled towards the bar. I could not help
following her with my glass. The bay was calm, but the current was
running out strong, and a slow, smooth, rolling swell came in from the
offing. The boat glided swiftly on towards the mouth of the river.
Just before she reached the bar I had observed two or three rollers
break with great fury on it. I called the attention of Captain
Packenham and some of my brother-officers to what I had remarked. I
fancied that I could see York looking back in triumph, as much as to
say, "You see I don't fear the bar you speak of." Then on glided the
boat. A huge roller rose between us and her so suddenly, it seemed to
come from the very depths of the sea. On it went; others followed; but
where was the boat? A cry of horror escaped from all those looking on.
With my glass I made out through the mass of foam a black object and
several smaller ones floating
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