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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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