Thirty-six voyages to various parts of the world, made between the years 1799 and 1841 (1858) (14804762423)

Identifier: thirtysixvoyages00cogg (find matches)
Title: Thirty-six voyages to various parts of the world, made between the years 1799 and 1841
Year: 1858 (1850s)
Authors: Coggeshall, George, 1784-1861
Subjects: Voyages and travels
Publisher: New York, The author, G.P. Putnam, agent
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: The Library of Congress



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so. The gale in-creased and blew with great violence directly on shore. Toretard the schooners drift, we kept the wreck of the foremast,bowsprit, sails, spars, etc., fast by the bowsprit shrouds, andother ropes, so that we drifted to leeward but about two milesthe hour. To secure the mainmast was now the first object. Itherefore took with me one of the best of the crew and carriedthe end of a rope cable with us up to the mainmast head, andclenched it round the mast while it was badly springing. Wethen took the cable to the windlass, hove taught, and effectuallysecured the mast. It was now 10 oclock at night, and we coulddo no more for the present. I then gave the charge of the deckto one of our best men, with orders to keep a good look-out andcall me if there should be any change of wind or weathe*. Wewere then drifting directly on shore where the cliffs were rocky,abrupt, almost perpendicular, and perhaps 1000 feet high. Ateach flash of lightning we could see the surf break, while we
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VOYAGE IN THE SCHOONER INDUSTRY. 67 heard the awful roar of the sea dashing and breaking againstthe rocks and caverns of this iron-bound island. When I -went below, I found the captain in the act of goingto bed; and as near as I can recollect, the following dialoguetook place: Well, Captain K., what shall we do next? wehave now about six hours to pass before daylight, and, accordingto my calculation, only about three hours more drift; still,before that time there may, perhaps, be some favorable change.He answered, Mr. C, we have done all we can and can donothing more ; I am resigned to my fate and think nothing cansave us. I replied, Perhaps you are right, sir; still, I am re-solved to struggle to the last. I am too young to die; I amonly twenty-one years of age, and have a widowed mother, threebrothers and a sister, looking to me for support and sympathy.No, sir; I will struggle and persevere to the last. Ah!said he, what can you do ? Our boat will not live five min-utes in the surf,