expedient, as the daily demand of water was prodigious, owing to the great quantity of cattle on board. As the ship approached the island, the boats were hoisted out, and several lumps collected. During this time the ship lay to; and on the supply of water being brought on board, sail was made to stand off. Very little apprehension was at this time entertained of her safety, although the monstrous size of the island had not only a great effect on the wind, but had caused a strong in-draft. On a sudden, the bow of the ship struck upon a part of the island, which projected under water considerably beyond the visible limits of it. She instantly swung round, and her stern coming on the shoal, struck repeatedly; her rudder was knocked off, and her stem-frame almost beat to pieces.
“The ship in this situation became in a degree embayed under the terrific bulk of ice; the height of which was twice that of the main-mast of a ship of the line.
“At this critical moment. Lieutenant Riou and his officers, retaining their spirit, their example and vigorous exertions led the people to their duty; but it was with difficulty they were prevailed on to overcome their first panic, and lend their assistance to trim and fill the sails. This being at last effected, and the fore-top-gallant-sail and stay-sails between the fore and main-mast being set, she began to forge off, and the same instant struck with greater force, if possible, than before, nearly abreast of the main-chains, kept crashing for some time along the ice under her, and at last shot entirely clear of it. The weather continued very foggy, and the wind blowing strong, they soon lost sight of the ice, and began to comfort themselves with the hope that no very considerable damage had been sustained, excepting the loss of the rudder. This cheering prospect soon vanished, and a damp was suddenly thrown upon their spirits, when, at a quarter past eight o’clock, the carpenter came up from sounding the well, and reported two feet water in the hold, and that it was increasing very fast. the pumps were ordered to be rigged and got to work. The chain-pumps were at first found to be much out of order, which caused some delay. Mean time as many hands as could be spared were set to work to clear the deck of the cattle, &c. About nine o’clock all the pumps were at work. Three or four of the people were left between decks to hoist up, and heave overboard whatever they could manage. The water at this time had increased to three feet and a half, and was still gaining on the pumps. The few hands left between decks did almost more than their strength could be expected to effect: in the course of half an hour they got up and hove overboard most of the bags of flour, pease, wheat, barley, &c. received at the Cape of Good Hope, besides two hogsheads of tobacco. At ten, the water had increased to five feet. Since the first of their misfortunes, every officer and man had been employed; and it was impossible for them to hold out much longer in this laborious work. Lieutenant Riou therefore determined to divide the officers, seamen, convicts, &c. into two watches, to relieve alternately. At about half-past