Here was an end to
our fine prospects. We made up our minds to head winds and cold
weather; sent down the royal yards, and unrove the gear; but all the
rest of the top hamper remained aloft, even to the sky-sail masts
and studding-sail booms.
Throughout the night it stormed violently- rain, hail, snow, and
sleet beating upon the vessel- the wind continuing ahead, and the sea
running high. At day-break (about three, A.M.) the deck was covered
with snow. The captain sent up the steward with a glass of grog to
each of the watch; and all the time that we were off the Cape, grog
was given to the morning watch, and to all hands whenever we reefed
topsails. The clouds cleared away at sunrise, and the wind becoming
more fair, we again made sail and stood nearly up to our course.
Thursday, Nov. 6th. It continued more pleasant through the first
part of the day, but at night we had the same scene over again. This
time, we did not heave to, as on the night before, but endeavored to
beat to windward under close-reefed topsails, balance-reefed
trysail, and fore-topmast staysail. This night it was my turn to
steer, or, as the sailors say, my trick at the helm, for two hours.
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