Fortunately, no other seas so heavy struck
her, and we succeeded in furling the jib "after a fashion;" and,
coming in over the staysail nettings, were not a little pleased to
find that all was snug, and the watch gone below; for we were soaked
through, and it was very cold. The weather continued nearly the same
through the night.
Monday, Nov. 10th. During a part of this day we were hove to, but
the rest of the time were driving on, under close-reefed sails, with a
heavy sea, a strong gale, and frequent squalls of hail and snow.
Tuesday, Nov. 11th. The same.
Wednesday. The same.
Thursday. The same.
We had now got hardened to Cape weather, the vessel was under
reduced sail, and everything secured on deck and below, so that we had
little to do but to steer and to stand our watch. Our clothes were all
wet through, and the only change was from wet to more wet. It was in
vain to think of reading or working below, for we were too tired,
the hatchways were closed down, and everything was wet and
uncomfortable, black and dirty, heaving and pitching. We had only to
come below when the watch was out, wring out our wet clothes, hang
them up, and turn in and sleep as soundly as we could, until the watch
was called again.
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