This weakened us so that we could not well
manage more than one topsail at a time, in such weather as this,
and, of course, our labor was doubled. From the main topsail yard,
we went upon the main yard, and took a reef in the mainsail. No sooner
had we got on deck, than- "Lay aloft there, mizen-top-men, and
close-reef the mizen topsail!" This called me; and being nearest to
the rigging, I got first aloft, and out to the weather earing. English
Ben was on the yard just after me, and took the lee earing, and the
rest of our gang were soon on the yard, and began to fist the sail,
when the mate considerately sent up the cook and steward, to help
us. I could now account for the long time it took to pass the other
earings, for, to do my best, with a strong hand to help me at the
dog's ear, I could not get it passed until I heard them beginning
everything to complain in the bunt. One reef after another we took in,
until the sail was close-reefed, when we went down and hoisted away at
the halyards. In the mean time, the jib had been furled and the
staysail set, and the ship, under her reduced sail, had got more
upright and was under management; but the two top-gallant sails were
still hanging in the buntlines, and slatting and jerking as though
they would take the masts out of her.
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