Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/58

 prayed it might be mine, instead of sinking in these dark, desolate, unfathomed waters.

At noon, we saw several indications of land; a land-*sparrow on our rigging, and several fat Yankee ducks and geese near us. At four, p. m. got soundings in 100 fathoms water, on a sandy bottom, by which we knew we were only 70 miles from land; Gay-head lighthouse. Loaded a cannon, ready for calling a pilot, when we make the said lighthouse, which we hope to do by four to-morrow morning. At six, p. m. saw one sail to the north. At eight, ten, and twelve, p. m. sounded again in 40, 35, and 30 fathoms. Still extremely cold.

2nd.—Fine clear morning; in 10 fathoms white water, just on the edge of a dangerous wrecking shoal, but soon plunged into 20 fathoms.

At ten, a. m. blessed with the heart-cheering sound of Land, O! and saw the island of Nantucket from our topmast, distant 15 miles, and marked by three windmills and a few high white houses. My heart now rebounded with gratitude, at being made so signal a monument of providential mercy.

At eleven, a. m. saw distinctly a beautiful island, {26} 16 miles round, of red and yellow ochre, called Martha's Vineyard, now occupied principally by civilized Indians, pilots, and fishermen. We hoisted the patriot colours of South America, the best signal for a pilot, who soon boarded us, and conducted us to an anchorage in the bay, formed by the above island and by a cluster of other smaller isles, smothered with small hardy sheep, which graze all winter upon them. Passed a huge group of wreckful rocks, (some in and some out of the water) called The Old Sow and Pigs. At six, p. m. a fishing-boat came along side, and brought us a fine fry in exchange for putrid