Page:History of New South Wales from the records, Volume 2.djvu/383

 DISASTER TO H.M.S. GUARDIAN. 323 cleared ; but her stem, coming on the shoal, struck repeatedly, 178^ and the sea being very heavy, her rudder broke away, and all her The vessel works abaft were shivered. The ship in this situation became in iceberg a degree embayed under the terrific bulk of ice, the height of which was twice that of the mainmast of a ship of the line. At this critical moment the captain and officers retaining their spirit, their example and vigorous exertion led the people to their duty ; but it was with difficulty they were prevailed on to over- come the first panic and lend their assistance to trim and fill the sails. This being at last effiscted, and the f oretopgallant-sail and a critical staysails between the fore and main masts being set on the ship, 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, we soon lost sight of the ice. Our spirits then gained new vigour, and served to supply fresh strength, and to support us under the afflictions which were yet in embryo. From the commencement of these misfortunes to this short interval of better hope includes about the space of half an hour ; and the cheering prospect again vanished as a flash of lightning. At about a quarter past eight the carpenter came up from A mpidiy- sounding the well, and reported two feet water in the hold, and iSS!" "^ that it was increasing very fast. The pumps were ordered to be rigged and got to work, and all the officers and people joined in a diligent and spirited compliance therewith. The chain-pumps were at first found to be much out of order, which caused some delay. Meantime all the hands that could be spared were set to work to clear the deck of the cattle, &c., holding themselves in readiness, however, to man the pumps, which about nine o'clock were all at work ; and three or four of the people were left between decks to hoist up and heave overboard whatever they could manage. The water had at this time increased to three feet and a half, and was still gaining on all 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 over- The cargo board most of the bags of flour, pease, wheat, barley, &c., received ^® ^" at the Cape of Good Hope, besides two hogsheads of tobacco. At about ten, water had increased to five feet.