Page:Inquiry into the shipwreck of 'Geffrard' 1875-07-07.djvu/6

 parted about 27 fathoms from the anchor. The second chain was quite good enough for any ordinary use it was the working one it is usual for vessels of the Geffrard's class to have only one large chain in such cases our larger anchor being unusually heavy for a vessel of her size I consider I was perfectly justified in putting all the good chain on to one anchor & giving the vessel a long scope I consider the vessel was thoroughly well found in every respect. The whole length of the chain on the first anchor was 105 fathoms and on the second anchor 90 fathoms. The small chain was a 78 inch one and the weight of the anchor about 12 cwt. I consider the large chain was quite sufficient for all purposes & that the second was only a hope. The insurance officers surveyed the ship throughout on leaving Adelaide. She parted the second chain at the 45 fathoms while paying out Both the larger anchor and chain were unusually heavy for a vessel of the Geffrard's size  The wind was N by W when she parted and she drifted in a South Easterly direction  She parted about 7.30 P.M. on the 13th June  It was stormy all the day of the 13th increasing to a heavy gale in the afternoon when the wind shifted from about N.E. to N by W with sudden and violent squalls  She was coppered and thoroughly repaired before leaving Adelaide the last trip. The Geffrard draws about 15½ to 16 ft. when loaded I consider I was lying quite far enough out I have been Master of the Geffrard about 2½ years.

I took in a load of timber on Saturday & saw it stowed & then went on shore about 6 P.M. to see Mr. Yelverton on business. I seldom leave my ship I now consider that the chain was not so good as it looked