Page:Madras Journal of Literature and Science, series 1, volume 6 (1837).djvu/134

112 tention was again directed to the subject, the experiments ordered to be renewed, and 5,000 rupees granted for this object; with the farther assistance of stores from the arsenal, a party of Sappers and Miners, and 50 convicts: and I was directed to superintend the work, which is now in active progress, and promises to be successful, as far as the sum allowed can be expected to go; and it is now almost certain that a 12 feet channel can, and will, be obtained at this point, the gulf of Manar having only this depth for a considerable distance.

The following Journal details the operations when I was at Pamban:

Journal—Feb. 1st 1837.—Embarked on board the native brig Agamud Buksh, with 3 Serjeants, 1 havildar, 1 private of the sappers, and the stores destined for the experiments at Pamban.

2d.—Anchored at Pondicherry, as there were a great number of passengers for that place, with some cargo, which was engaged to be landed by the evening. Leaving the party on board in charge of the stores, I landed for the purpose of examining the light-house, which I obtained permission to do and take any observation required. It is a plain, but neat, structure, 90 French feet above the level of the sea; the lights fixed, and of good description. It is altogether well adapted for the purpose, but requires a little more ventilation, as the light appears to become dim after some hours burning.

3d.—Embarked at 7, and soon after weighed anchor.

4th.—At day light off Negapaiam, and in the evening took our departure from point Colymere. I directed the Serjeant of the watch to see the lead cast every half hour. The first sounding was 5 fathoms, which soon increased to 6, at which it continued for about 15 miles; then to 7, which held till one in the morning, at which time I made the tindal anchor. As we could not be far from land, if the current was as strong as is generally supposed, we came to in 7 fathoms; bottom a strong blue clay, unmixed with either sand or coral. On trial found no current whatever, and the next morning a piece of timber, thrown over during the night, was still near the vessel. Ascertained the latitude by the meridian altitude of a star, and found we were 17 miles from land.

5th.—Weighed at day light, and at 10 were 3 miles from Pamban. The soundings now rapidly decreased to 5, 4, and 3 fathoms; I called on the tindal to anchor, which he did; in swinging round the vessel struck violently, and I found we had only 1 fathoms at the stern. The vessel was hauled off in an hour, the weather fortunately being very moderate, and by 2 the stores were all in boats.

6th.— I inspected the detachment, which, with the party I brought, amounted to 1 second Lieut. C. M. Elliott, 5 Serjeants, 1 jemadar, 6 non-commissioned officers, 82 sappers, 50 convicts, with some peons belonging to the collector of Madura.