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Instead of la Nereide following the Sirius, she preceded her; and Captain Willoughby, being personally well acquainted with Port S.E., would have led Captain Pym safely alongside the enemy, had not the latter officer carried so much sail that he was obliged to yaw about, in order to avoid running aboard la Nereide – it was in consequence of his being under this necessity, that the Sirius grounded. Mr. James should have added, that the master of la Nereide knew less of Port S.E. than any other officer belonging to her, as he was always left in the command of the ship, whilst Captain Willoughby and his Lieutenants were either on shore or employed in sounding the harbour:– in fact, Mr. Lesby had never before been so far in as the spot where the Sirius grounded on the 22d August.

