Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v4p1.djvu/272

 were seen floating about in the cove. Among these were a great many of the vessel’s timbers, a part of the stern-post; and, a large mass of her bottom being discovered, the position of it was marked for examination by buoys. The same method of marking the position of different parts of the wreck was also adopted, and the buoys were regularly numbered; a measure which contributed much towards the order and regularity of the proceedings.

“In the course of the operations with the small bell, on the 19th March, the chain-cable was discovered, and attempts were made to raise it, without effect, from its being so much buried among other parts of the wreck.

“At this stage of the proceedings, the length determined on for the derrick was found to be too little by thirty feet, which must have arisen either from a mistake in the measurement of the distance which the wreck was from the rocks, where the derrick was intended to be stepped, or from the position of the wreck having changed. The original length of the derrick was ordered to be 120 feet; but the distance of the wreck from the rocks being as much as 150 feet, it became necessary to lengthen the derrick to at least 155 feet, to give it a sufficient inclination. This produced a further delay; but the time was not lost; for while it was in progress, the Lightning’s three anchors and her capstan, besides three crabs, were fixed on the principal cliff, for the topping-lifts of the derrick. In addition to these, other crabs were placed on various parts of the cliffs, for receiving guys to steady it. The small diving-bell was also kept at work, in loosening and clearing away as much as possible the lesser pieces of the wreck. This service was attended with much danger, from the constant south-easterly gales, which produced so much swell, that the bell was frequently dashed against the rocks, to the great risk of its being broken, as well as endangering the hoses of the air-pump.

“About two months had now elapsed, and nothing in the shape of treasure had been recovered, although the utmost exertions had been made that the small diving.bell would permit; and it was generally thought that it had been washed out to sea, as the net, which had been placed across the mouth of the cove at the commencement of the operations, had been quickly carried away by the violence of the waves. With this prevailing opinion, it was determined to save those parts of the stores, the position of which had been marked by buoys; when, on the 1st April, the persons at work in the small bell discovered some dollars among the rocks at the bottom; and these having been collected, led to the discovery of more, besides a quantity of gold. This was sufficient encouragement to hope that more was there; but so completely was it buried among the rocks at the bottom, that it was difficult to distinguish it, and a torch was employed in the bell; which, however, after a short time, was found nut to answer. In the midst of this success, the launch was nearly lost, owing to a sudden shift of wind, which produced so much swell, that it became necessary to heave up the bell, and leave the cove as soon as possible. On the 5th