The force of the sea may be guessed from the fact of the sheet-anchor, nearly a ton and a half in weight, being actually lifted on board, to say nothing of the forechain-plates’ board broken, both gangways torn away, quarter-galleries stove in, &c.  In short, on getting into port, the vessel was found to be loosened through all her frame, and leaking at every seam.  As far as depended on her good qualities, however, I felt assured at the time, we were safe, for I had seen enough of the Talbot to be convinced we were in one of the finest sea-boats that ever swam.  But what could all the skill of the ship-builder avail in a situation like ours?  With a night full fifteen hours long before us, and knowing that we were fast driving on the land, anxiety and dread were on every face, and every mind felt the terrors of uncertainty and suspense.  At length, about twelve o’clock, the dreadful truth was disclosed to us!

Judge of my sensation when I saw the frowning rocks of Arran, scarcely half a mile distant on our lee-bow.  To our inexpressible relief, and not less to our surprise, we fairly weathered all, and were congratulating each other on our escape, when, on looking forward, I imagined I saw breakers at no great distance on our lee; and this suspicion was soon confirmed, when the moon, which shone at intervals, suddenly broke out from behind a cloud, and presented to us a most terrific spectacle.  At not more than a quarter of a mile’s distance on our lee-beam, appeared a range of tremendous breakers, among which it seemed as if every sea would throw us.  Their height, it may be guessed, was prodigious, when they could be clearly distinguished from the foaming waters of the surrounded ocean.  It was a scene seldom to be witnessed, and never forgotten!  “Lord have mercy upon us!” was now on the lip of every one—­destruction seemed inevitable.  Captain Swaine, whose coolness I have never seen surpassed, issued his orders clearly and collectedly, when it was proposed, as a last resource, to drop the anchors, cut away the masts, and trust to the chance of riding out the gale.  This scheme was actually determined on, and every thing was in readiness, but happily was deferred until an experiment was tried aloft.  In addition to the close-reefed main-topsail and foresail, the fore-topsail, and trysail were now set, and the result was almost magical.  With a few plunges, we cleared not only the reef, but a huge rock upon which I could with ease have tossed a biscuit, and in a few minutes we were inexpressibly rejoiced to see both far astern.

We had now miraculously escaped all but certain destruction a second time, but much was yet to be feared.  We had still to pass Cape Jeller, and the moments dragged on in gloomy apprehension and anxious suspense.  The ship carried sail most wonderfully, and we continued to go along at the rate of seven knots, shipping very heavy seas, and laboring much—­all with much solicitude looking out for daylight.  The dawn at length appeared, and to our great joy we saw the land several miles astern, having passed the Cape and many other hidden dangers during the darkness.