|K; ,
“ (23d.) A thick fog confined us at our anchorage till eight,
when, having some hopes of the weather clearing, we weighed,
and stood for the Narrow, but a continued haze prevented us
from entering until after noon. As we approached, no tide
could be perceived, and again we were doubtful of our calculations,
having expected to find it favourable, however, we
steered for the islands. To give a better idea how we were
driven about as we tried to approach this Narrow, I have
attempted, in the subjoined plan, to show the direction of the
currents, and the courses we were carried by the eddies.
“ The wind was light from the north-eastward. Upon our
reaching the station marked 1, without having previously
noticed any current, we observed a strong rippling in the
Narrow, and immediately sent the boats a-head to tow us
towards mid-channel. We proceeded rather quickly until
we arrived at 2, when our progress was checked, and we were
carried rapidly back, as far as 3. In the Narrow the tide was
evidently against u s ; but in crossing to the N.AV. at 4, we
were forced by the counter-current against all the efibrts of the
boats—were carried close to the large island—and for the space
of thirty yards, were brushing the overhanging trees with our
main-boom. This part was, most fortunately, quite steep ; for
had the vessel touched in her swift course, she must have been
swung with violence against the rocks, and much damaged, perhaps
irreparably.
“ No sooner had we passed the end of this island, than we
were shot into mid-channel to 5, and then as suddenly and
swiftly carried back by the stream of the tide. The boats could
never keep hold of the vessel while in these whirlpools ; and it
was several times fortunate that they had cast off the tow-rope
in time, for thrice we were twisted round, as if on a pivot, by
those violent eddies.
“ A favourable moment was seized, the boats were again
sent a-head ; and, by great exertions, we were towed out of the
influence of the tide, and then waited for the time of slack
water.
“ At three o’clock Mr. Kirke was sent to Guard Point, to
ascertain the time of high water ; and at half-past four, in consequence
of his signal, we towed in with both boats, and passed
the islands with a favouring tide; but one quarter of a mile
farther, we met ripplings, which we had no sooner entered than
a reverse of tide was found, as if the waters from the sounds
were gradually forcing back the tide of the channel. AA^e still,
however, made progress to the S.AV.; but it was not before
eight o’clock that we anchored in the west entrance of this
Narrow, pleased, indeed, to be again secure, and to have
escaped unharmed.
“ 24th. Thick, hazy weather in the morning ; but at eiglit
o’clock it cleared a little, so we weighed, and soon reached the