Dec 24, 1788 Home Logbook Dec 26, 1788
Revised Jun 29 2021
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Moderate winds at ENE. dark cloudy Wr. in the afternoon with some Rain but fair in the morning. The Thermr. from 77° to 80°.
In the afternoon I attended and got all the Plants on board which amounted to 774 Pots. An operation which was thought would nearly take up two days. In the morning at day break unmoored and the Tents being struck I sent the Launch away loaded with spars &ca. to Oparre with directions to land them and meet me in the entrance of the Harbour to show me the safe passage. At ½ past 10 I weighed and run down under the Topsails and at ¼ past eleven on entering the Harbour I desired the Master to go on the Fore Yard and acquaint me of what danger might be in our way as from thence it might be seen. The Launch met me in the Entrance, but instead of keeping ahead they let the ship come up with them and got becalmed, so that I was obliged to pass them. I now shortened Sail and let the Anchor go when to my astonishment the ship was aground, but she went on so easy I did not know it untill the Master came from the Fore Yard and told me of it. I have been in many situations of this nature much more hazardous and I thought my precautions were abundant to carry me safe. A Lead in the chains, a Boat sent to be ahead, and the Master on the Fore Yard to look out, yet with all the ship went on shore. As I found the ship was only aground from the midships forward I directed the Master to send a Kedge astern on the larboard quarter and in the mean time I took the Launch to the Bows and took the Br. anchor in & carried it astern and dropt it in 13 fms. While I was carrying out the Bower they hauled the ship afloat by hand, but neglecting to heave the Br. Cable in at the same time, it swept a Rock, so that at Noon I had the ship afloat but two anchors and Cables foul of the Rocks.
I had the company of all the Royal Family on board and they were all exceedingly distressed at the accident. I
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desired the Women to go on shore, but Tynah and Oreepyah remained with me and were of service in directing some of their people to assist me. I am under no apprehensions of any hurt being done to the Ship however I shall have her bottom examined as soon as I get in.
Dec 24, 1788 Home Logbook Dec 26, 1788