During the night, the vessel rode very uneasily, in consequence of
the long heavy waves which set in from the bar; these are technically
called by sailors ground swell, being different from the waves
which are raised while the wind blows; the latter generally break at
the top, while the former are quite smooth, and roll with great
impetuosity in constant succession, forming a deep furrow between
them, which, with the force of the wave, is very dangerous to vessels
at anchor.
Their motions were still closely watched by the natives. About eleven
they got under way, but were obliged to anchor again in the
afternoon, as the water was not deep enough for the vessel to pass
over the bar. The mate sounded the bar again, and placed a buoy as a
mark for the vessel to pass over in the deepest water.
On the following morning, the wind favouring them, they made another
attempt at getting out of the river. They had already made some
progress, when the wind again died away, and the current setting them
rapidly over to the eastern breakers, they were obliged to let go an
anchor to save them from destruction.
