366
GALE AT THE PACK EDGE.
[Chap. XIII.
1843
The barometer falling rapidly, indicated an approaching gale; and with the pack under our lee, we were obliged to carry all sail, to gain an offing as speedily as possible. The season was now too far advanced to attempt any further examination of the pack, therefore I made the signal to the Terror of my intention to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope; and having hoisted our colours, we began to retrace our steps, and before dark regained the clear water. Here we found the gale blowing in violent squalls, attended with constant snow; and, notwithstanding the great hazard of doing so, amongst the numerous bergs that surrounded us, we were obliged to carry a heavy press of sail throughout the night; after all, we were scarcely March 6.able to hold our ground, for at daylight the pack was seen through the haze and thick snow, at about a quarter of a mile from us, under our lee, presenting to view a line of foaming breakers. We immediately wore to the eastward; the gale increasing, and the sea running very high, we endeavoured to beat off under treble-reefed topsails and reefed courses; but again the pack appeared a-head and to leeward in the evening, proving to us that we were completely embayed. Fortunately, the gale was driving the pack before it, at about the same rate that we were dropping down upon it. We wore and stood to the eastward, under all the sail we could possibly carry; our masts, though aided by additional supports, quivered to every sea that broke over the ship, and the
