pieces. At eleven in the forenoon, the wind to the West ward, and the weather clearing up, Berry-head was distinguishable bearing North by East, distant four or five leagues; they immediately bent another fore-sail, erected a main-mast, and set a top-gallant sail for a m(illegible text) sail under which sail they bore up for Portsmouth and employed the remainder of the day in getting up a jury mizen-mast.
About two in the morning on Friday the(illegible text) the ship still driving, and approaching very fast the shore, Mr. Henry Meriton went into the (illegible text)dy, where the Captain then was, and a conversation took place, Captain Pierce expressing extreme anxiety for the preservation of beloved daughters, and earnestly asking the officer if could devise any means of saving them, and on answering with great concern that he feared it w(illegible text) be impossible, but that their only chance would to wait for the morning, the Captain lifted up (illegible text) hands in silent and distressful ejaculation.
At this dreadful moment the ship struck with such violence as to dash the heads of those (illegible text) were standing in the cuddy, against the deck above them, and the fatal blow was accompanied by (illegible text) shriek of horror, which burst at one instant from very quarter of the ship.
Mr. Meriton, the officer, whom we have already mentioned, at this crisis of horror, offered to (illegible text) desponding crew the best advice which could possibly be given to them; he recommended their c(illegible text)ing all to that side of the ship which lay lowest the rocks, and singly to take the opportunities which might then offer of escaping to the shore. A (illegible text) Having thus provided to the utmost of his power for their safety, he returned to the round-hou(illegible text) where by this time all the passengers, and most
