val readers; and we shall therefore proceed to relate it in Captain Hancock’s own words:–
“Sir,– In my late communication with you, I have repeatedly expressed an opinion that a passage might be found into the Wieling channel, by crossing the Ript Hart sand further to the eastward, and that if such a passage could be discovered, the enemy might be more easily watched and reconnoitred, than by the usual circuitous route of entering the Wieling to the westward of Leswagen. It had also frequently occurred to me, that beyond the increased facility of watching the enemy and ascertaining their every movement, such discovery might lead to the most important consequences to the country, if the enemy, in ignorance of such a passage (and which I am most perfectly convinced they are) should be tempted to manoeuvre as low down the Wieling, with his line-of-battle ships, as he did last year.
“I have availed myself of this fine weather, and the very ample means you have afforded me, by placing all the small vessels under my orders, to ascertain the correctness of my hopes in making such a discovery, with an anxiety proportioned to my opinion of the importance of it; and I have now the satisfaction of acquainting you, that I have discovered a very safe and good passage into the Wieling, for the largest ships; and that they may enter it at half-flood, and in moderate weather with the most perfect safety.
“This channel lies between the sands of the Droog Raan and the Vlaak Raan, the former of which having passed, steering from South to S. ½ W. and S. b W. and entered the Spleet, you may then haul up as high as to bring Bruges steeples on with Heyst church, and cross the Ript Hart sand in 5 and ¼ less 5 fathoms at half-flood, to the westward of what is called in the Dutch charts the English Poel, wrhich either does not now exist, or is placed on all our charts, as also the Dutch, too far to the westward, as I was yesterday on board the Idas cutter, and crossed the Ript Hart sand considerably higher to the eastward, having Bruges steeple open to the eastward of Heyst, never having less than 5 fathoms, and fell into 7 and ½ 7 in the Wieling after two or three casts * * * * * * * *. It is but fair that I should not attribute to myself alone the discovery of this passage, and to acquaint you that the first suggestion of it to me was from Mr. Richard Wenham, Master of the Idas cutter, who with the master and pilots of this ship, as also those you seitt on this service, have been very zealous and indefatigable. I have the honour to be, &c.
“To Sir Richard J, Strachan, Bart., K.B. &c. &c. &c.”
