“The small diving-bell, on this occasion, had been left at the bottom of the cove to the mercy of the waves; but the alternative of endeavouring to bring it away would, in all probability, have cost the lives of the whole party. In this gale, all the buoys, that had served as marks for the different situations of the wreck, were washed away; and with the condition of the launch, and the small bell, the general aspect of affairs was any thing but encouraging; nor was it improved when the small bell was recovered, for this was found to be in so shattered a condition from the blows which it had received by the rocks, that it was of no use. The operations in the cove were now totally suspended: the derrick had been destroyed, the two diving-bells were unserviceable, and all the buoys had disappeared. Commander Dickinson, however, had his resources at hand; the same persons who had constructed the diving-hells could make others; and no sooner was the small bell discovered to be broken, than orders were given to replace it with another. In the space of six days this was accomplished, under the able superintendence of Mr. Jones; indeed, the spirited exertions of every one employed in this arduous service, proved that they were actuated by the same teal, and shared in the same anxiety for the attainment of their object, which, from the commencement, had influenced their gallant commander. On a duty of this nature, a saving of time was frequently of the greatest importance; and on these occasions, regularity in meals and rest were lost sight of; – all danger was disregarded, each difficulty was overcome, and every privation was willingly endured.
“An accident occurred on the 10th June, which threw a temporary gloom over the whole party. Mr. Moore, the engineer, with Mr. Linzee, mate of the Adelaide tender, and a seaman, were unhappily drowned by the sinking of a boat.
“While the large bell was constructing, the small one, having been completed, was again worked with considerable success; and another quantity of dollars, amounting to 120,500, forwarded to England by H.M. packet Calypso. This vessel sailed from Cape Frio on the 21st June; and on the 30th another large quantity of treasure was found beneath a rock, which, with much difficulty, had been removed. One of the Lightning’s hempen bower cables was secured across the cove, as a suspension cable for the large bell, which was first used on the 9th October; after which, the operations seem to have proceeded very successfully. Considerable difficulty, however, was found in keeping the iron bolts properly secured in the rocks, for the various fastenings. This arose from the nature of the rock, which, after the bolts had been sunk firmly in it with much trouble, on being exposed a few days to the action of the atmosphere, split into small fragments. Thus the bolts were repeatedly loosened, and delay was occasioned by replacing them.”
The total amount of specie recovered by Commander Dickinson and his party was about 600,000 dollars; rather more
