Captain G. was an old, experienced seaman; and I never saw, before or since, more coolness, judgment, and seamanship, than were displayed by him on this trying occasion.  In this perilous trial, the most intense anxiety was manifested by the crew, and then was heard the deep-toned voice of Captain G., rising above the bellowing storm, commanding silence.  “Take the wheel,” said he to me; and then followed the orders, in quick succession:  “Lay aft, and man the braces—­see every thing clear forward, to wear ship—­steady—­ease her—­shiver away the main-topsail—­put your helm up—­haul in the weather fore-braces,—­gather in the after-yards.”  The ship was now running before the wind, for a few moments, directly for the rocks; the situation and scene were truly awful, for she was not more than three hundred yards from the breakers.  I turned my head aside—­being at the helm—­to avoid the terrific sight, and silently awaited the crisis.  I was roused, at this moment, by Captain G., who shouted, “She luffs, my boys! brace the main-yard sharp up—­haul in the larboard fore-braces—­down with the fore-tack, lads, and haul aft the sheet;—­right the helm! steady, so—­haul taut the weather-braces, and belay all.”  These orders were given and executed in quick succession.  The ship was now on the starboard tack, plunging bows under at every pitch.  Casting a fitful glance over my shoulder, I saw that we were apparently to leeward of the rocks.  Very soon, however, it was quite perceptible that the tide had taken her on the lee beam, and was setting her off shore.

The gloom began now to wear away, although it was doubtful whether we should be able to reach the bank, and, if successful, whether the anchors would hold on.  Orders were given to lay aloft and send down the top-gallant-yards, masts, &c.  The helm was relieved, and I sprung into the main rigging, the chief mate going up forward.  With much difficulty, I reached the main-topmast cross-trees, and, when there, it was almost impossible to work, for the ship lay over at an angle of at least forty-five degrees, and I found myself swinging, not perpendicularly over the ship’s deck, but at least thirty feet from it.  It was no time, however, for gazing.  The yard rope was stoppered out on the quarter of the yard, the sheets, clewlines, and buntlines, cast off, and the shift slackened, and then simultaneously from both mast-heads the cry was heard, “Sway, away!” The parrel cut, the yard was quickly topped and unrigged, and then lowered away on deck.  The next duty to be performed, was sending down the top-gallant masts.  After much difficulty and hard work, this was also accomplished; and, although I felt some pride in the performance of a dangerous service, yet, on this occasion, I was not a little pleased when I reached the deck in safety.