Finding by
pieces of cork and other things that they threw into the water, that
they were drifting fast on the breakers, which they could distinctly
hear, they made an attempt to get the long boat out to save
themselves, as they expected the ship would be very soon wrecked, but
they found that they could not muster sufficient strength to lift her
over the side. At this critical moment, a breeze of wind from off the
land saved them from destruction, and enabled them to get the vessel
under command.
On the 16th March they arrived at Rio Janeiro, and on the following
day paid their respects to Admiral Baker, the commander in chief on
the South American station, and made known to him their situation and
anxiety to return to England. The admiral received them in that kind
and hospitable manner, which is the peculiar characteristic of a
British seaman. He invited them to his table with his officers, and
ordered them a passage in the William Harris, a government transport,
which was to sail for England in a day or two.
Accordingly on the 20th they sailed for England, and on the 9th June
arrived at Portsmouth, after a tedious voyage, and gladly landed with
hearts full of gratitude for all their deliverance.
One of the first steps which government adopted on the arrival of
Richard Lander, was to issue an order to the authorities at Cape
Coast Castle, to pay to King Boy the whole of his demand for the
ransom of the Landers, and thereby re-establishing that faith and
good opinion with the natives of the country, touching the honour and
integrity of the English character.
This journey by individuals who make no pretensions to science, has
not afforded materials for the illustration of any of its branches,
but previously to the loss of the instruments, the range of the
thermometer is recorded. At Badagry, on the coast, where the heat was
most oppressive, it was between 86 deg. and 94 deg., oftener stationary near
the latter than the former point. At Jenna it fell suddenly one day
from 94 deg. to 78 deg., and remained stationary for some hours. At Assinara
at noon, on the 23rd April it attained the height of 99 deg.. Near
Katunga it fell upon one occasion to 71 deg. in the shade, the air being
then cooler than they had felt it since landing. At Kiama the
extremes were 75 deg. and 94 deg., the mean 84 deg.. At Youri, the range was the
same. On their voyage from Youri to Boussa, on the 2nd August, it
varied from 75 deg.
