The Lead Was Heaved Every Two Hours,
And The Gradual Change From Black Mud To Sand, Showed That We Were
Approaching Nantucket South Shoals.
On Monday morning, the increased
depth and deep blue color of the water, and the mixture of shells and
White sand which we brought up, upon sounding, showed that we were
in the channel, and nearing George's; accordingly, the ship's head
was put directly to the northward, and we stood on, with perfect
confidence in the soundings, though we had not taken an observation
for two days, nor seen land; and the difference of an eighth of
a mile out of the way might put us ashore. Throughout the day a
provokingly light wind prevailed, and at eight o'clock, a small
fishing schooner, which we passed, told us we were nearly abreast
of Chatham lights.
Just before midnight, a light land-breeze sprang up, which carried
us well along; and at four o'clock, thinking ourselves to the
northward of Race Point, we hauled upon the wind and stood
into the bay, west-north-west, for Boston light, and commenced
firing guns for a pilot. Our watch went below at four o'clock,
but could not sleep, for the watch on deck were banging away at
the guns every few minutes. And, indeed, we cared very little
about it, for we were in Boston Bay; and if fortune favored us,
we could all "sleep in" the next night, with nobody to call the
watch every four hours.
We turned out, of our own will, at daybreak, to get a sight of land.
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