With a fearful crash, our masts now went by the board.
Our ship was showing signs of breaking up.
Neither threat nor reward could move any one of my men to attempt to swim ashore with a line.
The sun now burst forth in a blaze of golden light.
I could feel the tears gather in my eyes as I looked about and saw the sad ravages of wind and wave.
Although the storm had abated somewhat of its fury, there was no time to be lost.
Dread creakings of the ship’s timbers warned me to leave the wreck ere I should be crushed against the rocks.
Only disorder and confusion seemed to characterize the movements of the crowds gathered on shore.
While apparently aware of the terrible import of our signals of distress, they showed no inclination to risk their lives in trying to save ours.
Turning to Bulger I cried out: