On the eve of the departure of the “Geyser” from Table Bay for Simon’s Bay, one of those terrific storms came on, which generally visit the Cape some time in the month of June. Fortunately, the “Geyser” had her steam up, and the officers succeeded in getting her out of Table Bay, after she had carried away both chain cables from the violence of the sea which sets into that anchorage with the commencement of a north-westerly gale.
When the chain cables of Her Majesty’s ships (which are not insured) are carried away, it is certain that those supplied to merchantmen will not hold out, and therefore it will not be surprising to hear that the gale alluded to caused great destruction in Table Bay. When it commenced, there were thirty-three fine merchantmen, of different sizes, and under various flags, lying at anchor there, all more or less prepared for the bad weather which is expected at Table Bay in the winter months of the southern hemisphere.
For three days it blew with terrific violence, and during this time it was a sublime but melancholy spectacle to see the sport made of the works of man by the mighty power of the ocean which came tumbling into this bay.
But, on the other hand, it was a lofty and inspiring sight to witness the undaunted resolution with which the Cape boatmen laid out anchors to windward of the ships in distress, and then conveyed the strong coir elastic cables attached to them to hold on the parting vessels. During the height of the storm, in the fury of the hurricane, the great and good governor of the colony, Sir George Grey, was, by his presence and by his exertions, aiding these measures in the cause of humanity.
For the laying out of an anchor, and conveying a coir cable attached to it, the boatmen receive 150l. sterling, and well do they deserve that amount, for the risk is very great. During the storm, one vessel was charged 600l. for assistance of this sort, and it would be unwise to dispute the charges made by these people; for one moment’s hesitation in supplying the required aid may result in the loss of a vessel. This is not the only danger, for when once a vessel gets adrift, there is no knowing what amount of damage she may do to other vessels, and the loss of how many of them she may cause.
Out of the thirty-three vessels lying in Table Bay at the commencement of the gale, eleven were blown on shore, most of which became total wrecks, and all of those that remained afloat were more or less severely damaged, besides costing a large amount for anchors and cables. Of course all this money is lost to the owners or underwriters. This one example will show the necessity for the Harbour of Refuge already referred to.
The gale was over, the “Hermes” reported ready for sea, and we impatient to start. After bidding farewell to our kind friends, the Maclears, the Chevalier Duprat and family, and Mr. and Mrs. George Frere, from all of whom we had received great kindness during our protracted stay at the Cape, we got into a carriage, and started off to Simon’s Bay, where the “Hermes” was awaiting us. Our party consisted of Mrs. M’Leod, Mr. Soares, myself, and my wife’s maid, Rosa Smith, of whom mention will frequently be made in the following pages.
A few miles before arriving at Simon’s Town, just previous to descending to the sandy flats over which the public road passes, I desired the coachman to pull up for the purpose of showing my wife a sign over a wayside inn, which had struck my fancy amazingly.
As it was something novel in the way of advertising, I took a copy of it while the horses were breathing, and insert it for the benefit of the reader.