immediately. The pilots supposed that the Romney would be dry at low
water, the topmasts were therefore struck, and every preparation made
to shore her up.

The captain having done all in his power to save his ship, next turned
his attention to the preservation of his officers and men, determined
to use every possible means for their safety. Minute guns were fired,
in the hope that they might attract the notice of some of our
cruisers, and procure assistance.

At this time it blew a gale from the south-west, and the sea ran so
high, as to endanger the boats which were lowered in order to lighten
the ship.

The two cutters were sent to a galliot and a schuyt, that were in
sight near the land, to ask for help, but they failed in obtaining it;
and one of them in returning to the Romney was upset in the breakers,
and a master's mate with her crew perished. Lieutenant Baker, who
commanded the other cutter, finding it impossible to reach the ship
again, bore up to the Texel, in hopes of being more successful in
obtaining assistance there than he had been with the schuyt.

On board the ship, in the meantime, the minute guns were fired, and
officers and men looked anxiously for a responsive signal that would
tell them of approaching succour--but they waited in vain; no help was
at hand. The people were therefore set to work to make rafts, and
three were soon finished. Between two and three o'clock in the
afternoon the ship struck again, with such violence, that the rudder
broke away, and she seemed likely to go to pieces immediately. The
captain seized the first moment of the weather-tide slacking to order