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changes in the weather: there are few nights in the year when lightningcannot be seen from the top of the light-house, usually to seaward, over theGulf Stream , which here approaches nearer to the coast than at any otherpoint. An ocean depth of 2000 fathoms or more stretches almost in a directline from the low sand islands east of Nassau to within a distance of 12 milesof the cape; from the shore thewater deepens very rapidly to 100fathoms, and then falls abruptlyto a depth of 2500 fathoms. Thisgreat depth, so near the land,and the Gulf Stream sweepingeven nearer, are the probablecauses of the sudden and violentchanges of the weather thereprevailing, which were discussedin one of the memoirs of theconference.
On rounding the cape, the windgradually rose, the sea becameheavy, a dull leaden sky shutout the light, and not long aftermidday there were assurances ofa south-east gale. About 2:30p. m. the weather was so roughthat signal was made from theflag-ship to commanders of ves-sels to disregard the order of sailing and take care of their individualcommands.
In order to make the best of our way, and the better to avoid collisionswith other vessels of the fleet, the Seneca was kept on the port tack, and“ hove to,” barely turning the engines, the vessel being under close-reefedfore and main sails. Had she been square-rigged, the other tack would havebeen necessary to her safety. In the drifting mists and rain, it soon grewdark. The greater part of that night I stood under the lee of the weatherbulwark, near the wheel, casting glances to windward, to be in readiness tobear away should a vessel be seen coming down upon us. It was a long,weary, and anxious night. On peering to windward, the rain-drops pelted theface like sleet, and the phosphorescent spray broke over us in superlativegrandeur. At 3 o’clock I observed what had been an object of watchfulness—an arch rising in the west, precursor of a sudden change of wind. Themainsail was lowered, and when the squall struck us the foresheet was shiftedover. At 9 or 10 A. m. the gale had abated greatly, and the flag-ship was wellunder our lee; we then wore ship and were soon in her wake. Later in theday several other vessels fell into line.
We will now note the actual losses from the gale, that became known to ussome days later. The Isaac Smith was disabled and her commander forced
REAR-ADMIRAL SAMUEL F. DU FONT. FROM A PHOTOGRAPH.