The sail being thus prepared, it was hauled under the ship's bottom by ropes, which kept it extended.

When it came under the leak, the suction that carried in the water, carried in with it the oakum and wool from the surface of the sail.

In other parts the water was not sufficiently agitated to wash off the oakum and the wool.

The success of the expedient was answerable to the warmest expectations; for hereby the leak was so far reduced, that, instead of gaining upon three pumps, it was easily kept under with one.

Here was such a new source of confidence and comfort, that our people could scarcely have expressed more joy, if they had been already in port.