About half the cable only was payed out; the remainder was coiled on the forecastle, and the end was not secured.
"In the first place," said I, recollecting the scene near Charleston bar, "we will clinch the end of the cable around the mast, and then we can veer out as much as we like, without risk of its running away." This was soon done, and by veering cable, the sloop dropped astern, until clear of all other vessels.

I then found, to my satisfaction, that neither of the cables had parted.

It subsequently appeared that the small bower anchor had merely been dropped under foot.

By giving a good scope to both cables, the sloop was as likely to ride out the gale, so far as depended on ground tackling, as any vessel in port.

The sails, which had been loosed by the force of the wind, were next secured.