The foresail was furled in such manner that it could be cast loose and the head of it hoisted at a minute's notice.

I greatly feared that some light vessel might be forced from her moorings, and drift athwart our bows, and thus bear the sloop away from her anchors.

I therefore got an axe, and placed it by the windlass, with the design of cutting both cables when such an act might be considered necessary for our safety, hoist the head of the foresail, and run out to sea.
In the mean time, the decks were in a deplorable condition, lumbered up with barrels, boxes, and ballast.

The supercargo commenced on one side, and myself on the other, to throw the ballast into the hold.
The miscellaneous articles were then tumbled down in an unceremonious manner, and the hatchways properly secured.

Our attention was now turned to the mast, which had no support on either side, and was in an awkward and uneasy position.