inches deep over the whole forward part of the boat, completely hiding it from view, and which would have drowned an open boat. The voyage of 'The Kate' was from the Thames to the Thames, and not from any port in the Thames to any port in the Thames. I have been frequently asked on my way round the coast whether I believed the story of The Red, White, and Blue' having crossed the Atlantic. I did not read all the evidence; but I most certainly would not insult myself by doubting the fact. I know that 'The Kate' could go across, and can understand that other boats can do the same. As for the improbability of the men carrying the canvas they state they did, at times when other vessels were made very snug, I see no improbability; the men could not be ordinary men, and would not be at all likely to set the amount of canvas that ordinary men would carry. I most unhesitatingly believe that the men did cross as stated, and I shall continue to believe so until certain proof is brought against them. The anchors were self-stocking, and very handy, but very unsafe. The stock was retained in its place by a notch, which worked through a slot in the head of the anchor. I had seen the necessity for and had ordered a couple of spring pins, to slip in through and prevent the stock turning round, when the boat was going about at her anchor. The pins were forgotten. The iron worked as I had expected, and I have hauled up both anchors unstocked; after which I always slipped in a plug of wood, but that would work out, so that I cannot recommend the anchors without the vertical spring pin. The pictures of The Kate' have created considerable astonishment to some of my friends. One bold horsewoman said she would rather her horse stood on one hair of his tail than venture in 'The Kate.' Such being the case, I simply state that, where daylight allowed an opinion, the engravings have been toned down below the actual fact. April, 1870. CONTENTS. II. FROM RAMSGATE TO SOUTHAMPTON IV. FROM DARTMOUTH TO ST. IVES VII. FROM NEW QUAY TO BOSCASTLE 'The Kate' in mid-channel between Milford and Wexford. Struck by a cross sea at the change of tide to face 173 'The Kate,' when struck crossing the sand to face 256 to face 260 The crew of The Kate' aloft, hooking on peak halyard block, &c. 258 'The Kate' at anchor in the Thames, off the Maplin. Gale of wind. Time, about 6 P.M. 280 'The Kate' at anchor in the Thames. Night pitch dark. Vessels' lights in all directions. Time, midnight 286 THE CRUISE OF 'THE KATE.' CHAPTER I. THE START. My wearied thoughts were wandering down the High Street of Southampton, during the Christmas week of 1868, and conducted tired limbs to the excellent circulating library of Messrs. Gutch, where faded eyesight fell upon a work bearing the title of 'The Voyage Alone in the Yawl Rob Roy.' An instant sympathy with its contents created an exchange of matter; five shillings causing a deficiency of ballast in one pocket, while extracted essence of old clothes created a bulge in my starboard coat, correcting my proper trim, and allowing me to cruise to my usual station without more rolling than was actually necessary, in proportion to the paved or mudded depressions on the way. All hail B |