In an instant every officer and man was at his duty; and within three minutes every sail in the ship was set, and the yards braced ready for casting.

The steady and active assistance of Lieutenant Turner and the other officers prevented any confusion.

As soon as the cable was taut, I ordered it to be cut, and had the good fortune to see the ship start from the shore.

The head sails were filled; a favourable flaw of wind coming at the same time gave her good way.

Not to be retarded by the boats, I ordered them to be cut adrift as well as the French boat.