Page 494
An.1688
Strong Currents. Uncertain Weather.
In the afternoon at 4 a clock, we had a gentle breeze at W. S. W. which continued so till 9, all which time we laid down our Oars, and steered away S. S. E. I was then at the Helm, and I found by the ripling of the Sea, that there was a strong Current against us. It made a great noise that might be heard near half a mile. At 9 a clock it fell calm, and so continued till 10. Then the Wind sprung up again, and blew a fresh breeze all night.
The 17th day in the morning we lookt out for the Island Sumatra, supposing that we were now within 20 leagues of it ; for we had rowed and sailed, by our reckoning 24 leagues from Nicobar Island; and the distance from Nicobar to Achin is about 40 leagues. But we lookt in vain for the Island Sumatra ; for turning our selves about, we saw, to our grief, Nicobar Island, lying W. N. W. and not above 8 leagues distant. By this it was visible, that we had met a very strong Cur- rent against us in the night. But the wind fresh- ned on us, and we made the best use of it while the weather continued fair. At noon we had an observation of the Sun, my lat. was 6 d. 55 m. and Mr. Hall's was 7 d. N.
The 18th day the Wind freshned on us again and the Sky began to be clouded. It was indiffe- rent clear till noon, and we thought to have had an Observation: but we were hindered by the Clouds, that covered the face of the Sun, when it came on the Meridian. This often happens that we are disappointed of making Observations, by the Suns being clouded at noon, though it shines clear, both before and after, especially in places near the Sun; and this obscuring of the Sun at noon, is commonly sudden and unexpected, and for about half an hour or more.
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