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CHAPTER VI.
1840.The remaining few days were spent in completing our preparations for sea; and adverse winds and weather continued to detain us at our anchorage until the morning of the twelfth, on which day we weighed at daylight, and stood down the river under favourable circumstances. Sir John Franklin and some other friends came on board to accompany us as far as the mouth of the river, and the government tender followed.
Soon after noon we passed the lighthouse on the east point of the entrance of the river, and being fairly out to sea by 1.30 p.m., our warm-hearted friends took leave of us, giving us three cheers at parting, which were most cordially returned from our ships, as we stood out of Storm Bay. If the deep-felt gratitude of thankful hearts be any gratification to our excellent friend Sir John Franklin, who not only evinced the most anxious desire, but sought every opportunity of promoting the objects of our enterprise, and contributing to the comfort and happiness of all embarked in it. I am sure there is not an individual in either of our ships who would not most heartily wish to express those sentiments towards him, and also to every member of his family, for their great kindness to us during our prolonged stay at Hobart-town.
