8:30
And , having at last thus settled the question -- as I thought -- to my own satisfaction , I rolled over in my hammock and went to sleep . The breeze held fresh during the whole of that night ; and the _ Daphne _ made such good progress that by eight o'clock on the following morning we found ourselves once more abreast of Padron Point at the entrance to the Congo . Sail was now shortened ; the ship hove-to , and the men sent to their breakfasts ; the officers also being requested to get theirs at the same time . At 8:30 the hands were turned up , the main topsail filled , and , under topsails , jib , and spanker , and with a leadsman in the fore-chains on each side , the sloop proceeded boldly to enter the river , under the pilotage of the master , who stationed himself for the purpose on the fore-topsail yard . This was a most unusual , almost an un-heard-of , proceeding at that time , the river never having been , up to that period , properly surveyed ; so we came to the conclusion that there was something to the fore a trifle out of the common ; a conclusion which was very fully verified a little later on . It was just low water as we came abreast of Shark Point -- which we passed at a distance of about a mile -- but we found plenty of water everywhere ; and , stretching across the river 's mouth , the _ Daphne _ finally entered Banana Creek , and anchored in six fathoms close to a smart-looking little barque of unquestionable American nationality . The sails were furled , the yards squared , ropes coiled down , and decks cleared up ; and then the first cutter was piped away , Mr Smellie at the same time receiving a summons to the skipper 's cabin .