I much fear Mr. Johnson was not very successful in his enquiries, nor over fastidious in his acceptance of vulgar errors; for, I observe, that at page 113, he has allowed himself to be egregiously duped regarding _Mannacolly Point_; so called, from the village of _Mannacolly_, which formerly stood there. Mr. Johnson tells us a long story about a lady proceeding to India, and finding her husband a corpse at that place: whence, ‘_Melancholy Point_.’!!! I am well aware, that the same fable has been retailed to many others, who gaped for information; but that is no apology for its being upheld as matter of fact: had any respectable authority been consulted on the occasion, before the volume was committed to press, so palpable a traditional error would not have been offered to that public, among whom so many are equal to its refutation.
What Mr. Johnson states respecting the injuries done to ships by the _bore_, is at times verified, but they are rarely worthy of notice: if a vessel be properly secured, the _bore_ will have little effect on her safety, though the swell may cause her to pitch rather deep for a while. During the rainy season there is no _bore_; which is to be accounted for by the tide being so weakened at its entrance into the narrows near Fultah, as not to be competent to form such a wave as precedes it at other seasons; but, in exchange for this, a violent eddy, and great agitation of the waters, takes place between Diamond-Harbour and that place. It has been several times my lot, when proceeding with the last of the tide from Barrackpore to Calcutta, to meet the _bore_, generally near Chitpore; but, as its approach was indicated by the putting off of all the small craft from that shore, along which it invariably pursued its course, and to remain near which would be dangerous, my boat-men always followed the example, and kept along the centre; where, though we were tossed about famously, no danger existed. Once, indeed, in turning Sulky Point, in a sailing boat, I was obliged to dash through the _bore_, which I did not suppose to be so near, notwithstanding the _dingies_, &c., were putting out. The surf assuredly appeared awful, but we mounted over it, stem on, without difficulty, and speedily recovered from a certain pallid complexion which had insensibly crept over our countenances, as we approached the roaring waters. From what has been said, it must be evident that the _bore_ travels at the same rate as the incipient spring-tide, the velocity of which is different in various parts, but may be taken at an average of full twenty miles within the hour. Notwithstanding this rapidity, vessels, such as _budjrows_, and other craft, intended for pleasure, or for burthen, ordinarily ride safe at anchor; sustaining no injury from the _bore_, though they may perhaps drag their anchors a few yards. But, to insure this security, care must be taken that the broadside should not be exposed; else there will be great danger of over-setting: this danger is not unfrequent, owing to the _manjies_ and _dandies_ (boatmen) neglecting, especially during the night, to swing the stern round, either by means of a spring, or a small hawser, or by _luggies_ (bamboo-poles); so that the vessel’s head may meet the _bore_ in its direct course.