Downstream

He set off with a powerful
breaststroke and, hugging the
Essex shore, headed towards
Gravesend. Two hours later
he ‘partook of slight
refreshment’ and was
‘swimming in capital
condition’ when he reached
North Woolwich. But ‘the
wind then had increased so
much that there was quite a
sea on, and Webb
consequently left the water by
the desire of his friends’. He