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Lorsqua ia documant ast trap grand pour Atra raproduit an un aaui cllchA, 11 ast film* A partir da I'angla supAriaur gaucha. da gaucha A drolta, at da haut an baa, an pranant la nombra d'Imagas nAcassalra. Las diagrammas suivants iilustrant la m4thoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 . I^WPIJM <--.r ^W^' h Si \ I- ^ I, 1^ « ^T « ^ I i-. t > t i >l s^ ^ s^ ^ ^ 1 - ••- ft 1 Vfv..^-\_.a'''' .n^ f • -I f( THE TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES DAVID C. BUNXELL, DURIIfG TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF A SEA-FARING LIFfi ; CONTAINING AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF THE ijnder the command of com. oli\ er h. perry ; - " TOGETHER WITH TEN YEARS' SERVICE IN THE NAVY OF THE UNITED STATES. g — ALSO— ' .* ' *' SERVZCS AMOirO THE ORSEKS, IMPRISONMENT AMONG THE TURKS, he. fee. jf WRITTEBI BY HIMSELF. Truth should never fail to please, Nor yield to fiction's sway — 'Tis that will guide us on with ease, And smooth the rugged way. PAIiMYBA, ]V. Y. PRINTED BT E. B. GRANDIN, AND PUBLISHED BY J. H. BORTLES. 1831. ...:,^., v^,4 .■>-v •, ■\.r'^'*' ..••<''^. ,.-v' • l> ■ - ■*". .1,,.. .:»:.,': T'ji?^-. •*!iici;H:. \3 = ■■•r M^' ::-^;.B-i m ^ Co p I ut'May, Anno Duniini une lliuudund viglit liuniircd anil ^ Jhirty one, .lACOD II. HURTLES, of the said Dis- trict, iiaili deposited in tliisotVicc the title ot'u iiook, lu ihc wurdt^ following, to vvii "Tinvels and Adventurus of David C ISuiinell, during twenty- (hreo yuarj of u sea-furing life, containing; ait accurate account of t)i|PBattlf ot Lake Krie, under the command of Cum. Oliver II. Perry . tofrevlier will ten yeurs' service in the Navy of the U. S. Also, service amon^ tlie tJreeks, imprisonment among the Turks, y hinisell'. "Truth should never ftii! to please, nor yield to fiction's sway, " 'Tis that will guide us on with ease, and smooth the rngged way." Tlie right whereof ho rlaini.s as proprietor, in conformity wiili an act of Congress, entitled " An net to amend the .several acts re- spectins copy rights.' RUTGEK B. MILLER, Clerk of 1', S. Distrii-t Court for Norltiern Dist. of N. York. (I ipp m ,^ PREFACE. I have been induced to publish tu the world this my chequered life, from a thorough conyiction that a re- hearsal ot' the sufl'erings and privations I have cndu- red, will be both interesting and instructive to at least a portion of community. My most ardent and sincere desire is, that it may be instrumental in deterring youth tVom pursuing the same thoughtless and ruinous ca- reer that I have. My whole life has been spent either in the field of battle, or tossing upon the octwn's waves ; and lam consequently incapable of writing this narrative in that elegance of style which would add to its interest and please the patrons of the work. But the reader is as- sured that, however surp' 'sing or incredible some of the facts it contains may appear, I have strictly adhe- red to truth in every part of it. The many hardships I have endured have seriously impaired my health ; the hull of my vessel is no more able to encounter the peltings of the pitiless storm ; my sails can no longer withstand the fury of the gale ; and I must therefore bo content to spend the remain- Jer of my days on terra firma. I will barely add, that I hope this simple, though true history of my life and adventures, may be the means, through the patronage and generosity of my country- men, not only of checking the wild career of many a reckless youth, but also of alleviating in some measure, the ills and distresses incident to a wrecked constitu- tion, of one the best part of whose life has been devo- ted to the serv'co of his country THE AUTHOR. xmi i^ (•< (\ ^ « TRAVELS, &C. CHAPTER I. I shall pass over my boyish days in silence, and commence at that period in my life when I first went to sea. There was nothing in my ju- venile days remarkable, except that I always had a great desire for rambling. This my mother endeavored to check when in the bud ; but it was all in vain, as you shall learn in the sequel. I was born in the town of Cheshire, state of Connecticut, May 20, 1793. My father Ebene- zer Bunnell, was a sea-faring man, and died at sea when I was but two years old. My mother, whose maiden name was Curtiss, is still alive, (1831,) and resides in the town of York, county of Livingston, N. Y. I had two sisters, who were both older than myself. One of them is yet living ; the other died some years since. — My mother was married to her second husband when I was in my sixth year. They lived hap- py together but a short time, when he was called from this world to dwell with departed spirits in another. We then moved to the head of the Delaware River, where we resided a*few years, and from thence we went to New- York. I was here bound an apprentice to Mr. J — A. C— — ,* a stone cutter,, Soon after, my mother mo- ved back to the Delaware, and left me as it w ere * The name is withheld out of respect for relativcw. BUNNELL S ,''^- alone, ami I never saw her again in twenty- three years and seven months. Little did I think at this time, that our separa- tion would be of so long duration. Reader, her advice to me at parting, you must picture to yourself; only remember that it was given by a tender and affectionate mother, to an only son. — It made an impression on my heart which will never be effaced by the troubles and afflictions of this life. Even the thoughts of being separa- ted from her, perhaps forever, brought floods of tears into my eyes. But they were soon i^ried up by thoughts more pleasing to my youthful and naturally volatile mind. Here I was, in a populous city, w ith every in- ducement in the world to lead me astray. I soon found my master to be an ungrateful tyrant. He never gave me a moral lesson, nor bid mc walk in the path of virtue. It would seem that his only object was to keep me in the most strict servitude. - Had he watched over my youthful habits, and prescribed to me the circle in which to figure, and ''taught the youthful idea how to shoot," I probably should not have suflered the hardships and misfortunes which I am about to narrate^ and my mother would have been released from ma- ny a flood of tears, and many a heart-rending sigh. But fate had so fixed it — -read on and you will learn. Having been born in the lap of Liberty, the first words I had been taught to lisp, were Free- dom and Independence. Of course I could not brook this restraint, and determined to runaway the very first opportunity. A fellow apprentice A TRAVELS. who had been one voyage at sea, resolved on go- ing with me. Our plan was to hire a boat with the ostensi- ble purpose of going a fishing, and as soon as out of sight of our master to proceed up the East River to Boston. We were both young and un- acquainted with the way, and regardless of the dangers to which we might be exposed. Accordingly, having procured by dint of liard persuasion, from our master, sixpence each, ut- borrowed a boat of the captain of a sloop which lay at the wharf, find with a piece of an old blan- ket for a sail, we proceeded on our first mari- time exploit. Our voyage was a pleasant one c.^, far as Hell's Gate. Here we put on shore to procure provisions for our intended tour. This consisted of six cents worth of crackers and, cheese. ' ^ ' We now again put off to sea, mutually pro- mising, (like the two friends in the fable,) to as- sist each other in case of danger. We had not gone far, before we perceived, not a " Bear ma- king up to us in great rage," but what was to me ten times more frightful — the awful roaring * of a thunder storm. All our courage and sea- manship vanished in a moment. I began to moan and ejaculate for help, but none was near. My companion little less frightened than myself, we resolved to run the boat ashore and finish our exploit by land. We landed near Harlaem. It was now my intention to go to my mother; and well would it have been for me, had I put thi3 plan into execution. We travelled as far as Sing Sing, about thirty miles from New- York. Here I hired out to a k m BUNNELL'S r^« Mr. Hunt as hostler. With him I remained for some weeks in great security. But our mas- ter advertising " ten dollars reward^^ for us, we were soon apprehended. The man t« ith whom I lived kept a public house. One morning a gentleman drove up to the door ; I ran to take his horses ; but good heavens ! how surprised was I to see in the chaise my old master ! He very gravely asked me if it was not about time to go home? With considerable presence of mind, I in a moment thought what answer it was best to make. (By the bye, I have always been much cel- ebrated for my presence of mind in the most try- ing scenes.) — I gravely replied, that "I was just thinking about it." He had already secured my compai^ion and sent him home. After receiving a little refreshment, he took fne into the carriage with him and started for Nftw-York, where we soon arrived, and I was again set at work. I now took a retrospective view of my past ex- ploit, and found it was all owing to bad calcula- tion that my scheme had failed. So I resolved on embracing the first opportunity presented to again bid my master good-bye. I could see no other way than to once more try the ocean. — This I foolishly thought would at once rid me of all my cares, and give me perfect happiness. — But oh ! how vain and visionary are all the air- built hopes and imaginations of youth ! Consider my young reader — especially you of volatile minds — and view my folly in its true light — take my advice, which sad experience has taught me how to give and which I give in sin- cerity. Do not be guided by wild imaginations ; your tender minds are inadequate to the taek of m. TRAVELS. self government. Listen to the advice of your parents : they will never advise you wrong. — May you never be placed in my situation — ^not a friend to condole with. ^ CHAPTER 11. The first week after I returned to New-York, I kept revolving in my mind a thousand different schemes. At last I came to the awful conclu- sion of bidding adieu to all my relations, my friends and my country at once. According- ly one Sunday I rambled along the wharf in search of a vessel. I had the sagacity to think if I went away in one* belonging to the Americans, I would have to come back again. So I deter- mined to ship on board of one bound to sdlbe other nation. I found in White Hall Slip, an English Ship belonging to Halifax, for which place she was bound, and was to sail on the next Tuesday — I agreed with the captain to go with him in the capacity of a Cabin Boy, at twelve dollars per month, and promised to come on board the next night. I worked all the next day, (Monday,) to complete my plan of elopement. Not a soul did I let into my secret. I was so much absorbed in the thoughts of leaving every thing that ought to be held dear on earth behind me, that I could not eat. It is impossible for me to desciibe my feelings at this time. My mistref s took notice of my disordered appearance, and inquired in- ' .f*. h*:'^- f: '\ 10 BUNNELL S to the cause. I told her I was unwell. This seemed to satisfy her. I waited with the grea- test impatience for sundown. At length the long wished for hour arrived. My heart beat quick, as if enj5keavoring to break from its confinement. 1 dressed myself in my best suit, took a small bundle of apparel and threw it out of the garret window into the street. I then came softly down stairs, and bidding sailent farewell to my friends and my country, picked up my bundle and decamped. I arrived on board of the English ship Brit- ania, Capt. Lovett, the next morning. We soon made sail ; but an accident happened, that like to have baffled all my expectations. The vessel touched on a rock oflfthe end of the wharf and unshipped her rudder. This detained us until Wednesday. As ./e were .making sail I saw my master and another gentleman on the wharf, but they did not discover me. We proceeded to sea — my heart leaped for joy to think that I was clear from the reach of ray miscreant of a master. I now commenced the first of my cooking, in which I was rather unsuccessful ; the first time I cleared the table, 1 threw overboard, with my dishwater, all the teaspoons. This drew seve- ral hearty curses from the captain, and a num- ber of simg blows on my back, from the mate — "byway of introduction," as he termed it — a pretty severe "introduction" too, thought I. Soon the lessening hills of my native and be- loved country, could only be distinguished by a long line of Iblue along the horizon, and soon they were out of sight. This was the first time •*v - TRAVELS. n I had ever beheld the sublime scene of the, ocean bounded only by the horizon — and to add to its grandeur, the sun was just finishing his daily course, and seemed as if calmy to resign himself to the bosom of the ocean. The breeze gradu- ally died away and all seemed grand and silent, save tlie flapping of the sails against the masts, occasioned by the gentle motion of the vessel. Supper being over, I retired to bed — not to re- flect on my situation — among strangers — unpro- tected — unbefriended and in a foreign vessel, bound to a foreign country — but to congratulate myself on my lucky escape from my master. Picture to yourself, gentle reader, my forlorn situation. Bidding, for aught I knew, an eternal farewell to a kind and affectionate mother, who had watched with tender solicitude my infancy and childhood — who had endured so many pains and hardships for my sake. To all this I bid adieu, with scarcely a pang — merely sighin^- to myself, *' farewell mother!" Ungrateful and unteeling wretch that I was ! I hope that every youth who reads this will learn from it to do better than I have done, and to repay with obedience the cares and affections of their parents. I was aroused about four o'clock in the mor- ning by the terrible motion of the vessel — the dashing of the waves against its sides,' and the hoarse voice of the captain, as he gave orders to the crew. There was a tremendous gale of wind — I endeavored to get on deck ; but the motion of the vessel was so great, that I dared not ven- ture until day-light ; besides I was sea-sick — ^the wor^t ]iind Qf sickness, i began to think that iMIUHi y 12 Bunnell's I- the hour of my eternal departure was drawing near, for I did verily believe that the ship and all hands were soon to be plunged to the bottom of the angry and restless ocean ; and I thought that God had taken this course to bring me to a sense of the reckless and inflexible course I had thus far pursued. At length the niorning appeared, and the last ray of hope that had lingered in my bosom du- ring the night was now driven away by the dreadful roaring of the ocean — the waves rolled mountainous high, and seemed even to contend with the sky — the rain poured down in torrents — and the wind blew almost a hurricane. Eve- ry thing seemed to confirm me in the opinion that we must go to the bottom. I wept and moaned, but received no pity — and was only laughed at, and called a "lubberly fool" by the captain and mate. I now called on God to save me from destruc- tion. How natural it is for sailors to call for help, when death and danger stare them in the face ; and bow little do they reverence His di- vine will and pleasure when the storm is over ! Had I been owner of all the riches of India, I would at this time freely have given them to have been on shore. Like the prodigal son, I would have gone to my mother — fallen on my knees at her feet — ^begged her pardon, and re- mained at home the rest of my days. The gale continued with unabated fury, for several days, during which time we could not show any sail. The oldest sailor on board was not entirely unmindful of the brittle thread .by which we were suspended. For my part, I was > ■' t' TRAVELS. IS I I sick the whole time. This was indeed a solemn and distressing scene to so new a beginner as I was. At length the gale subsided — a gentle wind succeeded — and the raging of the turbulent ocean was hushed. Believe me, with the abatement of the storm my fears all vanished. My anxiety about home, mother and friends, was forgotten. The third day after the gale, we spoke the ship Planter, of New-York, from Liverpool, bound for New- York. She had lost several of her masts in the late violent gale, and was in rather a shattered condition. , The rest of our passage was short and plea- sant. At Halifax I purchased a tarpawling hat, and sailor's jacket and trowsers, and there was nq braver sailor than myself. CHAPTER III. 'i^ on, I 1 1 my m i re- m , for 1 i not m was m d.by m was fl The Captain now offered to take me as an apprentice. Accordingly I bound myself to him until I was twenty-one. He ^as to learn me the art and mystery of seaman-ship— give me schoo- ling, and at the expiration of my term of ser- vice, I was ^o have two good suits of clothes, mathematical instruments, etcaetera. We here refitted our ship, took in a cargo of salt fish, pork, beef, etc. and proceeded to sea, bound to St. Domingo. The fourth day after sailing, we caught several Dolphins. The varie- gating colors of this fish in the agonies of death, 14 BUNNELL'S are truly beautiful in the extreme. There is no oolor you can name but what they represent. I made of this fish a dish seamen call chow- der. It consists of pork, potatoes, fish, &c. — This, when well made, is most excellent eating. Just as I was preparing my dinner, rather a farcical circumstance happened. I will merely mention it for your amusement. You will na- turally suppose that I did not make a very neat Cabin Boy — having never done any thing of the kind before in my life. There had been a slight shower of rain, which made the cabin steps ra- ther muddy and slippery. Our cabin was quite small. The company in it consisted of the cap- tain, mate, second mate, two lady and two gen- tlemen passengers. One of the ladies was con- siderably advanced in years, and the other about seventeen. The elderly lady was seated imme- diately at the foot of the steps ; the young lady on her right ; and the others were promiscuously seated around the table. I proceeded with a large turrene full of chowder for the cabin ; no •sooner had I put my foot on the upper step, than it slipped, and I landed, turrene and chow- der, helter-skelter, among the ladies. The old lady screamed, and well she might, for both of lier feet were scalded. The young lady fainted, but she received no material injury. The whole company was now in the utmost confusion, ex- cept the captain,who coolly exclaimed — "Egad — each pick up his own !" The cook was sent for, who soon cleaned the cabin, and the com- pany after becoming a little composed, sat down and made a dinner of salt beef and potatoes. TRAVELS. 15 CHAPTER IV. Nothing of particular importance happened until we made the land of St. Domingo. The English at this time were at war with the French, and the Island was much infected with priva- teers. This we expected, and had armed our vessel for the purpose. She mounted six car- riage guns, of six pounds each ; and a comple- ment of ten men before the mast. One mor- ning, just at daylight, a man at the mast head, called out — " Sail ho !" We found, as it grew lighter, that she was a small private armed ves- sel. As soon as we were perceived by her, she made sail towards us — hoisted French colors, and fired a gun. We hoisted English colors and returned the compliment. An engagement commenced with great fury on bolli sides. Our captain had every thing in the world to contend for, having risqued all his pro- perty in ladening the vessel. The French on the other hand seemed determined to make a prize of us. t. The ladies in the cabin were worse frightened now than when one was scald 3d by the chowder, though not as badly injured. I was stationed in the cabin to pass the powder to the men on deck, what sailors call a *' powder mon- key." This was the first time I had ever heard the vengeful bullet whistle about my ears. I did not much like the fun; but as it happened, I received no material injury — although the shot flew through our cabin windows in such show- ens, that they came well nigh depriving us of all our crockery. - ,*. \ 16 BUNNELL'S The action lasted little over an hour ; when the French, having lost their fore-mast and bow- sprit, pulled away from us with their sweeps. — I assure you we were not sorry to get clear of such troublesome company. Our captain and two of our men were slightly wounded, and one man killed. This, with some slight damage to the rigging and hull of our ves- sel, and the loss of crockery, (to make no ac- count of the hysteric fits of one of our lady pas- sengers, and the fainting of an old maid of the other sex,) was about all the injury we recei- ved. All was now calm, until the next morning, when a moderate breeze arose from the north, and we steered into the harbor of Port au Prince, wherfe we came to anchor at sun set. This har- bor is very convenient for shipping, and was at this time under the government of the Blacks. It was quite laughable to see the black army drawn out on parade; some entirely naked; others with one shoe on, and a few with a shirt. I saw several of the officers with great swords hung to their sides, with no other apparel on than a ragged pair ojf par.taloons and cocked hat. The president was also very meanly clad. But they had not long been free from the bondage of their tyranical masters, and had not as yet had an opportunity of procuring clothing. We liere left our passengers. The old lady, notwithstanding the chowder accident, on lea- ving, made me a pi'csent ; and so did several of the other passengers. We now sold our cargo, and prepared to ca- reen the ship for the purpose of repairing the -F tfer*- TRAVELS.' 17 damage she had sustained in our conflict with the French. The mate had several times on the passage, treated me rather roughly, and I had «aid in his hearing, that I would run away as soon as we arrived in port. This the captain flaid he would prevent, and accordingly gave or- ders that I should not go on shore while the vessel remained there. Hearing this sentence of restricture passed upon me, I resolved to leave him if possible, and was determined to bother the mate all I could while I remained on board, and risk the consequences. At length the ship was ready to be hove down ; it was my business to see that every thing in the cabin was safely secured to prevent breakage. — The mate had purchased two dozen bottles of «yrup. These he ordered me to tak^ particular care of. I did so, and placed them where they would all be sure to be broken. I heard after wards that they were, and spoiled a new flag; belonging to the captain, which cost about forty dollars. We were very much troubled with rats, and had no cat. I told the captain if he would let me go on shore that I would get one. One day he ordered me to take a bag and go to his boar- ding house and get one. This I thought was my time. I once left all my relations and every thing dear to me, to get clear of restrmnt; ly in the centre of the town — all unconcerned as regaled their Eve-like clothing. All seemed to be engaged in their respective occupations ; some carrying water on their heads in large tubs; others washing in the same stream without the least regard to decency. No sooner had the sun ran his daily course, and reclined behind the western horizon — than I, like some midnight robber, stole out from my liiding place and began to look around for some future prospects in life. What to do, I could not tell. But, having escaped once or twice from imminent danger, I trusted to Him, or some- body, I did not at that time know who, to take care of me. My whole mind was occupied in planning some scheme for my future safety. I went to the water's side ; here I met with an old negro, who could speak English. I inquired of him if he knew of any ship that wanted hands. He told me he did, and if I would give him two TRAVELS. bils, (which is twenty-five cents,) he would take me to it. I did not stand for ceremony, but gave him the money — jumped into his canoe, and he paddled oif. I kept a sharp look out to see if he was not going to the ship 1 had left ; but to my great joy, he did not. He took me on board the ship Diana, of Liverpool, Capt. Willson. She was bound for Liverpool, and wanted hands. The vessels generally lose more or less of their crews here, from sickness, while lying in port ; and when they get ready to start, will have hands, even if they have to use unfair means to obtain them from other vessels. This was t)ie case with the Diana. [ soon agreed with the captain to sail for Liv* crpool, at twenty dollars per month. The more experienced seamen had forty dollars. As she would not be ready to sail under two or three days, all the men that could be procured, were to be secreted in some safe place. Accordingly,, the next morning, I was sent, with eleven oth- ers, nine miles out of town, to a place called ''Nine-mile Watering Place." Here I found twenty-five men belonging to two other vessels, who were to sail in company with us, and were waiting for their vessels to come out of the harbor. We lived at the house of an old Frenchman^ who was paid by our respective captains for our board. We had nothing to do here but ramble about in the woods — eat oranges, and other fruit, that grew here in great abundance. At this place I saw a glass snake, the first and only one 1 ever saw ; though I was told that they were common in that country. It was about sev^ en feet long, but very small round. I struck itivith ■ 2* to Bunnell's a small bamboo I carried in my hand, and it floir like glass, into a number of pieces. One of our company, who had either seen or heard of suck a reptile before, told us it would be whole again in an hour. We waited, and surprising as it may appear, every part, by gradual but slow mo- tion, joined to its proper part, and the snake be- came whole again, received animation, and crawled away. We remained in this asylum for several days, and like the fox in the brambles, were quite hap- py ; but, like him, soon found if we attempted to stir, we should be wounded on every side — not by thorns and briars, but by black soldiers. The masters of vessels that had lost men, had by spme means obtained information of this place of refuge, and applied to government for assistance and redress. Accordingly there were sent out forty black soldiers, under the com- mand of a captain, lieutenant, throe sergeants, and three corporals, with peremptory orders to take us all back, either dead or alive. The old man with whom we lived, fell upon his knees, and entreated us to leave his house, for his life, he said, would be the forfeit, if it should be known that he had concealed us. What was now to be done ? where could we flee? There was no refuge but the mountains, and thai was most certain starvation. But to save the life of the old soul who had done every thing in his power for our comfort, we left his house and retreated into the woods, to consult upon what was to be done. While we were de- liberating, we heard the voices of the black sol- diers that were in pursuit of us. We had now TRAVELS. tl no time to lose, and in an instant resolved to stand our ground. We had no other arms of de- fence than those God had given us, and a lai^ge cudgel each. The place where we were sta- tioned was a small open lawn, formed hj nature — secured by pepper bushes, which grew very thick and in great abundance. This kind of pepper is called the birdseye pepper,and grows on small bushes a little higher than a man's head, and very compact. I believe it is found in grea- ter abundance on this Island than any other in the West Indies. We came to the conclusion to surround this lit- tle plane, and let the enemy take possession of it — then to rush upon them from every quarter, at once — disarm them, and make for the sea shore the best way we could. We succeeded in our plan to the acme of our expectations. We had however but just time to get to our ambush be- fore they entered ; and a motley crew indeed, they were, though well armed. They stood a few moments as if to consider which way we had most likely retreated. I discovered the old Frenchman among them with whom we had boarded, who officiated as pilot. While they were in this state of suspense, we thought it was our time to sally upon them ; aiid as if by instinct, we were amongst them in a moment; and as quick as thought the battle became general. The Blacks fought with con- siderable warlike courage; but in so close a contact we had the advantage. A great number of them were soon disarmed, and their own fire turned upon themselves. In short, the slaughter, considering our numbers, was very X^' (i"-. t'i BVNNELL8 great We killed twenty-seveh of them, while they killed only six and wounded three of us. They now made a precipitate retreat through the woods ; and we deliberately marched from the field of battle, leaving it strewed with the dead and wounded of the enemy, and made our best way to the sea shore. Our captains having been informed of the de- tachment that was sent in pursuit of us, had dropped down below the forts, and fortunately were in readiness to receive us on board. I certainly had great reason for rejoicing to think that I had again escaped as it were from the very verge of death. Had we remained on shore three hours longer, [nothing but a miracle cotild have saved our lives. For my part, I never re- flected much on the past. CHAPTER V. I was now free from my second master, and resolved never to be bound to another. The wind proving fair, the next morning we procee- ded to sea. The climate of this Island is very hot, and if it was not for the land and sea bree- zes, it would almost amount to suffocation. — These breezes seem formed by the hand of Pro- vidence for the express purpose of cooling the air. They are the most regular in this port, of almost any other in the world. I have ever no- ticed that the sea breeze always sets in about mid-day, and increases in freshness until about TRAVELS. 23 four o'clock P. M. when it begins gradually to die away, and continues until about ten at night, when it is almost calm. The land breeze com- mences about two in the morning, and con- . tinues until about ten ; from then until the sea breeze sets in, it is almost impossible for stran- gers to withstand the heat. Vessels that do not leave the port early in the morning are frequently met by the sea breeze, «ind arc obliged to beat out or put back. We sailed very early in the morning, and consequent- . ly were not met by it. There were three ships in company, viz : — The Diana of Liverpool, of twenty guns, the Eliza of London, of fourteen guns, and the Hen- ry of Liverpool, of sixteen guns. On board of the Diana, the ship I belonged to, there were eixty men, and eight boys, before the mast — the captain, chief mate, second jmate, third mate and fourteen passengers — numbering eighty-six in the whole. We expected to have some trouble with the French ; they had heard that we were richly la- den, and were assembled in all the force they could muster, to make a prize of us. It remain- ed nearly calm all that night. The next mor- ning there were no less than seven private arm- ed vessels of the enemy in sight ; but there were none; of them of great magnitude ; the lar- gest only iTiounted eight guns. Seeing our for- midable force, they did not think proper to en- gage us at once, but manceuvred with all the art they were master of to get us separated.. But finding w<*, were determined to remain in com- pa*;;, they bore down and engaged us — for some -5»:, i I U BUNNELL'S time at long shot — doing us considerable dam' age. Several shot passed through our ship~- killed two of our men, and wounded several oth- ers. The other two vessels also received some damage. They remained near us for five days, when wc were relieved by the arrival of an En- glish man of war brig. The ship Henry, of Liverpool, was found to be so badly damaged, that she was obliged to bear away to Jamaica. Four days afterwards, we parted with the £liza, in a gale, and were now alone. Ten or twelve days after parting with the Eli- za, we found that one of the planks of our ves- sel had been injured by a shot, which we had not before discovered, and by the dashing of the vi'.ssel in the sea, she had sprang aleak, and in such a manner that it required our utmost exer- tions, day and night, to keep her free.* This of course rendered our situation very perplex^ ing, as well as laborious ; and to add to our mis- fortune, one of our pumps burst, and became useless. We were now left with but one pump — seventeen hundred miles from land — a'l awful situation to be placed in ; but those who have never experienced a similar one, can hardly im- agine our feelings at this juncture. Had it not been for one of those seaman-like expedients, that verifies the old proverb — "ne- cessity is the mother of invention" — we could not possibly have prevented the ship from sink- ing : we threw overboard nearly half our cargo, which enabled us to bail out the water with buckets, by which means we kept the vessel * A sea term used to aignit'y th«t the hold or bottom ii free from vrater. ■i YRAVfiLS. 36 -'4 afloat until the wind abated and the ocean bq^ came calm and smooth. We found that our vessel had become so light, owing to the amount of freight we had throwi^ overboard, that by lowering a man down by a rope into the water, he was enabled to partially atop the leak. This not only relieved the crew of a great deal of labor, but the passengers of much anxiety. We now had a fair wind, and were sailing at the rate of eight or iiine knots per hour, and flattered ourselveii that we should complete our voyage without any further accident or misfor- tune. But how vain are the prognostications of futurity, especially on the ocean — where a mere change of the wind will sometimes in an instant drive us from our imaginary happiness and se- curity into the darkest dangers, despair and mis- ery ! In about a week after we had stopped the leak, another disaster happened to us, quite as frightful and appalling as any that had been ex- perienced. We had started our voyage with water sufficient for one hundred and forty days, and had not been very saving of it, supposing we had a great abundance. We had some on deck, and two casks containing six hundred gal- lons each, below. Having used all that was on deck, we went below. Good heavens ! Pic- ture to yourself our situation ! Not one drop did we find. The rats had gnawed holes through the casks, and let out all the water ! — Jhis happened the seventieth day after we put to sea. < We had now but one small cask of water, which had fortunatelv been 9ut on board as sur- Bunnell's 1 1 ^'^ plusage ; this however would scarely afforil one .ration — and we were over a thousand miles from ' land ! All our cabin stores of wine and porter were out. We had sugar, coffee and rum, but no water except the small cask. Our captain called all hands upon deck, and told them the situation of the vessel, and endea- vored to cheer up their drooping spirits by tel- ling them that they would probably soon fall in with some vessel from which we might obtain some addition to our supplies ot water; but at the same time said he must put us on short al- lovi^ance — one gill per day — this we received, and no more, for seven days ; when, finding our water to be nearly exhausted, our allowance was reduced to a wine glass full every twenty-four hours. I'his we received for seven days, at the expiration of which, the last drop of fresh water on board the vessel was served out What do you suppose, reader, could have been our fee- lings at this juncture ? Even hope itself see- med to have flown, and eternitj^ "that bourne from whence no traveller returns," appeared to be our only refuge. Some prayed God to save them from impending danger; while others cur- sed their hard fortune, and reviled at Providence for permitting these sufferings, which they could not think they deserved. (The only relief I ev- er found in a scarcity of water, was to chew a piece of lead ; this seemed to give a trifling mois- ture to the mouth.) For my part I thought 1 was " sent for" in earnest, and began to consider how I was prepared to enter into that world to which I was an utter stranger. I never had thought much of religion ; consequently I had # TRAVELS. 27 no stay — ^no support fom that quarter. But still a secret something seemed to say to me, *' Bun- nell, you are to be preserved for greater misfor- tunes than this." Be that as it may, I was sure that I could not long survive, unless nature should reach out her hand and rescue me from the ocean, which seemed to roll and tumble with angry impatience, to swallow me dp. On the ninth morning, just at break of day, I discovered something on the water which ap- peared like a black spot. I communicated this to some of the crew, and with eager eyes, wc watched the rising dawn, and to our inexpres- sible dehght, it proved to be a sail. We at this time, would have given the whole world for the privilege of falling on our knees beside some crystal spring, and satisfying our bur" ig thirst. We made for the sail with all possible dispatch — hoisted our colors, union down, as a signal of distress. This the other vessel observed and bore down towards us. In about two hours we came within hail of her, when to add to our mis- fortune, she proved to be a small brig from Yar- mouth, bound to the West Indies ; her whole complement of men numbering but seven. — They had a plenty of water for themselves, but little to spare. Our number had been reduced by the death of four, who had expired from in- tense suffering. The crew of the brig gave us all the water they could spare; and even went 60 far as to put themselves on allowance to as- sist us. We parted with them, and proceeded on our way. We calculated to make the land in twenty days, and the water we got from this vessel, by measurement, would give us only a ti m mmm mm 86 BUNNELL'S gill each per day for twelve days. This see- med to me worth more than its weight in gold. Four days after parting with this brig, to our great rehef, it rained for about two hours. This gave us an opportunity to fill all our casks, which in an instant as it wsre relieved us from great privation and distress. Our provisions by this time began to grow quite short ; but this was nothing compared to the want of water. * * # At last, after enduring many toils and suffer- ings, — such as humanity would shudder at — we saw the land's end of England, and mth a fair and prosperous gale, we proceeded up the chan- nel — every heart rejoicing at the prospect of soon being in port, and every soul on board but me, of landing in their native country. " But I not destined such delights to share— "My prime of life in wandering spent and care." But as balls fly, in an engagement, without distinction, so did fortune throw her shafts with- out respect to persons. We did expect, if the wind had remained as it was, to have been in Liverpool in twenty-four hours, but fate had decreed it otherwise. This was the hundred and tenth day of our voyage. The black and gloomy appearance of the east, portended a storm. The captain being well acquainted with a part of the coast, made every preparation for our safety. We close reefed our topsails, and waited with patience for the coming storm. Every thing was silent, like the awful suspense when the sword of the executioner hangs over the neck ol its victim. \i last it came with a tre- f TRAVEL* 2d »> mendous force. The captain expected we were far enough up the channel, to clear the old head of Kinsale, a head-land of Ireland, and accoi^ dingly stood close haul to the wind to the N. £. At four o'clock P. M. the forward watch gave the dreadful signal, of *' breakers ahead!" We found we could not weather the rocks. — Our ship being so light, from loss of cargo which we had been obliged to throw overboard, had fallen to the leward more than we had ex- pected. I cannot describe the consternation of the crew at this time. Our ship would not stay, — owing to the heavy sea. The captain saw our danger, and immediately ordered the anchors to be let go ; but this was of no avail. Before this order could be obeyed, we found ourselves in the breakers ; and in a few moments the vessel struck, with a tremen- dous crash, on the rocks. It was nearly high- water, but the tide was on the ebb. The sea made a fair break over the vessel ; when seve- ral of the crew were washed overboard, and thus released from all the perils that ensued, by mee- ting their fate at once — they sunk to rise no more, until the last trump which shall wake the sleeping dead, shall be sounded in their ears. The tide ebbs on a part of this coast with great rapidity. For about one hour the vessel remained immovable. Knowing that at the re- turn of the tide, she must inevitably go to ruin, our first concern was to save our lives. It was dark as Egyptian darkness. Nothing was to be heard but the hideous roaring of the maddened wave.«», which raged with great fury. w '/ m BUNNELL^S I I At daylight the horrors of our situation were redoubled — the hideous rocks, which were high- er than our masts, (one of which was already gone,) on one side — on the other, the raging ocean. The tide returning, every roll of the sea came nearer to us — the storm still raged with unabated fury — and no help at hand — no cheer- ing hope to dispel the darkening gloom around. Our main-mast, which still stood, reached within eight or ten feet of the rocks. One of the seamen, at the imminent risk of his life, suc- ceeded in gaining the rocks, by the help of a small line. With this line he bawled another tp him, but owing to the briskness of the winl3, he could not get a line large enough to bear the weight of a grown person. I being very light, si rope was lashed about my waist, which was sus- pended from the second line, and drawn by the smaller one, by which means I reached the racks in safety. We now succeeded in getting another line on shore. Having made this fast to the rocks, it was tightened by those on board, and to it attached a bowliney in which a person could sit and be draivn to the shore. In this way we succeeded in getting two more men on shore. This bowline was so fixed as to be drawn back and forward, alternately, by those on board and those on shore. The ship seemed everv moment on the point of going to pieces, and just as one lady, and two gentlemen passengers liad reached the shore,, by the help of our bow- line, the mast, owing to the motion of the vessel, and the great weight that was upon it — all hands endeavoring to climb it — there being no other possiMu way itf escaping from the grim mon- TRAVELS. 31 8ter, death — (vXif with a dreadful crash — ^break- ing in pieces, and precipitating every soul that was upon it, not only into the billows, but into eternity. Tliere were only seven saved out of the whole crew, viz : — Three seamen, besides myself— one lady and two gentlemen passengers. Not a (tingle soul of those that were on board at the time the mast fell was saved. ^ Tliis was truly a dreadful sight to behold. — Reflection still lingers back upon that shocking .scene. It is at this moment, although twenty- two years have interwoven it with other heart- rending scenes, so chilling to my bosom, that I feel myself inadequate to give it a proper de- scription. Our situation, though rescued from the ocean's gaping jaws, was still a perilous one — benumbed with cold — drenched with rain, and suffering with hunger. Taking into consideration these hardships and privations, and having our minds wrought up to the very acme of tragic feelings, by the catastrophe before us, we felt almost in- clined to envy our fellows, who had just passed off the stage of existence, and were slumbering with the dead, free from care and toil. But life is sweet, and there was still a lingering hope in our emaciated bosoms, that we should be per- mitted once more, to visit our beloved country ; and shed a tear of congratulation upon the bo- soms of our sweet-hearts, our wives and our mothers. We t^lambercd up the rocks, and proceeded as fast as our emaciated limbs would carry us, to tho town of Kingsale, about eight miles dir St BUNNELL'S tant, where we arrived about S o' clock in the afternoon. I'he people received uh, as I thought, with very cool hospitality ; though nunihcrs viH> ited us to inquire concerning our shipwreck. We heard about sundown thnt the vessel had gone to pieces, and that there was nothing sa- ved on board of her. The lady and one of the gentlemen who w^re tiaved from the wreck, were persons of afllu- ence, and resided in I^ondon ; they had lost n great deal of property by the wreck. Th^y procured a passage for themselves, one of my shipmates and myself, to fiiverpool. The othf r two seamen were Irishmen. Wc arrived in Liv- erpool after a short and pleasant passai^e, and communicated io the owners of the vessel tl»e melancholy tidings of our misfortune. On parting with these passengers, the lady made me a present of live pounds sterling, as a reward for my intrepid exertions in rescuing her from a watery grave. This was very accepta- ble, as I was worse off at this time than when 1 first left my beloved country, and ran away from my old master, the stone cutter. The mer- chants also made me presents of considerable value, which placed mc in better circumstances than I should have been had our ship arrived «afe in her destined harbor. 4: TRAVBL0. CHAPTER VI. ^3 Itook a boarding-house in Dcnison-fitreet, and over a good bowl of punch and other refresh- ments, soon recovered from the fatigue of my late disasters. 1 soon found, however, that I was not altogeth- er safe even here. I was in danger of being pressed into his Majesty's service. There were four others boarding at the same house, all in the same predicament. They dared not go out of doors for fear of the press-gang. What a country, where their own people, without com- mitting any crime, are subject to be torn from all connexions, and dragged on board a man of war! [ was determined to view the town by some means or other ; so 1 purchased me a complete suit of female apparel, in which I dressed my- st;lf. I rambled from one end of the town to the other, unmolested, sometimes accompanied by my landlady, and sometimes alone. We had formed a plan of retreat, in case the press-gang i^hould come upon us in the night. Our board- ing house stood at the back part of the town, so that the outer wall of the garden stood at the edge of the fields. By going out through the scuttle-holc, and descending to the roof of the kitchen — thence to the garden wall, and over into the fields — we could elude pursuit. It was not long before we were obliged to put our plan into execution. By some means the gang had got information of us. One night we had not long been- in bed, when we were awa- kened by the landlady, who told us the gang 34 BUNNELL^g '1 were at the door. My companions all sprang out of bed in an instant, and hastened to effect their escape. I scampered after them as expe- ditiously as possible without any thing on but my shirt. 1 always took care to wear that un- der my female dress. We proceeded to the roof of the house in the utmost confusion — like so many rat.^ just routed from some far- mers corn-crib, chased by half a dozen dogs. — We however were not pursued by American Dogs, but by English Blood Hoimds. My four companions descended with tiie agility of squirrels, from one roof to another, and were soon in the fields. I was afraid to leap from the roof of the house on to the kitchen, the dis- tance being so great. But a thought suggested to me in a moment what to do. 1 scampered from one roof to another until I heard one of the gang exclaim, " this is the way." The light from their lantern which shown upon the roof, discovered to me the only w ay for my escape. — I kept in the shadow of a stack of chimneys, and ran as fast as I could, from house to house until the light disappeared ; I then stopped to take breath. This was on one of those cold autumnal nights, so frequent in EnglayiJ. There was a cold drizzling rain, and by diat of turning round two or three times I could net tell which way I had come. All was total daikness, and I was wet to the skin — my teeth produced a quick chattering tune, without any rule or regulation, hut seemed to keep exact time with the shudder- ing fever and ague like feeling that ran like electricity through my whole frame^ TRAVELfll What to do in this dilemma, 1 was for some time at a loss. To remain in this situation till mor- ning, I could not bear the thoughts of. To shout for assistance would finish the business for me at once. I therefore determined to raise the scuttle of the house on which the light of the lantern of my pursuers left nie, and de- scend into the garret and there remain until morning. I did so. I rambled round for some time, in ordor to find something that would an- swer me for a bed, or some old clothes to wrap myself up in, as I was almost chilled through by standing in the cold rain. The first thing I got into was a pile of feathers ; and stepping back to extricate myself from tiiem, I fell headlong down stairs. In falling I burst open a door, im- mediately at the foot of the stairs, which let me into a room where I was discovered by an elder- ly looking lady who was in the act of going to bed. At the sight of such an apparition as myself— more dreadful than the ghost in Hamlet — my frightful appearance greatly heightened by thc- feathers which adhered to me in every direction, owing to my shirt being wet through with rain — at such an hour of the night, and coming from such a quarter, you need not wonder, that she screamed and fainted — for from my appearance she could not possibly tell whether I was a ghost of the feathered race or of some human being. Her fainting was a lucky circumstance for me, for it gave me a little time for cogitation. — Often having heard that the female bosom was prone to pity, and fearing that should she again 3* 56 BI7NIfELL*8 ( ! scream, it might alarm the family, and that they would not all treat me as a ghost — 1 stepped into the room, and seeing a bowl of water stand on a table, 1 ran for it, and sprink- led some in her face, which immediately revived her. As soon as she could articulate, she ex- claimed, in a faultering voice, " Where am H'* Be calm my good lady, said I, you are not in the hands of a ghost, nor hob-goblin. " Who are you ?" she ejaculated. My boyish appearance, probably was the means of calming her fears. — I am a poor boy, said I, almost perished with cold ; and if you will have a little patience, I win inform you how I came so abruptly into your presence, at this late hour of the night. " Stop a moment you poor little soul," said she. " I see you are young and innocent, and almost famish- ed with the cold, and that I had no occasion to be so much frightened at your appearance." She then left the room ; but soon returned, bringing with her some brandy, and a coat. — The coat she bade me put on. It being an un- commonly large one, I now appeared ten times more frightful, if possible, than ever. One of the sleeves would have made me a pair of pan- taloons. I took some of the brandy, vvhicli greatly revived me, and related to the old lady what I have already rehearsed to the reader.— She laughed heartily at this nocturnal ramble, which she said put her in mind of **The Devil on two Sticks." She said she knew my land- lady, and if I would wait a few moments, she would go and inform her of my situation; which proposal I accepted. She left the room, and was absent a few moments, when she returned TXAVBLa. illr' accompanied by my landlady. They both hear- tily laughed at my singular appearance — took a social glass of brandy *' to prevent taking cold," and bidding the old lady '' good night,'' I ac- companied my landlady to my boarding-house, which was eleven doors distant. Do not be surprised at my having told you that the ladies both drank a social glass of bran- dy, for there are not as many "cold water wo- men^' in that country as there are in this. The rest of my companions returned the next day, and shortly after got on board a vessel and went to sea. One of them I have met with since, in the Pacific Ocean. I had not spent my mo- ney quite as prodigally as they had, and could consequently remain on shore a few days lon- ger. I had two complete suits of female cloth- ing. I never dressed in any other during my stay there. i>' CHAPTER VII. ■'\ At last my money was reduced to a mere " fip- penny bit," and it became necessary for roe to look out for a ship. This is done, generally, by our landlord, or landlady. We receive, by note, one month's pay in advance. This note is giv- en to our landlord or landlady, payable three days after the ship sails. And such things as we want to take with usy they purchase, to the apparent amount of the month's advance. They always calculate on cheating us out of half, u h\f. ^ BUNVSLf'S not two-thirds, and sometimes, by getting us "car- wee?," the whole. My landlady was not long in procuring a ship for me, being very expert in this business, as well as all the other qualifications, so necessary to form the character of a Liverpool landlady. And poor sailors must pay for it — which veri- fies the old proverb — " Sailors earn their money like horses, and spend it like asses." The ship she had procured for me, was the Montezuma, Capt. Smith, of Liverpool, bound for Parimari- bo, on the coast of Surinam. My pay amoun- ted to three pounds ten shillings per month ; and all I received for my advance payment, was my out-fit, which consisted of the following arti- cles : — One small chest, worth One pea jacket, u One spoon. One knife. Two red shirts, One tea-pot. Half pound of tea, Four do. Sugar, n ii £0 4s 6^ 7 3 3 (i 7 1 4) 3 2 "/ Sum total, 16 6 This my landlady said was an elegant out- fit for a boy like me, and amounted to full my month's pay. I was content, not being exactly, as the vulgar phrase is, " up to the riggs." Nei- ther did I know how much she had given me, until we put to sea, when some of the older sai- lors summed up the amount as above stated. I took with me my female clothing, wig, bon- net, etc. thinking that at some future day, and TRAVELS. 39 g US "car- \> _ ing a ship liness, as necessary landlady, hich veri- ;ir money The ship »ntezunia, Parimari- y amoun- nth; and , was my ring arti- 4s 6d 7 3 3 6 7 1 4) 3 2 5 6 ?ant out- full my exactly, * Nei- ven me, der sai- led, ig, bon- lay, and ?) on a similar occasion, they might again come in play. And so it happened as will be seen here- after. >' , : ! We put to sea. Nothing remarkable happen- ed, except that one of our crew jumped over- board, being crazy with what the sailors call the "horrors," which is brought on by a long course of excessive intemperance. The ship was un- der such headway, that it was impossible for us to save him. ' ' ^ This disorder I have witnessed in more th^n a hundred instances. After a sailor has been a lojig voyage — deprived of every social enjoy- j*;*?; "or fined to a small place — moving only i« tfjc sphtre of the ship — very often being one or more years without putting foot upon land — suffering every privation — such as want of wa- ter, provisions, sleep, &c. — the moment they land, their voyage is over — their dangers past and soon forgotten. They are like a wild bird liberated from its cage ; their money flies like chaff before the wind — their landlords consult their own interest by keeping them intoxicated, as it is easier In cheat them, which they seldom fail to do. i V!,en their money is gone, they have no other roccJi ^e but the sea. Here they are at once v ef *'Vv'l of liquor, more than their reg- ular rations. The "horrors' ensue, which of- ten, aa i have Sc id before, produce fatal effects — so dreadful is this overpowering habit of the sea-faring life. We had a favorable passage to the mouth of the Surinam. The mate taking a great fancy to me, took considerable pains to instil into my mind ^''t necessity of learning navigation, if I 40 BUNPrEl.L'f I' intended to follow the sea for life, and labored with much interest to teach it me. At the mouth of the river Surinam, we were boarded by his Majesty's brig of war Surinam, ft was then customary for them to board all merchant vessels, and take off such men as they thought proper. They took four from our ship. My telling them I was an American, was of no avail, but owing to my youth, and not having been long at sea, they concluded to let me go. We proceeded up the river to Parimaribo, a place under th ^ irernment of the Dutch.-^ They have a great. iber of slaves here, who are treated with mucii severity and cruelty. I saw a poor black girl aged about seventeen lit- erally drawn into quarters by horses, merely for raising her hand to ward off a blow aimed at her by her mistress. There are some free blacks, who, by their industry, have amassed great fortunes. But these blacks, however rich, dare not wear a shoe. I have seen them wear silk stockings with a piece of buckskin sewed on the bottom. The face of the country is low and marshy — the climate hot and sultry. There was not a day during my stay there, but what it rained at intervals. This renders the country very un- healthy, especially to foreigners.* There is scarcely a vei^sel that remains here any lengtll of time, but what loses more or less of its crew. We lost during our stay, every man except the captain, mcAv), steward, cook and myself. I thought death hv i declared war with the whole crew, with a vengeance^ and would call upon me very soon if I remained there ; 1 therevmre I TRAVELS. 41 concluded it T?as best for me to be off as soon as possible. Always having got off clear, as yet, I thought I could run away just when I pleased, with impunity. While on shore one Sunday, I met with a colored man who was steward of a brig belong- ing to London. He told me that his captain wanted a young lad like me. I saw the captain, and agreed to sail with him. But a difficulty arose : The government punished with a severe fine every captain found guilty of enticing away any of the crew belonging to another vessel. — Therefore it would not answer for me to be seen on shore. But this difficulty was soon obvia- ted. I informed the captain of my female dress- es ; and he proposed to take me to a house in the back part of the town, and pass me off as his wife, until he was ready to sail. I went after my dresses, but finding that both of them would make too great a bulk, I took but one. I had a great deal of trouble to get my bonnet on shore and not be detected. Having finally got away without being discovered, I made all speed for my new vessel, and by the help of the old steward I was soon equipped in ray female apparel. Having no beard, but a very beautiful wig, false curls, combs, &c. with a bonnet trimmed in the latest English fashion, I made, as the old steward said, ^' quite a re- spectable looking ladyJ*^ The Captain and my- self passed through the streets, locked arms, in great style. There was one thing in my favor \ at the house where I boarded, the inmates could not speak a word of English — neither could I speak nor 4£ BUNNELL 8 . < understand their langiiat^e. I stayed at this house till Wednesday — observing the strictest modesty in all my behaviour ; but on the after- noon of that day I came near being detected. — A lady whose husband had gone to England some time previous, was to take passage in the vessel with me. She was an acquaintance of this family, and came to make them a parting visit. The lady was a native of that country, but could speak the English language. The hostess informed her that the Captain's wife boarded with them, which much surprised her. " Why." said she, " he never told me that he had his wife with him." I was invited into the room and introduced to the old lady. I was much embarrassed by her addressing me in English, as "Mrs. Wilson." I returned her sa- lute with as good grace as I was capable of do- ing. After a little conversation she invited me i9 go home with her, and stay until the vessel sailed — she said she would be very glad of my company. I thanked her for her polite invita- tion, but declined accepting it — modestly as- signing as a reason, that I did not like to go without my husband's consent. 1 asked her if she would have the goodness to take a line to him. She replied in the affirmative, and I wrote to the Captain, requesting him to undeceive the bearer, for fear of accidents. The captain after receiving my note, made known to the old lady the deception, and all passed ofT well. The questions put tome at tea, were, — " How long have you been married? Have you any children V^ — and many other such tea-table ques- TRAVELS. m^ ions as are usually bandied about among a com- pany of ladies ; all of which I answered with the greatest degree of modesty and composure im- aginable. (I have promised my readers, to tell the truth, but they will excuse me if I do not give them the whole truth in such cases as this.) On Saturday the Captain came to take me on board. We sailed about eleven o'clock the same day, and in one hour were out of the riv- er, the current of which is very rapid. We were, in company with a number of other ves- sels, under the convoy of a man of war, and were to touch at nearly all the West India Isl- ands, for the purpose of collecting all vessels bound for England. We touched at Tobago, Grenada, Barbadoes, St. Catharines, Nevis and Tortola. The latter being a place of rendez- vous, we stopped there three or four days, and then sailed for England. There were three hundred and sixty vessels sailed in company. — Our passage, owing to some very tardy sailing vessels, was long and tedious. The imagination cannot paint a more beauti- ful sight than so many sail of shipping — under full sail — in a smooth sea — with a light breeze — all steering the same course, and vieing with each other in velocity— Or, on a clear morning, to hear the roosters answer each other from ship to ^ip. Had we not known that we were some thousand miles from land, we might have easi- Vy imagined ourselves in the vicinity of some wealthy farmer's habitation, or rather some hun- dreds of them. Th^ lady passenger often laughed at the cap- tain about his wife, and frequently joked vritb me ^bout our tea table talk. 44 BUNNBLL'8 Our vessel was a very finn brig of one hun- dred and twenty tons, and a fast sailer. My pay was ten pounds per month. AAer a voyage of one hundred and four days we arrived in the much celebrated river Thames, and in four days more at the great metropolis of England. This has been so often described by more able pens, that I shall not attempt it« ■:i- -^ .;^'^t' -■■*•'' ' ' •> t"' 1 CHAPTER Vm. When I arrived at London, I had three months pay due me, and I resolved to make use of it in going to school. My board was two dollars and fifty cents per week. I now thought myself of no small importance. I paid strict attention to my schooling, and in three months was a good common navigator. I next commenced going to a drawing school, but had been but one month, when I was obliged to leave the place '' between two days." My land Iady*s daughter went before a magistrate and made oath that 1 had misused her. This I did not deny. I knew there were others who had done likettnsey but they had long ere this gone to sea, and my merely knowing the fact would not satisfy the law, and the only 'Way for mu to keep my neck out of the halter, was to elope. — Owing to the hurry and confusion of starting; I left behind nearly all my clothes. But this gave me but litde trouble, inasmuch as I waa clear — and at running awaj>I had. become quite an adept. flAVBLfl. 46 I shipped on board the Pomona, of Port GHm- gow, captain M' Naught, bound to the Island of Grenada. I felt in my glory. I could please and feed my rambling disposition. I was young, and had the whole world before me. I feared no dangers, nor cared for any body. I was my own master, and determined to remain so. — Such were the fleeting ideas of my youth. — There would at times, liowever, in spite of all my boasted happiness, flash across my mind thoughts of my mother — my friends, and my na- tive country — but the sequel will inform you that I was like a young bear — all my sorrows yet to come. We proceeded to sea. Our passage was a pros- perous one until we arrived at the mouth of the Bay of Biscay. Here we experienced a very severe gale — lost all three of our top mastt; — had every thing washed oft' the deck, and two of our men drowned. We ri^ed our jury- masts, and made oft" as well as >vc could. No- thing more worthy of notice happened until we had more than half finished our voyage, when we ran afoul of the wreck of a brig which lay partly under water. There was no one alive on board of her. We discovered a dead body lying in the cabin. We got many valuable articles from her, be- sides several pipes of wine, which seemed to be her principal loading. We could not tell wheth- er the crew had all perished, or a part taken to the boats and escaped. Each of the crew received four pounds for hie share of the prize, and as much wine as he wish- ed to drink, provided \ie would not get intoxi« 46 BUNNELL^S cated. And, by the bye, I have always obser- ved, that let a good seaman be ever so great a debauchee on land, he will never get drunk at »ca. • • V We arrived in Grenada with all our crew, ex- cept the two above mentioned, discharged our cargo, and commenced loading with rum and sugar. 1 was on shore one night on a kind of land cruise, when I was seized by a boat's crew be- longing to his majesty's brig Grenada, that lay in the harbor, and coerced into his Britanic Ma- jesty's service. » ■ ' ; i > /• Behold me now pressed and dragged like % slave on board a vessel — and that too belong- ing to a nation that dare prostitute the name of Liberty, by claiming a share in her favors. — There was no chance for appeal, and it was idle to lament. I thought it best to make a virtue of necessity — do my duty cheerfully — gain the /avor of my ofiicers, and watch for an opportu- nity to give them the slip. The sailing master was^an American, born in the state of Maine — his name was Curtiss. I left the Bunnell from my name and called myself David Curtiss, which made me a namesake of the second in command ; accordingly he took me for his servant. Could I have been content on board of an En- glish man of war, I might here have enjoyed happiness to its full extent. But I could not, bear the idea of serving that king who hab once put in force all his means to enslave my coun- try, and who my forefathers had shed their blood to oppose. I have often shed a tear of regret, while reflecting upon that name so dear TRAVELS. 47 to me — Independence— of which my country could boast — to think that I was in a country when I did not dare to breathe it aloud. This was the first time I had known how to apppre< ciatc its value. Every thing went on well for awhile. I courted favor by my clieerful conduct and good behavior ; but it was entirely feigned, for had it been in my power, I would have sacrificed both vessel and crew, to have been released from this servitude. But I was compelled to wait with patience for an opportunity to grasp the stand- ard of freedom. The English were at this time at war with tlie French and Spaniards. I soon became a favorite among the officers, and was frequently allowed to go on shore ; but there was no op- portunity presented for my escape. At length we made a prize of a large French schooner, and received considerable prize money. But what is money without freedom? I had been on board about nine months, when tlic captain's servant died, and he took me in his place. This gave me greater privileges than 1 had before, but still it was impossible to es- cape from the island. About this time the cap- tain's wife and niece arrived from England. I was sent with tliem to his house, a short dis- tance on the island, as a servant boy. Here I had all that my heart could desire except liber- ty. •& The brig went to sea in about one month, and left me on shore. There was no white person, about the house, but the two ladies and myself. The niece was a beautiful girl, about my own V <' ■i" SVNNBLL^S tge. I soon fell, as I thought, *' head and ears in love" with her, and what was as gratifying as unexpected, I found that my passion was retuni- ed by her with an ardor equal to my own ; and af^er the usual '' billing and cooing," I promised, with the captain^s consent, to " unite my for- tune with hers." Our mutual passions grew stronger daily, and at last bordered on the ro- mantic. I do believe she actually loved me — but my love for her had become of a less genu- ine character. Be that as it may, I had prom- ised to marry her, with the captain's consent — (and had he known all the. circumstances', I think he would have acquiesced in the mutch without ceremony.) ' • •• At length the captain arrivod — I waited for a favorable opportunity to *' pop the question" — I approached him, and with a trembling voice, said, " Capt. Bri-bri-brigs, I have ta-taken a great fa-fa-fancy to your ni-ni-niece, and she has avowed her af-fec-fcctions for me — I want to know if you will consent to our being mar- married T' '* Married ! you damn'd yankee rascal ! mar- ried ! What do you mean ! I'll marry you to the devil — get out of the h'njse in an instant — go on board, and dont you let me see yoiir face here again, nor on shore, without my orders — and if I ever hear you mention this affair again, I will take your hide off. March !" A pretty decent rebuilj thought I, for my first matrimonial adventure — and withal quite cooling to one's sunny hopes of congugal bliss ! The idea of being deprived the privilege of going on ._ _j. 4-.i. TRAVELS. 49 «nd eftrs tifying as i»8 retuni- 'wn; and iroinieed, my for- Pns grew the ro- ed me — 8S gciiu- ad f/rom- onsent — tances", I »e mutcli ted for a jtion"—! ig voice, [taken a and she —I want ng mar- I ! mar- Mi to the — go on ice here —and if I, I will my first cooline- ! The )ing on i^horc, was the most I cared about it ; for really J began to be satiated with this amorous atfair. ******** The ynung lady Is long since numbered witli the dead ! I had no opportunity for an intercourse with Eliza ?,ftcr 1 received the rebuff from her uncle. I went immediately on board the vessel, and was soon made cockswain or steersman of the cap- tain's boat. 1 was now, (the captain's orders to tlie contrary notwithstanding,)on shore nearly half my time, but was not allowed to go to the house. I soon heard, however, that Eliza was to br. married to an officer of the navy, by the name of Diggins. Her property was disposed of iu such a manner that she could never come iu possession of it, unless married in accordanc*'; her uncle's wishes. The young officer being >dsome, genteel, and possessing quite a for- tune in Ireland, he much pleased the captain, who gave his consent for their nuptials. There were six men belonging to the captain's boat, besides myself, and we were all of the same mind as regarded running away. We swore to be true to each other, and elope the first opportunity, and take the boat with us, if wc could do no better, though it was death to be caught running away with tbe King's prop- erty. Sometime passed, and we had accomplished nothing. 1 had been eighteen months on board this vessel and received no pay. One afternoon information was received con- cerning some men belonging to a merchant ves- sel that lay in the port. Our boat's crew, to- 4 I* •^'*A^1«5") 50 BUNNELL 3 gether with an officer, were ordered to go that night and press them. Now boys, said I, is our time — '•^neck or nothing:'^ They all agreed to it, and each man collected what little money he had, and put it in a canvass belt, which he fas- tened around his body, under his clothes. I was better off for the ready than any of my ship- mates, as I had, previous to ?itarting, helped my- self io seven doubloons, belonging lo tlie cap- tain, by way of indemniiying myself for passt services. At sundown — equipped with a cutlass, a brace of pistols, and hea(ied by a lieutenant, we pro- ceeded along the sea-shore to tlie place wliert; we expected to find the men we were in search of, but they had left a short time previous to our arrival. We rambled about the town until nearly mid- night, when we w^ere ordered by our officer to leturn to our boat, and remain until he could go and acquaint the captain vvith the result of our expedition. I being the ringleader of the plot lo elope, gave the word to start, and every man obeyed. We travelled along the beach about one mile, then turned into the woods. About half a mile from shore we come to an old, unin- iiabited negro hut, which we took possession of, and resolved to remain there until an opportu- nity presented for our escape, and at the same time entered into a solemn agreement never to be taken alive. Previous to starting we had purchased three day's provisions, and feeling confident that the brig would put to sea within that time, we had slight hopes, of escape. By going on the top of ^ TRAVELS. m high hill, near by, we could ascertain when the brig sailed. Every morning we took this obser- vation, until the third day had passed, and the brig had not yet sailed. The fourth day also passed, and she still remained. We were now out of provisions, and something to eat we must have, but did not know how to procure it. Wc had limes and lemons in great abundance, but they would not satiate the bitter gnawings of hunger. One evening, just after dark, I started for town to procure some provisions. After trav- elling a short time, I cauiC to an old negro hut, where they kept fried fish and bread for sale, (a commodity always kept on hand in this place.) I took all I could get, which was not more than enough to last us one day ; but I did not dare to venture any farther into the town. I inquired of the old negro woman if there wa.s any news 1 " No," said she, " I bclebe not. Hal) de man-o'-war got dem men dat run- away ?'■ I do not know, said I, have they been looking for them i " O yes," said she, '* da hab .searcli ebery house and negro hut in town — obcrhauled ebery ting — offer fifty dollar for any • ody ketch 'em ; but if I know where da were, r 1/ i would no' tell 'cm, — da be such bad men." — '' Poor creeters !" — exclaimed the humane old soul after a long pause — [she had long been un- der the bondage of slavery, but after her mas- ters death, had her freedom given her ; conse- quently she knew how to pity us.] " I wish I could help dem to get 'way from de place." — I knew I could put ^e most implicit confidence in this old African, but her husband I did not 3* r 52 BUNNELL'S think quite as safe. I bade her good night, and returned in safety to my companions. My feelings were much touched at seeing a tear in the eye of this unsophisticated old soul, who once having felt the power of tyranny, knew how to prize liberty. My comrades were much rejoiced at my re- turn, for I had a " drop of good stuif " with me to cheer up our spirits while in this state of awful uncertainty. The next morning I went to our observatory, and the brig had not yet sailed. We knew we could not remain here undiscovered much lon- ger, as one of us would be obliged to go to town every night to procure provisions. But, as I soon learned, we had been discovered on the evening previous, and to surrender coolly, we thought would be worse than to stand our ground ; and knowing the captain's inveterate temper, we concluded it would be certain death to go back — to look forward every thing ap- peared gloomy — and to stay where we Avere, seemed almost impossible ; still we resolved to try it, and let the old negro woman into our se- cret, thinking that she would, by being well paid, furnish us with provisions. It was thought best for me to go and make known to her our reso- lution, as I had previously been there. Accor- dingly, just after dark, I started and travelled slowly along the beach, reflecting on my past misfortunes, and present situation, and musing upon what fortune might yet have in store for me. I had a plenty of money, but like the fool who horded his store, was starving in the midst of abundance. I was at this instant aroused TRAVELS. from my melancholy train of reflections, by a female voice: — "David, is that you?" I star- ted in great surprise at this unexpected saluta- tion, and felt for my pistol. I knew the voice, but feared that she had some male compan- ion with her ; my fears, however, were soon vanished, and my surprise turned into rejoicing, by the appearance of Eliza, with no other com- pany than her mulatto girl. [This was the first time I had seen her since her uncle bid me leave iiis house and never again to enter it.] "Do not be alarmed David," said she, on approach- ing me, " tbere is no one here but your friends. () how I pity you — persecuted and unbefrien- ded as you are — In what way can I assist you ? My uncle has sworn vengeance against you, and f»ays you are very ungrateful, after all the con- fidence he has placed in you, to treat him with such contempt." My dear young lady, said I, it is true your un- cle has placed confidence in me ; but you mu consider that I was born under the flag of Free- dom and Independence, and that he had no bu- siness at all with me ; and it was a duty I owed the blood my forefathers shed, to treat with con- tempt any villain who dare enslave a free-born son of America, and it will cost lives to take us ; but I know your gentle nature so well, that I can repose the most implicit confidence in what you say. I told her that she could assist us more in procuring provisions for us, than in any other way, and s!ie immediately sent her black girl after a supply I was now alone with Eliza, and you need not wonder if * * # * but mum. 34 BUNNELL « She told me that she was to be married in about three weeks, to the said Digging, and that her uncle had sworn that he would not go to sea un- til he had ferreted me out, and that every search was now making for my apprehension. She said it was expected that we had gone towards Point Salune ; but fortunately for us we were exactly in the opposite direction. 1 told Eliza that if I had a female dress, it would be of great service to me. " That 1 can accommodate you with," said she, " for I came down w^ith my maid for the purpose of bathing, and brought an extra dress along." We were now. interrupted by the return of her servant maid, with supplies, and were obliged to sepa- rate. She sighed adieu — which came from an innocent and unsuspecting bosom. I kissed the tears wTiich gently trickled down her fair cheek — took the dress and provisions, and repaired to my companions. How happy are the mo- ments spent in such company, especially when surrounded with dangers ! I related to my comrades the above circum- stances, and we held a consultation upon what was to be done. Our deliberations were soon suspended, or changed into quick determination, by the arrival of Eliza's maid, (the next day about sundown,) bringing the following note, which she delivered with tears in her eyes, and nearly out of breath : — " Dear Bunnell — I have but a moment's time to inform you of your danger. Fly — do not lose a moment — you are betrayed by a Ju- das. The villain whom the maid purchased tlie provisions of, mistrusted what they were for, TRAVELS. 56 and watched her, and after we parted, he track- ed you ; and has made known to my uncle the place of your retreat, and he intends to take you this evening, while you sleep. I am sus- pected of being accessary to your concealment, but I cannot tell what the consequences will be. Do not be alarmed for me — save yoarself — adieu. That you may escape, is the sincercst wish of my heart. "ELIZA BERTON." I felt the greaie£;t gratitude towards Eliza for this kind warning, and immediately put on tlie dress she gave me, in order to be ready for a start at any moment. We were for some time at a stand whether to separate and take to the woods or stand the test. To run would be certain death, for we had no place to go, and to stand, could result in nothing worse. We concluded to remain ; and took our position as follows : — Six stationed at the door, and I stood near a window which was just large enough to admit a man — thus situated we awaited the ap- }»roach of the enemy. One thing was greatly to our disadvantage — we had no ammunition except what was in our pistols, and our cutlasses were very poor; but we were all firm in the same determination that Leonidas and his brave Spar- tan band were at the pass of Thermopylae— rcvery one ieeling himself a hero. We had not remained long in this state of sus- pense before we heard voices approaching, and the moon shining very bright, we could discov- er through a crack in the door, a number of black soldiers. The door had no other fast- V/ 56 Bunnell's ening than a jack-knife over the latch. Ther »oon came up, knocked, and demanded admit- tance in the king's name, at the same time tel- ling us, that if we would surrender peaceably, Tve would be forgiven ; but this we knew was only a decoy, and told them in reply that the first one who entered would be a dead man. — " Tli^n," said the officer without, " I must or- der my men to fire upon you." No answer. — For a moment all was silent as death — then the word " fire," was given — and no sooner said than done — and the balls penetrated through our fee- ble fortification in every direction. One of my companions fell mortally wounded, and I had no time to examine his wounds, nor remove him, but was obliged to let him lay and welter in his own blood, and be trodden under foot by the l)lack soldiers. After the first fire, they burst open the door — I heard pistols and the clashing of cutlasses, and then my attention was arrested by the appearance of a man making towards my station — I discharged my pistol at his head — he tell — and I jumped out of the window, knowing that I could be of no more benefit to my compan- ions, who yet remained in the hut. Having no more ammunition, I threw my pistol down and ran with all possible speed towards the tov^n, and passed immediately through it. This place is situated partly on a hill, exten- ding each way to the warter. The side which we were on was called the bay — ^no vessels lay here except those that anchored off some dis- tance from the shore. The other side is called the harbor, where there are wharves built for merchant vc6sels,and I knew that there was one TRAVELS. m r or two in at this time, and I was determined ta go there, and inform them who 1 was, and throw myself upon their protection; but I knew if they did not assist me, that I was undone in ear- nest. While on my way I passed two of our officers in the street, and actually heard them mention my name — my heart beat quick — my steps were short and hasty — I thought they knew me, but I was soon relieved of my fears by hearing one of them salute me as I passed, " good evening my dear ;" but, being a very modest womaUj I made no reply, but proceeded with all possible dilli- gence for the harbor, where I found along side the wharf an American Schooner, which leaked very bad, and the crew were obliged to pump day and night until they could heave her down, and were at work when I arrived, about one o'- clock in the morning. They were very much surprised to see a nUiite woman come on board at that hour of the night, in a country where they were so scarce, but I made no delay in informing them of my situation. They all seemed to pity me, but said it would be several weeks before they would be able to sail, and that it was im- ])ossible for them to conceal me. " But," said the captain, '* there is a vessel lying off at anchor that is to sail to-morrow% and if you will wait a few minutes, I will let one of my men set you on board of her, and 1 have not the least doubt but that the captain will give you a passage to yoir own country." I waited with great anxi- ety, expecting every moment that my pursuers woTJid come on board to search for me. I drank a sna'AX glass of spirits, and ate a little bread as J beof which much revived me. BUNNELI/S ' At length the boat was ready, and I got in with one of the crew, and we were soon alonj^ side the ship Perseverance, of Wilmington, N. C. The Captain was not on board, but I made my situation known to the mate, and he proved to be a friend indeed. He was from Connecti- cut, the state of my nativity, and was acquain- ted with some of my connexions. "The dam'd English rascals," said he, *' shall not get you again." I went forward among the crew, and one of them gave me an old flannel shirt, another a pair of pantaloons, the third a hat^ and 1 was soon metamorphosed from a lady to a sailor. My reflections during the night were such as natu- rally arise from a consciousness of having done right. The Captain told me in the morning that the vessel would no doubt be strictly searched, and ordered the steward to find some place where I could be secreted, if necessary. He being a ve- ry sagacious 'old negro, soon found a hiding place, (and it like to have hid me forever from the gaze of this world.) It was a meat cask, made of staves, in the shape of a churn, though not as high in proportion, and strongly hooped with iron, with a tight lid, fastened on one side by a hinge, and on the other with a padlock : If the officers should come on board to search for me, I was lo be salted dovm in this cask. We soon got under way, and proceeded out of the channel ; but as soon as discovered by the offi- cers of the brig, they despatched two boats af- ter us, and fired a gun to bring us to. The old steward now came running down to <*! TRAVELS. 59 ^^ wn to consign me to my place of concealment, which was almost equal to burying me alive. I got in- fo the cask, however, and he locked it up. — The torments of hell cannot exceed what 1 en- dured, although they may be of longer duration. I had a troublesome humor, occasioned by the iieat, which is very oppressive in these latitudes, and indeed almost every stranger is subject to it. The cask was about one quarter full of brine, and there was one piece of beef in it, whicli an- swered me for a seat, but the smart was so in- tolerable that I could hardly refrain from screa- ming aloud, though that I knew would not an- swer, as it would have thrown all the " fat into the fire" at once. The officers came on board, and I heard them search all around me, anil I thought if I was com- pelled to remain many minutes longer, that I should certainly be suff ated, but I was deter- mined to die rather thau make any noise. Ev- ery moment I felt the difficulty to breathe in- crease, and I endeavored with all my might to raise the lid a little, but it was in vain ; and to make the matter still ^vorse, they moved the cask across the steerage ; this brought the brine about my eyes and ears, and I gave myself up to God — I knew no more — animation seemed to cease. How long I remained in this state of in- sensibility, I could not tell, hut when I came to, I found myself in the cabin, and the Captain and mate were using all the means in their pow- er for my recovery. I cast my eyes around to discover where I was, but all that had passed, for a (ew moments, seemed Hke a vision. The first words I heard the Captain say, were — "you are 60 BUNNELL S out of danger, my lad — cheer up, take a little of this cordial, (old brandy,) it is a universal pre- ventive for all complaints.'* I took a dram, which much revived me, and on looking out of the window I discovered the brig a great way astern of us, and our vessel was sailing at the rate of seven miles per hour. — What, thought I, is the fate of my poor ship mates!* I now thought myself almost within the reach of happiness, and pictured to myself the joy I should feel on arriving in my own native coun- try. But like the country maid, I " counted my chickens before they were hatched." *In the year 1812, ju&t after the declaration of war with Great Britain, 1 met one of them in Cherry-street, New-York, who told me that three were killed on the spot, and that the other three were badly wounded, and taken prisoners — tried by a coiirt martial — and that himself and one other were sentenced to be hung, and the other one was to receive three hundred lashes on the bare back— this last one recovered from his wounds and received his punishment, but died the next day— the other died of his wounds ; and that he was so bad- ly wounded that his execution day was deferred until he should recover — and that during this interim the brig was taken by the French, and he escaped from France to America, and had never seen them since. He said they supposed that I was badly wounded and had strolled into the woods and died, consequently they made but little search for me ; but Eliza, he said, hud s:nflered very much on my account. nam- TRAVELS. 61 CHAPTER IX. We had been but three days out from Grena- da, when one morning, while musing on the pleasing prospects ahead, 1 discovered, to the windward, a small sail. "Sail ho," said I. — " Wear away," said the Captain, " off the wea- ther bow." We at first took her to be a man of war, looking for men. Good God ! thought I, will they have me yet ? She ncared us, fired a swivel, and hoisted French colors. We hove to, and their boat came along side, and told us to consider ourselves a prize to the flag of Bona- parte. Having come from an English port, wc were seizeable by the French. Thus were the Americans molested on all sides. If from ii French port, or bound to one, seizeable by the English ; If from an English port, or bound to one, seizeable by the French. Thus they retal- iated on each other, — and the Yankees had to pay for it. We were taken prisoners, and compelled to assist in taking the ship to the Island of St. Martins, which was in sight. They took from the Captain and Mate, every thing. My money being in a canvass belt around my body, they did not find it. We came to anchor about sunset, in the har- bor of Narregat, Island of St. Martins. We be- ing Americans, were not put in prison — the ship and cargo were all they wanted. We had the privilege of going about the town, and two shil- lings per day allowed us to live on. The Gov- ernment soon procured a passage for us to the 62 BUNNELL 8 Island of Bartliolomow ; but I was living in clover^ and thought this Island would suit me as well as any other, and accordingly remained some months. The island of St. Martins lies nearly west, and in sight of the St. CaHs, and nine miles distant from Anguilla, and in sight of St. Cristophers. Nevis, and Eustratia. The town is pleasantly situated at thc^ head of a small bay, and guarded by a small but strong fort on the north side of the bay, and a battery of twelve guns on the south. The land stretches to the right on a gen- tly inclined plane, about nine miles, and termi- nates in a high bluff which forms the southern point of the bay. The water is very shoal in the harbor, being sometimes not more than three fathoms deep. Simpson's Bay is about four miles from Narregat Harbor, and Great Bay is at the southern extremity of the island, and at the time I was there, was under the Dutch, and Narregat, the French. This island is snmll. but remarkably fertile, producing sugar, rum. and fruits of almost every description that arc found in tropical climates, in great abundance. The fmest pine apples I ever saw grew there. — Potatoes, beans, and. peas, are very scarce, and all their llour is imported. 1 procured a boarding-house — got good clothes "fat and it was the first time, during my whole course of travels, that I really enjoyeri life ; but my happiness, as the fates had seemed to decree, was of short duration. There was a young man boarding in the house with me, of Creholc birth — no education, and — assumed the gentleman — and lived on the of the land' TRAVELS. 6S }ig in lit mc lajncd 3t, and distant >phers. Asanlly uardcil side ot on the r\ a gen- tcrmi- outticrn al in the n three )ut four L Bay i>' and at ch, and small. US rum. hat are lindance. :heve. — Ivce, and clothes Ithe '' I'at durinu; enjoyed seemed ic house )n, and very singular habits — who had a great deal to tell me about his '' angel," with whom he was " terriblj in love," and from time to time gave me intelligence of his progress. [The reason why 1 am so particular in describing this atfair^ is, because it seriously concerns me in the course of this narrative.] He was lively, and well ao ({uainted with all the places of amusement, and we soon became very intimate friends. I was (continually persuading him to introduce me to liis intendccl, but he declined — though at last, he requested me to write a letter for him to her, to l)c couched in the most flattering terms of love and atVection. I wrote one, and he sent a boy to carry it to her, who soon returned, bringing the same back, with instructions to say that " an answer was unnecessary." This I thought rath- er singular, Liasmuchas he had given me to un- derstand th."*t I.e was just on the point of being married ; but not long after this, at his re- quest, I went with him to make her a visit, at her fathers plantation, about three miles out of town, when, in my own mind, the mystery was unravelled. We entered the enclosure by a gate of elegant workmanship, and passed through a beautiful grove of trees, about three hundred yards, to a splendid mansion. The old gentleman very po- Htely bade us " good morning," in English, and invited us into ti\e house, where we took some- thing to drink, and then walked out with him to view his sugar and rum works. The mill they use for grinding cane is similar to an old fash- ioned cider mill, and is propelled by two horses. The cane is cut in pieces of about four feet in 64 Bunnell's length, and in general is about the size ot' a large corn-stalk, though perfectly round, and the joints farther apart. The juice is conveyed by a spout, from the mill, immediately into the boi- lers, where it is kept constantly boilinpj until it becomes sugar, and then it is bailed out into large flat coolers, and when partly cooled, is shovelled into drainers, when the molasses runs oil' and leaves the sugar dry. The |)rocess of distilling rum is similar to that of whiskey. It is made of cane juice, and the drei^s of sugar. — The work is all done by Negroes. A white man here who is obliged to do laborious work is but little thought of. The old gentleman was o( Englisli biiih, und married his U'ife in France, f^he was heiress to the plantation, to which they had removed on the death of her parents. He said they had lived there, contented and happy, near thirty years and had become rich. He had oixty-seven ne- groes, and about forty acres of cane ground, garden, fruit trees, &c. all of which were in a neat state of cultivation. Dinner being announced, he invited us to dine with him, and we proceeded to the house. The dining-room was very neatly furnished, and tlic table dressed in a rich and delectable manner. Ihad not yet seen my comrade's'-' AngcF' — tho' we had been seated but a few minutes when she appeared, accompanied by her mother. The old lady had a very maternal look, and appeared to be about fifty. The daughter — what shall I say ? — description fails to extol licr suflbiently — I can only say that to me she was the loveliest form that I ever beheld — sixteen vears old, and TRAVELS. 65 form erect and perfect. I rose to make ray obeisance ; and, had I dared, I would have fallen upon ray knees and worshipped her. I cannot describe my feelings, when, with the most aflfa- ble sweetness that can be imagined, she wel- comed us to their house. My companion introduced me as an acquain- tance of his, thougli very awkwardly, and we seated ourselves at the table. The conversa- tion took a lively turn, and I, on having this "an- gel" address me, with one of those bewitching fciiTiiles on her countenance, by which Cleopatra (conquered the great heroic warrior, Mark An- thony, and made all his warlike shafts fall harm- less at her feet — poured the gravy all in my lap instead of my plate ! I felt a&hamed and em- barrassed, and she to help me along, repeated the question — " how long have you been on the Island r' After I became a Ii lie composed, I told her I did not lament that I had been taken prisoner, as it had been the means of introducing me into such agreeable company. At this moment, a facinating blush flitted across her cheeks. After dinner, the old gentleman asked me if I had r»ny employment ? and on being answered in the negative, told me that he wanted some one to ovcrssee his sugar works, &c. for which he would give good wages. I agreed with him to giish sliip had been cast away on this Island, and one of the crew, who had lost every thing, and was sick, poor and needy, had been informed that an Englishman lived on the Island, and came to see if he could get some assistance. The natives call all English who speak that language. — Poverty and distress I could not bear to see, es- pecially wlien it was in my power to relieve it. I hired lodgings for him, procured a pljysician, and paid ull his expenses for three weeks — and after he uad sufficiently recovered, procured him apassat ; to St. Carts — gave him five dollars in money,. ;\iul saw him on board a vessel that was soon to -«;i;l for his native country. At parting he expr scd his thanks with tears in his eyes. But, Siii! 1, if ever you see any one in a like pre- dica.net treat him as I have you, and the debt will be \)\':(\. I do not mention this circum stance I brag;\d;>;",iii, but becan--fi I sha'l meei, v hun a^^airi in the course of my nar- raiive, ;■ • I then il •.\ili a!):»e;\r liovv hv, rcm-ved mc wh'H ji) liiailar tirrujin -stance^.] To • ;;-;»'0M, h !Cli/abeth and make known my affeotl o.is i,)v iter, sv i^ u gnvat vros's ; b it, (hou^ht I, at'tc liAvin;.': wiui -sscid so many dani^-r-, and even u atl: in /.»"' jm h )rrors, without shrin!cing, slu.'l I '>:• ufrVi'i u> rv.o a woman! No — 'Miore goes 1 ': V ]uy iiii,:." linil.imy proposds to her, anl siv.:aaeuo Ncw-Yoi U — in sham. About eight o'clcck in the evening, we sailed — and our plan worked to admiration — the privateer was in readiness, and we wi;re taken. The captain of the privateer and myself had a real hearty lauirh over a bottle of brandy, to think how "2:enleelv" it was done. "Now," said he, "you have matlo one hundred dollars, and have a clio.nce to make another, if you please." How? said 1. " If you will pilot one of my boats along side that sloop lying in the harbor, 1 will give yoij the ca^h." I told him I would, and requested him to have the boat arm- ed and manned. It w^s done, and we immediate- ly put oir for the sloop. The night was very dark, but by the help of the lead and compass, I brouglit them along *ide tlie sloop, without the least alarm being given. We first secured the hatches to jirevint any one from coming on deck — then cut the cable, and were under way before ^ve were perceived from the battery ; but as soon as we made sail, they saw us, and let the shot lly briskly ; but it was with them as with the Scotchman's chicken — '* too late." — The wind was fair, and in fifteen minutes we were out of gun shot ; and in a little time safe n BUNNELL'S along side the privateer. I received my money^ and requested to be set on shore, and before day light was in town. I gave an account of the manner in which I had been taken, and was not in the least suspected, but condoled with for the loss of my vessel. ^ I immediately repaired to the house of Eliza- beth, and related the above circumstances, and requested her to name the day for our nuptials. She selected her birth day, which was the lOtb of July, 1810. This being the 29th of June, the time was close at hand. On the 1st of July was a military parade, and it was the first time that I had been called out since I received my commission. I took care to have a horse that belonged to the old gentle^ man, knowing him to be very gentle, for I knew no more about a horse, than a horse did about me. On tlie 3d of July, there were several vessels in the offing, which at daylight proved to be Eng- lish men of War. They stood at first, so close in as to receive several shot from the Fort, then hovered around the Island the greater part of the day, and seemed to meditate an attack. At one o'clock the alarm gun was fired. This was a signal for all, "good, bad, or indifferent," t<) re- pair to the Fort. I was obliged to go, and Eliz- abeth and I ^'kissed, shook hands, and parted." At sundown our supper was brought to us by our respective families. Elizabeth came with mine, and renaained with me until dark, when, with tears in her eyes, she left me, breathing ma- ny a pi*ayer for my safety. The whole night passed in continual alarm, and at dawn of day, on the 4th, there appeared to have landed during ■■■■i TRAVELS. 73 the night, a considerable force — two Rloops of war were close in with the harbor, but not with- in gun shot. This day brought fresh to my memory the In- dependence of my own dear country. I sighed to think how happy my counti^men were cele- brating this 4th of July, while I was on the very verge of an action, and no surety but that the next hour would number me with the dead. — But then a cheering hope would flash across ray bosom, that Providence would not be so cruel as to separate me from Elizabeth, just at this time, when my anticipations of future happiness were at their highest pitch. These reflections brought to my mind the following simple but pathetic lines : — " Thou will turn aside the balls that round me flj, Lest precious tears should fall from beauty's eye." I had no more time to indulge in these plea- sing thoughts. A gun from the west battery announced the approach of the enemy. They had landed about three hundred men, and appeared determined to storm the Fort in three divisions. We could bring two thirty-two pounders to bear upon their boats, and soon stove in pieces all save one. They being wholly unacquainted with the situation' of the Fort, were subjected to a great many difficulties. It could only be approached by a small foot path that wound up the hill in a zig-zag manner. — Their principal or centre division approached in this way, and the other two endeavored to go im- mediately up the hill, through prickly pears, which grew so compact and to such an enor- mous size, that it was impossible to surmount ^V.,»-.■'^ ^^ 14 Bunnell's them. The centre division came on in good or- der, and with great firmnes9, though exposed to the fire of our infantry, and three nine pounders. It was their intention to have concentrated their forces at the gate of the fort, hut the two divis- ions finding it impossible to gain the top of the hill, retreated to the main r(?ad, and came up the way the first division had. Our commander, a brave and exptnienced oflicer, observed this mistake, and resolved to take advantage of it. — By tltis time, the first division had arrived at the outer gait, which liad been purposely left open. The fort had two enlrances, about fourteen yards apart. Between th.cpe we had placed a iSimall cannon, filled witli musket balls. No sooner had they entered tlie fiist gate, than we fired this piece, with a long match, which made a dreadful slaughter among them — at the same lime we threw open tha other gate, and sallied out, the mounted men in front, followed by the infantry. The slaughter was great, and our en- emies Ibuglit like mad men. In the midst of the engagement, I heard my name called. At first I thought it was some or- der from our commanding officer, but on turning my head a little, I discovered, to my great sur- prise, an English odicer, with whom I had previ- ously been acquainted. I was on horse-h;ick, and he was on loot. When I first saw him he was aiming a blow at me, and as quick as a Hash it came, and cutotTmy right stirrup leather, and made a slight wound upon my leg; but it was the last blow the poor fellow ever gave. I fired my pistol at his head, and he fell lifeless an>ong tbe dead and wounded. He had formerly been % TRAVELS. 7ft an enemy of mine, and you may depend I oived none of tlie English any very good will.* His name was Wain — a captain in the marine corps. The men, as ?»oon as their leader ^t'll, laid down their arms. By tliis tinu the r(;inainder of the detachment mounted the lull. We had got a six pounder to bear upon them, hut they ascertain- ing the fate of the fn-st division, retreated in the utmost disorder, and the flight soon became general. The enemy made for their boats ; but what must have been their surprise, on arriving at the spot vviiere ihey had left tiiein, to find them all shot to pieces but one. This they so ovorloa* dcd, that she filled a little distance offshore, and ' the men narrowly escaped drowning. They fin- ding it impossible to escape from the island, surrendered. There were three hundred of them, including the wounded, and fifty, together with their commander, killed. We had four killed, and seven wounded — our whole force amounting to but two hundred. We buried the officers killed with the honors of war, and the privates with every respect and decency. The prisoners were paroled, we ha- ving no prisons in which to confine tliem. This victory occasioned great rejoicing. Our commander gave a splendid dinner, and pre- sented a belt to each officer. Every thing being over, I proceeded, as fast as my horse could carry me, to the residence of Elizabeth. The next afternoon I waited upon her to a dancing party. I could see no one that could excel, or even be compared to her — at least in my opinion. They had a number of '■: ). «"VP 7f BVNNBLL^S elegant dances, to all of which I was merely t spectator, for I knew no more about their French conlre-danceSy than a pig knows how to iron a ruffle-shirt, or a cow to handle a musket. The ball was given on the 7th. On the 8th I had all my wedding clothes completed, and so were Elizabeth's. It was my calculation to take a passage to America, to visit my mother, and other rela- tions, then to return and settle down for life with the lovely partner of my choice. The ninth arrived — the fatal ninth of July, 1810 — never to be forgotten, until this heart shaa cease to vibrate, or its motion be forever stilled, and death teach me to forget all nature. The minister was requested to be there at nine o^- clock on the tenth — friends were invited — the music bespoken — and every thing seemed to smile on the approaching union. I had solicited the old gentleman's consent to give the Negroes a holiday. I gave them twen- ty-five cents each to make merry with. Elizabeth could not look at me, nor I at her, without a mutual blush. I thought it was the longest day I had ever witnessed. I suppose I pulled my watch out an hundred times to see the hour. But, alas! the day was far too short. It is customary in these climates to take the advantage of the morning and evening air, in promenading. After tea, I invited Elizabeth to walk out and enjoy the freshness of the evening. She consented, and we sauntered slowly along the avenue of trees which stood in front of her father's mansion. She was leaning carelessly on my shoulder — my right arm encircling her TBAVBL8. 77 waist. We were discoursing on our future prospects in life, and felt our hearts beat in uni- son. It seemed as if Heaven had expressly formed us for each other. *' Oh," said Eliza- beth, " how I shall rejoice to meet your mother, and how happy she will be to witness your return in safety. But then there is the ocean yet to cross — we must not, ray dear, be too sanguine in our expectations." That is too true, said I, fortune has played me many a slippe- ry trick already ; but I believe that I am now a- bout to be repayed for all my troubles, by be- ing united to one of the loveliest of your sex. — " You certainly understand the art of flattery to perfection,-' replied she. We had now reached t'le lower end of the walk, and was in the act of turning round — Eli- zabeth was a little in advance of me — I saw the flash of a piece — heard the report — but heavens ! what can I say ! I should expose my weakness by attempting a description. Elizabeth fell dead at my feet — a musket ball passed immediately through her heart. I did not stand long to see who was the perpetrator of this horrid deed ; but remained motionless a moment — contemplating the object before me — then clasped her lifeless form to my bosom and started for the house ; nor did I stop until I had laid it on a bed. At any other time, or under any other circumstances, I could not have done this. I saw she was no more. The purple stream of life was stfiining her white robe. Her mother gave a shriek, and fainted. After having partly recovered, she ex- claimed — "you have murdered my child !" I paid 10 attention to anything that was passing around n i^ "V ■OTI 78 BUNNELL'S me; but with a silent, inexpressible agony of eoul, conleui plated the lovely form before me — lovely slill in death. Although the lily, blen- ded with the rose, had faded from her cheek ; yet around her lips there seemed to play a thou- sand smiles. Tiiose hrii!;lit and sparkling eyes, that used to speak a thousand things to my heart, that could be expressed no olhcr way, were closed in death. Now ye powers of hell, said I, you have done your worst — I defy you to hurt me more^ — lake me — I am ready. - The old lady having entirely recovered from her fright, a scene ensued that balHes all de- scription. She raved, stamped, and tore her hair. She called me a murderer — a villain, ai»d every thing that a mad woman (for suvth she re- ally seemed to mo) could tl)ink of. Tlie old gentlenum and myself were the only two that stood in silent amazemcnl, gazing on the corpse. What could my heart have been made of, not to burst at this catastrophe; ,^speeially after hav- ing been accused of being the murderer, when I would have sacrificed a thousand lives for her sake. I must hurry over this part of my nar- rative — to dwell on it, is too ])ainful, and I think that the reader wdl not call me chiclccn-heartcd if I should at this moment drop a tear as a trib- ute to that dear, departed soul. The next day, (on \vhich I was to have been married,) a coroner's inquest was held on the body of lilizabeth. The verdict of the jury w«s, " wilful murder." The old lady said that 1 had murdered her daughter, which caused fuispicion generally to rest on me. I was taken into custody and put in prison. I gave m TRAVELS. 79 ony of ! me — y, blen- clieek ; a thou- g eyes, to mv Y way, of hell, ' you to !(1 from all de- :)re lier [lin, and she re- lic old ,vo that corpse. ', not to cr luiv- when for her y nar- i think hearted a trib- I'e been on the Ihe jury laid that caused I was I gave myself but little concern about the result. I could have died a natural death, I believe, without a murmuT'. But to be bung innocently, I consid- ered rather hard. Hangini^, I thoughl, could not be very pleasafd^ even to the guilty. I now tried to conjecture in my mind wiio this wretch could be. I thought of no one but Villars ; (this was the name of my rival ;) but ho was, as 1 thought, absent from the island. 1 did not know bu' > might liave been an accident ; and if so, I thought tile person would come forward and clear me. I concluded that there were no more pleasures in store for me. God, I thought, had turned against me, and was now about to bring me to an ignominious end. But then thought I, that cannot be, he will not let me sulFcr death inno- cently — why. (said an inward monitor,) my sufferings already arc worse than tiie agonies of death. The third day after my imprisonment, I was call'^d before a court of inquiry. I liad previ- ously requested, on my knees, to be permit- ted to follow the T; inuns of Elizabeth to the grave, but was refused. This I took very hard — not to b(i nil J wed ihe privilege oi seeing interred the remains of her who was the source of all niy happiness uiiiUi living. The old l;>(ly said that yhe was certain a de- (Tree cS familial ity had existed between uie and her dMiM^htiT, that exceeded the bounds of vir- tue, aui that she never thought I intended to nr.U'ry w r. The court of inquiry, after inves- tigr.'uM; dl the cireumstanees, sent me to piis- jn to u'fut the general court, whieh was to set ih ti vYcc k. I told them that 1 had no suspicion fi ^ ^w 80 BI7NNRM/a of any one but Villars. They assured inc that every iiKjuiry sliould be imule. Two duyH uftcr, 1 heard that Villars had been «ceii on the Island, the niglit on wliich the mur- der was perpetraled. Orders wore given for his apprehension, and on Thursday he wasurre«- tcd. lie conlessed the ('hnie; hut lamented bitterly to think that he had shot Eli/abcth.- He said it was his intention to have killed me. This having been ascertained, 1 was set at liberty. I had eome to the eonelusion, should I?i»e released, not to visit the ohi people; hut con- sidering that the. old lady V age, and th(^ all'ecliou wliich she had for her daughter, had led her into the error, i resolved to go and se(5 them. iJut before I had tin»e lo put tliis resolution into execution, they sent for me. When I arrived, the old lady would, had 1 permitted her, have fall- en on her knees, and begged my forgiveness ; hut this I could not consent to. VVe all thnu' shed tears of real sorrow over our mislbrtunes and loss. They begged that I wr)uld let them con- sider me as their son, and to uiake tlicir house my home for life. My dear friends, said ?, this place will soon be taken by the Knglisli, and I cannot remain here long, for ileath \\'\\\ surely be my portion if taken by them. I tirst deser- ted with the king's arms in my hands — this would be death by a court nuirtial. 1 killed one of bis subjects ifi making my escape — ;^joined their enemies, and fought against them — and with my own hands kille TRAVELS. 8S •e lay if her, Im my and a js my I Bums Ir mel- ancholy ditties* At last a thought struck me, that if departed souls were ever permitted to revisit this earth, Elizaheth would stand as good a chance to get leave of absence as any other one, and that I might again have the pleasure of beholding her ; and I earnestly prayed that this might be the case. I was aroused from these melancholy reflec- tions by a heavy clap of thunder, and a sharp flash of lightning that immediately prece- did it. The rain fell in torrents, and I hurried to the house. It was one o'clock. I threw my- self on my bed, and mused upon the following lines : — " Why should we mourn departed friends, Or shake at death's alanns." 1 soon fell asleep, and such a vision as I had would make the blood chill in th e veins of the most courageous. Should I relate it, some might indulge a serious thought, whils others would only lau^^h at it. Therefore I shall not rehearse it. 1 was awoke at four o'clock, as 1 had previ- ously requested to be — arose aid dressed my- self in great haste, and proceeded down stairs, where 1 found the old people up, v/aiting for me. I bid them farewell, and depaited. Tliis par- ting scene I cannot give a merited description. The old lady wept bitterly — had I been her son she could not have felt worse, — liad sne been my mother, I should not have felt more sorrow at parting. I went immediately to the north end of the Island, and trusted to fortune (or a ])a8sage from thence to St. Barts*. This was the only poRsibie way of escape. I gave tiiti old negro sevvant, *6 84 BUNNBLL^S whom I, had brought with me to take back my horse, a little money, bid him *'good by," and or- dered him to return home with the horses. "Ah, Massa Bunnell," said he, "poor nigger find no more good Missy Betsy." No, said 1, my poor fellow, nor I either. Parting with this old ne- gro seemed to snap the last cord that bound me to life. I travelled towards a small bay called Coge- delong, where I was in hopes to find some fish- ing boats in which I could procure a passage to the Island of St. Barts. I found lying there a small sloop, that I used to sail, which the old man had sold a short time previous. She was commanded by one Michael, a particular friend of Villars, and consequently no friend of mine. — He refused me a passage. He had three strap- ping great negroes on board, or I should have compelled him. He knew my situation, and seemed to rejoice to think that he had it in his power to injure me. I walked carelessly away, revolving in my mind what was best to be done. There was an old hut a short distance ofl', and on arriving at it, I was agreeably surprised to find there five men who had deserted an English man of war. On starting from the old gentleman's, I had prepared myself with a sword and brace of pistols, and they on seeing me armed, took me for some officer in pursuit of them ; but 1 soon convinced them to the contrary. They had been nine days without any thing to eat except what they could find in the woods. I shared with them what little I had brought with me, and briefly informed them of my situation. Now said I, we will fix that fellow, (Michael,) — come, HP TRAVELS. m wc have no time to lose. ♦ Be guided by me my brave fellows, and we will be in St. Barts be- fore night. I sallied out, witli my little party at my heels. I felt prouder than ever Bonaparle did at the head of the whole French army. We were armed with good cudgels, and I had a sword and brace of pistols. Michael saw us coming, and endeavored to get the sloop under way, but he had not time before we arrived. — Well Michael, my friend, said I, I am under the necessity of coerceing you into measures that you would not accede to willingly. Haul your sloop in, said I, and I will take the command, and you can step aside. " If you compel me,' said he, "to give up my vessel, I shall report you as Pirates. I cannot help it, said I, neces- sity knows no law — go we must, and go we will — we have no time to waste in arguing with you. He swore he would do nothing about it, and consequently we were compelled to do it our- selves. We jumped on hoard, and weighed the anchor. Now, said I, Michael, if you have a mind to come on board, and take a passage to St. Barts, you can have the privilege, if not 1 will sell the sloop as soon as I arrive. Find- ing that I was in earnest, he came on board — we manned our oars, and although the wind was ahead, we made considerable progress towards St. Barts. About noon the wind veered two or three points to the north. We made all sail, and at four o'clock were along side the wharf. I told Michael he might as well not make any fuss about the vessel. I gave him ten dollars, the others gave him one dollar each, and he ap- peared to be well satisfied. 86 BUNNELL'S My next business was to procure a situation on some vessel. I name across the brig Harane, of N. Y. bound for N. Y. I was just in time — they wanted one hand. I agreed with the captain at twelve dollars per month. The next morning I went on shore to buy some clothes, and other necessaries, where I saw the five men who came with me from St. Martins. They were to sail for France in a few days, on good wages. I agreed to see them again before I sailed. I left St, Martins on Monday the ninth of August, 1810. Our brig was to sail on Wednesday. — I went on shore the morning we were to sail, to bid my old companions farewell. They were under the necessity of keeping secreted for fear of being taken. I was in a back room conver- sing with them, when I heard a man inquire of the landlord in an adjoining room, if there was a man in his housje by the name of Bunnell. At first I tliought that it was the captain of the brig look- ing for me. I looked through a crack of the door, and you may judge my surprise on behol- ding an English officer, who had come from St. Martins in pursuit of me. I jumped out of the back window — ran to the wharf — and. in a few minutes I was on board the vessel, and in the course of an hour or two we were out of sight. I silently rejoiced to think that I had once more escaped from imminent danger. We ran down past the Island of St. Martins, and I took a fare- well view of it. I have seen it but once since — and although a great way off, it gave me a melancholy thought of scenes that had wrought so much up )ii my youthful fancy. I could sec nothing now to prevent me from TRAVELS. a? from soon landing in my own country, and being hap- py, at least for a while — if happiness could in- habit a bosom, heretofore so destitute of it.— Our passage proved prosperous and pleasant, un- til the 22d of August. We were about half passage, and not far from six hundred miles from land — sailing at the rate of nine knots an hour — it looked black to the windward, and portended a violent gale. The mate had neg- lected to take in sail in time, and the wind sud- . denly vcoiing to the north-west, struck us all aback. So sudden and severe was the shock, that the vessel was turned, in spite of human ex- ertion, bottom up. In an instant, as it were, ev- ery soul was precipitated into the ocean. Our ballast was small stones, and when the vessel capsized, burst off the hatches, which prevented her from sinking. She remained exactly bot- tom up, her masts and sails preventing her from righting. I was in the water some time before I could get hold of any thing. At length, with great exertion, I succeeded in getting on the bot- tom of the vessel. I had been in this situation but a few moments, when the negro cook suc- ceeded in gaining a seat near me. The next, and last, was Willson Morgan, of Newbedford, I heard the voice of the captain in the water, and called to him to swim towards me; but I suppose he sunk very soon after, as I heard him no more. I remained in this situation until day- light, musing upon the ways of Divine Provi- dence. Fortune, thought I, has taken me for a plaything ; but I fear this is the last trick she will ever play me — she has done her worst. I , regretted that I had not blotvn mi/ brains out at . " x'^i, - ■ mrf ■»-»«'-«wi^^^-"^""^Wi«WHWP^^"^^WHpP 88 BUNNELL'S the time Elizabeth was shot, and accompanied Iier into eternity — or that 1 had left the Isl- and at all. I might, I thought, as well have been hung, and died at once, as to starve to death in tliis miserable situation. This was my train of thoughts while at the very gate of eternity — and grim death staring me in tlie face. The mor- ning dawned, but brought with it no cheering liope. Tlie sun rose in all his splendor. I sat lacing the east. My two ship mates sat with their backs towards me. They turned round at sun rise, as if to view his golden beams for the last time. There was not a single ray of hope in any of our bosoms of ever being re- lieved from this predicament. We were all much fatigued in gaining the wreck. I had swallowed considerable .salt water, which oc- casioned the most burning thirst that. can be imagined. You who roll in splendor, and* know nothing of distress, picture to yourselves this awful juncture. Judge of the feelings of the victim who views the sun rise on the morning of his execution — he is better off than we were. — For he knows the hour he is to die, and the crime he has committed, and feels resigned to Jiis fate. We were not sensible of having com- mitted any crime, yet the most shocking of all deaths awaited us. We sat in silent contem- plation — not a word passed between us for some time. At length I heard Morgan exclaim — "Oh my will ! my children ! what will become of them ? I am their only support." Remember, said I, (lod has promised to befriend the widow and orr;han. " I feel," said he, " such a shock- SfcL- T m -■> iLt--" mmmm. mmm ;ompanicd t the Isl- have been death in Y train of nity — and rhe mor- cheering 3ndor. I mates sat ey turned len beams single ray being re- were all c. I had diich 00- lat.can be and* know 3lves this gs of the Homing of 3 were. — , and the signed to ring com- ing of all t contem- for some im— "Oh Bcome of smember, le widow a shock- ^^ J t. ? (1 i } 1 >' r>- >■• ■.*.- .. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I ^ 1^ 12.0 IL25 III 1.4 II lliil nil 1.6 (?> % -^> Hiotographic Sdences Corporation '^.V^ 2rj WIST MAIN STRilT WSBSTIR.N.Y. USSO '^ ) 5^ r — -L -V- ( H m m^mi9mmmimmiimimmifmm'!''m^f''^^''^'>mmm ' mm TBAVELS. 89 ing pain in my bowels — I cannot Btand it long — I have swallowed a great deal of salt water." « The old cook was very religious, and the fol- lowing advice which he gave, I shall never for- jl<^: " Put dy trust in de Lord, and He will re- Tiebe you." About eight o'clock in the morning, a gentle breeze sprang up from the S. W. — a short time after I saw a sail very distinctly. — Cheer up my lads, said I, here comes relief. — God only afflicts us, the more plainly to show his power to save. The vessel was about nine miles off when I first discovered her. She soon approached so near that I could distinguish her rig. It was a brig belonging to the United States. I took off my shirt, and standing upon the keel of the vessel, waved it in the air as high as I could reach ; but they passed without ta- king any notice of us. They could not have seen us — for I will not believe, although I have seen all kinds of inhuman beings in human shape, that there could be any so unfeeling as to leave us to our fate, if they had discovered us, for had we been dogs, it would have been an act of hu- manity to have saved us. It now seemed as if the door of mercy was forever closed against us. Unhappy souls, cried I — help was almost within our grasp, but a few moments since, but now it is gone forever, and with it all our hopes of being rescued from a watery grave. While the vessel was in sight, Morgan sat with his back towards her, and was so weak that he could not turn round. He inquired from time to time if she neare(L^s. I answered him in the affirmative for a wmle, but at last it J - !(JJ!|flfcf^^ world as yet, and probably would not, should I live to be as old as Methusela, and consequently concluded that I might as well die now as at some future period. About futurity I had thought hut little. It is true I had read the Bible through^ but like too many others did not take the sense of what I read, or rather did not profit by it. I was not much ahrmed at the thought of dying, for I had a kind of awfut curiosity to visit the other world. It being some time since I had heard a word from Morgan, I supposed he was dead. The cook had several times murmured something I could not understand, though I supposed him to be praying. To pray I did not know how ; but very naturally concluded, that without a miracle, one could not be saved from the wreck without we both were, consequently if there was any benefit to be derived from his prayers, I should receive it equally with himself. [Similar to several persons being in a dark room — if either of them should light a candle, all in the room would receive equal benefit from it, for it would be morally impossible for him to confine the light to himself alone, and so it was with the poor old negro's prayers.] About four o'clock I saw a sail to the S. E., and communicated the discovery to my compan- ions. The old cook looked up and saw it also, '"■■Mf!^ w^i'^^V.w^'^'"""' ,^ILjL, '"T'-^TP'^^i^^^rtl^fffl^ TRAVELS. di but Morgan paid no attention to any thing I said. He lay on his face, — his legs hung down on each side of the vessePs keel. The old cook exclaim- ed, in an apparent transport of joy, *' God has heard my prayers ; and I shall praise him while I live." [I thought if I was saved this time, I would learn how to pray, for I might at some future period be in a similar circumstance, without so profitable a companion.] The strange sail approached us fast, and to our great joy she was standing directly for usj and had we not been perceived by them, they would have run afoul of the wreck. I stood up and waved my shirt — they saw it^ and immedi- ately hove too, and sent out their boat for our relief. ' We were taken on board the ship Indepen- dence, of Charleston, South Carolina, bound to Charleston, commanded by Capt. James Wal- ker, from Limeric. After a passage of about fourteen days, we arrived at Charleston. Among the passengers there was a surgeon, who used every exertion to resuscitate Morgan, but it proved in vain ; he survived but three days. The fatigue he had endured, both of body and mind, was too much for his constitu- tion. The circumstances of this ship-wreck were mentioned in the Charleston Courier of Sept. 11, 1810, and the names of the survivors given. The pasjengers made up a purse for the old cook and myself of one hundred dollars. Misfortunes thus far through life had been heaped upon me in such quick succession, that iim -Twpipviiiiip^ uiijjiapnpiiMtiw I' III u iwfqpmiiifvnmt 92 bunnpll's *,. when I found myself safe, with fifty dollars in my pOcket, I resolved to lose no time^ and like other sailors, soon learned to drown all so^ows in a flowing bowl. Previous to this, I had been remarkably temperate, but if I did not drink, I was called " no sailor," and never having had the serious effects resulting from an intemperate life, impressed upon my mind while young, it did not take much persuasion for me soon to become as expert a seaman on land, as I alrea- dy considered myself an able one on the water. Being naturally of a lively disposition, " when heightened by a few glasses of the creatre," I made a " real jovial companion." I could drink, laugh, sing, and tell stories. These are the qualificiations necessary to constitute a "jovial companion," among sailors. CHAPTER XI. A melancholly circumstance happened during my stay at Charleston, which, for its singularity, I cannot forbear to mention. There was a man by the name of G ■■ — * who boarded in the same house with myself — ^his parents lived six- teen miles from Charleston. One night we had been out together until quite late, and put up at a neighboring house. We lodged in separate rooms. In the morning the servant came run- ^This circumstance is well known all over Charles- ton, ond I shall omit ttfe young man's name out of res- pect to surviving friends ^nd connexions. mm mm^ TRATELS. ^S ning into my room, with all the horror depicted on her countenance that Shakspeare has descri- bed in his deepest tragedies. I was struck with astonishment on beholding such a looking figure. I inquired into the cause of her fright, but she made no reply. I conjectured that she had seen a ghost, or devil, or something worse^ and had I not known her to have been of this world, I should have surrendered, and considered myself sent for by some supernatural agent. " For God's sake," said she, after having a little recovered from her fright, " go look ! — El- len is murdered, and your ship mate has fled !" I ran into the adjoining room, and there I beheld a sight too shocking to describe. The girl lay weltering in her gore, with her throat cut from ear to ear. My ship mate G was no where to be found. I called up the inmates of the house, and had a coroner immediately sent for. He forthwith summoned a jury of inquest, and they gave a verdict of " wilful murder." There was a messenger immediately despatched for G's parents, who arrived the same day — and, shocking to relate, the girl was their own daught- er ! This in some degree unravelled the myste- ry. It appeared that he had, though unknowing- ly, committed incest, which led him to add mur- der to the crime. A great reward was offered for his a;>prehension, but no information could be got concerning him. The feelings of the young lady's parents on finding her in this situ- ation, after having been absent from them, eigh- teen months, can more easily be imagined than described. She left home in company vnth a young gentleman to attend a dance, and neither rmt^^m mmm^^ H BUNNELL'S / had been heard of since, until now. She changed her name, which probably prevented a discovery of the place of her retreat. This scene brought to mind the following beauti- ful lines : — ♦• When lovely woman stoops to folly, And finds too late, that men betray — What charm can soothe her melancholy ? What art can wash her guilt away ?" I remained in Charleston until I had spent all my money, and then shipped on board an Eng- lish vessel, bound to Liverpool. The crew bad all deserted, and the captain offered great wages for hands, and pledged himself to procure them a passage back to America. We sailed, and had been at sea but one month, when we were boarded by his Britanic Majes- ty's Frigate Eurydice, Capt. St. Bradshaw. — Myself and two others were stov^ed away in the hold among the cargo, and after searching nearly two hours, tliey discovered us, and we were pressed. Now thought I, these scoundrels will have the pleasure of hanging me yet, if they hap- pen to know me. Having once received great benefit from chang- ing my name, i thought I would again try it, and accordingly called myself David Curtis. 1 told them I was an American; but the captain, in re- ply, told me that I was as much an American as he was a Bishop, and no more, and that I must serve his Majesty. This ship was bound to Halifax, with des- patches from thence to survey the straits of Ma- gellan, near Cape Horn. We arrived in HalU TRAVELS. 96 fax, and after a short stay, proceeded on our voyage. There were so many offences punishable by flogging, on board this vessel, that it was next to an impossibility to "steer clear." If we looked cross at an officer, we were flogged — if we struck one, hung — if we did not make sail quite quick enough, all flogged. I have seen one hun- dred flogged before breakfast — myself one of the number. In short, it made no difference wheth- er we did right or wrong, we were flogged just as it suited the whim of an officer. I saw but one who was brought up to be flogged, get cleai — this was captain of the sweepers — a facetious old fellow. When he was brought up, with a very grave countenance, he looked round, and then exclaimed — "It is hard, I think, that us captains cant agree." The captain could not help but smile, and he released him. I lived, while on board th^s ves^sel, the most unhappy life that mortal could. We had not a single moment, day nor night, that we could call our own. We also suffered a great deal for the want of water — ^being under the equator, where the weather is very hot, and living on salt pro- visions, we required double the quantity that we would in almost any other situation. Oup passage to Riojaneiro was short, and as plea^t as we could anticipate. Riojaneiro,. stanp on the coast of Brazil, and is its capital. At the time I was there, it was under the Portu- guese, and governed by a Vice Roy from Por- tugal. Here we took in water and provisions, and proceeded to Rio de la Plata — from thence to 96 BUNNELL'^ the Falkland Islands, and then to the Straits of Magellan. We came yery near being cast away at this place. We had been lying to all night, and in the morning found ourselves sur- rounded by breakers, having drifted through a passage not more than twice the length of our ship. We had a great deal of trouble in getting out. After surveying the straits, and ascer- taining that a passage through them was practi- cable, the captain resolved to visit Patagonia, in order to ascertain whether the inhabitants were of such gigantic stature as they had been des- cribed to be. We were there in January, which is mid-summer with them, and it froze in tlie middle of the day. The sun rose at quarter past one P. M. and set at half past eleven A. M. It is the reverse m the months of July and Au- gust. The captain, and two other officers, accompa- nied by fifteen men, myself one oAhe number, supplied with provisions sufficient to last us five dayf», proceeded into the interior of the country. We travelled through woods,and over deep snows three days, when we came to a small hut, built of logs, and covered whith seal skins. There was a brisk fire in the centre, and seated by it was a monster of the female sex, dresse^ in seal •^kins. It was the most miserable lookink place I ever saw, and for cleanliness might be Appa- red to one of our pig sties. The woman M)ea- red to be surprised at our appearance, but not frightened, for I suppose she took us to be chil- dren of some other nation. She was hospitable, and offered us some dried fish, and a piece of seal's flesh, both of which we declined accepting. ■■ "«»*»IIPW"^ TtLAVELB, n 8be measured seven feet nine inches, and her child, which was, as near as we could ascertain, from her pointing to the moon, and then coun*- ting her fingers, two moons and a half old — weigh'x ed one hundred eight pounds and a half and appeared as helpless as our children at the same age. We broke some bread and ate it before h«r, but could not get her to taste it. Her hus- band measured, as near as we could ascertain from her, nine feet seven inches. He, together with the rest of the tribe, were off on a hunting tour. There were no signs of cultivation — they live by hunting and fishing. This hut we presumed v/as their summer habitation, for a little distance from this, on the side of a hill, there was a deep cave, sufficient- ly large to contain an hundred persons with ease. There was a hole through tlie centre which waa used as a chimney. I was informed that pre- vious to the jvinter s setting in, they got suffi- cient supplies'^ of wood, provisions, water, &c. for the season, and retired to this cave — stop- ped up the mouth, and remained there until summer, when they came out and resumed then- hunting, &c. We stayed near the hut one night, and in the morning departed, and arrived at the ship, af- ter an absence of seven days, almost famished with cold and hunger. Some of our party froze their feet, some their hands, and others their ears. One of the officers was so much frost-- bitten that he lost three of his fingers, and the whole crew would have rejoiced, had it been his head. He was a consummate villain and tj MUdt.. Ml BVIfNBLL*0 The next day we sailed for England. We touched at the Falkland islands, and sent a boat's crew on shore to get eggs ; they had not been gone more than two hours, when they returned with a barrel and a half, of all descriptions. — They said there were eggs in great abundance, but their force was not sufficient. The ostrich- es would make battle with them, and it was as much as a man could do to defend liimself against one of them. We made sail for Rio Janeiro. One of our men fell overboard in a calm, and before we could get a boat to his assistance, he was bit in two by a shark, and swallowed by him, assisted by two others that wern near by. We did not discover either of them when the man first fell overboard. He had been flogged almost every day for the week previous, and it was suppo- sed by many that he threw himself overboard on purpose, and I do not in the least doubt it, for another, while in the very act of being dog- ged, knocked down the man who was tying him, and jumped overboard. They never hove the 4iip to, at all, nor seemed to mind any thing about it. What must these unfeeling wretches think, when treating their fellow creatures with such cruelty ? This treatment, though it grievee me to say it, is not altogether confined to the British Navy. We arrived at Rio Janeiro safe, and I watched for an opportunity to escape, but there was none presented. I commenced writing a letter to the American Consul, for which I received one dozen lashes, and was threatened with three timeii as many if I should ever attempt the like :?» TRAVELS. 99 again. A boat's crew found means to runaway, and out of seven they cauglit but two. These poor fellows were taken to England in irons — tried by a court martial, and sentenced to three hundred lashes from ship to ship, through the whole fleet — one received his punishment and died soon after — the other, wiorc lucky^ took sick and died before his sentence could be put in execution. We sailed from here, and without any mate- rial accident^ arrived at Portsmouth, England. — I here got an opportunity to write to the Ameri- can Consul, at London, and received for an an- swer, " if you have no protection, I can do noth- ing for you." 1 was transferrrd to his Majesty's brig Fan- tome, Capt. Bradshaw, and proceeded with a convoy up the Baltic — then returned and joined the fleet off Flushing, under the command of Admiral Young, and after remaining some time, we were sent to watch the movements of the French fleet at Goru. One night about eight o'clock, while we were lying at anchor, and just as we had got clcveily in bed, a French man-of- war, of superior force, bound into the harbor, came alongside of us, and the first salute we got of French politeness, was a broadside of grajic and canistel" shot. We were soon at our quar- ters, cut our cable, and a running light commen- ced, which lasted about half an hour, when we were so close into the harbor that the fort open- ed her fire upon uS, and we were obliged to make the best of our way out, and had it not been for a light breeze that sprung up off the land, we should have been taken. We got off 7* ^mmmm^ ipm lOD BUNNELL J» by great exertion, with the loss of our foretop- mast, and seven men killed and nine wounded. I was most exposed to the enemy's fire of any one on boards as I acted in the capacity of signal* man, but came oiT unhurt, though there was a lieutenant shot through by my side. We recei- ved much damage ih this short conflict, and were obliged to go into port to refit, and accordingly made sail for Shereness, a large naval depot near the mouth of the river Thames. We refitted, and proceeded again to join the fleet, and were sent from there to Portsmouth with despatches. I was here taken very ill, and was sent to the hospital, and for some time my life wa^ despaired of; but youth, and a strong constitution, got the better of my disease, and I recovered, after a severe fit of sickness, which lasted three months. This hospital I suppose is one of the finest in the world. It forms three parts of a square,, open in the centre ; the other part of the square IS occupied for a church, and every sailor as soon as he gets able to walk, is obliged to at- tend service every Sunday. It consists of one hundred and twenty six wards — each ward i& sufiiciently large to accommodate eighteen men, and the great square, as it is called, four times that number. It is generally managed by some one who has borne a commission in the navy, and been disabled. At the time I was there it was managed by Admiral Collingwood, who had lost both his legs with Lord Nelson. Each ward is allowed tw o female nurses, who receive twenty-one shilUngs each per month, and found •^together with a place detached from the ward TRAVELS. 101 to live in. If they remain a nutsc ten years, they receive after that, a pension of five sliillings per month, during life — if twenty years, ten shil- lings. There was one there when I was, who had been in the business tliirty years, and was upwards of seventy years old. She was in ma- ny respects better than any of the doctors, and in difficult cases was frequently consulted by them. There were four chief doctors, who had two mates each. They have their respective wards to attend to, and take turns of a week each to receive patients. Besides those who have the charge of the ])hysical, there arc two surgeons who attend solely to the surgical de- partment. The hospital is five stories high, and water, by the help of machinery, is transported to the upper lobbies. The doctors visit their patients three times a day, without fail. Just as 1 got able to walk about a little, the second nurse in the w^ard that I belonged to, was taken sick, and the one who had been pro* cured to fill hrtr place, was ordered to bring me some medicine. She came to my bed — Imagine my surprise on beholding the daughter of my London landlady — tlie very one who was the occasion of my precipitate retreat from that place. I was so much altered by sickness that she did not know me, but I kncv/ her. The nurses have to set up by turns all night, and one night this girl came and sat on tl>e foot of my bed, and I got in conversation W'ith her. — 1 asked her if she liad ever resided in London ? She answered in the affirmative. I then asked her if her father did not keep a boarding house ? She stared at me for a moment, and exclaimed, 'Wf>'"" I ii'li' 102 fiUNNELLS '^8 this you David?" Yes, replied I. "Wretch," said she, your child is not a mile from this place, and is upwards of two years old." That cannot he helped, said I, the best are liahle to . err at times, and I can do nothing for you now. I received the most assiduous attention from this girl and grew better fast, and in a few days was discharged from the hospital and sent on hoard the guard ship, Royal William, at Spit Head. I acted in my old station — as signal-man. This was a very easy situation ; I had only to keep two hours watch every night. I had not been on board long, before I formed the strongest ties of friendship with a country- man from New- York, by the name of Archibald Post. He was also a signal man, and we reliev- ed each other; and finally, we concluded to run away, and risk the consequences. We got three others into our plan — one of them a ma- rine. There was a marine walked post every night on each side of the vessel, and two more were stationed at each end. There was a small boat which was hoisted up every night, a little way out of the water — the rest were hoisted all the way up, which brought them about thirty feet from the water. The guard consisted of thirty marines, who were always ready at a moment^s warning, with arms loaded. We had agreed to attempt our escape the first night our marine should be on post. My watch was from four until six in the morning. Wh;^n the marine came on, I notified the other three who were to desert with us, and as soon as all was quiet we embark- ed in the boat we had previously selected. Two of US stood with good sharp knives to cut tho .1 .. »• ■MP TRAVELS. 105 retch," m this That ahle to u now. in from w days }ent on at Spit al-m'an. only to formed ountry- chihald i reliev- ided to We got a ma- t every o more a small a little sted all irty feet ►f thirty ^ment^s ;reed to marine n four le came ) desert mhark- Two cut the ropes as soon as the boat should touch the wa- ter. We succeeded finely, and shoved oif with- out being discovered. (We had about a mile and a half to row, and the only weapon of de- fence we had, was an old damaged pistol, that I had stolen, and which I afterwards found had no lock.) Unluckily, we made some noise in arranging our oars, which alarmed the other sen- tinels, who fired upon us, and this aroused the whole guard. By this time, we had four oars in operation, and the marine was steering. Before we had got one hundred yards from the vessel, the whole guard fired, and the balls sjtruck all about us in the water, and a number hit the boat : one ball entered my oar close to my hand — which I thought was quite near enough. The poor marine was shot dead, and fell upon the bottom of the boat. Another of my brave fel- lows was so badly wounded that he could not manage his oar. This for a while gave us a great deal of trouble, as it left us with two men on one side, and only one on the other — but we were soon relieved from this embarrassment by another being wounded, which left one on each side, and a steersman. We landed on the beach without further loss or damage. Neither Post nor myself had recei- ved any injury : We left the boat, the dead and the wounded, behind, and " took ourselves off." The two wounded sailors wished us success, on parting, and one of them,taking a two pound note from his pocket, said — "Take this, shipiuates, it will be of no use to me — my wound is mor- tal.'^ The ball had entered his breast, and as I have since heard,he died the next day. The other mmmm 104 BUNNELL'S was wounded in the leg, andliis fate is unknown to me. There arose a serious difficulty ; we had to pass through the town of Portsmouth, and go out at what is called the country gate — at which there always stands a sentinel, and no sailor is permitted to pass without a passport. As good luck would have it, a remedy for this evil was at hand. There were two farmers in sight, with long frocks on, and old slouch^/ hats and coarse tow trowsers — Come, Post, said I, an exchange is no robbery — let us try it. [We had on broad cloth round-a-bouts, vests and pantaloons.] We came up to the farmers, related our situation in a few words, and proposed an exchange of coats and hats; but they said they could not ex- change unless compelled to, for they should be liable to be taken up. Well, said I, if that's the case, we can soon " compnl" you, at the same time drawing the pistol from my bosom — strip said I, this moment, or I will blow you both to the devil. They did not long hesitate, and the ex- change was soon elfected, and we, dressed in farmers' apparel, set off as fast as possible. I had the two pound note and a few shillings be^ sides. Post had upwards of ten pounds, which he had been some time laying uafbrtlusi occa- sion. ■ ■■.:-'^?rtv ••■ ■ 3 ■•'' V ;.,.:. We did not stop in the town, but tr^l^elled on as fast as we could to the country gate. The sentinel supjio^in^ we were two farmers who had come in on ^ some business, took no notice of us. We travelled until about noon, and then stopped to take some refreshment. I lieard afterwards that the farmers were both taken up, "' ^ TRAVELS. 105 . and they told the officers — God bless them for it — that we had taken the road to Dover, in or- der to cross over to France. This put the blood hounds on a wrong scent — and to make the story short, we arrived in London safe, on the 23d of April, 1812. I did not visit any of my old acquaintances, but steered immediately for the London dock, — equipped in my farmer's dresFi. Here we found two American vessels — llie Hellen and Fredo- nia, both of New-York. Post got a passage in the Hellen, bound direct to New- York, and I agreed to work ray passage on 'Ijoard the Fre- donia, which was going to St. Ubes in Portugal, and from thence to New-York. We sailed, and in four days were clear of the white clifts of Al- bion — so much celebrated in r.onar and storv — and to me a happy sight to tee them behind me. Well done Bunnell, tbouglitl — a complete Yan- kee trick — to rob two farmers (Englishmen) with an old pistol without a lock — and defeat the argus eye of Admiral Sir Roger Curtis, and make my escape through the heart of their coun- try, — and get off clear from tlieir tyrannic sway, and taste once more the glorious sweets of free- dom. Our passage to St. Ubes was short and pleas- ant. At this place it was the captain's intention to take in a cargo of salt, andlliere being a ship in the harbor, which was to sail the next day for New-York, 1 took passage in her for home^ and arrived at New-Yprk safe, after a short and pleasant voyage. - ^ .? loe BUNNELL'S CHAPTER XII. ■^ ' ^■ The sight of Sandy Hook, after having been absent nearly seven years, brought a thousand pleasing reflections to my mind, and I was over- joyed to sec the steeples rising to my view. I arrived in New- York June 18, 1812 — the very day that war was declared with Great Brtian, and the President, Constellation and Congress, sailed on the same day on a cruise. — We landed along side the wharf about sunset. — The ne^t day 1 travelled New-York over, and went to the house of my old master, but could get no tidings of my mother, sister norany of my relations. , . At this time my country called for my assis- tance — and taking into consideration that if I fell, it would be honorable — and that I had no chil- dren to mourn my fate — and that revenge was sweet — and it would give me an opportunity of settling some small accounts with John BuUy which had been of long standing, and for which I had his wo/e, engraven on my hack — I joined the service, June 21, 1812, in the gun boats commanded by Commodore Chauncey — I was attached to gun boat 100, Captain Jenkins. The first employment of the seamen was to carry stone for the building of the telegraph at the narrows, and another on the highlands. — About the latter end of August, we were all mustered in the navy yard, and the question taken — " All you who will volunteer to go with Com. Chauncey to Lake Ontario, step o ut." — All stepped out but five, and they were compelled 2. Caledonia, « do. 3. Niagara, 20 do. 4. Somers, 2 do. 5. Sloop Trip, 1 do. 6. Scorpion, 2 do. 7. Tigress, 1 do. , , 8. Porcupine, 1. do. V K , ■ 1 9, Ariel, 3. do. .' ,■;•',■■' ■■■ ■ '■ ■'-, Total No. of guns, 53 BRITISH SQUADRON. to. Detroit, 19 do. ; '_ ■ ,<> .,, 11. Queen Charlotte, 19 do. .■■,.■-'-•■' '.' '. 12. Lady Provost^ 14 do. 13. Chippewa Schr. 1 do. & 2 swivels. 14. Brig Hunter, 12 do. 15. Sloop Little Belt, 1 do. & 3 swiveli*. Total, 66 5 There being only a light wind, we oeared tb« ■w ig in thft shot were »aded and idiness.— 7 |r man re- Silence — 1, ami the light, and lore down Hows : — swivels, swivelni. m \ ared ^« *\ if TBAVEL& 113 HV' rnemy very slowly, which gave us a little lime for rellection. Such a scene as this, creates in one's mind feelings not easily described. ' The word " siicMcc^^ was again given — we stood in awtul impatience — not a word was spoken — not a sound heard, except now and then an or- der to trim a sail, and the boatswain's shrill whis- tle. It seemed like the awful silence that pre- cedes an earthquake. Tiiis was a time to try the stoutest heart. My pulse beat quick — all nature .seemed wrapped in awful suspense — the dart of death hung as it were trembling by a single hair, and no one knew on whose head it would fall. At length there was a gun fired from the Detroit, and tlie action commenced. A gentle zephyr had wafted us near the enemy, and then died away — audit seemed asifo/. rial, having long guns, returned their fire •^vith '" considerable effect. Our vessel (the Lawrence) carried 20 guns- -ten on each side — eighteietuii^ thirty-two pound carronades, and two long,Y^. nines. My comrades fell on all sides of mc.-T^*.' One manj who stood next to me, was mdw? shockingly wounded — having both of his legs shot off, and a number of the spikes from the Itulirark dix)vo into his body. He was carried 8 i. * % ■k MMHtti 114 BUNNELL'S below, and survived until he heard victory pro- claimed — he then exclaimed, " I die in peace,'* ajpd immediately expired. The whole of the enemy's line kept up an in- cessant fire, and our impatience became almost insupportable, but our ever watchful Commodore knew what was best to be done, and ordered the long gun to be manned, and fired ; it was done in an instant, and the shot reached the enemy. — We kept up a fire with it for a few minutes, when an order from our commander put every man in motion — ''Standby" — a second inter- vened — "Fire." I do not think there was more than a second's variation in the whole broad side — every gun seemed to speak at pnce. I shall not attempt to give a perfect detail of every trivial transaction that took place after we began to fire ; that would be supererogation. I paid particular attention to the gun which I bad charge of, and loaded and fired as fast as possible, and at one time in a great hurry, shoved in a crowbar^ and I found after the ac- tion was over that it did its duty on board the Detroit, by cutting away three shrouds of her main rigging. :"^ At last my gun got so warm that it jumped entirely out of its carriage, which rendered it vseless. Five of my men out of eight were either killed or wounded. I went to the next gun aqd found there but one man left, but by the assistance of my three she was soon made to pjay again. I could now only hear an occasion- al gun fired from our vessel. I looked up to iieie if our flag was still flying, and with pleaaurt TRAVELS. 115 tory pro- peace," up an in- le almost nmodore [lered the s done in jnemy. — minutes, ut every nd inter- lere was le whole speak at detail of iace after erogatior. which I d as fast at hurry, r the ac- board the s of her [t jumped idered it jht were the next [ut by the made to )ccasioD- id up to pleaaurc beheld, partly obscured by smoke, the star spangled banner yet waving, and heard Perry exclaim, " Man the boat." I look ed along the deck, and such a sight at any other time would have made me shudder, but now in the height of action, I only thought to say to myself, " poor souls !" The deck was in a shocking predicament. Death had been very busy. It was one continued gore of blood and carnage — the dead and dying were strewed in every direction over it — for it was impossible to take the wounded below as fast as they fell. There were four embarked in the small boat with Perry, and six remained on board the Lawrence. These ten were all that remained unhurt out of upwards of one hundred. There was one brave fellow by the name of Bird, who was mortally wounded, but refused to leave the deck as long as he could be of the least service. On board the Niagara, to which vessel Perry went in the height of the battle, and through an incessant fire from the enemy, there was at this time but one killed and three wounded. Perry made the signal to close with the enemy — we made sail for that purpose, and were soon in close contact with the British, and the action was renewed with great vigor. The only words I recollect of hearing Perry say were — "Take good aim my boys, dont waste your shot." The smoke was so dense that it was impos- sible to see the enemy — but wc were so close * to them, that by firing on a level we could not miss — their vessel being so much higher out of water than ours. The Lawrence struck ber colors foi> a little time, and then hoisted tbeni US BUNNELL S %> I stooped down to get a shot, and accidentairj put my hand on a small brass swivel, (it was nine inches long and would carry about a two pound ball;) it struck me in an instant that it would be a handsome presant for "John BulF' — so I rammed it into my gun and let it go — it was found after the action on board the Detroit. [This circumstance gave rise to the following anecdote between Admiral Barclay- and Commo- dore Perry: — "My fleet" said Barclay, "is yours — 1 am forced to surrender, but it is no disgrace to me — I have not dishonored my flag — I am overpowered — but you have not acted up to the laws of nations — there uas a crowbar and small brass swivel fired firom your vessel on board of mine. Your men did not fight like merif but like ti^ers.'^^ " What can you expect," said Perry, "from a nation young in military tac- tics, — my men are all raw Yankees, and fire very carelessly — they do not care who they hit."] The action raged with great fury on both sides for some time, when Perry, finding that our am- munition began to grow short, resolved to make one finishing blow. He ran down with the inten- ,tion of boarding, but the Queen Charlotte had run afoul of the Detroit, which rendered her use- less, as she could not fire at us without killing their own men — while our shot took effect in both of them. Our flag was once shot away, which produced three cheers from the enemy — but they were sadly mistaken — it was soon hois- ted again. In short,, after a bloody and well contested conflict of three hours and forty eight minutes, the undaunted Union of Great Britain come ilown. ^- w^mm ^ TRAVELS. in (( i IS [During the action a shot struck a man in the head, who was standing close by me ; his brains flew so thick in my face, that I was for some time blinded, and for a few moments was at a loss to ascertain whether it was him or me that was killed. We had peas boiling for dinner — our place for cooking was on deck, and during the action a shot had penetrated the boiler, and the peas were rolling all over the deck, — we had several pigs loose on deck, and I actually saw one of them eating peas that liad both his hind legs shot off— and a little dog belonging to one of the oflicers, that was wounded, ran from one end of the vessel to the other, howling in the most dreadful manner. A hardy old tar who acted in the station of " Stopperftuin^''^ (when any of the rigging is partly shot away, they put a stop- per on the place, to prevent it from ^ ing away entirely,) discovering our main stay partly shot away, jumped and began to put a stopper on, and while in the act, another shot cut the stay away below him, which let him swing with great force against the mast — He very gravely observ- ed, — "Damn you, if you must have it, take it." — —A shot from the enemy struck one of our guns, within a quarter of an inch of the calibre ; little pieces of metal flew in every direction, and wounded almost every man at the piece. One man wan filled full of little pieces of cast iron, from his knees to his chin, some not bigger than the head oi' a pin, and shot; ho, lu uever recovered.] The •SI: up Little Belt attempted to make sail . and steoi' ibr Maiden — the Scorpion gave her chase, and iired a "/owg" toTtC^ at her: the first none larger than a buck nb BUNNELL'i I' U:, shot struck close to her stern — the next enter- ed her starboard quarter, and went out at her larboard bovr, and she surrendered. This made the victory comfileie. Not a soul ^s^caped. What a glorious day to my country — and how rejoiced was I to find the battle ended — ^victory our own, and myself safe, except a slight wound, and much deafened. I did not recover my pro- per hearing for a year afterwards. The British squadron surrendered to us in line, as follows :— Detroit, Queen Charlotte, Lady Provost, Hunter, Little Belf, Chippewa. We took as many prisoners as we had meii when we commenced the action. (Being in a private station, it was impossible for me to as- certaih the exact number of the killed and wounded.) The English Commander's ship Detroit looked like a slaughter-house. General Harrison, iVho was within hearing, with his army, said, ''For three hours it was nothing but one coBtinued roar of cannon." CHAPTER XIV. After the battle on Lake Erie, three others and myself were embarked on board the schooner Chippewa, with orders from Com. Perry to make the best of our way to Put-in-Bay. The prisoners had been previously sent on board the Niagara. We arrived at Put-in-Bay in the eyening ; the next day about ten o'clock, the whole squadron, with three prizes, came into the ■MHHIPIHH VttA^iBLS. 11^ harbor. They ^ere all in a shattered condition — the Lawrence in particular, could Scarcely float. The mastd of the British vessels ^ere so much shattered that they fell the first bree26. [As I am not writing a history of the War, I shall leave it to others to state what happened after the action, only as it regards myself.] I was ordered to remain on board the Chip- pewa, as second in command* She rah between Put-in-Bay and Detroit as a packftt. — We made several tnps — the last trip we made, we had on board forty soldiers and their offi- cers. We proceeded to an island called the " Middle Sisters.*' I saw from the appearance of the weather, tliat we were going to have a S. W. gale, and requested the captain to remain for a while, but he refused, and we made sail and proceeded to the entrance of Maiden river, but the wind was so dead ahead, that we could not get into it, and we cartie to anchor about three miles to the northward. About daylight the next morning, there sprang up a severe gale, and every thing around seemed to bid us pre- pare for a shipwreck. We thought by running down to an island called " Point-au-Plait," we could there remain in safety — ^but on arriving, we found it impossible to run close enough to the island to enable us to get on shore, and our only alternative was to scud before the wind ae long as we could find sea room. It blew al- most a hurricane. I stood at the helm thirty hours-^when I had become so fatigued—- drench- ed with rain, and going without sleep — that I was compelled to give the helm to another, and take a little rest. 120 Bunnell's The violence of the waves had stove in our cabin windows, and we were obliged to stuff bed blankets in them to prevent the vessel Irom fill- ing. This was the third day of the gale, and I knew by the distance we had sailed, that wc must be near the lower end of the lake. There was not a person on board that knew how to take the vessel over the rapids ; consequently wc concluded to come to anchor near the mouth of Buffalo creek, and remain until the next morn- ing, and then get a pilot from the shore. Wc had only a small key anchor, weighing about 200 lbs. The gale had considerably abated, and ^o long as it should remain so, this anchor would be sufficient ; and should it commence blowing with greater violence, before morning, we resolved to let her drag it until she should get below the reef, into the eddy, and then to land on Buffalo beach, which would be the means of saving all our lives, if not the vessel. About twelve o'clock at nighl, the gale was renewed with greater violence than ever — the anchor, as we expected, did not hold ten min- utes. As soon as the vessel began to drift, the Captain (who, by the bye, was more of an offi- cer tlian a sailor,)was alarmed, and ordered the cable and mainmast to be cut. The latter would have endangered the lives of half on board, and the former would have run the vessel on Buffa- lo reef, where the sea was breaking higher than our mast-heads, and there would not have been, probably, a single soul saved. In a moment I discovered our danger, and ex- postulated with the Captain ; but it was in vain. f TBAVBLfl. 121 I knew my life, as well as those of all on board, was in iminent danger ; and I saw no other al- ternative than to take the command myself. I represented our situation to the officers on board, who sanctioned my determination. 1 took a pis- tol in my hand, (which by the way was not load- ed,) and threatened to shoot tlie first man who should disobey my orders. Wait, said I, a few moments, and you shall all get on shore without wetting your feet. '• 1 shall report you for a mutineer,"threatened the Captain. I cannot help it, I replied ; my life irs dear to me, and I wish to preserve the lives of others on board. — There was a paymaster on board who did not put confidence enough in me to pay atten- tion to what I told him, and when the vessel be- gan to strike heavy, was so much frightened that he jumped overboard — we never saw him again — he was the only person that was either lost or hurt. In a few minutes, the vessel was drove upon the beach, about a quarter of a mile below Buffalo creek, and we all landed safe on shore, and the next morning I went to Buffalo, where I remained until Com. Perry and Admi- ral Barclay came down from Eric. At this place they partook of a public dinner, and I managed a field piece, and fired for the toasts. This was the last time I ever saw Cora. Perry ; he told me that in him I should always find a friend. I was soon afterwards sent on board the schooner Porcupine, which was or- dered to Presqueisle, where we remained du- ring the winter. The most of our crew re-en- tered for two years — took their advance pay,and spent it like jovial souls. This winter I was '■Vf*-: £ "WPI^WPW m BOimBLL'S :^.,,^ 124 bunngllV after a ehort but bloody conflict, in which Capt. Champlain was badly wounded, and out of twen- ty men, nine were cither killed or wounded. We were taken to Michilliniackinac, and con- fined in the fort. [We here learnt the fate of ponie of those who fell into the hands of tlu; In- dians at the time we attacked this place. They pcalped six who had fallen mortally wounded, and inhumanly butchered a surgeon who had been left on the lield as dead ; lhe;y took him, while the vital spark was yet visible, cut ort" both his hands, fastened them on slicks, and stuck *hem up at each end of the grave of an Indian chief who had been killed during the engage- ment.] M'y old Irish wife, at this time, I found to be of great service to me. The commander of the garrison was an Irishman, and had been acquaint- ed with her connexions in Ireland. Through their intimacy, I received many favors, and a great deal of indulgence. We remained at Michillimackinac ashort time, and were then embarked on board the Scorpi- on and sent across lake Huron, and fi'om thence to lake 8imcoe, which we crossed. This brought us within about a hundred miles of Lit- tle York, which distance we were compelled to travel. I entered little York tl's time with far different feelings from what f did two years pre- vious — then I marched in virlorious to the tune of Yankee Doodle, but now I was a prisoner of war. At Little York our company was augmented by several men who had been taken in differ- €Qt engagements. We started for Kingston by VRATELS. 121^ land. They chose not to send us by water, they said, for fear of our Yankee tricks. There were sixty of us. We were guarded by Indians and soldiers, who were relieved every two hours. We travelled on until vvc came to Ly- on's tavern, 90 miles Irom Little York, where there was an officer at sick quarters, and he of- fered uiy w;//c' great wages if slie w^ould stay and take care of him. I persuaded her to stop, and she, being almost worn out, after considerable hesitation, consented — and I inwardly rejoiced. The olificcr gave me ten dollars, and 1 bid fare- well to " Poor Pollj^' and 1 have never seen her fcince. The next morning we proceeded on our jour- ney, and soon came to the lake shore. The sight of lake Ontario brought to my mind the value of liberty, and from tliat time my whole study was how to gain it. I thought if I could get a few good trusty companions and a boat, wo might easily evade the vigilance of our guard and cross the lake. I soon got five to join me. We travelled several days, until we came near Forty Mile Point — forty miles from Kingston. Here the lake was not very wide, and we resol- ved to put our plan into execution the first op- portunity. One day, about three o'clock, we saw two ca- noes on the beach. We stopped about two miles from this place to remain during the night — we were all put in a barn. As soon as every thing was quiet, we pushed off a board from the back side of the barn— crept slily out, and pro- ceeded to the guard house — the guard were all asleep— we entered — equipped ourselres with, i na BUNNELL'S light arms, and started for the place where we had seen the canoes, where we arrived about sunrise; hut to our great mortification, the ca- noes were gone ! What was now to be done, we did not know ; but after a short deliberation, we came to the conclusion that it was best for one of us to go to a house near by and purchase some provisions, and then task our wits for a plan to effect our escape. I was selected to go for the provisions. I found no one at the house except an elderly lady and a young girl. I asked them if they would sell me a little pork and bread ? The old lady, after eying me for a while, with a very stern countenance, replied — '' No — you get no bread nor ment here — get out of the house in an instant, or we will put you out ; you are one of those Yankees that went past here the other day, and you have deserted from your guard."' — Dont be quite so fast, old lady, I replied. I wan- ted your provisions, and was willing to pay you your price for tbem ; but since you are so unac- commodating and abusive, I will have some if there are any in your house, and damn the cent will you get for them ! I drew a pistol from my bosom, and ordered them to produce me something to eat, in an instant. The old hdy screamed, and the girl begged that I would spare her life. Do not be alarmed, said I, for your lives — '1 do not fight with women — but necessity, and your rude behavior, compel me to use rough means. " For God's sake,'' said the old lady, " dont murder us, and you shall have any thing there is in the house." You are unacquainted, mj good lady, said f, with the character of an A- TBAVBL4. 127 (lerc wc d about , the ca- tknow ; to the to go to )visionfi, feet our )visions. elderly if thev ? The h a very get no lOuse in are one he other lard."' — I wan- pay you so unac- some if he cent )1 from uce me d lidy d spare or your cessity, ?e rough d lady, thing iiainted, >f an A- merican seaman. I am sorr^ I have been so impolite. If you can let me have some provis- ions, without distressing your family, you will much oblige me, but if not, I shall take my leave. " I believe," said the old^lady, "I have a wrong idea about the Americans — I am right from England, and have been taught to consider them as an inhuman and rebellious set of savages — but, although you have frightened me almoet out of my senses, I must confess,that I see nothing very aavage in your appearance. Are you a- lone?" No madam, I have some companionsjon the Lake shore, and wish to purchase a canoe to cross the Lake in, for which I will pay almost any price. *' My husband," said she, '' has gone up the Lake, to a small island, on which we keep our hogs — he will return about sun down, and perhaps he will sell you one." She went into an adjoining room, and in a few moments, re- turned vvitli about ten pounds of pork and a lai^e loaf of bread — tor which I gave her two dollars. I returned to my ship-mates, related to them my rencounter with the ladies, and we had a hearty laugh over a dinner of raw pork and bread — which a good appetite rendered very de- licious and palatable. We waited very impatiently for the return of the old gentleman with his canoes. It was our intention, if we could not purchase one, to get it some other way, but our plan was entirely frustrated. On the return of the owner, wo found he had six men with him well armed. "We however proceeded to the house for the purpose of purchasing one of the canoes. I ■'Wk'n'Mr^ 1S8 DUKNELL « knocked, and the old man came to the door. I asked l)im if he would sell one of his boats. He »aid he could not, for it would subject him to a fine and imprisonment as a traitor. He wished us well, and said he was no enemy to the Ame- rican i^overnment. He i^'-avi* us each a drink of whiskey, and we parted in friendship ; but had not his force been rather too lari^e, we should not have come to so amicable an arrang^ement. We travelled on about one mile, and took lodgings in the woods. I never slept sounder in my life than I did this night, with a stone for a nillow, and the heavens for a coverina:. In the morning, we proceeded along the lake shore, about eight miles, when our forebodings were for ii moment dispelled by the discovery of a small skiiV lying on the beach. On examining it, however, we found it would carry only three of us. We drew cuts to determine which three should remain and trust to fortune for another chance. I was one of tlie unfortunate three whose lot it was to remain. We divided our provisions with tliose who were to sail — assist- ed them to launch theii* skiff— wished them a pleasant voyage — and they pulled for the oppo- site shore. My two companions and myself travelled along the beach about two miles, when we found ano- ther skiff, large enough to carry us all ; but we dared not take it, for the house stood not more than 100 yards from the spot, and besides, there were two men chopping close by. We conclu- ded to secrete ourselves until they were all snug in bed — then to take the boat and make off as fotft aa possible. TRAVELS. 129 Towards evening the two clioppers took tho boat and rowed it away ; but to our great joy, they soon returned. Tliey liauled their boat a little out of water, and It^ft. We waited with (he greatest impatience for sundown — at length the wished-for hour arrived — all was clear in the western horizon, winch foretold a pleasant day on the morrow. At about half past nine, every thing being still and quiet, Avith cautiou?< steps we approaciicd the boat, but found neither oar nor paddle. We went up to the house to stnrch for them. I found tiie back door partly open. — > iv]i\ my two companions to stand by it while \ ere \ and if I met with any difiiculty to coine to my assistance. I groped about for some time without meeting any one — at length I came to the cupboard, where I dabbed my hands into sevtTal pans of milk — then thrust them into a bowl of butter, which I carried to my companions, and then returned in search of something else. I found a large loaf of bread, a piece of pork and some cabbage, all of which came very apprnposf^ as we had eaten nothing but raw mi a' for the last three days. I stroll- ed about i'i ''c dark until I came to a door. I pushed 1, 1^ ''X opened into a room where there sat an. m -v. i t^mnll table, reading. He turned round, and o'i may judge f his surprise at see- ing u visitor . i (liat time of night. I did not give him much time for reflection, before I presented him my pistol, and in a low tone of voice, po- litely informed him that if he spoke a word a- bovc his breath, he was a dead man. I am no highwny-man, said I, nor midnight assassin, but 00 />n* ?rican seaman — and I wish you to in- 1 1 ■"mmi*''-'! ISO BUNNELL'S form me as expeditiously as possible, where I can find the oars belonging to the boat lying on the beach; you have no occasion to make arep!y — ^proceed towards them, and I will follow you ; but remember the injunction of silence, and that you must walk sofl^y ; the folks are asleep, and I do not wish to disturb them. He obeyed with as much correctness as if he had been brought up to it from infancy, and 1 was almost led to believe that he was actually dumb. He stepped ir^to an adjoining room and got me two oars and " Mle. Now, my friend, said I, I am under tii sagreeable necessity of ma- king a prisoner ot you until I am fairly afloat, and Jhen you can have your liberty again. We proceeded to the skiff, and he helped get it a- noat — we jumped in and shoved off, and he went his way. i We were so much elated with the success of this enterprise, that we gave three cheers. — We heard some one on shore call out, " bring back that skiff" — but said I, you are too late. We arrived at Forty Mile Point just before day light — we landed, and slept until day-break, and then proceeded on our voyage. This morning appeared the most beautiful of any I ever saw — the sun rose in all his splen- dor — all was calm, and every thing seemed to favor us. By night, we expected to arrive at Sackett's Harbor, and once more taste the sweets of liberty. We pulled out with* the intention of going down the laLe until it became narrower, and then strike across, but we had not been out more ^^mmmmm^ ^ TRAVELS. 131 than one hour, wlien there sprang up a strong breeze " right in our teeth." In a few moments, we saw three sail of ves- sel ; we could not tell whether they were En- glish or our own ; if the latter, all was well, but if the former, we knew our case was a dangerous one. The waves began to roll very high, and our boat being small, i^he liad taken a great deal of water, and it was almost impossible to keep her afloat. The wind increased every moment, and to proceed was no longer practicable, and we, though very reluctanlly, bore away for the Canada shore. We landed, after a great deal o< trouble, about two miles from where we start- ed in the morning. We thought to remain here until the gale was over, and then try il again. — We went to a rise of ground not far distant, to ascertain what vessels those were we had pre- viously seen, and while sliling there, contempla- ting the scene before us, we were all at once surrounded by eight armed men — they told us to consider ourselves prisoners — and deliver up our arms. Our hopes of further happiness were now in an instant all blasted. We were escorted to Kingston, where we found the rest of our company ; they had been taken three days before by the same gang. We six were arraign- ed before tl:e great General Provost, to receive our sentence. The llrst words he said were — " You are a fine set of dam'd rascals, to run away from the guard— rob the inhabitants, and endeavor to gel ; n board some dam'd Yankee frigate — what have you to say for yourselves?" 9* 152 BUNNELL^ The rest did not appear inclined to make any reply, and I ans\veie«l as follows : — Sir, said I, I considered it a duly I owed my country, td elude your vigilance and get back to it if possible ; and as to robbcM-y, you accuse us wrongfully — weoliured ihj inhabitants money for all we toolc. " VVcll," said he, "if I let you go unpunished, will you attempt the like again.''' I certainly shall, said I, if an opportunity presents. ** A d d brave fellow,'' said he, •■' but we shall watcli you for the future, und if you get an ' op- poitunity' you may go." An ollicer took my name, and then dismis- sed us. Tlie next day we were to be sent down the river St. Lawrence. In the morning, an oflicer came and told me to remain until the last. After the rest had all embarked in their re- epective boats, be put a pair of hand-cuflfs on nie, and then told me to " run away if I could.'* This I thought mean spite. Tlie next day, how- ever, I got ihem otl'and threw tliem overboard, but tlicy soon tound another pair, and I was kept in irons until 1 arrived at Montreal. We proceeded to Quebec, where we remained about three weeks. We were then embarked on board a small transport brig, and sent to the mouth of the river, where a frigate waited to convoy twelve sail to England. I was determined to make another trial for liberty. My plan was to take the brig, and bring her to anclior in the river — wait until the fleet had sailed, and then make our escape. — This could be very easily done, for there were TRAVELS. 133 thirty-two prisoners:, and only eight hclonged on board the brig — inchjding captain and nrate. I cominunicalcd this plan to my cojirades, and Ihey all agrred lo it. There being no one tliat understood navii;alion but invself. I was chosen captain. We waited with patience until night — all were below except myself and one other, and he was intoxicated. Notwillislanding my cautioning bim, Crom tune to lime, he continu- ally kept asking me what course 1 intended to steer when we were out of tjie river. He was overheard by tlie crew of the brig — they imme- diately informed tlic captain oi" our j)lan, and the first I knew, he, together with his whole crew, were well armed, and we were forced below, and the hatches secured. The captain hoisted his flag, u!iion down, as a signal of distress, and fired minulccuns until we arrived at the fleet. Thus was our plan defeated by the fooli^i^iness of a debauchee. Wo were put on board an Eng- lish ship, and sliortly after^vards sailed under convoy for England. After a passage of forty- four days, Ave anivcd at Spitbead, and were sent on board the prison ship. The next day, while walking the deck, I discovered a little boy at play, about six years old. I took him in my arms, and asked him his name. "David Bunnell,'' said he. My blood chilled at this an- swer. Where is your father? inquired I. "He is a great nay oflf in America — I dont know but ho is dead." Where is your mother'? "She is just out there." Come with me, my boy, said I, I wish to see her. He took me by the hand and led me to where she was, and behold, I re- cognised my old friend — the London laad- r< ...y 134 DUNNELL8 lady's daughter. On beholding me, she exclai- med — " In the name of heaven, David, is that you?" Then turning to her child, she said — ** My dear hoy, this is your father." I learn- ed form her that slie ha«l been married about eigliteen months lo a quarter mai^tcr. One day, while I was sitting in the quarter master's berth, tlierc came in a boy and inform- ed him that Lieutenant Diggins wished to see him. After he had gone, I inquired of his wife what Diggins it was. She told me that he had just arrived from the West Indies with his wife, and had been attaclied to this ship. He was the husband of Eliza Berton ! I wrote a note to his w,ife, and a few days afterwards, he being absent, she sent for me to come and see her. — I went, and had a long chat with her about old times. I returned to my apartment, and the next day, we were put on board the ship Argo, for the purpose of being sent to Plymouth, and from thence to Darniooor Prison. There vvere one hundred and ten of us — principally sailors. We sailed from Plymouth, December 23, 1814. One night we got into a higli spreey and resolved to keep it up until day light. At ten o'clock we were ord(Ted to put out our lights— we refused. The sentinel was then commanded to enforce the order. He attempt- ed it, and one of the prisoners gave him a blow under the ear, which brought him to the deck, but he soon recovered, and gave the alarm that the prisoners were in a state of munity, and in a few minutes the whole guard was in readiness, with orders to put us all in the lower hold — They came below and worked until daylight. V \. m-' M TRAVELS. 135 being and did not get more than two thirds of us down, and those like to have blown up the ship. We dug through Ihe ballast, and tore down the bulk head, which admitted us into their store room, where we found two or three tierces of old ci- der in bottles. We broke the necks off, drank the cider, and threw the bottles among the wa- ter casks. We also found a large box of silver plate. . ^« At daylight, two of the prisoners had pene- trated to the magazine, and in one hour more they would have blown up the ship. We were at last all compelled to go on the quarter deck, and officers were sent below to ascertain the damage we had done. This box of plate be- longed to an Admiral who had died in the West Indies, and it was under the captain's charge to deliver to his family, and as soon as it was re- ported to him that considerable of it was mis- sing, he ordered us all to be searched. There was a black man who had his legs com- pletely covered with silver spoons, lashed on with rope yarns. Two, notwithstanding the strict search, got off with their prize. One had a silver tea pot tiatted, and bound under his arm, with a rope yarn. Another had a dirk about eight inches long — the blade was of the most beautiful polis^hed steel, and the handle and scabbard were of burnished gold — it could not have been worth less than seventy or eighty dollars — he afterwards sold it for twenty. We arrived at Plymouth about eight oVlock in the morning, and by ten were on our march for Dartmoor prison about fifteen miles dis- tant. I could not , but laugh while passing \ 136 fiVNNELL^S Ihrough the town of Plymoulh — the doors anJ windows of every house were fiillcd with anx- ious eyes to see the Yankees. There stood in one door a lady and three or four chihlren, and I heard one of tliem make the following innocent remark : — " Why ma, tliey talk just as we do — I can understand evevy thing tliey say." We proceeded to tlic ^' half wny house," where there is a small village, and slopped to take a little rest. Having a shilling in my pock- et, I requested the captain to allow nie to go into the tavern and get a drink of hcer — he consented, but sent a soldier with me. I called for tw o pots of beer. The landlord looked at mc very sharp for a few moments, and tiicn asked me if I would* not like something to eat. I told him I should, but that I had no more money than would pay for our beer. " Nevqr mind," said he, *^ step into the other room"— w-e obeyed, and in a few minutes he came in with bread, cheese, ham, brandy, beer, ^c. which he sat on the table, and told us to partake in welcome. — He left the room, and j)reity soon can»e back, bringing his wife and two hllle cliildren. "There," said he to his wife, ''is the man who eaved my life in, the West Indies" — Then ad- dressing himself to me, said — " Do you not know me ? I am the man, had it not been for your bounty and goodness, who would have perished on the Island of St. Martins. I have since been fortunate, and now own this tavern, and am doing very well. I shall never forget your goodness (o me," continued he, " and while you are in prison, if 1 can assist you by sending you pro- visions, or in any other way, just send to me, ^: TRAVELS. 137 and and it shall be done.'' By the time I had re* hearsed to him my misfortunes at 8t. Martins, we were summoned to maicli. He gave me a two pound note, and \vc shook hands and par- ted. About sun down we arrived at tlie prison. — As we entered, each received a small cattail matrass, a hammoclc, and two small blanktits. — W^e were conducted to prison No. 7. Tiiera are throe yards whicli contain seven prisons. — No. 1, 2, & 3, in the iirst ; No. 4 by itsell— which is wholly occupied by th^ blacks; and No 5, 6, and 7, in the third. Our allowance of pro- visions was barely enough to keep us alive. — There were a rmn)b(r of occupations in which a man might cain from three to six cents a day, and tliis, added to oip' regular rations, made us very comfortable. There wfire schools from A. B. C. to the arts and sciences. Boxing, Dancing and* music, were tauglit in different places. Drawing, Sculpture, and Ship building, were also taught. There were, at the time I was there, six thousand seven hundred and twenty-two pris- oners — A great number of them died however, with a disease similar to the small Pox. Their suffering was most violent, and when dead they would be one complete ulcerated sore, from head to foot. Tliere was a hospital attached to the prison, which was attended by a very hu- mane surgeon. The prisoners almost worship- ped him. Each prison was a separate govq^n- ment — had its code of laws, and was gove^led by a committee, with a President at its head. We had our lawyers and constables, and every %- u* 18 BUNNELL'S one of (he committee aotcd in the capacity of a j'intice of the peace, and was nutliorized to take cognizance of complaints, and if tlic crime was Tjrorthy of a trial, it was reported to the whole, who 99.i as judges. If any one was proved guilty of stealing, swindling, cheating or defrauding his fellow by selling his goods too dear, he was flog- ged. There was a regular profit allowed on every thing that was sold, and if any one was found to deviate from it, his goods were confiscated. We were allowed six shillings and eight pence per month, by government, which was paid by an agent, who supplied us with necessary cloth- ing, flis name was Beesley, and resided in Lon- don, lie neglected his duty and appropriated a great part of the prisoner's money to his own use, for which we tried him in efligy. The trial lasted five days. The jury found him guilty, and he was condemned to be hung, and body burned. This sentence was put in execution with great formality. He was followed to the place of execution by all the prisonei's, with forty instruments of music, playing the death march. One man in the garb of a mininter,i made his dying speech and confession. He ad- vised consuls and agents for government, to pro- fit by his untimely fate, and never to betray the trust imposed in them. The drop fell, and we let the effigy hang about fifteen minutes, then took it down and put it on a pile of faggots and set fire (o them. The English officers and soldiers witnessed the whole transaction. I have heard a great many erroneous accounts given of the affair which took place in the prison TRAVELS. 159 flog- on the sixth of April, 1815, and being an eye witness, I will give a detail of the whole. ' We I'requcntly used to play a ganje of ball, and our ball would occcasionlly bo knocked over the wa',1, and the sentinel would throw it back; but this day there was a surly fellow on post, and li'2 refused to do it, and we resolved to have it. iSoine with old spikes, and others with knives, commenced digging a hole through the wall. — The first that caused the sentinel to mistrust any thingy was the appearance of two or three of the prisoners near by him, looking for the ball. The moment he saw them, he dropped his mus- ket, and ran and gave the alarm that the pris- oners were breaking out. Capt. Shortland, on receiving this intelligence, ordered his troops to fire at us. The prison Avails were so situated 'latthey could fire from every point of compass once. Tfic prisoners were standing close to- gether in each yard. They fired several vol- leys, and we rushed for our prisons, and be- ing in sucli a crowd, had they fired low, they would have killed a great number, but the sol- diers, being more humane than their tyrarnical commander, fired high for the express purpose of missing us. There was an inquiry inr.de into the affair, and the captain was severely repri- manded, but this did not bring the dead to life, nor provide for the support of their wives and children. I was imprisoned December 25, 1814, ann wc received the news of peace, January 1, 1815. — The next morning at sunrise, the American flag was hoisted on every prison, where they re- mained until sundown. 140 UVNNRI.l/d I ':. .: The first llwit \v<'it inipilsoiud woro tlic first to be icIpusi (I. Tlu y ('(Mumcnccd lihcraliiig the jM'isoncrs* in Mnrch, Iml I bciitu; nearly \\\v, Inst iniprisoncd, did lol ud onl untd ilw Ihird ol" July. linnu'diiiUdy alU r my rcli.'SiHc, I ^^lt\rt^.'d lor Plyinoiilli, nnd callt d on my old iViciid, but cotdd no! slay lonjx, lor \vc were as slriftly |;"uar- dod on our vrlurji from tlir prison as \\r were wIhmi wc wcnl. About sundown, July \, wo rinbarkrd on board liu^ \4\\\) Lord I'orbrs, and Hailed b)r \\\() I'. S. \ bade adieu lo !-n'.!;land thistinu^ uilii as niucb joy as I did wben I ran- HWay Irtuu ibcri^ in IHI*. We univcd in l>oslo!» on the '2Hlb day of July, 1815, ^uid IIk' ncxl morniuL!; were all landed. — I took a boardinu: boiisc and resolved to ei\)oy mysidl". I jjurchased some '*■ nj;w clolbesj "and "iiKcd n>}seirout in slyle.'' I ba(i been on sbon^ bul a few days, wlien I became warndy aKaclu'd lo a very res|ieclablc you?ii»- lady, ami i;'ot ber eojisenl lo marry nm ; but \V(^ pul oir oui' nuplials until 1 eould visit inv motner, wbo I I;ad learned livc.'d in tlic wes- tern ])arl oi' N(>\v-Vorl;. Aceordim-ly. aCierliav- inuf received my \vai;('s and pri/e money, wliieb amounted to a vei-y roiiilorhililc sum, I took a paeket, I'or Nevv-Vot'k. 'I'be second day cl'ler wc haib^d wc \\\v\ with a sevj're. aeeidenl. Our vessel bad considerable lo ulina; on deck wbich Piad(^ ber ratbc" lop beavy. There was •.( schoo- ner sailinu; in company with us, and the, cap- tains were in a strife to see wdiicb could out sail. I saw a beavy sqtndl risin;:; to the wind- ward, and told the captain that he had betl(;r bo outsailed than to run the risk of being capsized. TRAVELS. 141 " I am mnslcr of my own vcphcI," said lie, "and know wluit is host to be done." All I coidd Ray proved iticllbctual. lie; " carrKMl nad," ami Hwore llic other vessel shoidd not heat liim. — Tin; H(iuall stnicic us willi ,u;r(;it, Ibirc, and I ran to cut ilic fore slicct, wliii-li would ha v; let t ho fore- wail dy, aiul prohal»ly huvo hccn th(^ui(;!inM ofnav- injjj the v('ss<;i, hut I was too laic — mIiu capsized in a nionuril, and her c:iri!;') hcinic iiiuc, plaster of l*aris, isLc. sIk; sard; like a stone. Tlie other vcss* 1 was not to »;x('ecd half a inih; distant, and sh<; soon came to our relief. While irj th(^ water I stripped oil all my clothes, to enable lue to swim, (\iid was pivlccd up rjaked after bav- itiij; aluKJst despaired of Ide. The captain wa« ih.e. only person di owned. I liad now lost all that I was worth in the world, and rcsolvi^d not to visit my mother untd I (•ouhl i^o with money in my po(.'.lv(;ls. The vessel that picked uh up was hoimd to New-York. VV(! soon met oiu; bouiwl to lioston, and I recjuestcd to be put on board of her. My re(pu'st was complied with, and I arrived in Ijosfon after an absence of four dayy. I visiled her to wboni I was betrotlied, and lindin^' her alfections unchanii^ed, thouf^h fortune had stripped me of every thini^, 1 mar- ried hr r without hesitation. A few weeks aftcM* this, I phipped on board the ('anton, and sailed for Cdiina. Nothing ex- traordinary happened Trous at all time?^. We ran down along the shore, and fired se- veral pUis, and on the N. W. side of the island, the only place that it is ])ossible to land, \vc found four men wlio had been left there for the purpose of sealinu:, by tlie ship Ilcst'.u' of Bos- ton. .They had provisions atul ainnumilion left them sullicient Ibr three months, durinj;" vvbicb time the ship was to return for them. They bad been there nine months, and had seen no vessel except the sloop before mentioned. They liad subsisted for the last six montbs on iifoats, seals' livers, birds, ega:s, &e. They were clothed in seal skins — and bud a lariije quantity of them dried, which our purser i)urehascd. — Some of them, after pickimv the hair out, bad the most bcautitul fur on 1 ever saw. Water v.as pleanty and fell from the rocks in beautiful murmuring cascades — proceeding i*rom a small lake on the very top of the rocks, the source of wbicb was supposed to be boiling springs. — Rats of a very large size wore tbere in great abundance, and these men told us that Ibey had, when scarce of goat meat, frequently eaten them. We took the four men on board and procee- ded to the island of Juan Fernandas, the place rtif MiiiMiiiii TRAVEt.(l. 161 ♦hat c;avo rise to (he cclobratcd romance of Rob- inson Crusoe ; hut it has hut little of the ap- pfarancc of the place dcscrihed by De Foe — • ihoupfh I suppose, lie formed an island in his own iuraj^irr.ttion, to cheat poor Alexander Sel- kirk out of his title to the emolument arising from liis sutVerini2;s on this island. There is nolhini^ that man or hcast needs Ibi support, but what grows on this island s|)onlaneously ex,- eept wheat. l\)laloes, turnips, cabbage, &c. prow in ij^rcat abundance. Wild horscip, cattle, i^oatp, hoi:;s, ikii. were very plenty. AVild fouls were very lunnerous, and of almost every des- cription, and being seldom disturbed by man, are easily caught. Fish of almost every kind are also in threat abundance. I havi* caught c- nough in ojie liour, with a hook and piece of red llaniul, ft>r ten men's breaklasts. We re- mained here some days, and then sailed for Valparaiso, and trom thence to Cotjuimbo. As nothinp: remarkable happened while I was in this ship. I shjill not detail our sailings and arri- vals at all the ditVcrenl places; but suflice it to say, we touched at almost every port, from Con- ception on the coast of Chili, lat. 37, 8. to St. Bias, hit. 21, N. — including Chili, Peru, Mex- ico, and the port of California. At Arica, in Peru, lat. 18, S. it is never known to rain, yet li»e heavy dews at night make vegetation pro- lific. VVc could get a bushel of potatoes for eight cents ; grapes and fruit of every description were also very cheap. We sailed from here to the port of Panama, at the isthmus of Darien, and from thence to tlie island of Puna. Oys- twrs are taken here in great abundance^ and 162 BONNELL'0 what i^ very singular, tlierc are none on any oth- er pari of the coast. Tiic inliabitants sell beef by tlic yard — it is taken iVom the boney, and cut up in titrips of about two inches in size, and measured by a yard stick. They a;;!k one cent a yard — which would weigli not far from one pound. Wood in a number of places on tbi^? corst, is sold by the pound, and I have seen them as particular in making weight, as they are in this country of lea or wugar. Aligatori arc vrry numerous and have been known to carry off hogs and even calves, and at one time there was a black man taken by one, and before there could be any assistance rendered him he was devoured. I have seen them so old, and their scales so hard, us to be impenelrable to a musket ball. Their boats here are made of two catllc-hidcs eewed together so tliat they are water light, then blown up, by means of a hose made of thin leather, with a tube in one end ; and the otiier end is secured wind tight to one of the liides — the forward parts <'ome close loget!:cr, and the other witliin about three feel. They are f-ecu- redin this manner by a stick lashed with leather or rawhide strong across tlie two hides. Near the fore part there is a board for a person to sil on. They are capable of carrying several per- sons, but there is seldom more than one rides on them at once. They are propelled by a two- bladed paddle, which the man takes in the cen- tre, and paddles alternately from one side of th« boat to the other. I had been on board the Constellation four- teen months, when she was relieved from tht im H§ TftATBLS. wa station by the arrival of the U. S. seventy-four, Frankhn, bearing the broad pendant of Com, Stuart, accompanied by tlie schooner Dolphin, commanded bv David Conner. A man on board the Franklin told me that mv wife died three months after I left IJwSton. in tlie Macedonian ; but he could give me no in- telligence of my child. C)w the receipt of this flad newK. I aajain resolved not to visit the lini- ted {States, and volunteered to remain in the Dolphin. The Constellation soon after ?>ailed for the U.ntcd States, and we steered for the port of Callao, and from thence to Guancliaco, the seaport of Truxillo. This place became cele- brated in the former revolutiotis of this country for dreadful scenes of Massacre and desolation. Let a person perusse the history of tJiis country, and then convince himself by ocular demonstra- tion of ii. ; beauty of the climate and soil, of that, Ai'hich iS so fertile and ricli, under one univer- pal Sjjrinir nnd Summer, and lie may well nay how nnu:rateful is man to treat with contempt this garden, on which it would appear that na- ture had exhausted all her ttores of 'weabh to cultivate and envicii with every blessing. There seems to be nothing that does not prow there al- most sj)onlaneou>ly. The inhabitants have money so plenty that they will not work, and live in voluptuous idleness. But the very gold and silver they pride themselves so much on, it their ruin. It attracts u great many adventur- ers, and there is no knowing how many millions of those deluded mortals have been massacred for their gold and silver. This country has been, ever since it wa« f > 154 nUNNFXI. s Grst settled by llie Spaniards, in tlic fourtccntb century, one continual scat of war and desola- tion. War has succeeded war. and the country has become nearly drained ot" its ancient store of riches, and has dwindled away to nothinor, compared to what it was two hundred years aajo, when inhabited by the native Peruvians. IJut their race is now almost extinct — not a vestijj^e is remaining of their ancient riches, and i»:old«n splendor, and hundreds who have been the cause of their ruin, have sunk to oblivion un- pittied and unbcfricnded. Tlic few who still remain, wear lari>c f:;oldcn Oinaments in their ears and around their nctdcs, when in other re- spect? they are nearly naked. The women arc generally short, thick set, and j tosses-^ but little personal beauty, but they far excel the Span- ish ladies in chastity, and virtuous accomplish- nients. Manv of them hnvt.' cnd)raced the Ro- ft' man Catholic relij;'ion, but the a;reaterpart liavf no idea of any other God than the Sun — the Moon his Queen, and the Stars their children. These they strictly worship. Tiiey were, when first discovered, the most cnlisriitened and vir- tuous race of all the heathen nations. The Patriots had taken both liima and Cal- lao, but the Rovalists were in the vicinitv, and thev did not know how soon tiiey would be at- tacked. Contributions were levied upon the in- habitants, which kept them poor and in constant alarm. The merchant ship Gen. Brown, of New- V'ork, arrived there with a carico of flour, whilo the place was in a state of hlockade, which wa« iold for fifty dollars per barrel. She soon after sailed with the Vice King to Iliojaneiro, TUATEL8. 155 I saw in one Fort in Callao, men, xvomen and rhihlren, wlio had perisihed for the necessaries of life, lay in promiscuous heaps — and were not huried while 1 remained there, and even where our vessel lay, the stench, when the wind was ulf the sliore, was aimosi intolerable, so much so, that we were ohlijjcd to move the vessel far- ther off. I irot permission to ^o to Tjima a few days, and during my slay there, the Spaniards took the place, i was about a mih^ out of town at an English n^i]Uvri^a,llt's. ( The i^paniards gave out an order to press all EncjVish mechan- ics in the place, to 52;o to the mine of Seripas- ca to^^repair (wo steam cni;infjs that were used to clear the niineoi' water.) Tiiey came to the house after the old milhvrii.;hl, and compelled me to go li ice wise. We were provided with nmles, and travelled under an escort of forty soldiers. On t!ir ^^econd day of oer journey we arrived on the extensive ])lains of ISeripasca, situated at the foot of one of the hills that bor- der on the base of the Andes. The m'.nc was in the interior overHowed, and two engines when in repair would raise four tons of water in a minute, and it would require twelve days ope- ration to clear it. It took one month to repair the engines, during which time, I became quite a mechanic, and could handle the tools with considerable eflect. I arrived there in April, and on the 4th of July 1 resolved to cch;brate the independence of my country. I asked the overfaccr for a little'money, Jind he refused ; I tlien told him I would work no longer, but I was soon convineed that it would have been 156 nONNRU/C better for me, had 1 kept this to myfjclf. 1 was fsurroundtui by soldiers and beaten most uniner- ciCully with sticks, and on cominti; to my senses, I found mvselt" in a dark and loathsome dunujeon. where I remained a lonsj; while without beinj; able to tell wlielher it was (h^y or nisi;ht. I was so sore from tlie bruises I luid received, that I could sciarcly move. JNly shirt was «)ne com- plete p^re of blood. 1 had been in this dun- geon alxnit tnenty-four hours without any thing to cat, ami I bcij^an to think that it was tlieir intention to starve me to death. 1 remain- ed in liiis melanelioly situation three days, and on the third liay of my conlinement. 1 heard a great ; lirina-, which lastr^il about an hour, when It j^raduallv died awav on tlic (>ar, and left me in suspense as lo tlie result of the conflict. I soon learnt tlmt the l*atrio!s had attacked the plac^e, iraincd llie victory, and massacred all who made any resistance. My companions in- Ibrmed them of my situation, and in al)Out half an hour afterwards, the door of my jirison ua^ opened and i v.as ordered out. 1 inibrmed the General how 1 can>c there, and tliat I belonged to the Dolphin, C'art. Coimor, and he told mr that she was then lying in the port of Callao. — lie gave me a j)assport to Lima, a jackass, any four dollars in Uioney, and I proceeded in com- pany with eight more. The country through which we travelled, iif- ler crossing the plains, appeared remarkably fertile, hut miserably cultivated. I stoi)ped at several houses on the way, and found the peo- ple very hos])itable ; they gave us whatever w« asked for, and charged us nothing. TBAVELS. fSY I had neither saddle nor bridle on my jackassi and he would be sure to rub my lej^s against ev- ery stone wall or snag we passed. I arrived, however, sale at Lima, after a journey of six day^, and sold him ibr a dollar and a half. CFIAPTER XVU. The city of Lima in very extensive and bcau- hfuUy pitualed^ with a riviM* running across it ncarlv in llie centre. It is ylron2:lv walled, and can bo entcied only al the gates. The streets cross each other at right angles, and some of Ihcni are spacious. The city is su situated that water can be carried in everv direction of it at once, and is generally done twice a week for the purpose of cleansing 'he streets. The Pal- ace Square has a beautiful bras's fountain ; the water tails from one projection to another, and is caugiit in a reservoir, wiicre the inhabitants resort Ibr water. Huuilreds are fretpiently seen there at a time. The city also contains a great number of churches, and son»e of them are the richest in the world. 1 entered one calI'Ml St. Domingo, which was allowed to be the most s[»lendid in the city. I saw our Saviour, surrounded by his twelve vVposthjs, set with diamonds in a polished plate of silver, worth, as I was inlbrmed, three hundred thousand dollars. There were also Bilver candlesticks, four lV:et in leiigth ; andcat^ dlea of green waX| nieasuring eix inches in cir- ^p 163 . BUNNELL^S t €umfcrcnce. I did Aot see any of them burning, for they were only lighted on particular occasions — at vvhicli times no heretic, os they call u?, is admitted. They would not allow perijons who died in port to be buried on shore. All of our men who died at CallaOj were interred on thj^ island of Lorenzo, about five miles distant.— This island is nothinj^ but rocks tind sand, in- capable of any kind of veg-etation, and inhabited only by seal, and birds of prey. Gulls, FelicaiiF? and otlicr sea fowl, build their nests in the chlis of the rocks, and lay their eg-gs and hatch liieir young" in great security, bcinj^ inaccessible to man. At the time of my arrival in Lima, llie rulri- ot aripy had possession of the town, but not the castle oi' Callao; consequently there was no communication betu^een the two places. I wiiy obliged to remain Ifiere better than two weeks, and was employed by a mill-wri^ht who had vu- gaged to repair t!ie mint, which gave me iin oj>- portunity of witnessing tlie process of minting. The silver plule is pounded into lumps, and put into a laige iron ladle, lined with clay, and when melte(i> it is run into iron spoons; wlicn cooled, the pieces are sent to^tlie' rollers,^ Vvhich are six in number — tlirecat each end of a large water- wheel. After going through these, tliey heeomo of the tliickness of a dollar ; they then go through the cutllng-mnchine, and come out the ri'^ht size ; from thence they go to the cleanser, which is a large copper boiler, filled with lime juice, wa- tpr, and pulverised charcoal, \Ahieh makes them perfectly bright. They arc shoveled from thi« boiler into a drainer, through which there con- fitantly runt a stream of water, which cleansea \ TSAVELS. 159 them of the charcoal. They are then passed through an oven — the bottom of vvliich is com- posed of small roller!?, which arc kept hot enough to dry them ; i'rom that they fall into baskets, and are carried to the weighing table and v.-eighed singly, and if any are found too light, they are sent back to the forge, and run over. — The press is fixed witli a broad worm, and the die tiiat Ibnns the impression on one side is Qttaclicd to the screw, not so as to turn, l)ut move up and down about half an inch ; tiie other is stationary immediately under it. The -crew is turned by four men witli a long lever, whicii has'a lead ball weighing one hundred lbs. attach- ed to each end. This lever is worked back and forward about two feet each way which ope- rates on the screw suflicient to let the dollar pass. A man wlio is acquainted with the bu- siness will put the impression on forty in a min- ute. The edges are stamped as fast as they come out of the press. They generally ralculate to make at the rate of one thousand dollars per hour. The laborious v/ork is done by negro slaves. The common dresses of the Peruvian women, resemble those of the English and Americans — but their walking dresses are far ditferent. They all resemble ea«:h other, rich or poor. If a wo- man i« obliged to c:o half naked at home, she will be provided with an elegant walking dress. This dress is made i>imiiar to a petticoat, and is fastened very tight around the waist, and is so narrow that they can step but a little way at ' a time. The upper part of the dress consista of a square piece of silk or cloth which 19 also 100 BITNNBLL^S fastened around the waist; and then thrown over the head and arms, and held by the hand on the inside. You can see nothing of them ex- cept one eye — if married, tlie right ; if single, the left. They carry both hand3 as high as their breast ; consequently their elbows project a lit- tle from their body. They look very singular when dressed in this way, though neat — espe- cially those of a handsome torm. You will nev- er see a man and woman walking together. — Thny generally go to mass at sunrise, and have a black girl or boy follow them with a cushion on vvhicli Ihey kneel. I saw a piece of painting in ont; of Iheir churches tliat excelled any thing I ever.^aw. It was twenty feet high, and one hundred long — intended for a representation of the Old and New Testament. The crucifixion o( Christ was elegantly executed as large a& life One day I went to my wash-woman's after ■omc clean clot lies, and had not been tiicrc long when I beared the woman's husband who had just relurned home, say to his companion — "I suspect that, d d Englishman is in the other room with my wift\ and I am going to stab him.'"' I had no chance to retreat, and nothinir to defend myself wiMi. There was a clock case standing in the room, and after much dilliculty I crowd- ed mvself into it, and no sooner was Ihc door of the case closed, tlian the door of the room opened, and tuo Spaniards entered, armed with knives, and demanded of the v/oman if I was there, and she answered in the negative, which seemed to pacify them. They staid about an hour, and then left. I soon extricated my self from this painful situation, toolr what TRAVELS. I6li clothes I had there, anJ made off, resolving not to be caught in such a trap again. The next day the communication was opened to the port, and I went on board the Dolphin, and in a lew days sailed for Valparaiso. The second day after our arrival, we witness- ed the grctJcst earthquake that had ever been known on the coast of Chili. To give a proper description of this awful convulfnon of nature, is out of my power. To see the hills in motion — the sea rolling and tumbling when there was not a breath of wind — to hear the mournful be- wailing of the alVrighted inhabitants — the crack- ing of the faUing buildings — the constant roar •\i* of a mighty whirlwind or distant thunder — llio ^-oicanic llame burst in biu'ei'us, a number of hecnt on absconding tije first op- portunity. There was a Lieutenant on board by rhc name of Appleton, nephew to the American Con- sul at Leghorn, to whom he wrote, stating that there were no Americans on board but volun- teers, and coRsenuentlv lie could not release us. There were nine Americans on board, and I be- lieve I was the only one [)r8ssed. We lay tliere until February, 1827, before an opportunity presented for me to get on siiorr. At last, by hard persuasion, and very fair promi- ses, i gained permission for twenty-four hours. I got one month's pay and went on shore ; but ■ TRAVELS. 175 then how to get away was the next job. 1 was an utter stranger in the place, but the Portu- guese language, and that spoken there, bore sqch ;in affinity to eacli other, that I could make theni understand me much better than I could by i«peaking Englisli. There were a number of Americans, English, Irish, kc. who kept grog shops, but it was belter to trust the devil than one of tliem — they would betray you for a dollar — they have no compassion on distress or niis- fortune, unless they can Jill their pockds by the means — money is their only object, and I have found, invariably, where that is the predominant virtue in a human bosom, all commiseration van- ishes. When once the sordid love of gold takes possession of the heart, it is callous to every oth- er feeling — there is no room for fity. Having been for some time secluded from th« world, as it were, I got into one of those '' land craimH'' peculiar to men of my callin-j;; but soon found that I was not in New- Vork, nor any oth- er port in the U. States. Rambling through the ^;^^eet,s, in quite a merry mood, (of course,) I ran afoul of the patrol, who caused me to be. jugged up for •' safe keepin.^." As may well be supposed, 1 did not like this treatment at ail ; and being in high glee, gave the first anwer that came to hand to any question that uas askev 176 BUNNELL^S have been sint back immediately, and been se- verely punished, for I had already stayed three days over my lime ; but the prison completely concealed me.] The next morning I was aj^ain interrogated, to *ee ir my stories would agree. I was determin- ed not to give them any clue as to what vessel 1 belonged to, and told them that I came from Na- ples, a passenger. When asked what employ- ment I followed, 1 told tliem tliat 1 ex])ected an American vessel there shortly and w as going iw her. This seemed to satisfy them, f was o- bliged to slick to the name of i^'pri'jri^ins ; but that made no diflerence with me ; I could live in H torcign country as well by one name as a- nolher. They saiti that I had been guilty of a breaiih of tlieir Police laws, by being in the streets, after hours vvlien 1 iiad no particular bu- siness. I told them that 1 was a stranp;cr to th<^irlaws, or I should have conformed to thrm, and that 1 was not in the habit of transgressing the laws of any country. " Well. Mr. v^priggins,"' said the inlerrogater, "you have not comniittid any thing criminal, and I will represent your case to tlie police commandant, and I have no doubt i^e will allow" you to be released-— in the mean time it is my duty to confine you." i was then put into a room with three Italians, and ijad a loaf of bread, jug of water, and a small blanket allowerl me. My companions had friends in the town who hroughttheni victuals t\yo or three times a day — this they received by means of a string irom the grated w^indow. — They were kind enough to give me whenever they had more than they wanted themselves. niATBLS. nr Two days after my confinement, 1 was taken with a violent pain in the head, and a high fever. When the jailor came in the morning, I made known to Iiim my situation, and in about an houi afterwards, a doctor arrived who felt my pulse, and ordered me to the hospital, where I was full as closely confined as while in the prison. Th(^ door was only opened when the doctor came isi, or tsonie one bringing provisions. 1 was very «ick for three days, when I began slowly to rt- cover. There were two Americans up stairs, but be- ing a prisoner, I was not allowed to visit them. I soon ascertained, however, that they belonged i) the Brig I had left, and I made no further in- quiries concerning them, for fear they would be the means of having mc detected. A fortnigtit uflerwards, i learned that they had recovered, and that the brig to which they belonged had sailed. This gave me some satisfaction, as I knew that f was then clear from her. As soon as I ha«l entirely recovered from my sickness, I was again put in prison. Soon af- terwards, I was called up before several IVhile Wigs, one of whom spoke English. He put to me the following questions. •* Where was you born f (I knew he would never go to ascertain the truth of my assertion ; so I gave hiiu whatever answer came first to mind.) U. States of America. " What part V' New- York. " How old are you V Thii^y. — *• Your name, you say, is Spriggins— what was your father's occupation!" Gimb/et maker, — " If you are freed from this prison, how do you . ibteud to gam a livelihood, ani^how long do yoa 12 . 178 BCNNELL'tl intend to stay in Leghorn 1" My occupation i* the sea, and 1 intend to embrace the firsit oppor- tunity for going there ; consequently I shall leave Leghorn as soon as I can get a chance. "There are a number of vessels now in port wanting hands, but none belonging to your country, — what will you do in that case?'' Go on some other, said I, as soon as possible. " Well then," continued he, '' we will see about it." I was then ordered buck to my room, and in about an hour afterwards, a man came and con- ducted me to the outer door — gave me a loaf ol bread, and told me to go where I pleased. I stepped lightly over the pavement, 1 assure yon, and [broceeded, with my loaf of bread, and a dol- lar in my pocket, immediately to a cook shop, where, for three rents and my loaf of bread, I procured a meal of victuals, and ;i drink of spirits, and soon felt quite comj or table. CHAPTER XVni. In a few days, I shipped in a Polacre, bound to Alexandria, in Egypt, under the Austrian tlag, with the intention of joining the Greeks, i was led to do this from reflecting upon what my countrymen were doing for those poor sutlerers, and that I had no one to lament for me should 1 fall in battle — my mother and all my relations having long ere this buried me in their imagi- nation, and that I had stuck by my country until it was established in smiling peace, and had no TBAYELS. n» longer occasion for my services. I thought that if I lived, and the Greeks proi^pered, 1 should have the satisfaction of saying that I had assisted in gaining their liherty. With my head tilled with these ideas and relleclions, I proceeded to sea. There was no American nor Englishman on Ihuird of tliis vessel except myself, hut I had got in such a way of jahbcring part Spcinish, part Portiigiiese, and a lillle Italian, that I pas- iefl among llicni very well. We Iiad a pleas- ant passage to the Archipelago Islands. VVhile passing JScio, wc were hoarded by a CSreek uchoonc'-r. I oOVred my services to the Capt. (having previously got permission from the Ital- iiii Capt. to leave.) The name of the schooner was Con.stantinc, Capt. Dupont. There were ic'ivoral Englishmen on board this vessel, and one American by the name of Jones, from New Orleans. This vessel was small, and mounted one long gun of twelve j)ound calibre. Wc tirst cruised through the islands, and stop- ped at two or three, for water, on which there were no inliabilantJ*. In the course of three months, 1 was on the island of 8cio several times, after provis^ions, (which, at that time was under the Greeks, but was afterwards taken by the Turks, and a total massacre succeeded) ; but we lived miserably poor, having barely enough to eat to sustain life. I had enlisted in their service, however, and was determined to stick to them tili the last "gun was fired." We ran up towards Smyrna, and fell in with four Turkish boats, two of which wc sank, the other two escaped in the night. I bad been on board the Constantino six 13* 1^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I li£|21 |25 2.0 lU 14.0 IL25 mi 1.4 I niH! 1.6 .Sciences Corporation d had ordered that Greece should once more he free. But some of their own people were as great enemies to the nation as were the Turks. — The sordid passion for wealth had crept in among them, and instead of straining every nerve for the general good, many have been known to load themselves with plunder and retire from the service. But, to come to the melancholy termination of my Greek services — I was ordered, together with a number more who had joined the artilleff, to Candia, one of the largest islands in the Mediter- ranean. We landed on the south side of the isl- and, about sunset, and joined a part of the Greek forces that lay tliere, destined to drive the Turks from the island — they numbered about three hundred. At daylight the next morning we were to march into the interiorof the country. The party that I was attached to were to take charge of a twelve pound piece, as we could all speak one language, or sufficiently so as to understand each rtther. After the arrangements were ell comple- ted for the morrow, we lay down as comfortable «fl possible to wait for daylight. I had a new shirt on, which I had received a t^w days before, and understood that it came f r 180 BtmNELL.'a from this country, ready made. As to the rest of my clothing, it was gO(»d for nothing, except uiy coat, which had belon^(3d to an officer who was killed. The rest were clothed nearly in the same manner, there being little or no uniformity among us. About twelve at night, as near as I could guess, I heard the dreadful yell of the Turks. — In a moment all wat? confusion and dismay. W» seized our arms, but couKl perceive the enemy's number to b^ far superior to our own. A scene ensued that makes my blood chill to relate— al- though I did not s^ay to see much of it. Re- sistance was in vain, and all exerted themriclves to escs^pe. For my p«rt I could not tell wheth- er I was running towards or from the enemy. At length I got in a cluster of buslies near a small stream of water, where I sat down and contem- plated upon what was best to be done. I still heard the bowlings of the Turks, and iheir Ara- bic jargon. My coat having the Greek uniform buttons on it, 1 took it off and threw it in the stream. My commission as licuter ant iii'the ser- vice of Greece, which I received when I joined the artillery, was in one of tlie pock( ts. This commission was given me by General Marakno, but had not been ratified by the President. At length daylight appeared, and discovered to me the whole scene. I was smrounded by rocks, excepting the beach, where the Turks were just in the act of embarking. The bushes where I was were but a small cluster, and a party that had been back in search of plunder, came suddenly upon me. They sei- zed me, and demanded, apparently in great 4- TRAVELS. I8S rage, my name — what countryman I was, &c. — I tald them, in English, tliat I was an Ameri- can." The fellow who addressed me had his scimetar raised to sever my liead from my body ; Ujt at the sound of Jlmerican^ he lowered his hand and jabbered something to his companions, und they drove me before them to the beach, where the remainder of the Turks were, and took me before their commanding officer. He asked me, in French, who I was, and if I was m the service of Greece ? and many other questions, but I all the vhile pretended to be ig- norant of his meaning. I showed them my arm, on which is imprinted aii American coat of arms. They knew the flag, and surveyed it for some time, very attentively, and then had some con- versation together that I could not understand. " Liberty" is engraven under the coat of arms, and they could not IranslatQ it. They consulted together some time, as I supposed, upon what should be done with me, which gave me a little time to survey the scene around. The ground was completely strewed with the dead and dy- ing. I could not cast my eyes in any direction but what I would discover the mangled bodies of my murdered companions. There was a creek, or little river, which, for aught I know, might have been the celebrated Lethe, as Mount Ida was in sight, emptied itself into the Mediter- ranean, near where we stood. Anchored off, lay four Turkish feluccas in which they had lan- ded. In a few moments they brought my coat that had been picked up by one of them, and first pointed to that and then to me, as much as to ask me if it was mine. It struck me that it 184 BIRNNELL'S would be better for ine not to own it, and I shook my head. They then took .ly commission that ■had been taken from one of (he pockets, and point- ed me to my name ; I also shook my head to this, and wrote in the sand with my finger, Spriggins, They then took me to view tlie dead bodies, in order to point out to them the person that own- ned the coat. Fortunately for me, there were several who had worn thin jackets, and had ta- ken them off the night previous to this bloody scene, and u^ed them for pillows. The first person 1 came to without a coat, I surveyed at- tentively, and seeing another without a coat, not far off, I thought, to make it a'jpear more authen- tic, I < would go there ; I went, and after eui^ veying^ him some time, told them that he was tht owner of the coat. This seemed to satisfy them, and they grinned with a kind of horrible satisfac- tion to think that they had killed a lieutenant in ihe artillery, which had been veiy destructive to them in several engagements. They kept the coat and paper, and after binding my hands be- lund me, I was embarked on board a felucca, which soon afterwards sailed. There were about three hundred Turks in this corps. They were well armed with scime- tui'S, and most of them had two braces of pistols in the belts around their bodies, besides a small cutlass or long knife. Many of them had the hilts of their sabres, and breeches of their pis- tols mounted with silver. They were the most ferocious looking beings, in human shape, that can be imagined. Their long black mustachio* atid turbans gave them a most frightful appear-- » • ». r^-- mmmmm TRAVELS. 18& it fincc. About noon they took something to cat, and gave me none,, although 1 was almost fam- ished. Tliey generally eat cross-lpgged on deck, and were almost constantly smoking. The breeze was light, and the weather pleasant, but I had no chance to view the surrounding coun- try through which we passed, as I was constanly kept below. My reflections may be more easily imagined than described. At the place to which the Turks were des- tined, I had some hopes of Ending an American Consul, and get released. I was determined, however, not to let them know that 1 had vol- unteered among the Greeks, nor ^he length of time I had been with them. I joined the Greeks, April 27, 1827, and was taken prisoner by the Turks Dec. 9, 1827. The same day, as 1 have before stated, I was embar- ked, together with all the Turks, on board of feluccas, and sailed. The next day all were disembarked at a fort, the name of which I do not now recollect. I was taken up a hill, on the top of which there stood a large fortification, to the left of which I saw a beautiful city, which 1 afterwards learned was Athens. When I arri- ved at the gate of the fort 1 was blindfolded, and then led, for aught I knew, to execution ; — but at length I arrived at a place which felt cool sind damp, when my bandages were taken off, and 1 was left to my reflections in a dismal dun- geon — alone, and half starved — having ^oaten nothing since my capture, except a small Int of bread. I sat down on the floor, which I foun' was stone ; but I was in such a depressed stati o( mind, that I could reflect on nothing — there-' 186 BUlfXELL'fl fore I shall leave the reader to reflect for me, and judge of my feelings, 1 had been in this place about one hour, when 1 heard the harsh gratings of the resounding holts, and in a few minutes .two Turks entered. My hands vvere untied and put in liandcuff??, which fitted close around my wrist — connected by a chain about eight inches long, and the size of a common trace chain. They then gave ine a jug of water, a bit of bread, a small piece of salt fish, and left me. They had some con- versation with each other, but said nothing to me. From the light they brought, I took a faint view of my apartment. It was stone all round — over' head and underfoot, without any furni- ture except my jug. Whether it was day ov night I could not tell, as the passage leading to my dungeon was so intricate or obstructed, that when the door was open I could not dis- cern* day-light. About an hour after the first visit, a Turk entered, bringing a bundle of straw, which he tlirew down and immediately retired, locking the door as usual. It is not necessary to enter into a detail of every particular visit ; they were all nearly the same. Not a word was spoken to me. I gave up all hopes of delive- rance, and even of life. I knew that 1 could not stand such rigid confinement long, end thought that I would nearly as lief die ?s live ; and sometimes even had thoughts of terminating!: my own existence ; but on turlher reflection, conclu- ded that He who allowed me to be confined, would also support and release me. Day succeeded day, but I could discern no diflercnce between day and night— it was all the imimmpi^m HPM TBATBL8. 18t ^ame to me. I had said to myself in Leghorn prison, that I was as low as 1 could be, but \ now found myself much lower. Still, llattering hope told me that my confinement would not be perpetual. My situation, deplorable as it was, was no worse I thought, than when I was on the vessePs boUom in the middle of the ocean ; and He who saved me from tliat wreck, can, if he thinks proper, release me from prison. 1 thought on the words of the old Negro — '* Put dy trust in de Lord" — But had I done so 1 No. I had scarcely ever thought of him except when in the midst of misfortune and danger, and I could hardly have the conscience now to call on him. *J|L 4t 4fe 4C* tated my case to 1dm, he mi mediately rendered me assistance. He said there war( no American vessel in port at that tmw, but that lie would furnish me with board ami lodj^ng* umll he could procure me a passage hon»e. I had tor a lonj^ time had a desire to set' the interior of Italy, and accordinsj^ly told the (yon- Nul that if he woidd be i^ood enough to furnish m«» witl» a little money, and a passport, I wouM travel to Marseilles, in Fraiice, where a grcai number of American vessels resorted, and I should stanil a better chance to get a passaji*^ iniuediately home, and furthermore, e\t rcise by walking, wouhl add to my already recruiting b«aitb. He complied with my request, and TRAVELS. 19S fare me two dollars, and a protection and pass- port. 1 then had to get a passport from the Ge- noa Consul, which would pass me into that king- dom. At the city of Genoa I was to have my passport renewed ; which would take me to Nice, in France, where it was again to be re« newed, and would then carry me safe to Mar- seilles. I started, end the first night lodged at Pisa. I arrived in the afternoon^ in time to view the celebrated Leaning Tower, and the great St. Philips Church. The next morning I proceeded on my way, and stayed that night at the village of Sergines. Pisa is twelve miles from Leghorn, and Sergines is fifteen miles from Pisa. I was very weak, and not able to travel far in a day. The money the Consul gave me would be sufficient to bear my expenses to Genoa, provided I travelled twenty miles per day ; but I was unable to travel so far. When I arrived at a place called Spezia, I was out of money. Spezia is a beautiful city, at the bottom of the Gulf of Spezia. I here met an English gentleman. Sir Arthur Willson, and related to him my situation, and he gave me five dollars, together with a list of the names of all the places through which I would have to pass, and their distances from each other, which was of great service to me. This is the most beautiful country in the world, without exception. I often thought of the beautiful lines of Goldsmith, in his Tra- ▼cUer — " Hills e*er hills in gay theatric pride''—* aid in another passage — ^ 13 194 ■rNNELL'fl *' Far to tha right where Apeniiies ascends-^ Bright as the Summer, Italy extends." I passed tlirough a number of beautiful little villages during my journey to Genoa. It re- quires a more scientific pen than mine to de- sicribe this beautiful capital, £gid its situation ; 1 can merely say that it is maL^nificent and grand. It stands in the centre of a plain, and has a de- lightful view as you approach it from the land Hide. The American Consul at this place, gratitude forbids me ever to forget — he shall ever live in my memory with the greatest respect — he is de- serving the veneration of all his countrymen, and the esteem of any man, pos.^essed of the least degree of philanthropy. tSuch men as Mr. Campliell, of iSalem, and Mr. V/iloliiic, of Mag- adoxo, who is mentioned in Capt. Riley's narra- tive, "wduld bid defiance to all the calamities at- tendant on a sea-faring life, and laugh at all the tvilea of inisfortunc. But commiseration can- not be so extensively inculcated or embraced as to make all men like them. I received the most assiduous attention from Mr. C&mpb^I, and money sullicient to bear my expenses to'Miie town of Nice. I bade him aa afl'ectionate fare- well, only to be forgotten when this heart shall cease to beat. I now had money sufficient to enable me to taste of a few cf the delicacies of the country, which my weakened constitution greatly needed. I con( luded to rest my legs by a short ride, and accordingly tqok a passage in the stage thirty miles, for whici) I paid two dollars. I have made it an invariable rule, ever since I TBAVfiLft. 196 iras capsized, and lost all my money, never t9 want for any thing that I fancied, provided I had money enough to purchase it — and my motto has ever been — // is time enouffh to waiity when you cannot help it. I stopped at the end of my thirty miles, and called for a good supper and lodging, which I had long been a stranger to. [I had travelled, heretofore, through Italy on iha saving scale; that is, living on bread apd wine. This one caa do very cheap. For fourteen cents 1 could pur- chase three bottles of wine, three loaves of bread, and a night's lodging. The wine has not as much of an intoxicating effect as cider, but«i8 very nourishing. Both in France and Italy, they have their l)igti and low taverns, both kept by the same person. A grand sign points out the place where every thing can be had that heart can wish, by prying at the rate of fifty cents a meal for il, and twenty cents for lodging. The low tavern is known by a pine brush hung over the door. Here tlic poor traveller rcscrtf? — calls for his loaf and bottle, and if he can aflbrd it, three cents worth of salt fish, out of which I have made many a hearty meal.^ After supper I retired to bed, and slept, or rather dreamed, until morning, I would occa- sionally start from my sleep, and tliink that I was still among the Turks, but wlien recollec- ting my situation, and that I was fuee, would sink^again into the arm^ of Morpheus, ten thou- sand times more happy than if I had never known trouble. I arose in the morning, and paid sixty centt 13* 196 lVIVIfBLL'0 or supper and lodging. I thought such indul- fgences would not suit my pocket On looking over ray money, however, I found eight dollars and some sous left. I thought I could stand thirty miles more, which would bring me in France. When the stage came along, the|driver asked me if I wanted to ride ? — I told him I did, and paid my passage for thirty miles. But to my astonished view, about sun- set, rose the spires of Genoa! I had been brought back to the very place I started from, and what most vexed me, the impudent scoun- drel of a driver laughed at my misfortune ! I stayed in Genoa but a short time before I again started for Marseilles, (this time on foot,) where I arrived, after a great deal ot trouble, disappointment and vexation, and gave my pass- ports to the American Consul, who after exam- ining them, procured for me a boarding house. Marseilles is a large and commercial city, en- closed by rocky hills. Its streets are broad and straight, its squares spacious and handsome, and its buildings very elegant. I remained at Mar- seilles several weeks, and then joined the Uni- ted States ship Warren, Capt. Lauipnce Kerney, and proceeded to the Island of Minorca, Port Mahon. From thence I was sent to th.e United States. Nothing remarkable happened to me from the time I left Marseilles, until I arrived at my mother's house, in York, Livingston Co. Oc- tober 30, 1830. I had not seen my mother since I first left her, twenty three years and seven months ago t * # * * * * Had a ghost .appeared to her, she would not have been worse frightened. But it was her son, her long lost and PRODIGAL SON. wmm wm fffupippini^ipppii ul. TRAVEL!. m I will add the following Lines, composed on the U. S. Frigate MACEDONIAN, which was dismasted in a gale, September, 1817. [Vide page 146, for account of the wreok.] In embrjo'firat on Albion^s coast confined, Built for the seas, and to the seas consigred ; When war^s rude bl?8t it roard from shore to shore, Columbia claimed her— Albion shall no more 0<7n that fine ship, nor she protect her powers. By war*like deeds of arms, we claimed her ours. Decatur gained her— so renowned in fame — She bears the ancient MacedoniatCs name — Her lofty masts and yards in grandeur show Ready for sea— all hands prepared to go- Now sails from Boston with most perfect ease, ^. Impeird with swiftness by a northern breeze. * * * * * « H'is night— Cape Cod a solitary gleam. Strikes on the view, and soon it bears a beam. Receding fast, we view the glimmering light— Our departure taken— soon we're out of sight. MajesticMy o'er smiling seas we roam- Some feel delight— some turn their thoughts on home- Think of mothers'— or bosom firiend more dear. Some pass the can their bosoms now to cheer. All well we pass September tweoty>five— To ply to eastward all our efforts strive— The twenty sixth— most glorious to behold- Bright Fhoibus tingM the eastern sky with gold— And as that orb his course began with pride, A thousand lustres streakM the briny tide. His golden flashes struck the 'stonisbed sight And filPd the glowing heart with fond delight. 4t * * * * Hft 'Tis soon our ship a stronger pressure feels. And side-long to the breeze she gently heeli. The gentle wave4, no longer left to sleep. Rise and break in white-caps o'er the deep. Our ship now plunges through the swelling maiB,— fi*ip),liipiMUiilf?«fWpp|p!pii|ilWf!' ^■P '^'w^^mmi 198 USUM, ** Ti« four o'clock**— ire pipe lo grog ag^aln— << Stand by your hammoclia**— each (ar he fliet» And^ to relate, one of our number diet. A man of youth who bore his shipmates' lore, Was summoned to attend the seats aliore. No more ag^ain to vievr the mornini^ \ig\iU Thougl) free*d from all the horrors of that night* It told hovf fast our earthly pleasures fleet- He lost his life by mizzen staysail sheet. * * * ♦ ^ )ft Bright Phoebus views us wretched and distressed. In clouds obscured, he sinks tovrards the west, And as that orb does gently fade away, The billows roar and swell in road array. Now darkness spreads her sable curtain round, The wind and waves, they make a dismal sound. Our topsail furled, and all the sails on high— To set storm stay.sails, now the order fly. *' Main staysail slay is gone**— the boisl*rou8 gale. Now thund'ring o'er the lee, it bears the sail. The viaves, like mountains, rise still higher and higher. She liglitnings flash— the ocean seems on fire, ur noble chief and second in command, Together meditating, now they stand. « w « • * « Now o'er our stern the mizzenmast is toss'd— Three of our boats together with it lost. A dreadful crash, tremendous, now is bear'd— By a boist'rous wave our spar deck is clear'd— Our captain says-" Be quick— make no delay— And cut, my boys, the top-mast soon away." " The foremast's sprung" — oh what a dismal wreck, Our fore and main yard thund'ring on the deck. To save our ship, no more now can we do, Ye winds and waves we *sign her up to you. Beneath the dashing surge, without relief, 8he labors hard, while trembling like a leaf. ♦ « ' ♦ « ♦ * . The morning dawn'd, and open'd to our view Our sad distress— astonished were the crew To think this gallant ship one day before, Was sailing :n her pride from rBRBi>oii*f shore. myn iuw>fr'fm,'i"'iv'v,^jwiif!mfmiirT'^i"i • i .; '""^'^''^^i^f^itiUKfllM LINBf. 10# But io one diamal ni^ht a wreck was mado— • Oh cruel, unfeeling winds, is this thy trade ? The gale abated — the sky serene and clear- But still the mad'ning waves we had to fear, Which still roli'd mountain high — in rage they ran, As if their work of death had just began. »♦♦**» The storm is o'er, each sailor cheers his roan— IBmiles at the gale, and swiga the flowing can. We drank our grog— our hearts were prone to cheer- Rig'd jury masts, and for a port did steer. There to refit, and when that's done — again We sail'd,—- once more to tempt the boist'rous main. D. C. B. ERRATA. Page 5, for May 20, Read March 20. — P.«8C, for brij Harane, Read Hiram. — P. 96, instead of the sun rising at quarter past one P. M. and sitting ^ half past eleven A. M. Read the sun rose at halfj I one A. M. find set at quarter past eleven P. JW.— P. k.o, instead of Bird having been mortally wounded, Read hadly, ^c. — P. 14R, for Spanish frigate Emerald^ Read Ismiralda. — P. 149, for George G. Ridgely, Read Charles G. Bidgety. In several instances, in the fore part of this work, ''{St. Carts'' is misprintad fur St. Bartg. 1. m rvi m mmmm mmm^m. F^^^i'^^^'^^'mifm • brij rising past 1. M. ad of ^c. — da.— fe« c;. irt 9t' ■'^' i